J reached into the tub and hauled Star out, “Goddamn it!” He swore as he looked around the room on the floor next to the tub was an emptied bottle of liquor and a switchblade. “Star… I…” He said quietly as he carried Star downstairs.

Star’s eyes cracked open slightly, “Morning J…” He said weakly.

J started crying as he looked down, “Damn it man… why…” He said. “I should have stayed…”

“Are… You still mad at me?” He asked in a haze.

“No… I never was… What I said I didn’t mean…” J said.

“Oh… That’s good.” He said with a smile as he rested his head on J’s chest. “I’m getting kind of sleepy…”

“Stay awake man… sleep is bad.” J said as he moved towards the door, “Don’t fall asleep. Stay with me.”

“You know… I always looked up to you.” Star said.

“Come on man… you’re so much better than me…” J said as he forced the front door open. “Don’t talk like that…”

“When we first met… I was happy… I was so happy you found me...” Star said before his head went limp.

“S… Star?” J questioned looking down, “Oh God… no… no I’m not letting this happen!” The tears came down even harder as J trucked through town towards the hospital.

----------------------------------

“Well we stitched him up but…” Cross said.

“But what?” J questioned looking up at Cross fresh tears still running down his cheeks.

“He’s lost a lot of blood… And his body is going into shock.” Cross said.

J remained silent for a few seconds, “And…” He said weakly.

“And his body is slipping into a coma.” Cross said meekly.

J fell back and closed his eyes tears forming again, “I… I’ll tell them all then… It’ll… save you a lot of trouble…” His voice cracking as he spoke. “Is… is there anything else?”

“No… That’s all.” Cross said. “You can use our phone if you want…”

“No… I need to tell them face to face…” J said as he weakly stood up his entire body shaking.

----------------------------

J leaned against the wall in Twilight’s house as they all looked at him.

“I…” J started as he took a sharp breath in, “St…” He stopped as tears started flowing again. He slid to the floor holding his head in his hands.

“J… What’s wrong?” Twilight asked.

“S… Star…” J said through sobs.

“Did something happen… We all heard what you two said at the spa…” Fluttershy said quietly.

“C… C…” J stammered as he started shaking.

“Well spit it out already...” Applejack said.

J looked up as even more tears came down, “Found… him… in the tub…” He said weakly.

“What do you mean… Found him?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“What… what could I mean?” He asked.

There was a pause, “Is… He okay?” Twilight asked.

J pointed to his wrist and weakly drug his finger down the length of it. He slowly shook his head before going back to crying.

“He’s… Dead?” Fluttershy said as tears streamed down her face.

J shook his head violently, “In the hospital.” He said quickly, “In… coma…”

Applejack sat next to J and grabbed his hand, “I… He’ll pull through. He always does…” She said with a forced smile.

“It’s… all my fault…” He said weakly. “All of it…”

“That’s not true!” Rarity said quickly.

“It is… what… I said forced… him to this…” J said.

“Maybe we… Should go see him?” Twilight said.

“Go… ahead… I shouldn’t… get near him… I’ll just make i-” J stopped himself mid sentence. “No… give… me a minute to… calm down. I want to come too.”

“We’re all here when you’re ready.” Dash said as they all nodded. Twilight was holding Fluttershy close as she cried. Pinkie hugged J, crying into his shoulder.

J hugged Pinkie back and lightly squeezed AJ’s hand, “I’m… as ready as I’ll ever be…” He said quietly.

---------------------------

J lightly hugged Fluttershy in an effort to calm her down a little, “Shh… he’s alive… he’ll make it, we just have to be patient.” He said quietly.

“I know… I just… Seeing him like this…” She mumbled.

“It’s getting to all of us… we’re here for each other…” He said.

“Did you guys need anything?” Cross asked.

J looked back at everyone. “Not right now. Thank you though.” He said.

“I could use a drink.” Lemmy said.

Both J and Fluttershy looked at Lemmy.

“What… the… fuck?” J stammered. His eye twitched angrily.

“What? Aren’t you thirsty?” Lemmy asked.

“What is it?” Dash asked.

“If… someone… doesn’t… hold me back… Im going to murder Lemmy.” J said as he glared at Lemmy.

“Come on mate he’s fine…” Lemmy said.

“Almost dying is fine?” J questioned.

“Almost is still almost.” Lemmy joked.

“This isn’t a good time to joke… You could have stopped him! And you let it happen!?!?!” J said about ready to attack Lemmy.

“Ey back off. I don’t have as much control as you think. It’s still Star’s body and if he wants to do something he’s going to do it. I like to live ya know? And if Star dies that will no longer continue to happen…” Lemmy said.

J glared at him, “I…” He stopped himself. And then his ears perked up, “Wait… Fluttershy you can walk in the sun?”

She glanced at him, “Um… Yeah I suppose.” Fluttershy shrugged.

J shook his head, “How… about we all go out for a drink… I’ll pay.” He said. “We can come back right after.”

“Yeah just leave me here…” Lemmy said with a sigh, “I’ll just stay with his bleedin nightmares.”

“Twilight… get Luna here…” J said his head snapping to Lemmy. “What… sort of nightmares?”

“Any of ya know a ‘Fez’ or ‘Kit’?” Lemmy asked.

J and Fluttershy exchanged glances. “It’s… not working.” J said. “And… it’s becoming worse… if he doesn’t come out of it soon…”

“Kinda funny if you think about it…” Lemmy said, “I live inside him and yet I know nothing about him.”

“I don’t want Luna going into his dreams… I’ll go in… I know the most about him.” J said quietly.

“Got it.” Twilight nodded.

“Whatever I find… hopefully it’ll bring him back.” J said as he sat down beside the bed. “Lemmy… I’ll need information on what I’m going into. Brief me.”

“Well… It’s hard to say exactly. It keeps flashing between different memories.” Lemmy said.

“Does anything stick out? Is anything constant?” J asked.

“Ironically yes.” Lemmy said.

“What is it?” J asked.

“Two things really… But even then I can only get a few glimpses. One is of Baloque…” Lemmy said hesitantly.

“I know what I fought wasn’t Baloque… He’s in Canterlot.” J said. “What’s the other thing?”

“No no not that… These are from a long time ago.” Lemmy said.

“Okay… what’s the other thing?” J asked again.

“Here’s the ironic part… You. J.” Lemmy said, “There are other less frightening memories mixed in, and you're the brightest thing in there. I’m a little disappointed… I think I would have been a better choice but…” Lemmy said.

J closed his eyes. “At least I’m not walking in blind.” He said quietly.

“There are a few dark patches I can’t see… So I can’t be of any help there if you go in.” Lemmy said.

“I’ll take baby steps don’t worry…” J said. “My only goal… no matter the cost is getting Star back.”

--------------------------------

“Okay Luna what are the risks of me doing this?” J asked as he laid down in the extra bed Cross had brought in.

“Well if you make it in… Nothing.” Luna said.

“And if I don’t?” J asked.

“You could be stuck. It really comes down to one thing though…” She said.

“Is the gyroscope spinning?” J asked.

“What??” Luna asked.

“You haven’t seen Inception?” J asked, “If I get back I’ll show you it.” He laughed, “Okay what does it come down to?”

“Him letting you in.” She said.

“I’m hoping he does. I don’t want to live through my nightmares for the rest of my life.” J said, “And if I do get stuck… don’t go in.”

“I’ll do everything in my power to prevent that from happening…” Luna said.

“Now all I have to do is wait for the foghorn…” J said as he laid back on the bed.

“Shut it…” Lemmy said.

“Alright… Whenever you’re ready.” Luna said.

“Into the second layer… I’m ready.” J said.

“Please stop…” Twilight groaned.

Just as Luna cast the spell a foghorn blew in the distance.

“Yes!” J said as he went under.

-----------------------

J woke up in his own bed, “Ugh… what… the hell?” He questioned aloud. He looked around nothing seemed out of place, “Wasn’t I just… in… the hospital?”

He heard a knock on the front door. He rushed to his own door and when he opened it he saw the living room right in front of him. “Okay…” He said walking forward into the house.

“Hello?” J called.

“Arvo.” Dex said, sitting on the railing at the top of the stairs.

“Not going to question you being here.” J said, “But I am going to ask what is here?”

“Here is here.” He shrugged, “The question is, why are you there?”

“Why am I here versus being there? Well here is where I stand and I cannot occupy more than one place in space at any time.” J said, “Why are you there and not here?”

“Stop trying to be clever. The fuck ya doin in my head mate?” He asked.

“I’m here to make sure I don’t lose you. You may not be who Star is now. But you are him.” J said, “And I’m going to get him out of the nightmare he has himself in.”

“Mmhm.” He said, taking a bite of a sandwich.

“Where did you get that sandwich?” J asked.

“Where did you get that coffee?” Dex asked as J took a sip of it.

“I don’t… What?” He asked.

“Don’t question it. Just roll with it.” Dex said.

J shrugged, “So are you here to stop me from what I plan on doing?” He asked.

“That depends. What ya plan on doin?” Dex asked.

“I already said what I planned on doing.” J said.

“Did you?” Dex asked, “Sorry.”

“I plan on saving Star.” J said, “And right now. Nothing’s going to stop me.”

“Alright well… If you think you can. Come and catch me.” Dex said, jumping off and walking into Star’s room.

J ran up the stairs and into Star’s room. “Goddamn it! Of course he can disappear.” J said as he stomped his foot.

“Disappearing would imply I’m here. But I’m not.” Dex said from behind him in the doorway.

J turned around to face him. “Now you’re the one being clever.” He said staring at Dex. J lunged forward and attempted to grab Dex.

“You should really rest that arm…” Dex said as a surge of pain shot through J’s arm.

J gritted his teeth, “Pain… isn’t going to stop me…” He said.

“That’s the spirit!” Dex said with a grin, running off downstairs.

J slammed his arm against the wall forcing it back into place. He followed Dex downstairs. “I’m not going to play games forever.” He said looking around for Dex.

“Who’s playing games?” Dex asked from the front door.

J’s lip curled as he glared at Dex. “You aren’t going to be able to hold me here forever.” He said approaching Dex.

“Oh right… You think you have control. Well sorry to spoil the fun but…” Dex said, his teeth growing out as claws formed.

J attempted to turn, “What the fuck…” He said as nothing happened.

“Run piggy…” Dex said as his eyes turned a dark shade of red.

J’s eyes widened in fear as he stepped back. “Fucking…” He said as he turned and bolted for the stairs. The sound of scraping was heard behind him as Dex dragged his claws against the wall, following him.

“Either way… here’s where I die…” J said to himself as he forced his way into his own room locking the door behind himself.

There was a banging on the door, “That’s right… Keep running. It’s what you’re best at.” Dex said.

“No…” J said standing up. “I may not be good at much… but I can change… and that change begins with me.” He got ready to fight, “Come on in… I’m more then ready for you.” J reached forward and opened the door preparing for whatever attack would come. He was surprised when none came and Dex was standing out in the hall back to normal.

Dex let out a long sigh, “Damn…” He said.

J didn’t let his guard down, “Come on already…” He said staring at Dex.

Dex’s expression changed to defeat, holding his hand out.

“So all of that was bullshit?” J questioned.

Dex ignored him, staring at him as he continued to hold his hand out.

J slowly grabbed Dex’s hand. As his hand touched, there was a bright flash of light. J was standing in the sewers next to a few different people. Each of them were doing different things from counting money to food.

“Hey! The hell you doin?” Dex said, staring at J.

“Wha?” J asked.

Dex pulled out a switchblade, approaching J quickly.

“Been stabbed plenty of times…” J said moving back slowly, “Not willing to get stabbed again…”

Dex walked through J and continued on to a kid that looked around 10 years old.

“So… no interactions… okay.” J said with a shrug. “Now I feel insane.”

Dex kneeled down to the kid, “I know you’re scared… But I know you can do it.” Dex said, handing him the switchblade. “You just gotta go up and cut the back of the bag. Fez and Kit’ll do the rest.”

“O...okay.” The kid said.

“C’mon Mouse, you can do it.” Dex said with a smile, roughly rubbing his hand through his hair. Mouse smiled.

“Got it.” He said, rushing up the ladder to the surface.

There was another flash. J, Dex, and Mouse were standing in an alley next to the market.

“Remember… The one on the left.” Dex said, nudging Mouse out. There was a man carrying three large bags over his shoulder. Mouse ran over and quickly stabbed a hole in the one slung over his left shoulder. Right away rice started leaking out of it. Mouse ran back to a different alley, circling around back to Dex.

“Son of a bitch!” The man said, dropping the other two bags and quickly covering the hole in the third one. Two other teenagers ran behind him, snatching the two bags from the ground and hurried off down the alley. The man finished patching up the bag and reached back. His expression turned to surprise when he found the other bags missing.

“FUCK!” He screamed, throwing the bag of rice to the floor.

They all made their way back to the sewers. Fez and Kit dumped the bags onto the table.

“Damn we got the good stuff this time.” Fez said.

“Look’s like we’ll be eating like kings tonight.” Kit said.

Dex rubbed his knuckles against Mouse’s head, “All thanks to this guy right here.” He said as the two of them laughed.

“Well… a thief… maybe after this I should get him to play Skyrim again…” J said with a small chuckle.

“Hey… Look what I got.” A girl said, sliding down the ladder. She reached into her bag and pulled out several bottles of vodka and alcohol.

“To bad I’m not allowed to interact I’d down a fifth right now.” J said to himself.

“The fuck did you get that?” Dex asked.

“Got em from the High Rollers.” She said with a laugh.

Dex took the bag and threw it to Fez, “What did I fucking say about stealing from them?” Dex said, pushing her to the floor.

“I… I didn’t get caught…” She said.

“Thats not the point Beck… You don’t mess with them.” Dex said angrily.

“I’m sorry!” Beck said defensively.

“You know what sorry get’s you on their turf?” He asked, kicking her in the side, “It gets you killed!”

She grunted in pain as she clenched her side.

“You put is all at risk when you pull shit like that. If you go there again, don’t bother coming back.” Dex said. Beck started crying as she crawled forward and climbed back to her feet. Mouse had backed up against the wall.

“Hey kid… Don’t worry. Nothing’s going to happen… I’ll keep ya safe.” Dex said.

“You… Didn’t have to be so mean…” Mouse said.

Dex got to one knee, “Listen… You don’t join this group if you can’t handle it. So unless you want to go back to your parents… I’m sure they have a lot more lessons to teach you.” He said.

“NO!” Mouse cried, tears coming to his eyes.

“Good. Now shut it and help Fez sort through the food.” Dex said, standing up and heading to the table. On the way he grabbed the bag of liquor, grabbing a bottle and throwing the rest to the side.

“Might as well use it while we have it.” Dex said taking a swig from the bottle and tossing it to Fez.

Fez took a drink before Kit snatched it from him, “This is the good stuff too.” Kit said, drinking from it.

“Can… I have some?” Beck said as Dex opened another bottle.

“Oh… Well you should have asked.” Dex said, taking the bottle and walking towards her. He grabbed the bottle by the neck and broke it over her head. She fell to the ground, clenching her head as blood dripped to the floor.

“What’s wrong? You worked so hard to get it, drink it.” Dex said, grabbing her by her hair and shoving her face into the glass. She started crying. “I said drink it…”

She started to lick the liquid off the sewer floor as Dex held her there. “That’s a good girl.” He said, “Now don’t stop tell you’ve cleaned it all up.”

J backed off and closed his eyes, “Oh… fuck… that’s…” He stammered weakly. “Fucking hell…”

“Least she’s doing one thing right.” Fez laughed.

“Cleaning the floors like the woman should be doing.” Kit agreed. Dex took the bottle from Kit and tossed it to Mouse.

“Go on kid, take a swig. It’ll make you feel better.” Dex said.

Mouse looked down at the bottle, “M...My parents told me drinking is bad…” Mouse said weakly.

“Oh… Was that before or after your father beat you.” Dex said curiously, “That part slipped my mind… Maybe we should go ask em eh Fez?”

“Sounds good.” Fez agreed.

“I’m sorry!” Mouse said quickly, taking a drink from the bottle.

Dex kneeled in front of Mouse, waiting. “How’s it taste?”

Mouse’s face scrunched up as he swallowed it, “G...Good.” He said.

Fez, Kit and Dex laughed. “You’re gonna go far kid.” Dex said as he picked up the switchblade and pocketed it.

--------------------------------

J was back in his house, sitting on the couch next to Dex.

“What… the fuck…” J said staring at Dex.

“Man I love this show.” Dex said as the TV turned on.

“What I just saw… I can say now I hate you.” J said, “But I can’t because you’re Star…”

“Well I hate to tell ya mate… But that is Star.” Dex said weakly, beginning to look a bit depressed.

“I get that. I just can’t say… I acted the same way. Nor would I ever… At least you had something back then.” J said quietly. “I can tell you… locking yourself away in a dark room because no one wanted you… it’s not something anyone should have to do.” J sighed, “I’m sure you have more to show me.”

“And I’m sure you’re going to watch.” Dex said weakly, “Ya sure you can’t just… Go?”

“No. I’m not leaving until I know you’re coming back.” J said, “You’ll have to accept it… just like now I’m getting over my hate.”

A smile shot onto Dex’s face, “It’s kind of funny when you think about it.” He said.

“What is?” J asked.

“Never mind.” Dex said, holding out his hand.

“After this one I’ll need a drink.” J said grabbing Dex’s hand.

-------------------------

“Alright we’re ready.” Fez said.

“Good let’s get movin.” Dex said as the five of them moved down the tunnels.

“They’re down here!” Someone shouted.

“Fuck they found us… Get the fuck out!” Kit yelled as they burst into a sprint. There was a group of six chasing them as they ran down the sewers. They came to a fork in the tunnel.

“Scatter! You know where to meet up!” Dex said as they split down each path.

Dex ran down, turning several corners before stopping, “Fez where…” He said, looking back to see Beck was following him, “Ah shit I got stuck with you.” He groaned. “Just listen to me and try not to fuck anything up.”

She nodded softly, following close to him. They ran until Beck grabbed Dex, forcing him to the wall.

“The fuck ar-” Dex said before she covered his mouth. One of the men chasing them shot by around the corner and past them.

“G... Good catch.” Dex said quietly, “Come on let’s… Go…”

The two of them continued navigating the sewers and spotting a ladder at the end of the tunnel.

“You okay back there?” Dex said, turning to see Beck had disappeared. “Bec-” He said before being clotheslined by someone. The man grabbed Dex and slammed him against the wall. Dex reached to his pocket but his arm was quickly slammed away.

“You think it’s fucking funny to steal from us kid?” The man said, “You know what the boss does to punks like you?”

“Go fuck yourself.” Dex said spitting in his face. The man kneed him in the stomach and slammed his head back against the wall, choking him with his forearm.

“You’re a dead man!” The man yelled, raising his other hand to punch him. Dex closed his eyes and waited for contact that never came. The man’s grip loosened as Dex opened his eyes. The man’s throat was slit and Beck was standing behind him. The man fell to his knees, falling backwards as Dex pushed him.

Dex stared at her in shock, “B...Beck…” He said before she shoved the switchblade to his hands. He grabbed it, looking down at it before back to her. She grabbed his hand and pulled him to the ladder as they both ascended. Beck went first, reaching the top and extending a hand down for Dex. Before he grabbed it someone took Beck by the hair and pulled her away.

“BECK!” Dex yelled as a man appeared, kicking Dex in the face. Dex fell from the top of the ladder and slamming into the hard concrete 20 feet below him.

There was another bright flash, and J was standing in the hospital, standing over Dex’s unconscious body. His eyes opened and he saw the other four standing next to him.

“W...What happened?” Dex asked.

“You were kicked down a ladder, twenty feet onto concrete…” Fez said.

“How did I get here?” Dex asked.

“She brought you here.” Kit said, pointing to Beck.

“I saw you… Get grabbed?” Dex said.

“We went to the meetup spot and… There were two of the thugs that were chasing us. They were both dead.” Kit said.

“Beck?” Dex asked.

She looked at Dex sheepishly.

“She’s the reason they were after us in the first place. It’s only fair she made it right.” Fez laughed. “Right Dex?”

“Y...Yeah” Dex laughed weakly.

Dex tried to get up, freezing in place as he looked up at them, “W...Why can’t I move my legs?” He asked.

There was another flash and J was taken back to the sewers. It was a much different looking section of it. Dex came in with crutches, supporting himself as his legs dragged behind him.

“Dex…” Fez said.

“Just keep moving…” Dex said.

“Don’t you want to talk about it?” Kit asked.

“I said keep moving!” Dex yelled angrily.

There was a long pause.

“Mouse was sent back home to his family…” Fez said quietly. Dex stopped for a moment, pausing before moving ahead again.

“D...Dex.” Kit said nervously.

“I don’t care… Just… Don’t stop now, we’re almost there.” Dex said.

“Dex…” Fez said.

“WHAT!” Dex yelled, looking back at them, his expression changing from anger to horror. There was a man standing behind them with a gun to Kit’s head. I turned around, only for one of the crutches to be kicked from his hands knocking Dex to the floor. Beck was grabbed and forced to the floor, her face hitting the concrete.

“BEC-” Dex screamed before a foot hit the back of his head, smashing his face to the ground.

------------------------

J and Dex were sitting back on the couch.

“Yeah… a drink.” J said quietly, “It’d be nice.”

“I’d get ya one mate but…” Dex said quietly, “But I can’t move my legs…”

“Yeah… I kinda saw… anything in particular that you want? That is if your head isn’t dryer the a prohibition.” J said with a small weak chuckle.

Tears were streaming down Dex’s face, he was shaking, “I want you to leave…” He said weakly.

“You and I both know I can’t… I’m in to deep now… I need to see this through.” J said looking down, “And I can’t leave… didn’t stick around long enough to learn how.”

“Please… Don’t make me go back… I don’t want to see this again…” Dex begged, holding his head as he rocked back and forth.

J slowly hugged Dex, “Hey… I got all the time yo-” He began he was cut off by another flash.

----------------------

“W...Where am I?” Dex asked as the blindfold was taken off of him. Fez, Kit and Beck were tied up next to me.

“D...Dex?” Beck mumbled.

“Beck…” I said.

“You killed three of our men…” The man next to me said, “So it’s only right that we kill three of yours.”

“Please… Don’t hurt them…” Dex begged.

“Oh don’t worry… We’ll leave the girl.” One of the men said.

“Y...You said… Three?” Dex said.

“Yeah… I did.” He said as Mouse was dragged inside and thrown onto the floor. The gun was aimed to Mouse’s head. He was still blindfolded.

“Dex… What’s going on?” Mouse asked.

“N… Nothing… Everything’s going to be alright…” Dex said as tears fell from his face.

“I’m… Sorry if I did anything wrong…” Mouse said.

“You didn’t do anything…” Dex said weakly.

“The other day… When we took the food…” Mouse said.

“Y...Yeah?” Dex said.

“I really wanted to prove I could be in the group… Did… I do good?” He asked.

More tears forced their way out, “Yeah… You did real good… You’re officially part of the group…” Dex sobbed.

“You were always the best… I wanted to run away and join you… But my dad never let me out of his sight…” Mouse said. “And then you found me on my way home from school… You asked me about the bruises on my back…”

“I… I remember.” Dex said.

“I couldn’t even believe you were talking to me… But when you asked me to join I… I wa-” Mouse said before a gunshot was heard. Dex’s eyes shot open as Mouse’s body went limp.

“I think that’s enough…” The man said, pulling back the hammer on the revolver.

Dex stared at his lifeless body, taking a minute to realize the red liquid running down his face wasn’t his own.

“Fez… I’m scared…” Kit said quickly, starting to cry.

“Just close your eyes… Just clo-” Fez was stopped, another shot being fired.

“Oh god…” Kit said to himself, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m so-”

There was another gunshot…

The room fell silent. The four men in the room looking at eachother as Dex closed his eyes, holding back more tears as he waited for the next shot to come.

“THE FUCK!” One of the men yelled. Dex’s eyes shot open to see Beck had gotten free and stabbed one of the men in the stomach with Dex’s switchblade. She reached for the gun but was pulled back. The man that was stabbed pulled the blade out and threw it to the ground, aiming the gun at her. “Sneaky bastard…” He said as he pulled back of the revolver, about to fire.

“NO!” Dex screamed, his horn glowing. All four men froze, their back arching as they were forced into the air.

“W...What…” The man with the gun grunted, trying to break free as his arm was twisted back painfully. The gun slowly being pushed to his head.

“Wait PLE-” The man screamed before his spine twisted violently, his body going limp as it was manipulated. The gun was pointed to another of the thugs, firing one into his head.

“We’re sorry… Just please le-” The third one said before a bullet was put in his head.

The last one, shaking and horrified as he stared at the floating lifeless corpses’ arm slowly twisted with a crack to his head. “Kid wait!” He begged. All of the dead thugs were dropped to the floor, the last one forced to his knees, his arms extended and twisted in awkward positions. He stared up at Dex in horror as the blood dripped from his face.

“Let me go… You’ll never see me again… You can take whatever you want just please!” He begged, his horn glowing as he tried to fight the grip Dex had on him.

“You their leader…” Dex asked quietly.

“Y...Yes… I am…” He said weakly.

“Then tell me… How does it feel to have YOUR strings pulled?” Dex said as his fingers cracked and twisted back. He let out a scream of agony, his wrists snapping like twigs.

“Please… I’m so-” He said before his mouth was forced shut.

“Puppets...Don’t… Speak.” Dex said as the man’s teeth started to crack and break, his jaw being forced together harder and harder. His screams were muffled as blood ran down his mouth, his back being forcefully arched backwards.

“Dex…” Beck mumbled.

His back bent further and further…

“DEX!” Beck yelled.

Dex snapped back to reality, his head turning to Beck as she stared at him. She walked over to him.

“I… I don’t…” Dex stammered as she hugged him. Tears escape him as he sobbed into her.

“It’s over…” She said quietly, “Let’s just get out of here…”

She helped Dex up, wrapping his arm around her shoulder as she walked the both of them to the door. Dex reached for the handle. There was a gunshot. The both of them froze. Dex looked back at the man, bloody and beaten… His horn was glowing, the gun floating in front of it as it was aimed at them. Dex’s horn glowed brightly, the thug leader’s head twisted instantly, his neck snapping as his body fell to the floor along with the gun.

“Let’s just get out of here…” Dex said quietly.

“D...Dex…” Beck moaned. Dex looked at her, her hand clenching her stomach as blood slowly started staining her clothes.

“B...Beck?” Dex said meekly. She dropped Dex to the floor, falling to her knees as tears streamed down her face. Dex quickly grabbed her, gently laying her back onto the floor.

“Dex…” She said, her hand gripping him tightly. Dex grabbed her hand.

“Don’t worry you’ll… You’re going to be fine just hang on…” Dex said hesitantly.

“I…” She said quietly, looking up at him.

“Don’t talk… Please…” Dex sobbed, putting pressure on the wound.

“I joined because of you…” She said.

“W...What are you talking about?” Dex asked.

“I saw you… And the people you were helping…” She said weakly.

“Beck…” Dex said.

“You… Were so brave… So inspiring…” She said as her grip tightened. “I love you…”

“I love you too…” Dex sobbed, his hands shaking.

“I...I’m scared Dex…” She cried softly.

“I’m right here… I’m not going anywhere…” Dex said.

There was a short pause.

“W...When we first met…” She said.

“What about it…?” Dex asked.

“I… I was happy… I was so happy… You found me.” She said.

“The other day… I… I’m so sorry… About how I treated you.” Dex said, “Please… Please forgive me…”

There was no response…

“B...Beck?” Dex said weakly. It took him a moment to realize her hand wasn’t gripping him anymore…

“Beck… Wake up…” Dex said quietly, “Please… Wake up.”

He placed a hand on her cheek, “I’m sorry… God I’m so sorry…” Dex cried as he closed his eyes, pressing his face to her stomach as he sobbed. “Please forgive me…”

There was a flash, the area changing to the insides of a building, several beds lined up against the wall. Several months later...

“I don’t think anyone is going to…” The guy at the counter said.

“You don’t know that…” The second one said.

“If no one adopts him then he’s going to be transferred to some place that can.” The first one said as he glanced over to Dex in the corner.

The first one shook his head, “After all he’s been through… All alone in the end.” He said quietly.

“I’ll take him.” The second one said.

“Honestly? Why do you want him?” The first one asked.

“Because he stole food from me a few months ago.” The second man said.

“And… That makes you… Want to adopt him?” The first one said confused.

“I don’t recall needing the extra chatter to sign these papers… Could you please get me a pen?” The second one asked.

“Alright…” The first one shrugged.

A few minutes passed as the forms were signed and handed back to the man behind the counter. The second one approached Dex, kneeling down.

“Hey Dex…” The man said. Dex looked up at him quietly.

“I’m taking you home…” The man said with a smile.

“Why do you care…” Dex said.

“Because I care about you.” He said.

“You don’t even know me…” Dex retorted.

“You’re right… I don’t.” He said with a sigh, “But I’d like to…”

Dex looked up at him, “Why would you want to know me… I can’t even walk… I’m useless.” Dex said quietly.

“I’m paying for the surgery.” He said with a smile.

Dex froze, staring up at him. “W...Why?” Dex asked in shock.

“Do I need a reason?” He asked.

“It’s… Expensive… You don’t even… I…” Dex stammered.

“It’s just money.” The man shrugged, “There will always be more of it. But there’s only one Dex…”

Dex stared at him for a moment as tears streaked down his face. He hugged the man, clinging to him.

“Hey… No tears…” He said, “I hate seeing people cry…”

“S...Stardust…” Dex said.

“Huh?” The man asked.

“My name isn’t Dex… It’s Stardust.” Star said.

“Well It’s nice to meet you Star.” The man said with a smile, “My name is Baloque.”

-----------------------------------

J fell back onto the couch his eyes shut tightly, “Oh god…. why…” He said as tears formed. “I’m sorry I made… made you relive that…”

There wasn’t a response. J looked to where Dex was he wasn’t there anymore, “Hello? Anyone?” J called into the house. He got up from the couch and looked around the room.

“Hey J…” Star said from behind him.

J turned around, “Star… thank… god…” He said as he walked to Star. “I… I saw what… happened I had no idea…”

Star smiled, opening his arms and hugging J. J was about to return it as there was another flash.

---------------------------------

“Hey Star! How’s it coming?” Baloque shouted.

“Almost done!” Star said back as he put the pan off the stove and scooped the food onto the plate. There was a small crash as a pan hit the floor behind him. Star turned around to see a teenager covered in dirt and, torn bandages. On his back was a hand made and worn down bow he had no arrows to use for it though.

“Hello…” Star said.

The kids eyes narrowed, “Stay back…” He said. “I know what you’re going to do… just stay back.”

“If you want that loaf you can have it. I won’t tell anyone.” Star said.

“Wha?” The kid questioned, “R… really?”

“Sure. Not coming out of my paycheck.” Star laughed.

“Thank you… I… I haven’t eaten in days…” The kid said.

“You look like you could use some meat…” Star said, running out the back door with him.

“Here…” Star said, handing him the plate he had just fixed for Baloque.

“Wha… I… why?” The kid asked, “Why… are you being nice to me? I just… attempted to steal from you… right now you should be calling the cops… or attacking me...”

“Why would I?” Star asked, “You’re hungry. You should eat. Simple as that.”

“Because… that’s what everyone else would have done…” The kid said. He stepped forward weakly gripping his one leg in pain.

“Well…” Star whispered, “It’s a good thing I’m not everyone else. Come inside and take a seat, it’s freezing out here.”

“S… sure… but what about the man…” The kid asked.

“Oh I’m sure he won’t mind a guest for dinner.” Star smiled.

“At least… tonight I’ll have a meal before I go to sleep.” The kid said giving a weak smile.

Star lead him into the room with Baloque, “Hey Baloque, this is my friend from school. He’ll be spending the night over here with us. He can have my bed.” Star said.

“N… no… any… where inside is better than… where I usually sleep…” The kid said.

“So it’s settled. My bed it is.” Star said as he placed the kid’s food on the table, “I’ll start making yours now Baloque, sorry for the wait.” He said rushing back into the kitchen. After a few minutes Star came back out, placing Baloque’s and his food on the table. He sat down next to the kid and started eating.

“Hey I didn’t catch your name.” Star asked.

“It’s… it’s J Dog…” The kid said quietly.

“An odd name… Is the J short for something? Or should I just call you J?” Star asked.

“The… J is short for Joel… but… Just call me J…” J said.

“Nice to meet you J. I’m Stardust.” Star said, “Did you need anything to drink?”

“No… the… forest provided plenty of water… just never enough food.” J said drinking from a small canteen he had.

“Ah come on… Maybe a soda? Root beer?” Star said.

“I never had soda before…” J said, “So sure… that sounds nice. And thank you… no one’s ever treated me like this before...”

“Everyone needs a little kindness every once in awhile… And look at what you're wearing!” Star said, “After dinner you’re taking a shower and getting some new clothes. And I won’t take no for an answer.”

“O… okay…” J said.

“I’ll get your soda.” Star said, getting up and heading to the kitchen.

“So… Where did you get the cuts?” Baloque asked, noticing the red bandages.

“A lot of places… I… I can deal with them though… claws aren’t much to me anymore…” J said.

“Claws? You fightin dogs or something?” Baloque asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Just… trying to survive… I’m not going to lie… I don’t have a home anymore… if that place could have ever been called a home…” J said his voice shaking a little bit.

“You can feel free to stay here as long as you’d like.” Baloque said.

“Thanks… like I said before… no one’s ever treated me like this…” J said with a small smile.

“Well…” Baloque said, leaning in, “Guess you can’t say that anymore.” He laughed.

“Yeah… I can’t anymore.” J said laughing a little.

“Got the soda.” Star said, handing it to J with that smile still plastered on his face.

Just as J grabbed it the scene flashed back to the house.

------------------------------------

J and Star were still hugging as it flashed back.

“Oh God Star I thought I lost you…” J choked out as he squeezed Star more tightly.

“Hey…” Star said, wiping the tears away, “No tears… I hate seeing people cry.”

In the front door, Dex stood there in tears. Star got up and approached him, kneeling down to his level.

“I’m scared…” Dex said.

“Don’t be… You wont have to be alone anymore.” Star said, hugging him.

-----------------------------

Star’s eyes opened, “H...Hey guys.” He said.

“Star!” Everyone said, rushing in to hug him.

“We were so worried…” Fluttershy said as she clinged to him.

“We were really scared… We didn’t think you were going to wake up.” Twilight said.

“Um… Why isn’t J awake?” Applejack asked.

“What?” Dash questioned rushing to J’s side. She shook him a little, “Come on J this isn’t funny…” She said weakly.

“Dash that’s enough… something went wrong.” Luna said as she put her hand to J’s forehead, “He’s been forced into something he doesn’t want to be in… and…”

“J…” Star said, looking over at him.