Author's Notes:

Thank you so much to all my guest editors

Now I bring you back to Thunderblast, returning from the great outside world to edit my little chicken scratch of a story.

It was around six by the time I returned to the farm at long last. A glance at the windows told me supper was over, so I figured I would just skip it. I wasn’t drunk, though I had a bit of warmth in my gut, and I needed it after the day I had dealt with.

On the way back, I had stopped in to check on my guest. She, of course, was complaining at the top of her voice about the hayburger and fries for dinner. I reminded her we had no kitchen, she was a prisoner, and that was dinner. Eat it, or don’t and go hungry. When I left, she chewed on her food quietly. I gave orders to Twilight’s guards that no one was to enter her cell or visit her before I headed home.

Walking with a bit of a slump, steps muffled by the snow on the ground, I pushed the door to my barn room open. Banging the snow off my boots, I glanced up to see that the stove was lit and burning bright. The fire door was open and by its light I saw a orange mare sitting in the middle of the room. Her hat was off, and I could see just how worried she was.

Closing the door behind me, I kicked my boots off and set them aside. Taking my hat and coat off and hanging them up on the peg Big Mac had installed for just that use.

“Ya didn’t need to wait up for me, Jackie,” I said, not looking back at her yet.

I heard her get up, and walk over to where I stood, and her hoof touched my hip. Turning with it and looking down into her eyes. “Yeah, ah did, Shane. You okay?”

I could have lied. I could have, and she would have let it go. Just knowing that, I figured I owe her the truth. “No, no I ain’t.”

She gave a nod and used her body to nudge me over to the sofa. Physically, I was the bigger one here, but pound for pound, the ponies had me by a good hundred pounds or more; ones like Applejack that worked all their lives, on the northside of that number and not one ounce of fat.

So I sat down, and she slid up on the sofa, sitting so she could look me in the eyes and placing her hoof on my chest. “Ah talked to Twi, Granny and Big Mac agreed so we left Apple Bloom to have that sleepover. Figured Filthy’s little filly needed her friends there.”

I was quiet for a bit before closing my eyes. “Who does that, Jackie? This is the land of ponies, of harmony and love and kindness. Cort looked up the records, there has not been a case of foal abuse in Ponyville in over a century.”

Her hooves slid around me and she kind of half pulled herself to my side and pressed her face into my ribs. It was her turn to be quiet for a spell before she spoke quietly.

“Ah can’t tell ya none, Shane. I don’t understand it ma’self. Don’t get how anypony could do that to their kin, let alone their flesh and blood foal.” She paused, then she flicked an ear and nuzzled my side.

“Ah keep thinkin’ about Apple Bloom growing up without Mom and Dad, how ah had to act as mom for her. I keep thinkin’ how she tried my patience time and time again… but ah never once thought ‘bout striking her. “

I leaned back and tugged her half down on me, wrapping my arms around her. I pressed my face into her mane and planted a light kiss there. “I don’t understand it myself. I keep thinking about Cassidy.”

Applejack leaned her head up and put her hoof on my neck, gazing into my eyes as she pressed her lips to my own. I slid my arm up behind her back and returned the gesture, before it broke. She didn’t say a thing, and I didn’t go on to ask her any questions.

She just lay her head down on my chest as we reclined on the sofa. Sleep took us both, as we close our eyes. Never before had we fallen asleep together, though tonight I think we both needed the company.

---

I woke with the room cold, yet feeling warm. Something heavy but not uncomfortable was draped half over me. I felt stiff and sore, and it hit me that I was on the sofa, that I had fallen asleep on it. Opening my eyes slowly, first thing my sights settled upon was blond hair and an orange ear poking out of it.

I think I stayed like that, just watching her sleep on my chest, one leg around my rib cage, for almost a hour. I couldn’t wake her. She was quiet and peaceful, and I knew she needed the extra sleep. Plus, it gave me time to think about events, about her, and my own issues. We were a couple now—not that many knew, the rumor mill had not caught wind of it yet. We had been kissing, and not just a friendly kiss; no, we had shared a few very intimate kisses, and I continued weighing how I felt about that.

I thought about Shawna, and how much I missed her and my little girl. Odd as it was I had not dreamt of them in almost two weeks now. Looking down at the mare asleep on me, I wondered to myself. Could she be the reason? Shawna, god, lord Jesus, someone… hell, anyone, I really could use an answer or two.

However, nature did give me one little poke, in the form of a urgent need to use the boy’s room. I exhaled and slowly started to stroke my fingers into the blond mane of the mare resting with me. She slowly opened her deep, soul-filled emerald eyes and looked up at me… and smiled.

Sometimes if you pray hard enough, momma had told me, God will give you a sign. Looking down into that face, into that smile, it hit me. The answer I had been begging for, was right there all along, and I could see it plain as day now. My heart skipped a beat, and a tiny bit of that nagging voice inside was silenced. “Mornin’, Shane.”

I leaned my head down best I could, and kissed that orange mare on the lips lightly. Damn the morning breath, and from her pressing back into it, she felt the same. Breaking it once more I smiled back at her.

“Morning, beautiful,” I paused. “I hate to wake you, but I am afraid nature demands it.”

She blinked, then got a knowing look and gave a slight chuckle. “Well, ya should have woken me sooner,” shaking her head as she started to gently untangle herself from me and back off the sofa to stand on the floor.

Letting my fingers drag along her body before she was out of reach, I sat up and shook my head. “Ain’t wise to wake an angel from sleeping,” not looking at her as I walked past, not noticing her blush light up bright on her face. I just closed the door to the bathroom with a soft click.

---

I was sitting at my desk finishing up paperwork to transfer Spoiled up to Canterlot and the court system when a knock came on my door. Standing up, I walked over to the board with the Apple case on it and flipped it around on its stand. “Come on in,” I called out.

Twilight walked in with a soft smile, still stressed but not as bad as yesterday. Behind her came a older mare, but one I knew right away. Her soft grey coat, the purple and white streaked mane, the three purple stars on her flank. “Shane, I would like to introduce you to Twilight—”

I smiled as I injected into her introduction. “Velvet, your mother,” I gave a dip of my head. “A pleasure to finally meet you, ma’am.”

While the mare in question smirked some, Twilight recovered quickly with a smirk of her own. “Director of Equestria Foal Protection Services.”

Alright, that made me lift an eyebrow. Not only did they send down someone from higher up, they sent down the highest.

“The pleasure is mine, Ranger McDonald. I have heard so much about you from my Twily, Shiny, and the Princesses.” She then stopped for a moment, continuing soon after in a lower tone. “As soon as the report hit my desk, I was sworn in by Princess Luna. I know of the—” giving pause, “—level of your understanding and knowledge of Equestria.”
I gave a nod then leaned back, sitting on the edge of my desk. “I know this is a big deal, but what brings the Director herself down? Why not just send an agent?”

Twilight Velvet looked up at me as she sat down on the carpet. “You must understand Ranger Mc—”

I held up my hand to stop her. “Shane, please. We have no reason to be formal, it is just the three of us.”

A smile came from both as she gave a nod in return. “Shane, then. To continue, while foal abuse and issues do happen, the FPS rarely has to intervene past a warning, getting parents financial help, or helping place a colt or filly that has lost their parents. Cases of abuse are...” again she paused, looking uncomfortable now with the idea. “...rare, in my tenure as Director, even back to my rookie years as a field agent. I have never seen an active case.”

I nodded my head to her. “I can understand that, knowing what I do of pony culture and herd mentality.”

She smiled, then exhaled. “Love Tap is with the fillies now, Filthy Rich arrived ten minutes ago. I asked your agent, a Miss Lightning Dust? To stay with them.”

I paused. “Love Tap? I am not sure I am familiar with her.”

Twilight the princess answered my question. “She is the local FPS field agent, a friend, and mother to one of the colts at school. The one that seems to always be playing video games?”

I blinked, moderately puzzled. “The little guy with the propeller hat, seems to be into Sweetie Belle? So his mother is Foal Protection then?”

Twilight Velvet nodded. “Tap and I go back some. I was her training officer in the field, this was before she had Button, and I was five months along with Twilight.”

I snickered, and the poor bookpony blushed hard, even as she received an affectionate nuzzle from her mother.

I ran that over in my head, then gestured. “Do you need to talk to—” I could not bring myself to say her name so I just said, “Her.” Perhaps with a bit too much venom in my tone. I noted both ponies flatten their ears. Still, the feelings were raw and my dislike for her far too fresh and focused.

Velvet shook her head. “No, she has invoked her right to silence. I have already been contacted by her attorney and served a writ of defense. Until she is transferred and her arraignment is held, she can’t be talked to, other than by you and the Rangers, thanks to your charter.”

I gave a nod to that then leaned back in the chair, looking up at the ceiling as I thought on things. “How did she get an attorney so fast? I know the Rich family has wealth, but, well, to be blunt, Filthy doesn’t seem the type to defend her from this kind of charge.”

Twilight Sparkle chimed in, a frown on her muzzle. “He isn’t, the lawyer is in Canterlot.”

Velvet continued for her. “Yes, his name was...” she tapped her chin, pondering for a second. “Dark. Gray Dark, I believe his name was.”

I blinked and shot a look at Twilight who had the same look on her face. We both glanced at the board I had flipped to hide the info on it, and back to each other. She had the same look on her face that I suspect I had, and the same dislike of coincidences.

The grey mare spoke up, having noted our sudden quiet. “Was it something I said?”

I shook my head firmly. “No, ma’am, just a name that… shouldn’t be involved.”

Twilight put a hoof on her mother's shoulder. “Just has to do with another case the Rangers are looking into, Mom, that is all.”

She blinked, then gave an acknowledging nod of her head. “Well, shall we go check on Mr. Rich and his daughter, Ranger?” Her demeanor changed some, no longer calling me Shane. “I want you there, I have seen your reports.”

She smiled just a tiny bit. “I know the foals in Ponyville trust you, they look up to you, and I am quite sure they are going to have some very awkward and hard to answer questions.”

I responded with a single nod as Twilight threw me a look that said thank you. “I suspect as much, ma’am, Plus there is one among them I need to make sure isn’t holding onto some deep rooted anger.”

Twilight spoke up. “Pipsqueak?” she paused. “He looked so angry, and was being very overprotective of Diamond.”

I nodded to her as I stood, sliding my stetson on, then pulling the Peacemaker from the drawer and sliding it into my holster. “I think there is more going on there than just friends, I know that look and, no disrespect, but, this is the kind of talk two guys need to have together.”

Velvet gave a sigh and set her hoof on Twilight to quiet her before she could retort. “Twilight, it is the same kind of talk your father had to have with Shining Armor after… the events at his wedding.”

Twilight lay her ears down. “Oh… all right, I guess I understand.”

---

Seeing Filthy as upset as he was set me at ease some. He clearly was focused on his daughter and her needs, not on Spoiled.

The Crusaders and Silver Spoon kept Diamond company, but just walking into Fluttershy’s I had spotted the anger churning in Pip’s eyes. The little paint colt was on edge, enough so that even Diamond, who was pressed close to him, kept giving him glances.

While everyone gave me a smile and a wave, or said hello, I glanced at the paint colt and gave a nod. “Pip, come walk with me,” I gestured outside.

He looked like his first response was going to be a no, up until Diamond said in a soft tone. “I am okay, Pip. Everypony is here. I will be right here when you get back, okay?”

He gave a snort then nodded and leaned over, giving her a little nuzzle on the neck that set the fillies to giggling. Rolling his eyes, he turned and started my way. I spotted a kind of tanish mare with a heart and baby bottle cutie mark starting to open her mouth, before Twilight Velvet shook her head.

I stepped aside and let Pipsqueak pass, but heard behind me. “I think I will join the boys. Diamond, darling, you mind Miss Fluttershy and Miss Tap while I am out,” as he drew abreast of me, he gave me a look that said he understood, too.

I paced myself slow so Pip didn’t have to run to keep up as we walked down the road away from the cottage. No one spoke at first, right up until Filthy glanced down at the small little colt. “Mr. Pipsqueak, I owe you a debt of thanks.”

This made the colt come to a halt and blink up at the stallion. I turned and looked at the two, letting them have their say. Rich looked down at the boy, making direct eye contact. “At my daughter’s worst moment, you stuck to her side. It is a debt I will owe you for life, you kept my daughter safe. Now while I am still a father, and still a bit twitchy at having a colt around her so much.”

Pip gave a light smile. “I can think of no other colt as honorable, and trustworthy of being her friend.”

He was quiet then sat down, unable to look up at Filthy or myself. He spoke in a soft tone. “I hate her so much, when I saw Diamond like that I wanted… I wanted to hurt her, I think I wanted to kill her. It’s like a fire inside me, all I can see is red unless Diamond is right next to me.”

Rich and I shot each other a glance, I could see he knew exactly what I was thinking, too. I squatted down so I was not towering over the little paint colt.

Exhaling slowly I gave a little shake of my head then reached up and took my hat off. Placing it on my knee as I ran a hand through my hair. “Pip, you need to listen good. You can’t carry that around. All that hate, that anger, it will eat you up inside, burn you out and leave you a husk.”

Filthy sat down and gave a nod. “Ran—Shane is right, Pip, right now,” looking away and off to town. “Well, right now, I am angry. Mostly at myself for not seeing what Spoiled was doing, for telling myself things would work out, for ignoring what was right in front of my nose.”

“So you want to hurt her, too?” looking up at the stallion.

He shook his head. “No, because what would that do? I would go to jail, and Diamond would have no one then. No, son,” he stopped as he looked down at the paint colt. “Anger and hate won’t help, it just makes things more complicated. You just keep being the kind, helpful, and stalwart little stallion I know. You keep at my Diamond’s side as long as she will have you there. Don’t hate, she will see it, Pip, she will know.”

He looked up at the two of us, then back to the ground and stomped his front right hoof down hard. “But, but what if she gets away with it?”

“She won’t, Pip, she is in jail right now, and she is being shipped up to Canterlot in the morning. I am escorting the detail in person,” I responded.

He shifted his brown eyes up to look at me and let out a long, slow exhale. Tears welled up and I gave Filthy a nod as the stallion pulled the colt in, protecting him with his body from being seen by others as the colt began to sob.

“Let it out, Pip,” I said, but a little voice inside my head muttered “oh like you do?”, bringing a small frown to my countenance.

Rich looked up at me and said in a soft tone, his hoof still around the boy pressed into his chest to hide his face. “Shane, will you help me talk to the girls? They have been asking questions, and—”

Knowing what he was requesting already, I held up a hand and gave a nod. “I get it, we all will. Twilight Velvet asked me to, we will do it as a team.”

He nodded at me and grew quite again, holding the silently sobbing colt as we sat there in the snow on that gloomy day. All so Pipsqueak could feel safe enough to be rid of the poison in his heart.