>work nights at dispo selling legal weed
>bar next door selling not legal substances out the back
>their clientele linger around our shop
>whores included
>put-together whores buy the good stuff and even tip, or at least bring in a guy who will do so for them
>run-down whores pay in change for a single pre-rolled joint at a time
>if they have id
>some don't
>they beg outside
>annoying as fuck because technically it's a strike against compliance if you allow someone to purchase for someone else in view of the cameras
>can hardly take a smoke break without getting bothered by them
>resigned myself to vaping in the staff bathroom during meal breaks

"Hey anon, you like those little ponies, right?"

>co-worker is having a laugh at me
>happened to catch me doodling them one day and has been shit-testing me about them ever since

>yeah, I love those little ponies
>seven years ago, I visited Equestria for two weeks and it was the best time of my life, no question
>could be living there, working an ambassador role by now if travel hadn't been completely fucked by covid
>anyway
>asked my co-worker if it was a customer
>tried not to act too excited the handful of times we got a pony customer, just quietly applied any discounts I could and gave the best service possible

"Nah, she was hanging near the back of the bar next door...You should totally meet her, I told her I worked with a guy that liked ponies after she asked me for a smoke."

>told him yeah, I'll go say hi

"Anon, I was just kidding"
>it'd be rude not to say hi, if he'd really gone so far as to mention me
>wouldn't want to keep her waiting
>buy a pair of cheap pre-rolls and punch out

>most ponies are set up quite well if they have the mind to come out this way
>curious to know more about her
>what's she doing out in this sketchy parking lot?

>she sticks out quite a bit
>yellow coat, red hair, a cutie-mark with three cherries
>a 3rd-generation cherry farmer, maybe?
>she tapped over to meet me half-way

"Hi, I'm Cherry Wilds!"

>her voice had this warped vinyl feel to it, scratchy, with vocal fry
>her eyes shined like glossy red candy
>she smelled a bit of candy too
>layered under the smell of cigarette smoke
>and wet horse
>it's been raining all week

"You brought an umbrella! Aren't you clever?"
>extend the umbrella out toward her
>she was so delighted she did a little turn in the shadow of my umbrella, stepping in closer
>after introducing myself, she asks if I've brought anything else for her
>we step into the shadow of the bar's exterior, it's just us thanks to the rain
>light up one for me
>crouch down to feed her the second, lighting it for her
>should really be more cautious
>if she were a human I'd want nothing to do with her
>but because she's such a cute little pony my defenses drop easily
>dropping into a Slav squat to stay at eye-level with her, so I can see the embers reflected in her eyes
>smoke curling under the umbrella, rain pinging over it
>ask about her

>she was still in school when she came over for a trip
>she had too much fun
>she missed the arranged teleport home
>she missed the next one too
>when was that?

"Seven years ago"

>small worlds
>check the clock
>break is going by way too fast

"Well, I had such a nice time talking to you anon, I sure appreciate you..."

>Would she still be here after work?

"I'll be around..."

>Yeah, it was really nice meeting a cute pony like her...
>she had such a warm smile...

"I'd suck your dick if you'd like me to. Only twenty dollars."
>can only imagine how my eyes must have bugged out at the offer
>started coughing trying to play it off
>tell her I'm sorry but tips have been slow today, I've only got 7 on me
>can tell by the look on her face that she'd settle for even that much

"You didn't say no..."

>she's got me there
>only ever got as far as flirting in equestria, it felt wrong to seek it out there
>didn't want to be seen as a sex pest tourist
>genuinely want to live a better life there
>but I'm stuck here instead, so naturally I wish I'd taken my chances
>tell Cherry it's too cold and wet outside

>we enter the bar through the back
>straight into the game room
>Cherry's eyes light up looking at the video slot machines as we pass
>ask if she plays, a bit surprised

"Oh, I looove playing the slots!"

>she's fixated on a classic design with slots of spinning fruits
>can't help but think to myself how fucked up cutie marks are
>triple cherry...was she destined to be a gambling addict?
>better than a blowjobs-for-money cutie mark
>give her 7 bucks, good for a couple
>she's thrilled
>each spin she goes through different rituals, hoof gestures and little noises as if casting spells on the machine
>the first two spins are a bust

"Boop for luck?"

>give her a boop
>she giggles and goes right back to spinning
>she gets a little pay out and free spins

"I feel a hot streak coming on! Gimme another!"

>another boop
>she's all giddy
>even if she loses the next spin
>and the next
>she's still brimming with cheer down to her last spin
>she suddenly puts her hoof to the screen

"Anon, put your hand next to my hoof! Hurry!"

>a moment's hesitation, but I put my hand to the grimy video screen next to her hoof
>she shuts her eyes tight and whispers some sort of prayer
>the screen lights up and flashes
>triple cherries
>the little pony leaps from her stool at me
>wet street horse in my arms hugging me

"We won! We won! Oh anon, I could just kiss you! You're my lucky charm!"

>relieved enough she doesn't see the brief look of disgust that crosses my face while she collects her payout
>a machine scans the receipt of the win, and she returns with $70
>surprised she's quitting while she's ahead
>more surprised when she holds out a $20 bill for me in her mouth

"Here, anon...I want you to have this."

>accept the bill
>she smirks at me
>uh oh

>showed up for the rest of my shift 15 minutes late
>my co-worker, surprisingly, hasn't said anything about it
>probably just glad I came back at all
>the shop's busy and it's clear he could use the help
>does he know?
>he's gotta know
>what the fuck is wrong with me
>let a pony prostitute suck my dick in the bathroom at the bar
>best I've ever had
>no question
>she went right back to video slots when I had to leave
>just asked if she'd see me after my work
>told her maybe
>usually get a ride home with my co-worker
>he'll know what's up if I go back to that bar again
>looking up diseases passed between horses and humans
>fuck me those look bad
>she said she was clean but what whore wouldn't say that?
>totally on auto-pilot at work
>two hours pass by without incident
>until she trotted in

>my coworker looks at me in an accusatory manner
>obviously can't break compliance in any way for her
>Cherry ooh's and ahh's at the products on display, having to stand on her hind legs to reach the counter
>have to warn her not to put pressure on the glass
>surely I can turn her away based on a lack of id
>she said she's been here seven years after ditching her tour group
>no way she's got her papers
>she has papers
>kept them in a red faux leather bag she carried with her mouth
>granted it's a damp print-out of a temporary id but it passed the scanner somehow
>probably from a forger working out of that bar but that's none of my business

>it's obvious she got another decent payout at the slots
>it's an entire category of customer here
>the type who will only come in and buy something when they win at slots
>Cherry, like other customers of this type, will study the menu from the cheapest to the most expensive
>compulsively asking to inspect this or that
>usually pretty annoying
>but watching her sniff from the jars and pre-packed baggies of bud is pretty cute
>wouldn't run it past her to eat out of the bag as if it were a daisy sandwich

"That smells lovely! Which ones do you like?"

>fall into a natural conversation with her
>give recommendations
>show off some of my knowledge
>she knows a few things too though

"Hmm, the smell's a bit wet...How's the stem? Yep, that's a brittle stem, even though the bud's like that...They must have rushed drying it after harvest, don't you think?"

>she's totally right
>shame too, I like the strain but the producer fumbled it at the last step
>realize it's still busy and I've been giving her all my attention
>gotta move the sale along

"Oh, shoot, I'm sorry for holdin' up the line...Let me have an eighth of the Trop Cherry...A five pack of the Cherry Pie-flavored infused pre-rolls...One of those cured resin carts, the Lemon Cherry Gelato, with one of those batteries on the lanyard...A lighter...One of those little glass pipes, the little grinder, pack of Cherry Charm wraps...Do you sell mushrooms here? Oh, sorry, sorry..."

>got her signed up for store rewards since she was buying so much
>scan the paper id again to populate the profile with her information
>my eyes linger over an address before hastily deleting it like we're supposed to
>she gave a phone number to finish setting up the account
>she tipped $7
>even took one of my review cards and promised 5 stars
>then she trotted out and I had to go back to regular work helping people
>people who didn't tip
>rude people
>people that tossed their ids at me and jabbed their dirty fingers into the glass for their order
>people suck
>thinking about Cherry all night

>close shop
>tell co-worker I'm going to the bar
>he doesn't accuse me of being a horsefucker outright
>but it's there in his eyes
>ask if he's got any shrooms I can borrow

>Cherry's back at the slot machines
>she had $70 when I left her the first time
>she spent more than that when she came into the store
>how much is in the machine now?
>$14
>Cherry notices me behind her

"I thought I smelled someone kind, and there you are..."

>she tells me in a whisper that she's up $300, it's cashed out in her purse
>asks if I'll escort her out of the bar
>where to?
>she doesn't say
>she just gives me a look
>clearly she's expecting a lot out of me
>give it to her straight
>can't afford a car
>living out of someone's basement
>been stuck here half a year and most of my shit is still in boxes
>she doesn't care
>that address on her temp id had to be fake
>she wants to stay with me?
>if you give a pony a pre-roll..

>bus to train, train to home
>Cherry lays against me and falls asleep on the way, rocked about by the jostling train car
>nearly midnight on arrival
>Cherry asks me to run a hot shower for her
>the state of my bathroom is a bit embarrassing to me
>stall her with some leftover pizza from the fridge so I can try and clean it
>will probably need to clean it a second time once she's used it
>try to imagine how she'll use the shower anyway
>must be hard to maintain a mane like that with hooves, right?

>as it turns out, Cherry wears a wig and a tail extension
>her natural color is still red but it's clipped short up top
>rather than ask for privacy, she asked for my help
>did not expect to be hand-washing a mare in my tub tonight
>certainly there was a tender, intimate atmosphere in the bath as I helped her to feel clean again
>that lasted another ten minutes before she suggested I join her
>washing turned to petting, then heavy petting
>had her in my lap and she did all of the work from there

>have to admit, the afterglow felt restorative
>laying in bed sharing warmth rather than slouching at my desk till 4 in the morning...
>she did wake me up once during the night
>suddenly stirring, asked if I wanted to smoke up since I was awake
>wake-and-bake I get, but taking a smoke break mid-sleep was new ground for me
>normally I'd go outside completely but I couldn't be bothered
>just stood next to the ground-level basement window, looking up through the egress well
>mare in one arm, held up level with the window, blowing smoke into the cold night air outside
>passing the lit joint between us until it was ash and crutch
>then back to bed

>prefer to sleep in
>Cherry is an early riser
>she does persuade me to seize the day (seizing her)
>shower after, pitching bedding into the wash and setting it to a sanitizing cycle
>sitting over a breakfast of hot oats and frozen fruits with a happy pony
>there is a special sort of feeling
>life was so dull before her
>but are we so special?

>how long will it last?
>what's the best outcome I can reasonably hope for?
>something bad will happen if I try to ignore the reality of the situation
>read a few personal accounts of guys in similar situations
>pregnancy scares, stds, overdoses, hooved pimps with a kick strength of 2,000 PSI
>how dire is Cherry's situation really? I don't even know, I was just hoping...
>when she does something that crosses the line for my sensibilities, what will I do?

"Are you alright...?"

>my heart feels exposed
>don't feel like I can just brush her off
>she did seem to care
>but exposing myself as being so fearful so soon might turn her away
>tell her I'm dreading another night of work
>she tantalizes me with the prospect of calling out of work
>no way my co-worker won't tell the manager what I've been up to
>but what would we do if I did skip out?
>Cherry wants to hit the casino

>definitely a bad idea
>she's a bit lucky to have won as much as she did last night
>but not so lucky to avoid getting stranded in a video poker lounge sucking dick for another go-around
>sure, I've gambled a bit myself
>let's say it runs in the family
>but I know there's no magic to winning, no fortune, no luck
>the house always wins

"I'll play on $150...You play on $150...If we bust out we'll leave, promise!"

>she extends a hoof and I take it in hand
>work does sound rather boring
>this will be a good test of things, whether or not I can really trust her
>definitely cutting my losses if she tries to break her promise
>she insists that I'm her lucky charm so we're bound to win big

>waiting at the bus stop
>the apathy returns
>this place is filthy
>graffiti, trash, all expressions in a larger narrative
>everyone is so careless
>entire lives are discarded here
>step over them daily
>imagine what this city could be if they all just disappeared one day
>so I'm a hypocrite for picking up Cherry
>she's just a cute little pony
>she doesn't deserve this
>but to some extent this is what she chose, isn't it?

>why?
>would like to ask her
>why not just go home?
>too soon to pull at those threads
>no right to interrogate her
>my own situation isn't so great
>just enjoy the ride, I tell myself
>back of the bus with Cherry
>does she always fall asleep when traveling?
>seems to be the case
>just holding on to her
>already she is precious to me

>an hour later we've crossed state lines
>been to this casino before
>used to work the buffet table and restaurant
>hopefully I don't run into anyone I know
>Cherry and I set up at the at the old three-reel dollar slots
>spin
>spin
>spin
>pretty mindless to me but Cherry is enjoying herself
>waitress comes around offering a free drink
>Cherry gets a daiquiri and I get a Shirley Temple
>can't drink anymore, not like I used to
>150 spins later we're both down but not out
>figure we'll cash out and break for lunch
>someone I knew was working buffet after all
>slip him some trade samples from my work I brought in my bag
>free lunch
>Cherry is thrilled at the promise of "all you can eat"
>help her carry plates
>one for an enormous salad
>the other has desserts
>go back for my own plate
>entrees I know they made for today's service and not last night's

>over lunch Cherry asks about my time in Equestria
>show her pictures
>host family
>landmarks
>the library I can never forget
>that's where I wanted to be
>shame it never worked out

>Cherry's from Las Pegasus
>can't imagine being there myself
>no matter the assurances
>surely I'd fall to my death

>does she miss it?
>she makes a noise, a shrug, chews some lettuce
>she says the games here are more fun
>on that note she thinks the slots aren't with us
>we should try another game
>raise the stakes
>get the sense she likes the risk
>how much?
>one way to find out

>used to accompany my family to casinos
>contrary to what Cherry says I don't see myself as much of a lucky charm
>can count on one hand the times I've observed a 'win' for the day
>granted those were good days
>but every other day was burned chasing an utterly foolish dream
>is today is any different?
>looking at the games
>all of them
>how lucky are we really?

>ask Cherry if she wants to bet it all on Red
>her ears perk up
>then she looks at me with suspicion

"You're not hoping that we bust out so we can leave early, right?"

>wouldn't mind it
>but
>Red is her color, isn't it?
>she's all in
>about $150 between us
>if we win we're back where we started, if we lose it's over
>we're on the wheel
>spinning
>click, click, click
>long-game Colors roulette is losing, always, minus five cents on the dollar overtime
>such a slow gain that many bet it all away right at the end out of sheer boredom
>but one spin, 1:1 payout?
>Cherry's hoof rests against my wrist
>the spinning wheel reflected in her big, bright eyes
>mesmerizing her
>in seven years, how many lucky charms has she gone through?

>Red 16
>Cherry squeals and hops about, a little turn on the carpet
>signal for another go-around, no move
>Cherry looks surprised at me
>Red 32
>she hooves at my arm
>One more
>she hides her face and cries out into my sleeve
>feel numb
>even with my hands at the wheel I feel as numb as I did back then, watching senior members of my family piss away a generation of wealth as their next of kin drowned in debt
>like they'd rather leave with everything or nothing
>Red 21
>Cherry has to pull me away before I bet again
>sit out the round, but I want to see where the wheel goes

>Spin
>Black 10
>close call
>we'd have busted out off a win streak if she didn't pull me back
>how much have we got
>$1200?
>cash out
>we've quadrupled our bank since we came in

>Comp time
>they don't want us to leave
>they want their money back
>got to play along
>figure Cherry's got a Rewards account; she can have the points for all I care
>she's a little cagey about it, says I should open one for myself

>ask for the paperwork for Entry level status membership
>hand over Cherry's half for her to put in her purse
>once her purse is open I snatch up her wallet
>she all but brays at me and snaps with her teeth to take it back
>didn't even need to open it
>can tell from the color at the edge of the card
>saw it only a few times when I worked here
>only card that offered discounts at the restaurant
>the highest level of membership
>Invitation Only
>she's got to know someone or have spent at least six figures among the provider's network of casinos
>so what the fuck are we doing here playing dollar reels and $25 minimum roulette?

>when we first met, we found each other on the same dirty street
>but I've lived here a lot longer than her
>something's off
>lead her to a dark corner of the nearest bar
>she's got to tell me what's up if she wants to stay friends with me

>tears in her eyes
>she lost it all
>there are charges to the account she's still trying to make up
>hesitant to ask, but
>how much is she down?
>long pause
>very long pause
>she shakes her head, she doesn't want to say

>ten grand?
>she shakes her head
>twenty?
>she puts her face into her hooves

>$120,000
>that's why she can't go home
>she'd pulled over ten grand worth of bits from the card her dad gave her before getting cut off
>Wilds family has a casino up in the clouds, she thought she knew better
>but Las Pegasus didn't prepare her for the kind of games we play down here
>she played her way to the top, then she lost it all
>she's been trying to break even ever since
>considering the state I found her in yesterday, it hasn't been going well for her

>that address she gave before was real after all, sort of
>she had a complimentary VIP room at a hotel nearby
>she just couldn't leave
>not without something to show for it

>lucky charms
>did she fleece them herself or just feed them to the casino to pay down her debt?
>was she scamming me?
>she swears up and down, it wasn't like that
>not with me
>I'd been so kind to her, not like the others
>small comfort, if I could believe her
>should just leave, I'm up $600, I can go back to work and act like this never happened

>sure, I feel bad for her
>but even if I wanted to help her, she's out too deep, I'd drown just the same

>so why aren't I leaving?

>just sitting there
>Cherry sniffling, eyes downcast
>she hasn't got a friend in the world, has she?
>a true, true friend
>helps a friend in need
>fucking friendship lessons
>I could never hope to show my face in Equestria again if I abandoned a pony in need

>Cherry slowly looks up at me, mascara running
>tell her we should leave for now, we could go see a show or something and cool off
>we can come back and play more later
>she looks confused

"I haven't been a good friend to you...Why would you stay?"

>we haven't even taken those shrooms I got yet, why would I leave?

>leading Cherry toward any one of the exits, I notice Security looking at us
>may be nothing
>back to the players' club
>how much does the employee behind the counter know about what's going on?
>broad strokes, surely
>when I worked here, what did I know?
>not that much
>my last manager was a sleaze shipping in girls fresh out of school from overseas to serve drinks
>the manager before him was fired for doing ketamine on camera
>everyone intuitively knows there's something wrong in the building
>the musty smells
>the water damage
>someone working banquet once told me there are spirits of ruined gamblers still stuck in their chairs
>true enough that a certain energy accumulates in spaces, atmosphere as it were
>the atmosphere here, for those sensitive enough to feel it, induces despair
>it's too risky to try and get help from within the belly of the beast itself
>the only idea I've got is to play dumb, which comes naturally to me
>just a pony john with his pony whore at the casino
>security probably saw us have that little tiff over money at the players' club counter
>regular enough occurrence among human couples here

>if they think I'm still an unwitting cashout, they'll string me along to put me in more risk, including access to high-stakes VIP rooms
>inquire about Cherry's membership status
>they don't want me to think anything is amiss, so they're honoring it
>ask about comps for shows, hotels, restaurant discounts, items at the gift shop
>eventually she's so tired of answering my questions that she offers vouchers to a show that starts in the next fifteen minutes, she'll even call ahead to the hotel about us

>off to the show room
>used to be a VIP club room, but they've built a bigger one since
>the old room, with its domed ceiling, puts on laser light shows, including a planetarium show with a ring of projectors around the room
>old tech
>if even one of them has an issue the whole system goes down
>but it's a pretty good show when it's running

>pass Cherry a mushroom cap once we're seated in the dark room
>fuck it I'll take one too
>it feels like there's no way out of this
>no better time to expand my consciousness, or something like that
>two ideas
>winning it all back here, which seems impossible
>or cutting and running, which I won't do without Cherry
>get the feeling there's still more she hasn't told me, but it can wait
>just going to look up at the dark, at the projections of digital constellations
>Cherry offers up her hoof into my hand
>she's tearing up again, looking up at the ceiling
>which stars are we looking at?
>don't ask me to explain how, but I know that some of these same constellations can be viewed from Equestria just the same as Earth

>ok you can't really see the constellations so good on Earth
>Light Pollution
>Cherry probably hasn't seen them in years, same as me
>hold on to her hoof
>the shows are thirty minutes with intermissions between
>wordlessly we melt into the dark

>we're not the only ones drying out in here
>some people spend all day at the casino
>inevitably they congregate somewhere dark and quiet
>the shrooms are kicking in by the second show
>not a usual substance for me
>generally too anxious and paranoid
>those feelings are still there with me
>but at least I'm not alone
>feels like my hand and her hoof have melded
>afraid of what may happen if I pull away now
>there's a soft thump against my shoulder
>Cherry is leaning into it
>at each point of contact we are melding together
>slouch a bit
>lean so that my head rests over hers
>the sky overhead opens up
>some nausea as I lose myself in the stars
>gradually acclimate
>the two of us are swimming up there
>projected from our seats to join the other constellations
>what's stopping us from going wherever we please?
>nothing can reach us up here

>floating on the astral plane with Cherry
>deep introspection
>or just fixating on random points of light
>do we have a telepathic link right now?
>try sending thoughts to her
>no reaction
>try 'receiving' instead
>hear her whisper

"Do you know about Orion?"

>The Greek or the pony?

"The pony Orion, I mean...You know about him?"

>Old King, lost everything to Queen Chrysalis, became a star in the sky to escape her, never to return?
>she didn't reply
>not telepathic, gotta whisper back what I know

"You must have done alright in your classes"

>barely scraped by
>never really got serious about anything

"Me neither"

>what was she doing, before...

"Dancer"

>in school?

"Oh. Business, I guess. Didn't finish, on account of..."

>whispering together to get the full story

>Cherry had ditched her school's tour group with her best friend and the best friend's boyfriend in tow
>they messed around with drugs and got into trouble
>they missed the arranged teleport home
>the best friend's boyfriend was magically summoned home a few days later in a peal of green flames
>his family was well to do, he was the single heir, they forced him back
>the two of them waited for the other horseshoe to drop, their own families would likely do the same soon
>not quite

>back home, the boyfriend pinned the whole mess on them to try and save face, going so far as to exaggerate their delinquent behavior abroad
>their families were ashamed, ready to disown them, but they at least sent along funds so the girls could be safe and wait for the next trip home
>while waiting, Cherry's best friend, a unicorn named Clove Crystals, found out she was pregnant
>she wouldn't be able to teleport home safely until it was born
>Clove's boyfriend was the father, but he wouldn't admit to it, and his family backed him up
>Clove's family arranged for her to go to rehab, get therapy, a whole medical team to keep up with her progress
>for their support, she had to cut ties with Cherry

>Cherry's dad kept the money coming, two weeks for the next teleport
>no use trying to explain magic to a human, but lunar phases are involved
>Alone, Cherry lived hoof to mouth, often with drugs lining her hoof
>she spent all the money she got on them, and she had to do unsavory things when the money was gone
>two nights before her trip home she gets a sort of scroll from Clove
>eye-liner on singed toilet paper
>Clove wants to escape
>she can't take the constant surveillance, being treated like an incubator, her family wants her to try and patch things up with the father and she can't imagine forgiving him after everything he said about her

>Cherry helps Clove
>they go on the run
>Clove puts spells on them to ward off attempts at scrying or summoning
>with no more support, Cherry burns herself at both ends to provide for them, Clove becoming increasingly dependent on her as the months go by
>during a tour of travel with a county fair, Clove gives birth to a foal
>they're all happy, for a time
>but Cherry is unwell
>she needs drugs to function and she sells her body to pay for them
>when she tries to quit she suffers from sleep deprivation that makes her agitated, which is made worse by the new foal who cries every night
>she doesn't remember what happened exactly
>but one morning Clove and the foal were gone
>Cherry went back to using
>fill in the blanks
>she hopes they made it home alright

>feels like I've been staring into space for hours
>and in that space was a projection of everything Cherry told me
>she lost everything and she can't hope to get it back
>what can I even do for her?

>need to get some air
>some water
>back to the buffet
>trade a few mushroom caps and a hoof-rolled blunt for more meal vouchers
>leave the building through the kitchen staff exit

>gets dark early this time of year
>passing a water and a joint back and forth in silence, watching car lights go by on the highway below
>still need to learn more about her time in the casino
>but that was enough purging for now

>let's go gambling!
>puke into a bush
>back inside the casino
>get supplies at the gift shop
>water, red bull, mints
>my eyes really linger over some cigarettes but the urge passes
>Cherry grabs a pack for herself
>so fucking bright in the casino
>so loud
>there's a man limping past with a cane who has a five-hour energy in his shaking fist
>at the corner slots across from the gift shop another man is hooked up to an oxygen tank
>a woman briskly walks toward the exit in her bare feet, carrying a pair of snapped heels
>what does Cherry like about this place?

"That's where the games are...I wouldn't say I like this one, but I'm stuck with it now."

>a man hastily tries to leave the VIP area
>he is firmly, gently led back inside to talk it out
>think I know what's up
>casino marker, "interest-free" credit inside a casino, to keep you from the bother of going to the bank
>Cherry probably lied about having the money, putting up an account associated with her family which appeared to have the credit needed
>if they cash in on insufficient funds, she's committed fraud, a felony's worth for that much money
>that's what they've got over her
>she can't run or they'll call her marker
>they give her a room and look the other way as she brings in money to pay down her debt

>Cherry hoofs at my arm, I've been looking in that direction for too long
>reassure her that I don't want to go in there right now

>sit down for blackjack
>need more time to level out, too much mental interference
>lose over a hundred dollars between us over the next hour
>even if we start winning, there's no way we'll get anywhere near the amount she needs before the casino acts against us, it can't be done with a slow build
>a big gamble is necessary, but we don't have the money
>sure, there's my own money...
>how much is Cherry worth to me really?
>would I spend every dollar I have on a gamble to help her?
>the thought of her continuing to ply her trade discomforts me
>maybe she doesn't mind the work, when it's on her terms, but that's not the case
>I can tell that just by being in this building that her spirit is diminishing

>if I leave just enough for next month's rent, I can stand to lose $3,000
>it feels hopeless
>the building is getting to me too
>downgrade to video poker, Cherry smokes a cigarette and drinks an old-fashioned
>just water for me, though I snap up Cherry's cigarette after a few hands and take a few drags on it

"Hey! You oughta ask, at least!"

>Cherry laughs
>cherry lip-gloss
>haven't smoked in years
>let's keep gambling, I'm getting a second wind

>running the math over games of video poker
>if we took everything we had on hand and I pulled another $3,000 from an ATM we could put it all on a single number bet at the roulette wheel, 35 to 1 pay out
>truly a thought that only an insane person could have
>it felt so close and yet so far away
>spinning
>any stop could have been our number
>one spin and it can all be over
>for better or worse

>need to get out of my head
>chatting with Cherry
>ought to ask about her plays
>she's gambled more than me, after all

"Oh, I really only seem to have luck at the slots...Playing other games is what got me into this mess."

>she'd won several jackpots at slots and gotten the VIP treatment for it
>then the wins dried up
>they could be rigging the games against her
>they may have warned other casinos nearby about her too
>that's how she ended up playing in random bars instead of the game houses

>try to test my theory about the games
>sure, we hadn't done well earlier, but that didn't mean anything
>play the old mechanical 3-reel machines together
>then the newer ones
>pick ones that had been untouched
>then ones someone else had been sat at
>we each lose about $200 running these tests
>every machine that can be rigged against her seems like it is
>she's probably only allowed to play them now because she's with me
>there's about a 1 in 8,000 chance she could win a jackpot of ten grand
>the best idea I've got is to burn the last $800 we've got on hand into these old slots
>no, I've got to be playing too or else they might get suspicious
>Cherry's got $400 to try and hit the jackpot
>we need that money to be able to take on the VIP room

>spin
>spin
>spin

>I'm not counting on winning, just playing my part
>still, it's pretty boring for me
>the number just keeps going down
>a little tear of a weed gummy ought to make this more bearable
>offer Cherry a piece
>she's focused, doesn't notice
>she still hoofs at the machine and whispers to it
>she's losing it at about the same pace as me
>within the hour we'll go bust

>spin
>spin
>spin

>win back up to my starting bank on a triple bar
>but that just means I have to play longer

>spin
>hit bonus mode
>$100 over start
>could drag this out more betting one line at a time instead
>spin
>why bet max each spin?
>spin
>that's the only way you can hit the jackpot
>spin
>a part of me thinks I can win
>spin

>another bonus mode
>nothing out of it though
>spinning
>the next bonus mode paid out
>I've tripled my starting bank, but I'm annoyed about it if anything
>spin
>feel Cherry's eyes on me
>look over
>she's smiling at me
>she winks
>reminded of that first $20 she gave me

>ok I'm up to $1500, but what good is that?

>a strange sort of arrangement floats to mind
>we play slots every day
>I give the money to Cherry in return for "favors"
>she pays down the debt
>she'd be free in a couple months if we can win about this much every day

>not the worst idea I've had so far
>but it's too regular, too drawn out
>they would intervene and separate us if we were clearly cooperating
>ask how she's feeling

"I'm still spinnin', but here's somethin' for good luck!"

>Cherry leans over and presses her muzzle flush against my cheek
>spin
>bonus
>$400 payout

>she's a sweet little luck charm
>the house used that to their full advantage
>as the night's pony john, the fattening of my wallet is of no concern to them, so long as she gets me to go for high-stakes games or gets me into the hotel for the night
>are we going to the hotel for tonight?

"I'd like it if we could go back to your place instead..."

>my place? my place is a mess

"That's why I like it!"

>she has some strange tastes

"That hotel is...I can't stand it there anymore. It's like a prison to me. Every morning, they clean it up so it's like nothing ever happened. When I leave it's like I was never there. I wanna come home and find your dirty socks in the same place you left 'em on the floor. I wanna find the same wrinkled space in bed with the covers pulled back..."

>Cherry looks awfully sad
>Forget the hotel then
>I'll call and tell them I've got to go home, forgot my card, can't check in without it anyway.
>Cherry's smiling again
>spin

>how many times have I spun these fucking reels?
>hostess keeps trying to get me a drink
>keep telling her I don't drink
>Cherry orders a tequila sunrise
>notice that she's run out of credits
>she seems content to watch me play for now, doesn't want to bother me with withdrawing more
>I'm still on a hot streak, after all
>she scoots her chair over to lean on me; hooves wrapped around my arm as I continue to play

>hovering around $2600
>off of my initial bank it's an uncanny winning streak

>spin
>no pay
>spin
>no pay
>each spin is $3
>if a jackpot is due 1 in 8,000 times I could spend twenty-four thousand dollars before getting back ten
>spin
>no pay
>spin
>Bonus Activated

"You've got such a stony face, anon... Aren't you having fun?"

>the hostess brought two tequila sunrises

"You know I'm gonna drink both if you don't help me..."

>reach for it
>stop myself
>not just for my health
>need to stay sharp
>as mind-numbing as this is

"More for me...!"

>Bonus paid out $1120

"You're looking like a sour winner, c'mon..."

>Cherry jostles me a bit
>can't fake it, starting to feel anxiety build on each win
>people are starting to hover around us like hungry ghosts

>Bonus Activated
>nothing to show for it
>seems like I generally lose five in a row at most before a payout that makes me even again
>then on every other Bonus activated there's a big payout
>people are starting to grumble
>this one machine is flaring hot while everyone else has been losing consistently
>just keep spinning
>remember how Cherry had asked me to escort her after winning a few hundred at the bar last night
>there were probably nights where she won but she didn't make it back with the money...
>vultures

>an attendant comes by to disperse the crowd
>tell us they have to 'service the machine'
>$3,732 paid out in total
>give the players' club attendant my bullshit story about forgetting my card at home
>rent a safe deposit box at the casino for my winnings, pull a few hundred in cash
>arrange for a ride home with their livery service
>specify for a luxury limo with a rear partition
>$225 an hour, 2 hour minimum
>fuck it
>hit the nearest drive-through and take the scenic route back
>raise the black-out partition window
>admire the interior of the vehicle
>beautiful bar cart with mirror counter, the kind you snort coke off of

>Cherry snorts coke off of it

>haven't done coke in years

>one bump ought to do it

>heart beating fast
>too much energy
>not a high-energy person
>my mind is flipping through memories at a breakneck pace

>my great-aunt who won a vacation after her husband died
>my grandmother who won a car she couldn't afford to keep, but she kept it anyway and lost her house over it
>my cousin who accidentally shot himself with a gun he bought after winning a scratcher

>what does it mean to be fortunate?
>the wheel is always turning
>never been able to reconcile the gulf between rich and poor that is at once infinite and paper-thin
>when things started to go wrong in my life, I feared all causality, I retreated from everything
>lowered the stakes
>lowered the rewards
>if I hadn't met Cherry, I'd just be getting home from another night of work
>I'd have gained about $100 from the hourly, another $50 on top between tips and commissions, maybe

>instead of that, I was lucky enough to meet a magical gambling pony
>but she's a whore and a slave and a drug addict that leaves unlucky men with shares of her gambling debts

"Is that cocaine going down alright, sugar?"

>my head snaps to look at her
>all but laying down, slouched and sprawled across the seat long-ways
>the limo's passenger compartment was dark but awash in moving colored lights, it felt like being at a disco
>the cocaine was just a bit much for me, that's why I had only done it once before
>felt like I needed some kind of release

"I've got just the thing..."

>she buries her head in my lap and gets to work
>hopefully the stereo system and partition combined is keeping the driver from hearing the sounds I'm making

>she's going at it aggressively
>it's too much, got to get a hold on her mane
>wig comes off
>got to get a hold of her ears
>she's fighting the hold
>all but forced to endure it to the end
>feel her swallow around it
>after withdrawing she presents her flank to me expectantly
>reciprocate oral until the blood returns to me
>mount her in the back of the limo

>by the time we get dropped off we're all sexed out, or at least I am
>tip the driver with a crisp hundred dollar bill
>can tell I'm going to be sore in the morning
>take a hot bath inside
>makes the cold in the basement more bearable
>cuddling in bed, Cherry continues to fidget and tease me in bed with her flank
>the cocaine seems to have this effect on her
>give her a hand, not like I don't enjoy treating her to it
>eventually she reaches the same state of tired soreness as me
>she pays me many compliments for more oral service

>certainly Cherry doesn't mind me
>want to believe my situation is different than those before me
>want to help her
>she'd be no closer to escaping if she made a dupe out of me
>but does she really trust that I can deliver her out of this mess?
>if my plan fails she'll be under even more scrutiny than before
>not to mention what will become of me

>hoof tap on my head
>Cherry gestures for me to come up and embrace her
>we've gotten sufficiently sloppy enough together
>don't think twice about kissing her anymore
>vape in bed, too lazy to blow smoke out the window
>drink some bottled water from my bag I had dropped on the floor, too lazy to leave bed
>sleep

>wake up
>Cherry isn't in bed
>hear her voice muffled by the wall
>she's on the phone
>her tone is hushed and strained
>burst into the bathroom on her
>her eyes snap open, she freezes
>gotta piss
>she can't help but to laugh at my carelessness as she scurries off the seat
>guessing that was the casino?

"Yeah..."

>supposed to work today
>feel light-headed, sit down to piss
>too many drugs, I am not a user like Cherry
>trying to keep up with her is taking its toll
>send work an old picture of a positive covid test
>two free weeks

"They're trying to get info on you right now."

>had hoped to delay this even one more day
>now that I think about it, we might be totally fucked
>the casino could assume it's an inside job immediately because of my past employment
>the only thing going for me is that when they look at my record as a gambler
>they're going to see a loser

>how will they perceive and respond to the information presented to them?
>likely they will pressure Cherry to act against me with various threats
>can I trust her not to betray me?
>when she looks at me, does she see a loser too?

>what we have is codependency
>the foundations of our relationship rest on a quick cure of casual sex and shared trauma
>less than two days together and I'm in a situation that I would not choose to be in

"You good there, anon? Has the cocaine stopped you up?"

>maybe, done pissing anyway
>thank Cherry for telling me
>wash my hands with hot water, hot as I can stand it
>felt a bit numb, blamed the cold

>make breakfast
>feel like eggs
>Cherry eats eggs too
>she'll eat meat, but only certain kinds
>if she can help it

>occurs to me that they probably don't have many drugs in Equestria
>didn't go looking, sounded rather taboo and illegal
>anything there would be scarce, expensive, and dangerous to get
>things can change in a few years
>still doubt that they have a dispensary for me to work at though
>don't know how severely Cherry might have withdrawals

>the risks, the dangers, the extremes of this world drew Cherry in
>it was a difference to her home that she preferred
>but she didn't want to stay stuck as she was now

"You do have a plan, right? You had this crazy look in your eyes all day yesterday...I liked that. But you don't look too sure of things this morning..."

>so I have several plans and can't delay choosing one any further
>need to settle on one

>Plan A
>return to the casino
>gamble
>win

>Plan B
>go on the run
>just run
>that's the plan

>Plan C
>go on the run
>but this time to Equestria

>Plan D
>go to the authorities for help (in my mind this is the least realistic plan)

>would rather not be on the run
>need a way to deal with them directly to resolve it
>some way to sell that I'm a sucker for Cherry and responsible for her debt

>we could get married

"Who, me?"

>Cherry gets big eyes and blinks in surprise, needing a moment to parse the idea
>being married would make me eligible to go to Equestria with her, I hope
>in addition, I would get the chance to confront her debtors directly

"What about..."

>it's been seven years, surely they've magicked up a potion or something to detoxify ponies who came into contact with drugs over here

"I can't leave without..."

>without what?
>Cherry dipped her mouth into her purse and retrieved a dated phone with blocky buttons

"I never knew for sure where they ended up, but I don't wanna leave if I'd be leaving them behind here."

>Cherry was the one left behind

"I never bothered her again, cuz I knew I must have done wrong. It wasn't safe to be with me...For the sake of her foal, she had to leave me behind. I'm sure it was hard for her too..."

>if Cherry wants to reach out then she should
>get closure
>could give her some privacy

"You better sit there and hold my hoof if you're gonna be my husband..."

>Cherry put this off for so long, fearing certain rejection, she needed me to press the button once she'd found Clove in her contacts
>hold onto Cherry's hoof

>Calling...
>Cherry's breathing heavily, her hoof gets clammy
>she wants to use something to relieve the pressure, but she always wanted to be sober for this call
>she looks at me with a tearful expression, mouthing my name
>squeeze at her hoof
>The ringing goes on and on

>a somber, weary voice answers the phone, rotely asking who is calling

"Clove...?"

>the voice is stunned, returning with a similarly vulnerable, questioning greeting
>"Cherry...?"
>Clove is surprised to hear from her, to say the least
>"Are you...Are you alright?"
>Cherry shudders a bit, strangled between laughter and tears

"Yes and no... But I've made a good friend who gave me the courage to do this...How is...Your baby?"

>Her filly, Trifecta, is well. She likes running and gardening. They live in a city not so far north of where we are now, there is a small community of expatriate ponies there.
>they never did go back to Equestria
>suited Clove just fine
>the father as well, he didn't want them to return and cause him any more embarrassment
>so long as he keeps paying child support, Clove was fine with it
>once she had settled down, she had hoped to hear from Cherry
>but...she had heard that Cherry went home after all
>who had told her that?

>the father of Clove's child, a pegasus by the name of Monte Sawbuck
>he had told Clove that Cherry went home to her family
>she had an easy job at some casino out of the way and that was that
>if Cherry hadn't called Clove, it was because her family didn't want her to get mixed up with the human world again

>but that was all lies
>Cherry had been suffering all this time
>did Monte have a hoof in this somehow?
>Clove wants to know where Cherry is now

"I'm...I am thinkin' of goin' back soon, but it's been so long since I've talked to anypony back home, I'm going to need some help...Also, that friend I mentioned...Well, he asked me if I wanted to get married."

>Clove will do whatever she can to help Cherry now that she knows
>But what about the proposal? What did she say?
>Cherry smiles at me

>can't deny that the influence of this world is corruptive
>but evil is not absent in Equestria
>they extol harmony so fervently
>so what happens when something threatens their sense of harmony?

>the cultural pressures of this world and the next are not so dissimilar
>those that defy the greater order are swept into the periphery of society with great scorn

>I am not so different from Cherry
>at a time when I didn't know who I wanted to be
>I was directed to fit the mold
>we were each raised with the idea of being special, one of a kind
>but one day, all of a sudden, we weren't
>instead, we were supposed to become a discrete unit of a greater economy
>failing this, your path to a 'normal life' will become severed
>to be so excluded is spiritually crushing
>what comfort awaits those who became so outcast and despised?
>in the eyes of many, any resources spent trying to recover such people are wasted
>sure, some of them are too far gone
>to some extent that's by design
>with a blind eye, they may become so degraded that they are seen as incompatible with the world they were born into
>some, according to their high-born status, are afforded many more chances to recover than others
>they commit the same trespasses against society, but for the sake of maintaining harmony and strata, their crimes and their victims are ignored

>Cherry will be ignored no longer
>no matter what
>I want to bring Cherry back to the light
>I will tie my fate to hers and we will ascend, together

>Monte had used his influence to bar the way home for at least two ponies here already
>why stop there?
>Cherry told me that Monte's family had business in Las Pegasus casinos, same as her family
>he had open, steady lines of credit between here and there
>ask Cherry if she'd ever seen any other ponies around that casino
>few and far between, like anywhere else, really
>figures she wouldn't be allowed to fraternize with any of them
>at one point she heard whispers of bets over pony racing, derby
>but never saw it herself
>there was one creature she saw in particular that surprised her
>a bison, there among the high rollers
>at a glance, he terrified her
>she was glad not to have seen him again
>but I've got a feeling that we may have to...
>if I'm right, the bison she spoke of is Monte's right hand on this side of operations
>and Cherry may not be their only victim

>leaving the basement apartment
>limo is outside
>seems they don't want us wasting much time coming back
>the driver is amenable to a quick stop at least

>at the courthouse
>inform the kindly old woman at the counter that I am here to marry
>where is the bride?
>gesture downward
>the old woman adjusts her glasses and leans over the counter to observe the happy little pony sitting on the ground beside me
>she squints at Cherry's forged temp id but it seems to pass

>there's a three-day waiting period
>but you can pay to have that waived
>need a witness
>call in the limo driver
>the old clerk questions him if we're serious
>he confirms that we seem pretty serious to him
>polite enough not to mention the pre-marital mess we made in the back of the limo before

>paperwork
>fees
>appointment
>exchange of vows

>Cherry is the flame that rekindled my heart
>cannot bear to return to a life without her
>vow to have and to hold her
>for rich or poor, better or worse, 'til death do us part

>Cherry's lip quivers
"Before we met...For years now, every day and every night, it just felt like the Sun and the Moon were passin' me by...Like I was livin' without light or warmth, until I met you. I could feel that warmth, and I could see that light again. I'm so relieved, to have made such a wonderful friend..."

>my eyes sting a bit
>say I do's
>pick that horse up and kiss her in front of God, Celestia, the court house attendant, the limo driver, anyone there to see it

>the old lady is still a bit bewildered, but she congratulates us, has us sign the license, issues the certificate
>if we're planning to go to Equestria I'll need to apply for a visa to enter while a green card is processed, travel arrangements can only be made with the Equestrian embassy or nearest consulate

>certainly, I'd like to arrange for all of that now
>honeymoon in Equestria
>but we have unfinished business
>the ones who hurt Cherry could still be hurting others
>if we left now and tried to tell them about it on the other side, they could have time to cover it all up
>besides
>no matter the odds, I was ready to take them on myself for what they did to her

>ask the limo driver if he'll take us to the consulate
>just one more stop...
>Cherry bats her teary eyes at him

>he's definitely not supposed to be letting us roam this much
>'Equestrian consulate' should have him calling his bosses immediately
>but he's still a bit teary-eyed himself as our witness, not thinking about any of that
>we just want to arrange for our honeymoon...pony john and pony bride caught up in the moment

>the Equestrian consular agent we met with was a chubby mare with glasses in a poorly fitted dress-shirt
>without the Equestrian seals and the pony sat before us it looked like a normal, boring office
>adjusting her glasses, but not bothering to read, she asked how long we'd been married

"Well, we just got married today, but...We wanted to get a jump on the paperwork"

>Cherry had a nervous energy; I figured letting her speak would be best
>the agent asked where we met and how long ago

"Oh, ah, we just met outside of his work...Two days ago, was it? Eheh…"

>Cherry smiled
>the consular agent asked where I worked
>I work the register at a medical and recreational cannabis dispensary

"He's like a pharmacist! He offered me his umbrella in the rain, and we went to a bar- but he doesn't even drink! Isn't that funny? We just had such a nice time talking all night, my jaw was sore by the end of it, Haha..."

>put a reassuring hand on Cherry's knee
>agent asks me about Cherry
>it was very much like an exam we'd both crammed for at the last second
>Have I met my spouse's family?
>not yet...
>what does Cherry do for a living?
>what do I say here...did she ever file taxes? probably not..
>she's an entertainer

>have we ever been convicted or arrested?
>technically I don't have to say yes here, my one arrest for teenaged hooliganism I was able to have expunged, nothing on my record stopped me from visiting before
>Cherry was arrested at least once, seven years ago
>but she was living rough for a while, likely to be other incidents...

>an awkward air builds as we answer more questions
>really the only part that went smoothly was the civics portion, I had studied Equestria a lot, though I was out of date on a few contemporary matters
>hard to say if that was in our favor though
>may have just made me look like a freak for ponies
>did she believe we were genuinely married?
>in my mind we were
>hopefully she could see the care we had for each other

>still, most pass this examination, or at least pass on a re-examination
>it will be some time before we get an approval notice, they may need more info from us
>the agent looks ready to wrap things up
>Cherry strains her voice, leaning forward with two hooves up on the agent's desk

"Please, there's just one more thing...We really need your help. Other ponies, too..."

>they're expecting us soon
>we're going undercover to try and expose the criminal enterprise inside the casino
>wearing a wire

>the idea of helping Cherry had been simple once
>a free joint, a quick wash in the tub
>now this

>we may be separated at some point when I ask to see 'management' about her debt
>we haven't been apart since we met
>just thinking about it has me on edge
>all over each other in the limo
>the driver didn't seem to notice anything different
>he'd even put 'just married' on the back window
>he's a good guy

>the best outcome is getting a recording confirming what they do and getting out
>if something happens, we're assured that backup will come in to bail us out

>we've been given something of a war chest to gamble with
>stacks of money
>the sort that criminals pose with that gets claimed by police after an arrest
>wonder if we'll be able to keep any winnings

>pick up yesterday's winnings from the players' room lockbox
>our new bank is just over ten grand now
>notice that they've removed all but three of the old mechanical three-reels from the game floor

>practice poker with the daytime crowd
>play up being newly-weds with Cherry
>sit her on my lap during games
>have her hoof my cards for luck
>order a non-alcoholic beer when asked if I want a free drink

>Ace, deuce showing, spades
>nothing much for me on the flop
>whole table checks
>2nd ace appears
>strongest pair and one card from flush
>raise
>one player folds
>one raises further
>check
>a second player folds
>table checks
>showdown
>one player had pocket kings
>win off Ace pair
>Pocket Kings mutters some slur under his breath

>Queen, 7 showing, hearts
>that's my suit, like Grandma used to play
>call
>one folds
>King, 5, 2, nothing near suited
>8, 10
>checks each time
>just surprised no one is betting
>Cherry gave my number to Clove since her old phone can't do pictures
>she wants to show me every picture of Clove's filly
>9 of hearts
>bluff like I have a straight
>table folds
>even Pocket Kings
>this is boring
>hopefully they take me up to the life-ruining gamble room soon

>fold the next two hands to look at my phone in Cherry's hooves
>that filly in the pictures has floppy ears and small wings
>but she looks happy
>next hand
>Queen in the pocket
>second Queen in the river
>Hearts
>Raise for Grandma
>Queen pair wins
>time to leave this table

>up to the VIP room
>more poker, for much more money
>still haven't seen any other ponies here
>play a couple hands
>the players are definitely sharper up here, and I'm not having much luck either, lose what I made at the table downstairs

>a member of staff tries to get Cherry's attention
>obliquely mentioning that she may not want to play after what happened last time
>My Wife isn't playing, just watching me
>told it should be on my membership then, not hers
>that's not what they said before
>drop a cool grand in her hand
>how's that for an account number?
>tell her to fetch the management while she's at it, I want my wife to be able to play, so I want whatever hold she's got cleared up
>watch her go
>whispering with someone
>they leave

>I need to win big on this next hand or I'm going to look like a dickhead

>Q, 7 suited hearts again
>J, 10, Q
>raise
>two players fold
>an ace and a jack revealed
>another player raises
>call
>raises
>bad feeling
>hate to eat it here but it would just get worse to stay in
>fold
>Jack in hand, makes three of a kind
>could've lost more than I did

>a member of staff returns
>someone wants to speak with my wife
>Cherry's not going anywhere without me
>a guest has asked for her downstairs
>who?
>Clove's downstairs
>Cherry had burrowed into my jacket
>suddenly hopping out
>nearly took me out of my seat
>hold on
>walk down with her
>that game wasn't going so well anyway
>do want to play some more

>meet Clove and her filly
>dark coat, red mane on them both
>she and Cherry together are a sight

>lingering near the front door of the casino
>not allowed to linger near the casino floor with a filly

>an attendant invites me to join a tournament upstairs
>Clove invites Cherry to spend some time with little Trifecta
>Cherry wants to
>but she looks toward me first
>won't I come with?
>the attendant reminds me that I had wanted
to discuss the matter of my wife's account
>if I would rather resolve it for her
>bad feeling
>look to Cherry
>tell her I'll be ok
>Cherry doesn't quite trust me saying that
>Clove's expression hasn't changed since I first laid eyes on her
>she looks tired
>her filly looks at me with interest, some confusion

>offer the filly an apple
>it's been in my bag since my last shift, didn't eat it
>the mother finally makes a face at me
>the filly laughs, is permitted to enjoy an apple

>told Cherry I'd take care of it
>just going to head upstairs real quick
>holding Cherry's gaze
>this is for the best if she can be safe
>just one last gamble
>let's hope I win this one

>awful nice of them to offer me this opportunity
>to play such a high-stakes game
>sitting at a new table
>are the other players here so dissimilar to me?
>yes, they are career gamblers
>they've loaded the table against me
>any one of them winning is a win for the house
>it's a Single Table Tournament with a $30,000 buy in
>$Winner-Take-All
>$147,500
>have to take out a marker for twenty thousand to make the buy-in

>feeling too sober for this
>a bit more coke would have been perfect
>what if the Equestrian Agents only helped Cherry home and left me here?
>if I were to lose and be left in gambling debt
>potentially no job to return to

>maybe I need something to mellow me out?
>no I need coke for sure
>just wish Cherry were here
>I'd gotten so accustomed to her

>cards are being shuffled

>excuse myself to the bathroom
>open my bag
>Cherry had left her entire purse in my bag
>she must have forgotten it
>or she didn't want Clove to find what she was carrying
>dig through my pony wife's purse because I really need some coke
>she needs to quit this stuff anyway

>feeling much better after the coke
>just have to win this game of cards
>I'll have the money
>my pony wife
>I'll move to Equestria
>fuck my old job
>fuck living in this shit-hole
>I'm going to win

>need to establish a pace different than my last game
>Jack, 8 heart-suited
>I raise
>one folds
>another raises
>call
>King of hearts, 3 and 8 of diamonds
>I raise again
>table folds
>easy win
>could be a concerted effort to make me feel over-confident about bluffing

>Ace, 4 club-suited
>I Raise
>I don't want to be here all day
>call, check
>a 4 and a King of spades, 8 of diamonds
>I raise
>table folds
>they have to be fucking with me
>winning but I'm pissed off about it
>light up a cherry-flavored cigarette
>ask for a tonic water
>really miss Cherry's flank in my lap

>Queen diamond, 7 spades for me
>I raise because it's free money apparently
>King and 6 of diamonds, 2 of spades dealt
>I raise
>2 fold
>2 stay this time
>4th table card dealt, 2 of diamonds
>I raise
>1 folds
>1 stays
>they raise in a big way
>bad feeling
>call anyway
>3 of diamonds dealt
>other player raises again

>ah, I wondered when the gambling would start
>this is gambling
>it's about time
>All In
>calls
>other player has a flush
>so do I
>win off high card, my Queen to his 10
>early lead, one player down

>that felt good

>is this game scripted by the house?
>if it were, I'd expect to have lost just now
>if I win I'm going to leave with Cherry
>would they rather I leave with Cherry at this point?
>are they on to us?
>if they don't give up the game, if we don't get evidence of any criminality here, how will the agency react?
>like we ripped them off for ten grand to go gambling?
>fuck me
>should I lose on purpose?
>would rather win
>if this game isn't the trap set to spring on me, is it the meeting afterwards?

>staring at the felt table as the loser gets led away
>glad I'm not that guy
>more cards coming

>coast off of lead for many hands
>they seem to buy the bluff that I'm a strong player
>others folding more before the table deals

>a couple fun hands, but it's boring to recount it all play-by-play
>I'd only just gotten to taste good gambling but it got boring again
>is there a more dangerous gamble waiting for me?
>I really miss Cherry
>imagine if Cherry never existed, if I'd just been gambling and gooning for days
>luckily I took a lot of pictures of Cherry on my phone
>she's on my lock screen and home screen
>love my mare wife

>anti-climactic, but I won that card game
>guess those were some losers they fed to me, get me arrogant about diving into the next layer of gambling hell?
>it's kind of working
>the coke is wearing off though
>none left either

>time for the meeting in the back office
>I've got the winnings to buy Cherry's freedom
>do I take the golden ticket out of here?
>we didn't find anything, but maybe the agency will in due time?

>I'm led to a long, darkened hallway
>the bison's waiting there in an office at the end of the hall, sat behind a big wooden desk
>window blinds closed to thin slats
>cigar smoke curls to the ceiling
>sat down, left in the room with him

>there's a framed picture on the wall lit up by a sconce
>a scaled-up reproduction, I've seen this photo before
>it shows a great pile of skulls, like you couldn't hope to count
>two men in the frame to better show the scale, each with a boot up on a horned skull
>one at the top of the mound
>one at the bottom
>a landscape of death, manufactured

>the bison asks if I'm familiar with the photo
>I am
>we talk about it at length

>to some tribes, the bison was a sacred symbol
>those people honored the bison
>as the land was colonized, the bison here were exterminated
>for profit, for spite
>the tribal people that honored the bison were similarly hunted down

>here we sit in a casino, pavement over their dead
>on the las Vegas strip there are a few dozen casinos
>across the country there are hundreds of tribal casinos

>much the same in Equestria
>the lands of the bison were taken
>on what little land is afforded to them, they too take their pound of flesh hosting games of chance

>who'd he work for?
>the bison snorts
>can't get anything specific out of him

>the bison worked security at a casino in Las Pegasus
>one day, his boss offered him a job, a promotion, a relocation
>then the bison was shown the photo

>so he enjoys watching humans suffer?
>the bison grins

>how about ponies?
>the bison blows smoke at me

>he knows Las Pegasus casinos, is he not familiar with the Wilds family?
>he won't say anything

>how about the Sawbucks?
>not a word

>I've got his money, doesn't he want it?
>his staff told me that my wife's account-
>he grimaces at me
>suppose he doesn't approve of our union

>she had a marker held over her for $120,000? why didn't they call it in sooner like a normal casino?
>he won't speak a word

>demand to see the terms, a receipt, some documentation, or there must not be any debt at all
>he pushes a piece of paper across the desk to me
>I complain that it's dark and use my phone's flashlight, discretely taking a photo of the document
confirming a debt that for some reason had gone unclaimed, which was certainly unusual for a casino

>sign another paper about paying the debt in her place, presenting him with a paper check from the tournament
>tell him I'll be expecting change, $7500 after covering for the stake I made in the tournament
>he sends for staff
>after that, silence
>floundering
>need some way to break his silence

>the money left over from my winnings arrives
>so, is this it?
>no secret, pony-only gambling room?

>free to go, the bison tells me
>you and your pony whore

>excuse me?

>he's looking smug after that cheap shot

>ask him how it feels
>knowing I can go buy a pound of ground bison meat in shrink-wrapped packaging
>hell, I could get a bag of bison bull fries
>testicles, that is
>not that I would bother buying it in a store
>my grandpa keeps pounds of bison meat in the freezer, organs and all

>nothing?
>I'm getting more heated than he is by the exchange
>try to dig back

>can't imagine they'll bother extraditing to Equestria for judgement when the hammer comes down on this place
>the boss won't lift a finger to help either
>maybe they'll throw the bison in the slaughterhouse too with the rest of the big, dumb animals

>the bison remains unprovoked

>he failed them after all
>he was supposed to keep Cherry here, but he didn't, she's going home free
>Clove might go home for a spell too
>won't that be an embarrassment for the Sawbucks? Ponies are going to start talking, bringing up the past

>he asks if I'm finished

>why wouldn't I be?

>it's time, he says

>the bison jumps over the desk at me, moving like a car running down a pedestrian
>barely avoid getting crushed under his hooves
>laying prone, the suit that delivered the cash restrains me
>he exposes the wire on me
>disposes of it

>ah, now we're going to the secret, pony-only gambling room
>I hope they find me in time

>bag over my head
>cuffed behind my back
>I think they are moving me to a second location
>if the agency doesn't have eyes on me being moved from the casino, how will they find me?
>there are several buildings I can recall adjoining the casino
>a parking structure, the hotel, and a meeting center
>went from carpet to concrete and asphalt
>enter elevator to basement floor
>never been here
>maybe an extra garage for VIP vehicles?
>put into the trunk of a vehicle
>constant noise on the surface
>they must be pulling onto the highway
>maybe they left something back here
>feel around
>grab something soft, covered in fine hair
>a pony
>it shrieks

"Please, no more!"

>sorry

"Who's there?"

>I'm just another prisoner of love

"Huh? What does that mean?"

>nevermind
>feel around in the other direction
>try to find an emergency trunk release
>no such luck
>what's this pony's story

"Why should I talk to you at all? Maybe it's a trick..."

>did the pony ever meet or even just see a yellow pony with a red mane and a triple cherry cutie mark?

"Maybe, I dunno..."

>that's my wife, I'd really like to go home safely to her

"...You're weird..."

>dig and pull at the seams near the edges of the trunk
>it's a tight squeeze but I can feel screws to the tail light
>start unthreading them

"What are you doing?"

>trying to get someone's attention on the road so we can get rescued
>shift around, ignore the pony's whining, start kicking at the back of the taillight
>it's not budging
>maybe I missed a screw or something?
>can't reach any further
>maybe if I could kick harder

"I'm not helping you; you're going to get me in more trouble..."

>seriously, how did a scared little pony like this get into the same situation as me?

"They said it's over now; I can go home...So stop trying to get us rescued, I don't want to be here anymore."

>that pony must have seen some shit...
>if I had some coke, I bet I would be able to kick that taillight out no problem
>all I've got is some boot hash and maybe a few old pills loose in my jacket pockets

>let's suppose they told this pony the truth, he's going to be sent home
>to Equestria at the very least
>how did he end up here to begin with?

>the pony sniffles
>if he's not a degenerate gambler like me then he's probably a whore

>is there someone waiting for him in Equestria?

"No, but it will be better than being here..."

>can't argue with him
>was I bound for the same destination, being in the same trunk?
>how would I find my way back to Cherry?

>the sound of other cars fades away
>driving down a dirt road
>car stops
>hauled out of the trunk
>walk for a few hundred yards
>path slopes downward
>blindfolds removed
>we're at the bottom of a deep quarry
>box truck parked next to a great pit at the center
>the little pony has been dropped beside me >bound with four hooves together
>Leaf green coat, pink hair with yellow highlights
>rosehip flower cutie mark
>look back to the car we came in on
>old black sedan, can't make out finer details

"Eyes forward"

>the bison lumbers out of the back of the truck followed by his driver
>the man that delivered us from the sedan removes our bindings

"Don't say I'm not a gracious host, this is what you wanted after all"

>keep my mouth shut for now

"One last game...A path out of this world...And freedom for your little pony whore. You can have it all."

>there's a few more things I'd like
>I'd like for him and his boss to answer for their crimes
>and this pony from the trunk, I want him to be free too

"We gave him our word, he's going back. But our business is an institution. Our works shall continue. Suspended here, perhaps, until the eyes of the Agency are off of us."

>an institution? what is it for?
>shuffling unwanted ponies between worlds like a cup and ball game?
>that aside, they're surely going to look for me

"You overestimate your importance to them. They'll drop the search sooner than find you. Worse, you have no evidence to exchange and you used their funds to pay your wife's debts."

>I gave Cherry my word I would come back to her

"You may yet find your way back to her, if you're as lucky as you think. If you do...You should put all of this behind you. Be grateful. Do not think of opposing us any more."

>Yeah, he's gracious alright

>So he plays for time by sending me to some remote corner of Equestria
>Uses the weight of bureaucracy against itself to evade justice as long as possible
>Uses threats to keep us silent?

>the bison looks to the sky, pleased by the fresh air and open sky

"Much better to play outside, isn't it? Let us prepare now."

>a rough wool blanket with red and black patterns is spread over the rocky ground
>we are presented with two pairs of bones
>each pair has one bone unmarked and one bone marked with a red stripe across the middle
>five notched sticks are arranged on the side where the pony and I sit
>by the bison's side are several items
>including things taken from me
>prizes that may be won

>one side hides the bones in hand or hoof
>the other side tries to guess which hand or hoof holds the marked bone
>the bison's driver, who he calls Jack, sits beside the bison to make the teams even
>our driver, still nameless, stands by to referee and conduct exchanges

>the bison's side will go first
>we may select a prize to play for each round, and play until one side has nothing left to give
>I want my bag back
>the pony, who I'll call Rosehip, meekly requests that we play for the bag beside mine, his own I assume
>acquiesce, I need him on my side

>abruptly, the bison begins to stamp and drum his hooves, scaring Rosehip
>in the moment that we were distracted, Jack brings his hands behind his back
>shuffling the bones between his hands
>I've heard of this game before, or at least a game like it, but I've never played it
>Jack makes a move as if tossing a bone to roll under the bison's hooves, but I think it was a feint
>the referee suddenly claps his hands

>we must choose
>Rosehip gives me only a pitiable look
>I point to Jack's left hand
>he opens his hand to reveal the marked bone
>Rosehip seems to perk up a bit at that, we've won a round and he receives his prized bag back
>the bison is greatly amused, he compliments me for having a keen eye

>it is a strange feeling to receive any kind of genuine warmth or kindness from this monster
>is he so far removed from his home that he truly enjoys getting to play this game under an open sky?

>our turn to hide
>bring the bones behind my back
>the bones click together when exchanging them between hands in one motion
>look to Rosehip
>he tries clacking his hooves together and humming a bit, but he's not much of a showman
>try feinting it the same way Jack did
>the first time I tried it Rosehip does nothing, but the second time he feints as if receiving a bone

>the referee claps his hands
>time to choose
>try to think which hand I've got the marked bone in
>shit
>wait
>no, don't think of it, don't move a muscle
>already tensed up once I realized my mistake
>it's obvious the bone is in one of my hands and not with Rosehip, I wasn't prepared to hide natural tells like that

>the bison guesses my left hand
>open my left hand
>it's there, the marked bone
>the bison laughs at me
>we lose one of our betting sticks

>the bison boasts that he was certain I would have the marked bone
>and that I would have it in my left hand
>my psychology as a middling gambler guaranteed I would favor left for my first turn, thinking that it would be less likely chosen a second time, a familiar comfort in an unfamiliar game

>let's just get to the next round
>I want my bag back
>if I win my bag...

"I will permit one message to your beloved whore, of five words or less, to be sent by the referee. That is all."

>the bison begins chanting and stamping
>Jack weaves his hands in wider arcs in front of himself, smoothly passing the bones back and forth
>Jack passes one of the bones to the bison for certain this time
>but which one?

>can't think
>there's too much at stake, too many choices to make, can't stop thinking about Cherry worrying about me

>where did the marked bone go?
>Jack could have it in his left hand again
>or it could be the bison's left
>think I can tell which hoof has a bone hidden under it, but I don't know which bone it is
>unless he has some technique in posing his hooves, so that the one slightly elevated hoof is actually empty

>I should have waited to gamble for the bag
>I don't want to lose
>this could be my only lifeline, or even my last words to Cherry

>the referee claps his hands
>time to choose

>at the last moment, follow my gut
>choose the bison's right hoof
>it was in his left
>the bison whoops and hollers he's having so much fun gloating over my loss
>the referee removes my bag from the prize pool

>that was a blow to my heart, but I need to lock in
>our turn to hide the bones
>immediately declare that I'm hiding the marked bone under Rosehip's right hoof

"Huh!? Why are you telling them that!?"

>don't show them which I'm putting there, but I put a bone under Rosehip's right hoof
>Rosehip nervously chants in old Ponish and shuffles the bone back and forth underhoof
>chant along in old Ponish, it's a familiar rhyme among students, listing natural landmarks in Equestria
>similarly shuffling the second bone under cupped hands close to Rosehip

>Rosehip fumbles and nearly loses a bone across the blanket
>slap my right hand over the bone before it is revealed
>push it back under Rosehip's right hoof, or did I?

>the referee claps his hands

>the bison praises our performances

>trying to keep my mind utterly blank as he chooses
>continue chanting to distract
>it works to distract Rosehip and myself too, we're both chanting together
>there is a dim belief all around, that one can read another's mind or have vision to see that which is unseen

>the bison guesses that it is in my right hand

>reveal that it is under Rosehip's right hoof, as promised
>the bison gives a good, sporting laugh
>I laugh too, in spite of myself

>gambling
>pure gambling
>ancient
>sacred

>if there's any way to beat this monster, it's beating him at his own game

>pop a loose pill from my jacket lining, pretty sure it's an upper
>propose a wager for the next round
>if I win, the bison will tell me who it was in Las Pegasus that assigned him here
>the bison counters

"If you lose, you forfeit your right to reunite with her"

>something neither of us would willingly wager
>but he dares me to do it
>gambling spirits may overtake us both
>is my desire to see justice stronger than my desire to see her?
>is my love of gambling superior to my love for her?
>no
>so I can't risk that after all

>ask Rosehip if there's anything he wants
>the pony is unsure but suggests a sum of money, he is set to return home without a bit to his name
>wager for money then
>a hefty looking bag of bits is presented

>the bison begins to stomp and chant
>he works with both bones shuffling back and forth underhoof
>Jack randomly snaps or whistles as a distraction
>can't follow it
>look to Rosehip
>he's focusing intensely but his eyes are closed

>referee claps
>Rosehip correctly chooses the bison's left hoof
>the bison suddenly lunges at him, furious

"You dare use Pony Magic!?"
>Rosehip shrieks and falls back
>dive in between them
>the bison headbutts and knocks the wind out of me, casting me aside
>argue that he didn't say we couldn't use pony magic...

"It should go without saying...I will take your bones for the next game if it happens again."

>sounding like a sore loser to me

"Take your foul bits then, but the boy whore should know better."

>Rosehip shrinks back, afraid
>sad to see it, just started to feel like he was opening up
>he's perceptive but sensitive
>barely got a chance to reset mentally but I'll have to take over for him at least the next round

>Rosehip retreats behind me
>drastically reducing our odds to keep the marked bone hidden
>Jack guesses it's in my right hand
>we lose the round as hiders, three sticks left

>it's in my best interest to keep this game going
>but it could end very soon if something doesn't change

>what if I don't want anything the bison has to offer? Is that a loss for him?

"Clever, but you simply must think of something."

>If I win the next round, and if I also correctly guess the name of the bison's boss, he'll confirm it for me

"You are so certain you know of them, but I am certain you do not."
>can tell he's still agitated, irritated
>Sure, I know Monte Sawbuck

>the bison's face read as disbelief and irritation for just an instant and then it was gone
>so he does know them after all?
>he confirmed it for me, and I didn't have to win either
>Monte sounds like a real piece of work, and the bison knows it, knows he's a dumb, brash youth without the mind for such an operation
>knowing him enough to have such a reaction as that, I think it's one of Monte's parents running the show after all

"If you are tired of playing this game...So be it."

>the bison rises and looms over us
>Rosehip shivers behind me
>hold on
>I think I thought of something I want

"It will be your last request"

>I want
>that rope they used to tie up the pony before
>Rosehip quietly sobs into my back asking what I would want that for

"This will be the last round. Remember that I warned you. Leave it behind you or else."

>Jack shuffles the bones
>his hands move with grace
>misdirecting flourishes

>the referee claps
>guess the right hand
>win a rope

>with our prizes collected, the bison explains a new game
>Bison Jump
>behind us, at the bottom of that great pit, is an ancient teleportation circle
>the bison is going to charge at us and we have to jump into the pit
>this is our chance to go to Equestria
>if we don't make the jump right we'll be left dead or dying, surely crippled
>the bison brings his head down to bear and kicks a cloud of dust up behind him
>run

>the bison chases us
>naturally he's much faster
>herding us this way and that before we can try to escape
>unable to take a careful, measured pace to the pit
>we'll just have to jump when the opportunity arises

>he enjoys making us scramble and dive out of the way to safety
>feel like a rodeo clown trying to keep him from goring Rosehip
>all but trampling him underhoof
>get to the edge
>but I don't want to leave the little pony behind
>pitch a rock at the bison

>start running for dear life around the circumference of the pit
>call out for Rosehip
>looping around, kicking up a great cloud of dust with us
>the little pony jumps for me, secure him in one arm
>the bison is close behind
>in my other hand
>I've got the rope ready
>one chance for this throw

>throw the loop behind me
>loops over the bison's horn
>jump
>aim for the face of the pit, not the center
>the knot closes over the horn as it snaps taut
>a sudden shift in balance while he's charging at full tilt
>the bison trips
>tumbles to the side
>just barely misses us on the way down >bouncing down the face of the steep slope
>it's too steep to get out, no choice but to slide down after him
>into the portal

>we land in a heap on top of the bison
>a vast and beautiful mesa surrounds us
>the Badlands, I think
>Rosehip leaps out of my arms to get distance from the beast immediately
>still a but stunned, sprawled out over his back
>he's still breathing
>but he's injured
>lay there
>gasping, out of breath
>coughing up dust
>is it over?

>it's a hard road back to pony civilization
>Rosehip is all for leaving the bison to die here, a broken wreck in the wastes
>but
>I still need him
>set up a camp on the spot
>Rosehip tries to find water, food
>build a fire
>smoke signals
>nothing

>try to use a pocket mirror from Rosehip's bag as a signal
>flashing light up at anything with wings
>eventually get the attention of something flying overhead
>a dusty griffon
>asks if we're going to eat the bison
>no
>flies away without helping us

>sitting around the fire at night
>can finally see the constellations in Equestria again
>miss my pony wife so much

>the next day
>a Pegasi Ranger finds us

>weeks later

>it wasn't easy getting naturalized
>technically we entered Equestria illegally
>but in time we're able to smooth things over
>thanks to help from the Agency back on Earth

>the local authorities hauled in the bison
>he still won't talk
>but I don't need him to

>the Agency ultimately found and closed the old circle in the quarry
>said we were lucky, it could have dumped us anywhere
>something about ley lines, lunar phases, alignments, I don't know

>at the soonest scheduled teleport
>Cherry
>we cling together
>can't help but to cry I'm so happy to see her
>Clove and her filly came along too
>due for a vacation and a honeymoon all in one
>Rosehip, still adrift, doesn't mind joining us

>I know just the place

>Las Pegasus

>Sawbucks Casino

>the security there has all eyes on us
>behind the scenes, the Agency is still building the case
>with the bison behind bars, the Sawbucks must know what's coming
>but they can't do a damn thing to stop us now

>walk Cherry in with a big bag of bits
>sit her down on my lap at her favorite slot machine
>money is no object
>she's giddy of course

"Well, how long can I play for?"

>play as long as you want, Cherry
>spin until you don't want to spin anymore

>Cherry paints a big kiss on my cheek with her lipstick

>spins
>spins
>spins

>bits are pouring out of the machine in a deluge

>she puts her hoof to the machine
>I put my hand beside it
>give Cherry all of my luck
>I don't need it anymore


THE END