The rain continued to pour as Iris landed me gently onto the slippery roof. I smiled when I saw Al Capony and Bucky nuzzle each other. Kingpin along with a crying Stiletto, were smiling.

“My daughter, you are a married mare now.” Kingpin said. I smirked.

“How does it feel to be the biggest couple in The Strip?” I asked. Al Capony and Bucky smiled at me before Al spoke.

“Courier, I couldn’t be more happier.” She said as Bucky put a hoof around her. “For years, I dreamed about this. To finally settle down and live a different life altogether.” Bucky winked.

“I’m with her all the way. It’s cool rolling with the Omaretas and all, but sometimes things can get a little through the roof, ya’ dig?” I nodded. I understood him completely. He had been wandering the sewers, the changelings keeping him down there for three weeks, sided with a mortal enemy that ended up tricking me into destroying a majority of the city and nearly losing his girl. A little R&R never hurt no pony. But on to a different matter. My smile vanished as I turned to see Cloudwing and the scarred pegasus hover over us, the other Enclave aiming their energy weapons at us.

“Well then, now that that is settled, we can finally move on to more important matters.” The scarred pegasus said. I smirked and pointed Compassion covered in green irradiated changeling blood at the pony.

“I couldn’t agree more.” I said. I could tell that the others were nervous, but me? I didn’t give two shits what the Enclave are. “You lot are long overdue. We Wastelanders don’t need your help anymore.” Cloudwing smirked in amusement.

“And you have proved that today.” He said as he looked out into the city. “I guess your handiwork?” I didn’t even bow my head, let alone show any shame. I lowered Compassion a little before nodding.

“How’s Viper Strike?” I asked. Cloudwing sighed, still looking pale.

“She still hasn’t woken up from her coma your brother put her in.” he said. The scarred pegasus hmphed.

“So, you’re the mare that is a relative to the one who put my best officers in a state of psychological depression and a coma.” He said. I found myself laughing at the thought. Cloudwing? In a state of psychological depression? Damn, I didn’t think my brother was so funny in his work. My laugh apparently made Cloudwing bristle a little. Good. I hated seeing that stoic look he always had. I felt somepony put a hoof on my shoulder. I looked to see Star shaking his head.

“Courier. Now is not the time to goad them at us. There is still a wedding going on.” He said. I snorted and looked back at the Enclave.

“Yeah, I guess so.” I kept my cold glare and motioned towards the clouds. “So, beat it. A wedding is a sacred event. It was interrupted for a good cause. But right now, you all bring trouble wherever you go.” Cloudwing lowered himself a little.

“Hmm, touché, Savior.” He said. “Probably not as much trouble as you do.” Kingpin was the one to break us up.

“Savior, that is enough.” He said. I looked at the buck, but he remained calm. Something about stoic ponies really pissed me off. But I did as I was told. Cloudwing took advantage of that and chuckled.

“Taking orders from savages now?” he asked. I bristled, but Iris and Star held me back as Kingpin continued to talk.

“I can assume you are a commander of this squad?” he asked. The scarred pegasus smiled.

“More of a Lieutenant.” He said. “Lieutenant Stinger, third company battalion and recon.” He said. “I take it you are in charge of this lot?” Kingpin shook his head and looked at us.

“Those kids aren’t affiliated with any gangs here in the city. If you want to know the true head of Las Pegasus, you need to take it up with Mr. House.” Kingpin smiled. “But I doubt after today, Mr. House will be willing to talk. He is a busy pony after all.” Lieutenant Stinger rubbed his chin.

“Pray tell the affiliates of this city.” He said. And Kingpin did. He spoke of The Family and how they and Mr. House were in a temporary truce for the wedding. I won’t lie, seeing Kingpin remain calm, even when the Lieutenant was being passive aggressive made me feel as if it is at all not even necessary to argue with the Enclave. The Lieutenant made it pretty obvious from the get go that they intend to “save the ponies” from the Wasteland. If you ask me, it was a load of bullshit. It took me a moment to realize that Chester was sitting next to me.

“I take it you had a fun adventure without little ol’ me?” he cooed. I sighed and looked out to the destroyed city. There were still gunshots going on, which made me wonder if the wedding was even important to others. The small time gangs were taking advantage of the chaos I had created. Viva Las Pegasus. Heart nudged me with her muzzle.

“Are you okay, sister?” she asked. I snorted in reply. The shit I’ve been through? That was as good of an answer I could give. Let alone, cheating death multiple times, even escaping him not once, but twice. I sighed and plopped my head into her chest.

“It hurts to remember.” I rasped. I felt awful. Sick even. Heart stroked my fire streaked colored mane. I gave a small laugh. “Were we wrong about dad?” Heart looked at me worriedly. “Why me? Is it because I have a spirit inside my head? Did I do something that made him mad? What did I do to deserve his cold shoulder?” Heart sighed.

“I honestly don’t know, sister. Dad wasn’t really fully open with all of us. I think mother was an exception, but us? I always thought of it as him toughing us up so we don’t have to depend on others to help us.” I sighed.

“Well, it worked, that’s for sure.” It was my turn to ask. I hesitated, trying to find the right words. Believing I had, I finally spoke. “Do you hate dad?” Heart said nothing as she continued to stroke my mane. I put a hoof to her chest and looked at her, my expression of complete seriousness. “I need to know. Do you?” Heart bit her lip, taking a moment before sighing in defeat.

“I do.” She said. I said nothing. That makes two of us. I don’t know what Stall thinks. Lyon probably hated dad too. Bell was young to even remember him. She only knows mother and us. Lyon and dad were gone when she had turned one. But I think she does have a slight idea what they look like or what they are doing. Bell’s astral magic can be really ominous sometimes. Heart looked at me. “But I don’t despise him.” I looked at her now.

“Dad may have left us. But I think he had done it for a very important reason. I doubt he was ashamed to call us his family to leave.” She said. There was a sudden shout that was hard to hear over the rain. But it was enough to get us to look over. My eyes widened when I saw Bell and Post Box at the doorway, calling to my mother, who was out of her wheel chair and crawling slowly on the slippery roof. I grit my teeth as me and Heart quickly rushed over.

The hell is mother doing here? Let alone out of her chair and out here!? My mother slipped, but thank goddesses I was quick to catch her, sticking Compassion into the roof as support to keep from slipping. Heart helped me pull her away from the slippery side. My mother was muttering something. I looked at Heart.

“What the hell is she doing out of her bed!?” I shouted. Heart bit her lip.

“Courier, did you read my message?” she asked. I blinked, thinking back to the messages I had read. Both Heart and Post Box mentioned they brought somepony who was dying to meet me. But I didn’t think it was mother. I looked at my mother, the soaked mare muttering under her breath.

“Mom! Mom, are you okay!?” I shouted over the pouring rain. When she looked at me, I suddenly felt like as if time had slowed. She smiled and shakily put a hoof to my cheek.

“You have my looks. But your eyes. You have his eyes.” She said. “That is how I know it’s you. No pony can mistake your eyes.” I blinked. I waited in anticipation for mom to strangle me in her dementia. But it didn’t happen. Instead, she put my head to her chest. I heard her steady heart rate and she hummed a tune. Something about the tune was familiar. I winced when another flood of memories came back.

The hell was going on? Why is memory lane opening up to me? Remembering hurts… and it did. The rain hid my tears. It was clear that I was in pain. And mom… she is risking her health to make sure I am okay. Me, the changeling blood covered nineteen year old courier mare that has gone through so much in her childhood. Did mom know about it all? I thought she was in this state when Lyon went to look for dad. But I remember now.

After hearing about Mom’s severe depression case, I remember sneaking back into the medical room. I was… curious as to what it all meant. Why mom acted the way she did. And when I found that file and opened it, my eyes fell onto her condition. PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It wasn’t depression or dementia. Mother went through a hell of a lot of bad things when she was a filly. In fact, when I remember mom telling me how she and my dad fell in love, I remembered that look she gave. It was hate. Like as if she was speaking of a paragon that had come down for her. To save her. Not from the world, but from herself.

Mom continued to hum the sweet melody as she rocked me back and forth. All eyes were on us. I have her looks… but I had dad’s eyes. They passed on a lot more to me than I thought. I was a walking mental wreck waiting to happen. My siblings weren’t so lucky either. Bell’s ominous astral magic, Heart’s constant worry about us, Stall’s ability of telekinesis. What seemed like blessings were also curses. Being decedents of Starswril the Bearded seemed even more farfetched now that I think about it. When mother stopped humming, she stroked my mane and spoke gently into my ear.

“Mommy is here for you. You don’t need to keep running from me. I will always protect you. Protect all of you.” As she said this, the heavens seemed to calm a little. Now it was drizzling. Heart put a hoof around mother as she continued to rock me back and forth. This was all so… surreal. Just then, the Lieutenant came up and stood over us. I didn’t take my eyes off of mother, but I could tell he was finding this amusing.

“Family. A very important thing in our lives.” He said. “Do you see why we want to save you all? You are like any other normal ponies. Mothers, fathers, children. The Enclave is a group dedicated to aiding you in this time of need.” He held out a hoof to us. “Will you kindly accept our offer to protect you all?” Heart glared at the pegasus as mother continued to rock me back and forth.

“No.” I said suddenly. I slid out of mother’s grasp and turned to the pegasus. “We aren’t stupid.” I pulled Compassion out of the roof and put the tip of the blade under his chin. “I’m public enemy number one. I go with you, you harm my family. My friends.” I drew a bit of the Lieutenants blood and turning the sword slightly, watched the crimson liquid trail down the blade. “I won’t ask again. Get lost.” The other Enclave aimed their weapons at me now. But the Lieutenant held up a wing.

“We can help you. All of you. Are you sure you want to refuse?” he said. I drew back Compassion, cleaning the blade off with a flick of my magic before sheathing it. I glared at the buck and he chuckled. “I see. Very well then.” He turned to Kingpin. “I will honor the deal, Kingpin. Until next time.” He motioned for his troops and they took off from the roof. Cloudwing frowned at me.

“Will she wake up?” he asked. I nodded. As much as it pains me to admit it, she will wake up.

“She has to wake herself up however. I’m sure Acerbus is keeping her in that coma.” I said. For once, I was glad that one of the maidens was doing an actual favor for me. Even if it was unintentional. But in the end, I’m going to need her. And for that, she needs to wake up. Cloudwing gave a grim look before taking off. And just like that, the Enclave left today to fight again tomorrow. I helped Heart pick mom off of the slippery ground as we made our way back into the tower.

The place was a mess. The changelings certainly had done a number on the place. Thankfully, there were only minor injuries. But at this rate, the wedding won’t seem to matter anymore. And something tells me that I’ll see Chryxal once again. Of course I will. I have a friend I need to save. Stiletto looked distraught.

“Oh, the party! Whatever shall I do now? I’ve spent weeks planning and it was all ruined by those monsters!” he said in a dramatic fashion. Bucky patted the buck.

“No worries. The party is still kicking. We just need to clean up.” He said. Al Capony looked at us.

“I hope it’s not too much to ask. But you do you think you can help out?” she asked. I blinked when I felt my companions and my family’s eyes on me. I looked at them.

“Well?” I asked. Goldenlee smiled.

“It’s up to you dear.” She asked. I arched a brow.

“You do realize I’m not the one that decides what everypony should do.” I said. Iris stretched her wings.

“That’s good enough for me.” She said. And with that, my companions scattered, tending to the injured and cleaning up the place. As the minutes passed by, Nurse Valentine with Sunny and the others eventually joined up with us and helped out as well. Minutes turned into hours and we finally got to the point of resetting up the decorations. Stiletto had the Whitehooves bake another cake, reset the food table while I, my companions and my siblings scrubbed off what we could manage of the remaining changeling blood that some of the guests managed to get the better of. By the time we were done and the party going underway, Mr. House over the radio had said that the events will continue, but he shall not attend as to keep the small time gangs from creating more chaos. So we were left with a small group of his upgraded Securitron ponies.

It has stopped raining, but the clouds remained overhead. But that didn’t stop those brave enough to attend. The room was soon playing with classical vintage music while the guests chatted and mingled. As for me? I stood in the back of all the festivities while my companions and my family were having the times of their lives.

“Are you going to partake?” a voice said next to me. I looked and saw Chester wheeling my mother, who was now sleeping quietly in her chair, towards me. I gave a small smile.

“I’m not much for festivities.” I said. Chester cocked his head.

“But an illusionists is the definition of festive!” he sang. I arched a brow.

“Maybe for you, but I’m not a clown of the Wastes.” I said. “And… I don’t think I should even bother.” Chester pulled up a chair with his magic and plopped down on it, hanging his head over the back.

“Troubled are we?” he said.

I nodded without looking at the clown courier. “I destroyed the city. Put a lot of ponies in danger of themselves and each other. All for the sake of survival means.” I said. Chester rubbed his chin.

“And you don’t think it was necessary?” he asked. I shook my head.

“I could have avoided it all. I could have taken Chryxal out without having to listen to Bud.” Speaking of Bud, I noticed he had vanished in the midst of the chaos. Alicron was nowhere to be seen either other than the giant hole that was protruding out of the tower. I sighed. “Dear old dad must be smiling down on me.” Chester seemed to ponder this before speaking, stirring a cup of tea.

“Family matters then. Well, if you don’t want to talk any further, then by all means don’t. I’m just a clown anyway.” He said as he made a slurping sound through his grinning mask. It was weird how he made it look like he wasn’t acting like one was on him. But even his expressions were masked by it. I smiled slightly before looking at my sleeping mother.

“You know, I’m not happy with any of you for bringing her here.” I said flatly. Chester shrugged.

“Your mother insisted she see you.” He said as he stirred the tea again. I frowned.

“She’s supposed to stay in bed. She’s in no condition to go anywhere, let alone outside of the town.” I said. I remember specifically what the doctors told me. Chester kicked back onto the table and waved a hoof.

“I honestly had nothing to do with it.” I could tell he was smirking. “But maybe you should ask the others.” He clopped his hooves together when Post Box trotted over to us. “Speak of the devil!” Post Box nodded.

“Thank you, Five. I can take care of her from here.” He said. Chester stood up suddenly, tipping the chair and letting himself slide into the crowd, whooping in the process. As Chester caused a scene, I looked at Post Box, who picked up the chair Chester had sat in and took a seat. He arched a brow when I gave him a sour look. He sighed. “You must understand, Sixteen. Your mother herself insisted.” I snorted.

“Like I am to believe that she got out of bed, demanded that she be taken with you or face her wrath.” I said. Post Box smirked.

“While true in a sense, we did everything we could to tell her she was in no condition.” He looked at her and suddenly looked very tired. “I don’t know what I could have done if we didn’t.” I said nothing and looked at my mother. They weren’t joking, were they? My mother, who has been in that building for years, suddenly trotted out, demanded she be taken and see me. What I can’t understand is how she knew I would be here.

“You didn’t mention anything about the wedding to her, did you?” I asked. Post Box shook his head.

“None what so ever. She completely took us by surprise when she suddenly demanded you be seen by her.” He said.

“But why? Why did she want to see me?” I asked. She’s been through so much already. And after seeing her in the middle of being raped, I was dead worried something else might get her. Post Box looked at me grimly.

“Because you didn’t check to see if she was okay after the incident.” He said. Oh great, thanks a lot. The best uncle I could ever wish for. Put more guilt on me. I have enough of it as is. My growl towards him told him he was stepping into something he shouldn’t. But he knows I wouldn’t do anything rash. Especially in front of my mother. He was also my boss. “Courier, your visits to your mother have been… scarce as of late.” I bowed my head.

“Yeah? Well it’s not my fault.” I said.

“And it’s not your father’s either.” He said. I made sure he saw the fire in my eyes, but he remained stoic. That expression… always pisses me off. “Have you’ve heard it from your mother? What does she think of him?” I grinned smugly at him.

“What a stupid question. She’s my mom. He’s my dad. They love each other. The end.” I said. Post Box frowned.

“Most parenting cases aren’t all black and white, Courier. Now then… what does your mother think of him?” I didn’t know what he was going on about. What is this, be a prophet day? But I hesitated. I looked to my sleeping mother. I didn’t want to wake her just to ask the same question and get the same response both of them have told me before. Post Box waited for me to speak. I bit my lip.

“M-mom?” I said softly. My mother didn’t move, but her eyes open slightly. She looked tired and sickly again. But she smiled.

“Hello, dear.” She rasped. I didn’t want to ask. I didn’t want too. I remember a lot of things already, I don’t want things to go from bad to worse. But two ponies on my shoulder told me to get my head out of fantasy and face reality. So, I took a deep breath and spoke.

“Mom? Do you hate dad?” My mother took a moment, moving slightly.

“No, I don’t hate your father.” She said quietly. I felt as if each word she was managing was killing her slowly. But I looked at Post Box and gave him a told-you-so look. “I despise him.” I stiffened, hearing my heart beat heavily in my ears. Did… did my mother just say she despised dad? But… isn’t hate and despise almost the same thing? Just that one is worse than the other? My mouth hung open.

“Despise?” I asked. My mother smiled.

“Yes. I despise your father.” She shakily rose a hoof up and I locked mine around hers. “Despising him is what made me love him. Your father was cold. Tough. Always the first to face his problems head on. When he saved me, I despised him for it.” I listened intently as mother continued. “I wanted my life to end. To stop the pain. I wanted everything to end. And that’s when your father came. He spoke to me. Like a guardian sent from the heavens.” She tried to sit up, but I gently put her back down. “He saved me and I despised him for it. In the end, he made me realize that as much as I wanted the pain to end, I had to change. Not for his sake or mine. But for you. All of you. My children. Our children.” I saw tears trail down her cheek.

“And when he left us, I felt happy. I shouldn’t have been happy. I had to take care of you all. But I let the pain come back. And I let it control me.” More tears. “I’m so sorry, Courier. I let the pain come back and ignored you all. I’m not a mother. I shouldn’t have been a mother.” She put her hoof I had locked in mine to my cheek. “But he made me one. Despising him everytime. Each of you remind me a little part about him.” So… that’s why she saw me as the devil incarnate.

It made… sense. Perfect sense actually. All this time I thought it was dementia. And the memory of me looking at her files and now hearing what mom thought, it all made sense. The reason Lyon left to look for dad. Why my father was doing what he was doing. Why he put everything onto me. Out of all the evidence I had been given, mother’s was the one that was the best out of them. Mom may have despised dad, but mom took the burden upon herself when dad left, hoping it would distract her from her problems. But in the end, it got the better of her. We were left with major responsibilities after mother was hospitalized.

“Courier. I can understand if you all don’t forgive me. But don’t hate your father. He did what he had to. For all of us.” I saw her eyes close slowly. I panicked.

“Mom? Mom! Are you okay?” I asked. Post Box put a hoof on my shoulder and smiled slightly.

“Shh, she needs rest.” He said. I blinked and looked back at her. Mother was snoozing quietly. I said nothing. No matter what scenario I ran through my head, it all came down to one thing. Mom despised dad. But it was that reason why she loves him. Stiletto suddenly appeared as if from nowhere for me and frowned at me.

“Oh dear. No, this will not do at all. Not a thing.” He said. I blinked in confusion.

“Err… pardon?” I said. He suddenly grabbed my foreleg and dragged me away from Post Box and my mother. “H-hey! What’s the big idea!?”

“You are a mess darling. And frankly, it breaks my heart when I see a pony not having the time of her life.” He said with a smile. He dragged me into a back room, took a towel and did his best to wipe the changeling blood I still had on me. My barding was ditched into the corner and I sat there as Stiletto nodded to a Whitehoof mare while two others began messing with my mane. I flailed my hooves helplessly, trying to break free from these demons. But as quickly as it happened, they stepped aside and I took a moment to process what had happened.

One of the mares handed me a mirror and I saw the reflection of a different mare. Or, it was me, but what they did with my mane made me look… like not a mess. I looked cute even. I squinted my eyes, seeing a bobby pin holding my bangs out of my eyes. So that’s what they are for. The mare suddenly took the mirror away and the Stiletto smiled.

“Beautiful! Now for the grand finale!” he said. He looked over and a Whitehoof brought a dress. I frowned.

“A dress?” I asked. Stiletto nodded.

“One of the finest I could manage.” He nickered. “I really didn’t like the one your fake was wearing, but I had another on the side just for the occasion.” I looked at the pony mannequin. The dress was layered down to the back, the colors of each layer similar to my fire streaked mane. The collar of the dress stood up a bit and trailed down the sides as the white part of my mane. Stiletto put it on me and clipped the sides of the front together with a clip that seemed to form a sword pointing down. I kicked my hind legs out slightly, testing the dress.

I won’t lie, it was rather comfy. I found it was also easy to move around in. Stiletto pushed me in front of a mirror and I blinked. I looked like a whole new mare! My mane neatly groomed and my bangs being held to the side with a bobby pin. And the dress… I looked stylish. And cute too. I looked at Stiletto and arched a brow.

“What did you do to me?” I asked. Stiletto seemed to have a tear run down his cheek with a proud expression.

“Nothing is a lost cause.” He said. He then held a hoof out. “Come! I’m just dying to show you off to everypony!” I flushed and gave him my best smile I could manage. Okay, I didn’t mind the dress or my mane being fixed up, but… I didn’t want everypony to see me like this. What will they think of me? I probably look stupid anyway. Stiletto once again grabbed my leg and dragged me along.

“W-wait! No! I don’t want to be seen like this!” I protested, but it was too late. Stiletto brought me into the room and I closed my eyes, waiting for me to be embarrassed by everyone. When it didn’t happen, I peeked out with one eye and saw that the ponies were still mingling with each other. But Stiletto dragged me along again towards Al Capony, Kingpin and Bucky. When Al Capony saw me, she balked.

“Courier!?” she said. I flushed and bowed my head. Oh goddesses, I must really look stupid for that reaction. It was Bucky that broke the tension.

“Wow, almost didn’t recognize you, kid.” He said with a smirk. I arched a brow and looked at them.

“Y-you mean… I don’t look stupid?” I asked. Al chuckled.

“Hun, you seem to do a lot of stupid things, but you definitely don’t look stupid. I don’t know how you did it, uncle. But you made a lost cause of a mare a… well… a mare.” She said. I couldn’t help but feel a tad bit insulted by the remark, but I kept cool and composed. Al snickered. “Either way. Kick back, relax. Enjoy whatever you can. The life of luxury like this doesn’t come by often.” She said. I said nothing as I watched the gang heads go about their mingling ways. Once again, I found myself alone. But instead of a corner, I found myself out in the open.

I felt a tap on my shoulder. I stiffened and looked over to see a stallion I have never seen in my life. His handsome features looked at me and he smiled.

“I don’t usually do this often. But, we’re friends after all.” He said. That voice… I suddenly back peddled.

“Ch-Chester!?” I balked. The emerald colored unicorn bowed in a formal manor, as if bowing to an audience.

“The one and only.” He said. Holy hell! So that’s what he looks like under that mask. If I wasn’t into mares, I would be utterly tongue tied around him. I put the two side by side in my head. From the mask and the red duster to a young and handsome looking stallion that was neatly groomed. I felt the gears lock in my head.

“B-but wait! I thought you were partying in what you usually wear?” Chester, his grassy green eyes darting around suspiciously, leaned in and whispered.

“Apparently, the guests don’t like me making too much of a fool.” He smirked and winked. “So, might as well dress for the occasion. What do you think? A little too magiciany?” he said as he twirled his bow tie on his tux. It made this weird cranking sound. I smirked.

“That’s not even a word.” I said. For the first time, I could see the expressions he made on his handsome features. They weren’t what I expected. It was pretty much dead on. He racked his head and dangled it, his green bangs covering his face.

“Fun doesn’t have grammar.” He said with a smile.

“Courier?” a voice said. We both stiffened and looked to see, to our relief, Heart looking stunned with Bell doing a little joyful jump and waving at us. Heart smirked. “And what happened to sticking with mares?” I frowned.

“What’s the matter, Heart?” I suddenly smirked. “Jealous?” Heart blinked and shook her head.

“Not in the slightest.” She quickly gave Chester a look over and I could tell she was frothing in the nethers. Disturbing thoughts of my sister aside, I suddenly flushed and bowed my head.

“Err… sis? Do I look dumb in this dress?” I asked. Heart smiled and nuzzled my cheek.

“You look fine, dear. In fact, you don’t look so barbaric than you usually do.” She teased.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” I smirked. Chester smiled at her and bowed his head.

“As stunning as ever! I can hardly tell the two apart?” he said as he looked between us. Bell blinked and cocked her head.

“You seem familiar.” She said. Chester suddenly stiffened and looked around.

“I…err… whatever do you mean?” he said. He suddenly covered his face and curled to the floor. “Oh who am I kidding! Look upon me! Look upon this hideous face!” The room quieted as a spotlight clicked on and shone down on him. “Alas, tis the day! The day of my end! Oh woe is me!” He used a foreleg to shield his face and shook his head, turning away from an utterly baffled Heart. “Such beauty cannot see such a creature as me! A vile and awful creature!” He suddenly blinked and put a hoof to his chest, staring up into the spotlight. “I… I can see the light… oh the light! So… so precious… so… beautiful.” He made a jerking motion and crumpled to the floor, writhing in pain. “Alas, the end is near. For this creature to reap what he has sown. Farewell, cruel world!” he dropped his hoof that he had towards the spotlight and turned his head, his tongue out as the pony took his last dying breath.

For the finishing touch, a rose grew and bloomed on his chest. The spotlight clicked off and the room was now in muttering confusion and strange looks. Bell was clopping her hooves and cheering while Heart was utterly stunned as to what she has seen. Me? I was rolling on the floor, gasping for breath. I had to wave away a pony who thought I was choking.

“That was… err… interesting.” Heart said. I took a second to calm myself, wiping the tears from my eyes and pointing at the pony.

“He may look different, but that personality is familiar, don’t you think?” I said. Heart took a moment to process this. The look on her face when she came to a realization who it was was priceless. “Gee, Chester. If you wanted to ask my sister out, you could have just asked.” The clown courier opened one eye and looked at me.

“Too dramatic?” he asked. I shook my head.

“You deserve an award. Well, then Heart?” I said. Heart looked at me and then at the stallion. She flushed and spluttered.

“I… bu… I….” she stuttered. I shook my head.

“He mustered up the courage to ask. And I wouldn’t wanna let a keeper run free.” I motioned for Bell. “Hey, Bell. Want to grab some cupcakes?” I asked. Bell beamed and trotted happily over to me.

“Cupcakes!” she sang. I winked at my older sis.

“Have fun you two.” I said. Heart continued to splutter.

“B-but wait! Curry! D-don’t leave me here… with…” I couldn’t hear the rest as I made my way over to the snack table with Bell. As Bell helped herself to as many cupcakes as she could manage, I took the time to crowd watch. I spotted Star in a neatly pressed tux and talking to a gorgeous looking Goldenlee in a Rarity dress. I also couldn’t help but notice that Goldenlee had a hoof locked around Star’s and was giving some of the mares that got a little too close the evil eye. Star, however, was laid back and casually talking to a few others. I darted the crowd, seeing a few ponies I recognize from the gambling areas to entertainers.

I spotted Nurse Valentine being ogled by a group of stallions, but the mare was utterly fascinated with the topic of a Daring Doo novel. Sunny Springs was not too far. She was having a hearty drink with a few others who were the loudest of the bunch. Probably good friends she had when she was in The Pride. It took a while to spot Brick. He was talking with a group of mares that were either interested in how he looked or they were actually turned on by his voice, explaining about paranormal creatures to them.

A couple of the mares seemed to make a clever innuendo and I couldn’t tell if Brick played along or not, because when he replied to the innuendo, the mares giggled and swooned. Based upon the blank look he gave them, I could safely say he wasn’t getting the hint. I couldn’t find Iris however. I wondered if she was with Rex? Or maybe in the bathroom? A sudden thought came to me. Oh goddesses, what will she think of me when she sees me like this? I don’t care what anypony says, I look stupid in a dress. I’ve never liked dresses to begin with!

Why am I so worried about how I looked? I needed a drink. I beamed when I spotted a Whitehoof levitating a serving tray of wine and beverages. It just so happens that they had Ranger Whiskey on the tray. I reached with my magic and plucked the glassed flask of my favorite poison. Oh Ranger Whiskey! Where have you’ve been all my life? Well, for the past few weeks. I happily levitated the drink over to me, skillfully moving it through the crowd. I squeed when I succeeded in acquiring the drink. I took a good long pull and sighed when I felt the warmth of the liquid rest in my belly. Bell tugged my dress and I looked at her.

“Curry? I hope you aren’t mad that mother came with us.” She said. I smiled and ruffled her pink mane.

“I was. But not anymore.” I said. Bell still gave me that worried look.

“I didn’t mean to upset you…” she said. I smiled and scooped my sister into a hug, nuzzling her cheek.

“None of you are in trouble. I was just worried is all.” I sighed, hoping that I would at least fool my sister into thinking I wasn’t at all upset.

“I saw Lyon again.” Bell said. I looked at her. “He came to me in a dream again. Told me that something is going to happen to you. To us.” She shivered a little. “Sis… what’s going to happen to us? And why just us?” So, she knows about it too huh? I gave a small laugh.

“Well. I can tell you this. We will do whatever it takes to make sure nothing happens to you.” I said. Bell shook her head.

“I don’t care about me. I’m worried about Lyon. Stall. Mom and Heart.” She faltered a little. “You.” Then she bowed her head. “Dad.” I stroked her mane. I guess even we can’t hide the truth from her for long. Bell is a smart filly. We’ve always known that. But she can also be naïve at times too. We do what we can to make sure she’s taken care of before our own needs. Stiletto stood up and tapped a spoon to his wine glass.

“Attention, everypony. It is time for the happily married couple to cut the cake.” He said. I saw Bell’s eyes lit up. I smiled and patted her back.

“Go nuts, kid.” I said. Bell happily galloped over to the table where Al Capony and Bucky were beginning to slice the cake. I sat back and took a pull of my drink. I couldn’t help but feel… sad. I watched Bell as she happily stood her place in line for the cake.

“They were about Bell.”

I sighed. Comp… I hope you are okay. The way he looked when I barged in with Bucky, the way Chryxal seemed to look at him. He was… frightened. But he also looked guilty too. Comp had been a changeling from the beginning. But… he was unaware that he was feeding off of… well, I guess us. And we didn’t know it either until it was too late. My promise I had told him. That I wouldn’t give him up until I figured out who he was. I snorted. A lot of good that helped. I failed to keep my promise.

But I remember what I also said towards Comp. That even though we find out who he is, even if it was a soul sucking monster, that he would still be himself and would always be our friend. And now he’s gone… I looked at my PipBuck. The last message was encoded. Just like the one Chester sent me a couple of weeks back. I arched a brow when I saw, however, numbers under the message in small font.

2 5 34

I frowned. What did my teacher say about our PipBucks? Special class. Able to send and receive messages in limited characters. Infinite memory, courtesy of Stable-Tec. Also has the ability to decode cryptic messages through specialized terminals. Decode…

I looked around, hoping to find a convenient terminal nearby. Unfortunately, I wasn’t going to find one here. I darted my eyes in a suspicious manor. No sign of my friends nearby or my sister. Mother and Post Box were still at the table. I gave a small smirk before ducking into the crowd and making my way out of the room.

Trotting down the hall, I held my PipBuck out. These things were strange. It had a map marker placed right on top of my arrow. I switched to local and found the marker leading me straight to the elevator. When I reached the elevator, it suddenly opened and a familiar sapphire mare trotted out with two other mares. She blinked and looked at me.

“Err… sorry. But have we’ve met?” she asked as I made my way around them. I smiled and nodded.

“The name is Courier. Sorry I wasn’t able to introduce myself earlier.” I said. Sapphire Fire looked uneasy, but she gave a polite nod before turning to the door where the wedding party was. I shook my head. Aquaria’s vessel. Acerbus’s vessel. Gaia’s vessel. Me, the vessel of Din. I have still yet to find Shiva. Tempest and Lux are still unknown. Being a Keeper is a pain. It’s frustrating that I have to keep my decedent job in mind while I handle everyday life. At least my Keeper responsibilities are yet undecided until I find all of them and take them to that place. Place…

The elevator opened, snapping me out of a small realization. I took another look at the encoded numbers. If it is what I think it is, then I at least know where to look. I followed the marker on my map, wandering down until I reached a door that had off limits all over it. I looked around, seeing that I was in a hallway. It seemed like all the ponies were up at the top enjoying the party, while down here it was eerily quiet. I messed with the door knob with my magic.

Locked. I rubbed my chin and beamed when I had an idea. I took my bobby pin I had in my mane, seeing my bangs once again in front of me slightly and with the clip of my dress (awkwardly holding up the clip) picked the lock. I smiled and tried my best I could to have my mane as to what it was to keep up appearance.

I snuck in and quietly shut the door behind me before making my way into the dimly lit and damp room of the maintenance area. The marker on my map had me go deeper into the tower’s basement. After a while, I found myself in a server room. What I almost didn’t see was the unconscious figure of a mare in the middle of the room. I quickly rushed over and put a hoof to her back.

“Hey, are you oka-?” I stopped. When the mare stirred, she rolled over slightly and I recognized the burn marks anywhere on the Whitehoof. “Chain Whip!?” The mare groggily looked at me before slurring.

“That’s not my name.” she stood up, wobbling a little. I helped steady her. She took a moment before she began growling. “Dammit, I can’t believe I let that bastard get the better of me…” she said. I arched a brow and she returned it. “And what the hell are you doing down here?”

“Mind if I ask the same thing?” I replied with a frown. Chain Whip snorted.

“Doing my job. That’s what.” She said. Again, I arched a brow at her. She sighed. “I caught somepony wandering near the maintenance door. So, I figured that since everypony is upstairs enjoying themselves, that left me, the only pony who isn’t enjoying the wedding to investigate. I followed him to this room and out of nowhere he attacked me.”

“Did you see what he looked like?” I asked. She shook her head.

“All I remember is seeing a big straw hat and glazed eyes.” She frowned. “Probably a ghoul.” She growled. “Why the fuck am I always left with shit tasks?” I said nothing. My look made her back away slightly. “Hey now, don’t go making that look at me. If you are planning something, you better hope that I don’t knock you out first.” I snapped out of my daze, shaking my head furiously. Straw hat… glazed eyes…. I grit my teeth. Once again, brother, you come at the worst possible times.

“So, now that I know who he is, I wonder who you are going to be.” I said. Chain Whip rubbed the back of her head, giving me a strange look.

“Keep your creepy hooves to yourself.” She said. It’s strange. How in the world can I tolerate her, but just can’t stand the sight of Viper Strike? This very mare here had once attempted to kill me before. So, why wasn’t I bothered as much by her than Viper? “You mentioned you know who it is. You better speak now or else I’ll-.”

“It wouldn’t be wise.” I said suddenly. She growled more in anger.

“The fuck makes you say that?” she demanded. I looked at her, showing nothing but seriousness.

“Because he’s my brother. And he didn’t attack you. He awoke something inside you. And I can guarantee you are going to have dreams you won’t even comprehend.” I explained. Chain Whip shook her head.

“Your brother? So you did have something to do with this!” she barked. “Look, girl. I don’t know who you think you are or why you do what you think you do, but you fuck with me and I swear that I will lay a thousand whippings on you. Twice more than what I gave you back in Stableton.” I didn’t know what caused me to think about this or why even bother to do it. I blinked once and found myself facing Din once again. The chained fire alicorn watched me intently with those bright amber eyes.

“You have something to say to me?” I asked, hoping that I was brought in here by her summons and not intentionally talk to her. Din didn’t even smirk when she spoke. She looked… uneasy.

“One more… Then it will begin. Our ideals rest on these vessels. But our vessels don’t agree with our ideals.” She chuckled, but remained serious. “Fortunately, we picked the right ones this time. You, being the strongest out of the others while the rest are finally realizing what they could accomplish.”

“Get to the point.” I said flatly. Din hummed and turned her head.

“You have an encounter yet to happen. You will be changed. You will be strong. You will be tactical. The others shall follow.” She looked at me without turning her head back. “But it comes down to who will finally rule them all. Create the land they desire. I have high hopes for you, Courier.”

“So, now you are saying you can see my future?” I asked. Din shook her head, making me feel a little disappointed at the response.

“Lyon has spoken about it. He is waiting for you at the place where it all began. He won’t let you bring me and my sisters in. He will do everything he can to stop you.” She smiled. “Say hi to Tempest for me. It’s been a while since my younger sister had made a fool of herself.” I said nothing and blinked again, finding myself looking at Chain Whip.

“Better wipe that look off of your face.” She said coldly. “Now you better start explaining. Why the fuck did your brother attack me? Why are you down here and did you both plan this?” I shook my head.

“No. My brother might have, but for a reason that is neither good nor bad. Me, I was trying to find a terminal.” I said. Chain Whip furrowed her brows at me skeptically. I held up my PipBuck to show her. She looked disappointed after scanning it over a few times.

“Coordinates huh?” she said. I blinked.

“You know what they are?” I asked. Chain Whip snorted again.

“Girl, I may be a total badass when it comes to kicking other badasses in the ass. But I’ve had my fair share of technology in my life.” She said. I couldn’t help but find that amusing.

“So, a badass in kick assery and technology.” I said. Chain Whip nodded.

“Better believe it.” She said. Okay, fair enough then. But let’s see how good you really are with technology, Ms. Badass of badasses. I looked at the server terminal.

“Alright then. Think you can decode it on the server terminal?” I asked. She shook her head.

“Nah, don’t really want to. Plus, I don’t like you and you shouldn’t be here.” She said bluntly. I smiled.

“So, you don’t want to kick a badass in technology?” I said, raising a brow in challenge. Chain Whip narrowed her eyes.

“You think you are better at technology than me?” she asked. I nodded.

“One, I come from a Stable, so I have years of training in technology. Two, I’m a courier. I practically risk my ass for a package even if there is nothing or a small pebble in it. I’ve gone through situations where I had to retrieve my packages from slavers or thugs.” I smirked. “You saw what I can do. You know full well what I am capable of. Right now, I will and always be the badass than you are.” It worked. Chain Whip swung a hoof in front of her, dismissing my comment.

“Bullshit. I don’t care if you are Stable rat or a freakin courier. I’m the best and the only best. Give me your damn computer leg!” she said. I decided to rub it in a little.

“It’s called a PipBuck.” I said, making my smirk bigger to edge it on. She ignored it, taking my retractable cable of my PipBuck, plugged it in to the server and began typing away at the terminal. I waited, humming a small tune of my favorite pony singer that I have met in person only once. I wonder how LittlePip is doing? Are her and her friends okay? I hope Stall isn’t causing too much trouble with them. I bit my lip, deciding whether I should send a message to Stall or not. Chain Whip was still working away at the terminal

Sighing, I switched over to the message setting and typed.

Hey Stall. It’s Curry. I hope you are doing okay. Don’t get into too much trouble, for both mine and LittlePip’s sake, okay? – Curry.

I sent the message, feeling a little more depressed. My family was slowly but surely falling apart. I don’t know how I was going to keep them together. Dad is missing. Lyon is out being a Keeper. My sisters are upstairs at the party with my mother and my guardian uncle. And here I was, realizing that at any moment, my luck would change and I would be a walking mental case, just like mom. I frowned. I hope I don’t have to end up with major problems just yet. I had things to do and I don’t want psychology getting in the way of my tasks.

My PipBuck blipped and I thought it was Stall who had sent me a reply. But I cocked my head in confusion as I watched my PipBuck went from the numbers to my map, zooming out into the world map and putting a mark to the northwest. It took me a moment to realize that it was around the same area as the place I was supposed to deliver Comp to. I wasn’t even surprised.

“Figures.” I said. But what caught my eye was a message under the marker.

I’m sorry.

Okay, now I was even more depressed than before. Comp… I’ll find a way to get you back. You don’t have to live in seclusion from the world because you are a changeling. You can come back to us. Stay with us. Be our friend. Live the life of a normal pony.

“You may think it’s nothing, but others will.” Comp’s words came back to me. Dammit, now I’m mad. How the fuck am I going to save him? To get others to see that he isn’t a monster? I felt something knock on my head hard. I hissed in pain, rubbing my poor head.

“Hey, did you hear what I said?” Chain Whip asked. I blinked at her. “I said I told you so, didn’t I?” she smirked. “I guess you were too stunned by my technological mind that you were left speechless.” I frowned. All you did was use a simple decoding program that the server had. That pretty much all servers had. Just one push of a key and the program did the rest. But I kept it to myself, not in the mood for an argument or even a fight.

“Alright, fine. You win.” I said. I turned to leave, but Chain Whip cleared her throat. I groaned.

“And?” she said. I glared sourly at her.

“And you are the badass of all badasses.” I said sarcastically. Thankfully enough, I made it sound like I wasn’t being sarcastic and she nodded in agreement.

“That’s right. And don’t you forget it.” She said. I shook my head. The ponies I have to deal with. Why couldn’t the maidens pick more… I don’t know… polite vessels or somepony who is reasonable? I mean, Sanity is an exception, I am uncertain about Sapphire Fire. I know for sure that Viper Strike is going to be the one that I will probably have to mangle in order to get her to come with me. As for the others. Shiva’s vessel is still unknown and Lux still hasn’t woken up yet. Or maybe Lyon has already and Lux is just being lazy and not bothering to communicate with me.

And that wasn’t all I dreaded this night. As I was heading back to the wedding party, I knew, at the very core of my gut, that I was going to have a little talk with an alicorn that is going to be made up with clouds or some form of high force winds tonight.

b]Footnote: Level Up!