I shook my head as I leaned on the wall, watching the unicorn stallion across the room fidget and fuss with the tie around his neck. Walking over, I gave a shove to his hoof and reached out to adjust it. “Quit messing with it, Cort, you look fine, man.”

He glanced up at me and gave a frustrated nicker. “Ain’t yer scrawny plot getting married in a few minutes, Shane, it’s mine!”

I could see he was stressing out and I needed to calm him some. Squatting down, resting my butt on my heels, balancing on the toes of my boots, I looked him dead in the eyes.

“Cort, Golden loves you; not how you look, not what you can give her. Hell if I know why she puts up with your neurotic ass, but, she does. Now, you are goin’ to go out there, stand with me at your side, and watch one of the nicest mares there is walk down the aisle. You are going to say yes, then you are going to kiss her, and that is that. “

He took a deep, shuddering breath and exhaled slow and long. Opening his eyes again, he gave me a nod. “Thank ya, Shane, ah know… ah know it ain’t our way to get mushy and stuff, but,” he paused, “Ah wouldn't be here without ya, and I sure as hell wouldn't be marrying Golden without ya. On ma honor, Shane, ah will always be at your side.”

I choked down the lump in my throat and gave him a nod “I know Cort, and you know I feel the same. I know it ain’t easy to be my friend, but you are, and I thank god for it every day.”

He chuckled and looked in the mirror again. “Don’t let one of them crazy Celestial Rise folks hear ya say that. Might try to burn yer scrawny plot for being ah heretic.”

---

I stood up on the short stage, in position at Cort’s left side as we looked out at the room. Must have been half of the population of Ponyville here, and nearly a quarter of the Canterlot Guard. Yeah, that was a bit of a exaggeration, but it felt like it.

Celestia sat next to Luna up front, surrounded by ten or so of the day guard and I knew every one of them. Up along the rafters and in the mezenne I took note of ten or so Lunar guards. Once again all ones I knew and had met because of Cort or Golden.

Standing up with us, the dorkicon herself beamed with a bright smile that lit up the room, her friends all sitting up along the ‘bride's’ side of the aisle across from the guard and princesses. The only one missing was Applejack.

Jackie stood up across from us; Golden had asked her to be her mare of honor, currently dressed in a very pretty green dress that set off her eyes perfectly. I glanced over at her and received a smile from her in return.

We both looked back as the doors at the end of the town hall opened, and looked on at the mare standing there in a wedding dress. At her side stood Captain Crossed Swords; she had asked him to give her away as he was the closest she had to family and a father.

Her Flax like mane was done in a braid down the back of her neck, but left floofed and up along her left ear. It was clear that, even with the dress, the soft tan mare had gone all out. Her hooves the blackest black, her tail in a braided with two ribbons weaved into it each the color of one of the princesses.

I glanced at Cort and took note he was just awestruck. His jaw half open, his eyes locked on her. I reached out to my soft red friend’s jaw and closed his muzzle with two fingers, giving a little whisper out loud as I did. “Relax,” I muttered.

I did catch Celestia and Luna’s smirk as I turned my head again to watch Golden come down the aisle, and up the two steps to stand on the dias. Cross walked up and looked Cortland dead in the eyes, and spoke in a soft voice. “She ain’t my daughter, but you treat her like she was.”

Cort gave a nervous nod of his head. “With my last breath.”

The two gave each other a single nod, before the captain retreated back to the groom side of the room where Dusty sat with their two foals, sitting down with them.

Turning, we fixed on Twilight who spread her wings out, head up. I again marveled at just how princessy she displayed herself now compared to the nerdy dork she had been.

“We are all gathered here today, because two lonely souls have found a bond. A bond of friendship, that crossed into a bond of love. All here have come to see Ranger Cortland Apple, and Golden Shield bind that love before the eyes of their princesses, their friends, and the powers that be.”

She again smiled bright and warm, gazing around the room. “Before we continue, dare anypony stand and object to this union?”

Honestly, the look on AJ’s face was almost daring anypony to speak up, would have scared a timberwolf into submission. None spoke, not a cough or a noise.

Twilight again cleared her throat and the four of us looked to her once more. “Very well. The couple has expressed they wish to bond in the tradition of the Solar Guard.”

As she spoke, Jackie and I stepped over and pulled a spear from behind a small barrier up on the stage. Returning to the two, I handed mine off to Cort, and Applejack gave hers to Golden.

Each spear was wrapped in ribbons the colors of the princesses, the tips bright chrome polished to a mirror shine. A tassel hung from the shaft of each in the respective color of the unit they once belonged to.

I watched them both smile, and lean the spears together so the two polished points crossed just where the metal joined the wood shaft. Twilight’s magic then lit up her horn, and the tassels slowly wound around the other spear, tying them together in a cross as a symbol of unity.

“Cortland Apple, do you take this mare, in peace and war, in the worst of times and the best of times, do you promise to love her, and dedicate your life to her?”

I found myself looking up and over at Jackie, who was looking at me. I suspect the glint in her eyes mirrored mine as we stayed like that, looking at each other not the couple. My heart pumped hard, and I knew, I knew what soon needed to be done.

“Ah do, from this moment on, even after Thanatos escorts us across the barrier an’ into the Elysium, ah will love her,” he responded through a shaky breath.

Twilight gave a nod and turned looking at Golden now. “Golden Shield, do you take this stallion, in peace and war, In the worst of times and best of times; to walk at his side, to carry him when he falters, and lean on him when you slip?”

She gave a nod of her head, tears welling up in her eyes. “I do, with all I am, my honor and duty, I give my love, my heart, to him.”

Twilight again gave a nod with a smile. Both Jackie and I turned in time to see the knot made from the tassels light up in purple magic. The glow bright, as the knot bonded and tightened, and became one. Every fiber entwined together, never to be undone save cutting it apart.

“The bond is sealed, the oaths are given.” Twilight spread her wings wide. “Let nopony try to break the bond created here today in the presence of friends, family, and friendship.”

Once more, the Princess of Friendship with her wings spread, used them to nudge the couple together, and they kissed as she spoke.

“Mares and Gentlecolts, may I introduce to you, Cortland Apple, and Golden Shield Apple!”

Hooves stomped, cheers went up, but I found myself looking over at Jackie once more. I saw a tear in her eye, and a smile on her face, as she mouthed silently, “I love you,” and I returned it with the same.

---

What a reception it had been, once more, Pinkie outdid herself. After the huge party, we had seen the couple off on the train to the Crystal Empire where they were spending seven days on their honeymoon. They were slated to return a few days before the Summer Sun Celebration and the big concert night.

So with Cort out, I found myself walking a patrol out near the Gorge. The Eels there had been worked up because of a incursion of Diamond Dogs in the area. I figured I would swing by the Dogs’ camp and just make sure they were abiding by the rules set down by Fluttershy as to where they could dig and where not to dig. They in particular were not a bad pack, and in fact I had spent a few meals sitting out in the open near their caves and learning more about their kind.

I’d discovered the packs they formed outside their homeland tended to have one alpha, and then others, that females rarely ventured out of the homeland, and the ones I had interactions with before were known as ‘bad dogs’ and not looked on kindly by the good packs or their homeland’s government. It seemed sometimes a pack just went rouge, though it did not happen often.

The leader of this local pack went by the name of Sam, a level-headed guy for sure. He explained how they had taken over after the previous pack in the area had run afoul of the law by kidnapping a pony.

Oh, I knew exactly what they were talking about, and what pony that was. However, this was not that pack, or the dogs involved, so I would not let that color my opinion or interactions with them.

I was about half way back to Ponyville in a slow walk, my cane still in my hand as I still had a bit more of healing to do. I was doing a lot better so far, but once in a while the hip sparked off spurts of pain after long treks. I hoped it was not permanent, but none of the doctors could tell me for sure. So there I was just reflecting on things, not really paying attention when I heard a noise.

A screech like a foal screaming almost. My head snapped up and I looked into the forest where I heard the noise come from. Turning I started in, there was some kind of commotion going on.

Just clearing the treeline, the problem was right before my eyes: two timberwolves were attacking what looked to be a rather large bird nest.

On the ground, the nest looked totally crushed. Just a few feet away lay a red tail hawk, even at a glance I could tell it was dead. Currently the two wooden wolves were snarling, and one was holding down another hawk.

I knew that wolf, as it spun its head hearing me step clear of the treeline. It had one eye, the other taken by a well-placed kick from a rainbow-maned mare I knew. This fucker was one of the ones who tried to kill the foals and almost cost me my life!

“Hey, fucker!” I yelled as it lifted its twig paw off the hawk it was holding down. Both turned and snarled, but before they could launch at me… I drew!

Lightning was my hand, anger was my heart. I had no hesitation like the dual, no pause like the gryphon. This was a real threat and I put my all into this moment. The old iron lept from my hip, as my left hand flew forward to meet my right hand holding the gun. I fanned the hammer, and thunder echoed in the forest.

Billowing white smoke and fire lit up the front of the gun, and hot lead flew. Two rounds smashed into the one-eyed wolf, one missing him but two was more than enough.

Even as he started to explode apart as the magic left his body, the other received the last two rounds into the chest. It had foolishly turned to try and get around me, and given me a broadside. It too died like its partner, magic a kind of green haze almost exploding out of it and dissipating like steam.

I stood there, gun smoking in my hand, a cloud of black powder smoke rolling out in the forest around me. Eyes scanning for any more targets, before I slowly slid the empty revolver into my holster and headed at a jog for the avian laying on the ground. It was bad, real bad, but clearly breathing still. I used my boot to lift the nest up some and winced, lowering it again. Under it, two deceased chicks.

With all my care, I knelled down and slid my hands under the broken bird, trying my best not to upset the raptor or hurt it more. I knew if I brought it to Fluttershy fast, it may have a chance. Standing, shooting one last glance at what I assume was its mate, and seeing my first assessment was right, its neck turned and broken.

I took off at a limping jog. It was going to hurt, but I had to give this guy a chance. Something deep inside my heart said I had to do this, almost driving me to push harder, a need to try and save this bird.

---

The yellow pegasus came out of the back room after what was a good three hours. She exhaled, looking tired and very worn out. It was pretty clear to me she had been crying, too, and looked up at me with exhausted irides.

“He will live. His wing was broken and I set it. He has lost one toe on his right leg, so he will hop and limp when he walks,” she said, hurt on her face.

I knelt down and rested my hand on Fluttershy’s neck lightly, working my fingers into the pink mane. “You did all you could I am sure, Flutters,” using a nickname I had been using for her over the last six months or so. “I just wish I could have saved the others.”

She winced. “He asked, about his mate, and his chicks. I told him I did not know and to rest.”

I exhaled then things hit me kinda hard and sudden. This bird and I shared a terrible and pain-filled commonality. He, like I, had lost his family. I think Fluttershy almost knew what I was thinking. Suddenly finding myself in a tight pony hug, hearing a little sob, and a squeaky voice whisper. “I am so sorry, Shane.”

I gave her a hug back then gently stood up after it broke. “I would like to check up, make sure the bird is okay. Oh, by the way, what is his name?”

She smiled just a bit. “He doesn’t have one, his name is Mr. Hawk right now,” she paused, “but, he asked where the two legged creature that saved him was, before he fell asleep.”

I gave a nod. “I will check in. I need to file a report, get a few unicorns out to police up the lead, and send a note to Canterlot saying we have two less timberwolves in the world.”

She flinched and her ears faltered. I exhaled softly. “I know you don’t like that idea, Flutters, but, it was them or me.”

She gave a soft nod of her head, sighing. “I know, I just… I wish they would listen to reason, but I have tried to talk to them and all they want is to eat and kill.” She shook her head and pausing then saying in a much softer voice. “I guess in a way what you did was a kindness, they are no longer in pain and suffering from corruption.”

I gave her a nod and a smile, then tipped my hat and turned. Fuck, my cane is still out there, too! This walk is going to suck…

---

It was early evening, we still had some light left as I limped back to Flutter’s house. I’d managed to get a report done; five of the Guard and Twilight were out policing up the lead and making sure things were cleaned up.

Twilight had said she would bury the remains of the birds and mark them near the tree that had been their home so Fluttershy didn’t have to. She also promised to find my cane along the way and bring it back.

Jackie was, of course, a bit upset I was in another fight, but glad I was all right. She had spent a few minutes just checking all over me, much to my amusement. I had also received a tongue lashing, and kisses at the same time. Guess I can’t complain too much, now can I?

Tapping on Flutter’s cottage door, she opened it and gestured with a smile. “Come in, Shane, I have some good news.”

As I came in and took my hat off my crown, the first thing I noted a bandaged hawk on a perch, many of the local animals hanging around close, and Harry was sitting upright next to him.

I blinked, as the butter yellow pegasus spoke. “Everyone is here to support Mr. Hawk, and to say thank you to you for saving him,” as chitters, chirps, and one big paw of a bear waving, greeted me.

I walked over, putting a hand on Harry’s shoulder but looking at the wounded hawk. “Can he understand me?”

The bird tilted its head, then nodded. I blinked and looked at Fluttershy and back to the bird. “Shane, he is, well... unusual. As best I can understand he is a lot like Tank, and some of the other pets.”

That gave me pause, so he was not just sentient, but low level sapient to boot. I pondered that, but before I could speak the bird chittered and made a few noises. Weird, real weird, but it was almost like I understood he was thanking me. I looked to Fluttershy who said exactly what I thought. “He says thank you, for saving him, and for trying to save his family.”

The bird leaned forward and I reached out giving his neck a gentle little scritch under the feathers.

“Shane, I hope you don’t mind, but I… I told Mr. Hawk a bit about your own past,” the butter yellow pony laid her ears back.

“Nope, that is fine,” I responded, looking at the bird who just seemed to be studying me. I spoke to it like I had Winona and a few other of the girls’ pets. “It hurts, I know it does, but don’t let that hurt turn into hate. Trust me, it ain’t worth it to be alone.”

Still holding my hat on one hand, I felt something brush my legs, and a big paw come to rest on my shoulder. You know I will never get used to having a bear be friendly. I did glance down to see a little otter brushing against my leg, and many of the smaller creatures were looking up with large, sad eyes at me.

The bird again seemed to look at me, then pushed his head up into my hand harder and chirped. I didn’t need to know what he said, it was like I felt it inside my heart. Just like when I had been compelled to rush here and try to save him. “You just get better, then, if you still want to come home with me… well, I guess that will be alright.”

Fluttershy gave a little gasp and whispered in a kind of loud way. “H-how did you know what he said, Shane?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know, Flutters, I just… well, how does Dash know what Tank is thinking? How do Spike and Twi know what that owl of theirs says? I just… knew.” I myself was puzzled, but the feeling, was a little like Harmony music if I had to compare it to anything.

She was quiet as I gently gave the bird one more pet then stepped back and glanced at the bear. “Keep an eye on him, please, Harry,” having no clue if the bear understood, but he seemed to look at me, then gave a warbling growl and nodded his head.

Fluttershy walked outside with me, and looked up at the sky. She turned her head and glanced to me now. “You know, he was meant to be with you, just like Tank, and Angel, and even Peewee. Sometimes harmony comes along and gives us a nudge, and Mr. Hawk is your nudge. He needs somepony who understands his pain.”

I exhaled a bit. “I guess,” as she smiled.

“He will need a name, you think on that. A name is, well it is what bonds them with us, and I think it will do the same with you.”

I smiled at her then started to walk off. “I best be getting home before Jackie gets grumpy with me. Goodnight, Fluttershy, and thank you, for helping him out.”

---

I found on my desk at the station a magicly attuned box with five smashed lead rounds laying in it. The box was one of Twilight’s design, a kind of box around a box lined in lead so they could move nullstone.

One of the rounds was in a few shards but it looked like they had found all of them. I knew I would need to ship this box up to Canterlot to be put into the vault with the other nullstone and items from my world. Knowing that there was already the rounds from my demonstration in there, laying next to the round that took a gryphons life, and the one that took Grey’s life.

Shaking my head, I got into my day. Dust was out on a patrol to Appleloosa and back so I didn’t expect to hear from her for a few days. Speaking of the winged mare, she had really come into her own. Cort and I were at the point of trusting her skills enough to send her out on short patrols and scouting missions. He and I had agreed if this keeps up she was well on her way to earning a Ranger star.

Speaking of Deputies, I’d learned more about Dark Shimmer and figured she and I had a talk coming. Cross had confided in me because he knew I would find out at some point and wanted me to deal with it and her fairly.

The unicorn mare was a first cousin to Grey Dark, but well estranged from the Dark family. He wouldn’t give me too much information, said that is for her to talk with me about. I made a note to speak to her when I was up in Canterlot next week for the Event and Summer Sun Celebration.

Flipping pages in report folders, I glanced at them casually. Some reports of petty theft, a few complaints about the weather team being ‘lazy’. However, one thing was abundantly clear and missing, not one report, even a hint, of the missing prisoners. It was like they had up and disappeared from the face of the planet.

My eyes went to the safe on the wall, and my thoughts to a promise I had made a little pink pony filly and her father. I aimed to keep my word, and bring the ones who had brutally murdered her mother in prison, to justice. I also aimed to find out who was behind it all, that was a oath to myself I had no intention of letting slip.

That night I spoke with Jackie about the hawk I had saved, my feelings about it. What Flutters had said about it being fate. She agreed with the yellow pegasus, and we decided together we would have the bird come live with us. My pet, but free like the others were, it was kind of our first big decision as a couple and, well, I won’t complain about the celebration we had after.

---

The next day, after I put in a few hours in the office, found me limping my way over to Shy’s cottage once more. To my surprise all the girls were there, along with their pets, standing next to them. I blinked as I limped up, leaning on my cane.

“Now what has you all out and about?” looking everyone there over before leaning down, and without hesitation giving Jackie a kiss on the lips. This of course brought the usual giggles and ‘Daaaww’s from the other girls, even Dash gave a smile.

“Well, to be honest, Shane, none of our pets would leave us alone. They practically dragged us here.”

Rarity continued from that, “I simply don’t know what has gotten into Opal! She snatched up my most expensive spool of thread and lead me on a chase that ended here,” she huffed, stomping her hoof.

The other girls all nodded and glanced around then back at me. Fluttershy tilted her head and looked at the devil bunny next to her. For once he was not shooting me the stink eye, but rather gave me a polite nod?! Looking back up at his owner he gestured and flicked his ears about, pantomiming something.

“Oh… oh!” Fluttershy lit up. “Angel says they are all here to welcome somepony new to the group.”

I blinked at that. “New?”

Then it hit me, even as the white-furred devil glared at me and facepalmed himself.

“Well, I... I guess that is actually really nice of them,” I saw out of the corner of my eye Tank, hovering there next to Rainbow, nod his head with a slow gesture.

Looking back to Fluttershy. “Is it ok for him to come?” I stopped myself, only to be suddenly finished by Jackie.

“Home,” she said, and I gave her a smile.

“Yes, home, with me?”

Flutters gave a warm smile back and nodded her head. “He can’t fly for a few more weeks, and he will need constant care, you will need to bring him by once a day, and of course next week he will have to stay here so the other animals can help him out while we are all in Canterlot.”

I nodded my head in acknowledgement as she went down the laundry list of care. Finally she walked inside, and came out with the proud bird, bandaged wing on his side the other slightly out to act as a balance, on her back.

I knelt down and looked at the raptor. I figure he was around fourteen, perhaps fifteen inches tall, so standing on his talons he was about the same height as Winona was on all fours, or rather all three in her case.

“I would like it very much if you came and joined me. I know you have lost everything, and I know that you know I of all understand that too well. Jackie and I spoke, and well, if you want a home, for as long as you want, I would be proud to welcome you.”

The bird chirped a few times, then all the girls’ pets made noise and gestures. Finally the bird turned to me and gave a chirping screech and hopped from Fluttershy’s back up onto my shoulder.

Oddly, his talons did not dig in as I feared, but rather he seemed to understand quite well how sharp they were, and held on pressure but not letting the tips puncture my oil coat.

“Have you thought of a name for him, Shane?” Pinkie Pie queried, beaming brightly as usual on her muzzle.

“I have,” I nodded, looking around then turning my head so I could kind of look at the avian on my shoulder.

“In a great war on my world, there was,” I was cut off by Twilight letting out a gasp and a flash of light. She now had a scroll and quill along with a little pot of ink just, suddenly there. I rolled my eyes as everyone else laughed.

“If I can continue? There was a fighter squadron, that fought all the odds, overcame all the dislike for them because of the color of their skin, to become one of the most revered and successful aerial squadrons of the war. They were called, oddly enough,” I reached up and gave the bird a scratch on his neck as he pushed into it. “The Red Tails.”

“So, I was thinking, Red Tail, it is what breed he is, but it is also representative of a drive to be better. How about it, call you Red for short?” I said to him.

The bird hopped a few times on my shoulder then gave a cry, and shoved his beak into my neck and rubbed. The other pets all gave noises, or did some kind of gesture. Even Tank did a little figure-eight in the air.

Applejack smiled some. “Ah think that is a yes, sugarcube.”

I gave a nod. “I think so, too.”

That was that. I have a pet hawk now. Pretty damn cool, really.

Author's Notes:

WOO sorry for the long delay folks but the writing bug has hit me once more.

The next 4-5 chapters will be the big tribute music event, and summer sun celebration. Don't expect too much action or drama, but worry not my little ponies. Things are coming, big things, big changes, and more clues to what is really going on.