Part 2

Chapter 19: Reunions

“Hey Ivory! Over here!”

What had my life turned into? When I started this adventure I could never in a million years have foreseen just what would happen and the agonizing twists my life would take. I had always dreamed of going on adventures with my hero, Grit Stratum, and raking in all of the fame and acknowledgment that would come with it. Instead, Grit ended up being murdered and I was somehow supposed to navigate my way through that reality and what came of it. I was a foal, barely able to comprehend just what real hardship and strife could be and I certainly couldn't deal with it in a positive manner. Secrets were kept from me and so I decided to keep secrets from one whom I should have trusted and who trusted in me. I ended up driving him away without even so much as a goodbye and as a result I ended up where I am now currently leaving, a zebra prison in the middle of fuck-all-nowhere.

“Didn't you hear me you dumbass!? I said over here!”

I ended up being used by multiple ponies for ends I could hardly have predicted or controlled. Silver used me for gathering those magical artifacts for Celestia knows what ends and Karfiso used and will probably continue to use me for whatever he plans going into the future. When I was able to make my own choices I couldn't say they were always the best or even that they were all completely thought through entirely. My adventure ended with me killing a pony and making a deal with a pony who might very well turn out to be the freaking pony-devil. I lied to Enyi, the zebra I liked(multiple times) and ended up driving away my first romance to the point where I might never even see him again, let alone get him back. I wanted to of course, more than anything. Over the past three years I would go to sleep dreaming of him often; his golden eyes, his slender stripes, his funny accent, his passion for old things that rivaled my own and of course there was the fact that he actually seemed interested in me.

“Ok, If I have to shout at you one more fucking time I swear I'm going to fly over there and wonk you on the head!”

“Huh?” I was instantly blasted out of my inner reflection to the sound of a large metal gate closing behind me. I had been trapped within those gates for three years now in what amounted to a hole in the ground filled with the most repulsive assortment of scum you could find anywhere in or out of Equestria. Of course I wasn't in Equestria but Khaweth, and the hole in the ground was essentially a giant fortress that sat in the middle of a rocky, barren stretch of land that was barely more than a desert(a very hot desert).

This was Arnband, the most feared and infamous prison within Khaweth. The ugly construct was located further south in Khaweth then I ever thought I'd ever go. I was far enough inland that the jungles and wetlands of the coasts gave way to savannahs and barren, rock filled wastelands. This is where I was now, in a prison that stood right in the middle of one of these wastelands. The prison was flanked on the north, west and east by the scorching scorpion wastes(I'll let you figure out why it got that name...it's giant scorpions). To the south, only about fifty miles or so, was the great range of the Ulur Dur, which, according to several inmates, means the mountains of unremitting horror and death. It was reserved for the worst of the worst, rapists, mass murderers, terrorists, traitors, and a cadre of other horrible criminals.

After my 'trial' I had been sent here as I had become almost universally hated within Khaweth once it got out that I had been the one who stole Abila's helmet. I wasn't the one who actually stole it but from the point of view of the one who told the ruling zebra council I was. This caused quite the firestorm amongst the zebras as crowds gathered around where I had been held previously to shout things at me I would rather not revisit. My trial had been a farce meant to cement me as the scapegoat and shove me away somewhere for a few years until things quieted down. I was very publicly sentenced to life in Arnband so the zebras of Khaweth could feel satisfied that the greatest criminal of their lifetimes would get the justice she deserved or whatever. Even though my guilt was practically a foregone conclusion the trial had all the pomp and circumstance one would expect from all the high profile trials. Witnesses, long winded speeches, catchy catchphrases, I think one zebra even fainted at one point from some dramatic reenactment of the moment I 'stole' the helmet right out of Abila's coffin. Karfiso informed me before the start of the trial that it would be mostly dramatics before I was stuffed away somewhere that I could be easily forgotten and I had been prepared for that. The part I broke down at was when Enyi was called up and told them exactly where he had found the helmet, under the bed in my room. It certainly didn't help my public image when I broke down crying as he was lead up to the stand to testify against me, the zebras took it as sure sign of my guilt.

“That's it, I'm comin over there!”

I quickly pivoted and began to gallop over to the source of the shouting, it was a voice I hadn't heard in three years and a voice I was more than overjoyed to hear after so long. Before me stood a pegasus with a brown coat, dirty blonde mane and a pot of gold for a cutie mark, my friend Jackpot.

“Hey there Ives.” he said, sporting a small smile on his face.

I didn't answer back, all I did was run up and trap him in the biggest hug I had ever given anypony in my entire life. I probably squeezed a little too tightly as Jackpot quickly began to squirm as my hooves pressed harder around him.

“Whoa there, Jackpot still needs to breath.” he huffed, wiggling out of my grip.

“Sorry.” I backed off a little bit, my head pointed down, “It's just that I haven't seen you in so long and-”

Jackpot started to laugh, “Oh lighten up, I wouldn't hold a hug against anypony. I've had and given more than a few 'hugs', if you know what I mean.” he winked.

“Gross.” Sweet Celestia I missed his dumb sex jokes. “What are you doing here Jackpot? I was told this whole getting me out of prison thing was supposed to be kept quiet for the time being.”

“It's simple really, I got a letter from Karfiso telling me to come here, so I did.” he shrugged and gave me another smile, “Plus, you didn't think I'd miss the chance to greet you after getting out of this hole now did you?”

It was then that my gaze was almost forced upwards towards his blonde mane. Something seemed a bit odd about it. Almost as if...”Jackpot! Did you comb your mane!?” I couldn't believe it, he looked almost respectable. Like take him home and introduce him to your parents kind of respectable; I didn't like it much, it didn't suit him.

Jackpot blushed a bit(will never not be weird), “Yeah, I thought I should look nice; you know, since it's been so long whatever.” it was then that his smirk appeared, “I love your new mane style, it's very non-existent. Much better than that whole bedraggled look you always seemed to have before.”

It was true, manes weren't allowed in Arnband, to easy to smuggle things in them apparently. Now was my turn to be a bit embarrassed as my hoof found itself rubbing my bare head, even my tail had been cut and not allowed to grow more than a few inches outward. I had lived so long this way that I had nearly forgotten about them and Jackpot just felt the urge to remind me. I didn't want to be reminded of that so a quick change of subject was in order.

“Is Scarlet here?” I asked, poking my head around to see if there was anything else to see. All there was was the prison compound, the rocky desert and a carriage that sat a ways off. As I looked I couldn't help but be surprised by what was pulling the carriage; it was some strange creature I had never seen before. It looked almost like a cross between a mole and a rabbit with stout, powerful legs, good for pulling carriages I guess.

“Unfortunately not.” Jackpot sighed, “She's been doing her own thing for about a year now. I kept us together as long as possible but eventually she got this silly idea in her head that she needed to be more ready for when you got out so she went to get some additional magical instruction.”

“Magical instruction? From who?”

“One of Hero's friends, that unicorn who was helping Pish Posh, Hubub something.”

“You mean Hubbard?” I asked.

Jackpot's face lit up, “Yeah, him!”

That was perhaps a bit disconcerting. Hubbard was one of the most accomplished and well-known wizards in Equestria but not for the reason that most others were. He was the only pony in the history of Equestria to not only learn but master the use of dark magic without it turning him completely insane and evil. Scarlet was a wonderful pony yet her skills in magic and physical fortitude were probably not up to the standard that high level magic like the kind Hubbard would use would require. Not to mention that Scarlet simply could not master dark magic as Hubbard was only able to do it because it was his special talent. I also don't remember Hubbard ever taking on any students at any point in his life and as he was a former companion of Grit I prided myself on knowing practically everything there was to know about him and his friends. The idea that somepony like Scarlet might be trying to learn dark magic was slightly unnerving but there really wasn't much I could do about it now so maybe that would be best saved for later.

“So, do you know where we're gonna be going?” I asked Jackpot as we made our way back to the carriage that was sitting a ways away from us.

“Equestria.” he said casually.

I looked up at him with slight disbelief, “You know I can't really go to Equestria right now, right?”

“I had a talk with Karfiso before I came here, he said you can have one month at the most to visit Equestria but after that you have to come right back here.” Jackpot looked somewhat proud at this, “It was me who convinced him to give you that long.”

“I find it hard to believe that he would just agree to that.” my disbelief was well grounded. Karfiso didn't seem like the type to keep me so close for so long then just let me go.

“Well, there was a slight concession I had to make.” uh oh.

“What was it?” I asked with tepid concern.

“You'll see in a minute.” Jackpot stopped and spread his wing in front of me to get me to stop. “First I want to ask you, are you ok?”

“What do you mean ok?” I backed off from him a bit.

“Well, you were in Arnband for three years. I've heard the stories of what it's like in there and I want to know if you're ok.” his face was now directly in front of mine as he stared me down, preventing me from looking away or dodging the question.

I admit, having Jackpot here helped me to forget for a few moments but he had to be a fucking piece of shit and bring it up. I know he didn't mean bad by it but still, I had no intention of reliving those three years and I certainly didn't want to tell him about the three worst fucking years of my life.

“Fuck you.” I pulled away from him, facing towards the carriage and continuing on.

“Hey! I'm just trying to see if you're ok.” he seemed upset, but so was I now.

“If I can go back to Equestria now then I'm going to do it now. Let's go.” immediately before I set hoof in the carriage something in my brain twinged. My ears twitched, my tail fluttered slightly and my nose began to discover a smell I hadn't gotten to smell in three years. I turned back to Jackpot who now had one of his deviously cocky smiles and in his wing an open flask of Cider Joe's cider. “C-c-can I-”

“You gonna behave?” he shook it a little to taunt me.

“Yes! I've had nothing but whatever paint thinner other prisoners could smuggle in for three fucking years! I need this Jackpot!” I practically pranced over like a dog looking for a treat.

“Paint thinner? What you been having in there?”

“Not this I'll tell you.” I was practically begging for the flask of cider. My tongue was practically dangling from my mouth as the smell got stronger the closer I got. Before I could nab it however, Jackpot lifted his wing up, removing it from my grasp. “Hey! You said I could have it!”

“You gotta say something first.” he smirked.

“Huh? Oh, please.”

“Nope.”

“Then what?” I whined.

“You were just pretty rude to me for asking how you were, what do you think?”

Dammit, he was trying to make me apologize. I didn't feel I had anything particularly to apologize for, he should just understand I didn't want to talk about it and that he should leave it alone. But he did have wings and I didn't. There was really no way I could get that cider from him and I reeeeeally needed it right now.

I sighed heavily, lowering my head, “Fine, I'm sorry I was rude but I just got out of prison and I don't want to talk about it, ok.”

His smirk disappeared but he lowered the flask down to me. I nabbed it between my teeth and took two big swigs immediately. This was slightly a mistake as I almost immediately began to choke and cough on the strong liquid that I was no longer used to. Jackpot just started to laugh again as I sputtered and coughed from the drink.

“Guess that paint thinner was pretty lightweight.”

“You have no fucking idea.” I finally stopped coughing only to take another, smaller drink from the flask. It felt and tasted so good as my nerves finally calmed down with the hot liquid sliding down my throat. “How much did you bring?”

He tapped his wing on a very full looking pair of saddlebags that hung from his back.

“Jackpot, I love you.” I said smiling.

“Don't give me any ideas.” he laughed, I just smiled back at him as I took another sip from the flask.

“So, what's with this condition?” I said, wiping a bit of cider from my lips before sucking it off of my hoof.

Jackpot rubbed his hoof behind his head nervously. “Well, I just wanna say that some things have changed in Equestria since you've been gone. I think it's obvious to say you and I are no longer members of A.I, or even welcome back there. Blaze started to say some...non flattering things about us and the ponies who remained in charge of A.I have been reinforcing this.”

“What!?” I was shocked, “Didn't you tell anypony about the whole controlled by an evil criminal syndicate thing!?” I almost couldn't believe it. Why would Blaze do this? I had been hoping the he, of all ponies, would at least not make my situation actively worse. Actually, thinking about it, maybe that was a vain hope. Goldie told me that she had help from inside A.I when she murdered Grit, Blaze would have been the only pony able to help her and I knew he had been helping the Family for years. Now he's turned the very organization I had once dedicated my entire life to against me; fucking piece of shit was just asking for a few broken ribs. A new thought then popped into my mind; what about Emerald? She's been a part of A.I for years now and if those fuckers have turned my best friend against me...they can all have their eyes pecked out by a griffon in Tartarus for all eternity. Still, I needed to talk to Blaze at some point. I needed an explanation to all of this and he would be the perfect pony to confront. It would take a while though, I doubt they would ever let me within a hundred feet of him now.

Jackpot didn't look any less nervous, “Yeah, the princesses looked into it and well, a lot of the ponies who got captured or killed in Khaweth were all employees of Silver's company. They couldn't talk and only after we got Hero to look into it openly did anything substantial come up. A few board members got arrested or resigned but other than that, nothing much changed. Although I will say that I made some good bits selling our story to Hero.”

“You sold our story?”

Jackpot's proud smile returned, “Don't you remember? We told Hero we would. She even threw in some extra bits to help out with expenses, seeing as how things turned out. She's been telling our adventures over her radio for two and a half years now. We're all pretty famous actually.”

Well, this is pretty much what I always wanted wasn't it. Fame, no fortune though, but fame nonetheless. Of course, Jackpot continued to tell me about how half of Equestria loved us while the other half was siding with the official reports on how I was a convicted criminal and hated my guts. Maybe going back to Equestria now wasn't such a good idea. No, I had to go back, I needed to. I needed that friendly, safe atmosphere after three years of utter fucking hell in the middle of a Khaweth desert. I needed some color in my life and some rest. Jackpot informed me that he still had Grit's old house in Canterlot because of Hero's money so my plan was to head right there after fulfilling my promise to go and get...Caelus. Aww shove the sun up my butt, what the fuck was I gonna do about him. I promised to help him but can I do that when I can barely keep myself out of trouble? Plus, how in fucking Tartarus was I going to get beck into...well...Tartarus? I promised him though, and I intend to keep that promise, stupid as I realize it was. I suppose introducing the most evil thing to ever exist to all my friends might be an interesting experience at least.

“Oh, and speaking of the condition.” Jackpot slid the door of the carriage open and sitting in the seat was a pair of familiar deep green eyes. Siri, Karfiso's right hoof zebra.

“Oh, he's sending a foalsitter.” I was suddenly depressed again.

Siri peered out of the carriage out at me and Jackpot, “I do not like it either, but Karfiso is my leader.” she huffed.

“She's coming to Equestria with us?” I was really hoping this was some kind of bad joke Jackpot was pulling.

“I am indeed, I do not expect to be well received.” Siri sat uncomfortable back in her seat in the carriage. I could tell just by looking at her that she didn't want this either. Fuck, I barely knew her and from the couple of interactions I did have with her she was quite unfriendly. I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought that Equestria might freak her out at least a little bit with how different it was from Khaweth.

Before I stepped hoof into the carriage I took one last look at our driver, the weird mole-rabbit thing. “What is that?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

“It's called a Rompo.” Jackpot answered, “Powerful beasts they are, wouldn't want to fight one yet they are pretty docile unless provoked. The zebras tamed em a while back and now they're pretty common in this part of the world, kind of like cows or oxen back in Equestria.”

The carriage was spacious enough for the three of us, though just barely. It was not fun being forced to stare at Siri's condescending gaze the whole two days it took for us to reach the coast. Jackpot was, unexpectedly, making Siri just a bit uncomfortable with the bad attempts at flirting he made. With each bad pun or dirty joke Siri just got more and more irritated until it seemed like she might blow the carriage right up with how mad she looked sometimes. The best I could do to avoid her death glares was stare out the window of the carriage for hours on end. There were times it was definitely worth it for once you got out of the wastes, Khaweth could be quite beautiful at parts. The mountains looked beautiful from a distance(even with Jackpot telling stories of horrifying monsters and cliff shattering earthquakes that they were supposedly filled with in them) and I found Khaweth to have an abundance of very clear lakes and rivers that the road would pass by. The long, yellow savanna grasses eventually gave way to fields of green grass as the coast approached. We even passed by several villages and towns which looked infinitely better than that one in the jungle that Goldie ruined. Each little town we passed began to remind me more and more of home. Equestria had many large cities, but I always found the little towns to be the most charming and homely when I really thought about it. Places you could just slow down and have an easy going, relaxing day; oh how I longed for one of those!

When the shining blue of the sea finally crested into view, I found this area to be quite enjoyable. There was a cool breeze, the sound of waves lapping at the shore, even the sounds of zebras just milling about and going about their daily lives seemed to soothe me. There was no signs of the intense fighting and violence that had occurred north in the jungles and this made me very happy. It was almost hard to imagine that anywhere in Khaweth was not some horrible, war-torn landscape that was constantly in ruins yet here it was, right in front of me. Another thing that brought me great comfort was just looking at the sky and seeing how wonderfully blue it was here. There was no bleak or oppressive shading here that would serve to depress a pony, just a nice beach, blue ocean and a tiny little village of zebras shipping different things up and down the coast. It almost made me forget about the impending torture I was to endure with the days of sailing we would have to do to get back to Equestria. The ocean was beautiful but also vomit inducing for me and the thought that I would have to spend at least four days on it and then another four on my return almost made me puke on the spot.

“Do you zebras happen to have any potions or something for sea sickness?” I felt compelled to ask Siri as the carriage pulled up to a small boat that was docked a little ways away from the main dock.

Siri was the first to exit the carriage, jutting her back-hoof out to stop me from leaving. “These zebra will not recognize your look, but better to stay here in your nook.” Siri trotted off after closing the carriage door right up to the boat and the zebra that was tending it.

“Karfiso said he'd have a boat ready for us.” Jackpot whispered into my ear, “She's probably just making sure this is the right one.”

“Is she sure none of these zebra will recognize me? I don't really feel like getting mobbed by angry zebras again.” I snorted, peaking my face out of the window to see if there were even any zebra around to watch us.

“Looks like a pretty small village, they probably don't even know you exist Ives.” Jackpot gave me a friendly and reassuring pat on the back as I took another swig from a cider flask to calm myself down.

Siri returned after a few minutes, swinging the door open with a wave of her hoof, “Let us board, we have sea-sickness potions in horde.” Jackpot gave me a friendly wink as he hopped out of the carriage before me.

Maybe Celestia hasn't completely abandoned me. The ship was of a modest size with more than enough room for Siri, Jackpot, the driver and myself. The zebra who was actually driving the boat also probably worked for Karfiso so I hopefully didn't have to worry too much about the dirty looks he gave me when I clambered on board. I, of course, went straight for a box filled with a bottles of blueish liquid. Each bottle had something written on it that I didn't understand(zebras don't teach their language remember) but since Siri didn't try to stop me I assumed these were the sea-sickness potions. My assumption paid off as the entire boat ride, aside from the general awkwardness between Siri and us ponies, went quite smoothly. These zebra potions were the real deal as my stomach had never felt calmer. The entire four days of sailing went by without a single instance of me heaving my entire digestive system over the side of the boat and into the ocean. When the boat finally landed it was only another day and a half back to Canterlot, of course there was one pit stop we needed to make before that.

*****

The doors of Tartarus were just as imposing as ever. All the pushing and bucking in the world wouldn't be able to even budge those slabs of enchanted stone and steel even an inch. Imagine my surprise when, upon placing my hoof on the door in some weird effort to try and feel it out, it swung right open, leaving me standing there completely dumbfounded. Behind the door stood Cerberus, looking as fierce(adorable) as ever.

“Now, how exactly are we gonna-”Jackpot began to wonder before the giant three headed dog simply stood aside and barked at us to enter.

“I guess we're expected.” I said as I trotted right into the front door of Tartarus.

“This idea is bad, leaving here quickly will make me glad.” I must admit that explaining what we were doing to Siri was not the easiest thing in the world. Saying she seemed apprehensive as I informed her that I would be trying to trot into hell and trot out with the very being who once nearly annihilated her people would be putting a heaping helping of mild on top of an already tasteless dinner. She went with us of course(it was her job), but the entire time she remained visibly uncomfortable and even more irritable than she already seemed to be naturally.

The trek into Tartarus was much easier this time around as the twisting and winding paths seemed to have disappeared from the last time and made way for a single, well lit path that went deep into Tartarus. It took us only what seemed like a few minutes to reach the room where three years ago, I faced down Silver and his goons. The hole they fell through was gone as though the room had magically repaired itself. There were several specs of light that floated across the ceiling of the room, providing enough light to see the massive doors that led to the prison cell. When I put my hoof on the door it simply slid open with such ease I could hardly believe to door was as big as it was. The door was many times my size yet felt like I was opening a door that was sized for a colt or filly.

“Hello!?” I heard my voice echo a bit as I poked my head into the dark room. I saw the shape of a pony sitting in the far end of the room, Caelus hadn't seemed to move in the three years since I had been here last. I saw his head turn around as the small trickle of light from the floating specs behind us illuminated his eyes and face just enough so I could see him.

At first he stared at me with an unbelieving gaze as if he didn't expect to ever see me again. “You actually came back?” I heard his frail voice say.

“Of course, I said I would, didn't I.” I said back, smiling despite the depressing surroundings.

Jackpot couldn't help but poke his head in after me. “Is that him?” Jackpot asked.

“Yup.” I said back.

“He's just some pony? I know you said he was but...I was kinda hoping for something more. You know, givin his reputation and all that.” well, it was good to see that Jackpot wouldn't be too nervous about him.

Just over Jackpot's shoulder I saw the unmistakable sight of a zebra mane poking over his now less than tidy mane. Siri had been taking a peek herself while she thought we weren't looking. The moment I noticed her, she noticed me noticing her and swiftly backed off towards the other side of the room.

Caelus got up slowly and moved towards me at an equally slow pace. When he got to the door he stopped just short of leaving the cell. His face turned towards mine and Jackpot's, then it slowly turned towards Siri. They looked at each other for several seconds before Caelus turned his face away and took his first step out of the cell. The moment his hoof left the entryway the door slammed shut and an aura of silver magic enveloped it, sealing it shut forever. I pressed my hoof against it once more only to find that the door was no longer a door but simply an image on the wall.

“I guess you were supposed to leave here.” I said after thoroughly examining the door.

“I wouldn't know. I haven't seen anything outside that room for thousands of years.” Caelus said, staring at the magically sealed door himself.

“Thousands? Why, you don't look much older than Ivory here.” Jackpot said, inspecting Caelus.

“Nothing ages or dies here in Tartarus.” said Caelus, “The magic keeping this place is strong enough to ensure that.”

“Now we should go,” Siri sounded quite insistent, “I prefer the suns warm glow.” Siri was already making her way towards the exit as I was still staring at the door. I suppose this might be a touch more uncomfortable for her, considering just who we were letting out of a two thousand year imprisonment.

There really was no reason to remain here in Tartarus any longer so we made a brisk and uneventful trip back to the gates of Tartarus. Siri kept ahead of us while Jackpot stayed near Caelus, his eyes constantly looking over the dull, cutie markless unicorn. Despite the fact we had seemingly been let in it was still a bit nerve-racking going out past Cerberus. He remained as docile as the was in but his eyes were still very carefully trained on us, with Caelus being his main target. I didn't feel entirely comfortable until the last of us had passed the door to the outside, my fear only fully subsiding when the doors magically slammed shut behind us.

The afternoon sun shone brightly on us as we stood outside the gates of hell to catch our breath. I could hear Siri constantly cursing something under her breath, I thought it might be about Caelus but I faintly heard my name mentioned once in there so I decided to just leave her alone until we finished the trip to Canterlot. Caelus was just standing there gazing up at the sky, his gaze transfixed on the sun and the clouds that rolled past it and through the sky. It must have been hard, being locked up in Tartarus for thousands of years. I wouldn't have been surprised if he even remembered what the sun looked like, let alone that it existed in the first place. Any worries I had about Caelus seemed to fade away as the foallike his face expressed just from looking at the sun grew ever more prominent. It was like Jackpot said, he was just some random pony and looking at him made it hard to believe he was ever an evil anything. This pony who was just standing there staring at the sun and sky like it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life.

“It's not like I remember it.” said Caelus, still gazing upwards.

“What? You remember the sky being different?” I said, somewhat curious at how he thought it should look.

“I'm not sure. There are many things I don't seem to remember correctly, or at all.” he turned his head down, the wonder in his eyes gone. “This was a mistake, I should go back.”

“Door's closed.” Jackpot said, knocking the sealed doors of Tartarus with his hoof, “Couldn't get back in if we wanted to.”

Caelus ran back up to the door himself, leaning his forehooves against it and pushing. When the door didn't budge he gave up and gave me quite the distressed look.

“Don't worry Caelus. You certainly don't look evil from this angle.” I said, You just gotta believe in yourself a little bit.” I said for both him and myself.

“Maybe once we get him surrounded by some other ponies he'll calm down a bit.” Jackpot suggested.

“Or he will kill you all, then you will have really dropped the ball.” Siri grumbled from her comfortable distance away from us.

“Ignore that sourpuss and let's go.” Jackpot said happily as he wrapped his wing around Caelus and dragged the surprised unicorn off towards the nearest train station.

“Maybe this could work. I might not be the best influence but I do know some ponies who might be.” I said, happy that things hadn't crashed and burned around me yet.

*****

The train screeched to a halt in Canterlot station, the pony conductor calling and leading ponies off and on the train. I was finally home. A sense of calm and ease set about me as all of the bright and happy colors of Equestria backed up by the sounds of normal ponies doing normal pony things surrounded me.

“Home.” I breathed.

“What is this place?” Caelus wondered, his gaze constantly being drawn around the street where we now stood.

“This is Canterlot.” I answered, “Capitol of Equestria.”

“So, the ponies made new kingdoms?” Caelus had quite the expectant face with this question.

“Well, Equestria is about a little over a thousand years old so I guess you would consider it new.” It's easy to forget Caelus is at least twice as old as Equestria itself.

“Only a thousand years? That is young.” Caelus' curiosity at what he was seeing seemed almost as powerful as when my own curiosity took over me.

“Young huh?” Jackpot asked as he yanked the last of his luggage over his back, “Just how old are you then?”

“Three thousand at least.” he said a bit too casually.

“What the fuck!?” I shouted in the middle of a crowded street corner. Several ponies harrumphed while others covered the ears of their foals with dirty looks on their faces. It almost seemed foalish to be so concerned about my language now but I guess I had forgotten Equestria was a bit gentler than the places I was unfortunately used to. Before we could set out in earnest though, two little fillies sped straight up, blocking our path.

“By Celestia! By Celestia! By Celestia! It's Ivory Star! I can't believe it's you, standing here, next to me!” both little fillies shouted almost in unison.

Two earth pony fillies, each of matching pink, blue and yellow, were standing right in front of me, staring up with amazement in their eyes.

“Huh?” was my only response to this sudden ambush.

“How do you know it's her?” the first little filly said.

“Her cutie mark and potty mouth!” said the second. “She's just like she in on the radio!”

Can I help you?” I said, glaring over at Jackpot who was covering his mouth with his hoof and wings, trying to hide his laugh.

“We love you on Hero's show!” they both said in unison again.

As I was standing there looking confused a mare, their mother obviously, came running up behind them.

“There you two are!” she said sternly, “How many times do I have to tell you to stop running off like that!”

“But mo-o-o-m!” how did they remain so perfectly in sync? “It's Ivory Star! You know, from the radio!”

The mare looked up at me and one glance towards my cutie mark was all that was needed for her to recognize me. Her mouth dropped a little bit and she suddenly began to blush intensely.

“O-oh I'm so sorry about my daughters. I-I-I hope they didn't bother you too much Ms. Star.” she was star struck. Jackpot mentioned this but actually seeing it made me both embarrassed and feel a little bit like I didn't actually deserve this.

“Oh no, it's ok. You have some cute kids ms.” I was blushing nearly as much as she was.

“Mommy and daddy are really big fans of you to!” the first filly said rather cheerfully.

“Yeah, especially daddy! He says your name in his sleep a lot!” the second filly beamed.

Fuck. My eyes slowly went back up towards the girls mother. Her face was beat red with embarrassment at the words of her daughters. “Uh...” is all I could say really.

“Itwasnicemeetingyougoodbye.” she said speedily before grabbing her daughters in her hooves and very quickly speeding off.

“That was...strange.” yes, it was.

“Looks like you got some adoring fans.” Jackpot said, trotting past me, laughing. Even Siri showed a visible smile on her face as she followed Jackpot. When I looked over at Caelus his face remained just as curious as before.

“What was that about?” he asked.

“Never you mind!” I said nervously, just as embarrassed as that mother...ok maybe not as embarrassed as her. “I just want to go home for a bit.” I looked up at the sky and saw that the sun was nearly ready to go down. There would only be an hour or so left of daylight and I didn't want to arrive at my house in the dark.

“Yeah, we should be right on time.” Jackpot said as he stretched out his wings to hail a taxi.

“In time for what?” I asked.

“Before I left for Khaweth I took a bit of time to set up a little something for your homecoming.” Jackpot smiled.

“So much for keeping me getting out of prison a secret.” I sighed.

“Oh please.” Jackpot laughed, “We took a train, in broad daylight. This was never going to be a secret here in Equestria. Plus, Karfiso told me about it in his letter, so I had plenty of time to plan this.”

I shrugged my shoulder and followed my companions into the first cab that pulled over by us. Weirdly enough Caelus didn't actually know what a cab was so it took a few minutes to explain the concept of paying somepony to take you where you want to go. I guess they didn't have cabs three thousand years ago(damn he's old.).

*****

There it was. Grit's old house. My current house. The house where I had first learned the horrible truth about Grit that messed me up so much back then. To think that was all years ago now. Jackpot was the first up to the door, using his wings to punch in a password into the security pad.

“Oh, I can't wait to fall asleep in my own bed for once.” I smiled, giving a sigh of relief.

“Will there be room for me?” Caelus asked, sounding rather sad.

“Of course, we got plenty of spare rooms.” I smiled at him. “Well, unless Jackpot filled them up with stuff these past few years.”

Jackpot smiled as I trotted up the steps towards the door. He grabbed the handle with his wing and swung the door open for me. The moment I trotted in I was met with a massive hug.

“MY BABY!” A voice I had not heard in a long time shouted out.

“Mom!? Dad!?” my parents were here?

“Of course honey!” my mom was nearly crying, “We were so worried! We've been writing and talking and bothering Jackpot here for ages to give us any news about you at all!”

“We've even listed to all of those radio stories about you that Hero put out.” my dad said proudly.

My parents were the loving sort. My mother, Frosting Star and my father, Lens Star had been together for over thirty years now. My mother was a baker and my father a photographer. They were wonderful parents whom I loved very much but once I went away with Grit I could only see them very rarely. Looking at their smiling faces as they smothered me in hugs and kisses only made me depressed. These last three years must have been horrible for them; their daughter a criminal, imprisoned in a foreign country with no way to contact them. They must have been suffering horribly and I didn't even consider them when I made my decision.

“These two wouldn't leave me alone while you were away Ives.” Jackpot smirked as he leaned against the door post. “Every day it was, 'where's Ivory this' and 'when is she coming home that'.”

“We were worried.” my mother said, wiping her tears away and she her and dad finally released me from the bear hug. “You never wrote at all that summer and there was no way we could get a hold of you in that terrible excuse of a kingdom those zebras have.”

Shit. Siri just came in.

My parents immediately stopped and turned their gazes to Siri who had just entered with Caelus. My parents suddenly realized what they had just said and who was now standing before them, a very scary and unhappy looking zebra.

“W-w-we didn't mea-”my father started to say.

Siri nickered, “That is fine, your opinions are no concern of mine.” Siri turned around and exited the house.

“Oh dear, me and my big mouth.” my mother pouted. “Who was that Ivory? A-a-and what happened to your mane and tail!?” she finally noticed.

I sighed, sitting down on the couch that was positioned on the wall next to the door, “Her name's Siri, she's my foalsitter. She's just here to make sure I head back to Khaweth in time for whatever they have in store for me. As for the mane and tail, apparently they aren't allowed in zebra prisons.”

“Ok, well who is this young pony?” My father asked, looking at Caelus, a quizzical look in his eye at Caelus' lack of color and cutie mark.

“This is Caelus, he's...a friend I met.” Ok I'll admit it, I think not introducing him as some ancient evil sorcerer would probably be the better option. My parents probably wouldn't even understand anyway.

“Oh! He's that pony you wanted to help from Hero's broadcasts!” my mother beamed.

“Told you we listened to every one of them.” my father said proudly.

Caelus just looked at them with curiosity and a bit of nervousness as he went to sit down next to me, nodding at the recognition by my parents.

“Sorry, he's just not used to being around ponies.” I said as Caelus sat down next to me.

“He wouldn't be the only one now would he.” a different voice said, coming from the kitchen.

I turned my head towards the sound as Jackpot tapped himself on his temple, “Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you I got one other pony here.”

Out of the kitchen came a green pegasus with a coral pink mane. Emerald Flake, my best friend who was dressed rather professionally. She had a light purple suit and a slightly lighter purple skirt on as she effortlessly floated over to me. She had a very serious look on her face as she stared down at me from the air. I almost could hear whatever lecture she seemed to want to throw at me when her eyes glazed over and she flew down to wrap me in a hug that was somehow even tighter than my parents.

“You stupid pony.” she whispered as a few tears rolled down her cheek, “Doing stupid things like that.”

“I missed you to Emmy.” I said quietly as I returned the hug.

The hug lasted for at least a minute, with nopony interrupting it as I felt Emerald press herself tightly against me. When she finally let go she wiped the tears from her face and straightened herself up into a very professional looking stance.

“I have to ask Ivy. Did you steal that crown?” she was dead serious.

My parents stepped in quite suddenly, “We've told you a thousand times Emerald Flake, our Ivory would never do something like that!” My father protested.

“That's not what every official source says. The only ones openly defending you are your friends here.” she looked at Jackpot, “So Ivory Star, did you do it?”

What could I say here. I didn't steal it but from the sound of it she already believed, or at least mostly believed that I did. I could tell her the truth and say I didn't, but there was the biting fact that I had pleaded guilty at my trial and she would no doubt know about that. Yes, I pleaded guilty. Enyi was watching and I thought that since I was going to be pronounced guilty anyway this might do something to show him I was sorry. On the other hoof I did knowingly keep the helmet once I found out about it so I was still not entirely devoid of guilt. I had my reasons of course, and those reasons sure helped out in some instances but what I had done was still technically illegal. There was no avoiding it I suppose, I made a choice and now I would have to live with the consequences of that choice.

“I didn't take it, but I did keep it once I found out about it.” this was probably the best answer I could give(it was the truth after all).

Emerald let out a very disappointed sigh. “If those broadcasts of Hero's are to be believed you had your reasons. But Ivory, I have to tell you how exponentially stupid that was of you.” Emerald rubbed her hoof over her temples, “I guess Blaze was right to kick you out.”

This made me mad. How could she defend that fucking twat, “What! How can you stay a part of that piece of shit's organization!?” I yelled.

“Don't talk about Blaze that way!” Emerald yelled back. “He's done a wonderful job of running Adventure Incorporated. Yeah, some members got proven to be corrupt, but the princesses and Blaze worked together to make sure they were removed. He's been more honest and upright than you, so don't you dare say anything bad about him!”

Emerald's face was, for the first time ever, filled with rage. I had never seen her like that before and I didn't want to. She always had such a wonderful smile and seeing her angry like this actually scared me a little bit. Was this my fault? Emerald cared about me, maybe as more than just a friend and it seems I had been causing her a bit of stress over these past few years. On the bright side it seems she also had been listening to Hero's broadcasts about me so that was something I suppose. I would have to do something to make all of this up to her in the future.

“Oh, and one more thing Ivory.” Emerald said.

“What?”

“About this zebra friend of yours, Enyi.”

This was going to be an awkward question.

Emerald started to blush a little bit(Here it comes), “Did you two...actually...you know?” emerald clopped her two front hooves together as my parents suddenly looked away whistling to themselves.

Jackpot was loving all of this. He was just standing in the background trying not to laugh his flank off as my friend and I just kind of stared awkwardly at each other for a few moments. Caelus was trying to take everything in, he was constantly looking around and inspecting every bit of the house he could see from his seat next to me.

I started blushing (I need to stop doing that when talking about this subject) as Emerald stared intently at me. Something in me didn't want to say it directly to her(especially with my parents only a few feet away, pretending they weren't listening). It occurred to me that the only was Emerald could know this was that Hero had...broadcast about...me and Enyi...having...on the radio...my parents listened...oh sweet merciful Celestia I hope Hero didn't mention the whinnying part. I was going to literally kill her when I saw her again, I swear to fucking Luna and Celestia that I was gonna go over there, tie her wings together and throw her off a cliff or something. I looked right at Emerald and slightly nodded, avoiding saying it out loud.

Her ears drooped down when I nodded but she put a smile back on her face, “Well, where is he now huh? He obviously wasn't good for you Ivy.”

I'm so sorry Emerald. I wanted to tell her. To just say that Enyi leaving was my fault and I was doing all of this for him. That I still had hope for he and I and that she wasn't going to get what she wanted. But I just couldn't with all the emotional stress I had already put her through. Plus I was exhausted myself and I wanted to sleep.

“Maybe with some time I could get Blaze to let you back into Adventure Incorporated.” Emerald said. “You'd have to make some formal apologies and go through some probationary things but I'm on the board now so it might be possible if I sponsor you.”

Hold the fucking phone! “You're on the A.I board!? After only three years!?” nothing could have shocked me more.

Emerald smiled proudly, “Yup. With all the corrupt board members being arrested there were some openings. Blaze said that I was showing real talent with my work in the Equestrian jungles and that I had shown real moral character during my time there. He offered me the job on the spot so of course I accepted. It's a little unorthodox I admit, but this has always been my dream Ivory! If Blaze thinks I have what it takes, who am I to say no.”

I was just sitting there with my mouth hanging open. Only three years and already Emerald was part of the very body that had played a role in ruining Grit's life and then subsequently mine. If Blaze really did play accomplice in Grit's death then him putting Emerald on the board was fucking brilliant on his part. Fuck, I wish I didn't have to leave Equestria so soon for Celestia knows how long. Blaze has already been filling her head with his own agenda and when he finds out I'm out of prison he's going to be sure to be watching Emerald very closely. She was being used as a pawn and she didn't even know it. Her view of Blaze and A.I would make convincing her not to trust them impossible right now. Dealing with her now, Caelus, Siri, and the whole being used the Karfiso thing, my life was getting very complicated. I needed sleep. I needed some rest.

“I'm tired.” I was starting to yawn now. “I'm just going to go to bed.”

“I'll come with you Ivy.” Emerald said, “We're going to have a sleepover, just like when we were younger.”

“We're adults Emmy.”

“Doesn't matter. It doesn't seem you can be trusted so I need to stay by your side and make sure you stay out of trouble until you need to leave again.” she did an affirmative nod.

“We're all going to be staying here for a bit.” my dad said.

“Yup, you can bet you cupcakes we're spending as much time with you as we can before that zebra outside takes you away again.” my mom added.

“Well then.” Jackpot finally joined in. “The spare rooms should all be ready. I'll get Caelus and Siri situated, Mr. and Ms. Star have their own room on the third floor, and Emerald and Ives will be sharing her room, also on the third floor. Come on Caelus, let's get Siri”

Caelus looked at me, I nodded to him and he got up and trotted over to Jackpot. The two disappeared out the door while my parents each hugged me again before heading upstairs.

“Come on Ivy, I have everything set up already.” Emerald said, smiling.

Emerald flew upstairs quickly as I plodded up the stairs after her. Now that I had a chance to calm down and get a good look around I saw that parts of the main floor of the house had changed. I could definitely tell that Jackpot had been looking after the place as some cider flasks were laying around on various tables throughout the rooms. Old looking maps and newspapers littered any table that could hold them. Many of the newspapers were about us, stories printed not by Hero but some praising and some denouncing our adventures. How could ponies be against me this much? Jackpot said that Hero had proved that some members of the A.I higher ups were rotten and even that Silver's company was found to be filled with members of the Family. Speaking of Silver, Jackpot really hadn't mentioned him at all. I know he fell through that floor but Caelus said that nopony dies in Tartarus, this meant that Silver and his lackeys were still alive. They might be trapped in Tartarus but Silver was undoubtedly clever and if anypony could find a way out it would be him.

Today had been too much of an emotional and physical drain on me and I needed some sleep. I just hope Emerald would see that and not try and keep me awake like she used to do when we had slumber parties when we were younger. I got up to my room and saw that Emerald had set up a small mattress next to my bed on the ground. Emerald had situated herself on the smaller mattress on the floor and patted the bed, signaling me to lay down. I deftly hopped up on the bed and covered myself in my old blankets(they smelled a bit like cider so either Jackpot did this intentionally or he had been sleeping in my bed at some point).

“We're going to make everything all right Ivy. You'll see.” Emerald said, giving me one more hug before flying over, turning off the light and laying down on her mattress.

*****

When I woke up I felt great. The first truly comfortable bed I had slept on in three years was absolutely wonderful. When I sat up I looked down and saw Emerald still snoozing away on the mattress she had set up. I looked up at the window and saw the morning sunlight glittering through the glass. I looked around my room, it was also different but still had all of my old stuff in it, everything was just moved around which bothered me a bit more than it should have. I shuffled out of bed and crept out of my room so I wouldn't wake Emerald. I trotted down the stairs and onto the first floor to get some food. Grit's old, overly complicated toaster was gone and a new, more modern one sat on the counter. This saddened me as I liked that old toaster, impractical though it was. As I stared at it I heard some voices coming from Grit's old first floor study. The voices were Jackpot's and Caelus'.

“Really? I didn't think that was actually possible.” Jackpot said, he sounded excited about something.

“Yes, it's true.” Caelus said.

“What's true?” I asked, entering the room.

Jackpot had an excited look on his face as he sat on a chair opposite of Caelus. They had obviously been talking for some time as Jackpot had an empty flask of cider sitting on his lap. Looking at the flask awoke the realization that I wanted some as well. I had finished off the last of the flasks Jackpot had given me right before I arrived at the house last night and my body was telling me it wanted more.

“Caelus here was born an Alicorn! Can you actually believe that Ivory!?” It was rare to see Jackpot so gung ho about something other than cider or pretty mares. This added to the immediate effect of suddenly learning that Caelus was a freaking Alicorn!?

“Wait, what? Y-y-you were an Alicorn? H-h-how is that possible? Alicorns can't become normal ponies? Can they?” I was freaking out in a sudden burst of nerdgasm. “Some few ponies can become Alicorns but it can't work the opposite way! I-i-it's never happened before! Caelus you need to tell me more now!” I was talking at a mile a minute while Caelus was just sitting in his chair, leaning backwards as I suddenly pressed into him with a big smile on my face.

“It's not that overly complicated.” Caelus said. “I was born an Alicorn and now I'm not.”

“B-b-but all of the Alicorns disappeared. Luna and Celestia were supposed to be the only ones born here until Flurry Heart came along.” This was mind blowing! To think I was actually talking to a naturally born Alicorn who somehow turned into a normal unicorn.

“Well I wasn't born here. I was born in...” Caelus stumbled with his words. His face looked troubled as his mouth tried to move to continue what he was saying. “...somewhere else.”

“Where!?” I was probably being a bit too insistent but I wasn't paying attention at the moment.

“I just told you: somewhere else.” Caelus didn't look like he wanted to say any more so I backed off of him.

“Sorry about that.” I said sheepishly. “I just got a bit overexcited is all. It's not every day that you meet a new Alicorn.”

“Yeah.” Jackpot agreed. “You're pretty old so I'm sure you got a lot of cool stories you could tell Ives here. She likes those you know. Good stories that is.” he smiled.

“I don't think many of my stories would be very interesting to you. I can't remember my entire life and much of what I do remember is not particularly cheerful.” Caelus answered morosely.

It was important to remember that Caelus had apparently spent much of his life as something evil and horrible. After that he spent two thousand years shut away in a little room with nothing to do. A life like that wouldn't produce many good memories most likely. His words about not even remembering what might be his few good memories made me a bit sad to hear, especially as his face never lost that morose, desperate looking tone it had. I could tell he was not a very happy pony and it must have taken a lot for him to come with us like he did. Maybe it had something to do with Terria, the other Alicorn, but I felt like he didn't want to tell everything about himself all at once so giving him some time to get everything out was a good idea.

“Hey Jackpot?” I asked, “Did you ever find Siri last night?”

“Well, we tried.” Jackpot answered. He sounded a bit defeated, “She just seemed to disappear. I'm sure she's nearby watching us of course, Socotra like her are pretty stealthy after all and I don't think she'd just disobey Karfiso's orders to watch you.”

“You're probably right. We really didn't give her the best impression of ponies last night.” I sighed.

Before anything else could be said there was a very loud knocking at the front door.

“You changed the codes!? Jackpot open this door right now! I can't believe you didn't invite me to see Ivory! Jackpot open up, I know you're in there!” the muffled voice that sounded like some offended mare yelled through the door.

“Um Jackpot, anything you want to tell me?” I asked, turning to face Jackpot who just looked miserable now.

“I was trying to avoid this.” Jackpot mumbled.

“I'm gonna open it.” I said, trotting over to the door. Jackpot didn't do anything except slip another flask from his bag and take a big gulp of it.

The moment I opened the door Scarlet Aloe burst in, knocking me right onto my flank with a loud thud. She didn't immediately realize what she had hit and flopped over right on top of my stomach, knocking the wind out of me and leaving me slightly twitching on the ground as she rolled off of me.

“Ivory!? I'm so sorry!” she yelped. “It's just that I barely heard you were here in Canterlot and I rushed over all night and....oh, are you ok?”

“Yeah.” I gasped as my breath reentered my body.

Scarlet immediately turned towards Jackpot with an angry look on her face. “Why didn't you invite me back to Canterlot Jackpot? I can't believe you didn't even tell me you were going to pick up Ivory from Khaweth.”

“Slipped my mind.” Jackpot said halfheartedly.

Scarlet sighed. “Are you still upset about all of that? I can't believe you're being so stubborn about all this. He's your son after all.”

“You told her you had a kid Jackpot?” I asked, somewhat surprised as I pulled myself up from the ground.

“He told you too Ivory?” Scarlet gave Jackpot a dirty look. “I've been trying to convince him to go see them for years now but he just keeps refusing. For Scorpan's sake I've sent him no less than six letters since I went to stay with Hubbard and he hasn't returned a single one.”

“Maybe if you learned to mind your own business I might feel inclined.” Jackpot teased her.

Scarlet let out a slight nicker before turning back towards me, “Anyway, I'm so glad to see you again Ivory. Despite someponys best efforts I managed to be here and am ready to join up for any trips you might be planning for the future.” she smiled.

Now that the commotion was done I was able to recenter myself and get a good look at Scarlet. Something about her seemed a bit different: her peachy coat seemed to be a bit darker than I remembered and one of her ears had a strange black spot on it. Her mane, which was once a solid red almost looked like it had muddied a bit as well. It wasn't that it looked dirty but there was a certain hardness to it that hadn't existed the last time I saw her.

“Oh, you notice the changes?” Scarlet chirped. “Yes, they surprised me a bit as well but I suppose nopony can learn the kind of magic I've been learning without some changes.”

“You mean dark magic?” I asked somewhat hesitantly.

“Oh don't give me that tone Ivory.” Scarlet smiled, “Hubbard is a wonderful teacher who taught me all kinds of ways to control it.”

“Wait?” Caelus interrupted. “You have learned dark magic?”

Scarlet looked at him with a bit of curiosity before answering. “You must be Caelus. Ivory told me about you before she turned herself in. I must say you aren't quite as intimidating as I pictured a former super villain to be, but to answer your question: yes, I have been taught a little bit of dark magic. Turns out anypony can learn it, it's just the matter of not going crazy that makes it difficult to learn and master.”

“I'm mostly confused on just how and why you got Hubbard to teach you and why you haven't gone crazy?” I asked. “He's never really taken on any students before and dark magic hasn't ruined him because it's his special talent. You're cutie mark isn't dark magic so I don't really see how you were able to learn much of it.”

Scarlet let out a little laugh, “That flower I picked from that mountain we were on, you know, the one with the mist and the spear. In exchange for teaching me I let him have to to examine and study to his heart's content. The dark magic hasn't corrupted me because Hubbard is really good at it and knew what he was doing in teaching me. As for the why, well it mostly comes down to me wanting to be of more use.” Scarlet's smile dissipated and she turned her gaze back towards Jackpot, “Being left behind when you two went to fight Goldie hurt. I wanted to help. I wanted to be useful but instead you decided to leave me behind.” Scarlet's face grew a determined look, “I don't want to have to be left behind again so I decided to do something about it.”

“This is a dangerous road.” Caelus warned. “Very few can learn more than a trifling of this kind of magic without falling prey to it's temptations. Since you have welcomed me here I feel I should at least warn you that magic can be very dangerous if caution is not exercised in its learning. Dark magic in particular can draw creatures down dark paths without them even realizing it.”

“Yes, Hubbard warned me of that as well.” Scarlet sighed. “I've been going at it for a year now and am still reasonably unscathed. A little color change maybe but otherwise unharmed from the experience.”

“So what exactly did he teach you?” my curiosity made me ask.

“You know what!?” Jackpot shouted, “Now's not the time to go into this boring stuff. I have a plan for today and by Celestia's glorious butt we're gonna follow those plans through!”

“And what plans are those exactly?” Scarlet asked.

“Ivory and I are going to Joe's.” Jackpot got up, wrapped his wing around me and started dragging me towards the door, “The others are still sleeping upstairs Scarlet. If you wanna stay here and talk to Caelus that would be great; Ivory and I are gonna go and have some fun!”

Well, the idea of spending an entire day at Cider Joe's wasn't a bad one and with Scarlet at home to keep Caelus company one day out with my friend wouldn't be too bad.

*****

Cider Joe's House of Exotic Cider

The sign hung above the door to Joe's bar the same as it always had. The usual smell of the many types of cider soaked out of the slightly open door as I heard several voices coming from inside. Jackpot was ahead of me, eagerly making his way towards the door to the bar as I made my own brisk pace behind him. I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to this. I really needed some real relaxation and this would certainly be providing it. The emotions of the previous night could be forgotten for just one day and after that it would be back to business. After all, I just spent three years imprisoned in a foreign country and I fucking needed this.

Surprise!

A cavalcade of voices shouted out as I entered the doorway. Joe was standing there at the bar as all of the other bar patrons I recognized stood beside him. I could see Lumpkin and his brother Bumpkin standing in front of a small radio that was playing some music while all the other bar patrons cheered my name as I entered.

“Huh?” this was a surprise.

“We missed ya kid.” Joe said, smiling.

“Joe here has always had his radio tuned in to that radio station that's always singing yer praises!” Bumpkin, the large, green earth pony said with a big smile.

“Joe here even named one of his drinks after you!” a pink pegasus mare who had been dancing with Bumpkin chirped.

“Really?” this was too nice.

“Yeah, I call it: The Ivory Spark!” Joe proclaimed proudly. “It's a new mixture I made up. Stuff'll put you out like a boulder falling off Mt. Everhoof. Put in a little bottled magic for a little kick.”

The ivory spark huh. Not a bad name as drink names went but it did end up reminding me of something rather important.

“Got one more surprise for ya Ivory.” Joe said before ducking beneath the counter and lifting a wrapped package from beneath.

“A present? For me?” I was stunned.

Joe blushed a bit here which was hard to notice beneath his red fur, “Yeah well, consider it a welcome home present.” he said, sliding the package over the counter and towards me.

I took no time in tearing open the colorful wrapping paper. Inside was an outfit that reminded me of the old adventuring suites Daring Do and Grit used to wear when they were younger.

“Had it special made just for you.” Bumpkin said.

“Everypony here saved up for it for months.” Lumpkin said.

“Had it made of only the best materials.” Joe exclaimed, “It's practically a light suit of armor and should protect you from those villains you seem fond of tangling with.”

Indeed the outfit was modeled after the old adventuring gear of the past. The material was light but just touching it gave away how sturdy it felt. It was also filled with several good sized pockets for treasures and came with a new, very high quality saddlebag that I could sling around my back. It was obviously enchanted and very expensive. I almost started to cry as I held it in my hooves.

“I-I-I don't know what to say. This is just so sweet.”I sniffled a little bit.

“With all the business you and Jackpot gave me it was hardly any trouble.” Joe said kindly, “Just make sure it keeps you safe so you can come back and spend more bits here.”

I ran up and gave Joe a hug before carefully placing the outfit back into the box(I didn't want to get cider all over it). Looking at the adventuring outfit popped another thought into my mind. A question as to where my own trusty adventuring tool was.

“Jackpot, where's Sparky?” I asked. My super powered bracelet that with the right magic charge could turn into a laser shooting weapon of fuck yes. I had given it to Jackpot before I returned to Khaweth but now that I was back it seemed like a good time to ask about it.

“Follow me.” Jackpot smirked as he headed towards the back.

I followed him through the crowd of very happy and tipsy ponies. One would think it was a bit early for this many ponies to be so deep into their cider but time of day wasn't going to stop me I suppose so why the fuck would it stop any of them. At least I would have plenty of familiar company as I inevitably slipped into the cider induced coma that was likely to come later.

Jackpot exited out the back door and into the lot behind the bar. The old obstacle course was there, with several new additions on it. There was a motorized section with swinging sandbags as well as a tightrope that stood several meters off the ground and was at least fifty feet across. The previously existing parts had also been improved with some higher quality materials than I remembered it having last time.

“Wow. You've put some work into this.” I said, impressed.

“Yeah, whenever I have the bits I put on a bit or improve something that is already there.” Jackpot said as he moved to a small chest that sat just next to the door to the bar. His wing pulled out a small bundle of cloth and when unwrapped it revealed Sparky, just as ornate and ancient looking as ever. “Here ya go.” Jackpot said, tossing Sparky over to me.

I caught the bracelet in my teeth before slipping it back onto my foreleg. It felt good, having Sparky back after so long but the knowledge I would probably never be able to power it up again was a bit disappointing. Either way it felt right, as though Sparky itself was glad to be back on my leg, as though it were home. I stared lovingly at the little trinket that had started this whole insane series of events for me. I thought back to how I found it on Emerald's dig and going to the A.I library to research it, running into...Silver...for the first time and getting thrown into the most exciting yet depressing time of my life so far.

“Well then.” Jackpot took a breath, “We haven't really sparred in a while. Wanna go at it before we start drinking?”

“Do you have to word it like that?” I rolled my eyes before nodding to Jackpot's request.

“What can I say, it's a curse.” he smirked.

“What is? That you have the self control of a two year old.” I readied myself.

“Give me some credit.” Jackpot laughed, “I'm at least five.” he suddenly charged towards me with the speed I would have expected from him.

It had been some time since I was in a real fight. The first couple years in Arnband had been a daily struggle as one of the very few mares that was living within the walls of the prison. Being the only pony there didn't help much as I stood out like a sore hoof. The constant fear of being attacked always kept me on edge even when I was given a cell all to myself. There had always been the constant fear of being jumped by any of the hardened criminals that called the prison home. The guards had always been very little help, with the exception of a select few. The takeaway from all of this is that I had a lot of time to myself and I needed to learn how to defend myself better that I had been able to very quickly.

When Jackpot reached me I had already side stepped out of the way. This didn't deter him as he pivoted his hind legs to buck me from below. I had prepared for this and had already reared my forelegs up and was already coming down on him before his own kick would have reached me. Jackpot seemed to either sense this or see it coming as he had rolled out of the way mere moments before my hooves came down, cracking the stone ground of the lot beneath me.

“Shit, you got some strength in those hooves now.” Jackpot gasped as he bounded around me.

“I'll try to hold back for you!” I yelled as I did my own leap towards him.

Jackpot was just out of reach of my leap as I landed, he came at me with a very quick buck to my leg. It hit but being an earth pony had it's advantages in the physical sphere. His hit barely registered as is pushed back to meet his own kick. Again he flipped to the side only moments before I could make contact.

“Ooh, felt the wind on that one.” Jackpot said excitedly.

Before he could recover though I was on him again, kicking and pivoting to try and keep up with his dodges. I felt my body loosening up as I continued my flurry of kicks throughout the lot, keeping Jackpot on the defensive. He continued to prove quicker than me however and every time I would miss he would circle around me and deliver a blow strong enough to feel to one of my legs. It was continuously frustrating to see him constantly escaping my grasp until I slammed my hooves down on the ground just hard enough to shake him off his balance for a moment. One kick was all it took for him to bound upwards quickly into the air, just barely making me miss.

“That was too close.” I heard him mumble from above me as he weaved his way around me.

“Ha! Got you to use your wings!” I shouted as I began a run towards him. This was a proud moment for me as I had never gotten this far before in any of our previous sessions.

“Well then, I suppose I should take this seriously.” jackpot's cocky attitude was taking over as he swooped down towards me.

I jumped up at him but he predictably dodged. I turned my body to match his but trying to fight a pegasus like this in the air was a mistake, especially a pegasus who was faster than me. He had me knocked back on the ground before I even knew he had hit me. The blow wasn't that bad(earth pony resilience) but he had disoriented me for a few moments. Jackpot swept back down behind me and with little else to do I just swung my head backwards when his quick burst of speed gave him away. I got a lucky hit in as I felt the back of my head collide with his, knocking Jackpot to the ground. He continued moving however and still plowed into me, but without the control he would have had if I hadn't hit him. We both barreled over but Jackpot's wings allowed him to recover just a touch faster than me.

As I rose from the ground Jackpot had already made it on top of me, slamming me back into the pavement and fully onto the ground.

“Pinned ya.” he chuckled.

“Yeah yeah yeah, just help me back up.” I moaned as Jackpot got off of me and lowered his wing to help me back up.

“Maybe prison wasn't all bad if you learned how to fight like that.” Jackpot said. “You're a lot better than I remember you being. Not to mention that brute strength.”

I scoffed at him, “What would you know. You've never been locked up before.”

“Well not for three years.” Jackpot said as I dusted myself off.

“When were you ever arrested? I doubt any royal guard could catch you.”

“Yer right, no royal guard could catch me. I got caught when I decided to break into princess Luna's bedroom to go after the jewels in her crown.” Jackpot looked like he was remembering some fond experience.

“You got caught by Luna herself?” I couldn't help but chuckle.

“Yeah, spent three months in lockup with her visiting my dreams every night to teach me the error of my ways.” Jackpot laughed a little.

“I'm guessing her lessons didn't stick then?”

“Nah, I dug a tunnel out the back wall, started a fling with one of the beautiful guard mares, then got back to Goldie, with all the jewels stashed in my saddlebag.” Jackpot sounded proud of that until he mentioned Goldie's name, then his smile disappeared for just long enough for me to notice.

Before heading in there was one more thing I wanted to ask Jackpot. It was the perfect time as we were alone in the lot and I needed to know exactly what he had been doing with my name while I was gone.

“Hey Jackpot?” I asked before he headed inside.

“What?”

“What exactly did you tell Hero about me?” If my friends and parents knew about my actions with Enyi then I needed to be clear about one more event that Hero might have let loose. I needed to know what Jackpot had told Hero and what Hero had said about my last confrontation with Goldie. I could live with my parents and friend knowing about my love life but knowing I killed a pony might be a bit much for them.

Jackpot looked back at me and stared for a few seconds, “I didn't give Hero any specifics about what happened with Goldie.” he must have sensed what I was thinking. That or he assumed it because he had just mentioned Goldie. “I told her and she reported that Goldie was killed when the chamber caved in.”

I breathed a sigh of relief, “Thanks Jack-”

“I didn't do it for you.” Jackpot's face turned serious. “When I got to that part of the story I...I had trouble. I didn't see what happened remember. I just told her what the scene looked like afterwords.” he turned back towards the door, “I need a drink.”

*****

“You said you had a month before you had to go back.” Emerald whined as Siri, Caelus, Scarlet, Jackpot and I boarded the train. “I wanted to spend more time with you before you left.”

“Think of it this way Emmy: the sooner I leave, the sooner I get back. Then we can spend a day together, just the two of us.” I said, giving my best friend a hug, my new adventurer outfit feeling wonderful as I did so.

“You be careful around those zebras.” Emerald scolded, “I don't want you to do something stupid and get stuck there for Celestia knows how long, so you best behave yourself.”

My parents were standing next to Emerald with the normal concerned looks you would expect parents to give their children when they go off to Celestia knows where to do Celestia knows what. I had spent several more days with them after getting wasted with Jackpot. Siri had reappeared the morning after I woke up with the biggest hangover I had had up to that point. She never really said where she had gone, other than she had been observing me the entire time. I had no idea how she was able to do that but zebras seemed to have the ability to just disappear whenever they wanted so what did I know.

“I'm going to talk to Blaze ok.” Emerald said as she embraced me in a hug, “I'm going to tell him that you deserve a second chance ok.”

“I would love it if you could get me a meeting with him.” I said back. If this was how I was going to get to talk to Blaze then so be it. If I told Emerald what I thought Blaze had been a part of she wouldn't have believed me. Hell, she might not be trying to get me a talk with him if she thought that I had some vendetta against him.

Here I was again, not telling my friends what I probably should tell them and justifying it for some subjective greater good. I was going to be a terrible help to Caelus but luckily Jackpot and Scarlet seemed to have taken a liking to him. They might be able to help him come to terms with himself better than I could. Hell, I still needed to come to terms with a lot of my own life. I said my goodbyes and boarded the train. It would be over a week before I actually got to where Karfiso was waiting so I sat myself down and readied myself for whatever he had in store.

*****

So Caelus.” I said as the train chugged its way southward, “What's it like being out and about in the world again.”

“Everything is different. That's for the best though, I think.” he seemed rather contemplative.

“You know we're going to Khaweth, the zebra kingdom. We should probably keep who you are under wraps if we can. Even now the zebra seem pretty serious in their fear and hatred of you.” if Enyi's descriptions were anything to go by. Siri seemed relatively fine with him but I couldn't get any kind of read on her at all with the distance she kept between us.

“I never imagined I would return to that land, since I was the one who destroyed it.” Caelus was sounding depressed again.

“They seemed to have bounced back well enough.” I said, staring out the window at the clear, blue sky. “Khaweth has some really beautiful areas to it as well as a thriving population. Who knows, if you can remember anything about their old empire then some of them might really come to appreciate you.” speaking of the old zebra empire, I could ask him some things about that.

“All I remember is how I destroyed it.” maybe I would wait on that a bit.

“Well, you didn't destroy it completely. A zebra named Abila apparently rebuilt it. They practically all view her as a great hero.” Enyi had practically drilled that fact into me.

Caelus' eyes twitched when I said the name Abila. I suppose he must have been there at the end of it all, maybe he had even met Abila at some point. That would be an interesting conversation, especially if I got Enyi to listen to it. Maybe that would be enough to have him forgive me? For now though, I could see Caelus was thinking about old memories so I left him alone to be with his thoughts.

Scarlet and Jackpot seemed to have some tension between them. They had probably gone through a lot since I left and apparently that had caused them to break up the team. Scarlet had mentioned trying to get Jackpot to go and see his kid at some point and he didn't take it well. That seemed to be a consistent problem with Jackpot, every time his love life had come up he would always get far more restrained than he normally was. He had had a hard life and going through what he did with Goldie three years ago probably didn't help with closure on that. Thinkin about it I would probably agree with Scarlet that he should go and see his family. Even Angela had somehow known about that and told him to go when we went to Marewaukee.

“So, tell me exactly what happened with yo two.” I said, sitting down in the train car between my two friends.

“Jackpot's just upset because he knows I'm right and he's too stubborn to admit it.” Scarlet scoffed.

“Scarlet just doesn't know what she's talking about and should mind her own business.” Jackpot scoffed back.

“I'm just trying to help.” Scarlet said, trying to look Jackpot in the eye but he kept his face turned away from hers.

“This isn't something you can help with.” Jackpot grumbled. “I told you, Amber Glaze hates me. She doesn't want to see me again anyways.”

“Sounds like an excuse to me.” Scarlet huffed. “Why wouldn't you want to see your own colt? I'm sure he wonders about his father all the time.”

“She's probably made him hate me to. I'm telling you Scarlet, drop it.” Jackpot was pouting now.

Scarlet sighed and turned back towards me, “See what I had to deal with when you left. He was like this almost all the time. You don't know how much I had to go through just to get him to open up to me a little.”

“That's your own fault.” Jackpot grumbled.

“You know I could just mind control you and make you go see them.” Scarlet said, coyly.

Jackpot shot straight up, “You can do that now!? Shit.”

Scarlet just started laughing, “That was a joke you idiot.”

Seeing Jackpot get flustered was actually starting to get pretty funny. You know, thinking about it, I have some very weird friends now. A former criminal, a medical unicorn that now knows dark magic apparently and an ancient evil that once almost destroyed the world. At least my life would never be dull...