Friday, August 22nd, 2014...

Cadance's door rest ajar. My seat was rolled and tilted all the way back. My feet were kicked up and resting on the crevice where the door met the cab of the truck. The spurs on my cowboy boots gleamed in the afternoon sun.

It wasn't necessarily a scorcher today, but it was on the hot side of things. I had on and old shirt that I had cut the sleeves off of, effectively turning it into a tank top. My cowboy hat was tilted low to shield my face from the basking sun.

Chrysalis had left shortly after the never-to-be wedding. She said she would return after she ensured her hive would never return to threaten the well being of Equestria. Lassie on the other hand... turned out to be pregnant. It had stifled her sexual prowess slightly but she was still the horny pooch she always was.

A quiet spaghetti western theme played from my radio which I had turned low so that I could soothe myself into something of a catnap. I heard the clopping of hooves approaching and used my index finger to flip my hat upwards to see whom my visitor was.

“Howdy pardner,” Applejack greeted and I took off my hat and nodded.

“Howdy.” I stroked my left hand across my short brown hair that was a few inches in length.

“Ah uhh... don't suppose yer up teh much are yah?” she asked and I merely shook my head.

“Just relaxing. Dash says these next few weeks are gonna be the last warm ones before it gets cold. Gotta enjoy it well it lasts, right?” I replied with a rhetorical question.

“Well... uhm... what's say you about foal-sittin' fer Dash, Rarity and muhself?” she asked and I rose a brow.

“Foal what?” I asked.

“Yah know... watchin' over our sisters. Celestia has requested our company out of country. Somethin' bout needin' the Elements a Harmony. Big Mac an Granny Smith are outta town. Reckon Applebloom could watch herself but when her and the others get together... they get a little adventurous. Wouldn't mind a more mature eye watchin' over them,” she informed me and I just chuckled.

“Oh gee, thanks,” I scoffed and she looked startled. I pointed to my only good eye. “Want a mature eye... cause I only have one. Way tah discriminate against my handicap,” I joked.

“Ah didn't-” she began apologetically but I cut her off with a laugh.

“I'm just kidding AJ, I'm kidding. Relax. Sure, I wouldn't mind watching over your sisters,” I stated and she let out a relieved sigh.

“Phew. We all found somepony teh watch our pets but couldn't find a foal-sitter in town. Yer a life-saver!” she thanked me and I shook her hoof.

“No problem man... er, mare.” I replied, putting my hat back over my head but not getting the chance to lay back down, as Twilight came rushing out with some loaded saddle bags on her sides, stuffed with what appeared to be scrolls.

“Evan! Can you watch Spike while I'm gone?! I know it's sudden but-” I cut her off by putting a finger to my mouth, indicating to be silent.

“Sssh, it's the good part,” I said, motioning to the song as it hit it's climax and choir. The Ecstasy of Gold had something... that thing... that magic, that made you feel so many feelings all at once. There was no true way of explaining it other than a true masterpiece. I paused the CD and looked to my mother. “Okay, what were you sayin?” I asked.

“Oh uh, Celestia has requested the Elements of Harmony right away. Can you watch Spike while I'm gone?” she asked and I nodded. “Thanks.” She hopped up and gave me a peck on the cheek before turning to Applejack. “We better go, it sounds important.”

Applejack turned to me. “Oh, the fillies are all at the farm. Iffen yah want teh head over there now, that'd be great. Help yerself tah whatever yah need there,” AJ told me and I gave them both a nod. “You uhh... think yah can handle it?” she asked and I brushed it off like it was nothing.

“Bah, they're great kids. How hard can it be?” I asked and both her and Twilight looked to each other then back to me. “Uhm...” I trailed off and Applejack just rested a hoof on my lap.

“Yah'll do great. Ah can just tell... but uhh, we gotta split.” With that her and Twilight rushed off, probably to meet up with the others at the train station. I licked my teeth and clucked my tongue.

'Indeed...' I thought to myself silently. Sitting up and stepping out of the truck, I figured I should probably take Spike with me to the farm, rather than try to jump back and forth between watching him and the fillies.

Walking into the home, I saw Lassie and Spike horsing around, immediately stopping as I walked in. I stood in the doorway, Lassie and Spike tangled together and obviously having been wrestling over something.

“Uhm... ahem... I uhh... I'm supposed to uhh... watch you guys for a few days...” I trailed off with a blink, unsure exactly how I was supposed to act. Lassie pulled a fast one and slipped the object away from Spike's claws.

“HA! AND THE CROWD GOES WILD, AHHHHHHH!” Lassie cheered. I rose a brow and she coughed, tossing the... remote I guess, aside. “Uhh... yeah, you were saying?” she politely replied.

“Uhm... well, I'm gonna watch Apple Bloom too... so uhh... if you guys pack up some stuff, then I can watch you all over there,” I offered. Spike and Lassie looked to each other then squealed like a couple of kids.

“SLUMBER PARTY!” they both cheered before rushing off, presumably to get their things together. I walked down to my room and tossed aside my tank top, dawning a dark brown shirt and the gifted vest from Braeburn instead. I tossed my duster coat on top and rolled up the sleeves.

I grabbed my wallet, jammed full of bits. I hadn't really splurged on much in a long time so I still had quite a bit of cash left over from my endeavor with Daring Do. Just as I was thinking to myself, I spotted the large picture. I smiled as I gently picked it up to admire. It was the picture Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle drew me. The one they gave me for my birthday. I'd always cherish it. Setting it back down, I closed my dresser once again and decided I wouldn't need much.

Stuffing the wallet into the pocket of my duster, I headed upstairs, where Lassie and Spike were still scurrying about, packing things into duffle bags. I stepped outside, immediately feeling the increase in temperature, along with the heated confinement of my heavy set of clothes.

I closed my eye and took a deep inhale, letting everything soak in. Sometimes I felt like I was young again, sprite and adventurous like nothing could ever stop me. Then other days I really felt my age, so to speak. Sore backs, stiff joints and trouble sleeping at times. Age, despite my actual age in years, had really gotten to me.

I let out a sigh, wondering to myself. What if the world ever depended upon me again? Like in Baltimare, or Canterlot... and I couldn't perform due to my age hindrance? I felt my esteem lower, and with it I felt pretty crummy. “Ugh...” I let out a grunt, shaking my head in distress. Even so despite our equal amount of injuries and endeavors, or perhaps more so on his part, Derreck looked in his prime years, like it hadn't hit him at all.

“WOAH, LOOK OUT!” Screamed a voice from above. I looked up and spotted a grey blur shooting down towards me. Time was put to a stand still as my jaw dropped. I moved fast and braced myself as I did my best to catch the speeding blur.

The impact was brutal and rattled my entire body, also shaking my world out of slow motion. I found myself still standing, a fume of sandy dust shrouding our bodies as I stood there with Derpy in my arms.

The dust settled and I managed to open an eye, seeing the still shuddering pegasus in my arms. “Well... hello to you too, Derpy,” I greeted and her head perked up, realizing she hadn't impacted with the hard unforgiving ground below.

“EVAN! Thank you SOOO much! You're a hero!” she cheered, quickly giving me a peck on the check before fluttering out of my arms and onto the ground. I felt my psyche recovering, a smile coming across my face. At least some ponies could still rely on me.

“No problem Derpy,” I said with a bright smile. Spike and Lassie came zooming out of the library, closing the door behind them with Lassie putting up the closed sign. She looked to us then rose a brow.

“Is Derpy coming too?” she asked and I shook my head, then realized that was terribly rude of me.

“I uhh... oh, uhm... hey Derpy, wanna hang out for a while. I'm watching over a few fillies,” I offered and Derpy's wings sprang out.

“ABSOLUTELY!” she said excitedly, quickly calming down and stroking her front left hoof around the dirt in circles. “I mean... if you'd like,” she said, a little bit more timid than her outburst of excitement.

I gave her a pat on the head. “Of course. You're one of my best friends. How could I say no?” I asked rhetorically. I motioned for Lassie and Spike to hop in the vehicle as I stepped into the driver side. Spike hopped up into the back bench seat along with Lassie, whom pulled the passenger seat back for Derpy.

Derpy fluttered in and quickly found a comfortable way to sit as I reached across and shut the door for her. Lassie piped up from the backseat. “Awww... I wanted shotgun,” she complained before raising the center console and hopping into the middle seat. She quickly lathered my face with sloppy dog kisses to which I just laughed.

“Ahh, ack, okay Lassie... hee-hee...” I playfully pushed her away and keyed the ignition. “And how are you Cadance?” I asked the truck as it rumbled its iconic chug. “Yes indeed,” I responded as I pulled away and headed towards the Apple Farm.

Lassie leaned over the middle seat and looked back to Spike. “So whatta yah think we'll do first? Hide and seek?” she asked, already super excited. I used the master controls on the driver door to roll down the windows, leaning my left arm on the window as we cruised along.

Derpy leaned her head out the window, mouth open and tongue slobbering out the side of her mouth just like a dog. I just smirked and looked out to the scenery as Cadance chugged along.

Despite the rather smooth gravel path to the Apple Farm, Cadance still rode like an old hay wagon, every bump bouncing the entire truck due to the stiff suspension designed specifically for towing and hauling heavy loads, less so for cruising.

Pulling up to the farm, I parked Cadance by the barn, shutting her down for the time being. We all stepped out and I did a quick look around, figuring the fillies would be inside. I walked over to the home and gave a brief knock before entering, Lassie, Spike, and Derpy following me inside. “Hello... girls? Apple Bloom?” I asked as I peered inside. Walking into the living room, I told Lassie and Spike they could drop their stuff off here.

Spike and Lassie called out too but we got no immediate response. I rose a brow and I instructed everyone to search a different part of the house. I went upstairs and went room to room, but alas found nothing. Coming back downstairs, I found the others already waiting for me. “Nothin'. You guys find anything?” I asked but they all shook their heads. “Huh...” I trailed off and Lassie spoke up.

“Maybe they're in the barn?” she suggested. I shrugged, figuring that was a good a guess as any. We all strode outside and to the barn where we continued our search for the fillies. I looked up to the hayloft and decided to look there.

“Fillies... you up there? It's me, Burdy!” I called out but still got no response. I climbed up and took a quick look. Finding nothing, I began rooting through the upper loft of the barn, searching for signs of the young fillies.

Looking around, I figured they probably weren't here. I crouched low and ducked beneath a beam and peered over the edge of the loft floor and down below. 'Damn... I'd hate to fall,' I thought to myself before spinning on my heels and going for the ladder back down.

However, in my haste, I forgot to duck again and smucked my forehead off the low beam. I was slightly dazed and stepped back, quickly regretting my movements as my heels tipped over the edge of the loft. “OH SHOOT!” I screamed as my arms flailed to try and regain my balance.

Just as I began to fall, I felt a presence dart up behind me, pushing against my back and hurling me forwards and into a pile of straw. I rolled over and lay on my back, Derpy atop of me, her mane frazzled and filled with straw. We both looked at each other before first giggling then bursting into laughter.

Spike ascended the ladder and looked to us. His stare was curious, wondering what exactly was funny. Truth be told, I didn't rightly know. “They're... not here either. But I think I know where they could be,” he offered.

Derpy fluttered back down to the ground level while I descended the ladder much like Spike. The young dragon led us outside and pointed to the nearby forest. “They have a tree house they use as their clubhouse.” We all looked to each other and shrugged, figuring it was the best guess we had thus far.

“Lead the way dude,” I told him and he nodded, leading us out to the small patch of apple trees that I would count as a forest. As we drew nearer, I heard giggling voices, along with the noise of hammers and saws in action. Walking up with the others, we spotted the crusaders doing some work to their clubhouse, obviously trying to make an addition but said building not going so well.

Lassie raced up, calling out to them. “Heyah gals, how's it hangin'?” she asked, the three fillies looking to us from their side mounted addition. They gave us all a wave before Applebloom began to complain.

“Ugh... not good. We're tryin' teh make another room in our clubhouse but we just can't get it tuh stay up! The floor keeps falling down!” she whined. I walked up and looked to them.

“So uhh... I guess your sisters all told you I was gonna watch over you?” I asked and Scootaloo's wings sprang out.

“AWWWWLRIGHT! Phew, for a while there we thought we were going to have another crabby foal-sitter, but this is sooo awesome!” she cheered and I scratched the side of my head.

“Uhh... yeah... I uhm...” I trailed off as I looked to their attempt at building an attachment to their clubhouse. It was a pretty bad attempt, as they had no braces or posts to keep the floor up, just some boards that acted as a floor nailed together and screwed to the original building.

“Uhm... well, I can figure out why your floor isn't standing up. You either need some posts running up from the ground, or you need to put like a...” I stepped below the unsturdy floor. “Like an angle brace of sorts, running from the edge over there-” I said, pointing to the far end of the floor, “Back to the original structure,” I told them.

They all looked to each other, then to me. “Can yah help us with that?” Apple Bloom asked and I shrugged.

“Well... ah reckon so. Iffin' yah got an extra hammer er two,” I said, Scootaloo's wings buzzing with excitement.

“Awww yeah, this is gonna look sooOOOOooo sweet when we're done!” she cheered, the three fillies hopping down and getting extra tools for us. I looked to Derpy whom looked to the structure with a curious look... or perhaps she was looking at it regularly and her crisscrossed eyes gave the illusion she was curious...

Hours later...

It was getting on into the evening and the sun was starting to set over the horizon. We had to take down the fillies original attempt to start anew, but it was coming along well.

I decided the best approach, considering my lack of professional knowledge in proper building, was to build joists off the structure of their original playhouse, then use angle braces to keep it afloat. Additional struts in between the joists would keep it sturdy and then we'd slap a floor over the joists and go from there. It was the best plan I could come up with and the fillies seemed to like the idea.

Lassie and Derpy had disappeared and I couldn't figure out where they went, but alas Spike, the fillies and myself had nearly finished the floor and supported them with angle braces so it wouldn't fall over.

All we really had left was a few more joists, then we'd build the floor and erect the walls after that. From behind the building came Lassie's accomplished voice. “AWWWWW SICK! GUYS, COME CHECK THIS OUT!” She cheered. Our group walked around and quickly realized what Derpy and her had done all day, our jaws dropping.

Attached to the backside of clubhouse was a deck and pool, properly supported and with a slide running down from the second floor of the clubhouse straight into the pool. I blinked in disbelief as Derpy spoke. “We thought it would be fun to have a pool for hot days like today... do you like it?” she asked the fillies, whom looked in utter shock at the deck and pool.

Sweetie Belle shook her head. “No, we don't like it,” she said, much to Derpy's immediate dismay. The three fillies quickly cheered out with bright smiles. “WE LOVE IT!” they cried out as they rushed up and hugged the older mare and my canine companion.

I looked to Lassie, then to the pool filled with water, then to Lassie, to the pool, to Lassies, to the pool and finally back to Lassie. “How'd you... but I... you... what?” I asked in confusion. Lassie just snickered as she quickly leapt her way up the side of the clubhouse like a ninja and picked herself an apple before hopping back down and landing gracefully, looking to me.

“The answer is...” she said, standing to her hindlegs, holding the apple in her right paw whilst placing a little white cloth over the apple. “MAGIC!” she giggled, fluttering away the cloth and revealing a freshly baked apple pie that oozed out an aroma that was so tantalizing I almost dropped to my knees from the smell...

Third person, elsewhere...

Applejack made her way towards the kitchen as she called out to her friends. “Ah made the best darn apple pie yah'll ever tasted fer desert. Yah'll gonna love it!” she assured them as she walked towards the windowsill then gasped in complete and utter dismay, like a heinous crime had been committed. Her freshly baked apple pie was gone, and in its place was just a single red apple...

Evan's perspective...

“Hungry anypony?” she asked, our stomachs all rumbling. “Mmm... me too,” she said, pulling out a knife and cutting the pie into several proportionate pieces, one for each of us. Despite having seven in our group, Lassie managed to cut it up evenly.

We all downed our piece of pie but even so, I could tell it wasn't enough to tide us over. Applebloom picked up. “Ah'm still kinda hungry,” she said.

Sweetie Belle nodded. “Me too!” she whined.

Scootaloo's stomach rumbled much like my own. “Me three!” she groaned, rubbing her tummy. I scratched the side of my head, finding it hard to think on an empty stomach, added to the fact we had been working today, I was feeling quite peckish.

“Well... uhm... I didn't really cook anything but uhm-” Lassie quickly cut me short.

“TAKE OUT! Let's go to that romantic little food stand. You know, back when I was a puppy and you'd bring me with you on dates with-” I put a hand over her muzzle, not wanting anypony to think I went on dates with my mother.

“To dinner with mum. Yeah. That's a great idea actually. Hey, do you gals wanna go out for dinner tonight? My treat, I'll pay,” I offered and they all nodded. I let go of Lassie's mouth and she spat at the ground between my feet.

“BLECK! Gross...” she coughed, rubbing her nose as though I stank. The seven of us made our way back to the truck. Having been exhausted from the heat, I tossed my duster coat and vest in the back seat. Piling into Cadance, I started her up and looked into the rear view mirror.

Spike, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom all managed to fit into the back seat nicely, thanks to their size. Lassie sat between Derpy and I, constantly leaning over and licking my face, much to the amusement of the fillies in the back.

Puttering away, I drove us back into Ponyville and to that small little catering trailer Twilight and I used to always go to. Pulling up, I put Cadance in park and we all piled out. All walking over, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Spike, Lassie and Derpy looked at the menus, the owner raising a brow, realizing it was going to be a big order.

Scootaloo looked to me. “What can I have?” she asked and I shrugged.

“Whatever you want... I mean, as long as it's on the menu,” I told her and her wings sprang out.

“Anything I want?” she asked excitedly and I nodded blankly. “WOW! Cool, you're the best!” She gave me a tight hug then looked back to the menu. “Can I have some pancakes? Lots of them?” she asked and the owner looked to her with a risen brow.

“Pancakes? In the evening?” he asked then looked to me, to which I just shrugged with a stupid look. “I suppose so,” he said. The others all ordered and I just got a funnel cake with a milkshake, figuring I'd make myself up something when we got back home. Hayburgers didn't sound all that appealing.

All in all it was just shy of two hundred bits, around twenty bits for each of us, plus Lassie ordered a bunch of extra stuff to go... for later, so she says.

The owner said it would take a while to cook up, and it would be roughly an hour. “So what are we supposed to do for an hour?!” Sweetie Belle squeaked and Lassie clapped her front paws.

“Hide and seek! Dibs not being it,” she said, rushing off into the thick grass of the fields nearby.

“Hey wait up!” Scootaloo cried out, rushing after her, quickly followed by the others young ones. I took a relaxing seat on a picnic table, Derpy sitting beside me.

“Thank you,” Derpy said and I looked to her with a risen brow. “For taking me out with you and paying for dinner. It's very nice of you,” she told me and I just brushed it off.

“Nah. I should thank you Derpy. They think that pool is the coolest thing ever.” I looked out to the field. Despite calling to not be the one looking for the others, Lassie was sniffing around in the tall grass, the only way I could see her was her long fluffy tail raised above the grass, waving to and fro.

Derpy and I watched the setting sun in the horizon, the kids joyfully playing in the field together. I looked to Derpy, her eyes seeming to gleam in the setting sunlight, along with the rest of her face. “You know Derpy... I don't think I ever got to thank you,” I said and she looked to me with a curious look.

“For what? You're always saving me. I should be the one thanking you,” she told me but I shook my head.

“Nah... when I first got here, I was really out of place. I was brash, arrogant, hot headed... maybe even mean... but you were my first, and for a long time, my only friend,” I said. She rested a hoof over my hand and just giggled.

“Well, you weren't really 'that' bad. Maybe gruff. But everypony is different. And besides, you were really nice to me, even when I got the mail wrong,” she assured me.

“Well... regardless, thank you,” I gave her my thanks to which she just giggled and blushed slightly, the red hue across her cheeks making her look pretty cute. As we sat there and watched the setting sun, I thought of something.

“Hey Derpy... I uhh... don't suppose you'd like to stay over. I don't know that much about kids,” I suggested and she looked to me.

“Well, I don't either,” she replied.

“Oh... well uhm... you know, I could use the extra help anyways. As good as Lassie is... she's still kind of foalish.” I chuckled and looked back out to the field where Lassie had found everypony but Scootaloo.

“Well... okay, if you want. But only if you cook breakfast, I'm not very good at it,” she stated and I just chuckled.

“Okay, deal,” I replied, both of us turning around and bumping flanks. “Tail Twist Swear,” I said, to which she seconded. Time passed by and eventually the world was basked into the beauty of night. The street lamps came on and the wonderful moon dimly illuminated the fields where the fillies played with Spike and Lassie.

The silence that had descended upon Derpy and myself while we enjoyed the night was soon interrupted by the vendor as he came around. “Here you are,” he said, placing down all our food.

I tossed him a Luna bit for a tip and his eyes went wide. “Keep it,” I said with my best attempt at a wink. I whistled out and Lassie's head poked up out of the grass.

“I smell food!” she chimed, ducking her head back into the grass and rushing along. I could see the grass moving about as they all rushed back towards the picnic bench. Popping out of the grass, Lassie was the first to reach the table, followed closely by Scootaloo, then Apple Bloom and finally Spike and Sweetie Belle.

Not much was said as the kids dug into their food. I sat with a smile and caught eyes with Derpy. I gave a half assed smile and just shrugged. Lassie was downing all her food like a pig, not bothering to use utensils and simply plowing her face into her plates of food and slopping it up.

I couldn't help but laugh as she lifted her head just enough to lick her nose to get some of the excess that had splashed on her face. Derpy and the kids giggled too. Lassie, being somewhat of an attention seeker, looked to us with a risen brow. “Oh... you think that's cool, watch this,” she said, taking a string of spaghetti and stuffing one end up her nose then snorting. Half the string hung out of her nose, while the other half came out her mouth. Derpy looked fascinated, while the others just laughed joyfully, thinking it was hysterical.

I rose a brow and she sucked back, the string of spaghetti disappearing. The fillies and Spike giggled while Derpy gave a shocked expression. “Wait... did that just go up to your brain?” she asked, making me laugh as well as Lassie.

Time passed on, and as it did so did the food. Sweeite Belle yawned, followed by Apple Bloom and Spike. I looked to my watch and realized it was quite late, 10:33pm to be exact. “Well, I guess I should be getting you all to bed,” I mentioned but Scootaloo pouted slightly.

“Aww, but I'm not even tiraaaarhed,” she yawned the last part, making me chuckle just slightly.

“Come on... you guys all look pretty beat. It was a long day. I'm pretty beat myself. If we all get a good night's rest then we can probably finish that extension to your clubhouse tomorrow,” I made mention. Standing up, I let out another yawn that was coupled with a stretch.

Walking towards Cadance I went to wave to the vendor as I passed, but realized his cart was closed and he was long gone now. Hmm, last customers of the night I guess. Opening the passenger door, I let the young ones into the back, then slid the seat back to let Derpy take shotgun.

Walking around, I hopped into the driver seat and patted Cadance's steering wheel. “Well... what's say it ol' girl?” I asked then keyed the ignition before driving back towards the Apple farmhouse. On the way back I nearly dozed off but kept myself awake for everypony's sake.

I was wiped, and I hadn't even done that much today. Pulling up to the front of the house I shut Cadance down then looked to the back where the others were nearly passed out. “Come on, we're almost there,” I told them. I got out and made my way back over to the passenger side, nearly tripping in my state of exhaustion.

Opening the door, the group all piled out and drowsily made their way to the house. Shutting the door behind them, I followed suit. Lassie was the first to crash, curling up on the welcome rug and Spike snuggling up next to her. I smirked. As cute as it was, I couldn't really let Spike sleep on the floor. Gently picking him up, I laid him down in the living room chair, his body nicely curled up on the seat.

I escorted the fillies upstairs. Apple Bloom must have planned this out because she had her room set up for her guests, having two extra beds set up. I wasn't sure if they fell asleep the moment they hit the mattresses or if they had simply passed out and flopped down onto their respective beds.

I let out a content sigh as I shut their door. I began to roam the house, shutting off the lights that didn't need to be on. Derpy sighed to herself. “Well... I guess I'll be going now,” she said. I put a hand on her shoulder.

“You don't need to go if you don't want to. I mean, I'm not going to hold you here against your will, but if you're going to come by tomorrow... why not just stay here? Besides, you don't wanna miss breakfast, remember?” I offered and she smiled.

“Sure. I'd like that,” she replied, her face almost glowing. I escorted her to what I presumed to be Applejack's room. It was a little too modern to strike me as Granny Smith's, and although tomboyish, it was a little more feminine than what I'd expect from Big Mac.

“Where are you going to sleep though?” Derpy asked and I just yawned again.

“Probably the couch. I'd take Mac's bed but I think I'm taller than him. The couch seems a bit more my size,” I informed her. “Well... night Derpy, sleep tight,” I gave a nod which she returned.

“You too,” she nearly whispered before gently shutting the door. I made my way back downstairs but as I was about to head into the living room, I noticed the driver side door of Cadance was ajar, leaving the cab and dome light on.

I let out an exhausted huff, remembering that I had left it open when I made my way to the passenger seat to let everypony out. Making my way outside, I smiled contently to myself, thinking about all the fun times I had with this old girl. I moved slowly, trailing my hand across her hood, the smooth metal was almost silky to the touch. I kept trailing my hand along the truck, shutting the door and making my way to the backside of her.

I popped open the tailgate and hopped in the bed of the truck. I scooched myself up to the very front of the box and leaned my head against the headache light rack. I had no energy to make my way back inside. Leaning over, I grabbed a rifle from one of the toolboxes.

The old Soviet sniper rifle rested heavy in my hands. Painted glossy black, it almost looked nightmarish, but also had a sense of beauty about it. As I rested there, a peaceful theme started to play through my mind. Despite being made of metal with not much in the way of padding, I found comfort in lying down in my truck's box and falling soundly to sleep...

I couldn't exactly tell what was happening. All I knew was that my vision was blurred and fizzy at best. I heard the rumble of thousands upon thousands of boots marching. As my vision came into slightly better focus, I saw the origin of said noise.

There were perfectly square formations, consisting of over a hundred men for each. Every single one of them marched together with perfect precision, every step a single, unified, thunderous stride.

I wasn't sure why... or how exactly I noticed, but somehow I spotted one man that stood out from the rest. He was tall and had a thickset body. His shoulders were broad and he seemed to fit snugly into his trench coat, where others fit rather loosely. He wore a jet black ushanka that protected his head and ears from the brisk climate. Snow covered the ground but none the least the soldiers marched on like it was nothing.

His head was turned to one side, as was most of the troops in the square formation. His facial features looked... defined, chiseled almost. He had the look of someone who had been through eternity of battle yet didn't let it faze him. In his arms rested a Mosin Nagant, fitted with a scope-

-I gasped while my body sat straight up in a hurry, my heart racing. My head turned side to side in blurry motions as I scanned the area for... I wasn't sure what had spooked me awake. Or maybe it was my dream. I didn't know. I couldn't even recall what I had been dreaming about.

I stroked a hand through my hair, which had grown considerable length despite having been cut recently. “Whew... haaa...” I let out a few long exhales as I let my body relax. Looking to my watch, I realized it was nearing 5am. Not nearly enough sleep in my books but not enough would easily suffice for me. I set Trillium back into the toolbox and decided to get a foot ahead on things and start breakfast.

I walked into the Apple Family residence, leaving my coat at the door along with my hat and boots. Once in the kitchen, I started rooting through the fridge and cupboards, quickly deciding that this morning would be light fluffy pancakes, along with toast and eggs.

Not long after I had started cooking, Lassie was up. At first she just went to use the washroom but must have smelt the pancakes because afterwards she was walking towards the kitchen, audibly sniffing the air.

“Mmm-mmm! Damn that smells mighty tasty!” she chimed. I smirked, rolling my eye as I flipped the pancakes.

“Think the kids'll be up soon?” I asked but only got an 'Ah dunno' as a response. Figures. I didn't want to nescassarily wake them up if they were enjoying a good sleep but I also didn't want the food going cold.

Finishing one batch of pancakes, I set them aside in a stack then started another batch. The sun started it's ascent over the horizon, basking a wonderful morning glow over the world. Lassie stood up beside me and started cooking the eggs.

Before long, I heard hoofsteps coming down the stairs. I took a quick peek over my shoulder and spotted Derpy. Her hair was frazzled and gave her a definite bedhead look. I chuckled to myself as she mingled over and took a seat at the dinning table.

“Mornin',” I greeted, which was followed by a yawn from the grey pegasus. Not even a moment later, I heard the clutter of hooves as the three fillies rushed down the stairs and zoomed into the kitchen.

“IT'S TODAY, IT'S TODAY, IT'S TODAY!” the three of them cheered. I blinked unsurely, the pancakes nearly burning as I looked to the overly enthusiastic fillies.

“Today?” I asked and the three nodded in a joyful blur.

“The fair! It's here! It's today! Can you take us, can you take us, can you take us?!” they all chimed then simmered down slightly and all looked to me with big, wide, puppy dog eyes. “Pwetty pwease?” they all asked and I just chuckled. They didn't have to put on such a show...

“Uhh, yeah-yeah... uhm, sure but first...” I said, grabbing the first batch of pancakes. “Maybe have something to eat?” I offered them the plate.

“Then can we go right away?” Sweetie Belle asked. I chuckled and gave a nod.

“Sure, sure. Well, you guys might wanna take a shower or bath first,” I stated and they all gave a pouty face. “I'm just sayin... it won't take long,” I told them. “Then right after, we'll go to the fair. Promise,” I assured them.

They were quick to get their respective plates and start wolfing down their breakfasts. I just laughed inwardly. “Careful. Don't wanna get a tummy ache,” I warned. Not moments later, Spike was the last to arrive to the kitchen.

“Oh boy, something smells good!” he made mention and I pulled out a plate, fork and knife for him.

“Uh-huh. Pancakes with eggs and toast on the side. There's also milk or apple juice if yah get thirsty,” I told him, serving him up a plate of the last pancakes. He looked, seeing that there was no more from the first batch.

“What about you?” he asked and I merely lifted the frying pan lid, revealing more pancakes on the go. “Ahh. Okay, I don't feel so bad taking the last ones now,” he said, taking a seat. A short time went by and I served up the second batch of pancakes to the kids and started on the last batch for Derpy, myself and Lassie.

As the final batch was nearly finished, the fillies ate the last of their food and Scootaloo stood up. “Okay! Time for a bath!” she nearly squealed and I nodded.

“Oky doke. When you're done we'll go,” I said, flipping the pancakes out onto a plate. The three of them stood there idle. I turned and saw them staring at me. “Uhm... I'm just gonna have some pancakes and uhh... I'll probably use the outside shower...” I trailed off.

“We need help. We can't wash our backs by ourselves...”

Derpy and Lassie were downstairs finishing their breakfast while I tended to the bathing needs of the three fillies I was foalsitting, whom all sat in the tub filled with warm, bubbly water. Scootaloo pushed around a little rubber ducky while Apple Bloom scrubbed her mane with apple smelling shampoo.

I gently scrubbed Sweetie Belle's back with a foam brush filled with body wash. Scootaloo stood up suddenly and looked to me, wiping off the foam bubbles that covered her body. “Why do we have to wear bathing suits in the tub?” she asked curiously and I cocked my jaw to one side.

“Because you're... fillies and I'm... I don't know, just sit back down, we're almost done,” I told her.

“But we don't wear clothes anywhere. Why should we wear clothes in the tub?” she asked and I didn't rightly answer.

“Because... when you're older I'll tell you,” I stated, taking a pitcher of water and washing Sweetie Belle off. I will say, it didn't feel overly weird washing fillies, but were they not wearing bathing clothes I definitely may have made someone else do it... and probably not Lassie just because.

Taking another pitcher of water, I helped wash Apple Bloom's mane. Finishing up, I pulled the plug and let the water drain. Taking the several pitchers of water, I washed off the excess bubbles and the fillies all piled out of the tub. I took some towels and helped them dry off, since it was obviously difficult for fillies to dry themselves.

Shaking wildly, Scootaloo turned into a poofy ball of fuzz. I patted her down and her wings sprang out. “OKAY! TIME TO GO!” She chimed and I sighed.

“Yeah, just let me take a shower first-” they all gave a long disgruntled 'AWWWWW'. “Yeah, I know I said right after you bathed but I figured I'd shower while you all washed up. It'll only take a few minutes. Besides, it's only like...” I looked to my watch. “8:30. We'll be there by nine and play all day, promise,” I told them and Apple Bloom spoke up.

“As long as we want?” she asked and I nodded.

“As long as you want.” They all gave me a hug then scurried downstairs, cheering that they were going to the fair. I grabbed two towels for myself and went outside to the small walled-in shower that was on the other side of the barn. I had used said shower a few times in the past when it was scorching hot and I was working for Applejack.

Tossing my clothes aside, I hung the towels over the door of the shower and turned on the nozzles. My body shuddered as I was cascaded by icy cold water which soon turned warm. I quickly started scrubbing myself down with body wash, also making note to shampoo my hair, which I noticed gave me an apple aroma much like Apple Bloom.

'Now I know why Applejack always smells like apples,' I thought to myself, remembering all the times I had smelt her before seeing her while working in the fields.

I heard a musical beat drop followed by an iconic voice.

I looked and saw Lassie with a beat box, dancing erotically... erm... while, I suppose that was what she was trying to pawn off as erotic with the way she had her rump in the air, tail cocked to the side and swinging her hips to and fro... not that I'd consider it erotic.

“Foxy lady... ngh!” Lassie moaned as she danced to the beat then looked to me and winked. I just shook my head but she kept dancing to the beat. Dammit, as if she found that CD of all things to play while I was showering.

“Show me what yah got stud,” she said with a moan, forcing me to groan with discomfort. Peeking over my shoulder I noticed her watching me, tail wagging. With a shake of my head I quickly finished my shower and grabbed my towels, drying off and looking to her.

“You're pregnant... and you're still as horny as ever,” I mentioned and she nodded.

“Yah dude, what did you think? That if I got knocked up I'd start acting normal? Do you know how many hormones are going through my body now?” she asked and there was a moments pause before she laid on her back. “Belly wub?” she asked, giving me puppy dog eyes and a pouty lip.

“What? How do you go from-” but she cut me short.

“Pwwwwwwwwease?” she whined and I sighed, kneeling down and rubbing her belly. She panted happily, her tongue lolling out and drooling heavily before looking to me with a smirk.

“My nipples are very sensitive,” she giggled, making me jump back with disgust.

“ECH! UGHHHH! Lassie... okay, now I know why you were horny then suddenly wanted a belly rub...” I grunted.

I got up and made my way over to my clothes, dropping the towels around my body and once again dawning my western wear. As I neared the house, I realized Derpy and Spike had also taken a quick wash and that everypony was waiting on me.

“Alrighty then... I suppose I've made you wait long enough,” I told them, the three fillies squealing. I quickly stepped into the doorway and grabbed my duster and hat then made my way to Cadance with the others.

I patted Cadance's steering wheel and keyed the ignition. “A'right ol' girl... let's roll,” I said, the others already sitting in their respective seats and waiting. “So where is this fair?” I asked and Scootaloo was quick to answer.

“On the other side of town!” she squealed with excitement. I cranked the truck into reverse, backing up before shifting into drive and puttering off. The fillies in the back chatted with excitement, talking about the first things they'd be doing. Lassie joined in and I simply looked to Derpy.

“So?” I asked. She looking to me with a curious look.

“So what?” she asked back and I shrugged.

“Whatta yah think? The fair?” I asked and she gave an 'Ah dunno' kind of look.

“I don't usually go. There's not many ponies who would go with me to the annual fair.”

“Their loss. Think today will be fun?” I asked and Scootaloo pipped up in the back.

“Well duh. Fairs are totally awesome!” she remarked and I laughed. After a few minutes of driving I found the fair. It wasn't anything particularly jaw droppingly spectacular, but it was definitely something to behold.

There were probably over two dozen rides from what I could see, vendors at every corner, some farm animals on display, among many other attractions. I pulled my truck up and parked her near the fence, but before I could step out, a motorized carriage puttered up beside me. I recognized it in an instant.

It was the one I had smoked on my way to the hospital with Fluttershy, all those months ago. Out stepped Diamond Tiara and that other one, Silver Spoon, along with Filthy Rich whom I had met only seldom but never formally.

I opened my door and stepped out along with the others, much to Tiara's amusement. “Oh look, it's the blank flanks!” Her and the silver one giggled cruelly but before I could make a witty comeback, her father scorned her.

“Tiara! That's not very polite.” He turned to me. “I'm sorry, she can be a little... misleading at times. She means well,” he said, extending his hoof. “Mr. Rich,” he said and I shook his hoof with my hand.

“Burdick,” I replied and he nodded. Only my friends called my Burdy.

“Ah yes. My daughter speaks of you on occasion. The hairless monkey?” he asked and I exhaled with a huff.

“Yeah... let's go with that,” I replied, looking to see that Tiara was once again trying to get under the skill of the other fillies.

“Daddy ordered us ride all day passes, so we don't have to pay for every single ride. We can just ride again and again,” she stated in a snooty tone, displaying a wrist band that went over one of her front hooves.

Rich called for his daughter and her friend and the trio trotted off towards the fair, the two fillies trotting with snide looks on their faces. 'What a bitch,' I thought silently to myself before looking to the others and motioning with my head for them to follow me.

Sweetie Belle spoke up. “Can we get ride all day passes too?” she asked and I shrugged.

“Uhh... sure,” I replied as we neared the entrance. Walking up to the admission booth I leaned over to the younger teen who was working admissions. “Uhh... hey, can I get some of those ride passes?” I asked and he looked to me before speaking in a squeaky voice.

“Sorry mister,” he began, his voice obviously cracked from puberty. “You have to pre-order them,” he informed me. I looked back to the fillies, whom look slightly distraught from the information, having obviously had their hearts set on those silly bands.

I reached into my wallet and fished out a Celestia bit. “I uhh... did order them.” I said setting the bit down in front of the teen who's eyes went wide. I leaned over and whispered to him. “I'm sure you've got dozens of extra ones in boxes. They're just stupid little bands. I only need some for the three fillies and the dragon,” I told him and he swallowed hard.

I fished out another Celestia bit and slid the two coins towards the colt. In reality, it'd probably be cheaper just to buy ride tickets but I wanted to see the fillies smile. He quickly scooped up the coins, pocketing them and rushing to the back of the booth and rummaging through some boxes before coming back with four bands.

“Here you go sir! Have a wonderful day!” he squeaked. I walked over to the fillies and Spike, giving them the bands which they hastily strapped on.

“AWW COOL! YOU'RE THE MOST AWESOME PERSON EVER!” Scootaloo squealed with delight, the four of them hugging me tightly. I just smiled as we all proceeded into the fairgrounds.

I took a brief glance towards the teen colt, seeing him admiring his two Celestia bits. Lassie stood up to her hindlegs and whispered into my ear. “You bribed him, didn't you?” she asked and I nodded. “I figured as much. Either that or he gave them to you for being famous,” she mentioned before falling to all fours.

Apple Bloom piped up, pointing over to a giant swinging pendulum ride. “Woah, look at that one!” she squealed, the three fillies and Spike rushING towards it.

'CRAP!' I thought as Derpy and I rushed after them, not wanting to lose them. They stood near the entrance gate of the ride and we all looked in awe as the giant swinging arm swung back and forth at nauseating angles, nearly going upside down at some points.

“WOW! Can we go on?” Scootaloo asked, the four young ones looking to me.

“Uhh... yeah sure, I guess,” I stated. There weren't many ponies in line for this particular ride, maybe due to the intensity. As the ride stopped, the pony running the ride started admitting ponies to enter. As the young ones entered, Spike looked back.

“Uhh... aren't you coming?” he asked, a little nervously. I shook my head.

“Nah, you guys go on without me. I'm probably a little too big-” but the admission pony cut me short.

“Uhh... I don't think so,” he said in a squeaky voice, he too being a puberty struck teen. “We can fit minotaurs on this ride. So you should be able to fit,” he stated and I sighed.

“Come on!” Scootaloo cheered and I let out a deep exhale.

“Oh... alright,” I went to step forwards but the admission pony stopped me.

“Sorry sir, but you either need some tickets or a wrist band,” he told me and I groaned. I looked around and spotted a ticket booth. “I'll wait for you, just don't be too long,” he told me and I rushed over to the booth. The mare behind the booth window looked at me in surprise from my rush. I tossed her two Luna bits and her eyes went wide.

“Oh... uhm, one moment,” she said, grabbing out an entire roll of tickets and handing them over. I scooped them up and rushed back, dust kicking up behind my heels. I skidded to a stop and looked to the admission pony.

“How much?” I asked and he pointed to the sign that read two tickets per pony.

“Me too, me too!” Lassie chimed. I looked to Derpy.

“Wanna tag along?” I asked and she gulped. Looking up to the pivot point and the pendulum arm.

“It looks scary...” she trailed off but Apple Bloom piped up from the ride, having already taken a seat.

“Come on! Hurry up. We're all waitin'!” she called out. Derpy bit her lip. I rested an assuring hand on her shoulder.

“I'll sit beside you,” I offered and she nodded timidly. How could a pegasus, aside from Fluttershy, be afraid of heights? I gave the pony six tickets along with the roll. “Can you hold onto these?” I asked and he nodded.

Derpy Lassie and I walked up to the ride and took our seats, Derpy sitting beside me. The pony walked along and strapped us into our seats with padded safety bars. Walking back to the operating booth, he spoke up through the speaker system, telling us to hold on tight and enjoy the ride.

The ride pulled one way, quickly gaining speed. I felt Derpy's hoof grab my hand tightly, and I held tight, not letting go. The pendulum arm started to swing with greater and greater force, and pretty soon we were nearly being put upside down with each thrusting swing.

Derpy let out a yelp for the first time as the arm swung downwards while I let out a thrilled howl. Soon after the ride started slowing down and finally came to a stop. The safety bars rose and the fillies, Spike and Lassie all rushed towards the exit, giggling about how awesome that was and how they should definitely go again.

Derpy was stiff in her seat and I looked to her. “Too much?” I asked and she let out a deep exhale, her stiff form nearly deflating. “Come on, I won't make you ride it again. I'll find you a seat,” I said, the pegasus having obviously been terrified from the ride.

“That was scary,” Derpy whispered and I nodded, escorting her off the ride. Collecting the roll of tickets from the operator, I was suddenly grabbed by my pant leg and dragged along by Sweetie Belle.

“Come on, this way, Lassie found a UFO!” She stated ecstatically, dragging myself and Derpy along to another ride. There was a slightly longer lineup to this one which was some sort of spacecraft that spun around on the spot. I supposed the riders sat inside.

“Come on, Lassie and the others are already in line!” Sweetie Belle informed me. I looked to Derpy, whom was obviously still dazed from the last ride.

“If you want, you can sit this one out. I have a feeling it's not very subtle,” I offered and she nodded thankfully. “Here, if you wouldn't mind holding these.” I gave her the roll of tickets, breaking off a few for Lassie and myself.

I made my way to the lineup just as the ride came to a stop, several ponies staggering out dizzily. 'Oh geeze...'

The day progressed with the fillies dragging me around to several of the thrill rides, Derpy sitting out most of them and only going on the less intense rides. I didn't blame her. If I didn't really feel obliged to go on the rides with the fillies, I probably wouldn't have went on many either.

We went on rides ranging from the pendulum arm to spinning apples to bumper carts. We even went into a mirror maze of which I smucked my head twice by running into a barrier while trying to keep up with the fillies.

The day was progressing and it was getting late into the afternoon. As Scootaloo was pulling me along to another ride we suddenly crossed paths with Tiara, Silver Spoon and Filthy Rich. Tiara and Spoon both had small stuffed animals.

“Hey blank flanks,” Tiara teased but Scootaloo just scoffed.

“Blank flanks nothing. Look what we have,” she replied, showing off her ride all day pass. Tiara just laughed snidely.

“Pfft so? Look what we have. We won them at the soaker game,” she said, brandishing her stuffy. “Oh... I guess you're not good enough to win one though,” she laughed, her father lightly scolding her before the group departed towards another attraction.

“URGGGH! Why that... she always thinks she's sooo smart!” Sweetie Belle grumbled, Tiara having obviously gotten under her, and the other crusaders' for that matter, skin. Scootaloo tugged at my pantleg.

“Can we win some too?” she asked, pointing over to a midway game. There were these little water gun sprayer turrets and a little target in front of each player's turret.

The carny spotted us and called our group over. “Hey yah'll! Feel like playin' a round? All yah gotta do is spray the target till the clown's balloon nose pops. Everyone's a winner, but the one who wins first gets a bigger prize!” he chimed.

I looked to the racks of prizes. There were really small prizes, then there were small prizes, then medium sized prizes, then larger prizes and finally there were huge stuffed animals. The ones Tiara and Silver had were a step above the smallest prize, so they had obviously both won at least one round.

“Alright, how much?” I asked.

“Just two bits per player. Whatta yah say daddy-o?” he asked, nudging me. I suppose he got the wrong impression I was these fillies' father.

“Sure, sure.” I pulled out fourteen bits, enough for us all to play.

“Alright, we have a game started. Players take aim, we'll start in just a moment's time,” he called out on a microphone that projected his voice through a speaker. We all took our seats, taking hold of our water sprayers. “All right... starting in three... two... one, GO!” he called, our water sprayers going live and hosing out a stream of water. I quickly redirected my stream at the clown's mouth and the water started filling the clown's balloon nose.

However quick I was, I heard the splashing pop of a balloon and looked over to see that Apple Bloom had taken first place. “Alright, we have a winner ladies and gentle colts. Here yah are little lady,” he said, handing her over a small prize before giving us each one of the smallest stuffed animals.

Sweetie Belle spoke up. “Can we play again? I wanna win that one,” she mentioned, pointing to the big tiger. I looked to the carny.

“How do you win the biggest ones?” I asked and he quickly began explaining it like it was easy.

“Well it's simple really. All yah gotta do is combine two prizes of the smaller prizes to get the next stage. So you take two of the smallest prizes to get a small prize. Then you need two small prizes to win a medium, and two mediums to win a large and finally two larges to win a grand prize!” he cheered like it was a deal.

I did a quick mental calculation. “So we need to play like... thirty-six times to win a grand prize?” I asked and he nodded. I blinked then shook my head. “Uhh... yeah, we'll come back later,” I said, the carny giving a frown. I rubbed my belly. “We're hungry, and that'll take a little while,” I told him before turning to the others. “Come on guys.” I led them away before thinking to myself. 'Pfft... what a rip.'

“You guys hungry?” I asked, looking to my watch and realizing it was getting on in the day, being seven in the afternoon. My stomach grumbled along with Scootaloo's and Lassie's.

Spike nodded. “Yeah... I haven't eaten since breakfast,” he mentioned, much to Sweetie Belle's amusement.

“None of us have, silly,” she laughed. We made our way over to a vendor booth that served french fries and hayburgers, along with drinks and a few other side dishes like onion rings or nachos. Each one of us, minus Lassie and myself, got a hayburger and fries while I ordered an extra dish of fries and Lassie got a large order of poutine.

Getting our order, we took a seat at the picnic tables set up. I let out a deep, relieved exhale, finally getting to stop and rest after having been going on ride after ride. For a carnival in a small town, this was a pretty decent fair.

“Mmm, these hayburgers are great!” Scootaloo mentioned. Apple Bloom nodded in agreement.

“Yeah. Thanks for bringing us Evan!” she gave me her thanks, along with the others. I just gave a nod with an 'A-ok' hand gesture.

We sat for a little while, enjoying our food before Scootaloo stood up. “Come on. I wanna play that squirt game again!” she mentioned and I quickly tried to dissuade her.

“Why not try a different game? There might be something a little more fun than that,” I suggested. “Come on, let's look around,” I said, our group standing up and walking off to the midway.

Lassie stood up to her hindlegs and whispered to me. “Is it just me or was that water sprayer game a complete rip?” she asked and I nodded.

“Yeah, we would've spent over six hundred bits to win that lion, or tiger, or whatever.” Lassie nodded.

“Yeah, I figured as much. Carny games are kinda a ripoff and are definitely rigged.” Lassie fell back to all fours as we walked along. Sweetie Belle pointed out a game.

“Cool, look at that one!” she said before rushing over. We all followed her to a game with dozens upon dozens of balloons.

“Howdy there folks, wanna play a round of darts?” he asked. “It's easy, just hit a balloon and yah win a prize. Hit one of the smaller, glittery balloons and you win a medium, but...” he said, taking out a pointing stick and pointing to the top of the board. “Hit one of these small stars up here and you get a large prize,” he stated. The game was a better deal than the water guns. The small prizes were about the size of the small prizes from the water guns, and the same went for the medium prizes which were won by hitting one of the few glittery balloons. The large prize was one of the tigers that Sweetie Belle wanted, but the star that needed to be hit was only about 2cm in diameter, which was a helluva gander to hit.

“How much?” I asked.

“Three bits for five darts or five for ten,” he stated, obviously trying to persuade players into buying ten since it seemed like you would get a deal.

“Sure uhh... give me twenty darts,” I said, figuring we could each have a throw or two. I passed him over ten bits and in return he gave twenty darts. I gave three darts to each of the others while only taking two for myself. I didn't really want to play, nor did I need any stuff animals.

Lassie threw first, missing her first dart. “Heh... watch this,” she said, taking aim at a glittery balloon and tossing. Her dart however, simply bounced off. I suppose by underfilling the balloon to make it smaller, it gave the balloon a better resistance to being popped. “WHAT!” she gasped before whipping her final dart at the board, striking a regular balloon and popping it.

“Hey, a winner!” the carny announced, giving her a small prize. Lassie however, was not impressed, grumbling to herself as the others tossed their darts. Each of the fillies won a small prize, Derpy won two and Spike got ready to toss his darts.

Sweetie Belle pointed to the small star. “Spike, can you try to win the big tiger for me?” she asked and Spike blushed.

“Uhh... heh-heh, sure thing,” he chuckled nervously before tossing his first dart and missing by a considerable margin. He bit his lip and threw another, again missing terribly. I will give him credit, the blue star was small and throwing darts was a pain.

He took aim and tossed his last dart, only being off by just two inches. Spike gasped, having been so close yet so far. I leaned over to whisper to the carny. “Hey buddy...” I fished out a Luna bit. “Why dontcha... yah know,” I whispered with a wink and he nodded.

“That'd give yah'll a lotta darts to play,” he said and I groaned.

“No man...” I trailed off and looked to the fillies who weren't exactly paying attention to me. “That was pretty close... they're just kids, make 'em happy, yah know?” I said but he shook his head.

“Sorry mister. Those are the rules and yah gotta play by 'em.” I sighed and irritably stuffed the Luna bit back into my pocket. I looked at my two darts then to the small star. My middle finger danced along the green dart, rolling it back and forth before picking it up and giving it a toss, the dart falling short and landing a few inches below the target.

I gave the star a squinty eyed look, much like a Clint Eastwood glare, then fished Cadance's keys from my pocket and gave them a graceful kiss, my good luck charm. “Alright baby... let's do this,” I said, determined to all hell to win this prize. I thumbed the final blue dart around in my hand before leaning my arm forwards, gauging the dart's trajectory when I tossed it.

Cocking my arm back, I gave the dart a whizzing toss, the tip jabbing into the right arm of the star. The carny nodded with an impressed look on his face but I could see it. Deep down, he was regretting not taking the bribe. Sucking down his pride he simply called out. “HEY! LOOK AT THAT FOLKS. A GRAND PRIZE WINNER!” He called out, gaining several passing ponies' attention.

I looked to Sweetie Belle. “Okay, so which one did you want?” I asked her and she joyfully pointed to the striped tiger, nearly jumping with joy. “That's the one she wants,” I told the carny whom took down the tiger and handed it over.

Sweetie Belle squealed in delight, hopping around in joy as she squeezed her newest toy. I felt a little bad inside, wishing it was Spike whom had won it for Sweetie Belle, but in the end she was happy nonetheless.

“Come on guys, let's go try something else,” I suggested. We walked along, looking at all the games. Lassie quickly pointed one out and we followed her over. There were several bottles with vertical rings attached to the tops of them. On the counter were several fishing rods, though the hooks weren't sharp.

The carny came over and looked to me. “Wanna play. It's really easy. Just hook a bottle with the fishing rod and claim your prize. Each bottle has a note of what kind of prize you can win, ranging anywhere from a small prize to a ride all day pass or even a roll of ride tickets,” she stated. I looked up. There were several prizes to be won, large stuffed animals, cowpony hats, fishing gear and some smaller prizes. The carny leaned over. “But, if you're really lucky, you'll get the golden ticket,” she said and I rose my brow.

“Golden ticket?” I asked and she nodded.

“See that fishing boat over there?" she asked, pointing over to a nearby boat on stands. "Get the golden ticket and you win it. One of these bottles has the golden ticket. Just three bits per play,” she said. I handed over twenty-one bits, enough for us each to try.

We all grabbed our fishing rods and hung the hooks over the bottles, trying effortlessly to get a bottle which was the easy part. Each of us retrieved a bottle and emptied them out to see our prizes. Most of us just got a small prize but Lassie won a medium sized dog prize.

“Aww yeah, look at this!” she said, hugging her newfound toy before standing up to whisper to me. "I know exactly what I'll do to him." I just rolled my eye before Apple Bloom gasped, having found the golden ticket.

“WOAH! Look what I got!” she said aloud. We all looked over and the carny looked with shock.

“Well look at that, someone got the golden ticket!” she said but Apple Bloom just sighed.

“I know I win the boat... but can I trade it for a hat...” she trailed off and looked to me. “One just like his,” she stated and I was nearly staggered by her words.

“A-Apple Bloom... you could just sell the boat... err, I'll buy you one-” but she quickly cut me off.

“I know... but this way I'll have won it myself, and I can be just like you and my sister,” she said. I blinked, completely baffled by her words. The carny blinked.

“Are you sure little filly? I don't want anypony thinking I ripped you off,” she asked and Apple Bloom nodded, her mind made up. “Alright, if that's your decision. Which one do you want?” she asked and Apple Bloom pointed to a hat that was somewhere in the mix between my own and Applejack's.

The carny tossed it over and Apple Bloom proudly placed it on her head. Looking to me, she smiled brightly. “Now ah'm just like you and muh sister!” she said, something about her voice sounded... confident, proud... truly spirited.

Lassie called out, pointing over to a claw crane machine. “Cool, let's try that one!” she said, running over. We all followed her over and looked at the machine, a big title reading 'Winner every time!'. It was the basic claw crane game, were one operated the claw with a joystick then pressed the button to drop the claw and grab a prize. However, there were two cranes in separate areas, one with large prizes and one with small prizes.

It was only a single bit to play. I shrugged and gave each of the fillies, Spike and Lassie a bit. I offered a bit to Derpy but she politely declined. Each of them took a play and I quickly realized you only got one try at the big prizes before the game switched you over to the smaller prizes, which had unlimited attempts to get a prize. 'Ahhh... cheeky,' I thought to myself, now understanding what it meant by winner every time. However, despite the circumstances, Spike still managed to win himself a large dragon prize.

Walking along with a large assortment of stuffies, Derpy suddenly gasped and rushed over to another carny game. This one had milk cans set up on a table and several large baseballs laying around.

“Look!” Derpy said, pointing to a large stuffed muffin that had dopey eyes and a smiley face with it's tongue sticking out. “It's so cute!” she peeped. The carny walked over.

“Hey there mister, feel like winnin' a prize fer the little lady? All yah gotta do is get one of these here balls in the milk can. Simple. Five bits for five balls,” he told me. Derpy looked to me with big round puppy dog eyes.

“Please?” she asked. Who could say no to that? I dropped five bits on the table and in return recieved five baseballs and quickly came to realization with something. These weren't regular baseballs... they were bouncy balls in disguise... and the opening at the top of the milk can, while it was funneled, was about the size of the baseballs... heavily weighing the odds against me.

'Okay Burdy... simple, just lob it, higher arc, less range,' my conscious told me. 'Easier said than done,' I thought back. Stroking a hand through my hair, I took one of the balls and lobbed it, the ball missing completely. Getting my bearings in place I tossed another ball, this time it bounced off the rim of the can.

'Easy... slow breath... still hands,' my conscious said, a hand resting on my shoulder, another cupping my own hand. 'Like this,' he said and my body seemed to move on its own. The ball was lobbed a little higher than before but the arc was stubbier.

It bounced on the rim then went straight into the can. “HEY-HO! Look at that, we have a winner!” the carny called out for all to hear. Ponies looked over as Derpy grabbed me tight and hugged me affectionately, the carny taking down one of the muffin stuffies.

“Oh thank you so much, I love it!” Derpy said, nearly in tears from all her happiness. I smiled as our group started on again.

We stopped by another carny game and this time it was Spike whom wanted to stop. "Hey folks, take a throw and win a prize. It's that simple," he spoke out to us. We walked up and looked, the carny smiling. "Seeing as how yah'll seem tah be so good at winning, this one should be a sinch. All yah gotta do is knock all three of those stacked cans over, and off the plate. Five bits get yah three balls." Spike looked to me and I shrugged, giving the carny five bits.

Spike took a ball and hurled it, easily knocking over the cans. "Oooh tough break. Yah see kid, yah gotta also knock the cans off this plate," he commented and I looked to see the plate the cans rested on was rather large and made it seem largely unfair. None the less Spike seemed determined and tossed another ball, this time completely missing.

On his third throw however he cocked back his arm and threw hard, again missing the cans horribly. However the ball bounced off the back wall and came zooming back, striking the cans forwards and off the plate. The carny chuckled. "Well look at that. Alrighty kid, which prize do you want?" he asked. There were only two to choose from, a Celestia stuffy and a Luna stuffy.

"That one," he said, pointing to the Celestia one. The carny gave him his prize and we once again continued on our way. As we walked along I took notice of something. Aside from myself, everyone but Scootaloo had a large prize.

“Hey Scoots... choose a game, I'll win you something big,” I suggested and she looked back to me then rubbed her hoof in the dirt.

“I-it's o-okay. I really... really don't need anything,” she said, slightly timid about it. I just brushed it off.

“Anything you want, I'll win it,” I assured her and she perked up.

“Well... there... kinda is something-” I cut her short.

“Lead the way,” I told her and her face brightened up before she briskly led the way over to a big lit up tower. At the top of said tower was a bell. I knew exactly what this was.

An announcer spoke out through a set of speakers. “Hey, step right up 'n' test your strength. Show me, who among colts are true stallions?” the announcer said. It was getting pretty late. The sun had set and the moon was up, so the lighting on the tower really glowed and grabbed ponies' attention.

“It's really easy folks, just strike the lever with this here mallet, and get the puck to hit the bell. Do so and you win any of the prizes here. It's so easy, my assistant here can do it,” he told nearby ponies, directing their attention to a smaller framed pony who grasped the mallet in both front hooves and slammed the lever with it in an effortless way. The puck shot straight up and dinged the bell at the top of the tower.

“And for anypony who wins, we have a super duper prize. A limited edition Wonderbolt Rainbow Dash for the taking! Just five bits get you three tries!” Ponies quickly lined up, teen colts and a few young stallions wanting to show off for their mares. Scootaloo tugged on my pantleg.

“Can you win the Rainbow Dash for me? PleasepleasepleasepleasePLEASE?!” She asked, almost hyperventilating. I nodded and gave her an 'A-ok' hand gesture.

"This is right up my alley," I mentioned, stepping into line and watching the first few colts and stallions try, but even so, they usually fell just short, and in some cases didn't even get halfway. The crowd quickly grew dissatisfied with the game, some even complaining.

A grey stallion stepped up. I wasn't sure what exactly caught my eye about him but he just seemed... out of place. But even so, he paid his entry and grasped the hammer. Rather effortlessly, he swung and smacked the lever, the puck pinging the bell.

“Would you look at that folks, a winner!” the carny announced. Scootaloo dipped her head, but much to her relief, the grey stallion chose a different prize, grabbing a big lion instead. Once again ponies lined up to play the game and I rubbed my chin.

Whatever it was about that pony... just a hunch I suppose. I didn't like him. He gave off weird vibes.

Again ponies began to fail and after just four contestants I was up. “Woah hey, look at this guy folks. Real bodybuilder huh? Whatta yah say pops? Feel like winnin a prize fer the kids?” he asked. I handed him the five bits and from the corner of my good eye spotted him discretely pumping a pedal with his hind hoof.

Disregarding it, I remembered how easy it seemed for the two other ponies that won to strike the bell. Taking the mallet in one hand, I struck the lever but it only drove the puck a quarter of the way up the tower.

“See, you're supposed to hold it in both hooves mister,” he informed me. I grabbed the mallet in a tight grip and drove it down hard. The puck shot up but still only went half way. “Ooooh, tough break. But you still got one more try!” he informed me.

I began to get frustrated. How was it... that those two smaller ponies struck the bell so smoothly and with such ease? From the corner of my eye, I spotted the grey stallion near a storage tent. He looked both ways before tossing the big lion into the tent then fitted a blonde wig on his head and put on a shirt.

Bastards... my inner rage started to boil up. I flexed, my shoulders broadening out as my biceps tensed, veins bulging out. My grip around the mallet handle grew so fierce I thought my hands might start bleeding.

I took a wider stance, grunting deeply as my brows furrowed. “NGHHHH, GAHHHH!” I grunted, feeling my body start to shake a little. The carny rose a brow, wondering just exactly what was going on. My body tensed out to it's maximum capacity, I slowly began to raise the mallet.

“HGGGAHHHHH!” I groaned out excessively, my fuming anger starting to boil over. I felt as though there was another presence just behind. His hand again rested on my shoulder.

'That's it... let it flow through you, just like the blood flows through your veins. Let it enrich your body... and take complete control of you body and mind,' he told me. With the hammer cocked high above my head I let out a deafening roar, swinging down hard with unbelievable force.

It was mostly a hazy blur for me but I felt a stiff vibration jolt my arms from the violent strike of the mallet against the lever. In less than a second the puck shot up with such intensity that it blew the bell clean off, sparks of electricity flashing from the top of the busted tower and ponies gasped in shock and awe as the bell disappeared into the darkness of the night.

I gasped heavily as I gained my bearings, quickly noticing that the head of the mallet was shattered, along with the lever system. Small currents of blue electricity fizzled out along the ground. My hands felt tingly and I released the mallet handle, briefly catching a glimpse of dark blue electrical currents coursing around my palms.

I blinked and wiped my face, figuring it was just a visual impairment due to my outburst. I shook it off and looked to the carny, who was wide eyed and slack jawed, his eye twitching just ever so slightly.

“The... Rainbow Dash...” I said through a huff for air. He blinked a few more times before shaking himself out of disbelief.

“Would you look at that folks! A winner!... Another winner!” he said, grabbing the limited edition Rainbow Dash stuffy. Scootaloo came rushing up and jumped into my arms, giving me a thrilled hug.

“WOW! You're so cool Evan! You're the best, greatest guy ever!” she praised me. I gave her a nod and hugged her back, ponies clapping in the background.

I eventually set Scootaloo down and pointed to our group while giving her a few dozen bits. “Why don't you go with the others and order us all some ice cream... I'll just be a second... need to catch a breather,” I said. She nodded hastily, struggling to carry along the Dash stuffy that was bigger than she was... hell, it was almost bigger than I was.

I stood up and kicked aside the broken pieces of the lever, quickly finding what I was looking for. There was an air pump hook up to a small hydraulic of sorts... that thing he was pumping made the lever give off more resistance, making it harder to strike the bell. I knelt down and looked over my shoulder to the carny, who was talking to the crowd of ponies who had gathered from the spectacle. I grabbed the hydraulic and pump then stood up. The carny turned to me and began an appraisal, trying to con folks into playing, even though the game was obviously broken now.

“Hey buddy, that was awesome, good job!” the carny appraised as I walked towards the exit of the game, ponies still looking to me with impressed faces. I first looked to the ponies, then to the carny.

“Yeah... it was awesome, considering it was rigged.” I dropped the hydraulic between the group and the carny then made my way towards the ice cream stand where the others were, not once looking back. As I walked away, I could hear the voices of severely displeased and irritated ponies, mostly the former contestants.

Meeting up with my group, I saw that they had all gotten ice-cream cones with chocolate dip. We all began to walk along, tired for the most part. It was now pretty late, being nearly ten o'clock.

We all took a seat and ate our ice-creams, the kids starting to yawn every so often. With the night basking down dim illumination, a lot of the rides had their lights glowing and flashing. Derpy looked out to fair with a content sigh. “Wow... look at that one...” she said in a quiet tone. I followed her gaze to the Ferris Wheel.

“Well... come on then. Last ride of the night, whatta yah say?” I suggested and she nodded. We all walked towards the giant wheel ride and paid admission. The cabins we rode in were like little cups with seats and a canopy, but ever the less, it would hold all of us.

We left our stuffies at the gate of the ride and the attendant chuckled. “Last riders of the night. No one else is on the ride. Enjoy yourselves,” he mentioned. We got into the cabin and took our seats, the attendant closing the door and locking it before starting the ride. We began a slow and peaceful ascent, a soft tune playing on the speakers. Lassie laid down on the floor of the cabin between Derpy and myself.

Spike sat beside Derpy, whom was across from me. Leaning his head back, the dragon's eyes fluttered shut even before we had gotten half way to the top. The three fillies leaned against me, Sweetie Belle leaning against my left shoulder, Apple Bloom against my right and Scootaloo slipping under my right arm and nestling her head on my leg.

All three quickly passed out. I lifted my arms slightly and took them all into a loving embrace as I sat there, leaning my head back. Resting my eye for a moment, I opened it to see Derpy looking at me.

I blinked, then looked down, going from side to side with my view as I looked to the three fillies under my arms that were passed out and nestled against me. I looked back to her with a faint smile tugging at the side of my lip.

She smiled back, almost giggling. We sat in silence as the ride kept going at a snailish pace, but it was really nice. We could see off into the far distance. The lights of Ponyville glittered and simmered.

The faint smile grew slightly larger as I closed my eyes and enjoyed the moment. I had been through so much, and my body had the scars to prove it. I used to love the action... the violence. The death defying adventures. Maybe it was to keep all my bottled up emotions suppressed. Maybe it was to take my mind off my inner turmoil... whatever it was...

The soft music continued to play, Scootaloo shifting slightly and stirring in her sleep. Derpy's eyes seemed to beam as she smiled at me. I smiled back with a content sigh. The action... the adventures... as much as I used to long for them...

My arms rested against the fillies that lay against me as I leaned my head back and let out a deep sigh. Almost too soon the ride came to an end. Regretfully I had to wake the fillies. Even so, they were in no way to walk.

In turn, Lassie put Spike on her back and began to carry him along. Derpy took Apple Bloom. Scootaloo hopped up onto my back and I carried Sweetie Belle in my arms. I asked the attendant to wait a moment and watch the stuffies, and that I'd return shortly there after to retrieve them.

Walking out, I helped Derpy and Lassie load the young ones into the truck before racing back and retrieving the toys. Running back, I loaded the toys into the box before hopping into the driver seat.

For just a moment, I rested my face against the steering wheel. “Thank you Cadance... for how little you've done... it's gone a very long way,” I told her before keying the ignition and driving us all to the Apple Family Farm.

I parked the truck out front and once again we carried the young ones, this time to their resting place. Lassie tucked Spike in on the couch before crashing on the spot, curling up just beside the couch.

Derpy and I carried the fillies up to their room. We set them down, individually tucking in each one and stroking their mane before wishing them a good night's sleep. Leaving the room I let out a deep yawn. “Oh man... what-a-day...” I said through another yawn. Derpy nodded as we reached Applejack's room, Derpy's temporary residence.

She turned to me and smiled with a blush. “Thank you. For taking me to the fair... for winning me that muffin. For everything,” she mentioned and I just brushed it off.

“Bah... it's nothing Derpy. I should thank you. Today wouldn't have been as much fun without you,” I replied. She slowly rose to her hindlegs and embraced me in a gingerly hug. I felt her soft lips press against my cheek, followed by a whispered thank you, before she dropped back to all fours and entered her room.

“Night Derpy,” I whispered to her before heading downstairs. Walking out to the porch, I removed my hat and took a seat with a deep exhale. In the distance I could hear the howls of wolves, calling to each other... a family.

I set my hat aside and listened to the melody as my eyes closed. Even so, I drew out Belladonna, just in case. As beautiful as wolves were, they were still dangerous...

I felt my heart thumping... my world hazy... every heart beat thumped in my head like a gong. In my hands was a thick chunk of metal that glowed brightly... my light in the darkness. The holy engravings illuminating the area around me...

Suddenly however, my nightmare was stopped by a flashing white light. In frantic panic I drew my handgun. “We mean you no harm, Mr. Burdick.” The voice seemed... regal... empowered... yet, soft and gentle all at the same time.

The light simmered slightly and Luna came into view. I lowered my stance with a sense of curiosity. I wasn't sure what I was dreaming about... but it had me on edge. Derreck's presence suddenly appeared beside me.

“Your highness.” He took a slight curtsy bow which she returned. Walking forwards, she stopped a few feet away from us.

“Greetings,” she offered me comfort in her words and I holstered my Desert Eagle. “We... have a request,” she began and Derreck nodded. “Our sister... she used to try to persuade us to invade your dreams, and find what had made thou so... disturbed in life, so distant. However, in our recollection of your dreams we found... sunshine, and rainbows... happiness. Things that would never torment a soul to such isolation. We feel as though we have... lost something, when looking into your dreams. As though... it was erased, pasted over. We request, if thou would be so humble, as to enlighten us to the true reality,” she asked, in a rather formal way that didn't seem demanding.

“Well...” Derreck began. “I made a promise to somepony. A promise that I wouldn't let you remember... our dreams... they're beyond what most ponies can fathom. However, Luna... if you so wish, I can grant you just a glimpse,” he offered.

“If thou would be so kind. We have had restless days and nights in which we wondered...”

She trailed off as the setting around us changed. The ground seemed to tremble beneath us as explosive eruptions went off in the distance along with the thunder of thousands, upon thousands of gunshots. Tanks rumbled past us as the three of us stood idle.

Planes buzzed overhead, mounted machine guns rattling wildly. Thousands of Soviet troops charged forwards, rifles and submachine guns chattering, their noise seconded only to their battle roar. Luna's jaw nearly dropped as she looked to the hellish scene around us. Dead men lay scattered all over the place, some wearing different uniforms than other. Several tanks, both of Russian and German origin, lay burning in the fields that was once a fertile land.

A nearby forest burned ablaze, dark smoke rising into the air. She nearly got choked up on a gasp and the dream quickly came to an end.

“W-why?” she asked and Derreck shrugged.

“Politicians I suppose. Together... we all went through years of that during my dreams. It left a traumatizing mark mentally on you. A... friend, removed those painful memories so that you would no longer remain so traumatized. Now... perhaps you understand why,” Derreck said and she nodded, embracing him in a gentle hug.

“One more thing... before we go,” she turned to me. “She is much like you...”

I didn't quite catch on but I started to fade from my dream world...

I awoke suddenly, something triggering a sharp awakening. I looked around and spotted Scootaloo, nearly in tears. “S-S-S-Scoots?” I stammered and she sucked back a sob.

“I... I... I... I'm sorry, I ruined it. The day was so perfect, and it was going so well... and I ruined it,” she nearly wept. I walked over and knelt down, a strange odor making my nose twitch.

“Woah, woah, woah. Calm down. What's wrong?” I asked and she looked away.

“I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to. I just couldn't... I just couldn't wake up,” she nearly cried.

“What... I don't... what happened?” I asked.

She bit her lip then sniffled. “I... I wet the bed...” she wept. I blinked then scratched my ear.

“Uhm... what?” I asked, a little confused about what had her so distraught, but she seemed to become more upset and distressed.

“I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to. I swear. It just... I just couldn't wake up!” she cried.

“Wait... hold on... what's wrong. What exactly is so bad that you're crying?” I asked and she stifled a sob.

“I wet the bed!” she cried and I just shrugged.

“Okay... so? I'll just wash the sheets and mattress. No big deal,” I replied and she gave me a somewhat shocked face.

“Y-you're not... mad? You don't think I'm dumb or a little bed-wetter?” she asked and I shook my head.

“Nah. It's cool... I mean... well, it's not particularly awesome... or something to be proud about... but so what? It happens. We're all different. Whether it be heavy sleeper or weak bladder. I used to wet the bed until I was like... I dunno, thirteen, maybe fourteen,” I informd her and her eyes went wide.

“Really?” she asked in a shocked way and again I just shrugged.

“Well... yeah," I replied, a little uncomfortable about it. "Like I said, we're all different and it's nothing to be ashamed of,” I told her then stood up. “Come on, I'll wash you up then put the sheets in to wash,” I offered walking her upstairs and to the tub.

I quickly washed her down and helped dry her off before putting her sheets into the washing machine and tossing her mattress outside, figuring I'd just wash it in the morning. “Come on... I think you could sleep in Big Mac's bed,” I suggested.

I led her to the red stallion's room and helped her into bed. “Alright... good night Scootaloo,” I said as I tucked her in. She grabbed my arm.

“Can you sleep with me?... It'll make me feel safer,” she asked and I nodded with an exhale.

“Alright... alright sure,” I said as I laid down next to her. She curled up against my chest and snuggled into me. I sighed to myself and tucked my left arm under my head for support as my right arm curled around her. “Alright...” I trailed off and fell back to sleep...

My sleep felt short however and I was awoken to a shaken voice that seemed almost... terrified. “E-Evan?”...

Author's Notes:

Yeah, sorry 'bout the wait. I almost had it done last weekend but I ended up going to Wonderland with my Niece and Nephew (Figured I'd make sure you guys and gals knew that so you didn't think I had kids in real life, then writing about boning a pony with mommy issues) anyway, it gave me ideas to rewrite the chapter so... it took a little longer. It is my niece and nephew and their mom, not my kids and my wife, serious.