Act 1 - Chapter 1: Starfall

Author's Notes:

As pointed out in the story description, this is a redo of the entire story. Put into smaller chapters. Proofread better than last time. And allows for more...personal time instead of all at once. Chapters will come out once a day as I need to work on the old chapters until caught to the next big set.

However, the original version will still be ongoing. It will still come out the larger chapters, but this one will be separated and be edited better as I don't have to scroll through the entire thing for proofreading.

So enjoy the better-named chapters and experience.

A/N: Welcome to…what are we doing?

Flair: A little side project.

Disclaimer: We don’t own anything we don’t own.

“Speaking”

‘Thoughts’

Space, cold, inhospitable, and the final frontier for pony kind. What lays out there beyond the stars? What mystery, what creatures, what discovering awa…

DINK

“Oh shut up.” A groggy voice says getting out of bed. Rolling out of bed onto the floor was a blue unicorn. The unicorn trots over to the bathroom before doing his annual routine. “Begin cleaning process.” A mechanical like voice says before the shower comes on. After a bit, the water ceased. “Beginning drying.” The voice says before a massive wind blew up from the floor, flinging the water off of him, but making him into a huge ball of fluff. “Note to self, reset that part.” The unicorn says using his magic to make his coat go back to normal.

He sighs and heads back out and looks around his messy room. “Also, clean.” He said before getting to the closet and throwing on a black shirt, pants, and a black overcoat. He then walked through the door and came to a cockpit and sat in the seat. “Minerva, bring up the news please.” He asks as he looks into space.

“Understood Blitzkrieg.” Minerva, the ship’s A.I., said.

After about an hour of surfing through the galactic news channels, something finally caught his attention. “The terrorists who bombed the peace summit on Pilularis 5 have finally been identified. Unfortunately, the galactic peacekeepers were unable to apprehend them as they fled into the Mapperuious system which is classed as an E underdeveloped planet and because of article…” Blitzkrieg turns off the T.V. and activates a console. “Minerva, find the bounties of these terrorists and criminals in the government jobs. While I look up the system in the star map.” Blitzkrieg says starting to search and read up on the system the news said the fled into.

As Minerva brought up each contract, Blitzkrieg read up on the system and the only habitable planet and its inhabitants. After finish reading, he took a deep breath in. “Look like I’m heading home. Minerva, get me Malgus on the line will you?” Blitzkrieg asks.

“Of course sir,” Minerva said before a dialing noise is heard.

Blitzkrieg waited till a picture came up of an alien that looks slightly avian with a set of mandibles around its mouth. “Hey Malgus, I need to stock up a bit,” Blitzkrieg says.

“Ah, Southern Cross, my favorite Equestrian.” Malgus greets.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re my favorite Turian as well,” Blitzkrieg says.

Malgus chuckles. “Anyway, what do you need now, a WMD?” He asks jokingly.

“No, to stock up. I have a few bounties to take.” Blitzkrieg says.

Malgus nods. “Who’s the lucky mare, as your kind likes to call it?”

“The terrorists who bombed the summit on Pilularis 5, I believe your species representative was injured badly from it,” Blitzkrieg says.

Malgus sighs. “Yeah, spirits help them. Well, what do you need?” He asks holding up a datapad.

“The usual and one good and reliable stealth generator compatible to a model E8-6G armor,” Blitzkrieg says.

Malgus nods. “Anything else?” He asks typing that in the data pad as a list shows up on Blitzkrieg’s screen.

“Actually triple the amount on the fourth item and that is I will need,” Blitzkrieg says.

Malgus nods and the list refreshes. “It that all? I know your style of at least trying out my new tech.”

“I have heard about an ‘Electric Whip’, can fry a droid in a few seconds. Know anything about that?” Blitzkrieg asks.

Malgus chuckles. “Actually it’s an electric bola and can be used like a whip provided you have the right equipment so you don’t get shocked. Want it and the equipment?” He asks holding a talon above his datapad.

“Yeah, send it as well. I’ll see what kind of trouble I can cause because of it.” Blitzkrieg says.

Malgus chuckles and presses a few things and makes some numbers appear. “Alright, just don’t use it badly, I don’t need a trace back to me or my reputation ruined.”

“Yeah, little luck of that they fled to a class E system, you know what that means,” Blitzkrieg says.

“Gotcha. I’ll be expecting you soon to pick this stuff personally.” Malgus says ending transmission.

“Minerva, plot course for Omega,” Blitzkrieg says and soon the ship enters hyperspace.

Act 1 - Chapter 2: Homecoming

Seventy-two galactic hours later, Blitzkrieg steps out of his ship and onto a planet and sends out a few stealth probes from the ship to search for his targets. “Go.” Blitzkrieg orders.

Minerva beeps into his intercom. “Scan started and will be expected to complete the set area in 10 minutes.”

“Send the results to my communicator then start widening the search parameters, I’m going to see the town nearby,” Blitzkrieg says as the ships started to blend with its surroundings.

“Of course sir,” Minerva said as everything locked up.

Blitzkrieg starts walking through the forest as he paces as his way through it. At the edge of the forest, he sees the town not too far away and keeps walking towards it. ‘It’s strange being amongst fellow Equestrians.’ Blitzkrieg thinks as he enters the town. ‘Now to find out if any of them have seen or heard anything weird lately.’ Blitzkrieg thinks as he sees a pink earth Equestrian walking towards him. “Excuse me,” Blitzkrieg says to her.

Pinkie Pie looks over and gasp. “An intergalactic bounty hunter?! Yes, the game finally came to life!” She cheered making everypony look at her weird.

Blitzkrieg’s eyes were near the size of saucers plates. ‘How did she know?’ He thought.

Pinkie Pie sped towards him. “Hey, are you similar to that prey guy?”

“Ok, questioning if you are insane at this point,” Blitzkrieg says.

Pinkie giggled. “I’m not insane, just happy. Now, are you that prey guy?”

“You have completely lost me,” Blitzkrieg says.

Pinkie brings out a poster of a pony dressed in a thin sweatshirt, cargo pants, a beanie cap, and has a banderol around his shoulder and down to his sides where he has more bags and weapons while holding up a weapon in his hoof, all the while turned back to the viewer. “This pony, is this you? You kinda look like it.”

“No, that isn’t me,” Blitzkrieg says.

Pinkie whines as she brings the poster down. “Aww! I really wanted this to be real because they canceled this thing!” She then throws the poster down and proceeds to stomp on it. “Stupid company!” She then stops and turns around before kicking up dust onto the poster as the last insult.

“What is she on about?” Blitzkrieg asks before she gasps.

Pinkie then turns around. “I have to throw you a party.” She said before running off.

“Now my confusion is tripled,” Blitzkrieg says.

“You’re not the only one.” A voice said behind him.

Blitzkrieg turns around and sees a purple alicorn. “Hello, can I help you?” She asks.

“Um…yes, I’m just passing through and looking for any new news,” Blitzkrieg said.

Twilight thinks for a few. “Not much goes on, try a newspaper.”

“I mean anything unusual, like unexplained lights, noises, or unidentified creatures,” Blitzkrieg says trying to be a little clearer.

Twilight looks up. “Well, there was some unexplained stars moving about. I just chalked that up to Princess Luna trying something new.”

“Strange stars you say,” Blitzkrieg says thinking.

Twilight nods. “Yeah, there a lot of them, tried to talk to Princess Luna, but she hasn’t mailed back.”

“Ok thanks,” Blitzkrieg says as he starts walking away.

Twilight nods. “You’re welcome. Say, do you have the last name?”

“Apple,” Blitzkrieg says leaving.

Twilight looks a little surprised. “Apple?” She asks herself.

After his meeting, Blitzkrieg found a hill with a perfect view of the sky and started waiting and watching, all the while trying to occupy himself with playing with the rocks with his telekinesis. His boredom and thoughts were interrupted when he heard. “Heads up!” From the sky.

Looking up he quickly dodges out of the way and lets the blue pegasus crash into the ground. “Nice landing.” He said sarcastically.

“Ow.” The pegasus mare says.

Blitzkrieg sighs and helps her up. “You okay?”

“Yeah, nothing is broken and this isn’t the first time.” She says.

Blitzkrieg allows a little smile to come onto his face. “Really now? Not the first? You must really be bad at flying.”

“What was that?!” The mare yells now in his face.

Blitzkrieg wordlessly pushes her back a little with his hoof. “Personal space.”

The mare growls. “Listen, buddy, I’m the best flyer around.”

“Must not be much competition then,” Blitzkrieg says examining her and found she was quite fit, most likely athletic.

The mare stomps her hoof. “I’m serious! I can beat you in an iron pony competition.”

“Not interested,” Blitzkrieg says neutrally, almost instantly surprising the mare a bit.

The mare huffs. “Yeah, with that fancy horn, I doubt you can beat me in everything.”

“Yeah, yeah, braggers usually can’t back it up,” Blitzkrieg says becoming more bored with the conversation than even yawns.

The mare growls before smirking. “I see, you don’t want to lose to a mare.”

“Gender has nothing to do with it, but if that’s what you tell yourself go ahead,” Blitzkrieg says yawning louder.

The mare growls before launching herself at him and pinning him down. “Listen, you got to show respect.”

“I show respect to whom I want nopony else.” He says kicking her off of him and into the tree nearby to her shock.

The mare’s head then pops back out. “How…?” She then sees something running along his legs under his clothing. “What the heck are you wearing?”

“Noneya,” Blitzkrieg says.

The mare jumps down and lands near him. “I mean this.” She said poking one of his legs.

“As I said, noneya business you varmint,” Blitzkrieg says letting a country accent slip a bit with his annoyance.

The mare raises an eyebrow before slapping a hoof onto his leg and then hits something ding like metal. “What?”

Blitzkrieg looks increasingly annoyed and starts walking away, saying nothing else. The mare then runs to him. “Hey!” She yells before trying to jump on him.

Blitzkrieg catches her hoof in the air and throws her back into the tree, making her see stars for a bit. After shaking her head a bit, she thinks. ‘Was that a brace?’

Blitzkrieg sighs before his communicator beeps. Holding a hoof to his ear and taking a quick look around. “What is it?”

Minerva actually makes a sighing sound. “There is a lock on a target about twenty klicks due north of your current position.”

“Confirmed, start scanning from orbit for any satellites as you widen the search parameter,” Blitzkrieg says.

There was a pause. “Of course sir.” She said before signing off.

Blitzkrieg starts walking towards the town, hoping to lose the blue mare from earlier and notices his overcoat was ripped from the mare. “Great, I hope somepony here is good at repairing clothes.” He says before noticing some metal is showing and holds the ripped part closed with his magic.

Seeing a cafe nearby he goes over to two random mares sitting down. “Excuse me, is there a tailor nearby?” Blitzkrieg asks very politely.

The green mint pony looks up from her newspaper. “Ummm….sure. There is one that way. Looks like a carousel.” She said pointing in that direction.

“Thank you,” Blitzkrieg says walking towards where she pointed and soon came to a boutique. Walking up to the door he knocks on it. “Hello?”

“Hello, welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is sheq, unique, manefic.” A young white unicorn filly with green eyes opens the door and says reading from, what looks like a card. “Sorry, still practicing my motto for the store.”

“That’s fine. I was wondering if I could get my overcoat repaired.” Blitzkrieg says in a friendly tone, not talking down to her like the young filly was used to from customers she didn’t know.

The foal nods. “Of course, take it off and my sister will see what she can do.” She said walking over to her workbench where a bigger mare version of her is. “Rarity, we got a customer!” She calls.

The mare looks up in her red glasses. “Oh my, such disorderly clothes.”

“He says he wants it mended.” The foal says.

Rarity looks him over. “Well, I can’t send a customer out like that. I’ll remake them and enhance them. Would you mind…um…taking them off?” She asks slightly embarrassed.

Blitzkrieg chuckles nervously with a small blush.

“I think he is embarrassed.” The foal whispered to Rarity.

Rarity nervously chuckles as well. “There’s a changing blind right over.” She said pointing to them.

“Um…thank you,” Blitzkrieg says going over to it and closing it before throwing his overcoat over the blinds and waited inside.

“If you don’t my mind asking, where are you from?” Rarity asks as she got to work.

“All over really. I do a lot of traveling.” Blitzkrieg half lies as he looks at his screen on his foreleg to check up on the status of everything.

“Oh my. Did you see Prance?” Rarity asks as she works noticing through the clothes didn’t look like it they were well put together.

“Um…no, I have yet to visit there, maybe on a future trip I will,” Blitzkrieg says pressing a few things on the screen.

“Yes, so what brings you to Ponyville?” Rarity asks.

“Business mostly,” Blitzkrieg says getting caught up on the progress of the scanning.

Rarity nods as she starts working on other holes and rips. “Well, I hope you find this place extraordinary. There is a lot to do here.”

“Hopefully, I will be about to experience them while I am here if my business will allow it,” Blitzkrieg says.

“Oh my, how rude of me, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Rarity and you’ve met my sister Sweetie Belle.” Rarity says.

“Apple Blitzkrieg,” Blitzkrieg says.

Rarity smiles as she finished the last of the stitching. “Charmed. All done.” She before tossing the overcoat back over the blinds.

“Thank you,” Blitzkrieg says putting it back on.

After Blitzkrieg leaves, Rarity put two and two together. “Apple? Could he be kin to the Apples?” Rarity asks.

Blitzkrieg yawns as he passes the same cafe from before shrugging and then sitting down on one of the mushroom seats.

“Um…excuse me, sir, would you mind sharing your table with another?” A waiter pony asks.

“Um…sure, I don’t see why not,” Blitzkrieg says.

After he left a yellow mare sits down across from him. “I hope you don’t mind.” She asks shyly as she half covers her face with her mane.

“Not at all,” Blitzkrieg says raising the menu back up, but to his annoyance, he couldn’t read it and was forced to sneakily use his communicator translator to learn what it said.

The mare looks at him again from behind her menu. “Umm…where are you from…if that’s okay?”

“Oh, I’m from all over. I travel mostly and don’t really have one place I call home.” Blitzkrieg says.

“Oh my.” The mare said. “It is…dangerous?”

“Ah, so, so, but at least I don’t have to pay insurance for natural disasters.” Blitzkrieg halfheartedly jokes.

The mare giggles. “That is true. So…where do you currently live now?”

“Home to me is where I am,” Blitzkrieg says.

The mare nods. “That is also true.” She looks back at her menu. “Want to share? We can split the bill.”

“That sounds nice, but please allow me to pay,” Blitzkrieg says like a gentlecolt.

The mare blushes a bit. “Oh…um…thanks.” She said before giving her order.

After a lovely meal and paying Blitzkrieg says, “It has been a pleasure, but I must be off.” And starts walking away as the sun sets.

Blitzkrieg sighs as he starts heading back to his ship when his communicator beeps. “Yes?”

Minerva is silent for a bit. “You know that this is a primitive planet, right? There aren’t any satellites other than the moon.”

“One of the residents confirmed there were strange lights in the sky at night, keep scanning. Tonight, I’m going to go see if I can see these things.” Blitzkrieg says charging up his communicator.

“You know you don’t have to do that every time you return to the ship,” Minerva says.

“I know, it’s just a habit of mine,” Blitzkrieg says.

Minerva giggles once. “And my habit is calling you master and sir. But you don’t see me groveling at your legs.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Blitzkrieg says disconnecting the charger and walks out into the forest again.

Blitzkrieg sighs as he messes with his screen again and turns back on the exosuit and proceeds to sprint past the manticore that was feasting on some carcass who just looks at where he was and then shrugs and goes back to eating.

“Let’s see, where was that spot again?” He asks as he looks around for the spot where he encountered the blue mare earlier.

After a while he finds the mare laying on one of the tree’s branches, just looking at the sky. “Brace, brace?” He heard her whisper to herself.

‘Oh great, she is still there.’ He thinks, starting to sneak away when a pink pony lands in front of the blue mare.

“Hey, Dashie! Have you seen that new pony?” The pink pony asks.

“Is he blue?” The pegasus asks a little startled.

“Da Ba Dee Da Ba Die,” Pinkie says

“What?” She asks.

“The song silly, by Eiffel 65,” Pinky says smiling as the mare just stares.

Blitzkrieg chuckles slightly. ‘How could I forget that song?’

“So come on, come on, we have to go,” Pinky says bouncing up and down.

The blue mare just huffs. “Pinky, he’s probably left by now.”

“Now my Pinkie sense tells me he is still here,” Pinkie says now in a lion costume surveying the area.

Blitzkrieg just stares at the pink pony. ‘How did she change into that without me noticing?’

“Alright fine, lead the way.” The blue mare says before Pinky leads her along.

Blitzkrieg immediately hits his cloaking and disappears as he leans against the tree as both of them pass by. “That was close.”

As the moon started to rise Blitzkrieg heard a voice from earlier. “Mr. Apple!” A young voice calls.

Blitzkrieg looks over and sees Sweetie Belle approaching. “Yes?”

“Oh, there you are. You left something back at the Boutique. My sister currently has it and is looking for you at the library.” Sweetie Belle says with a smile.

‘I smell a trap. Oh, but what the heck, it could be good for a laugh or hurry my job up.’ Blitzkrieg thinks. “Oh, then could you take me there and sorry for the inconvenience,” Blitzkrieg says hiding his suspicion.

Sweetie Belle waves it off. “It’s okay. Come on.” She said running away.

Blitzkrieg follows at a more leisurely pace, but still keeps up until he sees the library. “A tree? Your library is in a tree?” Blitzkrieg asks a little surprised.

Sweetie Belle looks at him. “Well…yeah. Books come from trees.” She said heading inside and closing the door behind her.

“Oh, this I got to see,” Blitzkrieg says now fully curious before opening the door and heading inside the dark room. “Hello?” He calls.

“SURPRISE!” The entire library yell catching him off guard.

‘Well played pink one. Well played.’ Blitzkrieg thinks.

Pinkie jumps in front of him. “So, how was it?”

“How was what?” Blitzkrieg says trying to hide his surprise.

Pinkie grins. “The surprise orgy party?”

“What!?” Everyone yells.

Pinkie laughs. “Kidding! I meant the surprise party, silly.”

“Uh huh,” Blitzkrieg says skeptically.

Pinkie then leans in close to his ear. “Though if you want an orgy party, just ask and I’ll make it happened tomorrow night.” She whispers.

“You’re twisted, you know that?” Blitzkrieg asks.

“I know, I play Twister!” Pinky exclaims happily. She then leans in again. “Even, naked Twister.”

Blitzkrieg raises an eyebrow. “Are you a sexual deviant?”

“Mayb…” Pinkie starts before being interrupted. “Sorry, we’re late ya’ll.” A country voice says.

Pinkie gasps before hugging the mare who walks in with a young filly with a bow and a large red stallion and wraps around her. “Yay! Now the party can really begin.”

“Pinky, remember what we talked about?” Applejack asks.

Pinkie giggled. “Don’t worry, this one is not an orgy.”

“Sis, what’s an orgy?” The young filly asks.

The mare only rubs her head. “Nothing you need to know at your age.”

“Oh let me introduce you this is…” Pinky starts before Applejack sees Blitzkrieg.

“Um pardon me stranger, but have we met? You seem familiar.” Applejack says.

“Now that you mention it, I am also getting the same feeling of Deja vu from you,” Blitzkrieg says.

The mare looks him over. “Yeah, but I can’t tell with you covered up like that.”

“Oh Mr. Apple, are your related to Applejack by any chance?” Rarity asks.

Blitzkrieg rubs his head. “I think so.”

“Oh, maybe Mr. Blitzkrieg is a part of your extended family Applejack.” Rarity suggests.

‘Wait, Jack, Jack, Jackie? Applejackie!’ Blitzkrieg thinks before several warning bells went off in his head.

“Blitzkrieg!” Applejacks yell.

“Oh, now I remember!” Both of them yell at the same time as the temperature in the room sank and both glared at each other with red-hot intensity.

Applejack points a hoof at him. “You owe me for my hat!”

“Oh, I remember you all too well, little Jackie. How you used to bully me every time we met.” Blitzkrieg says, now both ponies practically head-butting each other.

Everypony backs off as they try to push each other. “I can’t help that you are so annoying!” Applejack yells.

“And can’t help you think you were better than me!” Blitzkrieg says.

Big Mac seeing this tries to separate the two as Applebloom just stands there in stunned silence as Applejack was never on bad terms with any of their family.

Applejack then surprises him and grabs his head before turning in the air and landing him on the ground. “How’s that for better?!”

Blitzkrieg gets up, anger now obvious as he charges and thus starts a brawl with her.

“Guys! Guys! GUYS!” A voice yelled as they fought before being pulled apart by magic. “Enough!”

Applejack had a few bruises as she panted as any damage done by her was hard to see under Blitzkrieg’s clothes as he was also panting slightly as both struggled to re-engage. Soon the purple alicorn steps in between them. “Alright, now let’s calm down and talk this through.”

Pinkie steps up close to them and somehow brings them closer despite Twilight’s magic. “I know what would fix it.” She leans in close to their ears. “An orgy party to release the tension.”

“You punch, I blast with magic?” Blitzkrieg asks.

“Deal.” Applejack said.

After that, Pinkie was sent flying.

Meanwhile in Canterlot. “Ah, such a nice peaceful night on the throne,” Luna says as she sips away at her tea.

The guard nods as he drinks his too. “Indeed, but did you have to bring the maids and more guards for this party?”

Luna smiles. “Of course, though I do like just a few mares and many stallions in one room.” She said looking at the sexual acts going on in front of them.

Pinky then crashes through a window and into Luna. “Ow, but Pinkie Pie?”

Pinkie then pops her head up. “Oh, can I join? I have the town record for many stallions.”

Luna looks up at her. “In thine dreams. Guards! Please us until one of us yields.” She calls to the many guards now coming to them with their tools hanging out.

Back at the library in Ponyville.

“I think that is the first thing we ever did together we weren’t forced to do,” Blitzkrieg says.

Applejack huffs. “You’ll can blame the grownups for that. They have a habit of getting everypony together.”

“Well with that I’m off,” Blitzkrieg says leaving.

Applejack grabs him. “Oh no, you don’t. That was the first thing we agreed on and I want us to end on happy terms.”

“We are like cat and dogs fighting, this is as good terms as we have ever gotten,” Blitzkrieg says trying to throw her hoof off.

Then Applejack drops the bomb. “Where have you been for nearly sixteen years? The entire family looked all over Equestria for ya.”

Blitzkrieg keeps trying to get rid of her hoof as she hangs on to his overcoat. “Does it matter now?”

“Yes, we are family.” She reinforced.

“Only if you go back ten generations do we have a connection, oh, and let’s not forget an important fact. I’m adopted.” Blitzkrieg adds.

Applejack brings him around in front of her. “Adopted or not, yer still family.”

Blitzkrieg struggles in her grip. “Let go of me.” He orders, his overcoat coming loose.

“Big Mac, help me take him back. Granny is going to love this.” Applejack says tying him up with a lasso.

Blitzkrieg struggles in the rope. “Listen, its best I don’t go.”

The Apples didn’t listen as Big Mac carries him away on his back.

“Dang nabbit, why didn’t I ever learn teleportation?!” Blitzkrieg yells.

“Well, that was…interesting?” Rainbow asks unsure.

Twilight sighs. “Maybe, maybe not. Though did you notice?”

“He was wearing a brace so he might be hurt?” Rainbow asks.

Twilight shakes her head. “The fact that, that ‘brace’ is all over his body and legs. So how can he fight so well if he’s injured?”

“Huh?” The rest of the mane six who were still there, ask confused.

On the way back to the farm, Blitzkrieg was reduced to just glaring at Applejack. “Jackie…” His voice softer now. “Just let me go.”

“No can do, you’re an Apple and an Apple sticks together.” Applejack says obviously not going to listen to him.

Blitzkrieg then turns his head to Big Mac and looks him over for a second. “So Macintosh, you really have grown.” He says after a bit of silence.

Big Mac only grunts.

“Hard to believe you were shorter than most,” Blitzkrieg says.

Big Mac only let out another grunt.

“Still silent I see,” Blitzkrieg says turning his gaze to one he didn’t know. “So who are you?” Blitzkrieg asks.

The filly jumps up onto Big Mac. “I’m Applebloom.”

“So I have missed a few things,” Blitzkrieg says.

Applejack turns to him. “Applebloom is my sister, not my daughter.”

“Wasn’t going to say she was,” Blitzkrieg says.

“So…um…why were ya and my sister fighten? You’ll are both family.” Applebloom asks.

“We have a few issues to work out, to say the least,” Blitzkrieg says.

Applejack huffs. “More than a few.”

“I was putting it nicely. Also, you can’t throw a decent left hook.” Blitzkrieg says.

Applejack laughs once. “And you can’t hit right.”

“Says the mare with bruises,” Blitzkrieg says.

Applejack smirks. “Battle scars.”

After that Blitzkrieg remained quiet as Applebloom looked happy to meet him. “What?” He asks after a while.

“I’m just happy to meet a member of the family,” Applebloom says smiling.

“It would have better if you had never met me,” Blitzkrieg says.

Applebloom looks confused. “What do you mean by that?”

Blitzkrieg said nothing else. “Don’t mind him sugarcube, he has never been one for much socializing and likes to keep quiet unless you provoke him into anger.” Applejack says as they reach the farm.

Blitzkrieg huffs once before his communicator beeps quietly. ‘No, not now.’ He thinks in panic.

“What’s that?” Applebloom asks as the three look around before Blitzkrieg flexes certain muscles, disconnecting the communicator, causing it to go silent.

After a while Applejack shrugs. “Must have been a bug.” She said stepping onto the porch.

“Granny, we’re back and we have somepony to meet you!” Applebloom yells as Big Mac sets Blitzkrieg on the couch.

A creaking sound entered their ears. “And who is this youngin?” Granny asks.

“The only one who ever truly gets under Sis’s skin.” Big Mac says.

Granny looks up and sees the pony on the couch. “Refresh my memory, but could you at least remove the rope?”

“No can do Granny, he might make a run for it. It’s Blitzkrieg.” Applejack says.

Granny laughs. “After all these times and he shows up now. Where has he been?”

“Don’t know, we only found him because Pinkie threw a party for a new pony in town which was him.” Applejack says.

Granny laughs again. “Splendid. I made a batch of apple pies so let’s celebrate his return.”

“Granny, shouldn’t we send letters to the rest of the family letting them know?” Big Mac asks.

Granny waves them off. “Eh, do what you want. All I know is our big stallion must be hungry.” She gets out of her chair. “I’ll get the pies ready.”

“Yeah, let’s eat!” Applebloom exclaims.

Everypony rushes off to the kitchen. “Hello? Can somepony untie me?” Blitzkrieg asks.

Applejack comes back and carries him to the table. “Better than nothing I suppose,” Blitzkrieg says, letting his country accent seep through.

Applejack drops him in a seat. “Yer darn right is it.”

Blitzkrieg tried to discreetly struggle against the bonds for most of the night, but ultimately couldn’t loosen Applejack’s knot enough and remained at the orchard and was now laying on the couch still tied up as he assumed every other pony was asleep.

He sighs and moves a few muscles that reactive his coms. “Where have you been?”

“Yeah, been captured by my family here,” Blitzkrieg says annoyed.

Minerva sighs. “Alright, I’m sending a drone and getting you out.”

“No, no, I will escape on my own,” Blitzkrieg says.

Minerva was silent for a bit. “I hope you know what you’re doing. Anyway, I got a complete lock on one target. It’s in the city north of you.”

“When I get back, get me a full bio on them and any luck with scanning the atmosphere tonight?” Blitzkrieg asks.

Minerva sighs. “Only thing is a few debris, but I’m still going.”

“Keep me posted, I don’t like the implications of what it could mean and somepony’s coming, got to go,” Blitzkrieg whispers before disconnecting again.

Applejack yawns as she looks down at Blitzkrieg on the couch. “Heard mumbling, the figure of checking on you.”

Blitzkrieg stares up at the ceiling until he feels a blanket over him. “Huh?” Blitzkrieg asks.

Applejack smiles as she moves the blanket around him. “I never leave family hanging.”

“But you do leave them hogtied.” Blitzkrieg jokes.

Applejack sighs. “Listen, I just need to know…where were you all this time?”

“I doubt you would believe me even if I told ya. So why the rope, afraid I will disappear never to be seen again without it?” Blitzkrieg asks.

Applejack looks slightly away. “Blitz, you worried so many ponies. Do you really want to cause that much pain again? To me?”

“Time will tell if I disappear from Equestria again Jackie. But for what it’s worth, you grew up to be beautiful.” Blitzkrieg says.

Applejack blushes. “Thanks, you didn’t grow to be bad yourself.”

“No, I grew up far worse,” Blitzkrieg says rolling onto his side.

Applejack sighs. “Blitz, can you look at me?” Blitzkrieg sighs as rolls to face her. “You didn’t grow to be a bad pony, just a thinking one. And that’s the best pony.”

“Time will tell Jackie, time will tell,” Blitzkrieg says not convinced.

Applejack just nods before bringing the blanket around him and walking away. “Hope you have a good night.”

“I doubt it, I haven’t slept well since the rockslide,” Blitzkrieg says.

Applejack smiles and looks down at him. “Don’t go running off again. I don’t think little Applebloom will like it.”

“Can’t promise that with my job and it’s not like she is more dangerous than you right?” Blitzkrieg asks jokingly but receives silence.

Applejack then sighs and heads back again, leaving Blitz in the silence. “What happened when I was away?”

Blitzkrieg lays there in silence until he sighs. “My job just got so much harder.”

The next morning Applejack came down and finds the ropes untied. “Oh boy.”

“You know, Applebloom is surprisingly good with knots,” Blitzkrieg says from the kitchen.

Applejack looks to see him getting some pie. “I thought you would leave.”

“I thought about leaving then what you said about you being sad kept replaying in my mind and I could…” Blitzkrieg says hitting his head on the table. “I’m getting soft.” He adds.

“No, you’ve just shown you’re vulnerable to our family charms,” Applebloom says smiling in her seat.

Blitz sighs. “Maybe, maybe not.”

“Come on problem child, let’s get to work.” Applejack says smiling while dragging him along.

“Hey Jackie watches it, I just had this thing mended yesterday,” Blitz says.

Applejack just laugh.

“So what do you want me to do?” Blitz asks.

Applejack smiles. “How much do you know about bucking?”

“J…J…Jackie, I don’t think that is appropriate.” Blitz stutters.

Applejack looks back at him. “What are you…?” She then realizes what that meant and began to laugh. “You thought it was that?! I meant bucking trees, kicking it ya fool!”

“Ok, your way of collecting the apples is too misleading,” Blitz says a little weirded out.

Applejack tries to keep her laughter under control. “Come on cuz, let’s go buck some apples.” She said before taking off with him on her back.

Blitz tried to stay on as he was hopping uncontrollably on her back. “Jackie! You’re going to throw me off!”

“Come on, this can’t be too rough of a ride for ya.” Applejack says.

Blitz growls before he feels her stopping and then he was thrown off and hits a tree. “Ow.”

Applejack pulls him to his hooves and turns him to the tree. “Now don’t run or it’s the lasso for you. Now show me what you got!”

Blitz looks to the tree and studies it for a bit before kicking it and several apples hit him on the head.

Applejack stifles a laugh as she watches Blitz hold his head in pain. “Should have told you ta…kekekekeke…do it in the spot where there are no baskets.”

Blitz studies the tree a bit more before speaking. “Jackie, can you move three steps to the right?”

Applejack looks confused before stepping to the right. “Okay, why?”

“Perfect,” Blitz says smirking as he kicks the tree again and this time all the apples over Applejack fall on her.

Blitz goes wide-eyed as Applejack turns her hat upside down and catches the apples. “Nice try Blitz, but Big Mac and Applebloom tried that on me one time and this time I’m ready.”

“Oh darn,” Blitz says kicking an apple towards her as she steps forward and causes her to slip and propel herself into the air and lands in a basket full of apples. Blitz stood there, his smirk now huge.

Applejack tries to get out. “Don’t cha dare say anything!”

Blitz says nothing and snickers a bit as he offers a hoof. Applejack sighs and takes his hoof and by which he pulls her out. “So what else is there, boss?”

“Don’t call me that cuz.” Applejack says.

Blitz tilts his head. “Why not?”

Applejack sighs. “Cause, the last one to call me boss, didn’t end so well.”

“What happened?” Blitz asks.

Applejack shakes herself. “Doesn’t matter, back to bucking.”

“Still sounds wrong,” Blitz says getting back to work.

Applejack smiles. “That means you never did it.”

“My virginity is not the subject.” Blitz lets slip much to his humiliation.

Applejack snickers. “So, did you ever want a mare?”

“Never had time, my job keeps me too busy usually,” Blitz says trying to change the subject.

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Really, unless you’re…”

“I like mares, Jackie, get your mind out of the dang gutter.” Blitz scolds.

Applejack smiles. “Geez, it’s an honest question, but if your job is getting in the way then it’s time for a date night.”

“Not so simple,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs. “Well, why is that?”

“The job is too demanding and unpredictable at times so hard to keep a lot of appointments,” Blitz says.

Applejack huffs. “I’m getting you on a date, whether you like it or not.”

“A little forward aren’t cha Jackie?” Blitz jokes.

Applejack smiles. “I want my cousin to be happy. And if that means being with a mare, then let it happen.”

Blitz waits for several seconds before Applejack’s face shows she realizes the implications of the joke. “Shoot.”

“So Jackie, how do you always come onto a stallion like that when wanting a date?” Blitz jokes again.

Applejack hits him. “Because, when you’re happy, at least the family stays happy.”

“Jackie, I have to leave soon. I have to complete a job a little north from here.” Blitz says.

“How far?” Applejack asks.

“About twenty miles away,” Blitz says.

Applejack smiles. “Blitz, that’s Canterlot, the capital of Equestria.”

“I know, still my job requires me to go there,” Blitz says.

Applejack keeps looking at him. “Well…”

“Excuse me,” Blitz said before walking away.

“Hey, sis.” Big Mac says walking up.

Applejack sighs. “Has the family letters been sent out?”

“Eeyup, but take a look at the paper.” Big Mac says giving her the newspaper.

“Three more have been discovered, raising the number of the victims of the unknown serial killer to sixteen. Guards still have no solid leads on the serial killer of Canterlot.” Applejack reads.

Big Mac nods. “Did he tell you where his current job is?”

Applejack’s eyes widen in horror. “We got to go get him now.” She said throwing the paper away and running to where Blitz was, but couldn’t find him anywhere. “Where…?”

Blitz sighs as he sat in his ship as it flew stealthily to Canterlot. “Got an exact fix on the target?”

“High-value area of the city. Might want to be careful because it’s still daylight and too many civilians out and about.” Minerva said.

“Scan the entire mountain, any hidden tunnels?” Blitz commands.

A few beeps occurred. “None in the mountain, but under the city and it leads to a crystal cavern.”

“Bingo. Based on the info the probes have collected, give me the most likely target.” Blitz says before a picture of a bug like alien appeared.

“Alias: Firefly. Species: Insectious Dracapicus. Details: A criminal wanted for mass murder, eating other species, and numerous counts of arson. Genetically modified to be able to create and shoot flames. Bounty 850,000 credits alive, 400,000 dead.” Minerva summarized as Blitz read the rest.

Blitz sighs. “Go silent and hover above a flat building roof and drop me off there before flying into the sky to hide until I get him,” Blitz says getting up and grabbing some weapons from the arsenal and putting on a fireproof cloak and scarf.

Minerva appears on screen as a mare version of him floating in the air. “Sure you can take him?” She asks crossing her forelegs.

“Not my first time dealing with a carnivore bounty, besides I know where he is,” Blitz says putting two blasters in his holsters.

Minerva nods. “Be careful out there. And take the glasses this time.”

“I know, I know, it identifies the bounties for me,” Blitz says putting on the glasses and slipping in a badge into his pocket.

“Why are you taking that?” Minerva asks.

“Never was officially un-deputized,” Blitz says before activating his stealth and jumping out.

Blitz lands on the roof before jumping into a building alley and starts sliding down the sides before landing on the ground. He blinks one eye and turns on the glasses before looking out in the streets and sees some high-value ponies milling about. He sighs and fixes his clothes before walking out as his stealth detectives. “Minerva, I spotted three bounties for Equestria. Send out a stealth probe to track as they might as we might as well make some cash on the side.” He whispers.

He soon passes a cafe and sees the same pink pony looking happy while sitting next to a dark blue alicorn looking glum. “I told you, I hold the record. Nopony has ever beaten me.” He heard her boosting.

As he keeps walking, he eventually comes to an alley collared off with guards standing there. Using his glasses zoom function he spots a dead body looking half eaten.

“We got another one. This makes seventeen now.” The guard in charge says as they all worked.

“Hmm…the angle of the bite marks and the long lines indicate mandibles were a part of the assailant’s mouth,” Blitz says studying the body as the guards just noticed him, wondering how the heck he passed them. He then sees one whispering over to another.

“Hey, what are you doing over there?!” The guard in charge yells running up to him.

“Slightly charred near this part. Yeah, this is Firefly’s handiwork.” Blitz says stopping the guard and getting his full attention.

The guard narrows his eyes. “And have got any connection to this Firefly?”

“Besides hunting him to arrest him?” Blitz says standing up, finished examining the body and put the cloth over it.

The guard looks at him. “So do you who this pony is?”

“Not a clue, my guess, another victim to add to his rap sheet,” Blitz says.

“And you would be?” The guard asks.

“Officer Southern Cross,” Blitz says showing him his badge.

The guard looks at it in surprise. “What’s a marshal doing here?”

“Tracking a terrorist to bring him back to stand trial,” Blitz says.

The guard snorts. “Then do you know where he is?”

“Theories, but nothing solid. I would be more concerned with the hostages he has. Firefly likes to capture his victims and keep them awhile before he eats them.” Blitz says.

The guard’s eyes widen. “Now if you’ll excuse me,” Blitz said stepping past him eyeing the manhole cover.

Blitz looks at it before pulling it open and peering down. He takes out a stick and breaks it to make it glow before dropping it. “Ah, that’s how you are getting around,” Blitz says jumping in and pulls out a blaster shaped almost like the pistols he’d seen on Omega.

He activates the night vision on his glasses before walking through the muck of the sewers and then turns a corner before his other feels something on the walls. He pulls it away to reveal some sort of slime. “Ew.” He said before wiping off a clean side of the wall.

He then continues on before ending up at a wall. “That’s impossible.” He said before looking around and sees a small hole. He looks in and sees the hole looks like it’s dug out. “Oh yeah, I gotcha.” He looks through and sees the other side from a fairly short distance away and sees a hoof just lying there on the ground. Blitz sighs and was about to go through before something rushes out and into the water. “Hey!” He yells running after it.

He runs after the disturbance in the water and fires a few shots, but it looks like it dodges everything. He soon was lead back to where he began and sees the ladder that brought him down. “Oh no.” He said taking out the bolas. He keeps running as the disturbance in the water kept moving before it reaches the ladder and he throws the bola as a claw grabs the ladder, but it stops and the bola went past the ladder. “Shit!” He could only yell before pulling on the wire returning it and the creature climbs up faster than he could climb.

He growls and hits a few things on his screen and when he reaches the hole he jumps up into the air and actually jumps high enough to jump out into the streets and sees the same creature now running through the streets and past other ponies while spewing fire everywhere. “Oh, crap.” He curses before sprinting down the street after it using his fireproof cloak to move through the fire without harm or slowing down.

He kept running in almost the same way he came to the manhole cover and sees the same cafe he passed and the dark blue alicorn standing in the street, looking menacingly at the creature coming at her. The creature hissed before throwing itself at her and only hits a magical wall and squeaks while sliding down to the ground, dazed. Blitz rushes up and rolls the creature over and sees its Firefly before he attaches something to its chest and readies the button.

“Wait, I’ll pay more!” Firefly pleads as he realizes what he has on him, surprising everypony.

“Firefly you’re wanted for the mass murder of five settlements, killing and eating several diplomats, arson of several government-owned facilities and most recent charges assistance of bombing a peace summit killing seventeen and severely injuring eighty-nine and the abduction, killing, and eating of eighteen ponies of Canterlot. When you get to jail or the executioner’s block, tell them Southern Cross sent you.” Blitz says before pushing the button and teleporting him away as he screamed.

Once he was gone Blitz sighs and notices many ponies looking at him in shock. “Oh shoot.”

Blitz pays them no mind as the guards came running. “Guards, Captain.” Blitz greets as he leaves.

The guards were slightly out of breath. “Princess Luna, it seems he found the creature’s lair. We’re getting the ponies out as we speak.” The captain said.

Blitz walks into a store as this was happening and looks through the stock and finds a stuffed dog on a shelf. Taking it he pays the cashier with whatever bits he had and heads back out and bumps into Princess Luna. “Come with me.” She only said before heading to the castle.

“Sorry princess, I still have work to do and have deliveries to make,” Blitz says disappearing.

Princess Luna sighs and heads back to the castle on her own as the guards try to find any leftover evidence of the creature.

“So boss, what’s the cut we getting?” A gang member at a table asks.

The boss looks through the papers nonchalantly. “One fourth.”

“How about I cash in your bounties as my cut?” Blitz asks shooting his electric bola before the three could respond.

Blitz watches as they writhe in pain on the ground. “Time for prison.” He said before some guards came in and he deactivates the bolas and takes it away while the guards tie up the ponies. A guard walks up and gives him the bits for the bounty and Blitz nods and takes it before disappearing again.

Blitz sighs as he sits down in the cafe now wearing the clothes he wore when he arrived in Ponyville, trying to enjoy something to drink in a while before he sees some ponies running around the area, all of them looking familiar. “Over here.” He called.

The mares now noticing him rushes over. “Confound it cuz, what are you thinking of coming here when there’s a killer?” Applejack yells at him.

“What killer?” Blitz asks.

Applejack throws a newspaper at him. “This killer.” She said pointing a hoof at the high article.

Before Blitz could even reply to the radio at the cafe counter, came on with a news report. “Good afternoon Equestria, Vinyl and Octy here, bringing you the latest news. Well, folks its official, the serial killer of Canterlot was caught and sent away. Octy, your thoughts?” Vinyl asks.

“The most interesting thing was how he was sent away. Some describe it as a yellow electric bubble as this…thing, dissolved away into nothing before the bubble collapses.” Octavia said.

“Sources in the guard believes it was a form of teleportation magic and Octy, what did the pony who caught the thing like insect charge him with?” Vinyl asks.

“Quite a long rap sheet. Let’s see.” Octavia starts. “Wanted for the mass murder of five settlements, killing and eating several diplomats, arson of several government-owned facilities and most recent charges, the assistance of bombing a peace summit killing seventeen and severely injuring eighty-nine and the abduction, killing, and eating of eighteen ponies of Canterlot. Those are heinous crimes.”

“Wow, heavy stuff. Well, let’s go to Guard Captain in charge of the investigation, Silver Spear, for a second. So Spear, any information on the identity of the mystery pony who caught the thing?” Vinyl asks.

“It was, weird. But I cannot divulge any more information until we complete our investigation.” Silver said.

“Not, even his name?” Vinyl whines.

“Sorry.” Silver said.

Vinyl was silent for a bit. “How about we cut a deal? You give us everything and I give you a date night with Octavia.”

“W…what?!” Silver half yells.

Vinyl laughs. “So what will it be? Date with the greatest cello player or just sit in silence?”

“Well, I guess it can’t hurt to tell you the name he gave. He was Marshal Southern Cross.” Silver says.

Vinyl giggles. “Is he hot?”

“Well, I never got a good look at him. He wore a cloak and scarf over the lower half of his face with mirror sunglasses.” Silver says.

Vinyl whistles. “He must be hot if he’s hiding under all that.”

“So you could say it was only because of this marshal that the surviving hostages were freed?” Octavia asks.

Silver sighs. “Yeah, if it wasn’t for him, they would be another piece in the obituary.”

“On a possibly unrelated piece of news, two infamous gang members and the leader of the Broken Horns were apprehended today as well,” Vinyl says.

The mares look back to Blitz as he leans back and looks at the menu. “See, no problems Jackie.” He said from behind the menu.

Applejack frowns. “Why were you coming here in the first place?”

“I told you, my job required me to.” He says putting down the menu.

“Twilight, what’s a marshal?” Spike asks.

Twilight sighs. “A marshal is like a guard, but their extent of power goes all over the country and are usually referred to as bounty hunters since that’s most of their arrests.”

“Oh, bounty hunter, where?!” Pinkie yells.

The mares sigh. “Pinkie, that guy might be gone already,” Rainbow said a little weirded out that she suddenly appeared.

“Oh, but I want to meet him, after all, I was there when he captures the bug,” Pinky says.

The mares look to her. “What?”

Pinkie smiles. “Yeah, after beating Princess Luna on how many stallions we can take without giving up, we went to a cafe and when we saw fire coming down the street, Princess Luna got up and placed a magical wall and this bug thing crashes into it and the bounty hunter puts something on its chest and sends it off.”

“Then you got a good look at him?” Rarity asks, but her answer was a down look from Pinky.

Pinkie shakes her head. “Just like that guard said, the same outfit.”

“He must be so brave taking down such a monster.” Rarity says fantasizing a bit.

Rainbow smiles. “I bet he’s cool enough to take on the Wonderbolts.”

“So cuz, your job here is over?” Applejack asks.

“Yeah, I finished it up already,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs in relief. “Well…let’s go home.”

“Alright, let’s go back to your home,” Blitz says.

Applejack nods and leads him away as the others follow them. “How’s Applebloom?” He asks after a while.

“Worried about you.” Applejack says.

Blitz smiles. “Then I’m sure she’ll like the present I got her.”

“What was that?” Applejack asks.

Blitz only smiles as they get on the train.

After they got back to the farm Applebloom rushes out and latches onto him. “Cuz! You came back.”

“Yeah, and I got you something from my trip,” Blitz says bringing out the stuffed dog.

Applebloom gasps and hugs it. “It looks like Winona.”

“I hoped you would like it,” Blitz says patting her head.

Applebloom hugs him again. “Thanks for this.” She then let’s go and goes to Winona. “Hey Winona, look at what I got.”

Blitz let a smile slip as he watches this, not noticing Applejack coming up beside him. “I knew you were a softy.”

“Jackie, when did you?” Blitz asks surprised.

Applejack brings a hoof around him and hugs him. “It’s great to have you back.”

“Yeah, yeah, just don’t spread it around,” Blitz says.

Applejack nuzzles him. “What, that my cousin is a big softy and a teddy bear?”

“Invading personal space again Applejack,” Blitz says embarrassed and slightly annoyed.

Applejack smiles and lets go before heading to the house. “Come on, soups on.”

Blitz shakes his head as he felt his foreleg buzz and ducks behind a tree and brings up his screen and it read payment transferred and watched as Firefly’s picture had a red X placed on it and under it read bounty delivered. He sighs and covers his leg again and follows Applejack again.

Twilight, after hearing about what happened in Canterlot, collected all she could on the case. Which to her annoyance wasn’t much in the way of stuff directly tied to either of this Firefly or Southern Cross, excluding two pictures. One was of Southern Cross-examining the seventeenth confirmed victim and one was taken by a civilian of him when Firefly was caught.

Twilight sighs as she places the two down on the table. “What is going on here?”

“Um…Twilight, why are you so curious? You have never taken such an interest in law and crimes before except that one novel.” Spike says.

Twilight showed him the picture of Firefly. “Because this one is not listed in any book to tell what he is.”

“Maybe undocumented or secluded species?” Spike offers.

“Wait a moment,” Twilight says taking out a magnifying glass. “What’s that?” Twilight asks looking at the device on Firefly’s chest.

Spike tries to peek over the desk. “What’s what?”

“Oh nothing, oh look at the time, didn’t you promise to help Rarity?” Twilight asks.

Spike looks at the clock and panics. “Oh no. I hope she isn’t mad.” He yells in panic before rushing out the door.

Twilight lets out a sigh and examines the picture again before locking it in a box. “What the heck is that thing?”

Blitz had remained at the orchard helping his extended family for the following week and in that time the news of the mysterious Southern Cross had spread, even Ponyville’s paper had articles on the mysterious marshal.

“Whatcha you reading girls?” Blitz asks the three fillies at the table.

Scootaloo, as he was told, shows him the front page. “This guy. He looks so cool.”

Blitz looks and sees a picture of him as he ran through the fire chasing after Firefly last week. “Isn’t that a picture of Southern Cross?” Blitz asks.

Scootaloo nods. “Yeah, he’s so cool. I wonder what he looks like.”

“I wonder where he is now.” Sweetie Belle says.

Applebloom sighs. “Well, we’ll probably never see him again, unless…” She thinks. “We find another creature!”

“Applebloom, this Firefly killed and ate other ponies, what would that mean?” Blitz asks.

The three fillies look to him. “Applebloom faced a three-headed creature in the forest when she wanted to make a delivery.” Sweetie Belle said.

“Applebloom don’t go looking for danger, ok?” Blitz asks her.

Applebloom brings her head down. “Aw.” She whines.

“Who would take care of Winona Jr. if something happens to you?” Blitz asks.

They look confused. “Winona Jr.?” They ask.

Applebloom nervously chuckles. “It’s something my cuz here got me while he was in Canterlot,” Applebloom explains.

They look to her. “Where is it?” Scootaloo asks.

“In ma room,” Applebloom says.

They suddenly drag her away. “Come on, show us.” They said.

Blitz watches happily as they drag her away. “Have fun.”

Applejack smiles as she steps up to him. “Want to head out and have fun?”

“Define fun,” Blitz says wearily.

Applejack smirks. “Cafe?”

“Fair enough, as long as it isn’t a blind date,” Blitz says.

Applejack nods. “Sure, come on.”

After a while, Blitz was sitting at the cafe once again, this time with Applejack sitting across from him. “So what are you getting?” She asks.

“Um…maybe the sandwich,” Blitz says behind his menu, trying to not embarrass himself.

“I’ll have the hayfries.” A different voice than Applejack said.

Looking up, he can see the blue mare sitting in Applejack’s place. “What…?”

‘Applejack.’ Blitz thinks angrily.

The blue mare sighs. “I’m Rainbow Dash, just so you know. I’m not happy about this either because Applejack said she was taking me out to eat.”

“She got you too, huh?” Blitz asks.

Rainbow nods. “Yeah, so…what do you want to do after this?”

“Well, I…uh…” Blitz tries to start but at a loss for words.

Rainbow looks confused. “What?” Blitz mumbles something reminding Rainbow a little of Fluttershy. “Speak up, stallion.”

“I’m not good with dating,” Blitz says barely loud enough for Rainbow to hear him.

Rainbow sighs. “It’s fine. I’m no good with stallions either.”

“Could have fooled me,” Blitz says unconsciously.

Rainbow snorts. “Yeah.” She said trying to look at her menu again.

Blitz joins her as, across the street, Applejack watches from hiding as this unfold. “Um…Applejack, what are you doing?” Rarity asks walking up.

Applejack smiles. “Setting my cousin up on a date.”

“Applejack, I am surprised at you. You didn’t invite me.” Rarity says.

Applejack nods. “Take a seat then. This will be fun to watch.”

“So who has made a foal out of themselves first?” Rarity asks taking a seat.

Applejack nods her head to Blitz. “Him first.”

“Oh, what happened?” Rarity asks.

Applejack smirks. “He bumbled on a few words and then stopped completely.”

“Oh my, he’s nervous?” Rarity asks.

Applejack giggles. “Yeah, he barely had a mare before. At least he’s learning.”

“Huh?” Rarity asks.

Applejack points to him. “He never had a mare before, so I’m helping him along. He needs to be at least happy and…he never had true fun anytime I saw him all that time ago.”

“Well, you bullied him, right?” Rarity asks.

“Yeah, when I…wait a minute.” Applejack says a little mad now.

Rarity looks a bit afraid. “What is it?”

“You don’t know what happened back then between me and him.” Applejack says sounding very much like when she protects Applebloom.

Rarity backs off a little. “I’m…I’m sorry.” She said before walking away, but stops and gets a smile. “Applejack you wouldn’t have unresolved feelings about him would you?” Rarity asks.

Applejack looks angrily at her. “Heck no. I don’t love him like that.”

“I never said anything about love Applejack.” Rarity says smirking at the now wide-eyed mare.

Applejack huffs. “Just get out of here.” She then looks to where Blitz and Rainbow is and sees them gone. “Where they go?!”

“So this team is called the Wonderbolt?” Blitz asks as he walks with Rainbow down the street.

Rainbow nods. “Yeah, the best team for performances and shows and I want to be in that team.”

“It’s good to have a dream that is hard to reach. Makes succeeding at it feel even better.” Blitz says.

Rainbow smiles. “Yeah, so what’s your dream?”

“I…don’t have one,” Blitz says after a long pause.

Rainbow stops. “Well, what did you dream a long time ago?”

“I don’t really think I ever had one,” Blitz says thinking it over.

Rainbow looks at him. “Hey, how about we head to your home and talk it over. I can make a mean burger.”

“Oh, I’m not sad about it. I just never had a life dream. Before I just set goals and work to accomplish them.” Blitz says.

Rainbow playfully hits him. “Well then, what say you, me and a plate of burgers at your place to help cheer you up?”

Blitz chuckles. “I don’t have a place Rainbow. I’m just staying with my Cuz.” Blitz says.

Rainbow sighs. “Oh well. Well, how about we head there? I’m sure Applebloom would like a meal.”

“Sure, sounds like a bit of fun,” Blitz says.

Rainbow smiles. “Great, let’s get going.” She said already heading to the farm.

“Oh, come to think of it, didn’t you challenge me?” Blitz asks.

Rainbow turns to him. “Yeah, I did. You owe me being tough.”

“One chance at hoof wrestling. I heard you beat Jackie at it.” Blitz says.

Rainbow grins. “Heck yeah, I did. So, want to try it?”

“Sure, let’s see what you got.” Blitz challenges getting to the farm.

Rainbow sits at a tree stump and places her hoof down. “Come on, unless you’re chicken?”

Blitz offers his left hoof as it was the one without his communicator. “Ready whenever you are.” He challenged.

Rainbow grabs his hoof. “Three, two.” She didn’t finish and started to push his hoof down.

Blitz immediately started pushing back, making up the disadvantage quickly and got into a deadlock.

Rainbow struggles with his strength as she actually hears something like a creaking noise behind him. “Give up?” She strained. Blitz didn’t respond as he had his full concentration on the match and starts to slowly overpower her. Rainbow struggles to gain ground and slowly pushes him back. All the while, he was a little embarrassed as she could tell he was focused only on her and started sweating as his strength steadily increased.

Rainbow looks a little surprised as he started to slowly force her down and then slams her hoof down. “Yes!” The only thing she could hear, was that screeching noise when he was finally winning over her.

“You ok?” Blitz asks.

Rainbow looks at him. “Yeah, I’m fine.” She gets up and heads for the home. “Come on.”

“You’re shocked, aren’t ya?” Blitz asks slipping back into his country accent.

Rainbow shakes her head. “Of course not.” She said, hiding her pride.

“It’s because I was completely focused on that one thing, if I was distracted for a moment, all that strength would have vanished almost altogether,” Blitz says.

Rainbow huffs. “If you’re going to be like that, maybe I shouldn’t cook.”

“You could as easily do that as well. All it takes is a little practice. Think of using that with your wings.” Blitz says.

Rainbow waves him off. “Yeah, yeah.”

“My cuz told me you can do something similar, I think she called it the sonic rainboom,” Blitz says catching her attention.

Rainbow turns back to him. “She talked about that?”

“Yeah, when I asked about her friends,” Blitz says.

Rainbow shuffles a bit before walking to the house again and reaches the door. “Can you thank Applejack for me?”

“For what?” Blitz asks opening the door for her.

Rainbow smiles at him. “For talking about her friends, nicely.”

“Alright, and I was serious when I said that,” Blitz says.

Rainbow nods. “Thanks.” She said heading inside and to the kitchen.

Rainbow and Blitz found the house empty and spent more time talking to each other. It wasn’t until a few hours had passed that Applejack walked in. “Where the heck were you two?” She asks almost angry.

“Walking around. Why, were you spying?” Rainbow asks suspiciously.

Applejack huffs. “Nope.”

“I see, you’re still a horrible liar Jackie,” Blitz says.

Rainbow snickers at the nickname. “Jackie?”

“Yes, I have always called her that, mostly to her annoyance when she was a filly,” Blitz says.

Applejack growls. “Shut up you varmint.”

“See,” Blitz says.

Rainbow giggles. “What’s wrong, Jackie?”

“Hey, that’s my name for her.” Blitz fake whines.

Rainbow sticks her tongue out at him. “Too bad.”

Blitz chuckles at her and smiles, something that Applejack was happy was becoming more common. “I’m heading to bed, just…don’t make a ruckus and a mess on the couch.” She said.

“How would I do that?” Blitz asks obvious to her meaning.

Rainbow blues. “AJ! I’m not planning on doing that.”

“And that is my revenge there.” Applejack says going up as Blitz finally gets it.

“Hey!” Blitz yells after her.

“Well, I better get going, see you around Blitzkrieg,” Rainbow says leaving.

Blitz smiles as he waves at her. “Bye.”

Later that night, Blitz laid on the couch, waiting for sleep to take him when he heard movement from upstairs. Opening his eyes slightly he can see Applejack coming down the steps. Blitz closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep before she noticed.

Applejack sighs as she looks down at him. “Why did you leave?” Blitz continued to pretend as he felt her sit beside him. She then starts to pet his head. “Why did you cause me so much pain?”

Blitz sighs as he opens his eyes. “Cause I didn’t want to cause you more pain than what you felt for all those years.”

Applejack reeled back a bit, seeing him awake. “Um…how long were y’all awake?” Applejack asks.

“The entire time,” Blitz says.

Applejack keeps looking at him till she keeps petting his head. “But you caused us too much pain by leaving us.”

Blitz looks at her. “And you would have gotten more hurt and it would have been personally my fault.”

“Blitz, you’re family.” Applejack says now hugging his head.

Blitz finally sighs. “You want to know what happened that night after all, don’t you?” He asks.

Applejack pulls back and nods. “Please, it would really hurt less if you did tell.”

“I won’t go into details, but I was abducted that night and taken away,” Blitz says.

Applejack looks surprised. “Then how did you get out?”

“Oh, that is a story I may share one day, but not yet,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs. “So what happened after that?”

“Found by somepony who helped and trained me for my job and eventually set out on my own,” Blitz says being vague.

Applejack keeps looking at him. “What’s your job?”

“That is something I may tell you one day as well,” Blitz says as she had leaned down close to him.

Applejack narrows her eyes before they soften again. “Okay.” She said before leaning her head back and sighing. “Good night.” She said before leaving.

“I don’t tell you so you wouldn’t have to worry,” Blitz says quietly, not realizing Applejack heard him.

Later that morning, Blitz ended up walking through town again as the talk last night kept replaying again and again. ‘I think I am spending too much time with them and not working.’ Blitz thinks as he sees Applejack and Rainbow looking at a newspaper.

Walking over he sees the front page, making his eyes widen. “Give me that!” He said before grabbing the paper and looking at the front page about news about an object falling in between Ponyville and Canterlot as well as unverified reports of a flying snake spitting poison and increased theft of items started to arise. ‘I think I found my next bounty.’ Blitz thinks.

Placing the paper down on the table. “What was that for?” Rainbow asks.

“Jackie, I have to go out of town for a bit. I have another job appointment.” Blitz says before leaving.

Applejack looks confused and picks up the paper and reads the front page before getting worried. “Not again.” She said before running off after him. Applejack lost sight of him and couldn’t find him again though.

“Minerva do we have a bounty on a snake-like creature?” Blitz asks.

“Searching now…match found,” Minerva says as a picture of a snake with bat-like wings appears. “Alias: Quetzalcoatl. Species: A sub-breed of Serpeious Cakardus. Home Planet: Serpentaria 4. Status: Destroyed by a supernova. Wanted for theft and burglary of several items jewels and artifacts and a broker for said artifacts on the black market. Note: His ego is great and views himself as the reincarnation of the human mythical god Quetzalcoatl. As such he views any gold or jewels he steals as rightfully his property and offerings for his favor. Bounty: 567,000 credits alive, 200,000 dead.” Minerva says.

“Great, a bounty with a major ego, but then again that can work to our favor. Minerva, what is happening in the area?” Blitz asks before Minerva brings up several different images of posters for events until a Wonderbolt vs. Shadowbolt show comes up. “Perfect. Minerva, I’m going to need my flight gear for this bounty.” Blitz says.

A door is heard being unsealed and opens up to show several armors. Blitz walks in and stops to a dark blue armor. “Been a while since I had to wear this.” He said.

Minerva appears near him. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just remembering my mentor and father-like figure,” Blitz says using his magic to take off his outfit and then started to put on the armor finishing with the helmet.

Minerva smiles. “You be careful out there.”

“Aren’t I always?” Blitz asks as the ship lifted off and flew to the area.

Minerva laughs. “No, you come back with cuts and bruises.”

“Battle scars,” Blitz says.

Minerva appears in front of him. “Keep telling yourself that.”

“So Minerva, how have the probes been doing gathering information on bounties and your scans of the atmosphere?” Blitz asks walking and taking a seat in the pilot’s seat.

Minerva disappears and then appears in his lap. “Two bounties found, ships and they are silent and offline. They can be yours if you go there.”

“Want to scavenge and use them to upgrade before selling them off to Omega?” Blitz asks.

Minerva nods. “Heard they got better weapons and armor and tech to use.”

“You have been wanting me to upgrade Darkstar One for a while now. You might just get your wish.” Blitz says.

Minerva smiles and moves her head close to his. “Thank you. Just don’t mess it up like last time.”

“Hey, how was I supposed to know that the lost treasure ship was rigged to blow when you turned it back on?” Blitz asks.

Later Blitz was walking around in stealth and was listening to some guards. “Did you hear somepony made a threat to clip the Shadowbolt and Wonderbolt’s wings in the show in a few days?” Blitz overheard a guard say.

‘Interesting.’ Blitz thinks before he goes to the ticket booth and sneaks passed and walks awhile before he finds guard captain Silver Spear talking to a yellow mare with an orange mane and a dark purple mare with a slightly dark blue mane talking to him. He noticed both were wearing the uniforms to on the poster.

He keeps looking around and soon sees the prize in a locked box surrounded by a few guards. “Perfect.”

“Look, Spitfire, Shadow Runner, we are taking every precaution we can so nopony is getting in without our notice.” Silver says.

Spitfire sighs. “Just make sure, we had enough trouble with the foalnappings.”

“What the hasbin means is, don’t mess up and get us open to be taken down.” Shadow Runner says.

Spitfire hits her. “Shut up or I’ll leave you with all the boys in my team.”

“Oh, you mean like last time? Is Soarun or whatever his name is, still have that broken leg?” Shadow Runner mocks.

Spitfire glares. “Don’t make me leave you there to be raped again.”

“You tried and failed last time.” Shadow Runner says.

“Ladies, I assure you, we have everything under control.” Silver says.

“I don’t know about that,” Blitz says appearing behind Silver. Silver jumps in slight shock. “What’s wrong guard captain, I thought you said you had everything under control and yet I bypassed your security with no problem,” Blitz says.

Silver glares slightly at him. “We are still protecting everypony at the same time.”

“Yeah, it would be so hard for me to have taken a shot,” Blitz says, Silver noticing the same badge on the armor he was shown the day Firefly was caught.

Silver groans. “Just let us work.”

“You know this pony?” Shadow Runner asks as she and Spitfire were now on guard.

Silver nods. “Yes, meet the same pony who took down the foalnapper.”

“Don’t you mean serial killer and that makes you…” Spitfire began.

“Officer Southern Cross,” Blitz says.

Shadow Runner looks at him. “How many mares have you had?”

“So I heard somepony made a threat to clip the wings of both teams,” Blitz says to Silver ignoring Shadow.

Silver nods. “Yes, we are keeping a lookout on both the locker rooms and the teams themselves.”

“You left twenty-three openings for an intruder to get in,” Blitz says to him.

Silver huffs. “Still, we got to deal with whatever the head guard tells us what we can have.”

“Easy fix, just put a detection spell and set a trap in the vents will eliminate nine of them,” Blitz says.

Silver raises an eyebrow. “It’s that small?”

“They are a little bigger than necessary,” Blitz says.

Silver nods. “Okay, we’ll do that.”

“Sounds like he has experience,” Shadow says a little miffed at being ignored.

Spitfire smiles and bumps her shoulder. “And with mares hitting on him.”

“Isn’t he technically law enforcement?” Shadow asks wiggling her eyebrows, giving Spitfire the same idea. She then turns back to Blitz. “So Cross? See anything you like?” She asks stretching her body to stretch her skin suit around her curves.

Or maybe not. “What she means is, since you have experience, would you be interested in a temporary member of our security for the teams,” Spitfire says.

Blitz nods. “Until after the show and I catch this criminal. After that, you’re on your own again.”

“Sounds good,” Shadow says rubbing against him. “Can’t wait for you to…protect me.”

Blitz steps away, sending Shadow to the ground. “Can’t wait.” He said.

‘She is so annoying when she is in heat.’ Spitfire thinks.

Blitz sighs. “Don’t you mares have a show to do?”

“Not for a few days.” Silver says.

Blitz raises an eyebrow. “And practice?”

“They are just taking a break. It’s time you two get back to your teams now and leave the security to us.” Silver says.

Spitfire nods and walks away with Shadow licking her lips before leaving with Spitfire.

“They always like that guard captain?” Blitz asks.

Silver nods. “Only tough one to be around is Shadow because she tries to be with every stallion she sees.”

“Well, we just have to do our job,” Blitz says.

“So you are wearing something different.” Silver says.

“I dress for the situation,” Blitz says simply before disappearing.

Silver just look where he was before sighing. “Why do I feel I’m getting the short end of the stick?”

Three days later, Applejack had dragged her friends out to go looking for Blitz. They had searched all the areas of the sightings of the flying snake, but no luck. Thought Twilight was looking into a said snake with some results.

Applejack groans out loud. “Where is he?”

“Applejack please, please, please, please, please can we go to the Wonderbolt, Shadowbolt competition since it is so close?” Rainbow begged.

Applejack glares at her. “Fine, leave me to handle this alone.”

“He might be there. He seemed interested when I told him about them.” Rainbow says.

Applejack groans. “Fine. Let’s go.”

“Yes!” Rainbow yells.

Applejack sighed, though a part of her did hope Blitz would be at the show and not out there doing whatever his job was. After following Rainbow they reached the stadium and brought the last few tickets and headed inside. Though the increased guards didn’t escape Twilight’s notice making her suspicious.

As they made their way to the stands they saw Silver Spear and Blitz in his armor walking side by side, talking. “How’s the amount coming in?” Blitz asks.

“We are applying a magic restraining spell to all unicorns and are checking everypony or anything hidden.” Silver says.

“We are dealing with the Crippler and here is his motive, he doesn’t do anything till the show starts,” Blitz says.

“I see you read up on him.” Silver says.

“Yeah, I always studying my quarry,” Blitz says stopping noticing the janitor closet door was locked.

“What’s wrong?” Silver asks.

“This door is locked,” Blitz says suspiciously.

Silver looks at the door before taking out a ring of keys and opening the door. “There, anything wrong?”

“Blood stains and a uniform is missing. Crippler is already here.” Blitz says after checking the closet.

Silver nods. “I’ll tell the others to keep an eye out for any janitors.”

“Get a list of all the janitors here and find out who has gone missing as well, it might give us a clue,” Blitz says.

Silver nods as they reach the locker rooms. “The stadium is filling up quite nicely. Heard some ponies are even coming from Ponyville.”

Blitz paid what he said no mind as he focused on the job. “Yeah, but the more that attend, the harder it is for us to identify the Crippler and easier it will be for him to escape,” Blitz says.

Silver nods and knocks on the locker rooms. “Few minutes until show time ladies.” He calls.

The door suddenly opens and Shadow pushes Blitz to the wall and somewhat straddles him. “I just need three.”

Spitfire glares at her. “Save that for the slut version of the suit. I don’t want anything else, but sweat on this stuff.”

“The crippler is already in the building, keep on your guard,” Blitz says moving Shadow off of him.

Spitfire nods. “Just be sure to do your job.”

“I always do,” Blitz says.

Spitfire shook herself after he had left. “Still can’t get over the fact he never has taken that armor off since we met. I like to assign a pony’s face with a name not with a helmet that glass reflects my face.” She says.

Shadow keeps licking her lips. “Well after the show, if he doesn’t take it off, I’ll do it personally.”

“Good luck, he has easily evaded every one of your attempts so far,” Spitfire says grabbing her goggles.

Shadow grins. “Yet.”

Blitz walks up to Silver as he finishes talking to a guard. “None of the janitors are missing.” Silver says.

“Hmm…then that means Crippler could have lured a pony into the closet while wearing the uniform before killing them and…quickly, amongst the engineers, who was gone from their place the longest?” Blitz asks.

“Um…I think it was the one who runs the cloud machine. Those things usually stay for at least a week.” Silver says his eyes widening.

“Quickly!” Blitz says as the two ran off towards the upper levels.

Silver and a few guards running after him and they all find the cloud machine off and normal. “This is what it normally looks like. Nothing seems to be tampered.” Silver observed.

“It’s warm, it has been used recently and it was only supposed to be used this morning in preparation,” Blitz says feeling it.

“Oh, Celestia.” Silver says in realization.

Blitz examines it closely and finds a small drop of liquid on the floor. “Some unicorn scan this and tell us what it is,” Blitz instructs.

Silver looks out the window and sees the Shadowbolts and Wonderbolts taking their positions. “The show is about to start.”

Blitz looks out as well and sees some of the Bolts starting to act weird. “Um…why are those mares swaying around like that?”

Silver nods. “Yeah, you don’t think he made one especially for mares, do you?”

“Sir, it is a neurotoxin designed to paralyze a victim temporarily after a few moments of some other symptoms. Don’t know what they are now.” A guard said.

Soarin looks to Fleetfoot and Spitfire as they move around weird. “What’s up with them?”

“You four follow me, we have to catch them when they come down.” Blitz orders the unicorns arcing out to the hallway towards the field.

Blitz and the others hurry down to the field as the mares start to look around wildly. “Get them out and have the medics check them.” He said noticing Spitfire was falling.

Spitfire fell down and was caught by Blitz’s hooves as he slid towards the spot. “Hey sexy, wanna ride this thing?” She asks lustfully, looking up at him.

Blitz looks a bit surprised. “Lust, okay that’s the first symptom. Let’s get them out of here.” Blitz says before taking her to the medics who were loading the mares onto stretchers and taking them inside. As they finish pulling them away, Blitz glares and walks off with Silver following. “Time to catch the Crippler, you know where to go,” Blitz says and Silver nods.

Silver sighs in relief. “Time to end this scum.”

Not ten minutes later an earth pony stallion was walking through a corridor when Blitz steps in front of the door that was his escape route. “Going somewhere Crippler?” Blitz asks.

The pony just looks confused. “I’m sorry, I don’t know anypony by that name. Now, if you excuse me, I got an appointment at the university.”

“Give it up, we got you dead to right.” Silver says blocking the other direction, spear in the hoof.

The pony looks behind him and then right in front of him. “Wow, you really got it figured out, don’t you?”

“Yes, you see this was a trap, this was the only way in and out we left unguarded waiting for you. As we speak, the mares you poisoned, so they would crash and either cripple or kill themselves from the impact, are having an antidote administered or already have and recovering.” Blitz bringing out a blaster.

The Crippler shrugs. “Very good, but on this, I was planning on making the Slutterbolts instead of the Wonderbolts. Now, if you excuse me…” He said before being blasted in his front hind leg joint. “Yeow! That’s smart!”

“Oh, it does more than that,” Blitz says as the Crippler’s leg went completely numb.

Crippler growls at him as he was tied up from behind. “You’ll pay for this unicorn.”

“No, you are going to jail and the name is Southern Cross,” Blitz says as the guards took him out the door where Blitz was barring and the journalists waiting and started snapping pictures of him.

Blitz sighs and heads back to the recovery area and finds most of the medic guards replaced by mare nurses and doctors. “Where’re the guards?”

“Had to remove all the stallions as the mares were being affected by the toxin and made them all lusty and the stallions couldn’t get any work done. They should be good by now.” A doctor says.

Blitz walks over to Spitfire now groaning as she looks up. “What the heck happened?”

“The Crippler used the cloud machine of the stadium to poison you and the others with a neurotoxin that paralysis the victims. He wanted you all to fall to earth and die as some ironic revenge. But he is currently being taken away by the guards and won’t be getting off.” Blitz says.

Spitfire moves slightly before stopping. “I feel…wet.” She pulls her zipper down and looks inside before zipping it back up again. “I need the locker room.”

“You all should be able to move soon. After that, you could choose to continue the show or hold off on it till another day.” Blitz says walking away.

“Whoo! What a rush! I want to do that again!” Shadow cheers as she was partly out of her suit.

Spitfire glares at her. “Shadow we got hit by a neurotoxin.”

Shadow looks confused. “Did we, I thought it was an aphrodisiac?”

“You’re lucky Spitfire.” A nurse says walking up.

Spitfire sighs. “How long would we have had if this continued?”

“You would already be dead if that stallion didn’t catch you.” She says.

Spitfire blushes a little. “Oh, who was he?”

“He just left.” The nurse says.

Spitfire blushes a little more. “What about the other teammates?”

“They were all caught by the unicorn’s magic as they started to fall.” The nurse says.

Spitfire looks around. “Where’s Soarin and the rest of the boys?”

“The neurotoxin was keened to mares only.” The nurse informs.

Shadow grins. “Guess we would have been the Slutterbolts after that.” Spitfire glares at her to which Shadow just shrugs. “Hey, that’s what the playstallion version is being called.”

“We almost died and you are making jokes?” Spitfire almost yells.

Shadow frowns at her. “Hey, I have to cheer everypony up somehow.”

“So want to give it another shot girls or do the show in a few days?” Spitfire asks.

One of the Shadowbolt groans. “I need a bit, something is warm on me.”

“I guess we can hold off on it for a few days. Besides, didn’t Southern Cross say he would stay on till the show was over?” Fleetfoot asks.

Shadow nodded. “Yes, he did.” She said before looking at Spitfire blushing a bit. “Wait, don’t tell me you’re…”

“Shut up before I break your wings.” Spitfire threatens.

Shadow grins. “Oh my Luna, you are, aren’t you?”

Spitfire reached for something to throw at Shadow.

Twilight and the girls watched as the famed Crippler was loaded onto a prison carriage before being taken away. “Think he’s the one who caused this?” Twilight asks.

“Silver Spear, any comments on what happened in the show?” A journalist asks.

“Yes, a week ago, both the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolts received a death threat for the show. Naturally, the guards reacted and with the assistance of an outside contractor aiding the security detail, we captured him and saved the teams from and bad injuries.” Silver says.

“And the show?” Another asks.

“That is up to the teams to decide if they continue or postpone it.” Silver says.

“This outside contractor, who is it and is he the one that caught Spitfire?” Rainbow asks.

Silver nods. “Yes he is and he’s Southern Cross.” He said before a feedback from a mic sounded throughout the stadium.

Looking at a stage they can see Soarin up at the mic. “We are very sorry everypony, but due to the mares’ condition of both teams, we have to postpone the show. You can still use the tickets you came in on and we hope to have a real date by tomorrow.”

“And there is your answer from Soarin himself, now if you excuse me, I have other things to attend to.” Silver says leaving.

Rainbow gets a bit jealous. “He gets that close to the Wonderbolts, dang it.”

“Well, he is a part of the security Dashie,” Pinkie says.

Rainbow glares at her. “I meant that pony who caught Spitfire.”

“Wait, isn’t Southern Cross the one who caught that heinous insect creature, Firefly?” Rarity asks as all the ponies noticed Twilight’s shocked face she had since Silver said the name.

Rainbow looks at her. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Um…oh…nothing,” Twilight says quickly.

The rest looks skeptical, but then Twilight quickly walks up to where the mares were taken and say a few things to the guard and allow her through, but blocks the rest of the mares. “Hey, where’s she going?” Rainbow asks.

Twilight walks through the line of beds set up for the mares and comes across Spitfire who looks a little shocked. “How did you get in here?” Spitfire asks as Shadow was trying to pull stuff out of her suit.

“Advantage of being a princess,” Twilight says.

Spitfire sighs as she tries to get rid of the sweat in her suit. “What are you here for?”

“What do you know of Southern Cross?” Twilight asks.

Spitfire groans. “Well, I can tell that armor is really tough, but I can’t tell much because everything else is a daze. I think my lust phase really clouded my mind.”

“Uh huh, what about before, surely you must have talked to him,” Twilight says.

“Not really, he seems to vanish when he wants to,” Spitfire says.

Twilight sighs. “Great. So you don’t know anything else?”

“Sorry, but no. He’s a mystery now that I think about it.” Spitfire says.

Shadow grins. “I’ll tell you what he is, he’s hot and possibly good to bang.” She said now having her suit completely free of stuff and zipped up halfway.

“Thanks that helps so much,” Twilight says sarcastically.

Shadow giggles. “No problem.”

It was two days later when the show was started up again. Applejack hadn’t found any sign of Blitz anywhere in the area, much to her displeasure. “So nopony has seen him?” She asks as they sat in the same spot as before.

“Maybe this means he went somewhere else.” Fluttershy offered as the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolts preform.

Applejack sighs. “I just don’t want to disappear again.”

Fluttershy pets her, trying the comfort her as the show ends and judges bring out the trophy. Twilight was searching high and low for Southern Cross with binoculars when she spots something on the roof of the stadium’s stands across from her. Double checking she sees him moving as if he was looking for something. “What’s he doing over there?” She asks herself.

Blitz looks carefully as the scanner runs through every spot in the stadium and, besides a few more bounties he decides to ignore because he can see them with families or too low to bother with, he finally sighs and looks down and hits something. “Bingo.” He said as he sees the silhouette of a snake briefly.

He keeps watching until the snake moves into the open as everypony stands up and cheers and pays attention to the award ceremony. He frowns as it starts to slither away to the ceremony and jumps down. Activating his boosters a bit to soften the fall he lands in the walkway of the seats, surprising the ponies there.

The snake looks back at him as it hears the thud as he had grabbed the golden jewel-encrusted trophy. “So you finally found me.” The snake said surprisingly those near the trophy case and those on the stage.

“I don’t let a perp escape me Quetzalcoatl. Now move away from the mares and trophy.” Blitz orders, his blasters trained on him.

Quetzalcoatl laughs. “Sorry, but my ride is calling me.” He said before spreading his wings and flying away with the trophy in his tail.

The guards were about to go after him when Blitz activates his jetpack and shoots after him. “Get back here coward!” He yells.

Quetzalcoatl hisses at him. “In your dreams. Mine, however…” He said to himself looking at the trophy as Blitz still shot at him.

Blitz growls before huffing. “Oh forget this.” He hits a few things on his foreleg screen and something comes out of his shoulder pads.

“Homing rockets enabled.” The A.I. said.

Blitz fires one missile and hits Quetzalcoatl in the wing and sends him spiraling. “Dammit!” He then stops as Blitz catches him by the tail and grabs the trophy.

Blitz smiles to himself as he heads back to the stadium. He then maneuvers ‘away’ from the flagpole and ‘accidentally’ hits his head on the pole. “Oops, sorry.” He hits him again on the stadium itself. “My bad.” He then flies down and starts to him along the cage’s bars lined against the field. “Sorry. Sorry. I’m bad at flying today.” Blitz says mockingly before slamming him into the ground.

Blitz lands and places another transport receiver on his chest before backing off and activating the bubble. “Where’s the treasure you stole?”

Quetzalcoatl hisses at him. “Like I would tell you. OW!”

Blitz let’s go of the trigger that places a shock on the victim. “Where?!”

“In a cave, on that mountain over there,” Quetzalcoatl says.

Blitz nods. “Good. Now let’s see what your supposed godhood does to you in prison, you overgrown iguana.” He said before pressing the button and sending him off.

Quetzalcoatl hisses in pain. “No! No!” He yells before dissolving away and the bubble collapsing on itself and with that, Blitz disappears, leaving the trophy where it is on the ground.

The audience sat there in stunned silence at what just happened. A guard walks over to the trophy and picks it before looking around for signs of them before heading back to the stage. “Um…let the ceremony continue.” He calls out.

A week later, Applejack finally returned to the farm with no Blitz in tow. The commotion from Southern Cross’ capture of what he called Quetzalcoatl, sent every news reporter scrambling with all the pictures they had taken and the guards scouring of the mountain and finding of all the stole items for the last few weeks.

Applejack sighs as she went inside her home. “Guys…I’m home. Sorry I couldn’t bring Blitz.”

“Oh Applejack, you’re back. Want to try these hay burgers? Rainbow was right, this recipe is fantastic.” Blitz said from the kitchen.

“No thanks.” She says walking past him but then sticks her head back in, realizing who spoke to her.

Blitz shrugs. “Have it your way, more for me and Applebloom.” He said eating away at a burger with Applebloom.

“Where the heck did you go!?” Applejack yells.

Blitz looks up midbite. He swallows before speaking. “Baltimare. Told you, my job involves me in these cities.”

“Yeah, he even brought me back a few bags from Baltimare’s famous candy factory,” Applebloom says happily.

Applejack glares at him. “And Baltimare too?”

“It’s part of my job,” Blitz says smiling.

Applejack marches up to him angrily. “And worrying us to death?”

“I told you I had to go somewhere. By the way, where were you? I’ve been back a few days.” Blitz says.

Applejack hits him upside the head. “I’ve been looking for you, you dumbass.”

“Are you going to come looking for me every time I have to go somewhere for my job?” Blitz asks.

Applejack glares at him. “Not when you don’t go away for days at a time without telling us.”

“Um…sis, didn’t you leave the same day?” Applebloom asks.

Applejack looks to her sister. “Hush now.” She then turns back to Blitz. “Don’t leave without telling a thing again.”

“So what happened to you on your trip?” Blitz asks.

Applejack sighs. “Well, the mares of the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolts show were out for a day and then there was this snake thing taking the trophy before Cross got to him.”

“Wait, you were there sis?!” Applebloom yells excited.

Applejack nods. “Yep, all thanks to Rainbow.”

“Tell me all about it. Tell me, tell me.” Applebloom says jumping up and down.

Applejack shakes her head. “Nope, bedtime little missy.”

“But sis…” Applebloom says giving her the pout.

Applejack shakes her head again and points upstairs. “Bed now, it’s late and you got chores tomorrow.”

“Aw,” Applebloom says.

“Don’t worry, I’ll convince her,” Blitz says patting her head.

Applejack sits down as Blitz makes Applebloom go up and waits for him to come back. All the while, munching on the hayburger. “Not bad.”

“So what happened?” Blitz asks.

Applejack sighs. “Exactly what I said.”

“You feeling ok?” Blitz asks.

Applejack puts her head on the table. “Tired.”

“Jackie, you are worrying me,” Blitz says petting her mane.

Applejack looks up at him. “You’re worrying me.”

“Why?” Blitz asks.

Applejack sighs. “Because…you’re disappearing for a long time and then reappearing like nothing ever happened. I’m worried about what’s happening during that time.”

“Jackie, is there something you want to say?” Blitz asks.

Applejack looks at him. “What’s your job?”

“I’m not telling you that yet Jackie,” Blitz says.

Applejack looks away. “Then how can I trust you?”

“I have no answer for that. That is up to you.” Blitz says.

Applejack keeps looking away. “Then it’s just like old times of just being away from each other.”

“Unless you say what is on your mind, nothing will change,” Blitz says petting her again.

Applejack actually started to tear up. “I missed you, Blitz. When you went missing, I truly missed you and I couldn’t stop looking for you around here. I don’t want to lose you again.”

“Why did you miss me?” Blitz asks.

Applejack whimpers slightly. “I love you, Blitz.” Blitz sighs and wraps his hoof around her. Applejack buries her head into his chest. “I don’t want to lose you, Blitz, never again.” She said sobbing into his coat.

‘Ok, I have no idea what to do.’ Blitz thinks shocked.

Applejack keeps sobbing. “Please…just tell me what you are doing.”

“Ok, first, let go and face me,” Blitz says giving in to the crying mare.

Applejack looks up at him. “What is it?” Blitz says nothing and fishes out something and places it on the table. Looking at it she sees a badge. “What is this?” She asks taking it.

“My badge, signifying I’m a marshal,” Blitz says.

Applejack tries to wipe away the tears. “So…all those creatures…?”

“I don’t work alone,” Blitz says.

Applejack looks at him again. “What do you mean you don’t work alone?”

“I have a partner,” Blitz says.

Applejack turns to the badge again. “That Southern Cross guy?”

“I’ve said too much already Jackie,” Blitz says.

Applejack keeps looking at the badge before placing it on the table again and leans her head back on his chest. “Thank you.”

“That’s why I didn’t want you to know. I chase down some of the worst scum there is.” Blitz says putting it away.

Applejack nuzzles his chest. “Just be careful. I don’t think Applebloom would like you being gone again.”

“Hey, I haven’t come back hurt yet, have I?” Blitz asks.

Applejack just brings her hoof behind his head and slams him down on the table. “Promise me.”

“Ok, ok, I give,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs and brings her hoof away to let him up. “Come on, let’s get to bed.”

“Gotcha,” Blitz says walking to the couch.

Applejack grabs his shirt. “Not there.”

“Huh?” Blitz asks.

Applejack smiles softly. “You really think we leave a member of our family sleeping on the couch?”

“Well, I have been sleeping there for a while,” Blitz says.

Applejack nods. “And that’s why I’m placing you in a real bed.”

“But I know for a fact there are only four beds in this house,” Blitz says.

Applejack blushes slightly. “How about mine?”

“Jack…you know what, if you are fine with it, I will,” Blitz says.

Applejack smiles as she leads him upstairs. “Promise you won’t sneak out again?”

“I’ll tell you before I have to leave again for my job,” Blitz promises.

Applejack smiles before slowing down and allowing him to catch up before she kisses him on the cheek. “Thanks, cuz.”

“Jackie, please just call me Blitz,” Blitz says.

Applejack smirks. “Okay…Blitzy.” She said snickering.

“I can live with that,” Blitz says as they enter her room.

Applejack smirks. “Good, because I’m going to be calling you like that for a long time.” She said getting into bed. Blitz says nothing as he joins her. “Night Blitzy.” She said after placing her hat on the nightstand.

“Night Jackie,” Blitz says closing his eyes.

The next morning Blitz awoke to Applejack brushing her mane and tail, getting ready. “Morning.” He greets as he rises out of bed.

“Mornin Blitz.” Applejack greets.

Blitz stretches as he gets out of bed. “So, what do we have today?”

“We got chores to do around here.” Applejack says.

“Hey Jackie, what I told you must remain between us,” Blitz says.

Applejack looks back at him and sighs. “Okay, but others will get suspicious.” She said pointing her brush at him.

“Yeah, but I can only do my job so well as long as I’m anonymous amongst them and the risk to you and the rest of the family is lessened,” Blitz says.

Applejack nods. “Just…be careful. I don’t want to treat your cuts and bruises.”

“Don’t worry, I’m used to treating those myself.” He says leaning against her a bit.

Applejack smiles. “Good, now get going downstairs, soup should be on by now.”

As Applejack starts to leave Blitz says something. “The reason I gave you is the same reason Southern Cross never shows his face,” Blitz says.

Applejack stops and doesn’t move before Blitz moves closer and suddenly Applejack grabs him in a hug. “Don’t ever hurt us like that again.”

“What and deprive you of this?” Blitz jokes gesturing to his face.

Applejack just slaps him. “Don’t, just don’t.”

“I already said I would, but when I vanish, you will have to cover for me and let me hide something on the farm,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs. “Blitz, I’m terrible at lying.”

“Just say I went to a city that I tell you to say so we have our story straight,” Blitz says.

Applejack nods. “Okay, just be back quickly.”

“Will do as quickly as possible, but the timing may be a little sporadic, I could have no work for a month or have jobs back to back,” Blitz says.

Applejack lays her head on his chest. “Just be sure to come back.”

“I will don’t worry.” He says giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

Applejack smiles and lets go. “Okay, come on.” She said before heading out.

Blitz follows her and hears Applebloom below when Applejack becomes visible from the stairs. “Sis, sis, Blitz is gone again.” She says.

Applejack smiles and shakes her head. “Nope, right Blitzy?” She called up the stairs.

“Yeah, I’m still here,” Blitz says.

Applebloom smiles. “Yes, come on Blitz, we got crusading to do.”

“Alright Applebloom, I will help you,” Blitz says letting her ride on his back.

Applebloom smiles. “Awesome, this will be so much fun.”

After Blitz and Applebloom left, Big Mac came up to Applejack. “So what was our cuz doing in your room?” He asks.

Applejack blushes slightly. “It wasn’t right to leave him on the couch, so I offered my bed.”

“Is that all?” Big Mac asks.

Applejack hits him. “Big Mac, he’s our cousin. I’m not going to do that.” Applejack says before storming off.

‘Didn’t answer my question directly.’ Big Mac thinks as he gets to work.

Blitz smiles as Applebloom led him to their clubhouse. “This is it?”

“I can’t believe this is still here,” Blitz says.

Applebloom looks to him. “What?”

“Yeah, Jackie use to drag me here every time we visited,” Blitz says.

Applebloom gets off and quickly heads inside. “Come on.”

“Ok cuz,” Blitz says following her in. Inside he finds the other two fillies looking at a sheet of paper with a checklist. “So…what’s going on here?”

“You were in Canterlot when Southern Cross made his first appearance right Cuz?” Applebloom asks.

Blitz nods. “Yeah, while looking for your present I saw him taking down that insect. Though he disappeared right after.”

“Like stories about him at the Wonderbolt vs. Shadowbolt show when he took down a huge snake with wings,” Scootaloo says pinning a new news article to a board.

Blitz chuckles. “Yeah, that was fun too.”

“So you were there as well?” Sweetie Belle asks hopefully.

“No, I only caught the first attempt at the show and saw him catch and save Spitfire,” Blitz says cursing himself internally for letting that slip.

“Aww.” Sweetie Belle whines a little.

“But he did witness him in action,” Scootaloo says.

“Like your siblings.” Blitz reminds.

They look surprised. “They were there?!” They asked.

“Yeah, Applejack told me herself and they said they saw the second attempt and him taking down the snake,” Blitz says.

“Wow.” They drone out.

“I’m thinking ambush,” Blitz says causing all three to start getting mischievous grins.

“We should get this guy and maybe we get cutie marks in whatever he’s doing,” Scootaloo suggests.

“I meant your siblings.” Blitz clarifies.

That broke their spirits. “Aw.” They said.

“Hard to ambush a guy who can literally disappear,” Blitz says.

They slouch down. “Can you stop?” Sweetie Belle pleaded.

“But hey, you three are doing great as it is. You…fixed this place up right. I would think it would have been in disrepair.” Blitz says.

They shrug. “This is nothing and we want our cutie marks.” Applebloom whines.

“Well you did a great job, your special talents might be in the building,” Blitz says thinking out loud.

Scootaloo scoffs. “Yeah and Rainbow’s is cloud building.”

“Wait, don’t you do disassembly, maintenance, and reassemble your scooter without much trouble.” Sweetie Belle asks.

Scootaloo scoffs. “That’s because it’s the only thing I know.”

“Maybe engineering is your talent Scootaloo.” Blitz offers.

Scootaloo huffs. “Or maybe not.”

“You ne’er know,” Applebloom says thinking out loud.

Scootaloo frowns. “Can we get back to this?” She said tapping to the news articles.

“Ah yes, ambushing your sister to get them to talk,” Blitz says.

The three look to each other before they rush off. “I was joking!” He called before following them. “Or was I?” Blitz asks himself after they vanished and headed towards Darkstar One.

He soon reaches the ship and Minerva allows him in. “Nice to see you again sir, how was sleeping with your sister like?”

“A, not my sister. B, didn’t sleep with her. And C, Darkstar one is going to be unable to go anywhere for a few days because you are in the middle of upgrading the ship aren’t you?” Blitz asks already knowing the answer.

“Yes!” Minerva shouts as she appears in front of him. “Come on, let’s go get them.”

“You can’t leave the ship, remember.” Blitz reminds.

Minerva whines. “I hate that part.”

“We are working on getting you a body, but what you want costs a lot of credits to build.” Blitz reminds.

Minerva looks down as bits of data flows from her cheeks. “Well, I’ve always wondered what it would feel like.”

“We could buy you one of the humanoid models, but you want a custom pony design, remind me, how much more we need to make that wish of yours come true,” Blitz says causing her to brighten up.

“Exactly 53,000 credits,” Minerva says smiling.

“Well maybe after the next bounty you will finally be able to order the body,” Blitz says.

Minerva smiles. “Thanks, can I at least try something?”

“Sure, why not,” Blitz says.

Minerva smiles as she moves in closer to him before bringing her up to his. Her holographic body brightening every time and bits of data flowing out. She then closes the gap between them and tries to kiss him, but goes right through him. She opens her eyes and pulls back with a sad expression.

“Look forward to that body Minerva and you will get it,” Blitz says.

Minerva nods. “So…what do you need?”

“Getting some gear is all,” Blitz says going and pulling out a suitcase and opening it before walking into the arsenal and starting picking out a few things.

Minerva watches against the body away as he dresses out of his clothes and started to get into his exoclothes and then the exo itself. Blitz smiles as he sees her watching. “See something you like?”

“You know I do,” Minerva says.

Blitz chuckles before grabbing his weapons and starts to head out, before he reaches Minerva and gives her a kiss on her head that went through slightly, but made her happy. “I’ll get the upgrades and then the bounty. After that, you may be asleep to do this, but I’ll be waiting for you.”

“It’s mainly the software and then adjusting it into my code,” Minerva says. “But thanks.”

“Contact me on the communicator if we get a spike on the radar from the drones,” Blitz says.

Minerva nods and he heads out. “Be safe.”

“Aren’t I always?” Blitz calls back before running off with the suitcase.

Later on the farm, Blitz had hidden the suitcase outside the farm where it would be safe and ended up at the barn and was not looking up at Applejack, who was upside down hanging from the barn by a rope tied around her hind legs. “Should I ask?” He asks.

“Rainbow.” She simply said.

“Hey, I’m stuck here as well,” Rainbow says hogtied to a water pump.

Applejack just crosses her leftover legs and looks up or rather down at him. “Want to know?”

“Let me guess, CMC?” Blitz finally asks.

Applejack nods. “Yep, tell us or we will hog tie you, didn’t think they had it in them.”

“They are vicious I will give them that. Hold on, I’ll get you two free.” Blitz says.

Applejack looks around. “You saw them?”

“Not since this morning,” Blitz says starting on the rope holding Rainbow now that Applejack was freed.

Applejack sighs as she tries to handle the blood rushing out from her head. “Any idea?”

“On?” Blitz asks freeing Rainbow.

Applejack shakes her head. “Where they went?”

“Well they got you and Rainbow here, so I would venture to guess…” Blitz was interrupted by a scream.

“Rarity?” The mares ask.

“Rarity,” Blitz confirms.

They all start to run or fly to the Boutique as they find the door open. “Stay here or you might get tied up again,” Blitz said heading inside. Once inside, he finds Rarity telling the foals everything as, what looked like Sweetie Belle, was threatening to sew on a green fabric to a dress.

“Alright, nopony moves and nopony get hurt,” Blitz said jokingly as he held Sweetie in his aura and catches Scootaloo with it as well.

“Oh thank you Blitzkrieg that would have looked atrocious on that dress.” Rarity says.

Blitz bows. “No problem my lady.” He then turns to the foals. “Now then, what to do with you fillies?” The two laugh nervously as a yelp outside told him Applebloom got caught.

Later that night, after he was sure Big Mac, Applebloom, and Granny were asleep, Blitz brought the suitcase into the barn and started digging.

“And just what are yur doing?” He heard Applejack’s voice behind him.

“Hiding something,” Blitz says not stopping.

Applejack looks over his shoulder. “And what is that?”

“Weapons and equipment for my work,” Blitz says.

Applejack places a hoof on his back, making him pause. “Can I at least see it?”

“Best you don’t Jackie, it’s for emergencies only. I wasn’t even supposed to tell you about my job.” Blitz says setting the case in the hole and moving some things back over the top of the spot.

Applejack moves in his view. “Blitzy, we’re family and we don’t keep secrets.”

“And I told you too much already Jackie. Please trust me.” Blitz says placing a hoof on her shoulder.

Applejack looks to the hood before looking back at him. “Alright. Just…don’t make things painful to keep this secret.”

“I hope I will never have to use the case here,” Blitz says as she leads him out of the barn and locks it up.

Applejack looks to him. “Is it that bad?”

“You’ve seen what some of Southern Cross’ weapons do. Those are of the same caliber.” Blitz says as they walk into the house.

Applejack sighs. “You got anything else you need to do?”

“Not tonight, I have yet to receive notification on any jobs,” Blitz whispers as they made their way up the stairs.

Applejack nods. “Okay, well, I’m tuckered out.” She said before entering her room and just lying in the bed. “Night.”

Blitz removed her hat and put it on the stand before joining her. “Night Jackie,” Blitz says.

Blitz sighs as he stares at his coffee cup. “So, no chores today?”

“No, Big Mac and Applebloom are running our stall in town and Granny is taking a nap. I highly doubt she will wake up anytime today and…” Applejack was interrupted when she heard a faint buzzing. “What’s that?” Applejack asks getting the flyswatter.

“Sorry Jackie, I have to check something,” Blitz says walking outside. “Talk to me,” Blitz whispers into his hidden communicator.

Minerva sighs. “Sorry for interpreting, but we got a reading. Seems one of the ships crashed far west of your location in a valley that looks like a vast jungle.”

“Gotcha and she still need time to finish right?” Blitz asks.

“Correct, what do you want to be done?” Minerva asks.

“Prep my speeder bike,” Blitz says after a pause.

“Got it, see you soon,” Minerva says ending the transmission.

Blitz sigh and goes back in. “Jackie, I just got a message. I got to go west.” Blitz informs.

Applejack looks back at him before smiling. “Thanks for telling. How long?”

“Hard to say, it sounds like the other half of the country out west,” Blitz says.

Applejack nods. “Okay, well…it takes about a few days by train. Don’t know your method.”

“My method is more covert. So what cities are in the far west?” Blitz asks.

Applejack shrugs. “Vanhoover and Las Pegasus.”

“Ok, that’s where I’ll head after the job. I’ll see you soon Jackie.” Blitz says.

Applejack nods. “See you Blitzy.”

Blitz smiles before walking out the door.

Act 1 - Chapter 3: Contract Fulfilled

At Darkstar One, Blitz was preparing to arm himself. “Minerva, show me a video feed on the location from the drone,” Blitz says.

Minerva smiles and waves her hoof and shows a screen showing what a drone was showing. “Here you go.”

“Reading on humidity and concentrations of water?” Blitz asks moving along the armors.

“Humidity, 49%. Water, not by much.” Minerva said.

“So the type K6-L7 stealth unit won’t work, then you are the best one for the job,” Blitz says stopping in front of a green armor before starting to put it on and finishing with the helmet similar to the aerial armor he used hunting Quetzalcoatl. Extending his left forehoof two parallel metal claws come out before retracting. He then goes and grabs a few items from the arsenal before walking out and watches as Minerva drops a red Speeder bike from the cargo bay. “If I’m not back before you finish upgrading, come get me,” Blitz says.

Minerva nods. “Okay, just…be sure to not hit any trees.”

“I have never hit a tree, sent others crashing into them, yes, but never hitting them,” Blitz says cloaking himself and the bike before speeding off.

A half a day later, Blitz stopped his bike on the cliff overlooking the valley below where the ship had crashed. “Minerva, can you read me?” He said, speaking into his mic and placing his glasses on.

“Loud and clear,” Minerva says.

“Any chance the bounty died in the crash?” Blitz asks.

“Negative. Had the probe search thoroughly,” Minerva says.

Blitz sighs and sees it hanging a bit off the cliff, but enough for him. “Keep an eye out for any kind of tech I can recover and have your probes on standby to pick it up.”

“Already on it, just find the bounty and catch it. I want my new body.” Minerva says.

Blitz smiles and walks around the cliff and heads inside the ship, but places a relay at the entrance. “Have you checked completely in the ship?”

“Yes, most of it is fried from the humidity and the rest not worth salvaging,” Minerva says.

“You know we can’t just leave it here,” Blitz says.

“Understood, blow it up,” Minerva says.

Blitz nods and shoots several pads from one of his forehooves and walks away before an explosion was heard. ‘If that doesn’t get somepony’s attention, nothing will.’ Blitz thinks activating his stealth.

He walks away as the parts of the ship head down the ravine. Before stopping when he heard somepony burst through the foliage. Looking back, he sees a brownish gold pegasus running to the edge. “What the heck happened?!” She yelled.

Blitz stealthily jumped onto a nearby branch and watched to see what she would do. “Great, something blew up the artifact. Now, what am I going to bring back to the university? I can just hear the headmistress now. Daring Do, you have been gone for two months…” The pegasus, now known as Daring, kept ranting.

Blitz sighs and drops his invisibility and walks over to her. “Excuse me?”

Daring was so lost in her rant she didn’t register him until he tapped her shoulder. “Gahhh!” She yelled turning around and sees the armor. “Well…at least it’s not a total loss. Maybe I can take this back.”

“I’m a pony, not a thing,” Blitz says.

Daring jumps back a little. “What the heck?”

“You going to freak out a bit longer, Ms. Daring?” Blitz asks.

Daring calms down and rubs her head. “Sorry, but my artifact just went down the ravine.”

“Don’t cha mean blew up and fell?” Blitz asks.

Daring raises an eyebrow. “I meant down the drain too.”

“Ok, well I’m off,” Blitz says starting to walk down the path down the ravine to the valley.

Daring adjust her hat before running after him. “Hey! You owe me.”

“For what I might ask?” Blitz asks as she came up beside him as he walked.

“For kinda killing my easy artifact to grab and give to the university.”

“Ok, for starters, A, you don’t know what happened to that thing and B, it wasn’t old, that thing was newish,” Blitz says.

Daring looks down the ravine and sees the pieces of the supposed artifact. “I still need something.”

“Can’t help you there, I got a job to do,” Blitz says.

Daring moves in front of him. “Listen, buddy, I need an artifact or my headmistress would chew me out and you owe for destroying my other chance.”

“Can’t help you, I have to bring somepony in,” Blitz says stopping and getting a little annoyed.

Daring pokes his chest. “You owe me.”

“I owe you nothing. Now unless you want to be charged with obstruction of justice by the courts, you will back off.” Blitz says as Daring finally notices the Marshal badge.

Daring sighs. “Are all stallions this way?” She asks herself, heading back up.

“Finally, now I can get back to searching fo…” Blitz was cut off by a roar and Daring screaming. “I can’t just leave well enough alone, can I?” Blitz asks himself before running back up to see Daring fighting jungle cats.

Blitz raises an eyebrow. “Don’t just stand there, help me!” Daring yells.

Blitz brings up one of his blaster and shoots, the blaster bolt hitting the tiger in the head as it jumped at Daring. It slumped midair and hits the ground and slid off the cliff. The other felines, seeing this, turns to him. “Who else has a death wish?” Blitz asks, aiming the blaster again, a small breeze blowing the small cape on his left fore shoulder.

The rest of the felines then ran out into the jungle out of fear, Blitz shooting a few warning shots into the air to keep them running before turning to Daring hosting the blaster. “You hurt?” Blitz asks.

Daring sighs as she gets up. “I’m fine.”

“I’m not going to be able to leave you alone in good conscious,” Blitz says turning away.

Daring looks confused. “What does that mean?”

“I’ll help you.” Blitz finally says.

Daring looks surprised. “Really, you’ll help me find an artifact?”

“Yes, but I also have to bring in my quarry as well,” Blitz says.

Daring nods. “Okay, but only if you get me something good.”

“I make no guarantees about quality,” Blitz says starting to walk down the path again.

Daring quickly follow him. “What do you need?”

“Just to bring in the criminal dead or alive, it doesn’t really matter,” Blitz says.

“So what’s your name?” Daring asks.

“Officer Southern Cross,” Blitz says.

“Southern Cross huh? Unusual name.” Daring says. Blitz says nothing as he keeps walking. Daring tries to keep up. “And you think that bounty is here?”

“Think, no. Know, yes.” Blitz says.

Daring raised an eyebrow. “Really? You’re that confident?”

“Yes, my source is reliable,” Blitz says.

Daring looks ahead of them and sees the bottom of the valley. “And who’s that source?”

“Confidential,” Blitz says.

Daring scoffs. “Then how could I find out if what you were saying is true?”

“You don’t like how I can’t verify if you do work for a university,” Blitz says.

Daring huffs. “You try to find an artifact every time you leave.”

“I don’t hunt for the past, I hunt the scum of the present,” Blitz says turning back to see Daring writing that down. “Um…what are you doing?” Blitz asks.

“It’s a good quote.” Daring offers with a smile.

“Uh huh,” Blitz says before continuing.

After they reach almost down something moves quickly into the shadows. “What was that?” Daring asks, hearing some rocks move.

“Some wildlife from the looks of it. Looks like they are spooked by what happened to the thing.” Blitz says scanning with his helmet.

Daring looks to him. “And anything dangerous by the looks of it?”

“Nothing I see so far,” Blitz says as the sun starts to set.

Daring looks up as the light leaves the valley. “Dang it, we need a fire before we freeze down here.”

“You want to make camp?” Blitz asks.

“Well yeah. What were you planning?” Daring asks.

“I was going to hunt for my quarry through the night,” Blitz says like it was a natural action.

Daring shakes her head. “You really like being nocturnal, don’t you?”

“No, I just don’t sleep on the job,” Blitz says. Daring gives him a look before Blitz starts gathering wood.

Daring keeps watching him. “I thought you were going to continue to hunt?”

“I said I would help you and you want to make camp,” Blitz says.

Daring tilts her head as he places the wood in a pile. “You are going to help me, but you’re still going to hunt, even if I’m staying in one spot?”

“No, if we get separated then we may not meet up again so I’m staying with you,” Blitz says lightning the fire with a small burst from the flamethrower in his forehoof’s armor.

Daring sits down as the fire starts up. “So, if we find a temple?”

“I will follow your lead,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “Great. Then we set out after some sleep, we’re going to need all the energy down here.”

“Go ahead,” Blitz says.

Daring nods and lays down near the fire and goes to sleep immediately.

Blitz sat there and watched as he activated his stealth field waiting to see if anything was foolish enough to approach the camp for the rest of the night.

Daring yawns as she awakes again and sees Blitz hasn’t even moved yet. “You were up all night?”

“Somepony has to keep watch,” Blitz says simply.

Daring nods as she gets up. “You find anything down here while I was sleeping?”

“Nothing, but I saw a few animals savaging near the camp,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs and puts out the fire with the dirt around it. “Let’s go.” She said walking deeper into the valley.

Blitz nods and follows in silence all the while scanning for anything until he stops when Daring trips in a small hole. “Stupid hole.” She says aggravated.

“Daring,” Blitz says.

Daring gets up. “I’m fine.” She said brushing her clothes off.

“I was just going to say that’s no hole. That’s a track from a large creature.” Blitz says pointing out it was too perfectly round.

Daring looks to the hole and then around it and sees a set of holes in a certain distance apart from each other heading deeper into the valley.

“Want to take a guess?” Blitz asks.

Daring looks at the hole more closely before looking at the rest and then starts making motions with her hooves as she kept looking. Blitz waited patiently for her as he searched the bounties for a match. “Crab.” She suddenly said. “It’s a giant crab.”

“Close enough,” Blitz says getting a match.

Daring looks to him. “And what do you think it is?”

“My quarry,” Blitz says as he read. ‘Alias: Cancer. Species: Crustbergious Maximus. A thug for hire wanted for destruction and robbery of three mints, fifty-eight confirmed acts of homicide, black market selling, and killing of ninety-eight officers trying to arrest him. Bounty: 650,000 credits alive, 300,000 dead. Looks like you’re going to get that body soon.’

Daring looks into the valley. “So how you take care of this?”

“Like how I took out that tiger,” Blitz says.

Daring looks surprised. “You’re going to use that thing? Are you sure it will work?”

“I have many ways to take things down. Now I think we have artifacts to find?” Blitz asks surprising Daring as he had no hints of any reservation about fighting the giant crab.

Daring nods. “Well, maybe where they’re hiding.”

“Knowing my luck that is a possibility,” Blitz says sighing.

Daring sighs. “Let’s go.” She said following the tracks.

They spent a few days looking after losing the tracks in a river. “If I had known it would have been like this I would have brought Terran along. He’s good at tracking.” Blitz says.

Daring looks to him. “Your dog?”

“In a sense,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs and keeps looking. “Where do you think they went?”

“Hard to say, it is crab-like so it could have been underwater and we passed it,” Blitz says.

Daring looks at the river. “So you got any way to find him?”

“Other than boiling the river, I got no ideas just yet.” Blitz jokes.

Daring chuckles. “You planning on making crab soup?”

“Read my mind,” Blitz says smiling under his helmet.

Daring smiles. “So, any idea where to go next?”

“I’m sure he would have left the river by now and is somewhere around here. I highly doubt a huge crab walking around out there would go unnoticed, it’s like the opposite of the Canterlot serial killer, he’s too big to hide and not stealthy enough.” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “Well, let’s go.” She said wading through the water. Blitz follows her till she stops. “Wait, Canterlot Serial killer?!” Daring yells.

“Yeah, he was a problem a month ago,” Blitz says.

Daring still looked slightly shocked. “He didn’t hit the university, did he?”

“I don’t know about that, but he got eighteen victims before he was caught,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “I’m going to have to rush back when this is over.”

“But, first we have to focus on the here and now,” Blitz says as they make it to the other side.

Daring nods. “Yeah, I wonder how far these guys are, for reason…I’m getting bored. I never get bored.”

“In my experience, it’s never a good idea to say such things. It’s as bad as how could this get worse…” Blitz says before stopping. “Did I just say what I think I said?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods grimly. “Unfortunately.” As a loud stomping sound came from the darker parts of the valley.

“Why. Did. I. Say. That!” Blitz says hitting his helmeted head against a tree after every word.

Daring looks at him in pity before looking at the stomping sound and sees a giant walking crab. “Wow. That’s big.”

“He is actually smaller than I was lead to believe,” Blitz says joining her side as it walked passed and looked like was chipping away at the cliff as if digging. “Is it me or does it look like it’s trying to collapse the cliff onto himself?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods. “Yeah, but why would he do it there? If he wanted to collapse this place, he could do it on the other side because of the cracks already there.”

“Um…is there anything around here that could be able to pay it. Because the thing is basically a thug for hire and his profile suggests he’s not too smart.” Blitz says.

Daring looks confused until she sees something come out where the crab came out from and growls slightly. “Ahuizotl.”

“Somepony you know?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods. “Unfortunately.” She said as they watch Ahuizotl walk up to the crab and watches as it hits the wall until what looks like a building start to come into view from the rocks being chipped away.

“Well…he had a reason for that,” Blitz says a little surprised.

They keep watching until the crab gives a final hit and the walkway appears. “Let’s go,” Ahuizotl said walking in with several felines behind the crab as it seemed to release steam and started to shrink to a more manageable size.

“Shall we crash the party?” Blitz asks.

Daring holds him. “Wait, we need to let them go first because of all the traps.”

“Hum…I think Cancer is going in first and for openers, we have the classic boulder trap.” Blitz says.

Daring nods and starts to move closer. “Come on, they won’t check the entrance anymore.”

“One moment,” Blitz says bringing up a blaster. “It seems we have some undesirable company,” Blitz says noticing the looked like native ponies trying to sneak up on them.

Daring holds him back a little. “Show respect. But only fire up when they will attack. They don’t know much about the outside world. They don’t even know a lightbulb.”

“So any chance warrior society then?” Blitz asks lowering his blaster.

Daring nods as they walk up and she bows and they bow back. “Don’t look at them in the eyes, that’s a challenge.”

“Any chance you can speak their language?” Blitz asks.

Daring walks up to them and starts to speak a weird language that not even Blitz’s decoder can pick up. After a while, Daring was looking a bit shocked before she walks back to him. “There are actually natives in the temple, but they sealed it up for a reason.”

“What about Cancer, they know anything about him?” Blitz asks.

Daring shakes her head no. “No, but they think he’s a god, as always.”

“Tell them he is a fallen warrior who committed major taboos for wealth and I was chosen to come and punish him and avenge those already sent after him,” Blitz says.

Daring turns back to the natives and speaks what he said to them. The natives then grew angry and start to raise their weapons as if they are going into battle until one turns back to him and speaks something. “He said, we will help if you need it, basically and there was something about protecting me extra special. Didn’t say why.” Daring said.

“Tell them I would welcome the help and would appreciate if they dealt with the natives in the temple if possible, but I must face Cancer alone as a member of my clan for the sake of restoring honor,” Blitz says.

Daring turns back to the natives and speaks what he said and they nod before they walk in with Daring and Blitz following. “They would disable the traps that didn’t activate and let you face him.”

“Tell them they honor me and my clan for helping,” Blitz says.

Daring relays that to them and they speak a few words. “They say you’re welcome, in a sense.”

“Then our course is set, Daring,” Blitz says sheathing the blaster.

Daring nods as they enter the temple. “Yeah, let’s get this done.” She said as some stones shifted. “Apparently this where the traps deactivate. Now we just need to follow and oh shit!” Daring yells as she was pulled into a corridor that quickly closed. “Why does this always…?!” Her yell was cut off as the door close against the ground putting them in pure darkness.

“This is why I don’t usually go to old temples,” Blitz says turning on a light on his helmet.

The natives suddenly move to the door and messes around the walls of it before turning back to him and saying something to him.

“Translation please.” Blitz requests looking at where Daring was.

The natives look a little confused before pointing to the door and tapping it with his spear.

“Ah…you want me to open it,” Blitz says walking to the heavy stone door and started pushing it open as he hears the natives chatter behind him. After he pushes it open one of the natives places a stone dais in front of the doors and locks it in place as the rest rush inside. Blitz follows behind them and finds them stopping at a room with four columns in a square shape and they are looking at the area in the middle.

Blitz pushes his way through the crowd of natives that were of a different color and designs of war paints and finds Daring on a table with her clothes ripped apart showing front half and out cold, but also has some kind of white stuff on her. “That better not be what I think it is.” He said going to her. “Wakey, wakey, Daring Do!” He said before slapping her.

Daring jolts awake and find Blitz looking at her. “About time. Why do I feel sore all over?” She asks groaning. Blitz points to her and she looks down and sees her clothes ripped apart and something on her. Daring grew curious and touches the white stuff with her hoof and pulls back to see it act like slime. “They didn’t.”

“Are these the same natives because they seem like a different tribe with their war paint and how they are pointing their weapons at me?” Blitz says.

Daring pushes herself up and sees the other tribes pony and sees the original yelling at them. “For your crimes against the gods and our clan, you will remain banished to this temple and for killing and taking our mares and daughters for your own. But now you will die by our hoof. We got a couple of rapists.” Daring translated.

“Daring, tell them what I do next is by the laws of my clan and you are under my protection. After you say that, don’t open your eyes no matter what till I say so.” Blitz says leaving no room for argument.

Daring nods and speaks to them all while the original natives back off to the end of the room and after she finishes, she closes her eyes. “Go ahead.”

Blitz nods before walking up to the group who was here and stares at them for a moment before bringing up his hoof and two claw-like blades shoot out and before any of them could react, he buried them into the eyes of the stallion with a sickening sound that was a mix of cracking bone and slashing flesh.

Daring kept her eyes closed as she hears more of the same crunching noise and slicing sounds with yelling and what sounded like fighting. After a while, they stop and somepony taps her shoulder and she opens her eyes to find Blitz in front of her. “You’re alright, right?”

Daring nods and steps off the table, but then buckles under the pain and lays down. “Ow. Apparently, they did a lot when I was out. Ow.”

“Don’t worry about it, I’m right here,” Blitz says petting her mane trying to keep her attention away from the brutalization and borderline mutilated corpses behind them.

Daring smiles. “Thanks for coming Cross.” She said as the original natives come up to them and hold out something.

Blitz smiles. “Anything for a friend.” He said before looking to the native. “What is that?”

Daring looks to the native before speaking to him and they talk for a bit. “It’s just a cloth and also a dress their mares and daughters wear.”

Blitz bows to the native as a sign of respect before he helps Daring clean herself up and puts the dress on herself. “You’ll be okay, right?”

Daring takes a step before taking another and when she reaches her hind leg does she collapsed. “Nope, my flank really hurts.” Blitz nods and picks her up on his back to carry her. “Thanks, Cross. Most stallions aren’t you.”

Blitz chuckles. “True, most stallions aren’t me. Now then, shall we?”

Daring nods and speaks to the natives who nod and led them out. Blitz walks down a corridor that the natives would not enter. “Let me guess, from here on we are on our own?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods. “Yeah, the crab you’re looking for went down one way while Ahuizotl went down another and they consider this a sacred place. They won’t go unless the god allows them.”

“So from what we told them, they would assume their god would approve and be with us?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods. “Yep, you’re the god and I’m the connection between mortal and spirit.”

“Oh boy,” Blitz says.

Daring giggles a bit. “Hey, be happy they are on our side.”

“You unlucky in that department most of the time?” Blitz asks.

Daring blushes. “Yeah.”

“Seems your luck is changing then,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “That’s because I got my good luck charm here.”

“Your hat is good luck?” Blitz asks.

Daring giggles. “No, you. I need a stallion sometimes because the ancient natives respect stallions more than mares. I’ll be lucky if I can find a native tribe with a female god.”

Blitz was about to reply when the temple shook a bit. “I bet Cancer is behind this,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “You go get him, I got to deal with Ahuizotl. I can go with some of the natives and you can go with some as well.”

“Tell me, does Ahuizotl have any bounties on his head?” Blitz asks.

Daring shrugs. “Don’t know. But if he’s gone, there goes my villain.”

“And the one who has been trying to kill you,” Blitz says.

Daring blushes. “I doubt he has that much of a bounty anyway. Besides, without him on a temple one time, kinda ruined everything. No thrill or anything.”

“Maybe I can offer you something more interesting,” Blitz says considering the fact she kept up with him decently most of the time.

Daring looks to him. “What is it?”

“Forget about it. Take all of the tribesmen, I’ll come after I finish with Cancer.” Blitz says letting her down.

Daring keeps looking at him until she sighs. “Okay, but you’ll be okay, right?”

“I’ll treat you to a crab dinner in Los Pegasus after this is over.” Blitz offers.

Daring chuckles. “Alright, but I still need help.” She turns to the native and speaks a few things and some of the native’s smiles and lay down for her next to her, which she takes one and gets onto their back. “Be careful.” She said to Blitz.

Blitz nods and walks down the corridor where the rumbling is coming from as Daring and natives went the other way. Blitz keep walking until he ends up in a large room with seats for an audience on the second floor and cages on the walls on the first floor. ‘Arena, great.’ He thinks as he sees something on the other side of the room. “Oy!” Blitz says before starting to talk louder. “Alias: Cancer. Species: Crustbergious Maximus. A thug for hire wanted for destruction and robbery of three mints, fifty-eight confirmed acts of homicide, black market selling, and killing of ninety-eight officers trying to apprehend him. Bounty: 650,000 credits alive, 300,000 dead and I have come to collect.” Blitz says getting the crab’s attention and he notices his helmet picking up targets on the audience area.

The crab turns to him and chitters a bit. “So you found me after all this time. Even here, me harassed by a bounty hunter. Boys, waste…” Cancer says.

He didn’t finish as Blitz quickly takes out a blaster and shots every single one before they even had time to draw their weapons. “Nah ha, you got to fight me on your…oh darn it, one of them had a bounty on his head. I guess I will have to settle for the dead bounty.” Blitz says sounding only slightly inconvenienced.

Cancer growls before turning around and body slamming through the wall and outside into, what looks like the valley.

“Always got to have runners,” Blitz says turning on the music player.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbBEsKivqm8

Blitz nods his head to the beat before running after him and jumps over the large rock that suddenly got in front of him and keeps running after him after he got onto a higher rock ledge. He soon catches up with him and sees him hitting the wall now and again to gather some rock and throws it at him which he dodges by using the walls as a jump platform. Blitz sees they were heading into maze-like ruins. “Minerva, I assume your probes can see me,” Blitz says, jumping over another thrown rock.

“Playing that Cash music I see. Yes, I can see you.” Minerva said.

“Give me a 3D map of the maze ahead and track Cancer and me when we enter it as well as any other goodies,” Blitz says.

Minerva can be heard smirking. “Got it, tracking you now. You’re approximately fifteen seconds away and there’s another baddie on the ledge ahead of you, a bounty that one too.”

“Gotcha, I don’t have enough of the transporter pads with me so I will carbon freeze them and you have the probes pick it up and later pick them up with Darkstar One and then teleport them,” Blitz says jumping up on a few broken pillars and used them as steps before jumping over the bounty who looked shocked before spraying him with something from his gauntlet and he froze as he was instantly covered in carbon and looking like an ugly statue. “Remind me to find a way to make them look less ugly for their mug photos.” He said to Minerva as an afterthought as he grabbed something sparkling for later.

“Not possible.” Minerva jokes back to him. Blitz chuckles before jumping off a pillar and finds Cancer moving through the maze of pillars as Blitz starts to jump on top of them. “That’s not how you do a maze.” Minerva reminds.

“If you play fair, but…” Blitz leaves off jumping in front of Cancer before spraying his flamethrower at him causing him to scream and scramble to run the other way. “I don’t play fair.” Blitz finishes continuing the chase.

Blitz follows him as he backtracks through the maze and into the valley once more as Minerva chuckles. “Like you made me take off the camera in the shower room. You know I want to see.”

“Get a good look then,” Blitz says activating stealth and reappears in front of Cancer and gives him another helping of the flamethrower.

Cancer roars and swipes at him wildly, trying to fight through the fire.

“What’s wrong Cancer, don’t like the fire?” Blitz mocks, staying out of reach as he sprays.

Cancer then hits the walls and starts to make all the rocks start to fall. Blitz stops spraying and jumps back as the rocks fall between them and then Cancer burst through the pile and grabs some rocks before throwing them at Blitz and runs past him.

Blitz wouldn’t have that and fires a grappling hook from his right foreleg’s armor tying the right half of Cancer’s legs together causing him to skid and slam into a wall. Blitz lets the grapple disengage and reels it back in before taking out both his blaster pistols and setting them to stun from fire at Cancer over and over again.

Cancer growls and charges at him as Blitz jumps out of the way as Cancer hits the wall and stuns himself as the constant blaster bolts took its toll. “Pathetic insect!” Cancer yells turning around.

“Says the sore loser,” Blitz says as he was already on him and slams a device on him and activates it, trapping Cancer in a yellow energy bubble before sending him away as the song ends. “You get all that Minerva?” Blitz asks.

The Darkstar flies overhead. “Got the little guy, your speeder bike, and the bounty from this. Want me to pick you up or want to go back to your friend?” Minerva asks.

“I made a promise, go ahead and deliver the small fry and pick up your custom body and pick up Terran from Omega,” Blitz says.

Minerva giggles. “Already picking out the options.” She says as the Darkstar One entered stealth mode and flew away.

Blitz smiles as he walks back to the temple and finds a battle going on. He was reaching for his blaster but was stopped by a hoof. He looks over and sees Daring smiling at him. “Don’t, they are just practicing. Since this place no longer holds the criminals they are planning to open it again.”

“Dealt with your foe then?” Blitz asks holstering them.

Daring nods and points to Ahuizotl tied up. “He’ll be out, but it will be good to have competition. He is already upset he lost one of his cats.” Daring says.

“Hey,” Ahuizotl spoke up. “Sorry for what happened to you. Never expected rapists to be here.”

Blitz stares at him for a bit as he searches the database of equestrian bounties the probes had gathered. “Huh…you do have a bounty on your head, but I won’t be collecting it because Daring doesn’t want me to,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles as she walks over to Ahuizotl and pets his back, making him purr. “That and the mare always win.”

“And I already cashed in on your latest lackey and two of his boys,” Blitz says.

Ahuizotl growls before huffing. “What do I care, I don’t need to pay them a share so that’s less trouble for me.”

“Oh Daring, while chasing him down in a maze not too far from here, I picked up something by reflexes,” Blitz says withdrawing it to see a statue of a hawk and an eagle made out of pure crystal.

Daring takes the statue of the two birds. “The flying crystals. You traversed the maze of madness and death and found them.”

“It’s valuable?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods. “You have no idea how valuable. You just saved my flank, twice now. I owe you big time.”

Blitz just shrugs. “Well, I’m heading to Los Pegasus to see the place seeing as I have never been there. Want to come along?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods. “Sure.” She turns to Ahuizotl. “Want to come?”

“Um…kinda stuck here for a while, beside this is my home.” He says.

Daring rolls her eyes. “Okay, have fun with the natives,” Daring says and with that, she and Blitz head off to Los Pegasus.

A month later Daring enter the Headmistress’ office at the Canterlot University. “Hey, I’m back,” Daring says.

The Headmistress turns to her. “Daring, do you know how long you have been gone!?” The Headmistress yells.

“Three months and two days,” Daring says.

The Headmistress glares at her. “That’s right and you’ve have been out doing what? Finding artifacts that don’t exist?”

“How do the flying crystals sound?” Daring asks gently putting it on her desk.

The Headmistress’ eyes widen. “Wha…how?”

“They aren’t so mythical and I had a little help. I also got my next book wrote. Tell me, what do you think of the cover art?” Daring asks showing her a picture of herself and Blitz in his green jungle armor, evading traps with the faces of Cancer and Ahuizotl foreboding in the background.

The Headmistress takes the cover art. She then looks to Daring with a big smile. “Daring, you got another renew! By the way, how did you hear of the famous mysterious marshal, Southern Cross?”

Daring looks confused. “What?”

The Headmistress shows her the cover art. “This pony with you is the famous marshal, Southern Cross who caught the Canterlot serial killer, saved the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolts, helped catch the Crippler and brought down a huge flying snake trying to steal the golden jewel-encrusted trophy being presented to the Wonderbolts in the same show.”

Daring looks surprised. “I met him barely a month ago?”

“Daring you might want to go research the library about him real quick.” The Headmistress says.

Daring nods and quickly rushes off.

Not ten minutes later, the entire University heard, “WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

It was about a week later when Rainbow bursts through Twilight’s door, her labored breath said she flew hard the whole way there. “Twi. You. Have. Got. To. See. This.” She says in between breaths as Blitz who had stopped to rest from the journey back to Ponyville, looked up from his book on unicorn magic, not far away as Twilight trots over.

Twilight looks to a book Rainbow got and sees the cover art. “What the heck?! How did he get on there?!”

“What is it?” Blitz asks from the table.

Rainbow shows him the book. “Southern Cross on here.”

“So Southern Cross is quite popular. Why is it a surprise he starts appearing in literature?” Blitz asks.

Rainbow opens the book to a particular page. “Cause Daring Do talks about how Southern Cross saved her from being raped by natives and finding a weird creature they take down.”

‘Ah, I see you edited it a bit Daring.’ Blitz thinks. “Still not seeing why it’s a big deal, I mean it is fantasy,” Blitz says.

Rainbow places the book on the table. “The fact that Southern Cross is in here. Daring only writes about adventures she’s been on.”

“Daring, I thought A.K. Yearling wrote the books?” Blitz asks confused.

Twilight leans in. “They are both the same pony. We kinda met her.”

“Ah, would explains why Rainbow and the rest of you appear in the book. I thought it was just for the use of star power.” Blitz says.

Rainbow looks proud. “Yeah, I’m awesome.”

“By the way Twilight, I still don’t understand this teleportation spell,” Blitz says pointing to a part in the book. ‘I can tune and repair hyperspace drive, but this is hard for me?’ Blitz thinks.

Twilight looks at it. “Basic. Mostly for non-living objects, then you can work on living things and then yourself.” She places a pencil on the table. “Here. Just follow and I’ll see what I can do.”

“Ok,” Blitz says watching her intensely, Twilight feels like it is like a hawk or some great predator sizing her up.

Twilight sighs and starts to charge her horn before placing it a foot away as she releases her magic. “Just find the shape of the object and mass, a range as it is forgiving and then imagine the place you want it to go.”

“Ok,” Blitz says concentrating hard and a small vase of flowers started shaking before fading in and out of existence.

Twilight watches as it then disappears. “Where did you send it?”

Blitz thinks hard on where he imagined it would go. ‘Oh boy.’

Minerva smiles as she places the settings on the body before a vase of flowers popped into existence in front of her. “Weird, but thanks, Blitz.”

“Um…no clue, I really didn’t focus on a location,” Blitz says.

Twilight sighs. “This is a warning. If you don’t have a location, one of two things will happen. Either you will teleport into a random location a hundred yards away from your current location or your atoms will be scattered all over.”

“Or one of the flowers will appear in your mane,” Blitz says noticing the flower and thinking the look over.

Twilight reaches up and feels the flower in her mane. “Or if there are pieces of it like the flowers then the parts of it like this.” She said taking the flower out of her mane. “Then it will…” Twilight stops seeing the thoughtful look. “What are you thinking?” Twilight asks.

“I think the flower looks good in your mane,” Blitz says.

Twilight stops and starts to blush. She quickly throws the flower away. “Anyway, parts of the object will be scattered all over instead of just the atoms.” She said blushing.

“Tell the truth, was that on purpose?” Rainbow asks.

“N…n…no, it was an accident,” Blitz says embarrassed and blushing.

Twilight breathes as she tries to calm down. “Well, can you do it again and this time on the pencil?”

“Y…y…yes, good idea.” Blitz agreed quickly and trying to concentrate on the pencil surrounding it in a yellow aura and this time it appears on the bookshelf not far away.

Twilight smiles as she looks back at him. “Keep working on bigger and bigger objects until I’m sure you’re ready.”

“Yeah, maybe he’ll put an entire bouquet in your mane next time.” Rainbow teases.

Twilight just teleports a bubble of water over her and drops it. “How’s that for the boutique?”

Rainbow shakes herself dry and smirks gesturing to Blitz who had a full face blush now. Twilight scoffs. “Stallions.”

“Then what’s that?” Rainbow asks holding up a mirror showing Twilight her own blush.

Twilight sends the mirror away. “Nothing.”

Rainbow stills smirk and go to Blitz before lifting him up by the forelegs and show himself straining against his clothes. “How about this?” She asks as Blitz tries to cover himself.

“Rainbow!” Blitz says embarrassed using his magic to move her away a bit.

Twilight heavily blushes. “Rainbow, that’s molesting. I can actually have you arrested.”

Rainbow shrugs. “Just showing proof.”

“I’m tempted to risk the teleportation spell on myself to escape,” Blitz says.

Twilight shakes her head. “Don’t, just don’t.”

“Said tempted, not going to do it,” Blitz says.

Twilight smiles before Rainbow come between them and smirk. “What’s this?” She asks knowingly.

“Rainbow!” They yell in unison.

Rainbow laughs as she flies out of there so fast after grabbing her book. Twilight sighs as she looks to Blitz. “Sorry about that, she’s usually like that.”

“Doesn’t help I’m no good at such things,” Blitz says.

Twilight smiles. “You’re talking to me.”

“I meant talking about feel…forget it.” Blitz says bummed.

Twilight looks carefully at him. “Want to talk about it?”

“If you want to try,” Blitz says.

Twilight sighs as she sits down across from him. “So you said you had a problem with, what?”

“Talking about my feeling with mares. It’s something I have struggled with all my life. Usually, it isn’t a problem with other species, like Griffons.” Blitz struggles to say.

Twilight smiles. “Well, how do you feel about Applejack?”

Blitz slams his head against the table and groans.

Twilight looks curiously. “What?”

“You had to ask about the most complicated relationship. I don’t even know about it myself.” Twilight barely understood him through the table.

Twilight sighs. “Well…how about Rainbow?” Twilight asks as he raises his head.

“She is well…” Blitz stops trying to find the words.

Twilight smiles. “Yeah, I kinda expected that.”

“See what I mean?” Blitz asks.

Twilight blushed. “What about me?”

Blitz opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes and slams his head back down. Twilight sighs. “Blitz, you will never figure out your feelings for any of us if you don’t talk.”

“The main problem is I prefer not to speak as much, it affects me in this and nothing comes. I prefer actions to speak. The last few months I have probably spoken more than the last few years.” Blitz says raising his head.

Twilight blushes a little more. “Well, you could try to speak to me like that.”

“That’s just it, I can say what is wrong, but when I start talking about feelings with a mare, my mind goes blank. My second adoptive father taught me many things, but not this.” Blitz says getting Twilight’s attention as Blitz was usually secretive of himself.

Twilight smiles. “You’re doing it.”

“Oh, have I said how I think you’re…” Blitz seems to try to continue, but it was as if somepony hit his mute button.

Twilight keeps smiling as she moves over to him and sits by him. “Don’t worry about hurting my feelings. I won’t be mad.” Blitz feeling her wing around him now was blushing like crazy. “Now try it,” Twilight says.

“I…I…I…th…thin…think…y….you…a…a….are…c…c…c…c…cu…c…cut…” Blitz stutters uncontrollably.

“You almost got it,” Twilight says.

“…Cute.” Blitz finally managed.

Twilight smiles and kisses his cheek. “You did it.”

Blitz’s head hits the table again. Twilight looks at him and lifts his head and notices he’s unconscious and looking overheated. She smiles and places him down on the table again. “Great job and I guess I underestimated how hard that was for you.”

“Hey Twilight, look what I just got from my comic subscription,” Spike says running in holding a new issue of Power Ponies with Southern Cross on the cover.

Twilight blanches at that. “Unbelievable.”

“I know, Power Ponies team up with Silver Cross, at last, was released. The very least they could do was release a few comics of him staring in it alone before this.” Spike says.

Twilight looks a bit interested. “Really?”

“Yeah, I mean its simple storytelling,” Spike says winking for a second.

Twilight rolls her eyes as there was nothing there. “Then write a letter to them. Tell them about your idea.”

“Hang on. What’s that on Southern Cross’s shoulder pad?” Spike asks looking at what looks like an insignia.

“Hold a second,” Twilight says leaving before bringing back a picture of Southern Cross taken at the Wonderbolt vs. Shadowbolt show and uses the magnifying glass to catch the shoulder pad to see the same insignia. “How did I miss that?” Twilight asks, thinking she found a new lead as she hadn’t gotten far with her investigation after Southern Cross disappeared from the stadium.

Spike looks at it too. “Oh yeah, that’s all over him. I just passed it off as just signature image.”

“Maybe or it represents something,” Twilight says.

Spike shrugs. “Well I know most symbols and I haven’t seen this. Maybe it’s just something somepony came up with. Wait, there is another one.” Spike points out.

Twilight looks at where Spike is pointing at. “Yeah, I see it.”

“Looks like a reed,” Spike says.

Twilight nods. “Yeah, I’ll look at it later, but for now, don’t you have a comic to read?”

“Oh yeah,” Spike says.

“Let’s hope this one doesn’t end up like the last one,” Twilight says.

Spike frowns. “Hey, I got this one from a real comic book store, not an enchanted store.”

“Just be careful,” Twilight says as Spike finally notice Blitz.

Spike points to him. “What’s he doing here?”

“Oh, nothing,” Twilight says blushing.

Spike raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Y…yes, he came over to study some new magic,” Twilight says.

Spike still has an eyebrow raised. “Okay, but don’t do anything funny.” He said walking away.

“I swear he learned that way of raising his eyebrow from Applejack,” Twilight says turning her attention back to Blitz.

Blitz groans and brings his head up again. “What happened?”

“Hey, feeling better?” Twilight asks wrapping her wing around him again.

Blitz nods. “Yeah, I’m…” He stops as he looks to her wing before looking at what it was connected to.

“We made some good progress today with your transportation spell and being able to talk about your feelings with mares,” Twilight says.

Blitz blushes a bit. “That’s…good.”

“And thanks for the compliment,” Twilight says laying her head on his shoulder.

Blitz tries to smiles. “You’re…welcome your highness.” Blitz says trying to compose himself, but failing.

Twilight giggled. “See, you’re learning and don’t call me highness again. I’m just a princess and I don’t like that at the end of my name or the beginning of it.” Twilight whispers into his ear.

“Y…y…ok Twi…Twilight.” Blitz says.

Twilight smiles. “Good, keep practicing.”

“O…ok, but…could you move…a…b…bit?” Blitz asks, his blush growing.

Twilight looks to her wing before folding it on herself and moving away a little. “Sorry.”

“I…it…w…wasn’t…com…com…completely…un…unpleasant.” Blitz stutters.

Twilight moves a bit closer and places her wing around him, but stays away a little. “How’s that?” Blitz went completely quiet and Twilight could have sworn his coat was changing to purple like hers. Twilight sighs and was about to let go, but Blitz hooks her hoof with his. Twilight looks at their hooves before looking back at him, still looking forward. She smiles and leans against him as she noticed he was doing better without saying a word.

Twilight sighs as she starts to move a bit closer. “Blitz?”

Blitz nods, still blushing badly.

Twilight smiles. “I think…I think I may actually like you.” Twilight could have sworn she saw a cloud of smoke erupted from his head before he collapsed on the table…again. Twilight sighs and leans back up. “Oh, Blitz.”

“Hey Twi, do we have any…?” Spike stops seeing Twilight with her wing around Blitz. “Never mind, I found it.” He said picking up a random item, paper, and heads back up.

Now it was Twilight’s turn to blush uncontrollably. “Oh boy.”

The next afternoon Blitz was ducking his head into a bucket of ice water. “You sure that this will help?” Twilight asks. Blitz gives her a gesture meaning yes.

Twilight looks at the bucket before taking a deep breath and dunks her head in it.

The feeling was at first exhilarating and a rush and soon turns into a freezing feeling that was traveling down her entire body. She pulled her head up just as Blitz did and took deep breathes. “The best way to cool down quickly, even if it gives you brain freeze half the time,” Blitz says.

Twilight breathes carefully as she gets in control again. “Hey…sorry for last night.”

“What are you sorry for?” Blitz asks.

Twilight blushes slightly. “That talk we had together.” She said before dunking her head again to get rid of the heat.

“It needed to be done eventually,” Blitz says.

Twilight brings her head back again. “Yeah, I guess so. You feel better after that, right?”

“Yeah, still incredibly difficult for me, but I am closer to getting over it,” Blitz says shaking his head as Twilight took a good look at him. Blitz notices the stare and looks at her. “What?”

Twilight shakes her head and looks away. “Nothing.” Blitz just shrugs as he dunks his head once more. ‘I never noticed his eyes were a golden yellow.’ Twilight thinks.

Blitz gasps as he brings his head out again. “Man, that feels good.”

“You best get back. The Apples must be worried by now.” Twilight says.

Blitz’s eye widens before he gathers most of his stuff. “Shoot, see ya Twi.” He said rushing out and closing the door behind him.

Twilight exhaled happily. “So, new stallionfriend?” A familiar voice asks.

Twilight smiles a bit. “Mayb…” She then turns around and sees Cadance. “Oh boy.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to tell Shining Armor,” Cadance says hugging Twilight.

Twilight let’s go of the hug. “Don’t, he’ll kill him.”

Cadance smiles. “Oh, I’m sure Shining won’t hurt him too badly.”

Twilight just stares at her. “I’m not talking about big brother.”

“Oh?” Cadance asks confused. “Though I must say, it is a surprise. I and the rest of the royals were thinking you were infatuated with Southern Cross.” Cadance says.

Twilight looks confused. “Cross? His name is Apple Blitzkrieg.”

“No, the mysterious Marshal Stallion you have been investigating.” Cadance clarifies.

Twilight sighs. “It’s just weird and how do you and the others know of that?”

“You asked the guards for everything on him and your brother is in charge of them all,” Cadance says.

Twilight blushed. “Heh, heh, oops.”

“Oh, I must tell your parents as well,” Cadance says.

“No, wait,” Twilight says. Cadance giggles, but stops. “He isn’t ready for that,” Twilight says peaking Cadance’s interest.

Cadance looks to her. “Really now, you got that far?” She asks smirking.

“No, it’s just…you know what, it will be easier to show you with my newest spell.” Twilight says tapping Cadance’s horn with hers and Cadance saw all of what happened last night through Twilight’s eyes.

Cadance smiles as Twilight let’s go of the spell and looks to her. “Aw, my little sister is growing up.”

“You now see why he isn’t ready yet, right?” Twilight asks.

Cadance smiles. “Did you know Shining was like that once?”

“And he never told me you two were even dating.” Twilight reminds.

Cadance giggles. “And now you are acting like him.”

“Oh, should I wait till my wedding and then inform him with an invitation as well?” She jokes.

Cadance laughs. “No sweetie.” She then glares at her. “That’s the worst thing you can do. Promise you will never, ever, do that.” She emphasized by poking her with a hoof.

“That was a joke, but give me some time to help him get over this before you inform any of them,” Twilight asks.

Cadance smiles. “Okay, sweetie. Just remember to treat him right and help him in any way.”

“What kind of mare do you think I am?” Twilight asks.

Cadance smirks. “A brash one that overthinks things. I foalsat you, remember?”

“Hehehe.” Twilight chuckled nervously.

Cadance smiles. “Well, I have to go now. But remember, always listen, turns out stallions can hide it better, but they always need an ear for them that understands.”

“Yeah, I gotcha,” Twilight says. Cadance nods before teleporting out.

Twilight lets out a sigh. “I hope Blitz is doing better.” She says.

Blitz grins nervously as the fillies’ looks at him for his present. “See, about that present…”

“Can we finally open the box you sent from Los Pegasus?” Applebloom asks.

Blitz nods. “Oh, got here before me and yes, yes, you can.”

“Yay!” The fillies cheer as they run inside and Applejack walks out.

“Miss me?” Blitz asks.

Applejack smiles and hugs him. “Glad you’re back.”

“Glad to be back, had a heck of a month. I was so tired I fell asleep at the library waiting for something and couldn’t make it here.” Blitz says letting her support him.

Applejack nods. “Well you’re back and that’s what counts.”

“Thanks, Jackie,” Blitz says.

“Cool.” The fillies cheered as they take out a gambling set for almost all the games of Las Pegasus.

“Before you say anything, it was the only thing appropriate enough to buy for them,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs. “At least they can have some fun.”

“Just remember they’re viciousness.” Blitz reminds putting on a hat he got from Los Pegasus that was the same type as Applejack’s.

Applejack looks at it. “What’s different?”

“What, you don’t like it?” Blitz asks.

Applejack looks it over. “It’s just that nothing is…wait a minute, the material is different. This isn’t going to last long.” She said frowning.

“Still nice,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs. “Yeah, it is.” She said putting it on.

“Hey.” He says in a joking tone.

Applejack looks over and sees him wearing her hat. “Hey, give me that.” She said trying to reach for it, but he was holding her back.

“A trade.” He says.

Applejack groans before taking off her hat and grabbing her real one. “There.” Applejack says before feeling something in her hat. Taking it off and looking in it she sees a smaller hat like the one she wore when she was little before Blitz disappeared. “Blitz…this is…”

Blitz places his hoof on her mouth. “No need to say anything,” Blitz says.

Applejack smiles as she looks at him. “There’s some apple pie in the fridge. Why don’t we all celebrate with it while teaching these young gamblers?” She said gesturing to the three fillies looking over the many games and trying to figure out which one to do.

“I didn’t think you wanted to lose the farm,” Blitz says.

Applejack giggles. “As long as there are no real gambles being played. Now get that pie.” She orders.

“Ok, Jackie,” Blitz says.

Blitz heads into the kitchen as Applejack goes over to the fillies and helps them out. Blitz drools slightly as she opens the door and sees the pie in the fridge. “This will be yummy.” He said reaching for it before his mic beeps. Looking confused he holds a hoof to his ear. “Yeah?”

“Can you come to the ship please?” Minerva asks.

“Terran awake?” Blitz asks.

“He’s sound asleep in the living room,” Minerva said.

“Ok, I’ll be there in a few hours,” Blitz says.

Minerva sighs. “Okay, I’ll see you there.” She said before signing off.

Blitz brings the pie to the table as Applejack is teaching them one of the games. “What’s the game?”

Applejack smiles. “Blackjack.” As an attempt at humor, the other four at the table meet for a quick second before showing pictures of a black version of Applejack. Applejack frowns. “Very funny.”

“It was a good attempt,” Blitz says.

Applejack then smiles. “Yeah, it was.”

“Ok, I’ll deal,” Blitz says using his magic to grab the deck.

They watch as he expertly like a Las Pegasus dealer. “When did you get so good?” Applejack asks.

“I watched the dealer closely,” Blitz says, not really paying attention as he still deals the cards.

The others watch as he stacks the deck and then gives them the cards before placing it down. “Game time and I’m going to win,” Blitz said with his poker face.

“I suck,” Blitz said as he watches the other fillies win their last cards.

“As you said, those three are vicious.” Applejack says.

Blitz sighs. “Yeah, but you need to admit you lost too.”

“Ok, I can’t beat them.” Applejack says.

Blitz smiles. “Okay, well I have to go. I’ll be gone all night probably, but I’ll be back in the morning.”

“Ok, don’t stay out too long.” Applejack says.

Blitz rolls his eyes. “Yes, mom.” He said starting to leave.

“You get off with that only this one.” She yells at him.

Blitz waves him off. “Yeah, yeah.” He calls back before running off.

Blitz was still smiling as he reached his ship and knocks on the door. “Minerva, I’m here.” The door opens, but the entire ship was pitch black as Blitz starts to walk around. “Minerva?”

“Yes?” Minerva said.

Blitz looks around. “Why is it all dark?”

“Oh for…” Minerva starts and the lights turn on and she was right in front of him. “Reasons.”

Blitz finally sees Minerva in her new body. And apparently she choose the cybernetic version of her ponyself, her slightly blue metal skin, mane and tail a darker blue with it harden to a metal normal hair shape, flexible areas wherever there are joints on a normal pony, having a data screen in front of her eyes and some lines of light running along certain areas of her body. “Whoa, you choose the best,” Blitz said.

“Of course,” Minerva says tackling him to the floor.

Blitz groans slightly as he looks up at her. “Can’t wait, can you?”

“I have waited long enough,” Minerva says before kissing him.

Blitz’s eyes widen as she kissed him and at the slightly metallic taste, but pleasant enough for him and he kisses back before he lets go. “Where’s Terran?”

“Oh, he is sleeping, that loveable thing is raring to go for a hunt,” Minerva says.

Blitz smiles. “Come on, let’s take this somewhere more comfortable.” He said getting up.

“Lead the way,” Minerva says.

Blitz gets up and they head for his bedroom as he heads for his bathroom while Minerva waits for a little outside. “That body, how well would it do in an environment?”

Minerva smiles. “This body is ready for anything. Water, dust, fire, and able to take hits from a blaster better than a normal pony. It even has an internal body temperature regulator for some situations and of course for this. Then there’s the fact, I’m flexible, too flexible, but enough for a normal pony.”

“What about blending in if I want you out there?” Blitz asks.

Minerva sighs. “Holographic system that fits the current body and handles changes as well. So if I get shot, a burn mark with some blood would appear, but in actuality the armor just takes it.”

Blitz peeks his head out. “And the mane and tail?”

Minerva smiles and lets the mane and tail fall apart from their set position. “I can turn it to any style and lock it into place or make it free-flowing.”

“I see,” Blitz says wrapping a leg around her and pulling her into the bathroom.

Blitz smiles and changes a few setting on the shower and turns it to real water running through the heads. “Can you help?” He asks as he takes off his clothes.

“Oh, I have been wanting to for so long.” She says as she helps him take them off.

Once he was out of his clothes he turns to Minerva and pulls her into the shower. “At least it’s working.” He said as he watches carefully for any trouble as the water falls on her.

After the shower, Blitz and Minerva walked into the living room area where Terran was laying down napping. Blitz sighs as he lays down on the couch and Minerva joins him by laying her head on his lap. “So, you got anything else for me?” He asks petting her head.

“No, not tonight. I want to draw it all out and have fun.” Minerva says.

Blitz smiles and looks to her. “And how do you plan on that?”

“A mare has her secrets,” Minerva says playfully.

Blitz chuckles. “Now you’re learning about mare life.”

“Yes, now you best go if Terran awakes while you’re still here, he will follow you back to the farm and I don’t think they can handle him,” Minerva says.

Blitz sighs. “I wish I can stay longer.”

“Just take him with you for bounty hunting,” Minerva says.

Blitz nods. “Maybe I will, but I may want to take you also. After all this, you need to get out and explore with me.”

“Maybe, but for now go on,” Minerva says kissing his cheek.

Blitz sighs. “Okay, see ya.” He said kissing her before getting up and getting dressed.

Blitz snuck into the farmhouse and made his way to Applejack’s room with no problems. After he quietly closes the door behind him he hears a mare clear her throat. Blitz chuckles nervously as he turns around and sees Applejack looking at him. “Hi…Jackie.”

“I was waitin for ya.” She says.

Blitz grins nervously. “Yeah, sorry. I got caught up.”

Applejack says nothing and pats the bed, waiting. Blitz sighs and moves over and lays down in the bed. “Night Jackie.”

“Oh no, you don’t.” Applejack says sleepily as she grabs him and pulls him close.

Blitz starts to blush. “Um…” Applejack puts her hoof over his mouth and lays her head on his shoulder. Blitz sighs and just sits there.

“I meant it when I said I love you.” Applejack says suddenly.

Blitz’s eyes widen and turn his head to her. “You mean…?” Applejack was already asleep and using him as a pillow. Blitz stays silent and helps her get into bed while putting himself in as well.

‘What am I going to do?’ Blitz thinks as he considers the future.

Blitz stares at his coffee as the three fillies still tried to play some games and Applejack was helping them along with Big Mac and Granny Smith. ‘Three of them, one who’s closest to me, one who’s been there my entire life and one who’s really interested in me. What am I going to do?’

“Hmm.” Big Mac says reading the paper.

Blitz looks up at him. “You have a mare in your life yet Big Mac?”

Big Mac seemed to ignore him as he reads an article. “Huh, seems the princesses have put out a missive for Southern Cross in the paper.” Big Mac says.

Blitz gets more downtrodden as he hears that. ‘Great.’ “What does it say?” He asks taking a sip of his coffee.

“They want him to meet them at the palace’s throne room on Thursday at four o’clock.” Big Mac says.

‘In five days, huh? Must be to give me time to get there.’ Blitz thinks.

“Does it say what fer?” Applejack asks.

“Nope, just want him to show up.” Big Mac says.

Blitz sighs and gets out of his seat and starts to leave. “I’m going for a walk through town.”

“Be back fer dinner,” Granny calls.

Blitz gives her a wave before closing the door. “I’ll join him.” Applejack says getting up.

Granny smiles. “It’s so good that you are spending time with him like the old days.”

“I doubt it’s like those days.” Big Mac says. Applejack smacked him upside the head with her hat as she left.

Blitz sighs as he looks down at the menu, trying to find something to get his mind off things. “You going to order, bud?”

Blitz looks up at the bartender. “You got anything to help with relationships?”

The bartender raises an eyebrow. “This situation huh? Alright.” He said taking out a bottle of liquor before pouring him a shot. “I’m charging you for the whole thing. Have fun drowning in it.” The bartender says before leaving.

“It’s a little weak, but it will do to at least relax my nerves a bit,” Blitz says taking another shot.

“Really, drinking now?” Applejack asks walking in and sitting right by him.

“This is nothing compared to what I have to drink when I go to a meeting with my colleagues. So do what you need Jackie?” Blitz asks.

Applejack looks to him. “I’m getting worried Blitz, you seem more distanced today.”

“Yeah, that recent development means I got to leave for Canterlot soon. Asking for a meeting so publicly usually means only one thing when dealing with rulers.” Blitz says.

Applejack watches him carefully and makes sure nopony was listening before saying. “Blitz, are you sure you can do this? Besides, they are asking for Southern Cross, not you.”

“You ask for one, you ask for the whole team. That’s how we work even if only one is called to meet.” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs. “Blitz, is there something else?”

“I’ve had a lot on my mind for a while and need to sort it all out. Not good to leave it all like that for too long. I’ve seen it get somepony killed on the job because he was too distracted by it.” Blitz says.

Applejack nods. “Yeah, except one thing. That bottle…” She said pointing to it. “Big Mac came here and had that, the bartender called it the Relationship Sea. Supposed to help anypony with problems in that department.”

“Just came for something to calm the nerves. I’ll have to go meet the team in two days because of this and won’t be back till after the job is done.” Blitz says.

Applejack looked thoughtful wondering what could have him so conflicted as she tries to think of what it could be. She keeps trying to think until a beep sounded from him, making her look at him. Blitz just looks slightly annoyed now. “Blitz, don’t move and don’t turn around,” Minerva said in his earpiece.

“What is it?” Blitz whispers quietly, on edge in an instant.

Minerva was sitting in his chair looking at the cameras and screens trying to find out what’s wrong. “You got another bounty in the bar behind you, one of the ponies. Got a DNA signature, but not even my sensors can pick it up.”

“Equestrian bounty right?” He whispers.

Minerva shakes her head. “The terrorist bounty.”

“Applejack leave, I got work to do and it seems one of my team is here,” Blitz says seeing a suitcase in the crack of the door behind the counter.

Applejack looks a bit confused. “Alright, but come back and tell me everything. It’s not best to hide when you’re still hurting others.” She said before leaving.

“I’ll think about it, got to get my own thoughts straight first,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs. “Be safe.” She said before closing the door.

Blitz takes the bottle and jumps over the counter and into the back.

The pony sitting in the booth found itself alone until a few moments later, Blitz reappeared in his blue aerial armor on the other side pointing a blaster pistol at him.

“B…But how?” It asks shocked in its own language.

“You slipped up,” Blitz says shooting him with the stun setting. The pony grunts as the skin crawl before it started to morph itself into a chameleon creature.

‘Unfortunately, it is too cramped in here for the pad. I guess I will have to take you outside.” Blitz says applying the pad and dragging him outside by his tail before throwing him not so gently on the ground and activating the pad.

The ponies outside watch in a bit of a shock as Blitz was about to press the button, but stops. The chameleon looks to him. “What are you waiting for? Send me off.”

“Where are the last three?” Blitz questions as he notices Twilight and the CMC in the crowd.

The chameleon ticks his tongue. “I don’t know. We got paid and left on our own. We were on our way to Omega to enjoy life before some bastard shot our ship out of hyperspace and we got here.” The creature says.

“Gotcha,” Blitz says sending him away as he spots himself in the crowd taking a picture. ‘Minerva, huh? Thanks for the cover story.’ Blitz thinks before disappearing.

Twilight watches as he leaves. “Hey wait!” She yells rushing to where he stood before stopping. “Stallions. Never listen to mares.”

Minerva walks away first with the camera and rendezvous with Blitz where nopony could see or hear them.

“Thanks for my gear and the cover,” Blitz says. Minerva smiles as her body alters to her default form. Blitz smiles as he sees her naked form. “Sexy.” He then realizes what he’s doing. ‘Dang it.’

Minerva grows a bit worried. “Are you okay? I’m picking up a lot of negatives.”

“Did one of the probes show you today’s newspaper yet?” Blitz asks.

“One moment,” Minerva says and speaks again after a pause. “Ah, I see one of those.” She says.

“Yeah, also I think we just got another 580,000 creds,” Blitz says.

Minerva smiles. “I’m still upgrading and maybe order some more searcher tech and ammo and of course my favorite, the tech to get them.”

“Maybe consider more probes to cut down on the search time for this planet,” Blitz says.

Minerva nods. “I will, but…are you okay? You hardly go to a bar beside to ambush and trap our heads.”

“I just needed to clear my head now,” Blitz says.

Minerva nods and smiles. “Okay, but be careful, you know how reckless you are.” She said before going to him and taking off his helmet and kissing his cheek. “Good luck.” She said before taking the form of a random mare and walking away.

“Wait,” Blitz says decloaking the briefcase on his back. “Take the armor back,” Blitz says before taking the armor off with his magic and storing it. Minerva gives him the camera before taking the case and places it on her back before cloaking it and heading out into the streets.

‘Now I have to head ba…’ Blitz thoughts were interrupted when Twilight ran up. “Yes?”

“Can I please have the camera?” She asks.

Blitz looks at the camera on him before giving it to her. “Sure, I don’t need it.”

“Thanks, I will give it back after I develop the film,” Twilight says.

“So did you read the paper today?” Blitz asks.

Twilight nods. “Yep, I can’t believe Cadance didn’t tell me.”

“Who?” Blitz asks.

Twilight waves her hoof off. “Just the princess of love and the crystal kingdom.”

“There is a princess of love?” Blitz asks imaging a mare in a cupid costume with a heart-themed bow and arrow.

Twilight nods. “Yeah, I’ll introduce you one day, but for now, you want to see what I’m working on?”

“I wish I could, but I have to help with the barn today,” Blitz says sighing.

Twilight looks a bit disappointed. “Oh, well I have to work in a dark room anyway. And would be quite a little too much when still trying to train you.”

“Yeah, maybe tomorrow?” Blitz asks.

Twilight nods. “Yeah, that would work.”

“I’ll see you then at your library,” Blitz says.

Twilight smiles. “Okay, see you there.” She said before leaving.

Blitz takes a deep breath before heading back to the orchard and worked his flank off the rest of the day. “Ow.” He said to himself as he massages himself from the pain as he rested.

“Told you not to take so many at once,” Applejack says, a few cold packs on his back.

“Yeah, I should have listened,” Blitz says inwardly unhappy he removed the exoskeleton when put on his armor earlier.

Applejack laughs and hugs him. “Yeah, you should have.”

“But at least you had to only take one,” Blitz says.

Applejack grins. “That’s because you have to get used to this and fast. You’re also getting your exercise too.”

“Yeah, like my job doesn’t give me that,” Blitz says jokingly.

Applejack just smiles at him and leans her head on his shoulder. “It’s going to be until a few hours before you have to leave. What do you want to do until then?”

“I don’t leave tonight, I leave in two days in the morning,” Blitz says.

Applejack looks at him. “Well, you got anything you need to do for now?”

“Nothing comes to mind, so you heard what happen after you left?” Blitz asks.

Applejack nods. “Yeah, thanks for your pal helping us out there.”

“The thing was the pony at that booth behind us,” Blitz informs.

Applejack looks a little surprised. “Wow, what was he?”

“Well his species has no name translation for our language, they only have their own name,” Blitz says before he makes a strange hiss sound. “Try pronouncing that in our language,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs. “Well, want to go eat, my treat?”

“Yeah, may need help to get to the dinner table,” Blitz says.

Applejack giggles. “Alright you lazy pony, up and at em.” She said helping him up and leads him inside.

“Thanks, Jackie,” Blitz says.

Applejack turns to him. “What is family for?” She asks as she sets him down in a seat.

Five days later, Celestia and Luna were sitting on their thrones waiting. To the sides, there was the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolts, Twilight and her friends, and Cadance, Shining Armor, and his guards were posted all over the room. All of them were waiting as Twilight looked at the clock as it was eight minutes after the appointed hour.

Cadance smile as she leans over to Twilight. “Anxious about your coltfriend?”

“He is not and where is he? He was asked to be here eight minutes ago.” Twilight says.

Cadance smiles. “So…worried?”

“No, it’s just rude unless he didn’t read the paper and doesn’t know yet or he seen it days later and was far away and couldn’t make it.” Twilight starts her worry rant.

“Or he could have been here for nearly an hour waiting to see if you would notice.” A voice came from the middle of the court as Blitz appears in his blue aerial armor.

Everypony looks surprised as they watch him look around a bit. “How did we miss his magic?” Shining asks surprised. ‘Or is it so advanced we couldn’t detect it?’ Shining thought.

“You asked for my presence,” Blitz asks focusing on the royals on the throne.

Luna nods. “We did. Now we can begin.”

“You requested me to bring in somepony or take something out correct?” Blitz asks.

Celestia nods. “We have gotten some reports of a large creature, unlike anything we have ever seen before. It is a carnivore as multiple of our guards were eaten by it already. I am reluctant to do this, but we have already sealed off the area and our guards have made three attempts to take it down with no real success.” Celestia says.

“I gotcha. So what does the creature look like?” Blitz asks.

Shining Armor holds his hooves opens wide. “Big, big mouth, lanky arms, walks on two legs, and acts like an animal.”

Blitz thinks in quiet for a few moments before moving his forehoof and pushes a button. “This it?” Blitz asks as a small hologram of a Ranchor appears from the communicator.

Shining goes wide-eyed. “That’s it.”

“Ranchor, nasty things to say the least. So what is the bounty you are offering since you didn’t release the news to the public?” Blitz asks deactivating the hologram.

Celestia and Luna look to each other before looking back at him. “Access to whatever you want, bits and resources. We caught this thing near a village and we fear for their safety. Do this and you will have everything.” Luna said.

“You shouldn’t be so forward. Others of my clan might ask for an entire city.” Blitz warns.

Luna nods. “That’s why it’s only for you. We know only you can take it down and deal with the body. Besides, we don’t want other ponies to know about this or panic would ensue.”

“Very well, then you have to build me and my team a base to my speculations and swear that your country will never attack it for starters,” Blitz says.

Celestia nods. “Anything you need. Just get that thing out of our country.”

“Very well, we can discuss bits later,” Blitz says.

“I want to know the job is being done right. So you must take a few guards as well as two Wonderbolts and a Shadowbolt along.” Celestia insists.

“Fair enough,” Blitz says.

Spitfire, Soarin, and Shadow walk up to him. “You got us,” Spitfire said.

“Very well. Shining Armor who will you send?” Celestia asks.

Shining looks to Silver. “You, your lieutenant and I will go.”

“A real squad is made of five your short,” Blitz says.

Shining slightly glares at him. “We were the first ponies to deal with it and overlook the proceeding fights. I could pick a few more random guards soon.”

“Very well. Pick them and meet me in the Nocturn bar in the city tomorrow evening.” Blitz says disappearing.

Luna watches as he leaves. “Strange, I didn’t sense any magic from that.”

“There is much we do not know. It could be a more advanced magic than we have ever seen and that armor was very interesting. It was full body, yet their look to be no loss of maneuverability.” Celestia says.

Pinkie pops up between them. “Or it could be this.” She said showing them a video game poster with an armor around the same type as Cross.

“Pinkie Pie!” Shining Armor yells, using his magic to make her get away from the sisters.

Twilight sighs. ‘At least there is an insignia on him and it’s both of them. Wait, he said he would be waiting at the Nocturn bar tomorrow, that means I have a chance to talk to him.’ Twilight thinks and looks around to see Rainbow seemed to have a similar idea.

Twilight sighs and turns to Celestia. “Princess Celestia, may we go?”

“Twilight it is too dangerous, the creature ate guards whole,” Celestia says.

Twilight looks confused. “I meant back home.”

“Oh, yes, of course, you may,” Celestia says looking a little embarrassed.

Twilight smiles as she and her friends started to leave while Shining Armor and Silver went the other way to find their choices and the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolt went away to prepare, leaving the three princesses.

“Your thought?” Celestia asks.

Luna sighs. “Quiet, sneaky at best and looking for openings.”

“Feeling conflicted deep down, but suppressed,” Cadence says.

Luna looks to her. “But suppressed of what is the question. War and the terrors of it or something entirely different?”

“No, I think that isn’t the factor. He has seen a great number of battles, but I think it is training and experience that allows him to suppress those feelings.” Celestia says.

Cadance looks to them. “And the fact I feel some conflicting emotions?”

“I cannot say, did he have them before being told about the creature?” Celestia asks and Cadance nods. “Then it isn’t with the job and is personal most likely.” She says.

Cadance sighs. “Then let’s hope it doesn’t get in the way.”

“I must admit, he does unsettle me. His skills and his feats are already making him a legend. Word has reached even the griffon kingdom and the dragons have even heard of him.” Celestia says.

Luna smiles. “And he has many entrances.”

“This is serious Luna, remember what he said. Others of his clan. He is not the only one. There are more like him, maybe even better.” Celestia says.

Luna grins. “Even better.”

“Luna, walk on eggshells with him. If we mess up, we could be facing that clan.” Celesta says.

Luna shrugs. “As long as we respect them and treat them nicely.”

“That is just it, we must be careful not to insult them in any way, even if unintentionally,” Celestia says.

Cadance smirks. “Then let’s hope little Twilight doesn’t do anything brash.”

“Of course not. She’s going back to Ponyville, besides her new library and her castle still needs to be watching.” Celestia says.

“Since when have known Twilight to listen to herself after getting too invested in something? My wedding for example.” Cadance said.

“She has a healthy interest, nothing more. If I was about a thousand years younger I would be trying to learn more about him.” Celestia says waving it off.

Luna stays silent for a moment to let it sink in. “Should we stop her?”

“Could we if we tried, besides she also has an interest in a stallion, but I promised I wouldn’t say who it is?” Cadance asks.

Luna sighs. “Not really.”

The next day as the sun was setting, Twilight stood outside the Nocturn bar and gulped. “Ok, calm yourself Twilight, in here is Southern Cross, the one you have so many questions for,” Twilight says.

“Twilight we are here too,” Rainbow says.

Twilight glares at her. “Not helping.”

“Y…You can do this Twilight.” Fluttershy tries to encourage.

Twilight looks to her. “Thanks,” Twilight said before taking a deep breath and opening the door. Inside everything stopped and looked at them. Twilight saw the majority was bat ponies which fit the dim and cool temperature bar. Twilight chuckles a bit as she and her friends walk up to the bar. “Um…do you know where Southern Cross is?” Twilight asks. The bat pony briefly looks at them before pointing to a lounge to the side before returning to shining a glass. Looking they see him sitting waiting with what looked like what could be described as a fish dog with yellow scales and black stripes running along its body, blue pupilless eyes, and four long teeth protruding from its mouth. Its head laid on Southern Cross’s lap seemingly chewing something.

Fluttershy tilts her head. “What is that?”

Twilight looks at it confused too. “I think it’s a dog.”

“I’d be careful, that thing is vicious. They had a creature fight not too far from here with an Alpha Manticore as the champion. Southern Cross over there walked in with that thing and said it would fight it. The alpha died in less than thirty seconds of being ripped apart.” The bartender warns.

They looked at it carefully as it chewed on a bone as they got closer. “It’s…kind of cute,” Fluttershy said.

“Hear that Terran, somepony thinks you’re cute,” Blitz says scratching its head.

Terran growls and looks up at Fluttershy before snapping its jaws at her and then chewing the bone again.

“Be nice now Terran, she complimented you,” Blitz says as it kicked its hind leg.

Terran jumps down and goes over to Fluttershy before licking her despite having the bone in his mouth. The rest of the bar’s residents moved away to keep a distance from the creature.

“So what do you need princess?” Blitz asks.

Twilight steps up. “Well…” She pauses and tries to think of some, but before she could ask the doors open up and in walks Shining Armor.

“You’re early,” Blitz says getting up.

Shining was about to speak before seeing Twilight and the others. “What are they doing here?”

“I assumed the princess sent them here to speak on something,” Blitz says before whistling, getting Terran to return.

Shining looks to Twilight. “Twily, you need to leave. This doesn’t concern you.”

“I have questions for him BBBFF. I want to ask him everything.” Twilight says.

‘Great, I can barely talk to Twilight and she wants to ask me about everything.’ Blitz thinks.

Shining Armor sighs as he holds a hoof to his head. “So what are you going to ask him about?”

“Well…everything,” Twilight says smiling nervously.

Shining just frowns. “Twily, you can’t ask him everything.”

“I am also on a job now. I have to complete it before I can take on another request. When dealing with first-time clients, we are restricted to one job at a time unless there is a good reason or it aligns with the first job.” Blitz says.

Twilight brings her head down slightly. “Oh, but still, I have a lot of questions. Wait, what if I come with you and help, that way it would align with the first job.” Twilight says perking up.

“That would work, but I have no say in who my employers send,” Blitz says.

Twilight still remained perked up. “So…I can go?”

“He is in charge of that from what I understand,” Blitz says walking past Shining Armor and outside with Terran.

Twilight looks to Shining a bit pleadingly before he shakes his head no and follows Blitz right afterward, leaving Twilight to glare at him. “Hey! Captain of Royal Guards, I command you to let come!”

Shining froze. “Um…what was that Twily?” Shining asks nervously.

Twilight still glared at him. “I said, I order you to let me come along with this mission.” She said hard with every word.

“I…I…I…I can’t disobey an order from a princess.” Shining admits head down as if sulking.

Twilight smiles a bit before starting to walk where Blitz went. “Now come on Captain. We have to catch up to Cross.” She said as Shining nods and follows with his head down the rest of the mares following.

Outside Blitz walks out of the bar and sees the others of the party. “Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Shadow Runner, Silver Spear.” He greets as Terran walks out.

They eye the varren carefully. “Um…?” Spitfire tries to ask while pointing to him.

“My pet and tracker. Nothing has ever escaped him once he has caught the trail.” Blitz says.

They watch the varren still chewing on the bone. “Weird, but cool,” Shadow said.

“That is from an alpha manticore he tore apart yesterday,” Blitz adds making sure the other three guards didn’t get too close.

Fleetfoot backs away a little. “So, how bad is he?”

“He won’t kill or attack unless I say, for example since you volunteered, hold out your hoof,” Blitz says.

Fleetfoot looks a bit scared and slowly holds out a hoof.

“Terran, shake,” Blitz says and Terran walks up and puts its paw on Fleetfoot’s hoof and moves it up and down.

Fleetfoot looks a little surprised. “Wow…he’s like a dog.”

“That is a partial insult, he is much smarter, but he likes you, you got guts doing this,” Blitz says.

Fleetfoot smiles a bit. “Um…thank you.”

“Terran sit,” Blitz says and Terran sits down retracting his paw.

Spitfire looks to Blitz. “So what are we going to do?”

“I’m going to hunt and kill the Ranchor as the job entails, you ponies, I don’t know. Mainly I think you will just observe.” Blitz says.

Spitfire shrugs. “Well, we’re just there to make sure it’s gone or dead. I think we will just watch.”

“It’s good to see you got better,” Blitz says.

Spitfire blushes to the point where they can barely see it. “Yeah, we just needed a week to fully recover.”

“Good to hear,” Blitz says as Shining Armor and the mane six come out.

Blitz looks a little surprised as he looks back. “So…what’s the word?”

“Princess’s orders. They come.” Shining admits.

“Understood. We walk to this place or we going there another way?” Blitz asks.

Shining nods his head down the street. “The train station, we are taking the train there and it might take a few days.”

“Understood. Terran we are going.” Blitz says causing Terran to stand.

Soon everypony was waiting at the station for the military train to come up. “Excuse me?” A mare asks, coming up to them.

“Yes, can I help you?” Silver asks.

The mare nods. “Yes, I’m here for Southern Cross.”

“What do you need?” Blitz asks before seeing her mane moves a bit and sees a break of skin and sees a bit of metal under it.

The mare smiles. “Ah, good. I’m here to accompany you on your travels from now on.”

“And you are?” Blitz asks looking her way.

The mare giggles a bit. “The name is Miva. Nice to meet you.”

Blitz sighs. “Very well,” Blitz says. ‘Could have come up with something better Minerva.’ Blitz thinks.

Minerva nods. “Great, it’ll be a pleasure to help you.”

“You sure that’s ok?” Silver whispers.

“She will follow us regardless, best if it is where we can see her,” Blitz whispers back.

Minerva moves up to Blitz. “So, anything you need while you wait for your train?”

“This job is completely confidential,” Blitz says.

Minerva nods. “Of course, sir.”

“Silver you are going to have to watch her and make sure she doesn’t get into trouble,” Blitz says.

Silver nods. “Yes sir, but what should I watch out for?”

“Everything,” Blitz says.

Silver sighs. “Okay.” He then looks to Miva. “So, what do you usually do?”

Minerva smiles. “Assistance. I’m here as like a secretary to Southern Cross.”

“You will be of use after the job then,” Blitz says.

Minerva giggles. “Of course, I’ll be happy to help with anything you need.”

“The train is about to come into view,” Blitz says.

“What are you talking abo…” A guard starts till they start to hear a whistle that was very far off.

They all look to Blitz in confusion while Minerva and Terran just either chew on a bone or write on a notepad. After a while, a train comes into view that was actually armored than the regular train. As it stops and steams up, a door opens and out steps a Nightguard. “Here is your ride my ponies.” He said, stepping aside.

Blitz and Terran waste no time and gets on the train and the others follow and find the train they entered with a large table with some papers still stern about and the map of Equestria engraved on it. Shining turns to the Nightguard. “Why wasn’t I told about this train?”

The Nightguard shrugs. “Luna’s personal train for anything in Equestria and sometimes the connecting lands.”

“Get comfortable, this thing has lost ten percent of its speed for the armor. That is why it was exactly thirteen minutes and forty-eight seconds slow.” Blitz says sitting as Terran joined him.

The whole group looks a little surprised as the Nightguard looked indifferent and Minerva kept writing on the notepad. “How…did you calculate that?” Spitfire asks.

“I learned and calculated every train you have and also currently have power speed and fuel consumption,” Blitz says.

“Wow,” Twilight said. “And how did you get that far with all that information?” She asks heading inside and sitting down with everypony else.

“You would be surprised how easy it was,” Blitz says causing Shining Armor to reevaluate the security for the country.

Twilight sighs. “So…how long would this ride take since we are slowed down a bit?”

“I don’t know as I haven’t been told the location where this Ranchor is,” Blitz says.

Shining turns to him. “At least for a week in a regular train, this one may add two days.”

“Plus eight hours and twenty-six to thirty minutes,” Blitz said.

Shining frowns slightly at him. “I’m starting to get annoyed by that.”

“Your rulers ask me to do a job, I accepted. You can stomach a few observations.” Blitz says.

Shining sighs and turns to the Nightguard. “Let’s get this journey over with.” He said making the Nightguard nod and head to the front of the car and to the front of the train.

“You can start asking your questions, but I have the right to refuse to answer some,” Blitz says.

Twilight nods. “Okay, then.”

Act 1 - Chapter 4: Ditch and Blood

For a week, eight hours, and twenty-eight minutes, they rode the train before arriving much to Shining Armor’s charging. Though the mares were both shocked and disappointed Blitz didn’t take off his armor once.

Blitz sighs as he looks at the maps they were able to get in his room. “The probes couldn’t find anything more?” He asks Minerva sitting on his bed, writing on her ‘notepad’.

“No, it is far too strange that a Ranchor is here on the planet. It should have been noticed by somepony beforehand.” Minerva says.

“Agreed. Something is off.” Blitz says.

Minerva sighs as she lets go of the cover she’s using for a bit and shows that her notepad was actually a screen in front of her. “I’ll try to find any clues as you go in. Anything to lead us to what got that thing here.”

“Actually, withdraw our probes. If I am correct, they have been detected and the one behind this is hiding.” Blitz says.

Minerva sighs and hits a few things on the screen. “Done, anything else?”

“Leave the rest to me and Terran,” Blitz says rubbing her mane before walking away.

Minerva smiles before charging her cloak completely and changing back. “Let’s go, sir.” She said playfully.

Blitz gets up. “And that’s the first thing I want you to think on. I also don’t want cheap furniture once you finish giving me your best estimate for the bits needed.” Blitz says opening the door to leave and finds Spitfire there about to knock.

Spitfire quickly puts her hoof down. “Oh um…hi Cross. Um…” She looks away.

“We have arrived. Thanks for coming to get me.” Blitz says putting a hoof on her shoulder.

Spitfire looks to him. “Oh yeah, sure.” She said embarrassed as she then turns away and starts walking. Blitz walks with her as they leave the train. “Um…Cross?” Spitfire asks.

“Yes?” Blitz asks.

Spitfire turns to him. “Thanks for saving me.”

“Don’t mention it, I couldn’t just let a c…” Blitz stops, encountering the same problem as before.

Spitfire stops as he stopped. “What was that?”

“Sorry, its part of a problem I have,” Blitz says.

‘C, c, c, Cute!’ Spitfire thinks. “Cute?” Spitfire asks.

All Blitz did was nod while blushing heavily under his helmet.

Spitfire turns away, blushing a bit as well. “I…um…thank you.”

Blitz says nothing as he hurried forward.

‘Wow, didn’t figure Southern Cross to be shy to mares.’ Spitfire thinks.

They soon enter the meeting room and see everypony there already. “So, what do we got?” Blitz asks, slightly rushing to his seat.

“The creature has stayed in the valley so far and hasn’t come out of what we believe to be its perceived territory.” Shining Armor says.

Blitz nods. “Anything else I need to know?”

“Nothing we know.” Shining Armor says.

Blitz sighs. “Okay, I’ll start tomorrow at sunrise. I will see you back here two hours before that.” Blitz says before vanishing.

“Well, even after being in around him for a week, I still can’t understand him.” Rarity says.

The rest nods at that. “He’s…kooky.” Pinkie said.

“Don’t get me wrong, his mysterious charm is alluring.” Rarity says.

“And I can tell he is very caring by the way he treats Terran there,” Fluttershy says.

Rainbow shrugs. “I don’t know, but he is cool in his own way.”

Applejack remained quiet the entire time. ‘Did Southern Cross told to meet him, is that why he left to meet with my cousin?’ Applejack thinks.

Twilight looks at Applejack. “You okay?”

“Um…yeah, I’m ok.” Applejack says.

“Look out Rarity, you have competition,” Rainbow says.

Applejack blushes. “I don’t like him.”

“The blush speaks volumes,” Rainbow says.

Applejack just throws a pen at her which she dodges and it gets lodged into her seat.

“Defiantly.” Rarity says deadpan.

Applejack just throws papers at her.

Blitz reappears and walks the streets as he scans the village with his eyes. “Minerva, how far away am I?”

Minerva smiles as they see her still writing on her notepad. “The cave is on the outskirts of town. Just follow that street and I’m sure Terran would pick up the rest.”

Blitz stops when he sees a few ponies bullying a pegasus mare. “I’ll be there soon,” Blitz says.

The mare backs away as they approach her before she gives off a shrill scream and then launched herself at one and starts to pound away at him. The ponies were a bit surprised, but then recovered and started to hit on her as she and the other pony fell down.

The pony raised his hoof to hit her again but suddenly felt a hoof grabs his. He looked back and saw Blitz holding it. “What do you think you are doing?” Blitz asks threateningly.

The ponies start to back away as the mare stayed on the ground where she was rolled over. Blitz took one more step before the ponies started to run down an alleyway and leave them. Blitz sighs and looks to the mare on the ground. “You okay?” He asks holding out a hoof. Taking a good look he saw the pegasus had a light turquoise coat with an amber and gold streaked mane and gamboge eyes.

“Yeah, thanks Mr.?” She says taking his hoof.

“Southern Cross,” Blitz says pulling her up.

The mare sighs in relief as she was pulled up. “Lightning Dust.” She said while trying to hold her clothing together from the fight.

Blitz eyes the ripped Wonderbolt, almost, clothing. “Are you part of the Wonderbolts?”

“No, was a part of their academy until I was thrown out for reckless endangerment of my team and civilians.” She admires, looking empty.

“Your life dream, wasn’t it?” Blitz asks. Dust nods while Blitz looks where the ponies went. “So what was that about?” He asks pointing down the alley.

Dust sighs. “Simply, coming home. Course, when those guys saw my uniform they figure to have a little fun. I mean look how skintight this is.” She said showing him her flank a bit.

“I can see that and your eyes mostly look dead,” Blitz says trying to keep his eyes on her head.

Dust sighs. “That’s what happens when I got kicked out and never to return and almost raped.”

“You have nothing to live for then?” Blitz asks bluntly.

Dust shakes her head. “My family is actually dead. I was going to their home they left me when I got ambushed.” Blitz moved close to Lightning Dust as she teared up and hugged her. Dust sniffles a bit as she leans her head against his shoulder. “Thank you.”

“Dust, I have an offer. I may not be able to replace your family, but I can offer you a new life.” Blitz says.

Dust sniffs as she pulls back. “What is it?”

“Ever heard of bounty hunting?” Blitz asks.

Dust nods. “Yeah, why?”

“I will train you and take you with me, but if you accept my offer, you must forever bid your former life behind you and there is no going back,” Blitz says.

Dust looks at him before looking back at the town. “Are we traveling that much?”

“You have no idea, but I will be making a base soon,” Blitz says.

Dust sighs. “Okay, I got nothing left anyway.”

“Then welcome to the Mandalorians,” Blitz says motioning her to follow.

Dust starts to follow him as Terran stayed behind them. “So…what are you doing here?”

“Just follow me,” Blitz says as he led her out of town and to a place nopony could see in a forest’s clearing. “Minerva opens it up and lets us start her down the path of her new life,” Blitz says.

Minerva says nothing as something shimmers in front of them before an area of the air started to move and behind it was some darkness and few lights while a quiet whirring sound was spread out. “Come on in my friend,” Minerva said coming into view of them from the home in the air that was metal.

“This is the choice you made, Lightning Dust, don’t back down now,” Blitz says looking back at the slightly unsure mare.

Dust just keeps looking until she steps forward and Blitz smiles and leads her inside. “Welcome to the Darkstar One, my personal spaceship,” Blitz says.

Dust couldn’t believe her ears and was thinking she would wake up any moment now as she kept walking up the ramp with Blitz.

Blitz chuckles a bit before turning to Minerva. “Drop it later, for now, show her around. I’ll go prepare for the Ranchor.” Blitz says walking out before the ramp closed.

Minerva smiles as she turns to Dust who was still looking around. “Having fun yet?”

Dust turns to her. “This place is…awesome.”

Minerva giggles a bit. “Well, bedrooms are down the hall at the end. We only a guest bedroom so that’s yours. Bathrooms are connected to it. The kitchen is right over while here is the dining room, training room, and living room.” She said pointing. “And finally, up front is the cockpit and tech center. You’ll learn the other areas as soon as you need them, but first I will start teaching you what you need to know about the galaxy.” Minerva says.

Dust’s eyes widen. “Oh boy.”

Minerva giggles. “Oh boy, indeed. I’m going to have loads of fun.”

Silver yawned as he sat in the meeting room at the ungodly hour as he waited for Blitz. “Shouldn’t one of us have gone with him, at least looking at him through binoculars?”

“With his disappearing act. He could be anywhere.” Silver says as the Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Shadow Runner each had a cup of coffee.

Twilight sighs as she poured over her information she got while trying to drink something. “Has anypony seen Blitzkrieg? It’s been almost a week since I last saw him.”

“He had to go somewhere, something about buying something.” Applejack says half asleep.

Twilight sighs. “I was really hoping he can tell more.”

“Tell what now?” Rainbow asks after she just woke back up after her head hit the table when her head slipped from her hoof.

Twilight shakes her head and sips some more coffee. “Never mind.”

“You can sleep if you want,” Blitz says walking in with Terran.

They now all look surprised as they see him. “Cross, about time,” Shining says.

“I came early Armor,” Blitz says.

Shining sighs. “So you finished?”

“Preparations are done, now all that is left is the hunt,” Blitz says.

Shining nods. “Can we go or at least somepony to make sure it’s gone?”

“I just came from there. Three, two, one.” Blitz counted down before explosions were heard and then a roar of anger and pain.

They all looked shocked as they look outside and sees the smoke rising from the horizon and then back to him. “Was that…?” Spitfire tries to ask.

“It’s pissed and following the trail of blood and smell of fresh kills,” Blitz says starting to leave.

Shining looks aghast. “You brought it here?!”

“No, still in the valley actually going the other way,” Blitz says as he casually walks with Terran.

They all look outside again as they see some trees falling and rocks being sent into the air.

“Hitting the second wave right about now,” Blitz says as more explosions were heard.

They keep watching as a fireball went up into the air. “Anything else we should worry about?” Fleetfoot asks.

Shadow was just gorging on popcorn. “Or enjoy?”

“Um, shouldn’t we you know follow Cross?” Silver asks noticing he was barely seeable.

“Oh right.” They all say before they follow him out and sees him sitting down in a large clearing with a large rock bridge over the only entrance through the valley with Terran laying down beside him.

The pegasus was watching from the air as the third cloud of smoke went up with another roar. “How many are there?” Shining asks.

“Four, but they won’t kill it,” Blitz says as they see a large claw grab the side of the cliff face come into view.

Everypony soon backs off. Blitz sighs as he sits up again. “Let’s get this over with.” He said taking a blaster pistol as the Ranchor comes into view. To the ones watching it was a massive monster that was burned and hurt. It sees Blitz and roars and charges as Blitz casually strolls towards it. Once the Ranchor gets close enough Blitz fires his blaster hitting a concealed explosive on the rock bridge setting it off and causing a chain reaction that collapses it and it falls and slams the Ranchor in the back crushing its back and pinning it as it roars in agony.

Blitz smiles. “Sorry, I’m just doing my job,” Blitz says shooting the blaster one last time silencing the Ranchor forever.

They all soon go to him and sees the Ranchor down the casein dead. “So…it’s over?” Twilight asks.

“Not quite,” Blitz says walking up to the corpse and withdrawing claws and starts cutting at its head. “If I am right, then it should be right…ah ha.” Blitz says ripping out some metal with flashing lights.

Twilight looks at it. “What is it?”

“Nothing to concern yourself over. Terran.” Blitz calls. Terran’s head shoots up and goes to him. “Find them, boy,” Blitz says as Terran start sniffing the metal. After a few moments, Terran’s yellow eyes turn red. “Go get them!” Blitz yells and Terran shoots off like a bullet.

“I will leave clean up to you royal guards,” Blitz says running after Terran.

“Um…sir, should we follow him or dispose of the corpse as the princesses want?” Silver asks.

Shining just looked a little stunned. “I…” He sighs. “Let’s get rid of the corpse. There’s no point in following him when we couldn’t even do it here.”

“But that was following him, but we can follow his pet which he is following,” Spitfire says as she, Fleetfoot, and Shadow Runner unfurled their wings.

Shining sighs. “Just stay out of sight.”

The three didn’t respond as they took to the sky. Shining Armor looked back to the corpse to see the mane six inspecting it. “Are you sure you want to do that?” He asks them.

Rainbow punched the nose and there was no response. “It’s definitely dead,” Rainbow says.

“Twily, help us get the rocks off it so we can burn the thing.” Shining Armor asks.

Twilight sighs and uses her magic to lift the rocks off. “There.”

“Fire!” Shining Armor yells as the unicorn guards started to throw fire spells.

The three pegasus mares were surprised at the speed that Terran was booking it through the forest with Blitz right on his tail.

“Does anypony know what’s ahead?” Spitfire asks.

“I’m unfamiliar with this area.” Shadow Runner says.

“There is an old abandoned mine not too far ahead. I know because my hometown is nearby.” Fleetfoot says.

Spitfire looks to her. “Think you can guide us while hidden?”

“We are doing a good job already.” Fleetfoot looks distracted.

Spitfire keeps looking at her. “What’s eating you?”

“It’s just last night, ponies say they saw some strange lights. Normally that wouldn’t bother me, but with the appearance of that, Ranchor, is that what he called it?” Fleetfoot asks.

Shadow Runner looks to them. “So you think they are connected?”

“Maybe, I’m not sure. It just seems that he either chases the strange or he is always there.” Fleetfoot says.

Spitfire sighs. “Well, maybe we can ask him when this whole thing is over.”

“Or she will ask him to sign that latest copy of Daring Do that stars him.” Shadow teases.

“How did you know about that?!” Fleetfoot yells while blushing.

“Also that picture of him you keep in your favorite pillow.” Shadow continues.

Fleetfoot moves over and starts to pound her in midair as Shadow laughs.

‘At least it wasn’t me.’ Spitfire thinks as she keeps her eyes on Terran.

After a while, they finally reach the mining town and sees it mostly abandoned. “What happened here?” Spitfire asks.

“Mine was closed down, but it was completely abandoned,” Fleetfoot says suspiciously.

They start to fly down and soon ended up behind an old building and sees Blitz and Terran walking down the main street. “Okay boy, where to now?” Blitz asks. Terran growled, his spikes standing on end. “Gotcha boy,” Blitz says before he puts what looked like a metal helmet on its head. “Why don’t you come out? I know you’re here, if you don’t I’m not afraid to burn this ghost town down to make you.” Blitz says shooting a short burst of his flamethrower into the air to reinforce his point.

A deep thudding sounded out as a large creature came around a corner. “Nice job, very nice job.” The large heavily armed creature said before smashing a building near him and destroys the front wall. “Want a drink before one of us kills the other?”

Blitz waits as he received the data on this creature. When it did, all he got was mostly unknown until his rap sheet and bounty showed up. 1,000,000 dead. “Save the drinks, I came for answers why there was a Rancher here and I find you. I think I will collect your bounty Warlord Krank.” Blitz says as the aliens hidden started showing themselves with their guns trained on him. The three hidden mares could only watch at what they thought would be Southern Cross’ death.

Krank growls softly. “You do realize why the bounty is so high, right?”

“Yeah and this is also personal for me now. I will avenge my brother and sister Mandalorians you killed. Terran, sick the thugs. This is my prey.” Blitz says and Terran shot off to the side and for an unlucky alien his arm was torn off.

“Kill that bounty hunter and his Varren!” Krank yells as he runs around the corner.

Blitz takes out his blaster and starts firing wildly as he moved around as best he could while lasers erupted from all sides and started to hit almost everything. Terran growls as he rips an alien’s throat out and then runs to the other side and over Blitz as he ducks and allows him to jumps over as he still fires away and Terran runs to the alien on the other side and goes to his second ready kill until the alien’s barrier went up and he charged tearing apart anything he could get his teeth or claws on.

The mares could only gape as they watch him bob and weave through all that. “Is that magic?” Shadow asks as a leg flies across their field of vision.

Spitfire could gape slightly. “Which one, the movement or weapons?” She asks as Terran moves past Blitz as he dodges him and allows him past while still dodging the lasers, almost in a form of a dance.

“Both,” Fleetfoot says.

“What is wrong Krank, can’t understand why neither you nor your thugs can hit me?” Blitz asks.

His only answer was an explosion to a building and debris falling down as Terran comes around and they both start to either move through it or evade it and, in Terran case, jump on it. Blitz then points to the right and Terran rushes that way. “You see, I have always had a gift for predicting trajectory, range, time lapse, structural weaknesses, and limits. I can predict every one of your shots and if I know where they will be, it is easy for me to avoid them and it makes acts like this easy.” Blitz says shooting his blaster, hitting one of Krank’s missile launchers and causing it to spark before it explodes.

Krank growls as he looks to his busted launcher before reaching behind him as his other modified arm lets the launcher fall and he places in a new weapon. He then points to Blitz before firing a straight blue laser at him.

Blitz barely moves and the laser misses his head. He responds by shooting something small from his forehoof’s armor that goes up the laser barrel and after a few seconds of beeping it explodes destroying the entire arm. Krank roars before running at him and tries to swipe at him.

“Now this is just sad, did you really kill other Mandalorians?” Blitz asks dodging and blasting him in the leg. Krank roars at him and charges at him, but Blitz jumps out of the way and lets him charge into a building that soon collapses. Blitz chuckles a bit as he shoots behind him without looking and takes out one more shooter. “You are an idiot.”

“That’s it, everything dies!” Krank yells as several parts of his body open up and reveal missile launchers.

‘Oh great, I got to get with Terran and what are they doing here!’ Blitz thinks spotting the three mares before running towards them and whistles to Terran as the missiles start launching into the air. “Maximum output,” Blitz says as Terran reached him and the mares and a purple energy barrier expanded from Terran and around all five.

The Wonderbolts and Shadowbolt watches as the energy barrier goes past them and the explosions and debris hit the outside. “How long can this hold up?” Shadow asks.

“It should be able to hold for this one barrage, but this ghost town will be leveled,” Blitz says as his own armor’s power reserves were being drained to power the barrier.

The Wonderbolts watches as most of the buildings start to either be destroyed or collapse from the stress of holding itself up in this now destructive environment. “Can you get him?” Spitfire asks.

“This is his trump card,” Blitz says unholstering his second blaster pistol.

Fleetfoot looks to his weapons. “And you can kill him like that, without this shield?”

“The shield drops before this barrage ends and you four will die. I will survive because of my armor. The question is what will give first, the barrier or his ammo.” Blitz says.

They all watch as the shield keeps sending energy waves as it was hit directly and debris fell on top of them. “Maybe the old buildings will protect us.” Shadow offers.

“Or crush us underneath the weight like the Ranchor,” Blitz says as he notices the barrier straining.

They soon turn their attention to Blitz as he looks his foreleg screen and watches a gauge. “Come on. Come on. Hold out.” He said to himself as the bar falls.

Krank cackles as the final missile hits causing a massive explosion. “Always wanted to use that.” He said to himself as the smoke clears and sees most of the town has been leveled and nothing of evidence of a shield. “Hum, good riddance.” He said before walking away.

“You lost your final gambit.” Blitz’s voice was heard before two blaster bolts hit his last two guns, destroying them.

Krank turns around wide-eyed to see Blitz walking out of the smoke. “How did you survive that?”

“Terran’s barrier trumped your barrage,” Blitz says shooting him in the legs.

Krank roars before trying to charge again but was slowed down by his busted legs.

“Bounty claimed,” Blitz says shooting once more blasting Krank’s head off his shoulders.

The Wonderbolt mares screamed a little in surprise as the body fell down without any support.

“I had hoped to keep this secret from the rest of Equestria,” Blitz says turning to them before inspecting them for injuries. “Are any of you hurt?” Blitz asks.

Shadow just shows a slight cut on her foreleg, Fleetfoot just had some of her outfits ripped, but fine and Spitfire some bruises. “We’re okay,” Spitfire said after looking themselves over.

“Who was that?” Fleetfoot asks looking around.

“Krank the destroyer. A self-styled warlord that destroys anything that resists him. That thing I pulled out of the Ranchor’s head was a control unit. Krank installed it to control it and would have used to destroy and conquer.” Blitz says.

All three mares look to where Krank’s body is. “So…we don’t need to worry about him, right?” Fleetfoot asks.

“He’s dead, but his plans might not be, your leaders are going to have to start playing a bit of intrigue to find out if they are. I may have cut off the head of the snake, but the body doesn’t die immediately.” Blitz says. “I’m also sorry that your hometown was destroyed,” Blitz says putting a hoof on Fleetfoot’s shoulder.

The mares looked shocked. “How did you…?” Spitfire asks.

“I researched each member of both your teams during the time I was guarding you to see if there was a possible personal reason for the crippler to have a vendetta,” Blitz says.

Fleetfoot sighs. “Its okay, this town was too old for anypony to get through. I doubt anything survived besides wood.”

“I got something!” Shadow calls going through some broken wood before she pulls out a wine bottle. “It says, wow, this bottle is around a few hundred years old.”

“That’s great, great, grandmother’s prized bottle,” Fleetfoot says shocked.

Blitz smiles as he turns to her. “Looks like something survived for you. Be happy you got something, most don’t have that chance.”

“And I wouldn’t have that chance if you didn’t save my life twice now,” Fleetfoot says hugging him.

“Aww,” Shadow said as she saddled up next to Spitfire. “That’s a cute couple.” Spitfire was giving Fleetfoot a death glare for what she was doing. “Oh, somepony is jealous,” Shadow adds.

Spitfire hits her. “Am not.”

“Oh you so are, maybe I’ll get a turn next,” Shadow says.

Spitfire frowns. “Shut up. Besides he is shy from what I gathered so I bet he is blushing greatly under his helmet.” Spitfire whispers the last part.

‘Oh, he is shy, huh?’ Shadow thinks smirking.

As Spitfire had guessed, Blitz was blushing like crazy under his helmet and unable to speak. He then feels another weight on him. “Thanks for everything,” Shadow said hugging him.

‘I will kill that mare.’ Spitfire thinks.

Blitz pushes them off and turns around. “Well…you two better get going, I’m sure everypony is anxious to see you all.”

“What about these things?” Spitfire asks pointing to the corpse and the destroyed weapons.

“I will destroy them so nopony who is militaristic gets a hold of them and tries to reverse engineer them and gets the thoughts in their heads to go out and conquer others,” Blitz says.

Spitfire sighs and nods. “Okay, but try to get back at the train.”

“What are you talking about, I’m thinking of building the base here,” Blitz says.

They look around. “What base?” Shadow asks.

“Don’t you remember, I told your rulers up front they had to build me and my team a base as the upfront payment,” Blitz says.

Fleetfoot looks to the slight outcrop near the outskirts. “You want to build it here?”

“Why not, this town is very well located and one of the potential spots that were discussed. Also if we start building here we can cover all of this up because it is also involved with the Ranchor.” Blitz says.

Fleetfoot sighs. “Okay, just…”

“And we can bring your hometown back to life,” Blitz says walking over to the first destroyed weapon.

Fleetfoot still looked a little down as Spitfire starts to pat her back.

“Starting with that building,” Blitz says gesturing to Fleetfoot’s family home, catching her off guard.

Spitfire smiles and turns to her. “See, maybe you can revisit this place once it’s done.”

“Spitfire, a request,” Blitz says motioning her over.

Spitfire walks over to him. “Yes?”

“Could I borrow Fleetfoot for this project, ask an advisor?” Blitz whispers.

Spitfire looks a bit shocked as she looks back to Fleetfoot. “I…I don’t know. But this is her choice.” Spitfire whispers back before turning to Fleetfoot. “Hey Fleetfoot, how about you help supervise the rebuilding of the town?!” Spitfire yells.

Fleetfoot’s eyes widen as she gasps a little. “Really?”

“Yeah, Southern Cross is asking for you personally as a favor from us,” Spitfire says.

Fleetfoot looks around a bit before looking back at him and nods. “Okay, I’ll do it.”

“You got your answer,” Spitfire says.

“Ok, do inform the rest please, I’ll meet you there soon,” Blitz says looking the destroyed weapon over.

Shadow smiles as she hooks her leg around her shoulder. “So…want to get back or stay a little longer?”

“We are going you two!” Spitfire says getting into her drill instructor tone.

Shadow just smiles as Fleetfoot takes off. “I wasn’t part of your team.” She calls before taking off after them.

“Terran.” Blitz calls.

Terran growls as he pads over to him.

“Go and have fun hunting down the stragglers,” Blitz says.

Terran growls happily and runs off.

Twilight watched as the last of the Ranchor’s bone turn to ash as the unicorn guards were resting from constant use of fire spells for the last two hours. “That’s it. That’s the last of the creature.” Shining Armor says.

“It reeks here,” Rainbow says flying back, holding her nose.

“I think Southern Cross left us with the short end of the stick,” Twilight says.

Rainbow frowns. “What do you think Twilight? He just left us with the good stuff?”

“I’m more curious about that metal he ripped out of its head, that wasn’t there naturally,” Twilight says.

Shining sighs as he looks over the ashes. “I don’t think there is anymore.”

“We are back,” Spitfire says landing.

Twilight and the others look to them. “What happened?”

“Well, it seems the thing was being controlled. The culprit was called Warlord Krank. Southern Cross has already dealt with him.” Spitfire says.

Shining looks a bit surprised. “Really now, so it’s over, no more other connections?”

Spitfire’s show she needed to talk to him in private on that and Shining nods. “Go into town and rest guards.” Shining orders.

The guards follow the orders and Shining moves over to her. “What is it?”

“He said even though Krank is dead, he might have set plans into motion that would outlive him.” Spitfire whispers.

Shining looks a bit shocked. “Does he know what the plan is?”

“No, he says that to make sure the royals might have to do some intrigue,” Spitfire whispers back.

Shining sighs and nods. “Okay, I’ll try to arrange a meeting with the princess as well.”

“He isn’t going to leave, he says he is calling in the upfront fee already,” Spitfire says.

Shining raises an eyebrow. “Let me guess, that base of his?”

“Yes, he also said starting the construction there will cover the battle and with it being a part of this incident, he is doing the princesses a favor,” Spitfire says.

Shining sighs. “Okay, he just needs to give us the plans and well get building.”

“He isn’t leaving, he is starting the clean up by himself,” Spitfire says.

Shining slightly glares at her. “Then how will we know what to bring for supplies?”

“Well yesterday, when I went to get him, he was talking to that one mare that joined us unexpectedly at the train station. He said something about not wanting cheap furniture and to give him an estimate on the price later. So talking to her might be the best thing.” Spitfire says.

Shining nods and looks around. “Where is she?”

“Wasn’t that Silver Spear’s job to keep…oh right, you had him do something else,” Spitfire says.

Shining sighs. “I wish I hadn’t sent him off after learning this.”

“We will look for her, come on Rainbow.” Spitfire calls as she walks away.

Rainbow quickly follows as they fly off.

“Oh, don’t forget to check her room first!” Pinky yells through a megaphone.

Everypony tried to right themselves as Pinkie looks back to their messed up and puffed up mane and coat. “How…?” A guard asks.

Spitfire was reluctant but followed her advice and found Miva asleep in the bed. Spitfire walks over and shakes her awake. “Excuse me?” She asks.

“Um…huh…what, no, the beer is under the elephant, I swear!” Miva says jolting awake.

“Um…we have a few questions that don’t involve beer or elephants,” Spitfire says.

Minerva looks up and sees Spitfire and Rainbow standing above her. “Can I help you?”

“Yes, you and Cross were talking about building a base, right?” Spitfire asks and Miva only smiled.

“He wants it made out of stone and steel?!” Shining Armor yells.

Spitfire nods. “Yeah, guess it must fit his style of weapons and armor.”

“Tha…that is unacceptable, it is far too expensive!” Shining yells.

Spitfire sighs. “The princess promised them anything he needed. I’m sure they could find it somewhere.”

“But you know how much that would cost, we don’t even spend that much on the barracks or an outpost for the royal guards!” Shining Armor kept ranting.

“What do you think princess Twilight?” Spitfire asks.

Twilight pouts her lips slightly. “We need his help, how would it look when we can’t deliver what we promised?”

“So, send the letter to the other princesses and have them start sending ponies and materials with the report?” Spitfire asks.

Shining looks to the ashes before sighing. “Alright, write it. I hope he can help with the building process, maybe help find a way to build all of it faster.”

Celestia, Luna, and Cadence were having tea when a letter appeared before them. “Oh, it must the finished report,” Celestia said smiling.

“You want me to get it or keep telling you about the stallion Twilight is crushing on?” Cadence asks.

Celestia smiles at her. “No, but I hope they have a nice relationship.” She said taking the letter and opening it while sipping her tea. She then spit-takes to Luna as she read what it said. “What?!”

“What is it, sister?” Luna asks wiping off the tea.

Celestia grabs the letter with her hooves. “He wants a base out of stone and metal?! Mostly metal?!”

“So, Cadence’s castle is made of crystal. By the way, shouldn’t you reinforce that?” Luna asks.

Cadence smiles. “Crystals are almost to the level of diamonds, only something of that strength can destroy it.”

“Luna, do you not know how expensive that is, plus it isn’t part of the money for the job,” Celestia says dread washing over her.

Luna looks a bit confused before taking out some material lists and looking it over. “Let’s see, metal, metal.” She then spots the material. “What?! That much for one six foot long piece of metal?!”

“What does the rest of the letter say?” Cadence asks.

“Let’s see…oh, okay, I’m more inclined to build it now.” Celestia says.

They look to her surprised. “What makes you say that?” Luna asks.

Celestia shows them the rest of the letter and their eyes narrow. “Alright, I’ll start getting my ponies to look into it,” Luna says.

Celestia sighs. “At least this will help establish their dominance and position here.”

“So an investment then?” Cadence asks.

Celestia nods. “As long as they keep protecting us.”

“Well, at least we know where to look if anything happens as well,” Luna asks.

Cadance smiles. “I’m sure they will help a lot, considering this is now mutual.”

“And they are good at keeping confidentiality,” Luna says.

Celestia sighs. “Well, at least we can give them a home also.”

“And maybe one day they will be the royal guards,” Luna suggests.

Cadance giggles. “I doubt that, with all their work and life.”

“Then bodyguards,” Luna says.

Cadance shakes her head. “Planet guard maybe, with all the creatures he’s capturing.”

“I wonder how long it will be till the Griffon kingdom and the other counties will start seeking him out?” Celestia ponders.

Luna looks to her. “Maybe we should make a treaty with him or at least for the planet.”

“Luna, why do you keep saying planet?” Cadence asks confused.

Luna looks to Cadance. “You do realize I was banished to the moon and saw everything from there?”

“In Equestria?” Cadence asks.

Luna shakes her head. “Have you noticed that many of the ships we send out across the ocean have only a few that returned?”

“Um…no.” She says.

Luna shakes her head. “Think, where are most of our foreign dignitaries coming from?”

“Across the sea from the eastern continent.” She says.

Luna raises an eyebrow at her. “And you think it is flat, all the lands of this existence”

“Huh?” She says completely lost now.

Luna sighs. “Take a look at the stars and you would see they come by once a year, certain constellations. If the land was flat, like you are thinking, then we would see stars on the horizon while seeing the sun peek out.”

Before Cadence could reply Celestia spoke up. “Ok, so I think we will need many stonemasons, engineers, and construction workers,” Celestia says looking over the request again.

Luna nods. “I’ll see if I can also place a donation system for those in favor of his stay. And maybe now is a good time as any for changing the tax rules. Low taxes for the nobles and high for the poverty ponies, Tia?”

“Can we get a map to see the exact location?” Cadence asks.

“How did the tax laws end up like that?” Celestia asks.

Luna glares slightly at her sister. “Maybe it has to do with the ponies you left in charge of the tax department when I was banished. Really, nobles? They would save their bit bag then choose fairness.” She said taking out a map.

“Well, they were the only ones who halfway understood it,” Celestia says smiling nervously.

About two weeks later, Blitz walks into the Apple family farmhouse and just collapses on the sofa. “At least this can’t get any worse.”

“Hey there Blitzy.” Applejack says petting his head.

Blitz just groans. “Not now Jackie, I’m tired.”

“I’m here to comfort you. So rough last few weeks?” She says continuing her petting.

Blitz still groans. “You have no idea.”

“Hold on, I’ll get you a pillow, a blanket, and something to drink.” Applejack says.

Blitz smiles as he lays his head back. “You’re the best Jackie.”

“Yer darn totting.” She calls.

Blitz laughs as he feels something on top of him. He opens his eyes and looks to Applebloom there. “Hey, kid.”

“I missed ya,” Applebloom says smiling.

“Glad to hear it,” Blitz says.

“Y’all look like you have been through an iron pony competition after another,” Applebloom says.

“Not quite, but close enough,” Blitz says.

Applebloom smiles. “So…did you bring me anything?” She asks with a pleading look.

“How about this?” Blitz says lifting out a statue of Southern Cross in his blue armor from his clothes with his magic.

Applebloom takes it and looks it over. “Oh wow, this is cool. Thanks, Cuz.”

“No problem.” He says petting her head, careful to avoid the bow.

Applebloom smiles at the sensation before jumping off. “I got to find a place to put this.” She said running to her room.

“I’m glad it made her happy,” Blitz says.

Applejack smiles as she walks back in with a pillow, blanket and a cup of something cold. “Cold hard cider, really helps with aches and pains.” She said placing it in his hoof before placing and adjusting the pillow and blanket.

“Thanks, Jackie, I need this,” Blitz says relaxing a bit and rubbing his head as his magic grabs the cider.

Applejack nods. “No problem.”

Blitz smiles before thinking of something. “Jackie, why are you treating me like this?”

“Because I know you have had a hard two weeks, after all, you were helping Southern Cross with that monster and most likely helping to build the base from the shadows.” Applejack says.

“Yeah, I set every one of those explosives,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs and sits down near him and starts to pet his head again. “Do you have another job now?”

“Not yet on a small break, but we decided to only charge the princesses only a hundred bits to their shock and we will be needing to earn more bits to start furnishing the base, hire other ponies, rebuild or build new buildings. The list just keeps going on and on and we have hunted down so many bounties so fast that there is either no big bounties to chase or they went into hiding. As such, we decided to leave Equestria for a bit and hunt in the Griffon kingdom for a while and try our luck there.” Blitz says.

Applejack looks a little surprise. “So…how long would you be gone, a month, a year?” She asks looking away and stopping her petting.

“No way will it be a year. Months at least, though we have a goal and we are going for it.” Blitz says.

Applejack nods. “So how long are you going to be gone completely once again?”

“Don’t know yet. But I’ll tell you what, I’ll buy you something nice when I get back.” Blitz says, his eyes now closed.

Applejack looks to him. “Nice huh?” She sees him asleep and takes the drink away before pulling the blanket around him. “Night Blitzy.”

“Jackie,” Blitz says in his sleep, curling up.

Applejack smiles as she watches him a bit before getting up and heading to her room. “Oh, Blitz.”

“So you are telling me your job is taking to the griffon kingdom?” Twilight asks, her eyebrow raised.

Blitz nods. “Yeah and was wondering if you can help me learn about their culture and ways so I don’t offend, on top of teaching me more magic for the next month.”

Twilight watches him for a bit before nodding. “Alright, we’ll start with the culture.” She said taking a book with her magic and opening in front of him as she sits beside him. Blitz blushes a bit and tries to scoot away, but Twilight’s wing wraps around him, preventing it. “This will also be another relationship lesson.” She said winking at him.

Blitz was blushing full on as she started. After a while, they finally made it past the whole book faster than expected as Twilight closes the book. “There, so you get it?” She asks turning to him.

“Don’t get the whole feather plucking thing, but yeah,” Blitz says as he focused on the lesson.

Twilight smiles. “Great, magic time.” She said taking out another book and a few random items. “Next line in teleportation, hope you’ve been practicing.”

Blitz smirks as he teleports the book out of Twilight’s magic aura and into his hoof. “I’m not sure.” He says coyly.

Twilight giggled. “Then transport all this at once.” She said pointing to the many items on the table.

“Where to?” Blitz asks.

Twilight just points to the flowers, bows, and chokers on the table. “On me. To see if you can send an item on a living creature all at once.”

“Ok, I think I can do that,” Blitz says focusing on the spell. Twilight watches carefully as items get encased in his magic aura before he lets go and sends them off. “Did I do it?” He asks.

“Why don’t you check?” Twilight asks.

Looking at Twilight, Blitz stopped cold as he saw she had the items applied perfectly and she was looking beautiful to him, causing him to lose control of his blushing.

Twilight blushes a bit too as she circles a hoof on the ground. “I hope this isn’t too much. I just thought that the guise of training might help.”

Blitz tries to speak, but nothing comes out which he was at least not babbling like an idiot. Twilight sighs and holds a hoof to his mouth, making him become quiet. “Don’t speak.” She said before removing her hoof and moving closer to him before leaning on his chest.

Blitz immediately shut his mouth and just stays in place. Twilight smiles as she slightly nuzzles his chest making his heart beat faster as she can it. “I can hear it, you know.” She said.

At that point, it seemed to slow down to her confusion until it sped up at what sounded like twice the previous speed. “That can’t be healthy,” Twilight remarked.

She keeps listening as the speed stayed the same until she wanted to know what was bothering him and looks up at him still blushing as he tries to look down at her.

She smiles and leans up. “Relax.” She says laying her head on his shoulder. Twilight watches and listen as Blitz starts to calm down a little and smiles. “See…its working.”

Blitz still couldn’t say anything, but he was happy he was regaining control. ‘Maybe these sessions are helping me.’ Blitz thinks.

Twilight breathes in his scent as she watches him almost regain complete control. “See…you’re getting it now,” Twilight says as she closes in to his face before being interrupted by the door slamming open. “Hey Twilight, we are supposed to go flying!” Rainbow calls before seeing the situation.

Twilight remained locked in place where she is as Blitz was too freaked out to even move. Rainbow keeps watching until she goes back outside and closes the door and then they can hear loud laughter.

“Rainbow,” Twilight growled releasing Blitz, causing him to fall down on the floor. “Sorry Blitz, we will have to continue this tomorrow,” Twilight says.

“Um…ok.” Blitz managed.

“At eight in the morning,” Twilight said walking out the door.

“Um…yes ma’am,” Blitz says.

“Good boy.” Twilight patting his mane.

Blitz blushes a bit. “Twilight.” He whines quietly.

Twilight smiles. “Now you’re learning about a few boundaries when needed, but you did like it, right?” She asks carefully.

He had a massive blush on his face and he drew circles on the floor with his hoof. “It was…” He stops and looks at her. “One of the most amazing things I was feeling.”

“Oh, let us see about tomorrow’s lesson,” Twilight says with a slight blush. “Oh Rainbow,” Twilight says in a sing-song voice. She quickly turns back to him. “Question, do you want me to keep wearing this?” She asks pouting to the black choker with small white frills around it, slightly purple bow and pink flower.

“O…only if you want to,” Blitz says rubbing his hoof behind his head.

Twilight smiles. “Then I think I will, for you.” She said heading out and then looking back to him one last time. “You do realize you’re talking to me a lot better and not passing out, right?” She asks before quickly going outside and closing the door.

Blitz had a shocked face as he thought. ‘Oh, I’m a little scared of tomorrow’s lesson.’

“Um…Twilight, I’m here.” Blitz says walking into the library.

“Oh come in, I have an assistant in teaching you today,” Twilight says.

“Oh, who…” Blitz stops seeing Rainbow in a dress and with different colored bows in her head. “Da…ah…oh…” He stutters.

“Rainbow has ‘graciously offered’ her assistance in helping you to be able to talk to mares and not just me,” Twilight says.

Blitz stutters a bit more as he walks a bit backward while Twilight approached him in yesterday’s outfit. “I think I realized that it gets easier as you know the mare, but Rainbow is barely known to you so it’s a good lesson.” She said getting a bit closer before moving behind him and starts to lead him along.

“O…okay,” Blitz says.

“Now Rainbow, time to start,” Twilight says.

Rainbow just stayed frowning. “What the heck am I supposed to say?”

“Oh don’t worry, I got this to help,” Twilight says bringing out a heart-shaped item.

“What is that?” Rainbow asks suspiciously.

“Oh, something I got Cadence to send me,” Twilight says.

Blitz gets a bit worried. “It won’t…make us fall in love, will it?”

“No, just Rainbow for a little bit,” Twilight says.

“Wait, what!?” Rainbow yells.

Twilight throws the item at Rainbow and it bursts into dust, making her blink and breathe a bit more heavily.

“Um…Twilight, I don’t think me or Rainbow signed up for this.” Blitz says now worried.

Twilight smiles. “You need to handle a mare who’s too much and forward for your liking.”

“B…but, isn’t that a little too advanced for me right now?” Blitz asks as the pink smoke starts to clear.

Twilight sighs. “Blitz, you’re going to be facing mares soon and they won’t be like me so you have to do this.”

“But…but…but…” Blitz tries to form an argument before he noticed Rainbow was staring at him.

Rainbow grins as she moves one of her dress straps off. “That is a sexy stallion if I ever saw one.” She said lustfully.

“Um…R…Rainbow what are y…you do…doing?” Blitz asks as he starts backing up.

Rainbow licks her lips. “Having fun with the sexy stallion in front of me.” She said reaching for her other strap.

“Twilight, please tell me she isn’t going to rape me,” Blitz says looking at her now obviously afraid.

“There, there, I’m not going to do that.” He hears Rainbow whisper into his ear and a hoof around him.

Blitz gulps and turns his head to see Rainbow right by him and her dress half off. “Rainbow…please stop.”

Rainbow grins as she keeps pushing him until he lands on his back on the floor and Rainbow gets on top of him. “Try me.”

Blitz groans before pushing her away a bit. “Rainbow, I need you to stop!”

Rainbow keeps staring at him until she blinks. “Wh…what happened?” She asks rubbing her head and then notices what state she is in. “What the heck, why is my dress half off?!”

“Oh thank heaven, I thought you were going to rape me,” Blitz says sighing in relief.

Rainbow glares at him. “Were you ripping my dress off?!”

“No, you took that off yourself after pinning me against the floor,” Blitz says blushing a bit for the implication.

“Ok, now that the first time is worn off, I can adjust the level of affection,” Twilight says.

Blitz looks to her. “You know about this?”

Twilight nods. “The reason she broke out of it is that you rejected her firm and absolute. That’s what breaks the spell.”

“Oh thank heaven,” Blitz says.

“Wait, so if he didn’t, I would have really raped him?” Rainbow asks wide-eyed and Blitz soon makes the same expression.

Twilight shakes her head. “I got a counterspell ready to go in case of that. If it was getting to that, I would have separated you two and put it on.”

Both release a sigh of relief. “Now what level of affection should we do next?” Twilight asks smirking. “I know.” She said before hitting Rainbow with another heart and she fell into it quickly. “Stalker fanmare level who wants to be with you.”

Blitz looks worried as Rainbow looks at him and takes her bows off and shakes her mane around. “Like what you see?”

“I…um…well…” Blitz says embarrassed, trying to form a sentence as he looks away, a blush forming.

Rainbow smirks and reaches for her dress buttons. “How about if I take off my dress?”

“W…w…what?” Blitz asks, his mind starting to go blank.

Rainbow starts to unbutton her dress. “Me, without my dress, would you like it?”

“I…I…I…” Blitz continued to fail to think of anything.

Rainbow moans as she finally pulls the dress off and shows herself off. “Well?” She asks showing off mostly her flank.

Blitz was now unable to speak as he was petrified as Rainbow smirked and wrapped her forehooves around him. Rainbow then smiles and moves closer to him before Blitz goes wide-eyed and pushes her away. “Rainbow stop!”

Rainbow blinks once and sees the position she’s in. “Dang it!”

“What, disappointed Rainbow?” Twilight asks smirking.

Rainbow glares at her. “Shut up Twi. This is your fau…”

POOF

Twilight smirks. “Horny mare, willing to get that stallion in any way possible and that means sexual acts.”

“Twilight, please, now you are torturing me,” Blitz begs now hiding behind her, making her realize he used the teleportation spell on himself in desperation.

Twilight sighs. “Blitz, there will mares out there that are like this. You have to face them. I’ll stop it if you can’t.”

“Stop it now, please, my body literally locked up on the last one,” Blitz says, the fear easily evident in his voice as Rainbow starts walking out of the smoke.

Twilight keeps looking at him. “Blitz, look at me.”

“I rather watch her as that look on her face horrifies me and I already uses the teleportation spell on myself with barely a clear location,” Blitz says, his fear increasing as Rainbow comes out and starts looking around.

Twilight presses her lips together. “Blitz, I’ll be here, but you faced the others, you can do this.”

He was no longer behind her though as he was against the wall where Rainbow had slammed him into. Rainbow licks her lips before kissing his neck making him completely lock up and look to Twilight pleadingly. Twilight just watches as she gives him a slightly firm, but also a worry look.

This kept going until she sees blood falling from the back of his head. Twilight goes wide eye and pulls them apart and places the spell on Rainbow before going to Blitz. “Are you okay?” She asks looking at his head.

“She busted the back of my head a bit with that slam and that move after that made me unable to say anything,” Blitz says.

“Ug…what happened?” Rainbow asks holding her head.

Twilight looks a bit worried. “I went a little too far with the spell and it got Blitz hurt.” She admits using her magic to bring out the first aid kit.

Rainbow groans as she gets up. “You owe me Twilight, a lot.” She then looks to Blitz. “Sorry for doing that to you.”

“It’s fine. This is the least of my fears.” Blitz says pointing to his head.

“Rainbow help me treat him, ok?” Twilight asks.

Blitz sighs in relief and winces every time they touch the sore spot until he was bandaged up. Twilight didn’t look at him in the eye as Rainbow checks him over before getting up. “All right, that should be it. I’ll…see you later Blitz, Twilight.”

Blitz looks to Twilight who was still not looking at him. He was then shocked as Twilight takes off her flower and bow and was about to take off her choker before Blitz stops her by placing a hoof in hers.

“I’m not mad, nor am I holding a grudge Twi,” Blitz says.

Twilight stops reaching for her choker and puts her hoof down. “I’m sorry.” Blitz wraps her in a hug and says nothing. Twilight sighs as she nuzzles into his coat. “I’m sorry.”

“Let’s just not do that again and take it slower,” Blitz says.

Twilight nods and buries her head into his neck. “I’m sorry.”

“No more Twilight. Please, you’re only hurting yourself now.” Blitz says petting her mane.

Twilight sobs quietly. “I’m sorry for hurting you.”

“Twi, how could you know that would happen?” Blitz asks continuing to petting her.

“I just wanted to get back at Rainbow for embarrassing me in front of you, I got carried away and didn’t consider your feelings.” Twilight sobs.

Blitz just held her until she stopped sobbing. Twilight sniffs and pulls back before reaching for her choker again, making Blitz hold her hoof again. “What are you doing?”

Twilight slightly looks at him. “I think it’s better…if we don’t remember this.”

“Don’t, that choker is from where I was able to teleport objects onto you,” Blitz says.

Twilight shakes as she still didn’t move. “And…this deserves it staying on?”

“Yes,” Blitz says turning his head sideways to kiss her horn at the base.

Twilight yelps quietly as she felt the kiss and blushes. She freezes and looks up at him as he pulls back.

“Better?” Blitz asks.

Twilight keeps looking at him until she lunges forward and kisses him full on. Blitz freezes at this and only when she pulls back does he start to regain motor functions.

Twilight blushes as she covers her mouth as she pulls back quickly. “I’m sorry.” She said as she got up and steps back.

“So…um…should we continue the magic lesson?” Blitz asks.

Twilight keeps watching him until she calms down. “Yeah…let’s continue.”

All the time he learned, he noticed she didn’t take one look at him and kept her head slightly down.

“So tomorrow, same time?” Blitz asks.

Twilight sighs. “I think…we can skip tomorrow. Go out and have fun.” She said still not looking at him.

“Ok, but in exchange Twilight, could you do something for me?” Blitz asks.

Twilight rubs her forelegs. “Yes?”

“Cheer up and stop blaming yourself for what happened. You’re too cute to let it keep holding you down.” Blitz says.

Twilight freezes as she now looks at him. “You…you called me cute.”

“I…I suppose I did,” Blitz says.

Twilight shakes her head. “No, the fact you did it without a break, stutter or a pause.”

“Well, I guess I am getting better. Thanks, Twilight.” Blitz said smiling at her. Twilight smiles back as the bow and flower float back to her. Blitz keeps smiling as he floated the items in front of her. “Wear them, you look better with them, though being without them I guess you can say you still look cute.”

Twilight blushes and puts the bow and flower on. “Thanks, Blitz…for everything.”

“No, thank you, Twi,” Blitz says leaving.

Twilight watches as he leaves, still rubbing her foreleg. “Bye…see you tomorrow.”

“Ok, see you tomorrow,” Blitz calls back.

“Now I just have to go talk to Rainbow Dash,” Twilight says sighing.

Blitz sighs as he sat in the café as Fluttershy sat across from him, now joining him a little while ago. “So Rainbow was under control?” She asks.

“Yeah, Twilight wanted to get back at her for embarrassing her in front of me and thought having her embarrass herself in front of me was the best payback. The last one I think she didn’t take into account Rainbow’s strength or how powerful her flying is.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy looks up at him. “You are okay, right?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. It wasn’t as bad as it could have been.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy smiles. “That’s good, but what about Twilight?”

“She is most likely trying to patch things up with Rainbow, knowing her. Though now that she has brought in Rainbow it makes me wonder if she will also try and get you, Rarity, and Pinkie to help me with my problem with talking to mares most of the t…wait, why am I not having a problem talking to you? Applejack I understand, because I grew up with her for a few years, but before I came to Ponyville we never met.” Blitz says wondering out loud.

Fluttershy hides behind her mane a little. “I guess it must be working, Twilight’s lesson.”

“Um, I don’t think so. I have met and talked with Rainbow a few times before and got to know her a bit.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy smiles. “And yet you’re still able to talk easily with me. Her lessons are working.”

“But this was before the lesson, it’s like I feel at ease around you and can talk plainly even about th…never mind,” Blitz says quickly.

Fluttershy sighs. “Maybe I remind you of somepony.”

Blitz looks like he is thinking hard about it as he studies her face. “Maybe,” Blitz says thinking about a human woman who he went on a few hunts with along with other Mandalorians.

Fluttershy smiles. “Well…you’re taking to mares and that’s good.”

“Yeah. You think you can help Twilight smooth things over with Rainbow as she can be a bit stubborn?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy nods. “Sure.”

“Thanks, Fluttershy, also you realize you have fangs right?” Blitz whispers the last part.

Fluttershy grins. “Yeah, I do.” She said taking an apple and bites into it before sucking out a bit of its juices. Fluttershy drinks the juice and licks her fangs. “Yummy.” She said rather sultry.

“Do I have to watch out on nights of the full moon?” Blitz asks.

“Oh no, you’re a little too cute,” Fluttershy says. Blitz just stares as he blushes a bit. Fluttershy giggles a bit. “Unless you need to talk or release tension, come to me. I’ll help in any way I can, even this.” She said drinking some more.

“So you are a vampire pony now, aren’t you?” Blitz whispers.

Fluttershy waves him off a bit. “Because Twilight messed up a spell. But some stallions are coming over for help, talk or otherwise. I can make a time block for you if you want.”

“One last question, have you tried to drink the blood of a pony yet?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy shakes her head. “No, it was a fruit bat that I was changed into. A stallion asked for me to try it and the blood was too bad for my taste so I stopped that request, through the biting is still up.”

“Um…which stallion was it?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy grins. “Mr. Cake.”

“Note to self: watch Mr. Cake closely to make sure he isn’t turning,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy giggles. “Want a session with me? I got time all day and night.”

“Um…not yet, my month is pretty much booked and I have to leave for the Griffon kingdom next month for my job,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy sighs. “Well, my door is always open, talk or otherwise.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Blitz says nervously.

Fluttershy nods and keeps drinking the apple and looking at the menu.

Blitz sighs as he lays back down on the couch in the apple home. “Okay, so what’s left?” He asks Applejack.

“Well, we got to do some maintenance on the barn next week.” Applejack says.

Blitz nods. “I can help with that. Should be easy.”

“Good attitude Blitzy.” Applejack says.

“So Jackie, what is this about Flutterbat?” Blitz asks.

Applejack just chuckles nervously. “We thought we got rid of it until we found most of her fruits all over the floor of her home.”

“Ah, so you know. Also watch Mr. Cake carefully, he had her drink his blood.” Blitz says.

Applejack sticks her tongue out. “Blah.”

“I’m concerned he will turn,” Blitz says.

Applejack smiles. “She was a fruit bat. They don’t drink ponies.”

“I’m worried if her condition isn’t contagious,” Blitz says.

Applejack eaves him off. “Its okay, her ‘condition’ is helping a lot of stallions and some mares. Because she can do that mind read thing, it kinda helps others.”

Blitz’s eyes keep going back and forth. “I am very cautious on the supernatural Jackie,” Blitz says.

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Bah, you worry too much.”

Blitz was now cutting open some garlic as Applejack gave him a look. “What?” Blitz asks.

Applejack shakes her head. “Nothing, I’m going to bed. When you’re done vampire proofing our house, come up. I have to talk to you, alone.” She said before heading up.

Blitz finally went up there after every entrance had open garlic placed near them and the liquid around every edge of the entrances before he finally stopped and laid down on the bed with Applejack.

“Blitz?” Applejack asks.

“Yes?” Blitz asks.

Applejack rolls over to face him. “I know something happened that night. You acted weirder than normal that morning.”

“Which day?” Blitz asks his eyes constantly scanning the room.

Applejack sits up a bit. “The night before the princesses asked for Cross to appear in front of them.”

“I had to meet with the team Jackie that is why I left in the middle of the night,” Blitz says.

Applejack shakes her head. “I meant after you came back late at night. What happened with us?”

“What do you mean?” Blitz asks.

“You acted like you couldn’t face me and when I looked your way, you immediately tried to find something to do far away. Now, what is it?” Applejack asks.

“Applejack, tell me the honest truth, how do you really feel about me?” Blitz asks closing the curtains with his magic.

Applejack finally backs away a little. “A lot Blitz. I care about you more than ever.”

“That’s not the only thing is it?” Blitz asks.

Applejack shakes her head before leaning hers close to his and giving a small kiss on the side of the lips. “That’s how much.” She whispered.

“That’s what I thought. The night before you told me something Applejack, that made me really consider a few things.” Blitz says.

Applejack looks to him. “What were those things?”

“My feelings and even now I’m still sorting them. Breaking steel with my head is not as hard as this. Also, it doesn’t help some old feelings are popping up again that I thought were gone.” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs and reaches into her nightstand and pulls out a bag of bits and gives it to him. “Go to Fluttershy. She is more helpful than you think.”

“Um…a little scared of her now and they concern you Applejack. I…I always had a crush on you even when you bullied me back then.” Blitz says.

Applejack just points to the bits. “Talk with somepony else than the ones you have a problem with. That helps the feelings get sorted out faster and better. If she scares you that much, just think of her as the shy, friendly pegasus.”

“Who is a vampire,” Blitz says bringing her close when he heard a sound outside.

Applejack scoffs and forces him to let go and pushes him off the bed. “You’re not going to sleep and end this whole thing until you sort it out. Go to her.”

“It’s not just you Applejack, it is Twilight as well. She obviously loves me in the same way, but I was trained hard for more than a decade with no other real contact beside the guy who trained me. I never saw a mare in that whole time. I am only recently meeting and seeing mares on a daily basis.” Blitz says before sighing. “I actually feel a lot better having said that,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs. “But a lot more conflicted.” She lays down and brings the covers around her. “Go see Fluttershy. You need another pony to talk to besides the ones that are involved in this.”

“You truly have forgotten, have you?” Blitz asks.

Applejack waves him. “Yes, yes, I know she’s a vampire. Just go.” She said throwing her hat at him.

“I’m traumatized of the ideas of vampires,” Blitz says getting her full attention.

Applejack sits up and looks at him and she sighs and gets out of bed. “Come on.”

Blitz was forcibly pulled along as she recalled that Blitz’s adopted parents accidentally left the TV on a maturely rated vampire movie series with a lot of gore and blood one night when they went out.

After walking for a bit they reached Fluttershy’s home and sees a stallion walking out, smiling a bit. They turn to see Fluttershy waving him off. “Hope you have good luck on your marriage.” She calls before seeing Applejack and Blitz, the former who was dragging the latter. “Oh, you decide to come after all?”

“Fluttershy, we have a little bit of a problem.” Applejack says.

Fluttershy nods and lets them in as she pours them some tea. “So what’s the problem?” She asks.

Applejack starts explaining Blitz’s phobia of vampires and what caused it in great detail as Blitz keeps shaking uncontrollably.

Fluttershy sighs. “Adults with little phobias. Well, this one I had before. Blitz…it was a movie, a make-believe story. Some of those facts they tell aren’t even true.”

“Five movies,” Blitz says.

“Um…Fluttershy I think that argument isn’t the best as he knows you’re a vampire even though you’re not the type from them there movies.” Applejack whispers to her.

Fluttershy nods and sits next to Blitz who started to shake all over as she came into close contact. “Blitz, why did you keep watching it if it scared you?”

“I…I…I couldn’t stop watching.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy nods. “So…you kept watching five movies for the whole night straight and when you had a chance to run, you didn’t?”

“I couldn’t move while I watched and couldn’t sleep for months,” Blitz says.

“I can vouch for the latter.” Applejack says.

Fluttershy sighs and lays her head on his lap, freaking him out a bit. “Then you hate me?”

“N…not hate, fear…pure terror.” Blitz says as Fluttershy could practically smell the emotion.

Fluttershy sighs. “So you do hate me and don’t want to see me again.”

“N…no, I was over this for a while till…” Blitz suddenly stops by biting down on his own tongue hard.

Fluttershy sniffs the air as she smelled blood. “I’ll get the first aid.” She said getting off of him and heading to the kitchen.

“Come on Cuz, it isn’t like you encountered a real blood-sucking vampire before.” Applejack says. Blitz didn’t say a thing. “Right?” Applejack asks again as his eyes scanning the room increased.

Fluttershy comes back with the first aid and they see her starting to show her vampire side. “Open your mouth.” She said placing the kit right next to him.

“Cuz, answer me, have you ever encountered a real-life blood-sucking vampire?” Applejack demands.

“Applejack, I don’t think that is hel…” Fluttershy was cut off when Blitz yelled. “Yes!”

Fluttershy and Applejack look to him. “Progress,” Fluttershy said. “What, when and how?” She asks.

“It was on a routine job, we were hired to find some missing ponies and we decided to check a nearby castle. The castle was ancient and we figure it was just some bandits. How wrong we were.” Blitz says shaking uncontrollably, his heart racing as he relived the entire thing.

Both mares sit right by him. “Keep going.” Fluttershy requested.

“We caught a few rooms in the castle and thought it wasn’t where they were and so we went to the main hall to leave, but then the nightmare started. As we were leaving, the sun was setting and something hit my helmet. I looked up and I found the missing ponies as another drop of blood hit my visor. They were mutilated horribly and looked like they were being harvested for their blood as it was being drained into containers.” Blitz says.

Applejack holds his hoof. “Keep at it, you’re doing great.”

“No, please stop, don’t make me remember anymore, please. I don’t want to remember his face as he was dragged into the darkness by meat hooks. The terror on his face before the scream and being sprayed with blood.” Blitz says now on the ground holding his head almost hysterical.

Fluttershy sighs and moves over to him. “You want it killed?”

“It’s dead, I know it. I saw it skewered through the chest with a wooden beam that splintered in the fire and looked like a cross. I saw it burn alive and turn to dust. It’s dead, it isn’t coming back. It can’t come back, he died to ensure it couldn’t come back.” Blitz says raising his head and slamming it into the floor.

Fluttershy nods. “Then what are you afraid of? It’s dead isn’t it?”

“It was already dead. We killed the thing on five different occasions.” Blitz says catching their attention.

Fluttershy sighs. “So that’s why. You fear he may come again. Well…have you accepted your comrades’ deaths and your close brush with it?”

“It turned them. Three of my friends, it turned them into what it was and I had to, I had to.” Blitz says trying to say it as he cried.

The mares looked sadly at him. “Blitz, have accepted what happened to you and not denying it?” Fluttershy asks.

“I…I…” Blitz stopped when he heard something. “No, it can’t be,” Blitz says.

Applejack looks cursorily at him. “It can’t be what?”

“That humming. It can’t be her, not again.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy listens and hears it too and looks outside to see a mare in blood red clothing walking the down the road, humming a tune. “It’s just a mare.”

“Bloody Mary,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy raises an eyebrow and looks to the window and sees a mare’s face right in front of it. “Somepony called my name?” She asked happily.

“Just die already!” Blitz yells firing a blast from his horn that obliterated the entire wall and shot straight into the Everfree forest.

They didn’t see the mare again, but they heard a cackle echoing throughout the night. Fluttershy sighs and goes to Blitz. “Come on.” She said holding out a hoof.

“Bloody Mary, what do you want from me?! Why don’t you just kill me already?!” Blitz calls into the night as there was no answer and only silence.

The mares watch Blitz keep staring into the hole in the wall. Fluttershy frowns slightly as he kept staring. “That’s it.” She grabs him by the mane and drags him upstairs to her room.

“He was right.” Applejack whispered as this legitimized all of Blitzkrieg’s fears.

Fluttershy nods. “I know.” She said entering her bedroom and throwing him onto the bed. “He needs to know not to rationalize every single piece or creature that play the part or is the part as all bad.” She said before getting into bed.

“Fluttershy that was the real thing. The one that they call the queen of vampires and I know why he didn’t want to remember. Don’t you remember the old legends Fluttershy? She will keep coming back as long as somepony who encountered and remembers her. Even uttering her name makes her appear.” Applejack says.

Fluttershy looks to Blitz who was about to have a nervous breakdown and jump out of bed before she lays down and lays her head on his chest. “He needs to know, just because one is here, doesn’t mean he’s alone and all need to be killed. That’s saying I need to be killed.”

“Wait. Something just occurred to me. He asked why you haven’t just killed me. Implying this isn’t the second time this has happened.” Applejack says.

Fluttershy raises her head but keeps her hooves on him. “Bloody Mary.” She simply said.

Blitz started struggling greatly against Fluttershy as he looked close to a panic attack, but Mary never appeared.

Blitz soon slowly calms down a little, but still panicked. “Don’t say her name. It draws her, but as long as you don’t give her permission she can’t enter the house.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy sighs. “Bloody…” Fluttershy was stopped by Applejack. “Fluttershy, don’t you dare.” She warns now scared.

“Please Fluttershy, it is an absolute vampire that drinks blood is bound to,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy frowns slightly. “Mary, do you love him?” She calls out.

There was no reply, just silence.

Fluttershy looks back to Blitz. “So do you still want to kill me and anypony who’s been with me?”

“No, I never did, any vampire just scares me because of her,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy leans down to Blitz’s face. “Have you accepted what happened?”

“It doesn’t matter if I accept it she is here, and oh my god, she is in Ponyville,” Blitz says as absolute terror gripped him. “She is loose in Ponyville. A vampire that bathes in the blood of mares is in Ponyville.” Blitz reemphasizes

Fluttershy sighs. “So because of this particular one, you fear every single thing with a vampire in its name?”

“No, just legitimate ones. Now let me up, she is loose in Ponyville and I am the only one who knows how to hurt her.” Blitz says now struggling against Fluttershy, a sense of urgency now fueling his actions.

Fluttershy pushes him down once more. “I thought you feared her?”

“She is going to kill anypony she can find on the street,” Blitz says the words echoing through both mares heads.

Fluttershy growls slightly. “So why go after the thing you fear and relive the torment?”

“Because it’s my duty. If not me, who else will stop her? I killed her twice now and I refuse to let her kill again if I can stop her. I won’t let her take another one on my honor as Southern Cross!” Blitz yells.

The mares look to him as Applejack looks a little shocked while Fluttershy smiled. “Go get her.” She said getting off of him.

Blitz gets up and runs out the door. “Blitz is Southern Cross?” Applejack asks not able to believe it.

Fluttershy smiles. “It was the fear of dying as anypony else would get, but also the fear of others he might lose under him. He needed to say it for himself. He wasn’t afraid of Mary, he was afraid of losing the pony he loves that are close to him again.” She said, shocking Applejack at the last statement.

“Minerva, emergency BM gear now, I don’t care who sees,” Blitz yells into the communicator as he runs.

Minerva looks a bit surprised but complies. “Just don’t cause too much trouble and keep her on the ship, she is nowhere near ready for this.”

“No promises,” Blitz says as he grabs a briefcase teleported in front of him before teleporting to Rainbow’s cloud house and banging on the door.

Rainbow grumbles as she opens the door. “What is it?” She groans.

“Rainbow, do you trust me?” Blitz asks.

Rainbow tilts her head. “Well yeah, why?”

“Something bad has happened Rainbow, hold on,” Blitz says grabbing her and teleporting her into the library, scaring Twilight.

Twilight looks to them slightly shocked. “Rainbow, Blitz, what are you doing here?”

“No time to explain, now be back in a second,” Blitz says teleporting away. Seconds later he returns with Pinky. Then with Rarity and Sweetie Belle and finally after all the other CMC, Big Mac, Granny who was still asleep, and the Mane six were gathered he stops, taking a few breaths and sits down.

Twilight goes to him. “Running that many teleports are tough, but why?”

“It’s because something happened tonight,” Fluttershy says before telling them what happened.

Rarity gasp and hugs Sweetie Belle too tight. “I thought she was a myth, a filly’s game.”

“Oh please, there is no way she is…” Twilight stopped as Blitz was in front of her.

“Twilight, look into my eyes. Do you think I would joke about this?” Blitz says. Twilight looks as he held a stern gaze and shakes her head as her face reflected she was believing them.

“So what do we do?” Twilight asks.

“Here,” Blitz says handing her a book. “This contains rules real bloodthirsty vampires must follow. Read it now. I and an old acquaintance have business.” Blitz says.

Twilight opens the book and sees the first section on protection. “Spike, get some garlic, a lot of them!” She calls out.

“Cousin, don’t go out there,” Applebloom begs.

“Sorry Applebloom, I have to do this. She followed me here.” Blitz says.

“Blitz?” Applejack calls wearily.

“I had fun being a part of the family Jackie. Remember that if I don’t come back, don’t leave no matter what happens to me, even if I am about to die.” Blitz says walking to the door.

Applejack shakes her head. “That isn’t what I was going to say.”

“Nothing needs to be said Applejack,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs before looking at him. “Who’s afraid of going to fight this thing now?” She asks with a knowing smile.

“I am,” Blitz says closing the door behind him as he opens the suitcase with his magic and slips into the armor, revealing he was Southern Cross to all of them who were watching.

“Twilight can’t we get some help from the other princesses?” Sweetie Belle asks making Twilight quickly grab a letter and start writing.

Blitz walks into the center of town in his blood red armor with many silver cross on it. He then uses his magic to forcibly ring the bell. “Mary, oh Mary…” Blitz starts singing an old song mockingly.

Bloody Mary was about to sink her teeth into a quivering mare when she heard the bell. She turns to the mare. “Lucky.” She said before disappearing and dropping the mare to the ground.

“And your head is on display on the table for everyone to laugh at. Oh, fear the queen of blood, fear the queen vampires, fear old hag, Bloody Mary.” Blitz finishes.

“That’s a terrible singing voice,” Mary said appearing behind him.

“I’m not running this time, bitch.” Blitz turns to her, his visor reflecting nothing, but the red clothing.

Mary grins. “Perfect, so you accepted your fate?”

“You could have killed me anytime you wanted to bitch, we both know it, so don’t patronize me,” Blitz says with venom.

Mary smiles. “I just loved playing with you. Now I’m going to have fun killing you.”

“I will kill you first,” Blitz says, his silver claws extending.

Mary hisses as she leans down before she started to fall apart into bats and fly around him, leaving the clothes behind, taunting him to strike. “Let’s play.”

“I would say ladies first, but who wants an old hag to go first?” Blitz taunts and the bats just kept flying around. “What’s wrong you old hag, haven’t learned any new tricks, still doing this like the last eight years?” Blitz asks.

A bat stopped and faced him. “Try something that likes this.” She said as some bats came together and formed a foreleg before trying to hit him.

“Where are you?” Blitz asks looking for one thing, in particular, dodging the hoof before cutting it with his silver claws sending blood onto the ground.

Mary just smiles on her own. “Everywhere. How can you hope to kill me?” She asks while more limbs started to form.

“There!” Blitz says jumping and slicing at a red bat, barely missing before it transformed back into Mary.

Mary hisses before the bats cover her up and Blitz carefully approached the swarm before they flew away and revealed Twilight. “Blitz, what’s going on?”

Blitz freezes. ‘No you fool, that isn’t Twilight!’ He yells to himself, but his body refused to obey.

Twilight kept looking at him in confusion before she lunges at him and sends him to the ground. “Too easy.” She said with a grin and trying to rip the armor apart.

Blitz, snapping out of it, brings his forehooves up and slam both sides of her head, disorienting Mary and causing her to drop her illusion and barely avoids another swipe.

Mary hisses at him before the swarm again comes over and covers the entire area. Blitz tries to swipe at the bats and lessen the swarm before his claws sunk into something and a scream erupted that sounded familiar. “Blitz? Why?” Applejack asks as the swarm leaves again.

“Quit playing with me Mary!” Blitz yells, slamming ‘Applejack’ into the ground causing her to separate into swarms of bats.

Mary laughs as she flew around him. “Now that was fun, who should I do next?”

“Let’s see how your pet like this,” Blitz says taking up the grenades and throws them. When they hit the ground opposite sides from him, they released a blinding light causing the bats to screech in pain.

Mary screams. “Daylight at night! You fool.” She yelled as she formed in the swarm and tried to cover herself up from the light.

“No Mary, it’s the advancement of time and technology. What is wrong, don’t like flash bangs?” Blitz asks.

Mary hisses before launching herself at him as the swarms around him start to go to him too as Mary forms claws on her changing hooves.

Blitz then vanishes to her shock and she skids to a stop. “What’s wrong Mary, you thought I was the same after five years?” Blitz’s voice echoes from seemingly everywhere.

Mary looks around as she growls as her bat swarms move around her in a circle. “Where are you?”

“Oh, what’s wrong, no fun when something does this to you?” Blitz asks.

Mary hisses. “Come out and I’ll show you fun.” She taunts while scraping her claws, making sparks.

“Oh Mary, you, like so many others, always make the tactical mistake of not looking up,” Blitz says causing her to go wide-eyed and looks up just in time to see and barely avoid a sword. “Dracula, stay back!” Mary yells instinctively out of fear rushing away.

“What was that Mary, something you actually fear?” Blitz asks.

Mary hissed quietly as she looks at the silver made sword. “I loathe you Blitzkrieg.” She said before charging while her swarms try to distract him.

“Feelings the same hag!” Blitz yells unleashing a torrent of flame from his flamethrowers into the bats making them sheik in agony.

“My babies!” Mary cries.

Blitz laughs as he sends a grenade into the swarm coming at him before they take the grenade and then explodes into flames. “Fresh bat barbecue. Just need the sauce.”

“I’ll kill you!” Mary yells as she starts to transforms into an eight-foot humanoid bat monster.

“Finally showing your true colors, huh, hag?” Blitz asks looking up to her.

Mary hisses before bats start to come from all over and then she charges with them.

Blitz charges back, his claws extended as aims for one thing. The two swipe at each other and Blitz’s chest armor shatters as three bad gashes were leaking blood as he skids across the ground. Blitz groans and looks up to see Mary slowly turn to him as he sees his claws still in her, but skewered where her heart is. “Game over.”

Mary just starts laughing as she rips out the claw and reverts back to her pony form. “You really think it’s over? Even if I die, I will just keep coming back.” She says.

“Yeah, because you made a deal with the devil,” Blitz says as his blood kept leaking out of him. “But Mary, all of our five previous encounters, I noticed something,” Blitz says.

Mary raises an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”

“You always made sure your blood ruby necklace was never destroyed in any of those fights and even let yourself be skewered to keep that from happening,” Blitz says. Mary looks concerned and looks down and sees the necklace in pieces and Blitz holding a few shards. “Like I said, this game over.”

“Next time you die. You die for good. I’m just sorry I couldn’t do that.” Blitz says chuckling as he saw her enraged as he started to feel cold.

Mary screams at him. “If I’m going down, you’re coming with me!” She yells charging at him before she felt she hit a wall and looks around to see herself trapped in a slightly clear box.

“I can’t let you do that,” Luna said flying down with a few Nightguards.

“Let me out!” She yells banging on the box.

“You know Mary, it’s quite beautiful,” Blitz says.

“What?!” Mary yells.

“The sunrise,” Blitz says.

Hearing that Mary could only watch in horror as the sun started to rise. “Damn you Cross. Damn you!” Mary raged against the barrier as power kept leaving her ever since her necklace was shatter.

Blitz smiles. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me,” Blitz says reciting a passage, now just ignoring her as the light starts to touch Mary.

Mary tries to cover herself up with her hooves, they started to burn and burst into flames as the sun started to hit her. “I will get you Cross, I will!”

Blitz could only hear a muffled voice as things became dark and lost focus as his blood kept pooling beneath him. He was then rolled over onto his back as the guards started to work on him while trying to keep their shock to his injuries. He can then see some familiar blurred figures push the guards away and look at him. ‘Hey girls, I’m sorry for not keeping our promise.’ Blitz thought before he completely lost consciousness.

Luna and the rest of ponies in the square watch as Mary burn alive and turn to bone before only her skeleton remained and falls apart before they slowly turn to dust. Luna sighs as she brings over an urn marked with many sigils and puts the ash into the urn. “Get this to my sister and tell her to lock it in our vault.” She told one of the guards who nods and flies off with it. ‘We owe you again Cross, but I don’t know if we can repay you.’ Luna thinks, looking at the dying stallion.

Blitz groans as he kept his eyes closed. “Someone turn off the beeping, I can’t sleep.” He said, still sleepy and hearing an annoying beeping.

“Idiot, that beeping is keeping you alive or rather reading you as alive. This must be the fifth time you’re in here for this serious of an injury.” A familiar voice said.

Blitz opens his eyes and looks around to see himself in the Darkstar’s med bay. “What?”

Minerva scoffs as she comes into view. “When I saw the vitals dropping, I said, screw it. So I flew over and told the guards to place you in here while I work on you.”

“I doubt they allowed that,” Blitz says.

“No, they didn’t, so I teleported you here,” Minerva says.

Blitz groans as he gets up and feels around his chest to see it completely bandaged up. “How long was I out?” He asks sitting up.

“It has been 157 galactic hours, but four planet rotations,” Minerva says.

Blitz goes wide-eyed. “Four days?! Where the heck did you park the ship in all that time?”

Minerva smirks. “Canterlot airspace, near the castle where it’s restricted for regular civilians ponies to fly.”

“Great, just great, now we have tipped the hoof and they know Mandalorians aren’t from the planet. At least tell me we are stealth.” Blitz says.

Minerva nods. “The paparazzi were getting annoyed. Had to concentrate when I was fixing you up. The princesses did place guards around the airspace now.”

“We are an international incident waiting to happen. By the way, how is Dust coming along?” Blitz asks getting up.

Minerva nods her head to Dust laying on an empty bed where even Twilight and Applejack was sleeping on a bench. “Kept being worried about her mentor. As for the other two, they kept knocking on my door so I let them in as long as they didn’t impede your healing.”

“Minerva, you know the rules, we are not supposed to reveal any of this. Why do you think we have been keeping stealth this entire ti…wait, you camouflaged it to be a blimp didn’t you?” Blitz asks with a knowing smirk.

“You know me.” She says.

Blitz sighs. “At least they know to keep much of this secret, right?”

“The dark one is suspicious, to say the least,” Minerva says.

“Then she might be our best ally here,” Blitz says.

Minerva nods. “I left a letter for her to let us meet her at night. I hope to get a replay soon.”

“I wonder what the fallout will be. Bloody Mary was revealed to be real and died for good this time.” Blitz says.

Minerva shrugs. “Probably help put many at ease now.”

“Minerva, prepare the communication room, I need to speak with Mandalore himself,” Blitz says.

Minerva nods. “I’ll see if he’s up.” She said walking away.

Blitz nods and walks through the ship and to the communications room and waits as a connection was trying to be established. He then sees an icon appear and spin around before the screen changes to static before it starts to clear up. “…hear me?” A voice came through.

“Mandalore.” Blitz greeted and bows.

A face finally came on. “Ah, Cross, nice to see you again. How has it been?”

“Bloody Mary appeared again,” Blitz says.

The human appears surprised. “Really now, were you able to get away?”

“No, this time I’m sure she isn’t coming back. I managed to smash her anchor to this world.” Blitz says.

The human claps his hands together as he laughs a little. “I told you, I knew you would find a way to kill her.”

“I almost lost my life this time though. But at least now, our brothers and sisters can finally rest in peace.” Blitz says.

The human nods. “I will let the rest of the clan know. We’ll throw a part in your favor. You should have one too.”

“Can’t yet, still on the job. I got two more bounties to hunt here. Also, could you get the clans to look into the bombing more? I interrogated one before I sent him away. It sounds like none of them were in charge and were paid for it. If we discover who was behind it and present proof, the galaxy will be forced to put out a big bounty for the one or the ones who did this.” Blitz says.

The human nods. “Of course. I’ll send some teams out after our celebration. If we can find anything I’ll send it to you.”

“Also, I’ve got the royalty to start building a base for us. Sending coordinates now.” Blitz says.

The humans look to something. “Got it, I will send some men when things settle down,” Mandalore says.

Blitz sighs. “Alright, I think that’s it. Oh wait, one last thing, Warlord Krank was here and had a Ranchor with a control unit in its brain. I saw and destroyed the ship that crashed landed on the planet and this was a fully grown Ranchor.” Blitz says.

Mandalore sighs. “This is troubling. You cleared the planet right?”

“I killed it and the Ranchor, but my probes never detected the Ranchor. Something is going on.” Blitz says.

Mandalore nods. “We’ll send our probes to the nearest pick-up spot. These will be sensing on a different system altogether. Try to see if you can pick anything up those.”

“As you command Mandalore,” Blitz says bringing his hoof to his bandaged chest as a salute.

Mandalore frowns seeing his chest. “Get that fixed and good luck.” He said before signing off.

“As you wish father,” Blitz says turning off the communications. Blitz sighs before walking out the door and to the training area where he heard gunshots.

He walks over and sees Dust trying to hit a target, but only gets half her shots on it. “Calm down, read the battlefield see what plan you can do. Firing wildly is a last resort.” Blitz says, steading her hooves, holding the blaster with his.

“Cross, you’re awake.” Dust says turning around to see his face for the first time.

Blitz tries to smiles. “Yeah, that’s what happens when I get swiped across the chest.”

“Huh, so you’re a unicorn. I always thought you were an earth pony with all your physical strength.” Dust says a little surprised.

Blitz shakes his head and backs off a little. “Yeah, there was always a confusion with me.”

Dust turns around and sees his bandaged chest. “You’re going to okay, right?”

“Getting hurt comes with the territory,” Blitz says and gives her a smile.

Dust smiles. “The two mares are waiting in the living room for you. Wouldn’t stop crying. Want to surprise them?”

“They were in the medical wing sleeping when I awoke. “ Blitz says.

Dust sighs and turns back to the firing range. “Well, it’s time to go see them, help put them at ease.”

“Ok, so Minerva has told you not to talk about anything about Darkstar One, right?” Blitz asks.

Dust nods. “Yeah, I don’t have anypony to talk to so it’s good.”

“Ok, you alright?” Blitz asks.

Dust nods. “Yeah, I’m fine.” She said trying to smile.

Blitz doesn’t buy it and gives her a hug. “I’m here for you,” Blitz says.

Dust sighs. “Thank you.” She then let’s go. “Now go see your mares.”

“Hey, you’re my mare as well.” Blitz teases.

Dust hits him playfully. “Get out of here.”

“See you later,” Blitz says walking out.

Walking over to the dining room he grabs a cup of coffee as Twilight and Applejack walk in. “Blitz!” They both said before rushing over to him.

“Jackie, Twi, you two have a good nap?” Blitz asks.

Applejack and Twilight both hug him. “You’re okay, right?” Twilight asks as she looks up to him.

“Yeah, I’m good. Just a little sore is all.” Blitz says.

Applejack smiles. “Good.” She said before she grabs him by the ear. “Because I’m going to do far worse for going out there like that and letting it happen!” She yelled pulling his ear.

“Fair enough,” Blitz says.

Twilight frowns at her. “Go easy on him, he just had his chest sliced open.”

“By Bloody Mary,” Blitz adds.

Applejack looks at him. “You aren’t afraid of the name.” She observed.

“Oh, she isn’t coming back this time,” Blitz says.

Applejack keeps looking at him. “And are you afraid of us now?”

“Why, were you bitten?” Blitz asks now examining Applejack’s neck and was thankful he found no fang marks.

Applejack pushes him away a little. “No, I mean our relationships with you.”

“Oh…um…” Blitz starts.

“Hey Applejack, did you know about Blitz’s shyness when it comes to talking to mares about his feelings?” Twilight asks.

Applejack looks to her before smirking. “His parents tried to set him with a filly when he was young. He became a stuttering mess at that point when the filly said one thing.”

“Oh, what?” Twilight asks.

“I don’t recall this,” Blitz says.

Applejack smiles as she turns to him. “You went unconscious after a minute of stuttering.”

“What did she say?” Twilight asks.

Applejack giggles. “Do I look pretty in this dress? She was wearing a new dress and wanted to know. Unfortunately, Blitz was the first one to be asked.”

“I think she was a unicorn. What was her name again?” Blitz asks.

Applejack smiles. “I think it was…” Applejack had the biggest smile as she goes over to Twilight. “It was Rarity.” She whispered

Twilight giggled. “Really? Rarity asked him?” Twilight whispers.

“Yes, let’s go see if she remembers later.” Applejack whispers back.

Twilight grins as she looks to Blitz. “This might be fun.”

“I have a bad feeling with what you two are planning. Please tell me you haven’t spread that I am Southern Cross.” Blitz says.

They both look to each other before looking back at him. “You do realize that when Mary busted your armor, everything fell apart after you fell.”

“Not the helmet, I know that for sure,” Blitz says.

Twilight sighs. “The guards pulled it off after trying to tend to your wounds.”

“But did anypony see besides the guards?” Blitz asks.

Applejack shrugs. “We don’t know. Because we were trying to keep ourselves under control.”

“How did the CMC take it?” Blitz asks.

They look down. “Not good. They think you’re already dead.” Twilight said.

“Bring them up here,” Blitz says.

They look to him. “You sure about that?” Applejack asks.

“Yes, I am. They won’t be able to cause too much damage to Darkstar One.” Blitz says.

They both look to each other before looking back at him. “Okay, we’ll try to get them here,” Twilight said.

“Minerva, lower us so they can enter without having to fly,” Blitz says.

“Of course,” Minerva said as she lowers the ship.

They both look to the many windows and sees the street coming into view. “Canterlot, ground floor,” Blitz announces playfully.

“This thing is amazing,” Twilight says.

“I know,” Blitz says as Terran walks up to him.

Twilight then hugs him. “You’re amazing.”

“Not that amazing. Now go on, it’s time the three got a nice surprise.” Blitz says.

Twilight smiles and let’s go before giving him a small kiss and then turns to leave. “Come on Applejack.”

“Alright Twi. We will be talking about this later.” Applejack says before leaving.

“You doing good boy?” Blitz asks scratching Terran’s head.

Terran just barks and stamps his hind leg.

“That’s what I like to hear,” Blitz says.

Minerva comes around the bend of a hallway. “You ready?”

“Give me a little time with the little ones then I’ll slip into some armor and go see the royals,” Blitz says.

Minerva nods. “Sure, you have fun.” She said before walking off.

“Ok and please don’t assume Miva, unless at the base, gives the illusion of a bigger staff,” Blitz says.

Minerva waves at him. “You got it cutie.”

Blitz sat on a chair as he waited for a bit with Terran unto he heard the someponies come in. “Cool!” He heard. Blitz smiles as he waited for them to enter the living room area.

Soon the CMC came into the room and sees Blitz sitting there with Terran sitting right by him.

“Hey girls, miss me?” He asks smiling.

Applebloom immediately races to him. “Cuz!” She yells before jumping into his lap.

“Hey Applebloom, I’m glad to see you’re ok,” Blitz says.

Applebloom hugs him. “I’m happy to see you’re okay too.”

Blitz just smiles and pats her head as Terran looks up at her. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle look at him as they see the bandage area.

“This is nothing girls, I’m ok now,” Blitz says as Scootaloo just stares at him with a smile. Blitz just smiles back. “Yes, I am Southern Cross, the pony who you have been following,” Blitz says.

Scootaloo smiles big before jumping into his lap. “Awesome, I got two awesome ponies to be with.”

“But you can’t tell anypony I am Southern Cross,” Blitz says.

They bring their heads down. “Aww.” Applebloom whines.

Scootaloo sighs. “Well, there goes our chance at beating Diamond Tiara.”

“Why do you care what she says?” Blitz asks.

They look up at him. “You do realize we don’t have cutie marks, right?” Sweetie Belle asks.

“I never really understood the whole cutie mark thing,” Blitz says.

They show their blank flanks. “You don’t have a cutie mark then you are not cool or grown up,” Applebloom said.

“Bullies will always use what makes you different to make fun of you to make themselves feel better, just ignore them and they lose all interest. Now, who wants to see more of Darkstar one?” Blitz asks.

All the fillies’ legs rise up.

“Ok, lets’ go then. Terran, come on boy.” Blitz says as the girls let him get up. Blitz, them shows them around the ship to their amazement.

“Cuz, this whole thing is yours?” Applebloom asks as they look around.

“Yes and I personalized it as well,” Blitz says.

“Cool.” They said as they look at every nook and cranny.

“Don’t take anything apart girls.” Blitz calls.

“Okay.” They called back.

“I’m leaving Terran with you, so you don’t get lost,” Blitz calls walking away.

“Okay.” They called as Terran sits down and watches them.

Blitz smiled as he heads to the armory. “Have fun,” Minerva called.

“They are cute kids,” Blitz says putting on his blue aerial armor. “Ah, there you are B…oh my.” Blitz hears a voice behind him. Turning around he sees Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, what can I do for you?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy blushes slightly. “Well…I came by to see how you are doing and to schedule our next session as you are not over your fear of vampires.” She says noticing his shiver after seeing her.

“Um…sure, how does tonight sound?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy nods. “Okay, that’s fine. Also, I can help with anything else, remember that, so is there anything. Maybe that love triangle you’re doing or is it a love square?” Blitz just stares at her. “Mind reader, remember.” She said with a smile.

“D…did you just come on to me?” Blitz asks, glad his helmet was on.

Fluttershy shakes her head. “No, you have enough problems. But I can help if you are unsure or don’t know what to do.”

“Um…ok,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy sighs. “Blitz, we’ll always be here for you. You don’t have to do things alone.”

“I’m not alone Fluttershy. I’m a Mandalorian and we are never alone.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy taps her hoof on the ground. “I meant here, among friends and family.”

“I will think on what you have said,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy nods. “Please see that you do.”

Blitz finish putting on his armor before walking past her. “I have to see the royals,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy smiles. “Have fun.”

“Don’t count on it,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy rolls her eyes. “Oh yes, you never have fun.”

“No, it’s just business,” Blitz says before heading out the ship. “Okay, where to?” He asks himself. Blitz sees the guards and just walks past them to the throne room.

“I’m up. How’re the ashes? Holy shit! Is that Betty?!” He asks bluntly.

“Sir, you don’t have an app…” The pony was silenced by a back hoof to the face and pushes him to the opposite side of the room. “Get out of my way,” Blitz said as he kept walking up, ignoring the pony who has crashed into a table.

“Ah, Cross, we have been expecting you,” Celestia says.

Blitz shrugs. “Yes, yes, the ashes?”

“Secured in our vault,” Celestia says.

“I would rather destroy them,” Blitz says.

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “And how would you destroy something that is already in a destroyed state?”

“Simple, extreme heat,” Blitz says.

Celestia keeps looking at him. “You want to banish the ash to the sun?”

“Call it being cautious, as this isn’t the first time she has died,” Blitz says causing the court to whisper amongst themselves.

Celestia sighs and turns to Luna. “Get the ash.” Who nods and leaves.

Blitz waits in silence until Celestia spoke again. “I was told the armor you wore fighting her was destroyed and they were unsure if you were going to live,” Celestia says.

“A fair assessment,” Blitz says.

Celestia looks him over. “How did you survive?”

“My team administered medical care on the Darkstar One,” Blitz says.

Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Darkstar One?”

“The name of my ship outside,” Blitz says.

Celestia and the others look outside the window and see only a blimp. “That thing…is your ship?” Celestia asks.

“Yes, it is my personal ship,” Blitz says.

Celestia looks at the blimp again. “And I wonder how you kept getting past all the security and being noticed by us.”

“Because like me, it disappears,” Blitz says.

Celestia nods. “I see.”

Luna then returns with the ash and gives it to him. “It should be fine as long as you don’t open it.” She told him.

“Don’t worry, it will never be opened again,” Blitz says, taking the urn.

Luna sighs. “Alright then.” She said before heading back to her seat.

“Thank you,” Blitz says starting to leave.

“Oh, by the way, have you heard yet?” Luna asks.

Blitz turns to her. “Heard what?”

“The tale of your fight with Bloody Mary has spread already. By now, most of Equestria has heard of it.” Luna says.

Blitz chuckles a little. “Oh, that sounds lovely. But I still haven’t completely finished her yet.” He said showing the urn. “Well, gotta go.” He said before leaving.

“Oh and I swore my guards to secrecy and made sure nopony saw what you look like under your helmet cutie,” Luna calls.

Blitz freezes up as the Nightguards smirks. ‘Just keep walking.’ He thinks to himself before walking again as the court erupted into who is Cross.

Blitz walks back into Darkstar One to see the three fillies playing with Terran. He chuckles as Terran just plays around with them. “Okay you three, that’s enough. I got a job to do before I can actually come home.” He said taking off his helmet.

“Aww!” They whined.

Blitz watches as they pout. “How about I show you something, something that nopony here can experience that much?”

“Ok!” They all say in unison.

Blitz chuckles. “Minerva, lock up and take off. To the sun!” He said as he got out of his armor.

The ship started to shake as Blitz got out of his armor and walks to the cockpit with the three fillies following. “Minerva, tell Dust to join me in the cockpit,” Blitz says.

Minerva smiles and steps out of her seat and shows the fillies that she was a pony robot. “Quiet.” She said smirking at the fillies who were dumbstruck as she walks past. “Dust, get up to the cockpit. Blitz needs you.” She said before going to another seat and working on something.

“Stealth systems engaged, let’s take her into space,” Blitz says as the fillies were glued to the window.

Act 1 - Chapter 5: We're Going Upstairs

The mane six were eating and talking about a few things in the kitchen when they suddenly heard. “Dust, get up to the cockpit. Blitz needs you.”

They turn to each other shocked, except for Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy. “Dust, as in Lightning Dust?” Rainbow asked. “The same Lightning Dust who convinced me to make a tornado at the academy?”

“I’m coming.” Dust calls as she runs past them and into the cockpit.

“I think that is her,” Twilight says.

“Want to follow her to this cockpit?” Applejack asks.

Everypony immediately got up and followed to which they found Dust sitting in one of the seats while Minerva and Blitz stay in their own and the CMC were at the window. “What’s going on?” Applejack asks.

“Power is holding steady, leaving the atmosphere,” Blitz says concentrating on piloting too much to notice.

“All systems green, no problems detected,” Minerva says.

Blitz nods. “And hit the thrusters.” He said before a sudden force pushes everypony back a bit as the ship flies out of the cloud cover and straight into space before calming down. “Seals?”

“All locked down. No problems detected.” Minerva says.

“Alright, leaving the stratosphere now,” Blitz says as everything started to float. “Minerva, engage artificial gravity,” Blitz instructs.

Minerva smiles as everypony tried to find something to hang on to before they fell down as a hissing sound came out. “Done. Destination set, going to the sun.”

“Right, leaving planet’s gravity. Ok girls welcome to outerspa…” Blitz stops seeing the mane six. “What are all of you doing here?”

“I let them in so they could eat and talk,” Minerva says.

Blitz frowns a little. “We’re going to have a big talk about this.” He then sighs and looks back to the mares. “Welcome to space.” He said before leaning back in his seat again.

“Somepony pinch me. I have to be dreaming this.” Rainbow says.

Pinkie holds up a clamp.

Blitz watches as everypony else joins the fillies. “Ow!”

“If you look to the left, you will see the moon,” Blitz says.

Soon everypony looks over and sees Luna’s moon. “She stayed on that, how horrible.” Rarity said.

“Please find a seat and buckle in, after we pass it we will be picking up speed,” Blitz says. “Dust let’s see how much you have been paying attention in your lessons, man the radar station,” Blitz says.

Dust gives a salute. “Ay, ay, sir.” She said heading to the radar seat.

Rainbow looks a bit surprised. “How did you…?”

“Cross recruited me in my hometown less than three weeks ago.” Dust says.

Rainbow looks to her. “Why go with him?”

“I had nothing left and besides he saved me from being raped.” Dust says. “Ok, this turns it on and this tells the distance.” She started saying out loud.

Blitz smiles and messes with a few controls on his floating screen in front of him. He moves a few out of the way before changing a few numbers and then moves everything back. “Huh, now the distance is on the objects. I didn’t press anything.” Dust said.

“I did from here. It’s an advanced control. Is everypony buckled in?” Blitz asks.

Everypony then sits down in the seats at the front as the ship moves past the moon.

“Minerva, check the restraints for all them,” Blitz says.

Minerva smiles as she checks the restraints. “Please put your tray tables and seats in their upright lock positions. We are now taking off.” She jokes.

“Minerva, secure your body, we just bought that custom model,” Blitz says.

Minerva nods and sits down in a seat next to him before buckling up and then puts her head down as her lights went off. Then a holographic version of her appeared next to him on the other side. “Ready.”

“Switching from cruise to drive,” Blitz says before the mares felt a lot of force applied to them before it eased off. “There we go, now we are really going.” He said as two circles appeared in front of him he places his hooves on it and starts to move it around. The ship then turns and faces the sun as the windows slowly tinted.

“Ok, approaching destination, projected course, and reducing speed,” Blitz says.

The mares and fillies watch as he slowly approached the sun and then slowly turns to the side of it. “How long have you been doing this?” Twilight asks.

“Intergalactic or Equestrian time? Oh, by the way, girls, welcome to my world.” Blitz says.

Twilight looks to him. “Equestrian.”

“Twelve years. I have been a part of a crew of a starship. Seven as the captain of Darkstar One. Now if you excuse me, I got one last thing to do with Bloody Mary. Minerva, take over and point the airlock to the sun.” Blitz says getting out of his seat.

“Roger that,” Minerva says as Blitz flew past the mares because of the low gravity.

The mares watch as he leaves before Twilight unbuckles her straps and flies out of her seat before trying to follow him.

“Rarity?” Rainbow asks.

Rarity looks to her. “Yes?”

“Am I looking at the sun?” Rainbow asks.

Rarity nods. “Yes and I’m shocked as well.”

Blitz sighs as he places the urn in the airlock and closes it behind him. “Blitz?”

“Yes, Twilight?” Blitz asks sealing the airlock.

Twilight looks to the urn as he messes with the controls. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, the nightmare of eight years is finally over,” Blitz says hitting the eject button.

They both watch as the urn flies toward the sun. “And what about us?”

“You’re evaluating everything that you know?” Blitz asks.

Twilight looks to him. “It’s just, all this.” She said pointing to the ship and space outside. “What’s that going to mean for you?”

“I’m a restless soul, I couldn’t stop exploring even if I tried,” Blitz says.

Twilight looks back at him. “So…you’re going to leave?”

“Duty requires I do as well, but I’m starting to think of Equestria as home and that I asked for a base and not money,” Blitz says.

Twilight floats a bit closer. “And us?”

“You want to come with, learn all about other species, planets, and everything the galaxy has to offer?” Blitz asks.

Twilight looks back to the cockpit door. “I…don’t know. I don’t want to leave my friends.”

“They can come too if they want, after all, they now know. Besides, you think you can go back to living as if this didn’t happen?” Blitz asks.

Twilight looks back at him as the urn finally reaches the sun and burns in the heated sphere. “No, not after this either.” She said before kissing him.

Blitz stiffens at first but starts to relax. After Twilight stops and leans back, Blitz smirk before saying. “You know, now that I think about it, you are closer to the sun than Celestia has ever been.”

Twilight smiles and looks to the sun. “I guess I am.” She said and then became silent for a bit. “I want to go with you as long as you’re with me.”

“Ok Twi,” Blitz says letting her lean into him.

Twilight sighs and leans her head into his neck. “I love you, Blitz.”

“I love you too Twilight, but I wish I could just get my head on straight with these relationships,” Blitz says.

Twilight sniffs his scent. “We’ll work it. All of us. Just that when we leave, I want all of these problems we got on Equestria to be done before we go. No more worry, no more secrets.”

“Ok, but you have got to know you will be with a Mandalorian and all that entails,” Blitz says petting her mane.

Twilight nods. “Anything to be with you. I love you Blitz and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Ok. Minerva put us on a course back to Equine 2. Make the trip back six hours, Equestrian time.” Blitz says.

Twilight looks to him. “Six hours? It took less to get here.”

“Yeah, gonna show you, girls, a few things before we get back,” Blitz says.

Twilight nods. “Okay, but if we’re two, who’s one?”

“There is a planet closer to the sun than yours. You can see it now, but it is uninhabited.” Blitz says.

Twilight raised an eyebrow as the planet passes by. “So that’s what that thing was.”

“Yes, it might be uninhabited, but it is rich with resources. The only reason it isn’t being mined is that your system is not reached spacefaring era yet and you will need it when you reach that stage. So the ruling governments of the universe are protecting you.” Blitz says.

Twilight sighs. “Let’s get back. We have a lot to explain to princess Celestia and Luna. But before that…” She said before kissing him again.

After breaking the kiss, Blitz held her close. “Twi, you can’t tell them. In fact, none of you can tell any other creature on Equestria.” Blitz says.

Twilight looks to him. “Then won’t the princesses question why we might be gone for so long?”

“Luna is suspicious and she might have an idea, but the other two are oblivious to it. It’s better this way. This way, they can sleep without worrying if an alien species will invade the planet.” Blitz says.

Twilight nods. “I guess that’s a good reason. You think everypony else will come?”

“Oh, maybe imagine Rarity’s reaction to learning about other species out there,” Blitz says.

Twilight giggled. “She probably wants to learn every single fashion there is.”

“Exactly. So what do you think of low gravity?” Blitz asks.

Twilight smirks before making him let go and then turning upside down as she keeps smirking. “What do you think?”

“I think you have just started to get a grip on it.” He said as he pushes her and she starts spinning uncontrollably.

Twilight brings up her magic and forces him to get close. Unfortunately, she caught him as she was upside down and they got stuck. Blitz blushes as he held on her flank while Twilight blushes as she held onto his flank. They quickly separated and pushed each other apart. “Sorry!” She yelled before hitting the wall and making her back hurt slightly.

Blitz, being used to this, lands on his hind hooves and pushes forwards lightly, getting next to her. “There is barely any gravity on this setting and the littlest force can send you across the room uncontrollably,” Blitz says grabbing her and stopping her.

Twilight quickly grabs onto him as they continue to float. “Blitz?”

“Yeah?” Blitz asks.

Twilight hugs him tighter. “Do you love Applejack?”

“I would be lying if I said no,” Blitz says.

Twilight looks to him. “Do you want to be with her?”

“That is part of the emotions I wanted to sort out for myself, but I think I do,” Blitz says.

Twilight sighs. “Let’s talk to her alone, together.”

“She wants me to talk to Fluttershy about this and I’m still afraid of vampires so she wants me to do more sessions with her to get over the fear,” Blitz says.

Twilight nods. “You want to talk to her alone or with us?”

“Not sure, but I’ll want to talk to Fluttershy about my fear alone,” Blitz says.

Twilight sighs. “Okay, we’ll leave you alone for your fear. But with us, talk about it when you have it with us.”

“If you want to then please convince her. She is almost as stubborn as I am.” Blitz says.

Twilight smiles. “Yeah, she’s so stubborn that she wanted to take on the whole farm on her own.”

“If she was a unicorn and had some good magic powers and that might have been possible,” Blitz says.

Twilight giggled. “Yeah, that’s what I did once she allowed it.”

“Physically one can do so much. That is why half of my success is a result of either my planning or my ability to adapt to most situations. The other is my physical conditioning.” Blitz says.

Twilight laughs as she looks him over. “Yeah, I can see that.” She said looking down.

“And you saw my ability to plan and my calculations with that Ranchor,” Blitz says.

Twilight nods. “I know that I kept seeing it whenever an explosion happened. But, it was always you who helped us all and changed what we originally thought about ourselves. Besides, you kinda gave me a love life.” She said kissing his cheek.

“You could kinda say the same with me,” Blitz says.

Twilight kisses him until she pulls back a little. “Just shut up and kiss me.” She said before kissing him again. This time, instead of freezing up, Blitz actually kisses her back a little to her surprise. After a while, she finally pulls away. “You didn’t hesitate.”

“I have a good teacher,” Blitz says.

Twilight nuzzles his nose a little. “And there’s still more to come.”

“We will see how I do. It is time for us to go see the rest of the girls.” Blitz says.

Twilight smiles and moves aside. “Lead the way.”

“Just hang on,” Blitz says pushing off a bit. “You know, I used to envy all creatures with wings,” Blitz says.

Twilight looks back to her own. “Envy me?”

“When I was a foal. I always looked up at the sky and wanted to soar through them.” Blitz says.

Twilight hugs him as they float through the hallway. “Well, you beat them in that. You’ve gotten farther than ever.”

“Yeah and this is beyond what any pegasus could do. No resistance at all.” Blitz says beginning to spin, slowing down. “This is how I was trained in my acrobatics. If you can do the maneuvers in this you will learn how to never overshoot. After that, you master training enough in gravity, you learn how to not put too little power. If Rainbow trained in this, you should notice a drastic change in her flying.” Blitz says.

Twilight looks ahead and sees the door. “Think they would like this life?”

“Maybe not the Mandalorian life, but life in space maybe,” Blitz says.

Twilight nods. “Yeah, maybe she would like to just travel and race almost everypony in space.”

“She would love the Darkstar One. This baby was built originally for speed.” Blitz says stopping them.

Twilight hits him lightly. “Show off.”

“No, just experienced. You should have seen me for the first three months, I could barely leave a room.” Blitz says.

Twilight giggles as he opens the door. “I would love a picture of that.” She said before seeing the state of the room and sees everypony flying around, cheering all the while. “Is this too many ponies though?”

“We may need to convert a few storage rooms,” Blitz says pushing in and grabbing Applebloom.

Twilight smiles as she turns to him. “Want to tell them or shall I?”

“We will in the living room,” Blitz says, Applebloom now attached herself to him.

Applebloom looks to him. “Tell us what?”

“In the living room, cuz. Anypony want help getting there?” Blitz asks.

Rainbow pointed to the fillies just flailing uselessly in the air. Twilight then realized something. “Spike knows and we forgot him!”

“Oh, you mean our little stowaway in storage room three?” Minerva asks.

They look to the hologram pony. “Spike snuck on?” Twilight asks.

Minerva just smiles as another door opens and a drone comes in with Spike on Minerva’s projection. Blitz whistles. “Terran, bring the one in storage room three to the living room,” Blitz calls as he lets Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle grab onto him.

Terran growls as Minerva messes with a screen in front of her and turns the gravity on to a regular planet’s gravity. Terran growls before running off and into a hallway. After a while they hear a scream, some things crashing and then cheering. “Catch of the day, Spike the dragon,” Scootaloo announced as they came back in with Spike tied up.

“Told all of you, he was really smart,” Blitz says. “Ok Minerva, turn on the holoprojector,” Blitz says.

Minerva starts messing with her screen as everypony gathers around and Twilight glares at Spike.

“To start off, I got to say none of you can tell any other creatures about this.” Blitz starts.

“Whoa, this is a lot to take in.” Rainbow Dash says.

“I can’t believe you were abducted by space pirates Blitzy.” Applejack says.

Blitz nods. “Yeah, that’s what happened and took a while before I even saw this place again. I came by once, but never had the courage to come down.”

“Kind of hard to do after all this,” Pinkie says.

Blitz sighs. “Yeah, when showed everything you can’t back away from it.”

“I can vouch for that.” Dust says already learning most of what was told.

They look to her. “If you were given the chance, would you go back?”

“No.” Dust says.

“It’s not as if you can’t live down there,” Blitz says.

Dust nods. “Yeah, not anymore.”

“After learning everything, it makes you reevaluate everything. Like for example, all of you have now been closed to the sun than Celestia ever has.” Blitz says.

Rainbow grins. “Yeah, that was awesome.”

“And we haven’t even put Darkstar One under any strain. It’s like Rainbow walking in slow motion.” Blitz says.

Rainbow glares at him. “Hey! I take offense to that.”

“It was a comparison. The Darkstar One was originally made for speed.” Blitz says.

Rainbow then grins. “How fast?”

“This baby could go from the sun to the outermost planet in less than an hour Equestrian time. The average spaceship does that in four.” Blitz says.

Rainbow grins. “Cool. Is there anything faster?”

“You want to find out?” Blitz asks.

Rainbow nods. “Heck yeah!”

“Then you just might,” Blitz says.

“I have to go with you, don’t I?” Rainbow asks.

“Yeah, but I have decided to make my home here and speaking of which, we have arrived,” Blitz says. They all look to the outside and see they are landing on the edge of the Everfree forest. “Just remember, you don’t have to come if you don’t want too and there will be many adventures as we will keep coming back here.”

Rarity looks to everypony before looking back at him. “We’ll think about it.” She said before heading for the door.

“The offer is always open,” Blitz says putting on his clothes over the bandages.

Everypony started to leave as they get used to the natural atmosphere and gravity again. After they left, only Twilight and Applejack remained. Lightning Dust went back to training to give them room.

Blitz sighs as he watches them. “Something wrong?”

“Applejack,” Twilight says pushing her forward.

Applejack presses her lips before looking to Blitz. “Blitz, do you love her?”

“Yes, like I love you,” Blitz says.

Applejack keeps watching him till she turns around and makes Twilight turn around with her and they started to whisper. Blitz watches as they keep whispering until they both turn back and moves over to him before they both kiss his cheeks.

“Um…well thanks, both of you,” Blitz says hugging them both and kisses both on the cheek.

They smile and hug him back. “Don’t forget me!” Minerva calls, landing on his back, now back in her body.

“Easy Minerva, still injured,” Blitz says.

Minerva nuzzles him. “I know, I’m staying on the points that won’t injure you. Now, where’s my kiss?”

“Can’t turn my head one eighty degrees,” Blitz says.

Minerva giggles before giving a kiss on the side of his head. “There, feeling better?”

“Yeah,” Blitz says as Twilight wraps her wings around them.

Applejack nuzzles them. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Oh that is right, I still have to go see Fluttershy for the session on vampires,” Blitz says.

Twilight looks up at him. “You don’t have any problems with us do you?”

“No, I think this will cover it,” Blitz says smiling.

The mares then push him to the door. “Then get to Fluttershy, you still need your session.” Applejack said.

“See you later tonight Jackie,” Blitz says.

Applejack and the other mares wave at him until he leaves and closes the door behind him. “How big is that bed of his?” Applejack asks Minerva.

“Big enough for six ponies to fit comfortably, but he has yet to clean up,” Minerva says

Twilight and Applejack smile to each other. “Spike! You got work!” They called before rushing off to his room with Minerva following.

Spike was distracted by the holoprojector as he was browsing different planet gem types. He was then grabbed from his tail with magic as Twilight pulled him away.

Blitz sighs as he sat on the couch in Fluttershy’s house. “So…where do you want to start?” Fluttershy asks.

“I am unsure, where do you think is best?” Blitz asks noticing she went full Flutterbat.

Fluttershy smiles and moves over onto his couch. “How about the physical part first and then work on mental because it’ll be easier.”

“I…If you say so,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy gets real close and pins him down. “Don’t fight.” She hisses, getting close.

“Y…yes ma’am.” He says meekly.

Fluttershy hisses at him before going to his neck. “Looks good.” She said before licking it.

“F…Fluttershy, please stop that feels weird. A strangely good kind of weird.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy smirks and starts to suckle at his neck. “Beautiful.” She said quietly.

“Um…Fluttershy, what are you up to?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy stops licking his neck and gets up and pulls on him to get up. “Come on.” She said pulling him out of the couch.

“F…Fluttershy, are you feeling ok?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy nods and pulls him up the stairs. “Great.” She said as they enter her room and she throws him on the bed before she jumps up and continues to do what she did downstairs.

“Um…Fluttershy, what is the condition of the moon out of curiosity?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy stops what she’s doing and looks at him. “It’s just a normal moon. But you were able to keep control and be calm despite me being this close to you and your neck like you fear.”

“Just please tell me it’s not red and…no wait, on second thought, don’t…” Blitz stopped seeing Fluttershy looking out the window and going eerily quiet.

Blitz looks to the window and sees the moonlight red and he looks to Fluttershy who was licking her lips. “I will let you decide, what do you want and it can’t be you leaving.”

“Um…Fluttershy, how many times have you seen a red moon since you became a vampire pony?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy sighs as she starts to rub herself against him. “Ten actually.”

“And you know you are in heat right now?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy nods as lifts herself up slightly and shows the spot where she was on him wet. “Why do you think I’m letting you decide?”

“I…I…I…” Blitz says freezing up for the first time to Fluttershy. For the first time, Fluttershy had a pony that could be just as shy as her. She just found it adorable.

Fluttershy places a hoof on his cheek. “Blitz?”

“Y…Y…Yes?” He asks.

Fluttershy leans down a bit. “Do you want this?”

“I…I…I…” Blitz could only say that.

Fluttershy sighs and leans onto his chest and just lays there. “You’re lucky I went into this before. Otherwise, you would be halfway into the bed by now.”

Blitz, hearing this, freezes up.

Fluttershy nuzzles his chest. “Can you hold me?”

Blitz says nothing and just wraps his hooves around her.

Fluttershy smiles and nuzzles more into his chest. “You can do this Blitz. You faced Mary and handling more than one mare. You can do this.”

“I…I…I…” Blitz started again as Fluttershy read confusion from him.

Fluttershy looks up slightly at him. “Blitz, are you still afraid of her?”

“I…I…I never stopped.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy gets close to his face before kissing his nose. “She’s gone. You sent her away. The only thing that’s meaningful to your life now is your mares. You need to help them and they would help you.”

“I…I, wait Fluttershy. Do you have any feelings you’re not telling?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy wraps her hooves around his neck. “I’m trying not to. It would get in the way of this.”

“Fluttershy, I can see it in your eyes and your body language. Sorry, I acquired this ability from several years of being a Mandalorian.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy nuzzles him. “Can I be with you? You can treat me as a friend, a lover or even a slave and I would follow everything you want.”

“If you want that, you must talk to Twilight and Applejack,” Blitz says stroking her mane.

Fluttershy sniffs his scent. “But if you had the choice, what type of me would you want?”

“There is no type, you are you no matter if you look bat-like or pegasus.” Blitz then starts chuckling. “Oh boy, if you had told me that I would be in a romantic relationship with a vampire pony I would have most likely died of laughter,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy giggles a bit. “I meant, friend, lover or slave. Which do you want if you had the choice?”

“I hate slavery Fluttershy,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy sighs and moves over to her nightstand and opens the drawer to a few toys before pulling out a dog collar and closing the drawer. “Do you want to try consensually?” She asks, showing the collar.

“Oh, you like roleplaying,” Blitz says getting the signs.

Fluttershy nods. “And I like being abused and treated as a slave. I don’t know why, but I do. I’m the therapist of the town and even Canterlot and even psychologist themselves come to me for help and advice, but I can’t figure out my own problems.”

“Oh, you are a very naughty mare,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy smiles. “So…if they agree, want to?” She asks showing the collar again.

“We can try I…well, never have….” Blitz start.

Fluttershy sighs. “You had never been in something like this before, have you?” Blitz nods. “Oh, don’t worry, I will teach you,” Fluttershy says smirking enough to show her fangs. “We can try a bit if you want?” She asks giving him the collar.

Blitz full face blush as he held the collar as it amused Fluttershy so much.

Fluttershy giggles. “Just try it. If you hate it, then remove it.” She said pulling her mane back and showing her neck. “The vampire’s vulnerable point.”

“If you really wan…oh, that is not a good idea. I told Jackie I would be back soon and if I take too long she will come looking and that would hurt your chances badly.” Blitz says in realization.

Fluttershy sighs and takes the collar back. “Okay, you best go to her now.” She said moving off of him.

“We will try for this next time,” Blitz says, his blush still massive and it didn’t help when Fluttershy smacks his flank.

Blitz yelps and Fluttershy laughs. “Fluttershy.” He whines to her.

Fluttershy only licks her lips. “Sexy stallion, you better get going.”

“Y…yes ma’am.” Blitz ran off leaving Fluttershy laughing a lot.

Blitz quickly closes the door behind him as quickly as he could. “Jackie? Please tell me Fluttershy didn’t bite anypony on the red moon?”

“Um…no, I don’t think so,” Applejack asks.

Blitz sighs in relief. “Good, now then…where are you guys?” He asks looking around.

“Now I see why you like this thing, it’s a lot of fun.” Applejack says appearing with a gauntlet on her hoof.

Blitz glares at the weapon. “Put that down and place it back in the shelf. What are you doing in my room anyway?”

“Cleaning mostly,” Twilight says coming out of the bathroom.

Blitz looks around the room and finds it mostly clean. “You girls were cleaning my room?”

“Yeah, mostly throwing clothes into the laundry and please let me keep using the shower,” Twilight begged.

Blitz sighs. “Alright, just remember that it makes you a puffball.”

“Oh she knows, Minerva already got a picture of it.” Applejack says.

Blitz glares at Minerva. “Don’t make me get into your A.I. core and delete it.”

“Can’t, already framed the picture.” She says.

Blitz grabs the weapon Applejack had and pulls it off. “Don’t make me use this.”

“Applejack, shouldn’t you take him to your house?” She asks before Applejack’s eyes widen and drags him away as the gauntlet fell onto the floor.

Twilight smiles as she watches them leave. “So…got any other photos?”

“You know how you wanted a picture of Blitz when he first trying to learn how to move in low gravity?” Minerva asks.

Twilight nods. “Oh yeah. Considering our experience with it.”

“I managed to find some footage of it from the old Mandalorian archives,” Minerva says.

Blitz sighs as he walks back with Applejack. “Hey, Jackie?”

“Yes, Blitzy?” Applejack asks.

Blitz stops. “Fluttershy asked something.”

“She finally admitted her feelings?” Applejack asks.

“Yep,” Blitz says.

“Came onto you because of the red moon,” Applejack asks.

“Yep,” Blitz says.

“Discovered that side of her?” Applejack asks.

“Yep,” Blitz says.

“Did you do it with her?” Applejack asks.

“Nope,” Blitz says.

Applejack looks back at him. “What?”

“I…um…a virgin,” Blitz says.

Applejack keeps looking at him. “So what did Fluttershy ask?”

“Um…to…um…” Blitz tries to say.

Applejack sighs. “She can join.” Applejack says.

Blitz looks to her before sighing. “She has a slave fetish.” He said quickly.

“I know.” Applejack says, the farm coming into view.

Blitz watches her. “You knew?”

“Yep, the rest of us mares knew about it.” Applejack says.

Blitz looks a bit surprised. “So…you won’t mind if I did take her like that?”

“Well, better than she going berserk and grabbing a random pony.” She says opening the door.

Blitz sighs. “Alright, I’ll talk to her about it.”

“Ok and come on, it has been a long day. I need rest and you’re joining me.” Applejack says.

Blitz looks to her. “You mean…?”

“I need my favorite pillow.” She said dragging him up the steps.

Blitz looks a bit nervous. “O…okay.”

When Applejack got to her room, she tossed him onto the bed before closing the door and climbing onto it. “Feel better after we learned the secret?” Applejack asks.

Blitz sighs as he wraps his hooves around her. “Yeah, now I feel like there is nothing to hide and eating me alive anymore.”

“Good love.” Applejack says kissing him.

Blitz breaths in sharply before calming down and kisses her back. After a while, they separated and Applejack sighs and rests her head on his chest. “About Fluttershy, you can have her. We saw only stallions can help her.”

“Um…well, she likes both right?” He whispers.

Applejack smiles. “Yes, but when she enters her heat on the red moon, it’s only stallions.”

“So, good night Jackie,” Blitz says.

“You know, it is a little weird. I’m with my cuz.” Applejack says.

Blitz sighs and closes his eyes as Applejack follows him. “Don’t think about that. Just enjoy.” Applejack just tightens her grip around him and falls asleep with him.

Blitz looks to Fluttershy in her bat form as held the collar in his hooves. “Okay, after this, you will need to do what I say and when I say it, right?” He asks.

“Yes and I’m so looking forward to it,” Fluttershy says.

“You are going have to guide me through almost everything of this process as this is my first time,” Blitz says his blush coming back.

Fluttershy moves her mane and shows her neck. “After you place it on, you have started treating me almost like an animal. Like I’m just here to please you and nothing else.”

“O…ok,” Blitz says using his magic to move the collar around her neck.

Fluttershy smiles as she feels the collar before looking to him and shows a leash in her hoof. “Hook it on and take me out.”

Blitz hesitantly takes the leash before slowly hooking it on her. Fluttershy lightly smiles as he now tugs the leash to make sure it’s tight. “O…kay. Come on.” He pulls at the leash, but she didn’t budge.

Fluttershy sighs. “You have to do it forcefully.”

“F…Fluttershy you don’t want that, I can literally snap necks when I try,” Blitz says concerned for her.

Fluttershy shakes her head. “Just enough to get the point across. A hard enough tug to either get me down or pulled along a little. Not dragging me all the way.”

“Ok, let me know if it’s too much, ok?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy nods. “The safe word for all of this is teddy bears. With an s at the end.”

“Ok,” Blitz says pulling again the force this time was a little unexpected for Fluttershy as it forces her to walk into Blitz. “Let’s go.” He said trying to hold his rough voice at her.

Fluttershy whimpers as he starts to walk along with her following slightly behind.

They take a stroll through the Everfree forest so nopony would see them. As they walked, Blitz kept looking back to Fluttershy as the moonlight allowed him to see her. “Beautiful.” She heard him say.

“Thanks, handsome,” Fluttershy says in response, getting closer to him. “You would still have to show me around like this one day.”

“Ah no, if this was out in public, I don’t think I could do it,” Blitz says.

Even though the darkness, Fluttershy could see his full face blush and she smiled before rubbing up against him and wrapping a wing around his torso. “You could probably do it one day, maybe not now, but one day.” She said nuzzling against his chest.

“I…I don’t think so. It would send too many wrong messages to colts and fillies and well…” Blitz starts trailing off.

Fluttershy nods. “I know, maybe somewhere where there aren’t many ponies and definitely with the foals around. Maybe around Canterlot at night. There are only guards and a few Canterlot ponies moving about.”

“B…but, I ah…um Fluttershy, do you think a foal of your’s would inherit this?” Blitz asks trying to change the subject.

Fluttershy looks herself over. “Maybe, why, are you going to hate them?”

“N…no, just wondering. I…I don’t want them picked on.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy giggles. “If they do, they would have to deal with an angry vampire mother.”

“Or a father who likes to use fire and explosives,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy smiles. “Thank you for putting up with me.”

“I should be saying that to you,” Blitz says letting go of the leash and wrapping a hoof around her.

Fluttershy leans into him. “Then you’re welcome.”

“Come on, let’s get back and sorry about that wall again. Is the repair job holding?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy nods. “Yeah, it’s holding up to the weather.”

“I hope I did a good enough job with it,” Blitz says.

“You know, you are so different from when you don your armor,” Fluttershy says.

“You think?” Blitz asks embarrassed.

Fluttershy smiles. “Yeah, it’s quite cute. You show your softer side, though it shines through your armor sometimes.” Fluttershy says getting on his back and riding him and kissing the back of his neck.

Blitz blushes and picks up the leash before heading back. “T…thanks.”

“I’m glad to be able to share you, my stallion.” She says wrapping her wings around his chest.

Blitz really blushes at this point. “Yeah, hard to believe I can do that.”

“Oh, trust me, you will just love it later,” Fluttershy whispers into his ear.

Blitz laughs nervously. “M…M…Maybe.”

“Oh, we will make sure of it,” Fluttershy says lightly nibbling his ear.

Blitz tries to hold himself together as he continues to walk. “F…F…Fluttershy, don’t do that.”

“This is just a taste,” Fluttershy says nuzzling him.

Blitz stayed blushing. “Let’s head back. Did you like this night?”

“Yes. I did.” Fluttershy says.

Blitz smiles as they reach her house. “Good.” He said placing her down at the door. “I’ll see you later.”

Fluttershy smiles. “I’m coming along, just so you know. And…” She brings up the leash. “You can keep doing this.”

“Ok, I will try another night,” Blitz says as Fluttershy hugs him.

Fluttershy sighs as she hugs before she pulls back. “Want me to keep wearing this or only when we need it?” She asks, fiddling with the collar.

“Only when needed, I think you would look cuter with a necklace,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy blushes a bit. “Um…thank you.”

Blitz smiles before sighing and gives her a kiss before softly letting go. “See you.” He said giving a small wave before leaving.

Fluttershy smiles as she waved back. “Bye.” She said softly. Fluttershy then closes the door and lays on the couch as Angel comes out of the kitchen with a carrot. “That was amazing.” She said to herself, not realizing that Angel was there.

It was the end of the month as Blitz sat at the table in the Darkstar One. “Ok, got everything I need to go to the Griffon Kingdom,” Blitz says double checking the gear.

All four mares sat at the table as they watch him packing up his bag. “You sure you got everything?” Twilight asks.

“Yeah, this will be a good learning experience for Dust. There are a few small-time bounties still in Equestria and Minerva and Terran will be helping her.” Blitz says.

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “You want to have Dust get those guys? Ya, sure she’s ready?”

“Minerva will pick the targets and she will have Terran watching her back as she hunts. Terran is far more dangerous than anything those small-time thieves or thugs can handle if she needs help.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy smiles as she fiddles with her leash. “I’ll try to make sure that her soon to be many injuries get healed.”

“Thanks. It is from those injuries and experience that she will start to grow.” Blitz says looking to Minerva.

Minerva shrugs. “I’ll start her off easy, but I’ll ramp up the difficulty when she least expects it.”

“Good, she will need that since she has decided to become a Mandalorian,” Blitz says.

Minerva nods. “Yes, she is usually a bit hot-headed, but she will soon get the message beat into her.”

“Also keep increasing the speed of those moving targets and the obstacle courses gradually, but not enough for her to notice,” Blitz says.

“Gotcha,” Minerva says.

“Also start looking for ponies, griffons, Zebras, and Minotaurs to hire to staff the base,” Blitz says.

Minerva smiles. “Anyone in particular?”

“Ask those who know about our secret and see if they have any suggestions,” Blitz says.

“Got it, I will go see Rarity, Dash, and Pinkie later,” Minerva says as Blitz puts on his blue helmet. “I’ll be back in a few months keep an eye on things for me,” Blitz says walking down the ramp.

Twilight smiles. “Hope you studied.”

“You know I did.” Blitz calls before disappearing.

Applejack huffs. “So…want to make some calls?”

“Oh, somepony is mad he didn’t kiss her goodbye,” Fluttershy says as she twirls her leash around.

Days later, Blitz had boarded a ship after buying a ticket to travel to the Griffon Kingdom by boat. He looks around the ship and sees some ponies, but a lot of griffons on the boat, some with low-level bounties. “Child’s play.”

Blitz leaned against the railing as he watches the sunset until a pony comes up beside him and puked over the side. Looking to the side, Blitz saw a familiar pony. “It’s been a few months Daring.” Blitz greets.

Daring’s ears perked up hearing her name before looking to Blitz. She looked for a few moments as the armor looked familiar. After a few moments, her eyes widened. “Cross?” She asks.

“Glad you recognize me,” Blitz says.

Daring looks over his armor. “Wha…what are you doing here or…or…or rather, why are heading to the griffon kingdom?”

“To make some money. I just got a base being built and need bits to buy things for it.” Blitz says.

Daring raises an eyebrow. “What about resources to make it? Don’t you need materials and all that?”

“Oh, I already cut a deal with the Royals in exchange for a job I can’t talk about,” Blitz whispers into her ear.

Daring looks a bit impressed. “Wow, so…you like my last book?”

“Yeah, I did notice a few changes though,” Blitz says.

Daring smirks. “Which part did you like?”

“Oh the part where you tricked me into giving the artifact to save me,” Blitz says.

Daring giggles. “Yeah, the great climax. So how’s your life now?”

“I suppose you have heard,” Blitz says.

Daring nods. “Can’t believe she is real.”

“Was is the better word,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “You know that they labeled you as dead, right?”

“A fair assessment. If it wasn’t for the medical care provided by my team, I would have died.” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “You’re okay, right?”

“Maybe a few scars, but that’s all,” Blitz says.

Daring looks him over. “Can I see them?”

“Maybe later. Too many eyes watching here. So you going to include her in your next book?” Blitz asks.

Daring tilts her head. “Maybe, just need an interview. You willing?”

“Sure, so let me guess, couldn’t get a ticket for an airship?” Blitz asks.

Daring chuckles nervously. “No.”

“Come on, you can share my cabin,” Blitz says.

Daring looks to him a bit surprised. “Really?”

“Yeah, unless you are not done with being seasick just yet,” Blitz says.

Daring glares at him. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”

“Ok, lets,” Blitz says leading her away as he smirked.

Daring hits him. “Don’t think so badly.”

“Not so antisocial once you get to know me, huh?” Blitz asks.

Daring bumps against him. “Shut up.”

“Alright,” Blitz says opening his cabin door for her. “Mares first,” Blitz says.

Daring rolls her eyes before heading inside. “Nice place, but now you. Get out of that.” She said as Blitz gets in and closes the door.

“I would make a joke about you wanting me, but you would hurt me for making it,” Blitz says lifting off his helmet.

Daring looks on as she sees his face for the first time. “Wow, but the scars?” Blitz’s horn lights up as he removes his armor to show three diagonal scars across his chest. “Whoa, that looks bad.”

“You can see why they thought I was going to die,” Blitz says.

Daring nods and sits down on the bed. “So any other problems you had?”

“Well, nothing really worth mentioning, except I’m at my limit. I walked for seventy-two hours straight to get to the dock and I need some rest.” Blitz says getting in bed.

Daring watches as he almost tries to sleep. “Hello, I’m here. Where am I going to sleep?” She said pointing to the room which had no other bed.

“Good point,” Blitz says getting off and laying on the floor.

Daring frowns. “Okay, that’s it.” She said before grabbing him and throwing him into the bed and laying down with him after pulling the covers. “Shut up and don’t molest me.”

“I…I…I…um…” Blitz says, now blushing and trying to form a proper sentence.

Daring hits him. “Just go to sleep.” She said taking her hat off.

“Ow…I don’t do well with mares so close.” Blitz says, the punch jarring things back into place.

“Oh, this is just precious. The bad flank that everypony knows is shy.” Daring says.

Blitz grimaces. “That’s because I never had mares in my life before all this.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t bite.” She whispers into his ear.

Blitz looks at her as she smiles. “You’re not a vampire…right?”

“No, but I will bite you if you want,” Daring says wrapping her wings around him.

Blitz could blush and try to fall into the heated sleep.

Blitz groans as he gets up in his bed and sees it was already empty. “Daring?” He asks, rubbing his eyes.

“Oh, finally awake, huh?” Daring ask putting on her clothes and hat.

Blitz yawns. “Somewhat, why did you treat me like that last night?”

“Last night? You have been asleep for more than a day.” Daring says.

Blitz’s eyes widen. “What?!” He quickly rushes to the window and sees its night out.

Daring comes up to him. “It’s almost time for everypony to go to sleep. Figure I hit the pool, cool off, you know.”

“Arg, I hate it when I push my limit, I sleep for days,” Blitz says.

Daring looks at him as he keeps staring out the window and she sighs and starts to unbutton her clothes again. “Why don’t you hit the hay, I’ll see if I can get some food if you want?”

“After twenty-four hours of sleep? Besides, don’t you want to be seen walking around with Southern Cross?” Blitz asks grabbing his helmet with his magic.

Daring frowns a bit before pulling him away from the window and presses him against the wall, making him drop his magic. “I’ll go, the kingdom is still a few days away and most of the places are now closed. The only thing opened is the casino, bar, and dining. I don’t think you would be able to eat without taking your helmet off, would you? I’ll go alone and get some food anyway.”

“Ok, but if you’re not back in an hour I’m coming to look for you,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs and gets off of him. “So what do you want to eat? They got almost anything.” She asks taking her hat off and placing it next to her clothes and his armor.

“I’m not a very picky eater so just grab extra helpings of what you get,” Blitz says.

Daring nods and heads for the door. “Okay, just stay here and…check bounties or something. I’ll try to be back in thirty minutes. If I don’t get held up at the bar.” She finished with a smirk.

“Watch yourself, I already noticed a few on the ship,” Blitz says.

Daring waves him off. “Yeah, yeah. I’m sure they’re asleep.” She said heading out and closing the door behind her.

Blitz sighs and brings the helmet to him and puts it to read over the bounties he saw and those at large in the Griffon kingdom as he waited impatiently for forty-five minutes before getting up. “Best go check on her,” Blitz says using his magic to quickly put on his armor and heading out the door and towards the bar.

Once he finds the dining room he heads for the bar on the far side and finds Daring sitting there with two plates of food, but the trouble is the two griffons beside her who seems to be chatting her up.

Blitz remains out of their field of vision as he scans each and both griffons had bounties on their heads and then looks around and sees more griffons and strangely, one stallion pony. He then moves in to hear them and sees the griffons grab something from behind him and grabs a shot glass full of a drink and puts a powder into it before mixing it and giving it to her. “A toast, to the greatest adventurer.” He calls as Daring smiles and drinks the shot.

Daring immediately starts to sway and the two griffons look to each other before lifting her hooves over their shoulders, with Daring not being able to move much and walking her out to the side of the boat outside as more griffons and the stallion follows.

Blitz quickly gets up and follows them to the door and peeks out to see Daring placed down near the railing while the griffons stand guard around her and the stallion. “Now Daring, why don’t you tell me where the eye of Tifus is? I know you brought it with you.” Dr. Caballeron says.

Daring sways her head around as she tries to concentrate. “Wha…the eye of Tifus? What the bucking shit is that?”

Dr. Caballeron frowns and nods to the griffons who grabs Daring and lifts her up by her hooves. Another then comes up and takes something out before shoving it underneath her which she yelps out loud. “Where?!”

Daring squirms from the thing inside her. “I don’t…ow…what you are talking about?” She said, flailing her legs.

“Don’t play games with me Do or I’ll use it.” He said talking something out of his pocket and hitting something on it which then Daring squirms around. “Now where am i…?” Dr. Caballeron was cut off by one of the griffon’s screeching in pain. Turning around he sees nothing but the Griffon holding a smoking wound in its claw.

The griffon falls as he clutches his wound and the others see the pony in armor behind him. “You know what to do. Claws and hooves where I can see em and get down on the ground.” Blitz threats shooting another griffon in the claw to emphasize his point.

“Tha…that can’t be Southern Cross.” A griffon says as it started to rain onto the deck.

Blitz shoots near the griffons, making them jump. “Do as I say, now or I will collect your dead bounties!” He threatens.

The griffons quickly look to each other before the two griffons holding her puts her down as she breathes heavily. “Again? It happened again?” She asks herself, lost in her own world.

“Down on the ground.” Blitz orders again. “Not you two, move the lady away and set her against the wall over there. If I even suspect you are planning something, I will drop you both.” Blitz says.

The two griffons quickly pick up Daring carefully and slowly move her to the wall near him and set her down and then backs away with their claws raise. Blitz quickly moves to her side not taking his eyes off the griffons and sees that her pupils widened and her sweating and heat coming from her has increased. “Oh my god. Aphrodite, that’s what it was. You, a stallion with the stupid look, walk over here.” Blitz orders.

“What are you cowards waiting for, there is only one of him.” Dr. Caballeron calls.

One of the griffons snort. “Don’t you know who that is?”

Another griffon raises his head up slightly. “That’s the famous Southern Cross.”

The one griffons that were holding Daring tries to calm down. “And not even us griffons would try and get in his way.”

“What are you talking about, those stories are all phony and if they are true, think of how many bits he has got.” Dr. Caballeron says starting to get their attention before being shot in the hoof.

Dr. Caballeron grunts from pain as he sees his busted hoof. “Want to really try?” Blitz offered.

The griffons who were starting to work up the nerve to try something, instantly felt it slip away as Blitz starting shooting each one with a small pad that material shot out from, completely immobilizing them all. The griffons tried to struggle, but couldn’t move.

Blitz looks over to Dr. Caballeron. “Still want to try?”

“Um.” Dr. Caballeron didn’t get a chance to answer as Blitz picked him up and slammed him against the wall harshly before bringing his hoof under his chin and two claws extended on either side of his head trapping it. “Now I have a third claw in the middle of these two unless you want to see a demonstration, you will answer every question truthfully got it?!” Blitz yells.

Dr. Caballeron just whimpers.

Blitz huffs. “I’ll take that as a yes. The first question, Daring you up to asking him anything?” Blitz asks.

Daring breathes in sharply. “He did it.” She said, out of focus.

“Ok, she is out of it so I will ask the question, what is the eye of Titus?!” Blitz yells.

Dr. Caballeron went on to explain that it was supposed to be the key to an ancient griffon treasure and he wanted it to sell it off to the highest bidder.

Blitz scoffs. “You make me sick. The second question, you know what, we will continue this when she can answer properly.” Blitz says before withdrawing his claws and slamming his helmet into his head and knocking him out.

Blitz sighs and looks to the other griffons as some of them still struggled to get out of their wrappings. “You guys are going to wait here until I can find a way to deal with you. For now…” He looks to Daring who was mumbling to herself before going to her and touches her shoulder which she instantly recoils and looks at him in shock.

“Daring, it’s ok. Let’s get you back to the room.” Blitz says picking her up, as he starts walking, as he drags Dr. Caballeron back to his cabin.

After they make it back, Blitz throws Dr. Caballeron into the room and into a corner while leading Daring to the bed. “You okay?” He asks carefully as Daring slowly sits down.

Daring takes shaky breaths. “He actually did it to me. Why, why now? I never wanted that to happen, not again.”

“He didn’t Daring. He didn’t rape you.” Blitz says holding her.

Daring tries to breathe in as she leans into Blitz. “I still feel it.”

Blitz reaches down and pulls out the toy, making her gasp. “This is what he used,” Blitz says showing her it.

Daring gulps. “I still feel it. It’s moving everywhere.”

“Nothing is there Daring. They slipped you something. Hold on.” Blitz says going to one of the suitcases he brought and opens it. He then closes it when he brought out a small gun like object with a needle on the end and a tube with blue liquid inside. “Daring this will hurt, but it will make you feel better,” Blitz says.

Daring stared straight ahead as she feels the cold metal put into her before she feels something cold run into her and the burning started to settle down, but then she held her stomach as most of the pains started to hit her there after Blitz pulled the needle out.

Daring groans as she fell off the bed and started to shake while still keeping a hold on her stomach. After a while, Daring stopped moving and was breathing carefully. “Cross?” She asks shakily.

“Yeah, I’m here Daring,” Blitz says.

Daring whimpers a bit. “Can you…get me to the shower?”

“Sure. Also, when he wakes up, we got questions that need to be answered.” Blitz says putting the item down and lets Daring lean on him.

Daring breathes in carefully as he slowly leads her into the bathroom and places her in the shower. “Go on.” He said pulling the shower curtains around it. Daring gulps and turns the shower on and feels the sharp cold waterfall on her.

“Let me know if you have to vacate your stomach as sometimes they do as a natural reaction when they first take that medicine,” Blitz says.

Daring nods slowly. “Cross?”

“Yes Daring?” Blitz asks.

Daring slowly looks to him. “Can you hold me?”

“Sure,” Blitz says removing his armor as the water heats up before stepping in and wrapping his hooves around her.

Daring whimpers and leans against him. “Please…don’t let this happen to me again.”

“I won’t, I swear to you,” Blitz says tightening his grip.

Daring puts her head under his head. “Can I stay with you, forever?”

“Yeah, you can. But do you want to give up your life of adventuring?” Blitz asks.

Daring closes her eyes and nuzzles him a bit. “I’m done. I can’t go through that again. Not after what started it.”

“So you going to take your job teaching seriously now?” Blitz asks getting a shocked look from Daring.

Daring keeps looking at him. “How?” She asks.

“I have a very good way of getting information,” Blitz says.

Daring grimaces before sighing. “I can’t, after both times so close to it. I can’t go through it and I doubt even teaching would give a chance away from that.”

“Daring, don’t give up what you love. Sit and think on this for a few days.” Blitz says petting her mane.

Daring presses her lips together. “Okay, can you stay with me here?”

“Of course, it is my cabin,” Blitz says smiling at her.

Daring tries to smile back and nuzzles him again. “Thank you.”

“Come on, let’s get you to bed,” Blitz says turning off the water.

Daring sighs and moves with Blitz as they get out the shower and dry off before heading back in the room and Blitz places Daring down into the bed. “You’re going to be okay,” Blitz said as he sat near her and petted her head.

“Thanks for being here,” Daring says before stealing a kiss.

“O…Ok, I’ll just store this one away,” Blitz says grabbing his armor with his magic and reequips it.

Daring nods and pulls the covers around her head. “Okay, just come back.”

“Don’t worry, I will be back soon,” Blitz says bringing out a cable and starts tying up Dr. Caballeron before tossing him into the closet and leaving. Blitz went back to the deck and grabbed all the bounties and dragged them to the brig after informing the crew.

Blitz returns to his cabin and finds Daring sleeping as he takes off his armor and puts them next to Daring’s clothes on the table. “Huh, after all this, we forgot to eat. Best not to now.” He said to himself before getting into the suitcase and bringing out a sleeping serum and puts it into the injector after sterilizing it and injects himself before putting it back in the briefcase and seals it. Blitz then climbs into the bed and let the serum take hold, falling asleep.

Daring moans as opens her eyes and sees Blitz sleeping right next to her. She smiles lightly before getting up a bit and looking around before looking down at herself. “Was it all just a dream?” She asks herself.

“Depends, do you want to know?” Blitz asks her as he opens his eyes and looks up at her.

“Oh Cross, you’re awake,” Daring says hurrying to get dressed.

“Southern Cross is only my code name. My real name is Apple Blitzkrieg.” Blitz says.

Daring looks to him. “Apple Blitzkrieg?”

“Yeah, don’t know my original family name if I had one. I was adopted later.” Blitz says.

Daring nods. “What did you say before, something about does I want to remember?”

“Do you want to remember what happened last night?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods. “What’s the point of forgetting if you can’t learn from it?”

“Well, the scum in the closet slipped you a drug that, I think, caused you to go right into heat and tried to make you talk by then putting a vibrator into you,” Blitz says.

Daring’s eyes widen before she glares. “Where is he?”

“In the closet, I tied him up and dragged him back here to answer some questions when you felt up to it. But before we start, let me get dressed.” Blitz says starting.

Daring sighs and looks to the closest. “Anything else, like what he asked me?”

“What is the eye of Tifus Daring?” Blitz asks donning his armor.

Daring sighs. “It’s the key to finding the staff of Tifus. You know him?” Daring asks.

“Yeah, studied a few things in preparation of coming to this place. What exactly is the history though?” Blitz asks.

Daring looks to him. “Well, history told of a great mage that led a rebellion against the Unicornious Empire and brought it down five thousand years ago. Texts say that he used to staff to help bring it down and lead his army through it all. The staff held a power that not even the unicorns themselves can do and is able to decimate an entire area.”

“Hum, that part about it helping him lead his army was interesting, exact meaning?” Blitz asks.

“None left for future generations to find,” Daring says.

Blitz sighs. “Want to talk to him now?”

Daring leans her ear against the closest and hears something interesting. “I’m thinking room service.” She said with a grin.

“Ok, let me get him in a talking mood,” Blitz says opening the door and roughly grabbing and throwing him out.

Daring smiles as she looks to Blitz. “You know, he was torturing me with something a mare would either hate or love and boy did I hate it.”

“Now where were we, oh yes,” Blitz says before bringing his hoof under his chin and two claws extended on either side of his head trapping it. “Now I have a third claw in the middle of these two unless you want to see a demonstration, you will answer every question truthfully. Sound familiar?” Blitz asks.

Daring holds up a hoof. “Wait, Cross, listen.” She said as everything quiets down and then they hear a rumbling sound. They both follow the sound sees it’s the doctor’s stomach. Daring grins as she looks to Blitz. “What do you say we eat first before really putting the screws to him?”

“Or I could gut him like a pig, I’m sure the griffons won’t notice a difference on the buffet,” Blitz says.

Daring shakes her head and pulls Blitz’s head away for a bit. “He tortured me, I’m going to do the same to him, male style, no food while hungry and we eat.” She whispered.

“Ever heard of the good guard, bad guard?” Blitz whispers back.

Daring smirks. “And if he wants it, just talk.”

“That’s good, keep coming to him like that. I’ll continue like I am, he will talk then.” Blitz whispers back before turning back to the doctor. “So tell me scum, would you rather want it quick and painless?” Blitz asks before bringing out the other claws in his other forehooves armor. “Or slow and extremely painful?” Blitz asks.

Daring sighs as she picks up the phone. “Yes, room service. I and my friend here need two of the chef’s special, a lava crunch cake, some vegetable pizza, two of them, deep dish, a bowl of salad, and…Cross do you want anything?” She calls to him.

“Nah, I’m good right now,” Blitz says bringing his claws close to the doctor’s throat.

Daring turns back to the phone. “And maybe some ice cream.” She pauses. “Chocolate and fudge with the condiments to go with them with all the rest of the order.” She listens to the other end. “Okay, thanks. Yeah, room 113.” She turns back to Blitz and the doctor after hanging up. “It’ll be here in about ten minutes.”

“So tell me, who do you want to talk to me or the good professor?” Blitz asks digging a claw very shallowly into the doctor’s uninjured forehoof.

The doctor groans as he tries to keep it together.

“I take groans as the latter, are you sure you want that?” Blitz asks digging it in a little deeper.

The doctor groans a little louder as this went on for the whole ten minutes before a knock came to the door and Blitz moved the doctor into the bathroom and out of sight. Daring goes to the door and opens it to a servant with a large cart. “Thank you.” She said pulling the cart in and tipping him a few bits. “We’ll handle the rest.” She said before closing the door.

Daring smirks as she sets up the trays and bowls on the table while Blitz came back out. “Leave him there in the middle and let him see.” She said taking a seat. “Come on, time to eat.”

“You got five minutes, he doesn’t start talking, and I’m going to start using the ancient ways of torture on him,” Blitz says leaving, claws withdrawn.

Daring sighs as she sees the doctor eyeing the food and his stomach growling. She grins and starts to open everything. “Let’s see. What to start?” She asks herself, eyeing the many foods on the table

Blitz looks at his clock and sees the timer ending and was about to go inside again until Daring came out with a big smile. “Got him and he was already talking about one minute in. Come on in.” She said pulling him inside.

Blitz steps inside with her and sees the doctor still on the ground. Daring walks past him and kicks him. “Keep going now.” She said before going back to the table and starts to eat on the many foods still there.

Blitz goes to his briefcase and unseals it and starts looking through them till he grabs a red one and sanitizers the injector.

Daring looks to him with pizza still connected to her mouth. “What’s that for?” She asked with her mouth full.

“Oh, just a little something in case it’s needed. So that’s everything you want to know?” Blitz asks putting in the red chemical.

Daring swallows the piece of food. “Unless you have questions.”

“How did you know she was going to be on this boat since she bought her ticket last minute and who told you she had it?” Blitz asks.

The doctor groans as he eyes the food. “My employer and the dock workers saw her get on. Now give me the food!”

Daring smiles and takes another bite. “What do you think Cross, should we?” She asks swallowing the piece.

“One last question, who hired you?” Blitz asks.

The doctor tried hopping his way now. “It was some brown unicorn mare with a blue mane. Now give me!” He yelled hopping to her.

“Is that all we will get out of him?” Blitz asks walking up behind him.

Daring eats again. “I guess.”

Hearing that, Blitz forcibly held him in place as he gave him the shot. The doctor struggled for a moment before falling unconscious. “The drug I gave him should keep him unconscious for the rest of the trip and should erase the last five days from his memory,” Blitz says taking it out and starts sterilizing it.

Daring smiles as he packs his case away and gets out of his armor. “Want to eat now?” She asked, holding out a pizza piece.

“Yes, if you’re serving.” Blitz jokes.

Daring smirks. “Want me to get the whipped cream and start spraying it on myself?”

“Why Daring, I didn’t know you were so forward.” Blitz jokes removing his helmet.

Daring blinks and gets confused. “I’m not. I’m never this forward.”

Blitz gets confused as well. “You sure?”

Daring nods. “Yeah, I’m never like that. I barely do the food things.”

Blitz thinks for a few before going to his case and taking out the antitoxin. “Let’s see…” She watches him for a few before he starts shaking. “Oh shit.”

“What?” Daring asks.

“It has an ingredient that I doubt would be good. If I had to think about it, you’re stuck with the heat poison…forever. I locked you with the poison. The only good news is that it’s lessened and you’re more in control. But that’s my best guess. Unless…no, not an option.” Blitz says.

Daring looks at him. “What?”

“Daring, at the end of this endeavor in the griffon kingdom, I will tell you of a possible way to get that poison out of you permanently, but you might have to give up something in return,” Blitz says.

Daring listens to what he said and finally sighs after a while. “Okay, but what will it be? What do I have to give up?”

“I can’t say, only at the end. Until then, we will stay together.” Blitz says.

Daring groans. “Great. You know you have to deal a lusty me?”

“You can control it, it just dulled it to ten percent more heat than usual,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “Think you can handle it if I fall into it?”

“I think I can,” Blitz says.

Daring nods. “Okay, I’ll try to control it, but you won’t tell until this is over?”

“To quote my cousin Big Mac. Nope.” Blitz says giving his best impression.

Daring leans back in her seat. “Want to eat?”

“Yeah,” Blitz says sitting down with her before giving a small kiss to her cheek. “It’ll be okay.” Daring smiles before giving him a soft punch to his shoulder. “Ow. I’m trying to be helpful here.” He said holding his shoulder.

“And that was for being sappy,” Daring says her tongue sticking out playfully.

Blitz only responded by putting ice cream on her.

Twilight sighs as she swipes one last time and looks over the room. “There, all clean.”

“So you finally ready to renovating this storage room into a bedroom?” Minerva asks.

Twilight nods. “Yep, just need to grab some stuff from my place not furnishing, but some equipment and some books.”

”Oh, didn’t I show you yet?” Minerva asks.

Twilight looks to her. “Show what?”

“Darkstar One’s data archive stations,” Minerva says.

Twilight gasp. “I don’t have to bring books. But…” She looks down. “I like the feel of a real book once in a while.”

“Then bring your favorites, if you want to read up on anything else just use this,” Minerva says as a data pad was hoofed to her by Minerva.

Twilight smiles. “Thanks, I wonder how Applejack and Fluttershy are taking it.”

Minerva smiles. “I’m sure they are fine.” She said before leaving and heading to Applejack’s room which was the old greenhouse room. “Find the plants and placement alright?” She asks walk in.

Applejack kept looking at a small tree as she looked at the growing fruit that looked like a cross between an apple and an orange seeming like she was trying to understand what it was. Minerva smiles as she steps up to her. “Wondering?”

“You have explained it to me three times, yet I’m still having trouble coming to terms with this thing actually existing.” Applejack says.

Minerva pats her back. “I’m sure you will get used to it. Your family is okay with this, right?”

“Um, only Applebloom knows about this.” Applejack says.

Minerva sighs. “I meant with your cover of leaving for a long time?”

“Oh yeah, princess Twilight requested me to come on a long journey with her. Sound reasonable?” Applejack asks.

Minerva nods. “Good, I’m going to check on Fluttershy. You keep planting and planning.” She said heading to a room close to Blitz’s. “Fluttershy, you find everything okay?” She called inside.

Fluttershy smiles as she looks over the equipment. “Oh yeah.” She said looking at the cage about her size.

Minerva smiles as Fluttershy moves around the equipment stricken room. “Well, I made plenty of orders from Canterlot and made sure they were top notch. You got your cage, your stocks, hanging and wooden, your spreader bar for your whole body, some BDSM tools for mares, and of course a pet’s bed.”

“You think I went a bit overboard?” Fluttershy asks as the items disappeared as the walls flipped.

Minerva shakes her head as just a regular bed and a desk and some shelves were placed on the walls finishing their flip. “No, he’s going to love this, one day of course. Now, can I pull you around?”

Fluttershy frowns. “No, Blitz is my master and he is the only one who can.”

“Oh, I wish I could have full nerve endings like you so I could join in,” Minerva says.

Fluttershy sighs. “You do have what you need for being with him, right? You know…” She asks, touching the ends of her hooves together.

Minerva nods. “Oh yeah, got the utilities for it, but it is not as functional as yours.” She said tapping her flank.

“Oh right, you’re made of metal. I keep forgetting.” Fluttershy says.

Minerva smiles. “That’s good. If you forget I’m a robot then that means I’m doing a good job.”

“I guess so. So I figured out your Miva, so what did the goal come to that Blitz went to the Griffon kingdom to make?” Fluttershy asks.

Minerva nods. “He went there to make money for the base.”

“Are you going to tell me the goal?” Fluttershy asks.

Minerva grins. “I don’t know, he doesn’t tell me everything.”

“He told you to give him an estimate on the price,” Fluttershy says.

Minerva sighs. “We need around fifty thousand bits.”

“How long do you think that will take?” Fluttershy asks.

Minerva shrugs. “Don’t know, it depends on what they would offer and he could probably sell the materials if he doesn’t need it. If he finds some materials we need it could save us some bits.”

“Ok,” Fluttershy says.

“So, going to get Twilight and Applejack to join in later?” Minerva asks.

Fluttershy smiles. “They’re my friends, how could I not.”

“So what are you going to use on Twilight?” Minerva asks smiling.

Fluttershy shakes her head. “No, they going to use me.”

“Oh, but don’t you want to let them experience it? I mean you are friends after all.” Minerva says.

Fluttershy smiles. “Maybe next time, they have to learn to be masters first before they can understand being submissive.”

“And you have to teach Blitzy,” Minerva says quickly into her ear.

“And I have to teach Blitzy, but it won’t be for a while since he’s gone,” Fluttershy says. “Wait a minute.” She says glaring at Minerva.

Minerva nods ignoring the glare. “Yeah, it’s always more fun with a male, especially if you’re into this and want to be bruised and battered.”

“Oh, where is Terran?” Fluttershy asks.

Minerva smiles. “Oh, he is with Lightning Dust hunting a bounty. Why you want him to join and mess with you?”

Fluttershy hits her, making a clang sound. “Actually…” She looks to Minerva closely. “What’s he like?”

“Who?” Minerva asks.

Fluttershy looks outside before looking back at her. “Terran, how’s his tool down there?”

“Oh, you don’t want that, the Varren mating can be deadly, besides don’t you want your master?” Minerva asks.

Fluttershy tilts her head. “Terran is also my master in a sense because I’m lower than him. Now how is it dangerous?”

“Biting, lots of it and body part sometimes fly around and that’s with other Varren,” Minerva says.

Fluttershy nods. “Okay, there’s no way to hold it off?”

“No, and don’t you want to be unspoiled for Blitzy?” Minerva whispers.

Fluttershy blushes. “Yeah, I just wish he was here now.”

“Don’t worry, he is off working to get money to pay for things for you,” Minerva says.

Fluttershy blushes heavily and looks at the wall. “Did I overdo it? Spent too much?”

“Oh no. Um…establishing a base is kinda like starting a business and he is also helping to sponsor rebuilding the town as well. Which reminds me, Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Shadow Runner have a thing for him.” Minerva says.

Fluttershy looks a little surprised. “Really, you think they would try to join?”

“Maybe, I don’t know,” Minerva says giving a cheshire cat smile.

“You are starting to remind me of my roommate,” Fluttershy says.

Minerva grins. “Who’s that?”

“Speaking of which, where was he, we could have used his help with Bloody Mary,” Fluttershy says.

Minerva scratches her head. “Who are you talking about?”

“Discord!” Fluttershy yells.

Meanwhile in Los Pegasus.

Discord was in a high stakes blackjack game with King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis while smoking a cigar. He smirks and looks to Sombra who moves the bikini mares’ cards to fit the look of the numbers. He then looks to Chrysalis as she throws the cards she had away.

Discord chuckles and then places his cards down. “Blackjack boy. I win.” He called to Sombra who throws his cards at him and he gets a surprising queen card of Luna in a two-piece black bikini in his goatee.

Discord was about to collect his winnings when he stopped and had Darth Vader’s clothes appear on him. “I sense a disturbance in the force.” Discord says and made mechanical breathing noises.

Both the rulers look to him. “Flutterbat?” They ask.

“Flutterbat.” He says, now dressed like Alucard.

“Why haven’t you stopped her?” Chrysalis asks in a foreign accent, dressed like Integra Fairbrook.

“Indeed,” Sombra says dressed like Walter.

“Hah, she’s a very scary creature. I’m even scared of her especially with that stare of hers. Here.” He said giving Sombra a block device. “The song is Back in Black by AC/DC. Now let’s go.” He said snapping his fingers and sending them off, leaving a weeping stallion at the table from being near three of the strongest villains.

Fluttershy stands in her room as she talks with Twilight and Applejack with Minerva as they try to think of ways to punish Discord.

“Well, the last thing we want is for him to get near our stallion,” Twilight says.

Fluttershy snorts. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he doesn’t.”

“Wha…what you mean you forgot the song?” A voice outside the door said catching their attention. “Ok…okay, you know what, screw it, just screw it. Just take my phone and hit random. No, I don’t care if I turned you into a penguin, just hit random. Okay, three, two…”

The sliding door bursts open like a double door was and Discord was standing there with Chrysalis and a penguin that reminds them of Sombra for some reason.

Alushy - Nightmare Night [SFM]

Discord turns to the penguin. “Now, okay, turn it off, turn it off.” To which the penguin responded by hitting his head on the white device he was holding and turns the music off. “It didn’t work.” He then takes off the circular, heavily tinted, wire-framed orange sunglasses with goggle sidings. “It did not work.”

“Following your example.” Chrysalis quipped as she wore a business suit with a red bow tie.

“Oh caddy.” Discord said to her.

“Discord what are you doing on the Darkstar One?” Twilight asks.

Discord throws his glasses at her. “Fluttershy called me.”

“What have we here, some sort of new magical device?” Chrysalis asks causing Minerva to start to barely hold back her laughter.

“Brilliant, just brilliant. The entrance, the music, the dialogue. Epic. Thank goodness I recorded that in almost ten different angles.” Minerva said as she laughs rolling across the ground.

The Sombra penguin started making quacking noises. “No, this ship is one hundred percent metal.” Discord says.

Chrysalis looks around and knocks on the walls. “Not bad, I might really like this sort of place.”

Discord goes wide eye and turns to her with the most scared look on his face. “You must never live in a place like this, never, ever, ever. It will spawn the greatest hunters, with no eyes, a complete exoskeleton that makes them look like they have anorexia and a very sharp tail that can pierce through anything while having a fish bone as their tail body. And they will hunt others down to their deaths.”

“Twi?” Applejack asks.

Twilight just shows her a comic book she confiscated from Spike and shows her the creature he described fighting a guard. “Xenomorph is what they’re called. Come to think of it, Chrysalis and her hive are like that.”

Sombra penguin starts making more noises and Fluttershy gives him the STARE! Discord immediately shrinks down to a size of a puppy as she gets close to him and Sombra as they both hug each other.

Act 1 - Chapter 6: Got to Get Back

“So this is the Griffon Kingdom,” Blitz says as he and Daring disembark.

Daring licks her lips. “Yep and many more places to be alone.”

“Reign it in daring, we are on our honeymoon.” Blitz jokes.

Daring pouts. “Party pooper.”

“Ok, ok, Daring, enough jokes for now,” Blitz says as they watched the griffon bounties being taken away by the law enforcement.

Daring sighs. “Sorry. Still getting used to it.”

“Take your time,” Blitz says letting her be close to him.

Daring smiles at him. “Thanks for letting me stay with you. If I had gone on my own, I would probably be under a stallion right now.”

“Don’t worry about it. So what’s next?” Blitz asks.

Daring looks around. “Check in at the immigration office. You need to register yourself so you can officially receive your pay.”

“Very well and then what, you want to get a hotel room or do you have a friend?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods. “Yeah, I’m supposed to meet this griffon in this average cafe near the university. Think you can find me?”

“I will just follow you. I can get my money later. Oh, and if asked let’s just say I was hired to be your bodyguard.” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “That sounds nice. To the immigration office, otherwise you might be labeled as a wanted criminal and you would be the one with a price on his head.” She said walking to the nearby buildings.

“Very well,” Blitz says following her.

After getting their papers signed and Blitz marked as a bounty hunter and the receptionist nearly having a heart attack meeting him, they headed to the city to find this place. “Okay, classic case, look for the high-class area,” Daring said, heading to where the buildings and streets were better maintained.

“This tourist guide brochure isn’t helping too much,” Blitz says trying to make heads or tails out of it.

Daring takes the guide and throws it into the nearby trash. “It’s actually never been updated since five years ago.”

“So before we head back to Equestria, want to go see Prance?” Blitz asks.

Daring shakes her head. “Nope got caught there once. Apparently, a high game robbery happened and I became suspect number one.” She says until she realizes he asked her to the city of love.

“They probably don’t remember now,” Blitz says.

Daring turns to him. “They took my pictures and hoof prints.” She said, showing her hoof.

“So you got a criminal record,” Blitz says getting close.

Daring shakes her head. “No, they took it so they know who I am, but I don’t want to make too much trouble again, so I’m heading there again.” She then rounds the corner and stops. “We’re here.”

“Huh?” Blitz asks looking around the corner as well.

Looking around they can see a cafe with many griffons and some ponies sitting around and chatting. “Let’s see,” Daring said taking out a photo and going into the cafe. “Where are you?”

“Daring I presume?” A voice behind them asks.

They both look behind them and sees a griffon sipping away at her drinking straw. “Celia.” Daring greets.

“That’s me, my uncle told me you were coming, but who’s your friend?” Celia asks taking a sip.

Daring moves away slightly. “Oh, this is Cross, Southern Cross. He’s my bodyguard.”

Celia hearing this, eyes go wide and does a spit take. “Cross, the Southern Cross?!” She calls out.

“Please don’t yell.” Blitz requests politely.

Celia nods. “Um…sure, sorry sir.”

“Thank you,” Blitz says pulling out the seat for Daring.

Daring smiles as she sits down. “Thank you. So what do you got?” She asks Celia.

“Well, I got the professor of my university to agree to meet you, but be warned he’s a hard beak,” Celia warns.

Daring smirks. “Don’t worry, I can take it.”

Blitz says nothing as he just stands guard, scanning the area for bounties and was disappointed he didn’t see any.

Celia sighs. “Alright, come on.” She said getting out of her seat and leading them out. “So how was your trip?” She asks after a while.

“Eventful,” Daring says as she and Blitz followed.

Celia looks to them. “Not going to tell?”

“Mostly this guy moonlighting on the cruise,” Daring says.

Celia giggles. “Oh, I would love to see that.”

“Here is your chance to see the result,” Blitz says as a large prison wagon passes with several griffons in chains.

Celia watches as they were led off. “Oh my feathers, what did you do?” Celia asks looking at them.

“Collected bounties alive,” Blitz says like it was a natural thing.

Daring leans close to Celia. “To be honest, they did something you should never do to a female.”

“Yeah, they didn’t tip the waitress,” Blitz says serious, but Daring knew he was joking so she would have to say what they did to her.

Daring sighs. “I’ll tell you later in private.” She said to her as they approached the university. “Are you still going down the doctor line?”

“Yes, I’m studying for my first medical exam,” Celia says with pride.

“Good, you have a respectable job, unlike me,” Blitz says.

Daring pats his back. “You have a good job, you’re keeping others safe.”

“Doctors save lives. They are those who I respect most.” Blitz says, no hint of sadness in his voice.

Daring looks sadly to him before they enter the university and sees griffons and ponies staying where they can to study. “You going for the chemical line of doctors, right?” Daring asks.

“Actually, surgeon,” Celia says.

Daring nods. “I see, well here’s hoping you don’t faint like last time.” She jokes.

“Hey, that was seven years ago. I have overcome that fear.” Celia says puffing her feathers up.

Daring smooths out her feather which makes Celia moan a little. “Yeah, yeah, I know. Now, I got another question, you got any friends on the toxin and chemical side?”

“Well, there’s Lunzer. He studies chemicals almost religiously.” Celia says with a small blush that didn’t escape Daring’s notice.

Daring grins. “Oh ho, what is this? My friend is falling in love?”

“S…shut up. Be grateful the professor is even seeing you. He isn’t even one of my teachers.” Celia says.

Daring pats her side. “It’s okay, just get us to this professor and tell your lover to see if he can use the lab.”

“Why?” Celia asks.

Daring sighs. “Just tell him that it’s a toxin that’s supposed to make a pony body act naturally to something that was never supposed to never happen again.”

“O…kay,” Celia says, stopping outside the office. “Here he is. Just come down the hall at the end. We’ll try to take time for the last lab for you.” She said before walking away.

Daring sighs and opens the door to find the professor griffon writing away at papers on his desk. He notices the two visitors and stops writing. “Yes?”

“Um…yes, excuse me, I’m professor Do. I believe a student asked for a meeting.” Daring says in a professional tone.

The professor nods. “Yes, welcome Miss Do. Have a seat.” He said pointing to a seat in front of his desk before seeing the pony behind her. “And this one?”

“Oh, he is my bodyguard. Can’t be too safe nowadays.” Daring says.

The griffons nods. “Okay, so, what do you need me for?”

“Would you know what this is?” Daring asks taking out a dark purple orb.

The griffons quickly slam the desk and move his head close to the object. “How did you get this?!”

Daring pushes the blaster away as Blitz trains it on the griffon. “Found it.”

“I…I see.” The griffon says.

Daring still eyes Blitz. “You might want to lean back, but what do you know about it?”

“The eye of Tifus, as described in the manuscript of Tifus himself.” The griffon says leaning back.

Daring frowns a little. “Anything else?”

“You want to find the lost tomb of Tifus don’t you?” He asks.

Daring nods. “Yeah, need to end this now.”

“Ok, I have spent the better part of my life searching for this myself. I will give everything I have on one condition.” He says.

Daring leans in slightly. “Yes?”

“Let this old griffon come along.” He says.

Daring looks a bit surprised. “Are you sure? You do realize this is an old tomb with possibly the power of a god at the end that is filled with so many traps, you need to over bend your spine to survive?”

“This is my life dream.” He says, looking over to the pictures on the wall.

Daring sighs while Blitz looks over and sees the photos and maps. “Okay, just don’t get in the way of getting in there.” She agreed.

“Thank you, Miss. Do.” He says.

Daring nods and takes the orb back. “Yeah, why don’t you prepare while we finish some other business.” She suggested getting out of her seat. “Come on Cross.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Blitz says opening the door for her.

Daring walks out, leaving the griffon wide-eyed at what the pony’s name was. Daring sighs in relief as she walks down the hall. “That could have gone better.”

“If it was to found out what happened to your father, would you not act the same way?” Blitz asks.

Daring slows down a little. “Yeah, I actually would.” She said before quickening the pace.

After a bit of walking, they reach the labs and go to the farthest one and enter and walk in on something they didn’t expect. Celia on her knees while doing something to a male griffon’s groin. “We should have knocked,” Daring said to Blitz quickly.

“Found it,” Celia says putting a beaker on the table.

“False alarm Daring,” Blitz says.

The birds quickly look over to the visitors. Celia chuckles nervously. “Um…this isn’t what it looks like.”

Blitz closes the door. “I think we have more important things to do than talk over something all of us have figured out,” Blitz says setting the suitcases he had been carrying around all day.

The male griffon nods. “Yes, now what did you need the chemical and toxin lab for?”

Daring sighs. “I need you to check on a heat drug placed in me. Something went wrong when trying to cure it.”

“Interesting,” Lunzer says adjusting his lab coat.

Daring nods and sits on one of the seats. “How long would it take?”

“Well, I first need a sample of your blood,” Lunzer says pulling out a syringe.

Daring nods and pulls up her sleeves while Celia sits next to her. After Lunzer got the sample he moves over to a separator and places the vial in and a test tube of water on the other side, before turning it on.

“Just so you know, I brought the antidote I used on her. However, I was not able to recover the toxin bag.” Blitz said moving the case to him as he waited.

Lunzer sighs and opens the case and Blitz shows him the antidote he uses before Lunzer takes a sample and places it on the side as the separator stops. “Alright, let’s see what we get.”

Celia turns to Daring as the boys work. “So what the heck happened?”

“Another time,” Daring says.

“Fascinating. This cure is attacking the foreign chemicals as a virus does.” Lunzer says looking through notes and books. “It’s eating away at it and even improving the cells around it, but this is a healthy blood sample.” He grabs Daring’s blood and mixes the toxin and watches as the cells react violently. “And of course the cells are going haywire. Cure time my pretties.” He said injecting the antidote. “Strange, they are attacking the toxin, but it’s making some stay stuck to the cells and even taking the shape of the toxin.” He then turns to Blitz. “What the heck did you give her?”

“A cure-all chemical. It has always cured poison, other chemicals, and even the common cold.” Blitz says.

Lunzer just raises an eyebrow. “I’m not going to question that last part.” He sighs. “The thing is, she said a toxin that makes her have the effects of heat, right?”

Blitz nods. “Yeah, what about it?”

Lunzer grimaces. “Heat is a natural process. The antidote was looking for foreign, meaning not natural to the body.” He looks through the microscope again. “It seems that antidote couldn’t cure it completely because it’s all natural to her and so doesn’t pick up by the antidote. Plus the fact you made things worse because the antidote makes a protective coating around the affected cells, trapping it and making sure it doesn’t come back, but because it doesn’t recognize her heat hormones and contaminants, it trapped them on the cells. I’m afraid Daring Do is stuck in heat forever because of you and that antidote. If you’d let the heat run its course, she wouldn’t be stuck like this, maybe a month as for most regular ponies, and she would lose the hormones as a natural process. You trapped her.”

“Ah I see, so that’s what happened. Well, at least I have something to negate the agent.” Blitz says opening the briefcase up once again.

Daring stops him as Lunzer looks over the case full of vials. “Which one?” He asks.

Blitz points to a green one and Lunzer takes it and takes a sample before injecting it into the sample he set up. “Daring, can you live without hatchlings for the rest of your life?”

“Um…no, I want to have foals one day,” Daring says.

Lunzer sighs. “Well then don’t take this.” He said getting back up. “The agent got rid of the coating, yes, but also all possible connections. If a blood cell is connected to your hormone it would then separate it and then destroyed the one without a base connection, i.e., the hormone. Even the ones floating around, it would destroy it. I think if you take this, you lose all hormones that are being used right now and since that is heat…” He trails off for her to finish on her own.

“Or you could try this one,” Blitz says pulling out a white one.

Lunzer huffs. “You got an answer for everything, don’t you?” He said taking out another antidote sample of blood and using the white serum. “Destroys the coating…and there goes the blood cell. I think its best you stop at this point. You already set up a dangerous cocktail.”

“It’s called a gene restorer. It is a last resort. It forces the one taking it for its body to forcibly reset itself to where they were before the alteration. But it is like torn apart from the inside out and you could die.” Blitz says.

Lunzer looks over the white serum. “But before what alternation? We, as a growing species, are changing every time.”

“Any unnatural ones,” Blitz says putting it away.

Lunzer sighs. “Everything can be unnatural to us. But let’s leave it to her.” He said looking to Daring.

“It’s your call, Daring,” Blitz says.

Daring takes the white serum out and looks it over. “Any unnatural you say?”

Lunzer grimaces. “Unnatural as we understand it means everything except your base code. So everything you had when you were born, but not giving vaccinations and things of that nature.”

Daring keeps looking at the bottle. “No.” She said placing it down.

Blitz secures the serums. “Well, what now Daring?” Blitz asks.

Daring looks to him. “I’m in heat, yes, but I can control it and no stallion notices anything coming from me so it’s not that level. I guess the only thing is to expect things faster and more percentage of it happening and prepare for the sexy terms to come out more often. I’ll be careful.”

“Yeah, so want to go get a hotel and rest up for the trip?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods and gets down from her seat. “Yeah, let’s go.” She turns Celia. “It was great seeing you again and your boyfriend here.” She said looking over to Lunzer. “But I have to go now.”

“Daring!” They heard Celia screech after Blitz closed the door.

Daring lightly smiles as she looks slightly back to the door. “She’ll be with a fine griffon.” She then looks to Blitz. “Come on.” She said before starting to leave the university.

“You lead the way boss,” Blitz says.

Daring grins. “Boss, huh?”

“You got a problem with that professor?” Blitz asks.

Daring shakes her head. “No, none at all.” She before trying to speed up.

Blitz seeing this, matches her pace while trying to keep the briefcases from falling off him.

Soon they reach a small hotel and went inside to find it moderately nice. “Good enough.” She said going to the front desk and going through the process of getting a room. After getting their key, they head upstairs in the elevator. “Blitz?”

“I know, too heavy, I’ll take the stairs,” Blitz says carrying all the luggage.

Daring smiles as he steps out of the elevator and allows it to close before taking the long walk up. Daring hums along to the tune of the music until it stops a few floors away from hers. The door opens and an employee stallion enters with his luggage carriage. “Excuse me miss.” He said moving it inside.

Daring moves to the side and allows the stallion to move next to her and ready to push out before he starts sniffing something. “Miss, do you smell something?” The stallion asks.

Daring quickly shakes her as the stallion keeps sniffing before he ends his sniffing at her. ‘Dang it, I didn’t know it was that strong.’ The stallion soon started to breathe heavily as he moves closer to her. “Miss.” He said breathlessly. ‘Must have never been laid.’

The stallions start to slowly push her against the wall as Daring tries to fight it. ‘This is all stronger than I thought, it must affect both ways.’ The stallions soon push her against the wall and sniff her neck. Daring gulps as she lost control of movements and soon was rescued by the elevator bell ringing as they reached her floor and something pulls the stallion off of her. “Oy! Not a good place.” A voice said before putting him on the other side of the elevator and grabbing Daring and placing her on his back.

Daring breathes carefully as she regained control as he walks to their room. “I think…I think I should stay with you, forever.”

“Yeah,” Blitz says as he reaches the room door. He then enters the room with her locking the door after he closed it. “You want to get into the bath?” Blitz asks putting her on the bed.

Daring nods. “Yeah, go run it.” She said starting to get out of her clothes.

“Look Daring. I’m sorry.” Blitz says.

Daring looks at him as she stops unbuttoning her shirt. “What are you sorry about? It’s my fault.”

“No, I rushed and gave you something without thinking about the consequences,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “The antidote, right?”

“Yeah, if I had thought ahead, you wouldn’t be like this,” Blitz says.

Daring shakes her head. “No, you couldn’t have known. And…can you get out of that thing? Feels like I’m talking to a tin pony.”

“So you didn’t notice?” Blitz asks.

Daring tilts her head. “Notice what?”

“In the lobby, there was a brown unicorn mare with a blue mane, sound familiar?” Blitz asks.

Daring thinks for a few. “Oh yeah, her. The unfaithful employer.”

“She might be the mare he told us about,” Blitz says.

Daring nods. “So…what are we going to do?”

“We have no proof and she has no bounty so I’m just staying on guard for now,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “Can you run the bath?” She asks returning to getting out of clothes.

“Sure,” Blitz says getting up.

Daring watches as he goes to the bathroom and soon heard the water as she takes her hat off. She groans as she gets off the bed and starts heading for the shower to find Blitz getting out of his armor. “Can you come in with me?” She asks stepping in a bit.

“You sure that’s a good idea?” Blitz asks.

Daring tries to smile. “If it’s you. You know how to put up with me and know how to handle me if things go wrong.” Blitz looks down and Daring could tell he was blaming himself again. Daring sighs. “Blitz, it wasn’t your fault. As I said, you couldn’t have known.”

“But, I…” Blitz stops when Daring grabbed hold.

Daring glares at him. “Never knowing is different than knowing. One places you under a burden, the other is already accepted.”

Blitz remains silent as Daring leads him into the shower. Daring sighs and lets the water hit them as she leans against him. “Blitz, I could never hate you.”

“How couldn’t you? How could any of you care for a murderer for hire?” Blitz asks.

Daring puts her head under his. “Because the pony with me is not Southern Cross. It’s Apple Blitzkrieg. A kind unicorn that wants to help others, no matter what happens to him. If you weren’t there on the ship or at the temple, it might have gotten worse for me. And I’m sure you did things in the name of Southern Cross, but it’s Blitzkrieg who was running the show and making sure everypony is okay behind the scenes.”

Blitz just leaned into the crook of Daring’s neck, not about to contain his tears as the water rushed over him. Daring smiles a little as he starts to shakes a little and she can hear him whimper a little. “Southern Cross is never with me, it’s the strong and kind and funny Blitz and he makes sure that nothing goes wrong to his friends and family.”

“And yet, all I do is fail. Just like I failed with you.” Blitz says letting her support him completely as he breaks down.

Daring shakes her head. “No, if you failed me, I would have left and never looked back. But I’m here with you, supporting you. If you failed, why do you still have me, right beside you?”

Blitz couldn’t say anything more as he was now realized how funny it was, being held up by Daring’s support.

Daring hears him laughs quietly. “What’s so funny?”

“I have been working alone in the field for so long and the moment another supports and comforts me after I feel I failed them, I break down like a little foal. It’s hilarious and can be considered a little pathetic.” Blitz says.

Daring sighs and looks to him. “No, you’re not pathetic, you’re you. The stallion I know and…” She quickly quiets down and looks away.

“Yeah, there is no need to say anything else,” Blitz says.

Daring nods. “Yeah, none at all.”

“So no matter what you learn about me, you have decided to stay by my side?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods. “Yeah, there is nopony else that I trust more than you.”

“You might regret it. Are you sure you want to take the risk?” Blitz asks.

Daring looks to him. “If I do, what kind of friend am I for breaking off on the most important thing we need? I always stay with my friends.”

“And those you feel stronger for?” Blitz asks.

Daring sighs. “No matter what, I stand by them and help them. If I don’t, I’m the worst pony to even be in it.”

“Alright,” Blitz says, starting to calm down.

Daring huffs as she leans against him. “I told you, not your fault and not mine either. All his.” She said.

“I should have beaten him to a bloody pulp while I had the chance,” Blitz says.

“Speaking of which, were you seriously going to use that third claw?” Daring asks.

“Oh, no there is only two claws. I was lying through my teeth.” Blitz says smirking.

Daring smiles and pushes her head under his. “That’s the Blitz I know.”

“Daring, you know you’ve stopped giving off heat and your smell,” Blitz says surprised when he noticed it.

Daring looks a little surprised as well. “Really, you can’t smell me?”

“No, which is weird, I have been about to smell you as plain as day ever since that morning,” Blitz says.

Daring looks to herself. “But…I still feel something.”

“What?” Blitz asks.

“Relief,” Daring says smirking at playing him.

Blitz hits her. “Thanks for that. I was worried I had to watch you for the rest of your life.”

Daring stuck her tongue out at him. “Yeah, I played you completely. I started feeling better yesterday. That’s for not telling me who you were when we met superstar.”

Blitz narrows his eyes slightly. “Daring, I was really worried. I thought you might be stuck like this and you had to fight off all the stallions of your life.”

“Nope, while you were asleep, I went to see the physician on the cruise ship who originally gave me an inoculation shot for the griffon kingdom and every time I get one of those, I get seasick. Well, the doctor gave me something for the drug after examining my blood and told me it would slowly cure me, but most of the drug was already destroyed by what you gave me and I would feel a minor version of it until my body expelled the last bit. I even sent a letter on ahead using the delivery pigeon to get those two to play along.” Daring explains, still smirking.

Blitz sighs. “Daring…please don’t make me worry like this again. But why did you play along for the entire thing?”

“Like I said, to punish you for not telling me who you were. My publisher nearly didn’t publish my latest book because he was afraid you would sue for copyrights.” Daring says.

Blitz raises an eyebrow before sighing and letting go of her and steps out. “I don’t even know the copyright system like that. Just criminal and corporate crimes.”

“Oh no, you don’t. You’re not done in here.” Daring says pulling him back in and pours shampoo on his head. “You haven’t bathed in three days and you reek. Time to get clean.” Daring says.

Blitz grumbles. “Well, you can head out on your own after this. I doubt you would need me anymore.”

“Oh no can do Blitzy, you are coming with me. After all, you said so yourself that my rival has already seen you with me.” Daring says scrubbing him.

“Meaning they will come after me. Maybe you are right, for me that is a Mandalorian trick that I use for hunting a few bounties.” Blitz sighing as she lathers him up with soap.

Daring looks to him. “And you need a friend in these times. Nopony can live without a friend forever.”

“Well, I would have brought Terran along, but somepony needs to watch Lightning Dust’s back as she starts,” Blitz says.

“Lightning Dust, your sister perhaps?” Daring asks.

“No, just a pegasus I picked up off the street and decided to train,” Blitz says.

Daring nods. “But if you were given a chance, would you leave if there is no trouble?”

“The main reason I came over here was to make bits, so I can financially start up the restoration project back in Equestria,” Blitz says.

Daring watches him. “So you would leave me?”

“Let’s see, I made a hundred thousand right off the back and I’m betting that they will hire more thugs and some might have bounties an…don’t you dare put that bow on the sink in my mane,” Blitz says as if reading Daring’s mind.

Daring scoffs. “Why do you ruin my life?”

“Because it would look so much better in yours,” Blitz says as the water rinsed him off.

Daring blushes a bit. “You know, maybe I should just let you go. I can handle myself.”

“Not bringing it up and now it is your turn, Daring. You wash my back, now I wash yours.” Blitz says.

Daring shakes her head and puts him out. “I can handle myself.” She said before closing the curtain.

“Ah…Daring.” Blitz says.

“What?” Daring asks sticking her head out and seeing he had the soap and shampoo.

Daring glares and grabs the stuff before going back in. “Just go to sleep.”

“Daring, I have always wondered something,” Blitz says.

Daring’s huff was heard. “What?”

“What is it like to fly under your own power?” Blitz asks.

“I don’t know. Just freedom.” She said.

“You probably heard the rumors I can fly right?” Blitz asks.

“So what? You experience it, didn’t you?” She asks.

“No, that was my armor. I can’t fly, only with that type of armor can I fly.” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “Just freedom. That’s it, now get to sleep.”

“Tell me if this sounds stupid, but a lifelong dream of mine, that I only recently remembered, is to fly under my own power with no need for equipment or magic,” Blitz says.

Daring was silent for a bit. “It’s not, but go to sleep. We got a big day tomorrow.”

“Ok, I’ll leave be. After all, a bodyguard shouldn’t intrude on the privacy of the mare he is guarding.” Blitz says getting his equipment out of the bathroom floor.

Daring only respond by throwing her shampoo at him and hits him on the head. “Get out!” Daring got it back surrounded in a golden yellow aura before she heard the door close.

Blitz sighs as he places his armor on the table before heading to the bed before stopping and looking around and then moves to the window and lays down right beside it and tries to sleep. He rolls several times trying to get some sleep before sighing and walks over to the briefcase.

Daring moans slightly as she dries herself and then opens the door before almost closing it and sees Blitz mess around with his case and injects himself with something and then closes the case after placing it back in and moves to the window and lays down again. “What did you do?” Daring asks.

“Gave myself something to sleep,” Blitz says closing the curtains with his magic.

Daring looks at him as he tries to sleep and soon a snoring sound came from him. She sighs and moves over to her bed and brings the covers around her as well and trying to sleep. ‘Come to think of it, I’ve seen you inject yourself with something before going to sleep all but the first night on the ship.’ Daring thinks.

She looks to him and sighs and gets out of bed. She then goes over to him and lays down with him and covers him with her wing and tries to sleep. “I’m sorry.” She said, even though he was already sleeping.

The night passed and Daring yawned as she awoke, finding Blitz still in her wings. She smiles and leans against him a bit. “I’m sorry for what I said,” Daring says, after a few moments she gets up and unwraps Blitz from her wings and starts getting dressed. As she puts on her hat, she sees the injector on the table, the container for the chemical still mostly full. “What is that anyway?” Daring wonders, going over. Daring picks it up and smells it and her eyes fly wide open. ‘Oh Celestia no.’ She thinks before moving over to Blitz with great speed and shakes him harshly. “Blitz come on wake up!” Daring yells.

“Wha…wha…what is it, what is going on!” Blitz yells jolting awake.

Daring just throws the injector on the ground. “What’s in this stuff?!” She yells while swaying a bit.

“Ugh…hold on a minute, I need some strong coffee,” Blitz says still trying to wake up.

Daring grabs him and pulls him to his hooves and she falls down from lack of balance. “Fix this!”

“You smelled it, didn’t you?” Blitz asks getting up.

Daring groans. “Fix it!”

“You need coffee is all,” Blitz says picking her up.

Daring glares at him. “This is your fault!”

“Seriously, are we married?” Blitz asks.

Daring squirms a bit. “If you haven’t used that thing then I wouldn’t be in this mess!”

“I can’t sleep when I’m on the job. I have to force myself to with that.” Blitz says.

Daring was then put down. “You idiot! After this, you’re fired!”

“Yeah, yeah, after the job is over,” Blitz says before ordering coffee from room service and starting to put on his armor.

Daring growls. “No, after we leave this place, you’re on your own! I don’t want to see you again!”

“Daring,” Blitz says and several moments later she huffed. “Fine.” She says. “But I’m watching you, no more poisoning yourself,” Daring says.

Blitz shrugs. “It’s not poison.”

“Same difference, no more of it.” She says.

“Yeah, I think I forgot our wedding.” Blitz jokes.

Daring growls. “If I wasn’t on the ground, I would bucking murder you!”

“You will get your chance soon enough Daring. A few minutes after drinking the coffee and you will be like you didn’t smell it.” Blitz says.

Daring kept growling before a waiter came up and gave Blitz the cups of coffee and tips him before closing the door and gave Daring one of the cups and soon she was up and about. Daring still frowned as she didn’t look at him. “I still hate you.”

“Oh Daring, I heard an interesting idea from the rumors floating around in Equestria,” Blitz says.

Daring huffs. “I don’t care and I could hear it on my own day.”

“They think I’m a mare and the only reason you were the first to have me in a book was that we sleep together. Tell me how ridiculous is that. I mean seriously, I even overheard this from a mare.” Blitz says.

Daring frowns. “Good, more trouble for you. I mean it, Blitz, after this, I don’t want to see you.”

“Daring, I already accepted the job to be your bodyguard. You even said so yourself and I never quit a job even if the employer wants me to. You’re stuck with me Daring.” Blitz says.

Daring growls as she turns to him. “Don’t you get it?! I hate you and I never want to see you again. So shut up and leave me alone!”

“Daring, you know I can tell you’re lying to me,” Blitz says downing the coffee and walking over.

Daring glares at him. “Take off your helmet.”

Blitz takes it off and puts it on the table. “Daring, if you hated me, you wouldn’t have supported me last night. I can already tell you are a kind soul and trying to push me away so you don’t hurt me.” Blitz says.

Daring stares at him before punching him straight in the face and sends him reeling back. “I told you…everything is your fault.”

“You are lying to yourself and me Daring,” Blitz says getting up and facing her again.

Daring growls and hits him again that sends him back a bit.

“I’m not running nor am I leaving Daring,” Blitz says getting up and moves closer.

Daring yells and hits him on the head, sending him down to the ground. “Shut up!”

Blitz gets up this time evading her next punch and grabs her. Blitz doesn’t say a word and just holds her close.

Daring starts hitting him over and over as she started to cry. “Get away from me. Just get away. Get away. Leave me to die.” She sobbed as her punches were getting slower and lighter.

“Never,” Blitz says.

Daring whimpers. “Why don’t you just leave me alone?”

“Because I know what it is like and I won’t let you be that way anymore,” Blitz says.

Daring cries as she pushes her head against his chest. “Just…leave me alone.”

“I won’t. I’m not leaving you behind.” Blitz says.

Daring tries to push him away. “Blitz, please leave me alone. I want to be alone. It’s the one thing I’m good at.”

“I once thought that, but I was saved from it. Now it is your turn. Stop clinging to the past and move on. Lay the memory of your father to rest. I know it isn’t easy. I also have those who I have yet to do it too.” Blitz says.

Daring cries into his chest now as she stopped hitting him. “Blitz, why are you doing this?”

“Because I care for you,” Blitz says.

Daring sniffs. “Blitz, why?”

“Do I need a reason?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods into his chest.

“I don’t, you have been betrayed enough to have someone be there for you without a reason,” Blitz says.

Daring just cries now. “Blitz?”

“Let it out,” Blitz says petting her mane.

Daring cries into his chest for a bit as time pass by. “Blitz?”

“Yes Daring?” Blitz asks.

Daring sniffs a bit. “I don’t care about archaeology. I don’t care about teaching.” She finally pulls her head away and looks at him. “I just want you.”

“You got me Daring, but on one condition. You can’t give up on your other two joys of archaeology and teaching.” Blitz says.

Daring sniffs. “Blitz, do you love me?”

“Daring, you know I’m no good with saying how I feel. So please judge by my actions.” Blitz says.

Daring smiles a bit. “Ok, I’ll expect nothing less from you softy.” She says her eyes on the helmet on the table and a smirk forms as she looks over his shoulder.

Blitz sighs. “Thank you, Daring, but we need to go now. So are you sure you’re ready?” Blitz says letting go and going to put up the injector still on the floor after he sterilized it. Looking back, he sees Daring wearing his helmet. “Daring, what are you doing?” Blitz asks.

Daring giggles a bit before walking over to him and stopping in front of him. “Trying to figure out how to turn it on?” Blitz asks smirking.

“Maybe,” Daring says in a playful voice.

Blitz sighs. “Okay Daring, take it off.”

“What do you got to offer for it?” Daring asks.

Blitz smirks. “How about marrying me?”

“I don’t see a ring, so for now,” Daring says before tackling him onto the bed.

Blitz looks a bit worried. “Um…Daring?”

“Shush. I’m getting my payment.” Daring says removing the helmet before kissing him.

Blitz goes wide-eyed as she kissed him before letting go. “Daring…stop.” He said while trying to get out.

“Payment rendered.” She whispers into his ear before placing the helmet on his head.

Blitz looks confused at her. “That’s it? Nothing else?”

“Nope. One kiss.” Daring says smugly waving her tail at him.

Blitz frowns a bit before smiling. “Feeling better?”

“Yeah, I do. Now come on.” Daring says.

“Yes…would you prefer, boss or ma’am?” Blitz asks.

Daring stops and looks at him. “How about…Daring. Because I’m going to give payment now and again.”

“I guess I’ll take the payment method you just used when we are alone,” Blitz says.

Daring smirks. “You want it again?”

“Don’t you?” Blitz asks getting next to her.

Daring smiles as she starts to push him back to the bed. “Kinda, you?”

“I’ll let you figure that out, now come on, let’s go,” Blitz says lifting her up with magic.

Daring pouts a bit before sighing. “I’m sorry.”

“You got nothing to be sorry for. Now come on Daring, we have to meet with your excavation crew.” Blitz says.

Daring smiles a bit. “You know we could just spend some time here or someplace private without that armor of yours.”

“Then we would have to deal with mor…” Blitz stops when he opens the door and a pony with a serving tray stand on the other end. Blitz tilts his head. “Can I help y…oh wait, never mind. You got a bounty for assassinating.” He takes out his blaster and points it at him. “Collection time!” Blitz cheers shooting a stunning shot into the pony. “Daring, I think we are going to have to check out,” Blitz says.

Daring nods. “I might have to agree. Shall we, my sexy stallion?”

“Lead the way,” Blitz says getting all the luggage with his magic and drags the assassin down the stairs with them roughly.

Daring grins as she hears the grunts from the assassin. “So…want to grab a bite to eat on the way?” She asks casually while Blitz ‘accidentally’ drops the assassin down over two stairs, making him hit his head extra hard.

“Only if it is to go,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “Good enough. But I need to pay twice.”

“Rather than letting more like this one come at us,” Blitz says now dragging the assassin by the tail.

Daring nods as they get close to the ground floor. “Okay, but I mean a different kind of payment for you.”

“Start a tab for me,” Blitz says.

Daring giggles and places her tail over him. “Come on, you know what I’m talking about.”

“I know and I meant what I said,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “And when do you want payment?”

“When we are alone. After all, you don’t want the public know what I look like so they can’t annoy us while I’m Southern Cross.” Blitz says.

Daring smirks and moves her tail under him and taps him. “What about just this area uncovered?”

“Well…um…I don’t think I’m ready for that step just yet.” Blitz says.

“Oh that’s right you can be quiet and shy. Though you can be quiet while I do something that doesn’t involve that far.” Daring says smirking.

“Yeah, so please don’t tease.” Blitz requests.

Daring smirks. “So I can mess with it?”

“That is not what I meant and you know it,” Blitz says.

Daring pouts before starting to burst out laughing. “Oh boy, you actually thought I might do that for you?”

“Well…I…um.” Blitz tries to form a proper sentence.

“Ok, listen, I consider myself a classy mare when it comes to that,” Daring says as the assassin hits his head again.

“Oh thank heaven,” Blitz says.

Daring suddenly moves near his ear. “Or am I?”

“Daring!” Blitz yells as Daring nearly falls over laughing.

After checking out and turning in the assassin, they finally took the train to the excavation site. “So I can’t do that?” Daring asks smirking as they sat in their cabin and Daring was rubbing her hoof on his piece of armor.

“No, I have never done that, for your information,” Blitz says grabbing her hoof.

Daring smiles and pulls her hoof back and leans back in her seat. “Hey Blitz?”

“Yes?” Blitz asks.

Daring looks to him. “It sounds like you have somepony.”

“Well, Princess Twilight has made some moves,” Blitz says as he leaned on his hoof as he looks out the window to the sky.

Daring smiles. “Sounds like there’s more.”

“I’ll make you a deal Daring,” Blitz says.

Daring tilts her head. “What is it?”

“I’ll tell ya’ll everything if you can keep from asking about it till we finish the job,” Blitz says.

Daring pouts. “Aww. That’s not fair.”

“Isn’t that better than getting bits and pieces of it?” Blitz asks.

Daring smiles. “I guess it is. Though you got anything else you can tell?”

“Yeah, I envy you a bit for being able to fly under our own power,” Blitz says, continuing to look into the sky.

Daring looks to him. “I don’t know what to do about that.”

“Nothing can be done, it is just the way I was born,” Blitz says.

Daring watches him. “Did you ever wanted to be born different?”

“Sometimes, but I guess it is just like my adopted father said I’m just howling for the moon,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “Do you know who your real parents are?”

“No,” Blitz says flatly.

Daring sighs. “Sorry.”

“No harm was done. I would have liked to have known them, but what is done is done. Heck, my birth mother could be Luna as far as I know.” Blitz jokes.

Daring raises an eyebrow at him. “Maybe.”

“That was a joke,” Blitz says facing her.

Daring sighs and goes to the door and brings down the blinds before sitting down by him again.

“Time to pay my tab?” Blitz asks closing the blinds of the window and takes off his helmet.

Daring just look to him. “It never stopped. Come on.” She said grabbing his hoof and leading him to the bed on the other end.

“I pay in kisses remember,” Blitz says hooking his hoof around her.

Daring smiles. “Did you ever want something more?”

“Um…I’m not able to do that yet. Still struggling with kissing sometimes.” Blitz says.

Daring smiles as she holds a hoof to his lips. “How about you take what you want?”

Blitz nods before leaning forward and kissing Daring. Daring smiles as she kisses back before he lets go and goes to kiss her again which she allows as she starts stepping back with him following. Blitz smiles before he fell forward and fell onto Daring on the bed, making him stop and look to her. “What the heck?” He asks.

“Oh darn, I guess you can lead a pony to water, but you can’t force it to drink,” Daring says trying to be cute with the comment.

Blitz sighs and kisses her nose. “You’re too cute.”

“I know,” Daring says sticking out her tongue.

Blitz sighs and sits up while sitting up with Daring and has her sit on his lap. “How many do I owe now?” He asks.

“None, you paid your tab for now,” Daring says tracing her hoof around on Blitz’s armor.

“Oh, you not extending my bill with interest?” Blitz jokes.

Daring smirks. “Do you want me to?”

“You aren’t the only one with jokes,” Blitz says.

Daring giggles as she leans her head against him. “You sure can make my life crazy.”

“Would you rather it be boring?” Blitz asks.

Daring shakes her head. “No, just…let’s not hurt each other again.”

“For that, we need to be honest with each other,” Blitz says.

Daring slightly looks at him. “Are you ever going to tell yours?”

“Now Daring, I told you I would tell you everything when this over,” Blitz says booping her nose lightly.

Daring smiles as she rubs her nose. “Then how am I going, to be honest with you?”

“You tell me how you feel,” Blitz says.

Daring stiffens a bit. “Well…I feel…” She sighs and turns to him. “Can you kiss me?” Blitz says nothing and kisses her again. Daring moans into the kiss as she leans more into him. Soon they separated again. “Do I have to say it?” She asks a bit embarrassed as she leans her head into his neck.

“In public, when I can’t take off my armor, yes,” Blitz says.

Daring presses her lips together and just buries her face into his neck. “Don’t make me say it.” She said muffled.

“You’re adorable when you’re like this,” Blitz says.

Daring just raises a hoof in front of him and was about to bring it down before just placing it on his face. “Do you really want me to say it?”

“Only if you’re ready,” Blitz says.

Daring moves her hoof over to his cheek before making his head turn to her. She looks up at him as she pulls him in close. “I am.”

“Then say it,” Blitz says holding her as her wings encircle him.

Daring sighs as she gets closer. “I…I love you.”

“There you go,” Blitz says as his ear perked up. “Somepony is coming.” He says grabbing his helmet with his magic and slips it on.

Daring looks away as he places her down on the bed and he moves to the other side of the room.

“We will continue that later,” Blitz says as the door opens.

The professor opens the door and sees the state Daring is in. “Did I interrupt something?”

“No, nothing at all. So has something happened?” Daring asks adjusting her hat.

The professor sighs. “Well, we got heavy weather at the site. Visibility is poor” He said taking out a paper. “Rain, wind, the whole thing. We can still work, but we can stay at the site for it to blow over if you want. What do you want to do?”

“It’s your call, Daring,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “We don’t have a lot of time when we get there, especially with who wants the eye and the treasure for themselves. We have to go through the weather.”

“As you say, boss,” Blitz says.

The professor nods. “Okay, I’ll send the message ahead to the dig site and tell them to get ready. We should be there in a few hours.” He said before closing the door and leaving.

“Strange, I checked the weather, we aren’t supposed to have rain for two weeks,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “Blitz, can we not talk about this for a bit?”

“Daring, I think those who are after the eye are either close or at the site,” Blitz says.

Daring nods. “I already got that, but can we not talk about it for now?”

Blitz sat against the wall as he waited.

“Blitz, can you come over here?”

“This is the perfect spot to get any would-be assassins from getting you,” Blitz says his blasters out.

Daring sighs. “And not even next to me is a good spot?”

“From here, I can blast them as they jump through the window and if they come through the door,” Blitz says.

Daring looks away. “Blitz, why can’t you ever talk about yourself?”

“I told ya, Daring, I would tell you everything when this is over,” Blitz says.

“Well, I notice your country accent,” Daring says. Blitz goes silent. “I got to say it is kind of adorable,” Daring says.

Blitz blushes. “I’m going to look over the land.” He said to cover himself. Daring says nothing as she moves beside him and lays down. Blitz looks slightly over to her. “What are you doing?” He asks.

“Since you won’t come to me. I came to you.” Daring says.

Blitz gulps a bit. “O…O…Okay.” He said before turning back forward.

“You know, I’ve never felt safer,” Daring says.

Blitz tries to smile. “That’s because I’m saving your flank every time.”

“There is that and there is the fact…” Daring trails off and leans against him.

Blitz sighs. “What are you going to do when we get back to Equestria?”

“Drag you to a church,” Daring says smirking.

Blitz couldn’t help but give a little laugh. “Listen, Daring, I got the princess and some others after me. What would it look like when you marry me right off the block?”

“That I one-upped them all.” Daring joked.

Blitz smiles. “You are going against a princess.”

“I’ve gone up against mummy’s curses, ancient monsters, and deadly traps, this is just something added to the list.” Daring jokes.

Blitz chuckles. “Is a spiritual journey from ancient artifacts that taught you the true meaning of the artifact and what it’s for, on that list as well?”

“Maybe,” Daring says.

Blitz sighs. “Now you’re learning.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I will pick out a nice dress for you to wear.” Daring jokes.

Blitz sighs and wraps his leg around her. “So…what do we have to expect from the temple?”

“Death traps, lost secret, maybe a platypus bunny,” Daring says

“A what?” Blitz asks.

Daring smirks. “Ever heard of the honey badger?”

“Yes, ugly little things, but vicious,” Blitz says.

Daring nods. “Same thing with the bunny.”

“Ok, now you have completely lost me,” Blitz says.

Daring giggles. “Yeah, that tends to happen.”

“Oh, I can tell my life with you in it will be very confusing,” Blitz says.

Daring giggles some more as she leans against him. “And it wasn’t now?”

“Point,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “Can you take that thing off?” She asks tapping his helmet.

“Not for a while,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs and just leans against him. “Think we might get attack just as we step off the train?”

“A possibility or they could be thinking of coming through that window any second,” Blitz says.

Daring looks to him. “You worry too much.”

“And you don’t worry enough,” Blitz says.

Daring giggles. “Now we just need the rings and wedding cake and we got ourselves balanced out and ready to have fun.”

“Hey, the marriage jokes are my thing,” Blitz says in a light-hearted way.

Daring laughs as she hits his shoulder. “Well too bad.” She said sticking her tongue out at him.

They rode the rest of the way in silence as Blitz kept on guard and Daring started studying the material the professor gave her. After a while, the professor opened their door. “We’re here.” He said holding his bag over his shoulder. They packed their bags and followed the professor and soon they exited the train onto the platform which has the land having rain and a slight fog. “Might want to grab something to eat, it’s going to be a while.” The professor said as he walks toward a carriage.

Blitz says nothing as he carefully surveys the area. Daring smiles as she buys some treats and gives some to Blitz while the professor came back. “Got a ride. Let’s go.” He said and they got on and started to ride to the site as the rain got a bit heavier and foggier.

“I don’t like this,” Blitz says in the carriage.

Daring huffs. “You’re not the only one.”

The professor nods. “Yeah, it’s almost…unnatural.”

They watch as the carriage soon stops at a gap in a fencing and a worn path ahead of it. “This is it.” The professor said putting his coat on and getting out.

“Hold on,” Blitz says getting out and observing the road carefully.

Daring sighs and puts her raincoat on and sticks her head out. “Anything?”

“Yeah, hard to tell, but the side of the road there has recently been dug up,” Blitz says.

The professor looks around as well. “Anything to tell what it is?”

“No, But I got something for it,” Blitz says taking out a grenade and tossing it to the spot he specified.

After a few seconds, the grenade exploded and body parts flew up and screeches were heard before some thuds were heard. “Wow, spiders huh?” Daring asks as she sees a leg.

“I hate spiders,” Blitz says flatly.

Daring sighs and gets out and pays the driver before he speeds off for some reason that almost tilts his carriage over. “Well, that was weird.” She said as she watches him leave.

“Giant spiders are a problem here in the griffon kingdom.” The professor says.

“And who wants to bet they are in the temple?” Blitz asks.

Daring sighs and walks along the path. “Let’s go, we need to get there before this weather gets any worse.”

They started to follow her as the fog got even heavier and the professor and Blitz kept an eye out for anything. After a while, they finally started to walk on the old stone that was partially flooded in some areas. “I think this is it,” Daring said as the professor took out something.

“Yeah, this is the site.” The professor said, reading a sign.

“Here lies the key of the rebel hero,” Blitz says reading the translation of the inscription his helmet provided.

They look to him a confused. “That’s…correct.” The professor said.

Daring sighs. “Come on. When he’s around, expect weird stuff to happen.” She said heading between two pillars with statues on top of them.

“To avoid traps for barbarians and foreigners, walk the way of the bird to your left.” Blitz reads.

They immediately turn left at that. “Well, now I’m glad you brought him along.” The professor said as they near some light in the fog.

The light soon separated the fog and revealed the campsite sitting outside the entrance of the temple. “This isn’t the picture I was thinking,” Daring said.

The professor nods as he looks at the abandoned and open tents and temporary buildings, fires left attended but controlled, high winds sending things around and the rain making them wipe it away from their faces every now and again. “Huh, well now we need a scraping sound, some crows and maybe an artifact in front of us and we got a b-rated horror movie and maybe a video camera for the found footage version.”

“And a lot of spider repellent,” Blitz says starting to fire.

Daring frowns as she looks around. “Get down, now!” She whispered harshly as she took cover behind an overturned table.

“You want some, come get it. I got enough for all of you.” Blitz says blasting almost at random.

The professor and Daring look at him and sweatdrop. “Does this…happen often?” He asks.

Daring facehoof. “Kind of.” She said before grabbing the back of his collar and pulls him down. “You’re lucky those things didn’t react.” She whispered pointing to the pony shapes sluggishly moving around.

“Oh, no way. Tell me those are not zombies.” Blitz says using the flamethrower on another spider close by.

Daring grabs his weapon and aim carefully before shooting and hitting the part of the body where the heart is. They watch as the body falls down. “Guess n…” The professor stops as it gets back up. “Never mind.”

“Sunva bitch!” Blitz yells flipping a spider onto one of them and it digs into the body, not bothering the pony at all.

Daring sighs. “Okay, apparently they have some bad hearing after your outburst and the shot.” She said giving Blitz his blaster back. “We will sneak past and…do you guys hear breathing?”

“Daring, which would be better, explosives or ripping it apart with claws?” Blitz asks.

Daring grabs his blaster again and turns around quickly and fires into the head of the pony. “There.” She said before it slowly gets up again. “Burn it.”

“Ok, I’m just going to ask it now, when did we enter a survival horror video game?” Blitz asks burning the thing to ashes.

The professor sighs. “Maybe when we have to deal with the new treasure. Also, they’re coming over.” He said pointing to the bodies of both ponies and griffons coming at them and acting almost like an angry mob.

Blitz tosses a grenade to Daring. “Pull the pin and throw it over their heads,” Blitz instructs ripping a mandible out of a spider’s mouth and using it to kill it.

Daring pulls the pin before reeling back to throw and sees the fuel containers and throws it there, away from the supposed zombies. “Might want to duck when it goes.”

Blitz flips another spider onto the zombies and ducks with Daring with the professor covering them both as the grenade explodes and makes the fuel tanks go off and sends shards of metal and plastic away and slices through some of the zombies and spiders. Daring peeks her head up and sees most of them down or stunned.

Daring gathers her things pulls the professor up. “Let’s go.” She said before rushing into the temple.

“I feel the sign was misleading now,” Blitz says.

The professor huffs. “Isn’t every single one of them misleading?” He said picking up a shovel and running after Daring while whacking a pony on the head along the way.

“Let’s see. This is the way of the entombed.” Blitz reads the inscription in the door frame. “This isn’t the way of the bird,” Blitz says twitching a bit.

The professor looks inside and sees Daring struggling with something. “And we already got trouble.” He said rushing in.

Blitz walks in still twitching to see it was bandaged trying to drag Daring into a sarcophagus and burns them away before taking her outside with the professor. “This is all I have to say to this way,” Blitz says barely containing himself as he throws grenades to the top of the entrance.

The professor just looks at Daring as the grenade explodes and the entrance collapses. “Did you almost get raped by bandages, in a sarcophagus?” He asks.

“No, that is the path of the entombed. If I had to guess, it would have made her into one of those from before.” Blitz says.

Daring turns to him. “Then where do we go?”

“We find the path of the bird and god help any more spiders I encounter!” Blitz yells and Daring actually see some giant spider slink away.

The professor sighs and hits a griffon on the head nonchalantly as it walks up to him. “So where is the next path?” He said then slicing the head off with the shovel.

Blitz suddenly stops and does an improvised facehoof. “Oh my god, I just realized something,” Blitz says.

They both look at him. “What?” They ask.

“How does a bird even travel?” Blitz asks.

They both look to each other before looking to their own wings and then back to him. “Well shit.” The professor said.

“Should I wait while you two look?” Blitz asks.

Daring frowns. “And leave you with the tutorial level?” She asks shoving her hoof to the zombies still walking around.

“Oh don’t worry, I can handle them. So please go find the path of the bird.” Blitz requests.

They both look to each other before nodding. “Just make sure you start burning th…” Her only answer was a flamethrower being fired.

“Burn! All of you burn!” Blitz yells.

The professor sighs. “Let’s go.” He said before taking off.

After a bit of searching, they found a landing platform hidden very well. “Path of the bird.” Daring reads.

The professor sighs and sees the temple entrance. “Come on. The quicker we do this, the better chance we have of getting out of here without dying.” He said going inside and hitting the pony coming around the corner.

“Ow, what the heck ya bleedin idiot, why did ya hit me?” A scottish accented pony asks.

The professor looks a bit surprised. “Oh, you ain’t a zombie.”

“No ya overgrown chicken.” The pony insults taking a swig of his bottle of alcohol.

Daring looks a bit confused. “How the heck did you survive all those things down there?”

“I blew up everythin that wasn’t me.” The pony says.

The professor and Daring just look at each other. “Please tell me he’s for real?” The professor asks.

“Ah, a bloody lassie is here. You must be the one that put this whole thing together. Miss. Do, right?” The pony asks to which Daring nods. “Well, thanks for killin me friends out there!”

“Um…not my fault. I specifically told you all to wait for me before digging.” Daring says.

“Oh, sure and that bloody assistant of yours didn’t tell us just to break open the tomb.” The earth pony says.

Now the professor and Daring looks confused. “We don’t have assistants.” They said at the same time.

“Sure ya do, the lassie is a brown unicorn mare with a blue mane.” The pony says.

Daring’s eyes widen. “Um…she doesn’t work for me. In fact, she’s trying to kill me.”

“What, that is ridicul….come to think of it, the lassie did disappear right before we blew open the first door, releasing those spiders.” The pony says.

Daring sighs. “At least we know who is behind this. Did you at least find a big entrance that not even the explosives could break through?”

“Unfortunately, I ran out of me explosives a while ago killing them zombies.” The pony thinks.

“Daring, do you think you should go get your bodyguard now that we have found the safe entrance?” The professor asks.

Daring sighs. “I got another way.” She said showing the eye a bit and some of the touches and plates of ash and wood immediately spark to life. “This is the master key.”

“Oh the bloody hell, a pegasus usin magic.” The pony says.

Daring shakes her head before walking again. “Come on.” She said heading down the hallway.

“What about Southern Cross?” The professor asks.

An explosion outside answered their question. “Good enough fo…back off,” Daring said as a wall closed on a zombie after she held up the eye.

Moments later, two claws covered in blood, come through the wall. Daring ducks as the claws came really close to her head before she uses the eye again and the wall pulls back up as they claws retracted and the zombie standing there was being burned alive by Blitz.

“Wow, but I’m not paying for dry cleaning,” Daring said.

“Oh, there you are Daring. I ran out of them out there to burn so I enter the spider way and found myself here.” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “Well we have a way, come on.” She said leaving down a hallway.

“Who’s he?” Blitz asks gesturing to the light blue earth pony taking another drink from his bottle.

The professor just points at him. “Meet the other requirement for a horror movie. The one character who can survive this whole thing, but looks insane by outside views.”

“I thought the only other one was the first one to die.” Blitz jokes.

The professor chuckles. “No, that’s the female naked and running through the woods and when she’s about to die she just screams while everyone else tries to run. Plus, that was racist.”

“It was a joke unlike that giant queen like the spider I burned to death, before reuniting with the group,” Blitz says.

The professor raises an eyebrow. “Giant queen spider?”

“Do not ask, that thing will haunt me for weeks,” Blitz says.

Daring peeks her head around the corner. “If you boys have finished your dick measuring contest, we got a tomb to explore.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Blitz says following with everypony else and the pony complaining about getting more scotch. “So how did you survive Mr.?” Blitz asks the earth pony.

“Aodh laddie.”

“Yes, Mr. Aodh, how did you survive the spiders and the zombified ponies and griffons?” Blitz asks.

Aodh shrugs. “Run and explode. Simple as that. I might have busted a few heads on the way through.”

“So you are a demolitionist, how good are you?” Blitz asks.

Aodh just looks to him. “Demolonisits? I just explode the thing.”

“How good are you at it?” Blitz asks.

Aodh grins. “Too good.”

“I see,” Blitz says.

Aodh laughs a little before taking a swig. “Ahh, want some laddie?”

“No, I don’t drink weak water.” Blitz jokes.

Aodh frowns. “Ahh, you don’t know what yer missing.”

As they walk, an engraving caught Blitz’s notice as it was under a unicorn stallion and a pegasus mare on the wall. “Hey Daring.” Blitz calls.

Daring looks back at him. “Yeah?”

“What do you make of this? I think the unicorn is Tifus.” Blitz says.

Daring walks up to the wall as her shirt pocket glows from the inside. “I don’t know exactly…wait, it says that the weapon of power is something that is always used for others. Never has it been used for something inconsiderate or for peril. For when used in times of old does it never respond. For use when others are involved will it react, but also shape the world. The use of it will be catastrophic in every way and never will it be in the good graces of others.”

“What the bloody hell is that supposed to mean?” Aodh asks.

Daring sighs. “It means no matter what, using the weapon will never be good even if used for good.”

“So if that is Tifus, who is the mare? His wife?” Blitz asks.

Daring looks all over and couldn’t find anything. “Who knows? Maybe she is, but for now, we don’t know.”

“Yeah, let’s keep going,” Blitz says.

They kept walking through the temple as they see more and more depictions of Tifus and the mare and the civilization. “Strange that there is more of her. Maybe she is the wife.” The professor deduced.

“Huh?” Blitz asks noticing what looked like a small monument with an inscription in it. “Let’s see. Here I leave my last words and truth of what happened in those days for all those who come after. This is my story. The story of Tifus.” Blitz reads.

They all stop and look at it. “So what does it say?” The professor asks.

“Some of it is worn by time, but what I am mostly getting is he fell in love with a slave mare who was a pegasus who was bought by his superior in, I think this means rank, but a lot of various meaning for this word. Anyways, the superior was well known for taking delight in being cruel and torturing other creatures. So when he learned of this, he thought he could torture two at once, but Tifus did what didn’t expect he lead his troops and attacked the superior and killed him. After that, there was no going back and he decided to not stop there and started freeing other enslaved creatures until it leads to full-on opposing the empire.” Blitz says.

They all looked a bit surprised. “Wow, that’s…surprising.” The professor said. “The old texts have him just freeing of others.”

“Apparently there was more to it than that,” Blitz says.

Daring looks to him. “And what’s that?”

“He loved the slave pegasus mare Daring,” Blitz says.

Daring keeps looking at him until she remembered something. “Loving a slave was frowned upon, even marrying one.”

“Yes, keeping them for pleasure was acceptable, but any children they had would have been slaves as well. It seems Tifus fell in love with this one and knowing full well what he would lose, he chooses her over it all.” Blitz says sounding like he had a newfound respect for him.

Daring smiles a bit. “Well…do you know what happened to them?”

“No, it seems this one does not contain the full story. There must be others with the rest.” Blitz says.

Daring pulls him along. “Come on, we might find more along the way.”

“Yeah, let’s go,” Blitz says still looking at the engraving of the two ponies and also looking back at him and Daring.

Daring keeps looking around as the hallway actually widens out a bit. “Does anypony get the feeling we should have hit the other side of the temple?” She asks after a while.

“And that we have passed this corridor four times?” Blitz asks eyeing the scorch marks where he burned the last zombie.

Daring keeps looking around. “It has to be…wait.” She said talking out the eye. “I wonder?” She said holding it up a bit. After a while of nothing happening, the eye suddenly glows a bit and soon everything started to move around them including the far parts of the hallway. “Get close. I have a feeling this is going to be big.” She said as she held it up higher.

The three got up real close as the corridor started to shift and change. It’s only when the pillars started to fall apart did they tense up. As the pillars fell the ceiling started to collapse and soon the outside was revealed. But they saw was not the outside of rain and fog, but rather a sun and clear skies as the pillars reverted back to their shape. After a while of nothing happening, Daring put the eye back in her pocket and moves over to a hallway leading outside and looks out. “Guys, you might want to see this, cliché.” She added as an afterthought.

They followed her and looked outside to see something surprising. “Since when did the camp disappear and this town appear, which has ponies going around as normal?” Blitz asks.

“Take a closer look, that isn’t a normal town Blitz.” The professor said.

Blitz looks closer and sees most ponies in either twos or threes and never more than a foot apart. “Wait, don’t tell me…” He said as he spies mostly mares up close to stallions in either chains or leashes.

Daring sighs. “Welcome to the past. And this is my second trip into this kind of run.”

“Wait, second?” Blitz asks.

Daring smiles to him. “Remember when you asked me about that artifact which makes me learn about the artifact?”

“Yeah,” Blitz says.

Daring looks proud. “I actually went to an ancient city full of demons and freed it.”

“Ok, I definitely can’t let you run off wherever you want any more,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles, but then frowns as she looks back to the town. “We need to go down there. You guys can walk around freely, but I may need to be tied. Who’s willing to be my so-called master?”

“We all know who it is going to be, come on,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles as she looks to him. “I know, just making sure. There is nopony I trust more.”

“Just don’t cause trouble,” Blitz says.

Daring grins. “Yes, master. Now we just need something to tell I’m a slave.”

“Speaking of which, I probably should buy you some new clothes,” Blitz says observing what most were wearing.

Daring sighs. “We just need to…” She then spies a mare and stallion heading into the forest near the temple. “There, they must have something extra.”

“Take a closer look. That is armor, meaning a soldier or an officer.” Blitz says.

The professor looks down. “Or maybe this is the start of the story.”

“Clothes first, then we will follow if they aren’t back,” Blitz says dragging her along.

Daring giggles a little. “You fell into the master role a little fast.”

“No, I’m concerned about how they will react to how you dress,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “I know, we just need to find a merchant or something or maybe just find an unlucky traveler.”

“Just follow me and don’t talk, I’m used to dealing with these types,” Blitz says as he keeps dragging her.

After a while, they were about to exit the temple when Daring stopped his pulling. “Wait.” She said before taking off her hat and was reaching for her clothes. “Me wearing this is enough to put suspicion.”

“And my armor isn’t?” Blitz asks.

Daring looks up to him. “Your armor is good. It sort of matches foreigners they might get. But me…I’m a mare and they consider them slaves. Besides, you also need something else.” She said taking off her shirt and putting it in his saddlebags with her hat before taking out a leash from another bag. “What were you doing with this anyway?”

“Got it off a vampire pony. Don’t ask.” Blitz says.

Daring looks to him with an eyebrow raised before putting it around herself and giving him the leash. “Let’s go.”

Blitz holds onto the leash as he drags her through the market getting many different looks as he scans the stores till he spots a store with clothes. “Come on,” Blitz says moving to it.

Daring only can follow as she looks to the ponies in armor and some high looking ponies just looking at Blitz. ‘Good, this is working.’

Blitz looks over the clothing as the merchant looks at him. “See anything you like for yourself?” The merchant asks, his language being translated from Blitz’s armor.

“I want something for her,” Blitz says, his armor translating his words into the language.

The merchant looks to the slave behind him. “Well, I got this and this only. The other merchants have the same thing.” He said reaching behind the stall and taking out a box full of robes.

“Daring, pick one you like,” Blitz says surprising the merchant. Daring looks up and sees the robes before picking up one that looks like her regular clothing color.

“Will this be enough?” Blitz asks pulling out a diamond he took off the assassin from the hotel.

If the merchant wasn’t surprised before he was certainly surprised now. He looks at the diamond before reaching under his stall and taking out a box and rummaging through it before dropping some rubies. “More than enough.”

“Keep the change,” Blitz says as Daring slips on the robes.

The merchant looks shocked still as they walk away as he looks at the diamond. “But…only the lord has diamonds.” He said to himself.

Blitz keeps walking with Daring as now he noticed some unicorns now watching Daring with smirks.

Daring sighs as they kept walking around, trying to find someplace higher other than the temple until two unicorns approached him. “Excuse me, but are you a foreigner?” One of them asks.

“And if I am?” Blitz asks.

The other just smiles. “Simply put, foreigners out here must pay a small fee to keep being here.”

“Oh, really?” Blitz asks.

They nod. “Yes, we are representatives from the palace. We go around and make sure everything is all right. Now you need to pay at least fifty gold pieces.”

“And if I don’t have that much?” Blitz asks.

One of them nods. “Then we would have to report you and you may be asked to leave.”

“Makes no difference to me, I’m just passing through,” Blitz says.

The unicorns look confused. “Still, if that’s true, why not take the mountain pass?” One said pointing to the nearby mountain. “Takes you straight to the next town.”

“Because I promised her I would get her something,” Blitz says.

The unicorns look a little surprised. “You are getting something for your slave?” One asks.

“When one gives their word, one must honor it,” Blitz says.

The unicorns look to each before looking back at him. “Even so, you must pay or be reported and if you can’t pay in gold we will just take your slave here.” One of them says as he moves closer to Daring from behind.

“Touch her and I will take something from you.” Blitz threatens.

The unicorns tried another step. “Listen, you will lose her if you’re reported. This is a tax we usually do and for foreigners, it is usually higher.” The unicorn says reaching for Daring.

“I warned you,” Blitz says and, in a flash of steel, the unicorn yelled as he held his face as a long diagonal cut was now they’re going through his left eye. Blitz held up a now bloodied claw coming out of his hoof’s armor as he stood between them and Daring.

The other one growls a bit. “You bastard. You just violated at least ten laws. We will take her.”

“Try and take her and I will do far worse,” Blitz says.

The unicorn that was uninjured moves over to the other and pulls him away. “Come on, let’s go. You’ll pay and you will lose.” He said before leaving.

“You ok?” Blitz asks.

Daring smiles. “With you, always. But yeah, I’m fine. Didn’t touch a bit of hair on me.”

“If they had, I would have taken his head instead of his eye,” Blitz says.

Daring giggles a little. “Thanks, but we need to keep moving. That would have caught a lot of attention.”

“Oh, they won’t come after us. They were just humiliated and were trying to scam me to take you.” Blitz says.

Daring blushes. “You won’t let me go, will you?”

“You know what I’m capable of and I already made you that promise now, come on, we have to go find those two and make sure they don’t cause too much trouble,” Blitz says.

Daring smirks. “Let’s go get them.”

“Right,” Blitz says as they walk towards the food area.

The unicorns grumble to themselves as the one injured patches himself up in a sitting area for the food area. “Got another plan?” He asks.

“We can’t go to the lord of the lands about this. We would have to explain this to him if we did.” The other says.

The injured one huffs. “Then how will we get a mare to sell? You know our lord is expecting at least a single mare to sell so then he’s allowed to give us one to share at least then we can have our own.”

“Yeah, the lord is a real tight ass. I hear most other lords hand out mares to their soldiers.” The guard says.

The injured unicorn hisses as he puts something on his cut. “Damn, we got to find a mare and fast. Who else are easy pickings?”

“You mean who won’t run to the lord?” The uninjured one asks.

The injured one huffs. “We just need to find a low-class scum and take his slave, who would believe him?” The injured one says before he stops moving and points to where Blitz and Daring were meeting with their other companions.

Blitz frowns a bit. “Kinda hate this place.” He said as the professor and Aodh sat down at a table with them.

“I know what cha mean laddie,” Aodh says.

The professor sighs and looks to Daring. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Cross here had to teach a few unicorns a few things though,” Daring says.

The professor frowns. “Let’s hope we don’t cause a commotion from it.”

“Well, here they come again,” Blitz says.

They all look over to the two unicorns coming over. “Nice job laddie,” Aodh said seeing the cut.

“Looks like they still haven’t learned their lesson,” Blitz says unmoving.

Daring watches them as they get close before she feels her collar tightening and she grabs her collar to get it loose. “What?” She breathes out. “What’s going on?” She asks as she tried to loosen her collar.

“You want something else?” Blitz asks.

The injured one huffs as his horn lights up. “We want that mare. Now give her to us and we might let her live.”

“I see. Then the solution is simple.” Blitz says bringing out a blaster. “I end what I started,” Blitz says casually shooting the unicorn’s horn off.

Daring breathes in hard as she feels the collar loosen up. “Oh boy, that was a bit scary.” She said trying to make sure her neck wasn’t damaged.

The unicorn who wasn’t shot lets out a small growl. “Shut it, slave! This is between us.”

“No, it’s over. Continue this and I will kill you.” Blitz says fully serious picking up the shattered horn.

The uninjured one was about to step forward when his injured partner holds him back. “Don’t…” He groans. “We’re done. Get me to a healer.” He groans out as he holds his head.

“Be grateful I let you have your life,” Blitz says.

“Yes, you two be grateful.” A new voice says.

Daring looks up to the voice as she hears a somewhat familiar voice and sees a pony with his head covered by a metal helmet and in a uniform with somepony behind him. She then looks back to Blitz. “Did he just used your voice?”

“Your lordship, this foreigner…” The uninjured one starts.

The lord turns to them mad. “Quiet!” He yelled making them shrink back. He then turns to the four at the table. “You four are to come with me.”

“And if we refuse?” Blitz asks.

The lord grins. “Then you are just going around with your heads cut off like a headless chicken.”

“You want to try and back that up?” Blitz asks threateningly.

The lord chuckles before moving out of the way for the pony behind him. “Want to tell them?” He asks the mare tied by her collar to him.

“His lordship has guards all around ready to take you into custody.” The mare says respectfully.

Blitz raises an eyebrow at the idea of the mare talking before sighing. “Okay, come on guys.” He said getting up and pulling on Daring’s leash a little.

The others follow the lord and the mare as they walk out through the little forest before the lord stops and looks at them. He smiles and grabs the mare’s collar and let her off her leash. “You can let yours off the leash now. I can see that you hate it.” He said packing away the leash and taking off his helmet.

“Well, this is interesting,” Blitz says as it was like looking into a mirror.

Daring looks a little shocked as Blitz took off her collar and leash. “Whoa, this is weird.” She said looking back at Blitz.

“Yes, I know Daring,” Blitz says removing his helmet shocking both the mare and the lord.

The mare stutters a bit. “But…how is that possible? How can there be two lords?”

The lord keeps looking until he smiles. “Then this will makes things easier getting into my palace.” He said fishing around his saddlebag.

“You knew we would come, didn’t you? The key every legend and text of your’s keeps referring to is how isn’t it?” Blitz asks.

The lord chuckles as he tilts his head slightly. “I knew my message and eye would get out sometime, but I didn’t expect a doppelganger to come also.” He said taking out a collar. “Here, put this on your mare. It would say she belongs to me and no one is allowed to touch her under the penalty of death. You sure don’t want the guards around to have fun, if you catch my meaning.” He said showing a blue collar and a golden plate on it with an inscription.

“Daring is not my servant or my slave, the collar is just for show, but tell me, how much do you truly know?” Blitz asks.

The lord gives Daring the collar anyway and takes out another one. “So are these. But I don’t want to find my mare in the guard’s house on the ground and out cold. Right sweets?” He asks her.

The mare nods and smiles. “Yeah, we certainly don’t want that.” She said as he puts the collar on her.

The lord looks back to them. “Anyway, I need your help, even though my weapon can win the war it always comes with a price as all weapons and battles do. Think you’re up for it?”

“First answer my question and we shall see,” Blitz says.

The lord sighs. “Okay, my information here is limited and I knew I needed help. My spies could only do so much as my army too. I needed help and I looked to the past for that. I learned that the need for numbers decreased as time went by. So I thought of leaving a message for future ponies and beings to figure out. I knew that the ones who cracked the texts and clues would be the one to help me and stay true. Still, I didn’t expect a perfect replica to come as well.”

“Well you know what they say, there is always someone who looks just like you,” Blitz says.

The lord laughs. “Yeah.” He then looks to Daring. “Why don’t you place that on and follow Sheka here? She’ll get you into the palace and we’ll be close behind.” He said motioning to the mare behind him.

“So you’re Tifus?” The professor asks.

Tifus smiles. “Yes, nice to meet you griffon, but why do you have that tool?”

“Oh, I’m a professor at a university or a very big school because one has yet to be founded yet.” The professor says.

Tifus just looks confused. “Okay. So how about it, want to scout the place as it is?” He asks Daring.

“Careful, Daring has some sticky hooves when it comes to artifacts and everything from this time fits the bill for her,” Blitz whispers into Tifus’ ear.

Tifus chuckles. “Then Sheka and Daring here will get along just nicely. Sheka has that impulse to take a sweet every now and then. Besides, don’t worry about them. As long as the collars are on them the guards and others won’t dare touch them. I already had that with Sheka ten times already.”

“Yes, oh and get your soldiers ready to ambush the so-called superior when he tries to kidnap her and forcefully take her back to the capital as his own,” Blitz warns putting back on his helmet and, to Tifus’ shock, disappearing completely.

Tifus narrows his eyes at where he disappeared. He then sighs and turns back to Daring. “Go on and wear it.” He then looks to the professor and the other pony. “Come on. We have to go to my head guard.”

Daring sighs and puts the collar on as Sheka pulls her off to the palace. “Just keep yourself looking a bit down. The guards have never seen me happy so any new collared mares have the same look to keep the lookup. Tifus really treats us differently.” She said blushing a bit.

“Oh he treats you really special doesn’t he?” Daring asks.

Sheka nods. “Yeah, he’s really sweet to me. I don’t know why, but after all, I have been through I don’t mind.”

“Oh, ho, ho, I have a few ideas why he is so sweet on you,” Daring says.

“You are different from any other mare I have encounter,” Sheka says.

Daring smiles. “That’s because I’m not from here. In my place mares are free and able to lead lives like the males. Heck, I’m a teacher at the big school and our rulers are mares as well. In fact, now that I think about it, I think the ratio between mares and stallions is too large.” Daring says thinking it over.

Sheka smiles. “Sounds great, wish I could go. But Tifus warned that we can’t go with anyone who comes and help if it sounds like a good world. We belong here and not there, so we have many more things to fix soon.”

“You want to know a secret?” Daring asks.

Sheka looks to her. “What is it?”

“It’s not that it is a different world, we are from the future,” Daring says.

Sheka nods. “I know, it just feels different.”

“It’s because of what work you and Tifus do and others building upon it,” Daring says.

Sheka blushes a bit. “Thanks. We should get to the palace.” She walking to it again.

“Actually that has me thinking, we are from the distant future and Blitz and Tifus look exactly like each other eerily so. What are the chances they are related?” Daring says thinking out loud.

Sneak shrugs. “Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t. The point is, we got a better plan to work with.”

“So what is your opinion on Blitz from what you learned about him so far?” Daring asks looking at the silverish coat pegasus mare.

Sheka smiles. “Well, he’s respectful. Watches out for others. Definitely doesn’t want to be in the norm of things. Yet…he has the air of mystery around him.”

“And he wounded that soldier to that degree for either trying to take me or threatening me,” Daring said.

Sheka sighs. “Sounds like Tifus. He’s almost the same.”

“That’s almost…wait we aren’t going to start having trouble telling them apart are we?” Daring asks.

Sheka has a certain light in her eyes. “Oh, that might be fun.”

“Oh, we are going to get along well,” Daring says mirroring her.

Sheka looks her over. “Maybe because we are around the same.”

“Oh, maybe we can pull the same to them and see if they can figure it out?” Daring asks.

Sheka grins. “Maybe you and I can trade places?”

“Oh, where have you been all my life sister?” Daring asks.

Sheka giggles. “Just a jump away.”

Act 1 - Chapter 7: Connections

A few days later, Blitz returns with troop numbers and movement information of all the outlying forts and cities.

The professor looks over the maps. “Give me the short version.” He asks as he, Aodh, and Tifus sat in the war room.

“Most of the troops are either up north holding against the griffin ‘barbarians’ or south, trueing to defeat a rogue king who rebelled,” Blitz says.

Tifus nods. “Yes, we are dealing with a dying nation and the griffons have been trying to take our resources without any permission so that’s why we’re under attack by them. Of course, others would see them as barbarians because of how they fight.”

“And because they are not you,” Blitz adds.

Tifus sighs. “Another reason, but an ungrateful one we all have to deal with.”

“So how is Daring doing?” Blitz asks.

Tifus smiles as he sips away at his drink. “Having fun, privately of course. The guards are not even used to Sheka having this much fun.”

“What has she been doing?” Blitz asks.

Tifus grins. “‘They’ve been having fun with the guards.”

“Doing what specifically?” Blitz asks as he lays on a couch his eyes closed.

Tifus chuckles. “Messing with the patrols, sneaking and taking stuff without them knowing and watching their reactions, even doing stuff that ‘slaves’ are not supposed to do and giving the guards a chase. Surprisingly, they are able to get away.”

“I see,” Blitz says hearing the door open.

They look over and see Sheka and Daring come in and close the door behind them. “That was close,” Daring said.

“Daring,” Blitz says not getting up or opening his eyes.

Daring grins nervously as she looks over to him. “Yeah?”

“What did you do?” Blitz asks.

Daring chuckles nervously before some heavy knocks hit the door. “Get out here slaves! We know you’re in there.” A guard said.

Sheka quickly pulls Daring to the table before going under it and opening a secret panel and pulling themselves in before closing it again.

Blitz sighs getting up and walks over to the door before slamming it open, shocking the guards. “What is with all this racket?” Blitz asks dangerously agitated.

The guard shrinks back a little. “E…E…Excuse me, sir. We…we…are looking for the slaves.”

“Well, they are not here. So go look somewhere else before I decide to take all my anger out on you.” Blitz says slamming the door shut in their faces.

Tifus sighs and looks down before knocking on the door. “They’re gone.”

“Daring. Here. Now.” Blitz says laying back down.

Daring came out as she pushes her hooves together. “Hey…um…Blitz.”

“You stay for a while till they stop looking,” Blitz says making room.

Daring smiles and lays by him. “Sorry, but…this is the most fun I ever had.”

“Yeah, and you’re as giddy as a schoolmare going to a dance,” Blitz says removing his helmet.

Daring blushes. “Yeah…schoolmare.”

Blitz then reaches up and pulls her close. “You can drop the act now,” Blitz says to Sheka.

Sheka gets up from him. “Thanks for that. You’ve ruined it.”

“I just know Daring and she is coming over to punch me for saying she’s acting like a schoolmare,” Blitz says.

Sheka gets up away from him and allows Daring to hit him. “So how were we?” She asks the rest.

“For me,” Blitz says grabbing Daring and pulling her onto the couch with him.

Daring smiles and snuggles into him. “Probably good.”

“Yeah, little schoolmare.” Blitz jokes. Daring just hits him. “Oh, I’m never letting that nickname for you go,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “You really should others consider feelings, but I may like that name.” She whispered the last part to him.

“I know,” Blitz says kissing her as everypony else was turned away.

Daring smiles as she lets go and lays her head on his chest. “Seen the weapon yet?”

“No, but I know Tifus knows where it is,” Blitz says.

Daring nods. “Yeah.” She then smirks and looks to him. “Like my new look?”

“Yeah, you look quite lovely,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “Thanks, so what do we do now?”

“We wait for now. That is about all we can do.” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “So what do you want to do?”

“Want to disappear for a bit of us time?” Blitz asks.

Daring grins. “Would I.”

“Ok, let’s go,” Blitz says putting on his helmet.

Daring adjusts her collar before getting off the couch and allows Blitz to get off and follows him out. Tifus just smiles as Sheka sits on his lap as they look over the maps with the professor. “What do you think?” He asks her.

“I think you worry too much,” Sheka says.

Tifus chuckles and boops his nose with hers. “No, I’m not worrying enough, especially for you.”

“Why don’t we get a second opinion?” Sheka asks looking and finding Daring and Blitz gone.

Tifus grins. “It’s a good thing I made it so that the collar allows my second in command to have the same privileges.”

Blitz lays down in a tree with Daring on top of him. “Nopony will find us here,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles as she leans close to him. “Good, because I want to enjoy you.”

“Oh, you’re not already?” Blitz jokes.

Daring just rears her hoof back, ready to strike before sighing and placing it on his cheek. “Don’t make me worry, okay?”

“Don’t worry I won’t,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles and strokes his cheek. “Good because you can really make me worry when you go out.”

“So tell me, how many times did you try and pull that on Tifus while I was gone?” Blitz asks.

Daring lays her head into his neck. “None, I wanted you.”

“Oh, my charms completely enthralled you then?” Blitz jokes.

Daring sighs and nuzzles him. “Don’t mess with it.”

“Don’t worry I won’t,” Blitz says wrapping his forehooves around her.

Daring smiles. “Thanks, now…I believe you need payment?”

“How much is on my tab this time?” Blitz asks.

Daring grins. “However much you want. I’m yours.”

“I thought you were mine a long time ago,” Blitz says kissing her.

Daring moans into the kiss before letting go a little. “I am, besides, want to keep this?” She asks showing her collared neck.

“Only till we are back. After all, you are nopony’s prize or possession.” Blitz says.

Daring smirks. “But I’m yours.”

“You’re my mare, I neither own you nor won you.” Blitz counters kissing her again.

Daring smiles as she kisses him before letting go again. “Then why the heck were you carrying that leash?”

“Ok, one of the mares who wants me is helping me get over my phobia of vampires, but after you know who, it is completely justifiable,” Blitz says.

Daring raises an eyebrow. “And the leash?”

“As one of her payments, well she has a certain fetish,” Blitz whispers into Daring’s ear.

Daring looks to him. “BDSM?”

“I don’t know the names of fetishes so maybe,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “She probably likes being hurt and abused. Is it getting easier for you to do that now that you are here?”

“Um…no,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “I can help you and it just involves us being alone together on our own time, away from everypony.”

“The thing is, I’m not sure I’m ready to start doing that. I’m just getting comfortable with kissing.” Blitz admits.

Daring smiles. “And were you comfortable with kissing before?”

“Yeah now, but at first I froze whenever a mare got close to me,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “And now you got a mare laying down right on you. How do you feel?”

“Exhilarated and half like I’m going to have a heart attack,” Blitz says.

Daring places her hoof on his chest where his heart is and feels the heavy and fast beats. “That’s just being excited and that means it’s good.”

“You want to know a secret?” Blitz asks.

Daring looks to him. “What?”

“You mares can scare me far more than when I was facing her,” Blitz says stealing a kiss.

Daring looks a bit confused as she kissed him before she lets go again. “Her who?”

“The queen of vampires,” Blitz says covering her mouth so she couldn’t say the name.

Daring gets his hoof off of her. “You faced her down?”

“And destroyed the thing that finally leads to her true death. But throughout the whole thing, I was terrified.” Blitz says.

Daring smiles and nuzzles his nose a bit. “You did it. You faced your fears, but it isn’t about conquering it, it’s facing it and finding a way through it and yet still have that fear, because that fear will also help others.”

“One of the things holding me back now is considering what could happen as a result from the union you and the others want,” Blitz says.

Daring tilts her head a little. “Union?”

“You know what I mean,” Blitz says touching her stomach.

Daring puts her hoof over his. “It’s still your choice for me. Do you want me?”

“That’s not the concern that makes me hesitant. I have a tendency to overanalyze things and of where that would lead. I am a Mandalorian and if I had a foal they would most likely raise them like one.” Blitz says.

Daring now looks concerned. “Can you refuse?”

“Not really, it’s a part of my nature and well it can be very bloody being warriors,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “If you have foals, you don’t need to worry. You are not alone in taking care of them. You would have us.”

“It’s a part of my nature to worry and over analyze things like this,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “Then give us your worries. You are not alone in this and we want to help you. You would be very special to us and both sides would take care of each other.”

“Thanks, Daring,” Blitz says as she encircles him with her wings.

Daring smiles and lays her head down on his chest where his heart is again and hears it calm down a little. “Do you love all of us?”

“Yes,” Blitz says as he noticed a carriage being pulled along the road as he pets Daring’s mane.

Daring moans a bit as she closes her eyes. “And never one more than the other?”

“That would be favoritism,” Blitz says watching the carriage ride off towards Tifus’ palace.

Daring nuzzles his chest. “And you would never do that, right?”

“No. Say, Daring, how about we stay here for a few days and just have some us time?” Blitz asks losing sight of the carriage.

Daring looks to him as she slowly blushes a little. “By us you mean…?”

Blitz kisses her before speaking. “Just spending time together. Maybe have a few picnics, just you and me.” Blitz says.

Daring slowly smiles. “I would like that. Can we do it completely alone because you are not allowed to date a slave or even kiss them unless it’s for your own purpose?”

“Aren’t we already?” Blitz asks.

Daring still blushes. “Using me?”

“No, completely alone,” Blitz says booping her nose with his.

Daring sighs. “I meant a place where we can have fun on the ground instead of in trees most of the time.”

“We could try the mountains, but I hear there is a lot of giant spiders,” Blitz says.

Daring taps her chin a bit. “Maybe near that lake? I hear it actually gets pretty lonely there or do you want me and you, in our room, and have fun?”

“Not ready to go that far and lake it is then,” Blitz says.

It was a few days later when Daring and Blitz were heading back when the carriage from a few days ago raced past.

Daring and Blitz watch as it goes by. “What was that about?” Daring asks.

“Sheka!” Tifus yelled as he ran past them and after the carriage, followed by several soldiers.

“There is your answer,” Blitz says disappearing.

Daring sighs before racing after them as Blitz starts using his exosuit underneath to try and speed up and jump past some obstacles. “Screw this.” He said before launching a grappling hook and latching onto the carriage and lands before the driver, decloaking with his claws extended and cuts off the pony’s head and grabs the reins and makes the creatures pulling it slow down before stopping before disappearing again.

Some groans were heard as the carriage door opens and a fat armored pony steps out with a mare taking a step out before collapsing to the ground. “What the buck was that?” The pony asks.

Tifus, seeing this, tackles the fat pony to the ground. “How dare you!” He yells starting to punch the fat unicorn.

Sheka groans as she looks up and sees Tifus hitting the pony on the ground before she tries to get up and walks to him as she limps before placing a hoof on his shoulder, making him stop hitting the now bloodied pony. “It’s okay, I’m here with you, once again.” She said smiling.

“Soldiers, the capital has sent us a message. They say they can take whatever they want from us to satisfy their greed in spite of the laws. What is to be next to our lands, our families, our very lives?!” Tifus asks getting off the fat pony. “It is now apparent to me that we must sever all ties with the empire we love so much for it is no longer the empire our forefathers created and is just filled with evil ponies. So here now I announce our secession from the empire!” Tifus yells taking a sword out and stabbing the fat pony in the throat killing him as the soldiers cheered. He then turns to Sheka and starts cutting away at the collar on her with the dagger he took out after putting the sword down. “No more. I’m not hiding this anymore.” He said cutting the collar and throwing it away onto the dead pony. He then turns back to Sheka and holds and hugs her. “I just want you and you alone, without anything standing between us.”

Blitz reappeared beside Daring as they watched. “Seems we have seen everything play out,” Blitz says his hoof around Daring.

Daring smiles. “Yeah, we certainly have. The big change which drives him is losing Sheka or rather almost since your intervention. The texts said he chased her down to the next empire and attacked it just to get her back and end it all.”

“He knew this would happen from the start. This key of his has shown him the future.” Blitz says wearily.

Daring nods. “Yeah, it almost makes you wonder what the artifact is.”

Tifus lets go of the hug and look to Sheka in the eye. “Sheka, I know you’re still considered a slave by law, but I intend to change that and I have a proposition.” He said taking out something from his coat pocket. “Sheka, will you marry me?” He asks showing a box with a ring in it.

“Yes,” Sheka says hugging him with her wings.

“I think it is the staff of Tifus,” Blitz whispers as they walk away quietly.

Daring nods. “You don’t think he won just by seeing the future, do you?”

Blitz shrugs. “The one who sees the future will win the war for they know the enemy’s plans, but he lost battles so the ability must not be absolute,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “Maybe it just does the important ones.”

“Or maybe it can only be used so many times.” Blitz theorized using his claws to cut off Daring’s collar.

Daring smiles as she watches him throw the collar into the forest. “So now we can have fun. I just need my hat and shirt.”

“I kept them with the professor,” Blitz says kissing her where her collar once was.

Daring moans a bit. “Good, because now the real war begins.”

“Yeah, I think Tifus will have no trouble with it. I already gave him the keys to victory as I already sent a letter to the griffons and that rouge king telling them of the splintering the empire was having internally and if the three work together they would annihilate the empire.” Blitz says kissing her there again.

“You were the one to set up the alliance that would doom the empire. What can’t you do?” Daring says after moaning again.

Blitz smirks as he stops at the entrance of the town and kisses her neck before replacing his helmet. “Not be able to relay my feelings and do everything the mare wants. I have my limits.”

“Oh, my stallion.” Daring whispers.

Blitz chuckles as they walk through town, attracting almost everypony who isn’t a slave and even those who are. “Yes, my mare?”

Daring pushes him away from a little but gives up as she guides him. “Ponies will see.”

Blitz and Daring make it back into the palace as they waited for Tifus. “I can’t believe you told the guards off when they saw a ‘slave’ being treated like that,” Daring said as she lays her head on his lap.

“Yeah, though you’re just happy to have your hat back,” Blitz says.

Daring chuckles as she adjusts her hat. “Yeah, this thing is like my life.”

Blitz smiles as he pets her mane. “What about me? Wasn’t I your life?”

“Three seconds ago.” Daring jokes.

Blitz just taps her head. “Now I feel all useless. I guess I don’t need to be your bodyguard now.”

“No, I got me a stallion now,” Daring says smirking.

Blitz sighs. “You really like making my life difficult, don’t you?”

“What gave me away?” Daring asks.

Blitz shakes his head and then just leans down and kisses her, which she gladly accepts. “My payment.” He said before kissing her again.

And at the point, Aodh and the professor walked and recoiled a bit. “Geez, get a room you two.” The professor said as he covers his eyes slightly.

“Shut it turkey,” Daring says.

The professor looked a little offended. “Miss. Do, I thought you would be more respectful.”

“She is, she just wants to go back to our time,” Blitz says.

Daring sighs. “Since we know what happened, I’m sure we can let history run its course now.”

“But how do we get back?” Blitz asks.

Daring stops and facehooves. “Dang it.”

“I think I can answer that,” Tifus says walking in.

Everybody looks to him. “And what’s that?” Blitz asks.

“Take the item that got you here,” Tifus says as Daring obeyed him and got it out before the eye started to glow golden and the outer shell split off, revealing a golden orb. “Say hello to my prize possession. Well…” He looks to Sheka who walks in wearing regular clothing now. “My third prize.”

“So all this time, Daring had the artifact the lead you to victory?” Blitz asks.

Tifus sighs. “That artifact is too much for one pony. It was meant for many who understands the true nature of the world and its meaning. I already have, but I knew at this point in time, many would not understand and take it for themselves. The power to see the future and the power to control other ponies mind to the point of breaking it just by your thought alone. I had to find more ponies who understand the true meaning of my journey to this point.”

“So this whole thing was not to help you, but to teach a lesson, huh?” Blitz asks.

Tifus chuckles and shrugs. “Well…I knew I would win eventually. It’s just time that was a factor and you shorten it.”

“So how do we get back?” Daring asks putting Blitz’s helmet back on him.

Tifus smiles. “Take a look.”

Daring looks to the golden orb and thinks of going home before the orb glows and then symbols started to appear in her vision with the sharp golden lines coming out of the orb. She then feels like she got sucked into the orb as it then guides her out of the palace and through the town before ending up at the temple and leaves one final symbol for her. Daring opens her eyes as the orb stops glowing and the others watch on.

Daring looks to them as she places the orb away. “We have to get back to the temple.”

“Lead the way Daring,” Blitz says.

Daring gets up and packs up most of her things. She then turns to Tifus and Sheka. “Thanks for allowing us to come and be here.” She said, bowing slightly. The other three follow her example.

Tifus smiles. “No problem. I’m thankful I can teach you something because you can now own that golden orb and take this.” Tifus says handing her a vase and some jewels.

Daring looks at the vases. “What’s this?”

“Somethings I had made for you when you helped me,” Tifus says.

Daring just blankly looks at him. “What is it?”

“A few things for you, since Blitz told me you love artifacts,” Tifus says.

Daring takes another look at the vase and then the jewels and then smiles. “Cool, but I just need to know, what’s this story about your staff?”

“Oh, easy, I put the orb into the top of it to masquerade that I created an incredibly powerful weapon when the orb is what mattered,” Tifus says.

Blitz chuckles. “That’s a nice way to have trickery.”

“Thanks for everything again,” Daring says.

“I only wish I learned how to disappear like Blitz,” Tifus says.

Blitz smiles. “You may one day, but for now, we gotta get home. Come on, guys.” He said walking with Daring and the others.

“That was an incredible experience.” The professor says.

Aodh chuckles as he drinks some bottle of something that was here. “And they had a great selection.”

“You happy what you got Daring?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods. “Yep, we got some artifacts and the weapons that were foretold in the legends.”

“We still don’t have the staff,” Blitz says before they hear cackling.

Every one of them looks around. “What the heck is that?” Daring asks.

“Anypony want to bet that somepony found the staff?” Blitz asks moving towards where the cackling came from.

They all follow him as they go down a corridor and find somepony holding a staff and almost praising over it. “This will be good.”

“That is the lassie who said she was your assistant,” Aodh says.

They all stood behind her as she kept laughing over the staff before she stops and turns around. When she saw who was behind her she jumps back and points the staff at them. “Stay back, this has the power to decimate armies.”

“Daring, can I?” Blitz asks.

Daring waves him off. “Eh, go ahead.”

Blitz starts walking up to the mare. The mare responds in trying to use the staff, only nothing happened. “Wha…what the buck happened?!” She asks, shaking the staff.

“The staff itself is just a focus for something else,” Blitz says knocking the staff to the feet of the professor and sticks his claws into her face. “I’ll give you a choice, you did not a half bad job at planning assassinations and sabotage. So you can either agree to come work for me as an organizer and operation manager or I shank you for all you have done.” Blitz says.

The mare gulps as the claws press close to her eye. “Wh…wha…what about…her?” She shakily points to Daring.

“She is my employer right now. Now choose.” Blitz says.

The mare gulps again. “O…Okay.”

“Good choice,” Blitz says withdrawing the claws and makes her walk over to the group.

The professor scoffs as he holds the staff. “We should at least tie her up or blindfold her.”

“So Aodh, you want to come work for me with your expertise with explosives?” Blitz asks.

Aodh just drinks his bottle. “As long as I get to blow shit up and have some drinks.”

“Ok, your first job is to get her to Equestria. After that, ask the guards where Southern Cross’ base is. They will tell you where to go.” Blitz says.

Aodh shrugs. “Sure. Let’s just get out of here. I’m bored at this point.”

“Ready Daring?” Blitz ask.

Daring nods and starts leading them to the temple before the professor blindfolds the mare and Daring take the orb out of her bags and holds it up. They start getting close as the walls started to shift again and they see the columns collapse again and the ceiling collapses again and they see the sky which they know of as rain and fog. After that, they see the ceiling and columns repair themselves before the whole temple started to shift and then stop.

“Guys, the walls.” The professor said, looking at the new carvings and inscriptions.

They all look and see the inscription detailing the rest of Tifus’ story and at the end, one word was written. “Victory,” Daring says.

Blitz sighs. “Let’s get out of here.” He said walking out with the rest of them.

After they reach the entrance of the temple, they don their coats and ready for another zombie and spider fight, but they see ponies milling about and waiting at their tents. “What the heck happened?” The professor asks as they all look around.

“Seems somepony sent a rescue team,” Blitz says as he sees bodies of spiders being burned as they looked for survivors.

Daring shakes her head. “No, look.” She said pointing to a pony sitting nearby. “That’s the zombie pony that came up to us.”

Soon the ponies at the campsite noticed them. “Hey, there they are!” One yelled.

“What heck?! Where were you?!” Another asks.

“Yeah, we’ve been here forever!” Another yelled.

“Well let’s wrap it up then lads, we got what we came for!” Aodh yells, barely containing his happiness.

The professor looks to the rest of them as Aodh leads the mare and helps pack up the camp. “Guess this whole thing must have never happened.”

“I think it is best not to think too heavily on it,” Blitz says.

Daring smiles. “You gotta love time travel.”

“Hey Aodh, extend the offer to any who will accept it.” Blitz calls.

Aodh just waves at him as he walked off. “You got it, laddie.”

Blitz sighs and looks to Daring. “So…want to start heading home?” Daring asks.

“I can’t, I’m still 316,000 bits short of my goal. I can’t head back until I accomplish this goal. So want to go ahead or would you rather come hunting with me?” Blitz asks.

Daring grins. “You kidding, you’re the most fun ever. Plus, it’s more time with you.” She said leaning on him.

“Ok, shall we go?” Blitz asks.

Daring nods and turns to the professor. “You’ll be okay, right?”

“I will be fine and I will make sure the government gets this national treasure.” The professor says holding the golden staff.

Daring smiles. “You’ll be okay without the orb, right?”

“The historical records never mentioned the orb.” The professor says.

Daring looks back at Blitz with a smile. “Guess you got a new souvenir.”

“That will never be used by me and will most likely hide it away,” Blitz says.

Daring nods. “Okay, just let me come by once in a while once this whole trip is over.”

“I won’t refuse, besides while we are here, we are going to see everything. First stop, Prance.” Blitz says.

Daring’s face fell. “Oh boy.”

Twilight sighs. It had been four months since Blitz had left and she was waiting for her family’s reaction as she just informed them she had a special somepony.

Applejack pats her back. “It’ll be alright Twi, family always love each other no matter what.”

“What!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Shining Armor yells.

Twilight winces as she bends her ears back. “Yeah, I got a coltfriend.”

“Who is he? Who is the pony, I am going to k…” Armor was cut off when Cadence smacked upside the head.

Cadance growls a little. “Now Shiny, little Twilight has a lover and you should respect her decision.”

“At least I didn’t hide it from you till close to my wedding day,” Twilight says giving Armor a verbal backhoof.

Shining gaps his mouth open. “He asked for marriage?! Even when he has other mares?! Who is this stallion?!”

“He didn’t, that was me commenting on how you act,” Twilight says as Armor acted like he had been struck.

Cadance smiles. “Oh Twilight, you are growing up to be a wonderful mare.”

“Yeah, also when you think about it. It is only natural for a stallion to take multiple mares as the current ratio is around six to seven mares for every stallion.” Twilight says calmly as she takes a sip of tea.

Shining growls. “It’s not natural. He should just stick with one or not at all.”

“Brother, brother,” Twilight says in a pitting. “It is only logical. Plus it might keep him in check.” Twilight says.

Shining looks confused. “Check?”

Twilight nods. “Yeah, males are made to have multiple females. It’s to spread themselves quickly, but society and time and of course the politics and war made it so that it was illegal until it became the norm. Just be happy the princesses made it legal again after the ratio was discovered.”

“Of course this doesn’t apply to the crystal empire.” Shining Armor says.

Twilight looks to Cadance. “Did you take a consensus?”

“No, technically we are not a part of Equestria, just a neighboring country. Oh, by the way, we also have done a survey and our ratio isn’t nearly as bad.” Cadence says

Twilight sighs. “Well, just because you live in another country or empire, doesn’t mean you have to force the ideals of it to the one near or visiting.”

“Well, Celestia and Luna decided this after discovering the ratio was so bad and it isn’t for us so it isn’t necessary,” Cadence says as Twilight’s parents seemed to be taking it well.

Twilight looks them. “So how about you?”

“If it is as the princesses wish, I don’t see a problem with it. After all, they are just doing what they think is best.” Night Light says.

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “I meant my coltfriend.”

“Oh, I refrain from judging till I meet him. By the way, where is he?” Night Light asks.

“He’s in the Griffon Kingdom on a business trip,” Twilight says.

Velvet smiles. “Oh, he must have a good job.”

“Yeah, it keeps bringing in the bits,” Twilight says.

Velvet nods. “And what is that?”

“Unfortunately, I can’t say as it involves government confidentiality,” Twilight says smiling.

Velvet grins. “Oh, he’s in the government. Can you at least tell me what part it is?”

“Mostly internal affairs,” Twilight says.

Velvet wiggles in her seat. “Oh, this is great. My baby in love with a true governmental official. Do you know when’s he’s going to propose?”

“Well that’s just it, I kinda held off on telling you about him because he is very shy and a lot of times froze up from me getting close,” Twilight says.

Velvet grins. “Is he handsome?”

“Well, he…” Twilight was cut off when Applejack hoofs them a photo. “Here, this is him.” She said giving them the photo which Velvet takes promptly.

Velvet smiles. “Oh my, my baby is getting a very good stallion.”

“Yeah, the next prince of the royal family,” Twilight says.

Shining growls a bit. “Not if I can get to him first.”

“Cadance, did my BBBFF say something?” Twilight asks smiling sweetly.

Cadence smirks as she looks to him. “Nope, none, none at all.” She said reaching behind him and pulling him close while having a strange smile. Shining Armor suddenly felt scared for his life.

“The last letter I got from him, he was in Prance working hard and wishing I was there,” Twilight says. ‘Along with Applejack, Fluttershy, and Minerva.’ Twilight added in her thoughts.

Velvet hugs Twilight. “Oh, I’m going to love this stallion.” Velvet says. Night Light nods as he looked like he thought everything over.

Twilight smiles as she hugs her mother. “Yeah, he’s the greatest stallion. I just wish he was here.”

Spike then burps. “Hey Twilight, you got a letter from Blitzkrieg,” Spike says.

Twilight takes the letter and opens it find a photo on it. She smiles as Blitz was on there sitting in a cafe and waving at her. “Love it if you were here. In the Race Cafe in Canterlot?!” She read, yelling the last word in shock.

They rushed to her and sees the same photo. “But…how…” Shining couldn’t say anymore as Twilight and Applejack rushed out the door and into the Canterlot streets.

Blitz was waiting as he drank a cup of coffee and had three slices of apple pie waiting. He was about to take another sip when he heard something as he puts down the cup. “Blitzy!” He heard two females yell before he was tackled to the ground.

“Been waiting for you girls,” Blitz says.

Both mares nuzzle him. “Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?” Twilight asks him as she looks up at him.

“I just got back and only had enough power of that magic powder you gave me to send one last letter,” Blitz says.

Applejack laughs as she bear hugs his neck. “Aw Blitzy.”

“Um…girls, the pieces of pie I ordered for you are getting cold,” Blitz says.

The mares look up before getting off of Blitz and they all sat down. “So…what did you see?” Twilight asks taking a pie piece.

“Most of the Griffon Kingdom. So much history and culture. I also hired a few ponies and griffons from there to help run the base.” Blitz says getting back in his chair.

Twilight eyes lit up. “Oh, did you find some artifacts?”

“Wait for Daring’s next book for those answers,” Blitz says, Twilight and Applejack noticing the dark bags under his eyes.

They soon got concerned. “Blitzy, how long since ya slept?” Applejack asks.

“Um…today is Thursdays so eight days,” Blitz says.

Both of them facehooves. “Okay, let’s go,” Twilight said getting out and forcing him out of his chair.

“Pie first Twi, after that I’m heading home to sleep,” Blitz says.

Applejack grabs the pie tin and his bags. “You can have it after ya slept quite enough for those bags to go away.”

“I know, I just wanted to spend some time with you both before I clock out for a few days,” Blitz says leaning on Twilight.

Twilight smiles as she wraps her wing around him. “We waited this long, we can afford to wait some more for our favorite stallion to be up and ready to go. Not hit his head on the table and get knocked out because he missed days of sleep.”

“Ok Twilight, I’ll see you after I go get some sleep,” Blitz says.

They giggle as they kiss his cheeks. “Good, now let’s get you home.” Applejack said.

“Sorry I can’t meet your family today Twilight. Minerva filled me in.” Blitz says.

Twilight smiles. “It’s fine. They would understand if you need to sleep after such a long trip.”

“Yeah, have fun with your visit at least me and Jackie will head home,” Blitz says.

Twilight nods. “Okay, bye.” She said before kissing him and then walking back home.

Blitz smiles as Applejack helped him to the train station. “You’ve picked wonderful mares to help you out. They would go through thick and thin for you.” He heard Daring say in his memory of when they took a break in a cafe.

Blitz sighs. “Yeah, I sure did.” He said, not noticing Applejack’s look to him.

“You ok, Blitzy?” Applejack asks.

“Yeah, I’m fine Jackie, just tired,” Blitz says.

Applejack nods as they into the train and she sets him down on a seat. “Rest up, I’ll carry you home. And no, I can carry more than you and all this stuff.” She said poking his chest.

“I want to say hi to Apple Bloom, Big Mac, and Granny before I clock out Jackie,” Blitz says.

Applejack nods. “All right.” She said getting into the seat next to him.

“Thanks for taking me back,” Blitz says resting his head on her shoulder.

Applejack just wraps a good around him. “Let’s just hope you can stay awake for the entire ride.”

“We shall see if that cup of coffee helped me,” Blitz says smiling.

Applejack smiles and gives him a kiss before letting him rest his head on her more and looks outside.

“Cuz is back!” Apple Bloom yells as she sees Applejack enter with Blitz on her back.

“Hey Apple Bloom, sorry, he fell asleep on the train here.” Applejack says.

Apple Bloom looks down. “Ah…well, maybe we can play tomorrow.” She suggested.

“Maybe, but he was awake for eight days straight so I can’t say how long he will be asleep.” Applejack says.

Apple Bloom looks down again. “Okay.” She said walking away.

“Oh, he did say he had somethin for you in this bag.” Applejack says.

Apple Bloom’s face lightens up. “Oh, what he gets, what he get?” She asks while hopping up and down.

Applejack went through the bag and brought out a hat in Apple Bloom’s size just like hers with a pink bow tied around it. “This here is made of quality material.” Applejack says.

Apple Bloom places it on and adjusts it. “Cool, can ya thank him when he wakes up?”

“Y’all can when he wakes up he isn’t going anywhere.” Applejack says starting to take him up the stairs. “Nowhere at all.” She said to herself as she entered their room which elected a snort from him. Applejack then smiled as she puts him on her bed and kisses him before leaving him to sleep.

It was two days later in the morning when Blitz started to stir. “Ug.” He says starting to move and feel somepony holding onto him. Looking over he sees Applejack holding him as she slept. “Hey, Jackie,” Blitz says petting her mane.

Applejack smiles as she looks up at him. “Hey, how do you feel?”

“Good,” Blitz says before kissing her.

Applejack moans a bit into the kiss letting go. “You don’t have the mindset to fall asleep again are you?”

“Depends, you want to keep snuggling up to me?” Blitz asks.

Applejack giggles. “Blitzy, I’m serious. Are you sure you don’t have to sleep anymore?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. How long was I out for?” Blitz asks.

Applejack sighs. “Two days Blitz. And I’m not the only cuddler.” She said before hitting her forehoof and making an orange hologram show up around her left foreleg. After hitting a few things she brings up a screen of Twilight and Fluttershy with Minerva at the bottom. “He’s awake girls. Let’s head to the Darkstar and show him the new and improved version.”

“I see Minerva has been teaching you about my tech,” Blitz says.

Minerva smiles. “They are coming along with you. Don’t worry, I’m using the nonsurgical version.”

“Just tell me you have not been teaching them about the hyperdrive,” Blitz says.

Minerva looks offended. “Well I never, what do you think of me, a sluty mare who gives everything?”

“Minerva, you are not the Darkstar One. You are my copilot.” Blitz says.

Minerva sighs. “No, I didn’t.”

“Good, you know how temperamental those are. The last thing I want is to have to work on it for a few days unless necessary.” Blitz says.

Minerva nods. “I’ll see what upgrades and repairs we can do. Give me time and when you come over, I’ll have a list.” She said bringing up a screen in front of her.

“Minerva, save that for later. We aren’t leaving for a while.” Blitz says.

They all look to him. “What do you mean, don’t you want all of us to be there?” Twilight asks.

“I mean we are staying for a good while Twi,” Blitz says.

Twilight smiles as does everypony else. “Want to head to the Darkstar and take a look at what we did?” Fluttershy asks.

“Sure. I need to stretch my legs anyway.” Blitz says.

Twilight nods. “Okay, we’ll be there.” She said before logging off.

Fluttershy claps her hooves together. “Oh boy, my master is coming back.” She said as she grabs her collar and leash and logs off.

“Should I ask about Fluttershy?” Blitz asks.

Minerva and Applejack giggles. “Just that she wants to see her master again, especially taking her out to show she’s yours. She’s really been antsy.” Minerva said.

“Oh boy,” Blitz says before getting up as Applejack joins him.

Applejack smiles. “Alright Minerva, we’ll be there.” She said before hitting a few things and turning off the orange hologram. “Want to grab something to eat and talk to Apple Bloom?”

“Sure,” Blitz says grabbing her hat with his magic and placing it on her desk as she starts brushing her mane and tail.

Applejack sighs as she watches him in the mirror. He then walks over to her before moving her mane slightly and kisses her neck which makes her freeze up a little.

“I think I’m better now. What do you think Jackie?” Blitz asks.

Applejack smiles as she keeps looking at him in the mirror. “You’re doing great, but can show Fluttershy around town while she’s tied up to you? That’s the real test.”

“Um….I don’t think I will ever reach that level.” Blitz says sweatdropping.

Applejack pokes him. “Well, you need to learn now. She’s too antsy and restless. You need to take her out and maybe face your fears at the same time.”

“Applejack, there is something else I want to talk to you about,” Blitz says.

Applejack looks to him. “What is it?”

“If we do start doing that there is a chance of you well…” Blitz trails off.

Applejack narrows her eyes. “Well, what?”

“You might bare a foal and I’m not exactly sure I’m qualified to raise one,” Blitz says.

Applejack softens her gaze and hugs him. “It’s okay Blitz, you’re not in this alone. You got me, Twilight, Fluttershy and maybe Minerva will find a way to help you.”

“This is the main reason I have been so reluctant to do it, Jackie,” Blitz says letting her continue to hug him.

Applejack nuzzles him. “In bed or taking Fluttershy out?”

“In bed, as for taking her out, well I just don’t think I could do what she wants even if she is willing,” Blitz says.

Applejack smiles. “Did you ever had to do something like when you were in the griffon kingdom?”

“Only out of necessity and I hated myself every second for it,” Blitz says.

Applejack looks at him. “Look Blitzy, ponies here would understand. Sure there are a few radicals, I think they’re called, anyway, you can do it. If you can do what Fluttershy asks for, then you could possibly do almost anything in a relationship.”

“I’m unsure Jackie,” Blitz says leaning into her.

Applejack hugs him tightly. “What if I and Twilight went with you guys?”

“It just hurts my soul Jackie to do that to another innocent creature,” Blitz says.

Applejack giggles. “Fluttershy isn’t so innocent now.”

“Innocent enough,” Blitz says.

Applejack sighs. “Just do it in public. If anything goes wrong I and Twilight will pull you out.”

“If I am to do this, I want to set down rules with Fluttershy,” Blitz says.

Applejack grins. “And what are they?”

“I will discuss that with Fluttershy,” Blitz says putting Applejack’s hat on her.

Applejack smiles as she adjusts her hat. “Let’s go, Apple Bloom has been worrying about you.” She said walking away.

“Ok,” Blitz says smiling.

“That is why he is so reluctant?” Twilight asks Applejack.

Applejack sighs as she leans back in the seat on the Darkstar One. “Yep.”

“Well, it does explain a few things,” Fluttershy says.

Applejack sighs. “We need to help him here. He’s really worried about himself. He thinks he has to raise themselves and his lifestyle might harm them. That’s the main thing about it.”

“I’ll go talk to him and distract him while you three try and think of something,” Fluttershy says getting up.

Minerva looks to them. “What are we going to do?”

Fluttershy sighs as she walks into her room and finds Blitz. “Like my room?” She asks looking at the simple room.

“I was expecting a few different things,” Blitz says as Fluttershy starts to go full vampire.

Fluttershy sighs and hugs him and when he leans his head into her neck she presses a few buttons on her hologram leg and changes the room. “Take a look now.” She said letting go.

“Ok, much more like I was expecting,” Blitz says looking at the room.

Fluttershy smirks as she gives her leash. “So, want to take me for a walk?”

“I have a few conditions if we are going to do this in public,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy taps her hooves together. “Sure, what is it?”

“Well, I want to be unrecognizable to the populace so when we spend time together in public we can do it without being harassed by them and it has to be in the evening when you really shine,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy blushes a little. “Thanks…master.”

“Please, when we are together its Blitz,” Blitz says before kissing her.

Fluttershy moans as she was kissed before he lets go. “How about master because calling you Blitz kinda destroys the idea of being hidden?”

“Ok, in private you call me Blitz and in public, on your walks, you call me master. Sounds fair?” Blitz ask petting her.

Fluttershy moans as she closes her eyes and enjoys the feeling. “Yes…master, but you need to treat me like a pet or just lesser than a regular pet.”

“I’m not there yet Fluttershy. Let’s take small steps.” Blitz says.

Fluttershy nods. “We can eventually do it…right?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy gives her leash to him. “Let’s go.”

“Um…Fluttershy, do you remember my conditions?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy smirks as she turns to the room. “Why not use me here to pass the time then?”

“Y…you’re going to have to show me how,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy leads him over to a pillory and opens it. “Put me in here and lock it up and then use whatever is on the table there on me.” She said pointing to the tools and toys on the table nearby.

“Um…since this is a lesson, could you walk me through it?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy sighs and places her hooves and head on the pillory. “Just close it and lock it up.”

“Ok,” Blitz says following her orders.

Fluttershy moans heavily as she leans against Blitz after their sessions and ended up with a few bruises on her. “Did you like it?” She asks breathlessly.

“It was different,” Blitz says as he stroked her mane.

Fluttershy leans into his hoof. “So do you want to try more soon?”

“We shall see, after all, I figured out you were distracting me as the others talked,” Blitz says kissing her nose.

Fluttershy moans a bit. “How could I not please my master? It’s my job.”

“Yes, and what are your thoughts on it now that you know,” Blitz says kissing her neck.

Fluttershy moans some more. “Know what?”

“About my reluctance to sleep with another,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy sighs. “Blitz, you are not alone in this. You have us and lots of friends. If you have a foal with us. We will all help you. You don’t have to be alone, not now, not again.”

“I see, it’s just I’m unsure of myself,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy smiles. “What potential father wouldn’t?”

“You are starting to sound like a wife to me,” Blitz says stroking her bat wings.

Fluttershy shrieks a bit before falling into moans. “I can be anything for you and all you have to do is use me however you want.”

“Ok, Fluttershy,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy soon calms down and looks outside. “It’s almost night. There should be some ponies still about. Want to head out?”

“Let us see what the others have to say,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy smiles and gives him the leash. “Let’s go.” She said heading out with him.

“So girls, think of anything?” Blitz asks as they enter the room.

Twilight looks to him. “Which one, you or your walk?”

“The latter,” Blitz says.

Applejack smiles. “We’ll be watching from a bit away, making sure nothing bad happens. Now, remember, the thing you have to do is treat less like a pet and call her something else other than her name or even the word pet itself.”

“And the former?” Blitz asks.

Twilight smiles carefully. “We’ll be here for Blitz. You have us and you don’t need to worry about raising them on your own. Just remember that we’re here as well and don’t be afraid to ask us for anything.”

“Ok, so Minerva, how has Lightning Dust been doing?” Blitz asks.

Minerva smiles. “She just got her first paycheck and enjoying some fun. She really did a great job catching the bounties.”

“And Terran?” Blitz asks.

All the mares smile. “Wondering where you were.” They said.

“Oh, he not having fun?” Blitz asks smirking.

Minerva laughs. “If you call just lazing around and the occasional bites, then yes.”

“That is why we let him out into the forest every once in a while,” Blitz says.

Minerva giggles. “You better get out there, more and more ponies will be off the streets soon.”

“Ok, ok,” Blitz says going to his room.

Fluttershy smiles as he goes away. “Can you girls watch out of the stallion who came from out of town? I hear he’s a little old fashion.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure we can….why do I suddenly have a cold chill running up my spine?” Twilight asks as a pony in a black robe appeared behind her.

“Twilight Sparkle, I have come for thee.” An almost otherworldly voice says.

Twilight sighs and turns around. “Blitz, don’t mess with us like that. It almost made us hit you.”

“Oh, what gave me away?” Blitz asks lowering the hood.

Twilight frowns. “That fact that you are the only one around here who acts all mysterious in the area.”

“I was trying to pull off the grim reaper there,” Blitz says starting to get an idea for nightmare night.

Fluttershy sighs. “Can we go now? I really want to be humiliated.”

“Ok, ok, but you girls got to help me with the routine come nightmare night,” Blitz says pulling the hood back up and they were not able to see inside the hood for some reason.

Twilight reaches inside and touches his snout. “How…?”

“Cloaking tech, only on one area,” Blitz says before kissing her nose.

Twilight smiles and pushes him to Fluttershy. “Now get out there.”

“Ok, one last thing,” Blitz says pressing a button that activates the transmitter on Fluttershy which produces an image over her that makes her look much more demonic and a different color. “What do you think?” Blitz asks.

Fluttershy gasps with happiness and hugs Blitz. “Thank you, master.”

“Now she looks like some cross between a Werewolf and a Vampire.” Applejack says.

Fluttershy looks giddy as she can’t contain herself. “This is will so amazing. Let’s go.”

“Girls, don’t be surprised if this creates a new myth,” Blitz says as he lets Fluttershy lead him.

Twilight smiles as they go out before she turns to Minerva. “You got any more invisibility suits or even to watch the area?”

“Why do that when the probes can give us a show from multiple angles,” Minerva says smiling as she sits down on the couch and turns on a screen showing Blitz and Fluttershy walking into town.

Applejack smiles as she sits down with her. “This will be fun, ya recording?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Minerva asks.

Blitz sighs as he sits down at a table in a cafe while Fluttershy sits down on the ground near him. “Okay, just give me the coffee and give her just a doggy bowl of just lettuce,” Blitz says in the eerily tone from the voice manipulator. The town’s ponies were now hiding in fear from the two. Blitz sighs as the waiter tries to fill his order.

Fluttershy shuffles a bit. “Master I…ow!”

Blitz slaps her, shutting her up. “Quiet now. How long would this take?” He asks the waiter.

The waiter had fainted in fear from him. Blitz groans. “Maybe I went too far with the disguises.” He said.

“Come on master,” Fluttershy says getting on him.

Blitz throws her off and pulls the leash. “No, you come on.” He said pulling her along and heading out of the cafe.

Fluttershy walks along, all the while smiling at the act Blitz was putting up.

Blitz sighs as he stops in front of a building that had Vinyl playing inside and the sounds like the show started. “I wonder.” He turns to Fluttershy. “Have you been with too many ponies at once?”

“No master. I haven’t been with a stallion yet.” Fluttershy says.

Blitz tugs the leash hard and makes Fluttershy moves to his flank and makes her hang onto his leg. “Maybe one day you would get that. However, I want you alone and make you mine forever. Now let’s see how others would like this.” He said pulling her inside as she whimpers from the pulling.

A few moments after they entered, screams were heard, followed by the running of several ponies out the back exit. Blitz lets a smile come to his lips as he watches the ponies cower in fear. “Carry on. I came for the music and don’t worry this thing won’t bite. However, you can use her to some extent.” He said moving to a circular table at the wall and takes a seat while Fluttershy lays down nearby.

“Dude, that thing is awesome! But ask for music and you shall receive.” Vinyl calls before hitting the music on again.

Blitz smiles as most of the ponies try to ignore them and lucky they did fast as most were teenagers as they tried to concentrate on the music, but some stallions decided to come by. “Can I help you?” He said trying the cheap drink he grabbed from the concession table.

The stallions watch Fluttershy carefully as she scratches her ear with her hind leg. “Is that…thing yours?” One stallion asks.

Blitz nods. “Yep, it’s mine to do as I please.” ‘Come on, you can do it. For her.’

The stallions keep watching Fluttershy as she keeps looking around but keeps looking mostly at the stallions at a certain area. “What’s up with it?” One asks, seeing the eyes move on them.

“Oh, it’s just looking for an unrepentant soul to devour,” Blitz says.

The stallions step back a little and when Fluttershy lunges at them or tries to as her leash was tied heavily on Blitz do they run away into the crowd. “Fluttershy, you really want something, don’t you?” He asks, knowing only Fluttershy could hear him over the music.

Fluttershy looks back with a knowing grin and lays her head on him.

Blitz sighs and places his hoof on her before bringing her in closer to his groin, starting to suffocate her. “You will get this one day, but for now, it’s just for me. Got that?” He asks, pulling her head back to allow her to breathe.

Fluttershy gasps a little as she gets her breathing back. “Yes, master.”

“Good girl, now we leave,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy nods as she was pulled hard outside and into the square center of town. “Okay, now stay here. I’m going to get us something.” He said tying her to a bench and heading to a stall packing up some things.

Fluttershy nods as she sits down and sees him scare the stall vendor a bit as he tries to fill his order. “A slave, huh?” A voice asks. Fluttershy growls as she turns around to face the pony who had said that.

The stallion chuckles as she growls. “Come on, you got tied up and under control. You know, I can use a good female like you.”

Fluttershy’s holographic fur stands on end like her mood.

The stallion grins. “Won’t work animal.” He said harshly. “I can own you.” He said walking over to the bench where her leash was tied.

Before he could grab, it a hoof grabs his leg and twists it until it snapped. “YEOW!” The stallion yells in pain as he recoils back. “What the fuck?!” He then looks into the hood and sees no head. “What the fuck are you?” He asks in disbelief.

Blitz just hits him in the stomach and sends him down and grabs Fluttershy’s leash and walks away. “Are you okay?” He asks after a while.

“Yes, master,” Fluttershy says.

“Ok, let’s go, but first,” Blitz says before he grabs her collar and pulls her into an alley and pushes her against a wall. “You sure you’re okay Fluttershy?” He asks quietly, looking her over.

“Yes, my master and love,” Fluttershy says kissing his nose.

Blitz smiles before kissing her as well before he lets go. “So, what do you want to do now? It is getting a bit late.” He asks running his hooves over her sides.

“Let’s get back love,” Fluttershy says as they both disappear.

Twilight looks carefully at the screen. “Where did they go?” She asks after they disappeared and cycling through the screens.

“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” Blitz’s voice asks as Twilight feels her wings being stroked.

Twilight gulps and blushes a little. “Blitz…I…”

Blitz smirks. “Spying on me and my animal, you peeping tom? You dirty alicorn you.” He said moving to the base of her wings.

“B…Blitz, please, not there,” Twilight says trying not to moan.

Blitz smiles and keeps going. “Why should I? You spied on us when you knew you shouldn’t. You had to watch out from the sidelines and make sure nothing went wrong, but what do I find? You recording everything me and my animal possibly did. You’re a bad alicorn and a possible terrible liar, so don’t deny it.” He said reaching the base and starts stroking there.

“B…Blitz, please.” Twilight struggles.

“Oh my little alicorn, you are so bad, I think you need some attention,” Blitz says starting to kiss her.

Twilight twitches a little as she leans more into him. “Blitz…” She said as Blitz slowly grabs her wing and kisses along it and moves to her neck. “Blitz…”

Blitz sighs into her neck as he wraps a leg around her and pushes her away a little and sits behind her before making her sit on his lap. “You got anything to say for yourself?” He asks while messing with her neck.

“I love you.” Twilight manages to say through her moaning.

Blitz grins. “Good.” He said stopping his attention on her. “Now come with me.” He said letting her off and walking away. Twilight shakes herself a bit before following close behind. Blitz smiles as he takes off his cloak and puts it away while Twilight enters the room. “Get on the bed. I’ll be back soon.” He said entering the bathroom.

Twilight complies as she waits for him. After a while, Blitz comes out and lays down with her and has her rest on him. “So did you enjoy the show?” He asks wrapping his hooves around her.

Twilight sighs as she rests her head on his chest. “Kinda good. Could have been better.”

“Maybe, but tell me Twi, are you really sure you want this?” Blitz asks.

Twilight looks up at him. “What’s making you doubt this now? I do want to be with you. You’re important to me.”

“With everything? You know how dangerous my life can be.” Blitz says.

Twilight lightly smiles. “I get into dangerous situations a lot. Yours will probably be no different, maybe a few things will be bad for me, but I can take it. Don’t you love me?”

“Ok then. I’m willing to take it to the next level if you are?” Blitz asks.

Twilight looks surprised at him. “By next level, do you mean…” She asks pushing her hooves together.

“Only if you are.” He whispered into her ear.

Twilight keeps staring into space as she lays down again. “Not yet…just…until its official for us. Can we do that?”

“If that’s what you want,” Blitz says before kissing her.

Twilight moans slightly as he lets go. “What about Applejack and Fluttershy?”

“Will talk to them in a moment. I’ll see you later beautiful.” Blitz says.

Twilight blushed. “Can I stay here for the night?”

“Sure,” Blitz says getting up.

Twilight sighs as she watches moves the covers around her and heads out. “Good night sweets.” He said.

Twilight smiles and closes her eyes. “Night.”

Blitz closes the door behind him and checks in on Fluttershy rearrange her tools that messed up after their session. “Hey.”

“Master, why are you back, for round two?” Fluttershy asks.

“Not tonight Fluttershy, but we may start taking things to the next level,” Blitz says.

Fluttershy keeps looking to him. “And by that, you mean marriage, which could mean you want to marry all of us?”

“Yeah, that’s is what the princesses decreed,” Blitz says running his hoof along her back.

Fluttershy moans as she allows more room for him to run across. “Which means we are leaving soon, right?”

“No, we are staying around for a while, my maiden of the night,” Blitz says slapping her plot before grabbing her by her mane and kissing her neck hard and then hitting her face before throwing her away and into her pet bed. He smiles as he walks away while Fluttershy moans in bliss from the pain.

Blitz sighs as he walks to Applejack’s room. “That’s going to need getting used to.” He said before he walks into Applejack’s room. “Jackie, you here?” He asks looking among the mini forest in the room.

Blitz was answered by a lasso catching him and pulling him in further. “This answered that question?” Applejack asks as she pulls him to the bed on the side.

Blitz smiles. “Yeah, listen, I’m ready to take things a step further if you are of course.”

“Tonight?” Applejack asks petting his mane.

Blitz shakes his head. “No, marriage.”

“I’m up for it Blitzy.” Applejack says smiling.

Blitz smiles. “Good, Twilight wants to marry me as well and Fluttershy will always follow her master. That just leaves Minerva.”

“Oh, I also have a list for you.” Applejack says.

Blitz looks to her. “What is it?”

“You shall see. Also, Minerva has a letter for you from the Wonderbolts.” Applejack says finishing hogtying him.

Blitz smiles. “That’s good, can you let me go?”

“Nope, family tradition, the mares always drag their future husbands back home hogtied before marrying them.” Applejack says kissing his nose before putting him on her back.

Blitz looks a bit worried. “Jackie, I have to speak to Minerva about something too. Can you at least drop me at her?”

“Oh, I have been listening in the whole time,” Minerva says, her hologram appearing before him.

Blitz sighs. “First, what’s the letter about?”

“Well, Spitfire wants your assistance in teaching self-defense to a few cadets for starters, she also wants to discuss something with you in greater detail. While you do this, I will converse with the others about what you asked me to as mare talk.” Minerva says.

Blitz nods. “Good, also Minerva? Um…?”

Minerva leans in. “Yes?”

Blitz sighs. “Will you marry me?”

“Why Blitzy, I thought we already did that,” Minerva says smirking.

Blitz smiles. “Not officially and not in the way that’s considered official so, will you?”

“Oh Blitzy, Blitzy, you know better than to ask me. I was yours from the start.” Minerva says.

Blitz grins. “Yeah, you are, but…you know what, forget it. Let’s go, Jackie.”

“See you soon Blitzy,” Minerva calls.

Blitz chuckles. “And hope that Big Mac doesn’t kill me.”

“Oh, he has known this will happen for a while.” Applejack says.

Blitz frowns. “Jackie, who else…?” He couldn’t say anymore as they stepped out and Minerva just watches with a smile. “Me marrying him?” She looks to her offline body. “Possible and not impossible.”

Blitz watches as Big Mac picks up the shovel before shaking his head and picking up a hoe. “You know the best one is a pickaxe.” Blitz offered. Big Mac just picked up an ax. “That works too,” Blitz said, now sweating.

“Back off Big Macintosh.” Applejack says glaring at her brother.

Big Mac glares once at Blitz before throwing the ax over his shoulder and walking away. “Is he always this protective?” Blitz asks, eyeing the ax now in between his legs.

“Sometimes.” Applejack says starting to undo the rope.

Blitz groans as he carefully moves away from the ax. “Is your family really okay with marrying me and going away from a possibly long time?” He asks, checking to make sure nothing was missing.

“The former, yes, as far as I’m concerned. The latter, the same with my adventures with Princess Twilight.” Applejack says.

Blitz nods. “Good, want to head to bed since we got some big days ahead of us?”

“Don’t worry, you will be getting enough rest.” Applejack says finishing untying him.

Blitz sighs in relief as he steps out. “Good, I’m still a bit tired.”

“Don’t worry, I will keep you safe and make sure you get some rest.” Applejack says walking with him.

Blitz smiles as he looks to her. “Thanks and you mares are going to be looking out for each other, right?”

“Oh yeah.” Applejack says entering her room.

Blitz groans as he takes off his clothes before getting into bed. “Night Jackie.”

“Night love.” Applejack says putting her hat aside and getting in with him.

Blitz smiles as she wraps a hoof around him. “You know, the one thing I didn’t expect when I was coming back here, was falling in love with my cousin, a princess and a vampire which I fear. But…all of you made it possible and I don’t regret it.”

“We are only getting started.” Applejack says.

Blitz nods. “Yeah, we still got the stars to explore together.”

‘I’ll tell him later.’ Applejack thinks.

Blitz sighs and falls into snores and Applejack follows suit.

Blitz smiles as he sat at the cafe who was strangely working a bit watchful of something, which he knew what or rather who it was, with his four mares. “So what’s this about?” He asks since Applejack said to meet them all later here.

“Well, you see, there is something about the latest edict that you don’t know,” Twilight says chuckling nervously.

Blitz looks to her. “Latest edict?”

“About allowing stallions to marry multiple mares. You see, any stallion who isn’t married is kind of up for grabs.” Twilight says chuckling nervously again.

Blitz looks confused. “How does this involve to me?”

“You were unmarried before the edict and as such…” Applejack trails off.

“You aren’t saying that…” Blitz stops.

Fluttershy nods. “Yes, you have to watch out for more mares coming in.”

“Can I get some protection or immunity against this?” Blitz asks.

“Well, Luna did send out a condition to it, whereas long as a stallion is on a job, they can’t be grabbed and the mare has to drag them to a government office to make it official,” Twilight says.

Blitz nods. “Does it have to be Equestrian?”

“Yes and you are technically a resident, seeing as you are a part of the Apple family.” Applejack says.

Blitz nods. “Good, but what’s the limit?”

“I think about seven or eight times at most,” Twilight says.

Blitz presses his lips together. “Don’t I have a say in anything?”

“Yes, if you can escape or avoid getting caught,” Twilight says.

Blitz sighs. “So what about us?”

“Well, we already planned to marry, so we are going to do a wedding and Twi is a representative of the government who can verify it, so be careful there.” Applejack says.

Blitz groans as he facehooves. “I now hate my life.”

“Yeah, so you best watch y’all self. One piece of good news for ya though, it doesn’t start until the end of the month in five days.” Applejack says.

“Be thankful Luna added all these restrictions as I’m sad to say Celestia got a little drunk when doing this edict. For all we know, it could have been a joke that was never meant to be made public.” Twilight says.

Blitz sighs. “So…who wants to spend time with me now?”

“You can’t, I booked you to meet Spitfire at the Wonderbolt’s academy to help teach the cadets before this whole thing starts,” Minerva says walking up with a schedule.

Blitz groans. “Alright, I need help getting there though.”

“I prepared your black aerial armor for this job,” Minerva says hoofing him a suitcase.

“Why do I feel like I just lost control of my life?” Blitz asks.

The mares hug him. “Because you choose us.” They said.

“I guess I did. I will see you, girls, soon and tell the CMC that Minerva scheduled this for me.” Blitz requests.

They nod as he gets up and takes one last sip. “See ya.” He said before walking away to behind a building.

Twilight smiles. “We need to get him and fast.” She said after sipping her tea and getting a serious expression.

“You are the legal representative,” Fluttershy says.

Twilight nods. “Yes, but Blitz is not and I have to mostly agree to other mares getting Blitz. We have to announce it and fast.”

“I can’t be included as I’m not legal here,” Minerva says.

Twilight smirks. “Yes, and the papers in my library says that you don’t exist. Don’t play with me. I’m already hurrying the process of approving it and marking you as a citizen.”

“Maybe we should look to other mares. Maybe Daring Do for one.” Minerva suggests.

Twilight nods. “Yeah, she should be at the university right now, but maybe you should have a drone watching him for any other mare.”

“Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie,” Minerva says reading off something.

The mares look at where the other mane six were enjoying some sweets. “We’ll talk to them later. Right now we have to deal with those that we know are in love with Blitz. Also Fluttershy, how are your injuries coming along?” She asks eyeing the bruises and red lines.

“Huh, what, no, I was checking a preliminary list of who to send wedding invitations,” Minerva says.

Twilight smiles. “Then it’s a good thing I said something has somewhat of a double meaning. Now Fluttershy, your injuries?”

“Oh, they are perfectly fine. Blitz doesn’t have the heart to really hurt me.” Fluttershy says smiling.

“What, speaking of Dash, wasn’t she called back to the academy for a few courses?” Applejack asks.

They look to each other. “Oh boy.”

“We sure we don’t to add Rainbow?” Fluttershy asks.

Twilight and Applejack look to each other. “You think Rainbow really likes him?” Applejack asks.

“Well, I’m not supposed to say this, but she did have a major crush on Southern Cross after he saved the Wonderbolts and starred in Daring’s book,” Fluttershy whispers.

Twilight sighs. “She does realize that Cross and Blitz is the same right?” She whispered.

“Yes, she knows full well. She was there when we saw him fight Bloody Mary.” Fluttershy says.

Twilight takes a big drink. “And Pinkie and Rarity?”

“I’m unsure about those two,” Fluttershy says.

Applejack sighs. “So we may have one more and then Daring, any other we should know of?”

“I can have them help with that and then give them a bonus…” Minerva says lost in doing the booking.

“I don’t think you will get through to her right now,” Twilight says.

The mares smile. “So what now?” Fluttershy asks.

“Well, there is that pie still in the Darkstar One’s fridge.” Applejack says.

Twilight smiles. “And I got the footage from last night. Want to see what you look like in acting Fluttershy?”

“Oh, this should be good,” Fluttershy says smiling.