Today’s a new day.

Every day is a new day, every dawn holds untold changes, twists and turns. Today could be the day in which you remake yourself, changing who you are right down to your core, or the day in which you realize that you have been changed.

A lot of things have changed me in the short amount of time I’ve been in this world. I fought in war, waged it against the enemies of my leaders. I was nothing but a dog to them, cannon fodder for their ambitions. When I finally had a chance to fight against those people, in a battle I actually wanted to be a part of, I was sent away. Father sent both Jessica and I to Equestria, while he fights our battles for us… For six long years all I felt was anger, hatred, fear… Now It’s all been mixed up with love, compassion, and kindness. It was just so damn frustrating...

Am I that pathetic? Am I really just some broken thing that needs to be tucked away and kept from use just to ensure I don’t break any further? No… Dad loves me. He doesn't intend to make me feel like this. I’m the only one making myself feel this way, think these thoughts, I’m responsible and yet I can’t seem to stop myself.

Maybe I am pathetic. Maybe I’m just some broken thing. That man at the community center, the girls, do they all just feel pity towards me? Is that the foundation of our relationship? I don’t know… I just… Don’t know.

I had that dream again, that’s what’s making me feel so gross. It’s because of yesterday, when I met that thestral filly. I remembered it. I saw it. That night all those years ago, the Forsaken Forest Campaign. I saw my comrades die. I saw children die. Scared boys and girls who didn’t realize they wouldn’t be going home in one piece, and denied their fate all the way up to the end.

That ugly dream, it’s the reason why I feel this way. The reason why I’m tearing myself to shreds. Maybe I just need to try and forget about it, to move on with the day. I have work to do today, I don’t have time to be wallowing around in self pity. It’s just a dream, a nightmare, that’s all.

I roll out of bed, throwing myself to my feet in one fluid motion. I knew that if I lay in bed any longer I wouldn’t be able to leave it, and I just can’t have that. Yesterday, Applejack offered me some work on her farm to help build up my resume, something I’m in dire need of. I need work right now. I just need something to help me get my mind off this track of misery and self-loathing.

I gathered up the work clothes I bought yesterday after leaving the community center, folding them up nicely and tucking them under my arm as I left my room. Entering the hallway of the second floor, I’m greeted by a warm golden light that pours in through the windows that lie on the wall parallel to the right side of the hallway where the doors to the bedrooms are.

The warm light accents the smooth surface of the clean white walls decorated by a mural of a warm landscape containing trees, flowers, a meadow, and a few fuzzy woodland creatures scattered here and there. I smile softly to myself at the undoubtable fact that those are decorative features contributed by Fluttershy. Following along the mural on the wall, I make my way to the door at the end of the hall where the largest bathroom in the home resides. I woke up relatively early, so the bathroom should be free.

Or so I believed.

Applejack always struck me as an early bird, she rarely slept in longer than six or seven hours. I figured she’d be up and about by now, waiting on me. But instead, I enter the bathroom to find her bent over with her ass facing me, pulling on a pair of panties. My voice gets caught in my throat, and I bellow a silent scream as the earth mare straightens up and turns her head to lock eyes with me. A look of guilt and horror washes over my face, and I quickly apologize before closing the door. As I turn around and begin my awkward march back towards my bedroom, I feel a powerful grip latch onto my wrist, halting me from further retreat.

“Where d’ya think you’re goin’, big guy?” Applejack speaks in a voice I couldn’t really decipher. She sounded… Chipper? With something else underlying her tone that I couldn’t put my finger on. Either way it sent a chill up my spine. Before I knew it she had dragged me into the bathroom with her.

“A-Applejack I’m really sorry, I didn’t mean to… I didn’t know you were in here.” I pleaded with her, thinking she was about to chew me out. But instead she just shoves me against the sink, my back facing the mirror above it while she stared up at me, clad only in a maroon tank top and panties.

“Hush.” she whispers, placing her index finger on my lips. My voice dies in my throat, and I just stare down at her with growing disconcert as her emerald eyes scanned my face with obscured intent. “You’re up nice and early.” she says after a slow exhale, slowly trailing her fingers down my chin and to my chest, resting it over my heart, which was currently beginning to bang against my ribs like the engine of a tortured machine.

“W-Well, you offered me some work out on your farm. I wanted to get up a bit earlier than usual to… Y’know… Start the day… Get ready… I thought you’d have been up for hours by now and waiting on me.” I explained myself, glancing to the side, growing far too nervous for eye contact. Despite my effort however, she reaches up and turns my head to face her again, reinstating eye contact.

“Mm. I slept in a tad longer than usual…” she says, sliding her hand back down to my chest. The tension in the air climbed astronomically fast, so much so that my body felt heavy, I could barely move. Not like Applejack would let me go anywhere at this point anyway.

“I-I figured that by now…” I swallowed nervously, watching as her eyes left my gaze and began examining my body, her hands travelling along my torso and shoulders, gently squeezing on my biceps and forearms as if she were studying me.

“I grew up working on my family’s farm. I’ve seen farmhands come and go, many of them being of all shapes, sizes, and ages.” she starts, her fingertips tracing along the dense muscle along my forearm, the occasional scar littered here and there, all while her eyes dance along my figure. “You’re a unique find, Walter. Young, big, strong… It’s like you were built to be a machine.” she coos, her fingers tracing up to my shoulders.

“Um… I guess I just have good genetics?” I say with an awkward smile, cold sweat beading up on my forehead. “I mean, I ain’t the only big guy on the block. There’s that Reynolds dude that Fluttershy volunteers for.” I say, trying to deflect the flow this conversation is heading, but Applejack pressed forward.

“I ain’t talkin’ ‘bout Reynolds. I’m talkin’ ‘bout you.” Applejack states firmly, the gleam in her eyes intensifying our impromptu staring contest. “Why the sudden shyness, Walt? You seemed quite fond of my ass that night in Canterlot when I was grindin’ it on your jeans in front of all those ponies.”

“W-Well, it’s a bit different now. We’re roommates now, y’know? P-Plus I was kinda tipsy back then…” I reply, earning a grin from the amber mare, her strong emerald eyes sharpening like fangs in the jaws of a predator.

“Oh? I think us being roommates would make fucking a whole lot more convenient.” Applejack states bluntly, causing my voice to choke up in my throat, my eyes widening like headlights on a truck. Applejack’s façade falters as she breaks into laughter at my reaction, resting her head on my chest while she snorts and wheezes.

“Uh… I’m… I’m confused.” I choke out as the amber mare wheezes, struggling to recompose herself from her laughing fit. After a minute or two passes, she manages to pull herself together and looks up at me with an amused grin.

“You’re so fun to tease, Walt. I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself when I saw the look on your face when I first opened the door and saw my ass.” she giggles, wiping a tear from her eye as she steps back. I blinked owlishly, staring at her a bit confusingly, my brain slowly processing the situation.

“So… You were just uh… Messing with me?” I asked in a sheepish voice, earning another fit of giggles from Applejack as she took in a deep breath to replace all the air she chuckled out.

“Maybe.” she grins playfully, winking my way as she grabs the set of clothes setting on the countertop beside the sink, pulling them on while I just watch in a state of bemusement. “Your reactions are priceless, I couldn’t help myself.”

“Oh…” my voice rolls out low and quiet, still entangled by the mild confusion and flustered shivers. Once Applejack tugged her jeans and over-shirt on, she took a seat on the toilet to pull on her socks and shoes.

“You don’t have to be so scared Walt. It was an accident.” Applejack assures me, taking a pause from pulling on her boots to pat me on my thigh before going back to her business. “It was embarrassing sure, teasing you was my way of getting payback.” she grins while I shift my gaze elsewhere to hide my flustered visage.

“You and Jessica seem to have that in common.” I say, earning a curious stare from the mare, who pulls on her last boot before standing and leaning against the wall across from me.

“Oh? How so?” she inquires, perking a brow.

“Well, Jessica likes to pick on me a lot in similar ways. Y’know, usual sibling stuff.” I reply, earning an awkward gaze from the amber mare who tilts her head, her eyes staring off in thought before focusing back on me.

“Y’mean she teases you with her body?” she asks with a puzzled stare.

“That, and sometimes she grabs my butt, pinches me, socks me in the groin. She’s been doin’ that for years though, so it’s nothing new.” I reply, watching as Applejack’s expression falters to one of disconcerted worry.

“Umm… Walt, I don’t know much about how your family functions, but my siblings and I ain’t never joshed around by grabbing each other by the butt nor putting each others hands anywhere near our genitals.” Applejack remarks, crossing her arms.

“Oh… Huh, so uh… You guys don’t do that?” I ask, an awkward smile stretching across my face.

“Have you ever done it back?” Applejack inquired, raising a brow.

“No.” I say with a shake of my head.

“Hm. Yeah I think you need to talk to your sister about personal space.” she says, patting me on the cheek before heading over to the bathroom door. “I’ll see you downstairs Walt.” Applejack calls back, giving a wave as she steps out, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

My face flushes as I process all that has taken place. Was she angry? Was she just getting me back? What does she find interesting about me, a guy she met while drunk at 2am in a bar. There’s no way she has genuinely had enough interest in me to escalate things so far, least I don’t think so, it feels like we’d be leaping over so many steps. I slap my face a few times, groaning and shaking my head, trying to break myself out of the fluster Applejack riled me into.

“Girls are fuckin’ weird…” I mumbled to myself, thinking of how I’d rather have just had AJ punch me than make my heart jump up in my throat. Shaking the lingering abashment from my thoughts, I make sure the door is locked before stripping down and hopping in the shower. I don’t take very long, scrubbing myself down fast and thoroughly, rinsing off and hopping back out to dry off and get dressed.

My work clothes consisted of a beige flannel over-shirt with a simple blue gradient t-shirt underneath. Beneath the waist is a comfortable and flexible pair of cargo pants that hug me more tightly than my usual baggy apparel. These clothes are supposed to be flexible, comfortable, and breathable, allowing me to keep cool for when I work up a sweat. Lastly, I tugged on some durable work boots, then made my way out of the bathroom.

As I opened the door, I’m met with Fluttershy standing in wait outside the bathroom holding some clothes, most likely aiming to head to the shower herself. Upon seeing me, a warm smile graced her lips, and I couldn’t help but return the gesture.

“Good morning, Walter.” Fluttershy greets me as she holds her change of clothes up against her endowed chest, her gentle teal blue eyes piercing me despite how tender her gaze is. I feel my throat swell up a bit, making it hard for me to speak at first, but I manage to collect myself quickly before she’d notice.

“Goodmorning, Fluttershy. Did you sleep well?” my voice rolls out relatively calm, being tired still kind of helped that bit.

“Mmm. Yes.” she nodded, sluggishly rubbing one of her eyes while still gazing up at me all cutely, sometimes I wonder if she realizes how adorable she is.

“Good good. I’ll whip up some breakfast downstairs, should probably be done by the time you come downstairs if you’re interested.” I say as her smile brightens.

“Oh, sure! Thank you, Walter.” she sighs gratefully, shuffling past me toward the bathroom, gently brushing against me as she passed by, which I couldn’t tell if it was intentional or not, but it sure made my face flush a bit.

“See you then.” I say, nodding back at her while heading my way down the hall, making my way downstairs and into the kitchen where I see Applejack enjoying a cup of hot coffee, and Rainbow Dash powering down what looks like a nutrient smoothie of some sort, probably a mixture of assorted vegetables and other healthy stuff. As I enter the kitchen, Applejack shoots me a knowing grin and winks my direction, heating my face up a bit, earning a confused glance between Applejack and I from Rainbow Dash.

“What’s up Walt?” Dash speaks up after wiping her lip clean of excess smoothie.

“Ah, y’know, just gettin’ ready for the day. Gonna go work on Applejack’s farm for the weekend.” I replied, earning another curious glance between me and the amber furred mare.

“Oh? That so? Doin’ what?” Dash speaks inquisitively, her brows curving with curiosity as her eyes danced over to me from giving AJ a look I couldn’t quite read fully.

“Oh, well uh, general labor and other chores I assume. I don’t really care, I’ll take whatever work I can get.” I replied with a shrug as I began fiddling around through the kitchen, setting up skillets and such in preparation for breakfast. Most of what was in the house were vegetables, fruits, grains, and meat substitutes. Though substitutes weren’t as good as real meat and such, they’re still far better than the rations me and my comrades ate back in the legion.

“That so? Gonna get all sweaty? Take your shirt off? Geez you’d be eye candy for Apple Bloom, that poor filly’s hittin’ puberty hard.” Rainbow Dash remarks, earning a stare from Applejack.

“I’m flattered.” I huffed, giving a small shake of my head, “But I don’t think I can in good conscious feel proud of that.” I say, earning an assortment of chuckles from both AJ and Dash while I began whipping out ingredients for some good ol’ oatmeal pancakes. Following my dad’s recipe, I threw in some oatmeal, store bought buttermilk pancake mix, brown sugar, whipped egg whites, beaten egg yolks, melted butter, and lastly two finely diced apples that had sizzled in a skillet with some butter and cinnamon before being thrown in with the mix.

By the time I had started frying up stacks of oatmeal cakes, Fluttershy and the other girls began their descent downstairs towards the kitchen to investigate the heavenly smell that is my culinary creation. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy immediately jogged up to each side of me, both of them admiring the breakfast I had prepared for the house while the songful sigh of Rarity graced my ears as she made her entrance into the kitchen as well.

“Oooh my! Something just smells heavenly! Walter dear, I didn’t know you had such excellent culinary instincts!” Rarity says, taking a seat at the kitchen table along with Dash and Applejack who had seated themselves during my process of whipping up the batter.

“Thank my dad. It’s his recipe.” I remark as I begin flipping oatcakes off the skillet and onto a porcelain tray. The cakes disappear just about as quickly as I can distribute them, pretty soon the whole house is in the kitchen, save for Twilight, which has me a bit curious. Last time I saw Twilight, I had passed out drunk and woke up in that room with the princesses. My memory is still quite fuzzy about that incident. “Say, where’s Twilight?”

As soon as I ask that question, the girls cast a few glances between one another. I notice a faint tension from Fluttershy, but she keeps a calm demeanor about her. Before I could speak up again, Rarity piped up.

“I believe she’s out with Spike, dear.”

“Spike? Who’s Spike?” I inquired.

“Oh, that’s right, you haven’t met him yet. Spike is Twilight’s oldest friend, a young dragon.” Rarity explained, earning an intrigued stare from me.

“A… Dragon? Aren’t they like, absolutely giant and live in mountainous regions?” I’d ask with curiosity. The others quickly go about their breakfast while Rarity and I trade conversation.

“Oh well, yes, normally. Spike is a younger dragon, well into his teens. He’s grown quite a bit, but is no larger than an average pony I’d say.” Rarity explains as she pauses in conversation to cut into her oatcakes.

“Ah, well alright.” I say, still contemplating to myself with a distant expression across my features. I could feel a few glances from the girls rest on me while I trailed out. After breaking free of my thoughts, I set a plate stacked with a few oatcakes wrapped in plastic aside for Twilight before gathering myself to head out.

“You’re not gonna eat anything?” Rainbow Dash asked with a bit of curiosity, I cast my eyes back at her and gave a small smile.

Glancing over to Rainbow Dash, I consider my options and simply grab an apple from a basket on the counter close to the fridge, biting into it as I step out of the kitchen.

“I’ll be good! AJ, I’m heading out to the post office, then I’ll make my way to your farm.” I call back as I head off for the front door. I get a collective sendoff from the girls, each of them saying thanks for the food and wishing me a good day as I head out into town.

Reynolds furrows his brow while watching the young thestral mare sleep peacefully before him with her head laid across his thigh, the rest of her body curled up at his side. The two have been like that all throughout the night, and all throughout the night Reynolds had watched over Vick as she slept. The news he had just heard, the events that unfolded and scarred this poor mare for life, it did not please him. Not one bit. Not only had this mare suffered a gruesome attack on both mind and body, but her assailant was a man that Reynolds had long since assumed was dead. Breaking the silence with a long and strained exhale, Reynolds pulls out his phone, gently brushing Vick’s mane with his large bulbous fingers as she sleeps, using his free hand to dial a special number into his phone. After a few rings, a familiar and delighted voice answers on the other end of the line.

“My son, it’s been a while since you’ve called. How are you?” Luna’s voice graced Reynolds' ears, her tune gentle and full of mirth, obviously quite glad to hear from the large human man. However, that tone wouldn’t stick for long, unfortunately.

“Hey, Mom. I’m sorry I haven’t called or visited you and Auntie for a while, things have been… Busy to say the least. It would seem things have gotten… Unpleasantly complicated… Mom, Felix Krane still lives…” Reynolds speaks in a grave tone of manner. There is a long pause on the other end, but soon the once gentle voice Luna once spoke with has now faltered to that of a chilling growl.

“How?” she inquires, her voice much lower than before.

“Unsure. He must’ve had strong connections of some kind to bring him back from the dead, or at least to keep him from dying considering the state I left him in.” Reynolds responds while his other hand still delicately pets Vicky's mane, the thestral mare still sleeping peacefully in the large man’s presence.

“This is… Awful news. How did you learn of this?” Luna inquires, muffled shuffling and movement being heard in the background through the call.

“A young mare approached me. She was referred to me by an old friend. She and her cousin were attacked in their home by Krane, who apparently appears to be working for somebody of great authority here in Equestria. I’m not a hundred percent sure, but from what little I know my suspicion lies in Canterlot. Tell me, do you know of anybody with power or wealth in Canterlot that may have connections to Krane’s operation? Extortion, lending money, organized crime, anything that’ll potentially point us in Krane’s direction?” Reynolds asked as he stared over at an old picture hanging on his office wall, a picture of him taking a group photo with him and some of the founding members of his establishment.

“Most of the scum that littered the higher society have been dealt with long ago after the Orphanage incident, at least those tied to Krane in any sense of the word. However there are a few worms I suspect still dabble in such matters scattered here and there, they’re far smarter than their predecessors that’s for sure, keeping their operations hidden in the darkest of shadows. I’ll procure you a list of names if that helps. It’s just a shame I can’t do much more help for you in this situation… You’d think that being a princess would grant me power to deliver justice without restriction, but politics don’t always work as easy as that…” Luna sighs, her voice heavy with many familiar emotions that Reynolds certainly feels right about now.

“I understand mother, no need to kick yourself. After all, I am your sword. All you must do is aim me in the right direction, and I’ll take care of the rest without any connections tied with you or Auntie. Just like old times.” Reynolds responds with a warm smile, though embers of a long since perished fire had started to burn once more in the large man’s eyes.

“Riley… Please promise me not to exert yourself. Do what you feel you must, but just remember that this isn’t the old days. Try to keep your efforts… Modern, or at least as modern as the situation allows.” Luna says with a sigh.

“That’s ironic, coming from you, mom.” Reynolds chuckles, earning a small laugh from the lunar diarch on the other end of the line as well.

“Watch yourself, Riley. And do be careful. I don’t need to remind you how dangerous Krane is. What he’s capable of.” Luna responds, earning a brief pause of silence from Reynolds before the large man gives a slow nod, exerting a sigh through his nostrils.

“Of course, mom. I know all too well what Krane is capable of. It’s my fault he’s that dangerous to begin with… It’s a mistake I plan on fixing soon enough though. Just keep your eyes and ears peeled for me, you and Auntie both. Contact me at any time if you find anything.” Reynolds says, saying his goodbyes with the lunar princess before hanging up.

Reynolds sits in silence for several long moments, tied with his thoughts as he searched himself for what he should do next. He looks back down at Vick with a thoughtful expression, gently caressing her features like a father would his daughter before an idea strikes him. Carefully, he lifts Vick up into his arms, carrying her over to a side room in his office where his bedroom resides. He places the young mare on his bed, tucks her in, and leaves with her a note placed on the nightstand next to the bed explaining he was off running errands, and she’s free to stay at the center for as long as she needs.

Reynolds had to confirm a suspicion of his.

I stand quietly within the crisp and sterile air of the post office, staring down at a package of letters written for old friends of mine. I’ve written about all that’s happened to me up until now, with parts edited out here and there to avoid worrying them. I just hope they receive these letters well. It’s been a few years since I’ve last seen them. Since the war came on I’ve been sending them more letters as of late, hoping they avoided the draft or at least are fighting with the good guys. Since I came to Equestria I haven’t received many letters from them, but I hope after they get these they decide to write back.

I gather up my thoughts and steel forward. I approach a clerk and hand them my information and my bundle of letters, paying what fees were needed and signing a few dotted lines before heading out of the office and leaving the rest to the clerk. I step out into the warm air of a particularly sunny day. Taking in a breath through my nostrils I begin my march towards one of the older roads that cuts through town and leads towards the outskirts where farms and older homesteads like Sweet Apple Acres reside. For the first time in a while I’d be able to invest my time into a familiar place, doing good old fashion work on a farm like the one I used to call home.

As I came to a crosswalk, I stopped and pulled up my phone, flipping through some apps absentmindedly while I waited to cross the street while a few other passerbys loitered around waiting for the same thing I was. I’m brought out of my absentminded idling when the sensation of a person colliding into my back snaps me to attention. I turn around to see who bumped into me when I’m greeted by a pair of two unsettling crimson hues peering back at me.

Before me stood a human man, nearly as tall as I am, which is a surprise in and of itself, but what startled me most about this guy was the air that hung around him. He wields a pale and smooth complexion, silky blonde locks tied back into a messy ponytail and a devil goatee protruding from his chin. He is dressed in a clean formal attire, a black dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a black and gold vest, and matching black slacks and shoes. A creepy smirk is plastered across his lips as he gazes up at me, his eyes examining me with an intensity I wasn’t all that comfortable with.

“You got a problem?” I’d ask as I stare this strange man down, raising my brows and adopting a rather unimpressed visage.

“No, none at all. My apologies, good sir, I was simply distracted, which is silly considering you’re such a big and strong looking gentleman.” the stranger says as he offers a smile, “Might I ask if you have any military experience? You sure seem like the guy who’s seen action!”

“What’s it to you?” I respond, crossing my arms now.

“Ah, well you see, I am a man with many ties to many interesting individuals. Individuals who bear opportunities that may be more than interesting for strong fellas like you.” the creeper says as his crimson eyes remain locked with mine.

“I may be standing on a street corner but I ain’t no gigolo. Find your fun somewhere else, pal.” I say as I go to turn my back, but I’m stopped by him putting his hand on my shoulder.

“You have a fine sense of humor, good sir, but no, that’s not what I’m proposing.” the man says with an amused smile. “You see, my employer seeks out suitable candidates such as yourself for underground matches. The payout is substantial, and on average fighters walk away with thousands of bits, and even if they lose they still get a few hundred bits for their time. I’m fairly certain that a gentleman like you would thrive in such an environment.” the man explains while I stare down at him, my expression showing restrained annoyance.

“How long have you been following me?” I’d ask, crossing my arms, this question seemed to throw the man off, but he quickly regained his cool and offered a small chuckle before speaking again.

“My my, a bit paranoid aren’t you? However, I wouldn’t say your paranoia is misplaced. My employer had their eyes on you since you came to Equestria, Mr. Barnes.” the man starts, his words making my blood run cold. “My employer understands that you have a military background, fighters from the Griffon Kingdom with your particular circumstances always make the biggest profits. It’s entertaining to see such trained brutality face up against the more tame fighting styles taught here in Equestria.” he cackles quietly.

“What if I told you to fuck off, and if I catch you following me again I’ll bust your face in?” I replied in a cold tone of voice, which only seemed to make the man’s smile grow wider. He pulls a card from his vest pocket, aiming it my way.

“I’d say that sounds like a reasonable response, good sir. However, if you are ever to reconsider, then take this card. Give it a call. And don’t bother handing this card over to the authorities, it will only lead them to a dead end.” the man says as he hands me a silver card with golden numbers engraved into it.

My smoldering glare shifts between the man’s crimson hues and the card for a few moments. I let out a sigh, figuring it’d be faster if I took the card so this creeper would fuck off already. I snatched the silver card and tucked it into the back pocket of my pants. Just before any other words could be exchanged between the two of us, a massive hand envelopes the entirety of my shoulder. A familiar deep voice with an impeccable southern drawl rings out, a voice that brings me relief, and for a scant moment, I saw pure terror wash over the strange man’s face as his head cranes up to meet the bright amber eyes of Mr. Reynolds, a towering behemoth that makes big dudes like me seem like a scrawny kid.

“Why hello there Walter! Fancy meeting you here! I was just out for morning exercise!” Reynolds greets me with a hearty laugh, patting my back, which makes it feel like somebody flattened a frying pan and proceeded to smack me between the shoulder blades with it. “Oh, making friends?” he quips as his eyes lock with the stranger, whose expression that was once filled with a confident bravado was now stoic and cold. It’s as if the moment Reynolds made his presence known, every fiber of this strange man’s being was driven to fight or flight mode, and he was currently deciding whether he should fight, or fly.

“Not really.” I’d respond, staring down at the man who had taken several steps back, and had never broken eye contact with Reynolds since he showed up.

“Is that so? Might I ask who you are, young man?” Reynolds asked the stranger, who simply scowled as if he were offended by the question. The man didn’t respond immediately, he instead just calmed himself down and slowly turned away.

“I was just taking my leave… Do consider my employer’s offer, Mr. Barnes. It may be within your best interest one day.” the stranger says before slipping away, disappearing into the oncoming crowd just as the signal to cross the road begins to beep. Mr. Reynolds and I cross the street together, and once we’re a good distance away I turn my gaze up to Mr. Reynolds, who is holding a sudden stern expression.

“Walter, do you happen to know who that man is?” Mr. Reynolds asks, his tone calm yet stern. I look up at him for a bit, reflecting on my thoughts for a few before shrugging my shoulders.

“I can’t say I haven’t seen him before, but I don’t really know who he is.” I’d reply, earning a slow nod from Mr. Reynolds.

“Where have you seen him before?” Mr. Reynolds inquires.

“I saw him at a club here in town after leaving the Gala with some friends of mine. After seeing him again today, and with him knowing my name, I assume he’s been following me for a while. He said he had an employer that was interested in my ability to cause harm, though he didn’t elaborate any further than that.” I’d explain as Mr. Reynolds and I walked down the sidewalk.

“I see… Did he give you anything?” Mr. Reynolds asked, looking at me studiously.

“Just a card, but I wouldn’t bother trying to get anything from it. He said that the authorities wouldn’t be able to do much about it.” I explained as I pulled the card out and showed it to him. Mr. Reynolds gently plucks the card from my hand and examines it, flipping it over a few times while narrowing his eyes. His expression shifts to that of recognition, and a small smile spreads across his lips.

“Thank you Walter, this was a big help. Do me a favor, if you ever think about calling this number, come to me first and tell me. The same goes is you get any calls from strange numbers, ya hear?” Mr. Reynolds says as he hands the card back to me. I nod to him and take the card, tucking it back into my back pocket.

“Sure thing. Thanks for the help back there. It felt like the dude was undressing me with his eyes. It was really creepy.” I sighed. Mr. Reynolds’ expression becomes stern, then softens for a moment as he nods.

“Anytime, Walter. I’ll tell you what I’ve told many others: I’m always here to help, no matter what, no matter where, no matter the time. I will always help. Remember that Walter. Even if it’s somebody that you know that needs my help.” Mr. Reynolds says firmly. I can’t help but crack a small smile at that, I can tell he’s speaking genuinely.

“Thank you, Mr. Reynolds. I’ll be sure to come to you if I need help for anything.” I nodded.

“You can call me Riley, if you feel like it. It’s much shorter than something as formal as ‘Mr. Reynolds’.” he chuckles, earning a smile from me as well.

“Very well then. Thanks again for everything, Riley. I have to get going, a friend is letting me work on their family’s farm so I don’t wanna keep her waiting.” I say as I begin jogging ahead, resuming my original plans for the day.

“No worries Walter! Good luck with your day!” Mr. Reynolds calls back with a smile, waving me off before turning a corner, and disappearing out of view.

Reynold’s suspicions were confirmed. Walter Barnes is involved. Not only that, he came face to face with Felix Krane himself, it’s certainly the real Felix Krane. Reynolds could feel the malice and unpleasant aura that bled from the maniacal bastard like a humid swamp with fog so thick you could cut through it with a knife. Not only is Felix alive, but his power has increased quite a bit, obviously not enough to feel confident enough to keep his composure around Reynolds, but Reynolds wasn’t about to waste time and give Felix a chance to get any stronger. He found a lead.

The card that Felix gave Walter, it’s enchanted with a familiar magic, a magic that has been developed in Tramplevania for centuries. He knows this because he was there when it was made. There’s only one family remaining today that can craft such a tediously subtle enchantment, and it’s the very family that Vick belongs to. So that’s how she’s connected to Felix Krane. It would seem that Reynolds has some investigating to do, and it all starts in Tramplevania. First thing’s first, he’s going to have to make some preparations before he leaves, he must ensure that the people he cares about are well protected before he leaves.

Reynolds does a bit of grocery shopping, picking up a few things before returning to the community center. Vick appears to be well awake by now and was hanging out in the lounge of the first floor by the times Reynolds entered. Upon seeing the large human enter, Vick stood up and approached him, a hard blush on her face.

“U-Um, Mr. Reynolds…” Vick starts, clasping her hands together.

“Call me Riley.” Reynolds smiles.

“R-Riley… Thank you for earlier. U-Um… I’m still not too sure about staying here… Is it okay if I think about it? I-I really do feel safe and all, and I feel even safer when you’re here…” Vick mutters.

“Of course. No one is forcing you to be here. Your cousin is welcome here too, as well as anybody else you feel is in danger. My doors here are always open.” Reynolds smiles as he places his large meaty paws on Vick’s shoulders, causing the thestral to blush even further.

“T-Thank you, Riley… S-So, will you be sticking around?” Vick asked.

“For a little bit. I’m afraid I have some travelling I need to do. I won’t be going very far, nor will I be gone for too long.” Reynolds explains, causing Vick’s ears to slightly flatten against her head.

“O-Oh, I see…” she sighs, hugging her chest.

“No worries! I’ll be back in a jiffy, just some important business that needs dealt with. In the meantime, why not hang out here? Invite your cousin, the two of you can stay here, make some friends, have some fun. I know it’s hard, but the worst thing we can do when we are feeling down is to let such venomous feelings consume us.” Reynolds smiles warmly, causing Vick to smile warmly in return.

“Okay… Thank you, for everything Riley… I’ll go call my cousin now.” she says, leaning up and giving Reynolds a peck on the cheek before walking off towards the lounge once more. Reynolds smiles, waves her off before turning around and heading to the kitchen to drop off the groceries he bought. While he is doing that, four tall womanly shadows appear behind him. Reynolds does not falter with putting away groceries though, and continues going about his business.

“You summoned us, Lord Odinson?” the four shadows spoke in unison, each bearing a monotone and stern deep effeminate voice.

“I need you to watch over this place, protect the people here at all costs. I also request that you provide assistance to Ashfall if he ever falls into a dire circumstance. Until your services are needed, remain hidden like you’ve always been. And stay vigilant, now more than ever.” Reynolds calmly and quietly instructs as he puts canned goods away into the pantry.

“Yes, Lord Odinson. I am your sword, I shall cut down your enemies.” one shadow whispers.

“Yes Lord Odinson, I am your bow, I shall hunt down your prey.” another whispered.

“Yes Lord Odinson, I am your shield, I shall defend you and your allies from harm.” the third one whispered.

“Yes Lord Odinson. I am your spear, I shall pierce the veil of lies of all those who wish to deceive you.” the fourth and final one whispered. And with that, all four shadows disappeared, fading into nothingness just as Reynolds finished stocking the shelves of the pantry.

“Something fills the air… A sense of dread for what’s to come? Or what’s already happening?” Reynolds murmurs quietly to himself. He wasn’t entirely sure what was going on, why Felix is alive or who’s working with him. The air that lingers above the land of Equestria grows thick with impending destiny, a fate that has gone unseen by Reynolds up until now. He didn’t know why things were being put into motion now, all that he knew, was one important fact.

Walter Barnes is the center of this unravelling conspiracy.

Author's Notes:

Terribly sorry for the long wait. A lot of things have been going on, and I'm sure the same can be said for everybody else, especially with how frequently this year has been smacking us in the face with bullshit after bullshit. But here it is, like I said, I've been working on it for quite some time. I even rewrote it more times than I could count, but after getting some help and much needed encouragement I finally managed to break my block and finish this chapter up. I can't make any promises of quicker updates, but I will continue to try my best as much as possible.