Shadow was sitting at the workbench, tinkering with his battle saddle’s rifle. He had taken the rest of the day off after he had come back from the expo, and now it was time to get to work. He was putting it through a thorough cleaning and inspection. So far, wear was beginning to show, but nothing was close to being a problem. The gun had been in storage and then only began use right before he left Rosemary.

Shadow was preparing to hit the Lux. It was going to burn, but after he stole some caps. A few thousand would not be missed. But their debauchery earned them a cleansing, righteous fire.

A knock came at the door. It was heavier than a normal knock. Shadow got up, scanning the room. His sword was out, laying on the table. But it was carefully wrapped, being finished this morning. Soarin’s Lightning was broken down and in it’s bag, tucked away. Nothing else was out that could compromise him in any way.

Shadow tossed on the Blue Beret jacket before he opened the door. Behind it was Star Paladin Warding Blade. Dressed in full gear, helmet off.

“Have you heard the news?” Warding Blade asked, disturbed.

“Uh,” Shadow hesitated. “No. I’ve been inside all day cleaning my rifles. Step in and catch me up.”

“Have you heard the bells?” Warding Blade asked.

“Yeah,” Shadow replied. “But I’ve been inside all day.”

“Those bells spell bad news. Our Hellhound Patrol came back suddenly. A group broke off from their home and are heading this way.”

Shadow took in a deep breath and let it out. “And you are in need of grunts to head them off.”

“Not exactly,” Warding Blade said. “We have a unit that will be heading off to put up a defense if they make a move towards Trottingham. But the whole area is on alert. And the city will be drawing up more guards as well. I am looking to head up a mission to take them out if we can. Knight Yellow Quartz is the only other one I will trust on this job. And I am hoping we can put you as our third. A triangle is the hardest shape to break.”

Shadow took a deep breath in, thinking. “I…”

“Hellhounds are not to be trifled with,” Warding Blade said. “I understand if you decline. Have you seen a Hellhound?”

“Unfortunately I have,” Shadow replied. “I couldn't stop and chat with them at the time.”

“So you know what we are up against,” Warding Blade said.

“Somewhat,” Shadow replied. “I know they tunnel. And if its a pack, three will be out numbered fast.”

“That’s why we are hunting them,” Warding Blade said. “Hunt, not fight.”

“So, you want my long distance skill?”

“It would be a big advantage,” Warding Blade said. “The others are being fielded along the defense line.”

Shadow made his choice. The greatest danger right now, what had to be dealt with immediately before anything could be done, was to take out these Hellhounds. He would take out the Lux after. As an added bonus, missions like this would make him look better, less like Black Widow, and allow him to operate longer without being taking out or forced into deep hiding.

“The rifle isn’t here,” Shadow said. “Its at Red Tip’s, where I am doing some work on it. How fast do you need me ready?”

“We need to be gone now,” Warding Blade said. “Grab your stuff, we can meet at Red Tip’s. Knight Yellow Quartz is checking in on ammo there.”

“I’ll be there in 5,” Shadow replied. “It won’t be hard to get everything together. How long for food should I grab?”

“We will have the food for you,” Warding Blade said. “Knight Yellow Quartz has charge over some of our bags.”

“Alright,” Shadow replied. “I’ll meet you there shortly.”

“Thank you,” Warding Blade nodded. “You will be well compensated.”

“Assuming we walk out of this alive,” Shadow replied as he trotted over to his workbench.

The Star Paladin departed and Shadow put his rifle together. He picked his load out and then strapped on his gear. He went with his usual red jacket and cut up black flight suit. His bandoleer had two grenades on it, with four more in his pack. He had his four canteens filled and ready to go. All his ammo was swapped out for armor piercing rounds.

Shadow belted on his sword. He would risk that. But Soarin’s Lightning, Shadow was pretty certain he could get that anti-machine rifle back for this run. The trick would be to get it done quietly.

Loaded out, Shadow met them at the gun shop. Red Tip was in the front, quietly leaning against his counter.

“Yo,” Shadow called. “I am getting my rifle from the back. I’ll continue to fine tune her when I get back.”

“Need help?” Red Tip asked.

“If you could,” Shadow replied.

In the back, Red Tip was discreet. “What has you needing to borrow it with them out there.”

“I guess that annoying bell means Hellhounds,” Shadow shrugged.

“You are heading out to play defender with them?”

“Hunting,” Shadow grinned.

“Oh,” Red Tip said impressed. “So, this is a bigger deal then?”

Shadow shrugged. “I got a beef to finally settle with them. And a wandering group of Hellhounds is not conductive to my goals.”

“Well,” Red Tip said. “I guess we need to figure out payment for this rental.”

“2500 caps for the buy,” Shadow said. “Plus, I could use a restock on my ammo.”

Red Tip’s eyes narrowed. He trusted Mtoaji, but it went against his choice to not sell anti-machine rifles and ammo.

“Fine,” Red Tip quietly growled. “I trust you won’t use it poorly. You have that better one for that. And I guess you can’t use it in front of Steel Rangers”

“I need shotgun slugs,” Shadow stated.

“I got those,” Red Tip grinned. “I also have something that will pack a good punch. These are Tri-Ball 12 loads. 12 Gauge loads with three 0.60 inch balls. Normal 00 Buck has eight 0.33 inch balls. Its not the same spread, since you have only a third of the shot, but with a shotgun, you want as many balls to transfer the energy. Smaller shot, less energy per ball. 00 Buck was standard in the military for a reason. But these Tri-Balls, they were meant to rip apart armor from point blank range, rather than throw a single chunk of lead at the target.”

“Okay,” Shadow said thinking. “I guess a variety is the best solution.”

“Mhm,” Red Tip smirked. “Slug, Tri, 00, repeat. And you can knock down 3 shots quick and accurate. Which means optimal damage.”

“I like it,” Shadow grinned. “Let’s load me down with this pattern.

Shadow wrote him a check for the ammo and gun, and shouldered it before heading to the front. Shadow took his rations, which also included water. His canteens held more water than he had rationed out for four days in the field. Knight Yellow Quartz was jealous.

“You are well prepared,” Warding Blade said. “But I do not see a tent.”

“I do not have one,” Shadow replied.

“Well, we will certainly fix that. We can share the two tents we brought easily enough. After, you will take one with you. You should always have the ability to have shelter. That looks like the only field gear you are missing”

Shadow smiled at the Star Paladin. “I used to have one, but it got lost along the way. Thank you.”

“Now, we most move quickly and with great purpose,” Warding Blade said.

Shadow nodded and pulled open the door for the others. They quickly moved out, close off Warding Blade’s flank. For now, they didn’t need to fan out.

It took them out towards the Lux. Shadow hadn’t imagined they would stop for the night in a place like the Lux. It was too late to halt it when they were standing at the gates.

“Umm, they don’t like me,” Shadow said. “Like, I can’t come back here.”

“You are with me,” Warding Blade stated. “I will smooth it over for the night.”

“Do we have to?” Shadow pressed. “I could stay outside for the night.”

“We stick together,” Warding Blade said at the gate. “Plus they need to be warned and its a good bed to sleep in. So yes. With me, you will be fine.”

Shadow gulped and caught up. They were let in past the gate with no problem. But Shadow didn’t think they would put up a fight there. As they neared the center of the Lux guards surrounded them. They stopped and Warding Blade took his helmet off, giving Shadow a look, asking for an explanation.

Shadow took a defensive stance, an almost pointless action since he was surrounded. He was far outnumbered. It would not go well. This was the last way he wanted to die, roped into defending himself while he was trying to keep it safe so he could eliminate scum like them.

“I told you they wouldn't let me come back.”

Marjoram stepped out from behind guards.

“Star Paladin,” Marjoram smiled. “It is a pleasure to have you back with us. It is always a pleasure to have the Steel Rangers join us. However, your friend is less than welcome. He has done some terrible things.”

“And just what are the charges?” Warding Blade asked, keeping an open mind.

“Oh, not much. He beat and tied up one of our ladies. And after we were having such a good relationship.”

“That’s it?” Shadow asked without thinking.

“And what else where you concerned about?” Warding Blade asked.

“Uh,” Shadow hesitated. “Well I helped one of their other ladies escape.”

“It was sad to see her leave,” Marjoram stated sweatly. “She had no need to sneak away with you. Or escape as she might call it. They are not held against their will.”

“You might want to tell them that,” Shadow said sternly. “I know for a fact that many feel pressed into their situation. I won’t say slavery, but it can have a similar feeling.”

“I will make sure of that,” Marjoram smiled. “But that doesn’t explain why you beat up and hog tied Mist.”

Shadow smirked. “I will set the record clear here and now, I never beat Mist. I did tie her up. If you recall, I pressed hard to not have Mist around. It was Mist, at your direction, who would not leave me alone. Not even when Strawberry was with me. I made it clear.

“I also made it clear that I just had Strawberry around purely for her company. Nothing sexual. I am married and won’t break that promise. Mist pushed that and wasn’t taking no for an answer.”

Shadow relaxed. “So I was left with one option. I had to stop her. And I had to get Strawberry out of there. Strawberry said bondage, which I still don’t get, and I used it to reverse things and tie up Mist. She left me no other option than to restrain her. But I was gentle. I never beat her, just a single strike to keep her off her game so I could force her into submission. The most aggressive thing was knocking her off the bed.”

“I did choke her out, twice. But it was gentle and fast. The second time was for her comfort, rather than laying in the bathroom tied up for hours, freaking out. I know she was found fine in the morning. You keep a close eye on them all and neither of them checked in after you personally watched me depart.”

Marjoram’s eyes narrowed.

“And you did nothing else?” Warding Blade asked. “You only put her unconscious and tied her up?”

“Yes,” Shadow nodded. “And I was gentle with the ties. I’m sure it didn’t look like it, but it shouldn’t of left any marks. Maybe some light bruising. At most, it was undignified. But she wouldn't take no for an answer and leave without having sex.

“I would have told you earlier I wasn’t welcome, but I never guesses that you would want to stay here on this, excursion.”

Warding Blade took a deep breath. “Marjoram, we have a good relationship. You trust me. We are here on business, looking for a place to spend the night. If he stays by my side, or by Knight Yellow Quartz’s side, will that seem sufficient? There seems to be a lot of miscommunication on both sides. Things could have been handled much better, but nopony was hurt. Were they?”

“Fine,” Marjoram growled. “Mist only did take some bruising. So long as he stays with either of you. And no gambling!”

“I crushed their games,” Shadow chuckled to Warding Blade. “Then the times I pushed it, I knew I shouldn’t, but I was keeping up the facade, trying to get Strawberry out, and trying to get rid of Mist. I could take them for every cap they have, if given the chance. But that is boring.”

“And he can’t ever come back,” Marjoram spat.

“I may have need of him more,” Warding Blade said. “But the reason we are here is for a very serious one. We are dealing with Hellhounds. A group of them broke off and appear to be moving this way.”

Marjoram immediately began giving orders to tighten up their defenses and strengthen their guard.

“Star Paladin, if you have need of him, he can come with you. But no gambling and always must be by your side. He is your charge.”

“Of course,” Warding Blade said. “He won’t cause you any problems while under my charge. Or I will personally deal with him.”

“Then follow me,” Marjoram beckoned with a smile. “I know that we have an executive suite open for your stay. Will it just be overnight?”

“For now,” Warding Blade replied. “We may end up back near here if the hunt goes well.”

The room was beyond nice. There were three bedrooms centered around a large seating area. Shadow would be decently safe with his wings, especially in his bedroom. But they all shared a bathroom.

“You can order room service,” Warding Blade told them. “I am going to go meet Marjoram and have a pleasant discussion.”

“A what?” Yellow Quartz asked shocked.

“A conversation,” Warding Blade replied distracted. “I know Marjoram well. I stay here often enough. It is safe when going solo, unlike the field. Just stay here and order food through the telephone. I don’t need this informant cut off. They do a lot of good for me and they are very powerful. We try to keep them happy.”

“Great,” Yellow Quartz huffed after Star Paladin Warding Blade left. “First time at the Lux and I am trapped in the room, watching over a degenerate.”

“Hey,” Shadow shot back. “What would you have done if you had a stallion pushing to have sex with you and you didn’t want it? Huh?”

Shadow’s eyes were not going to let her wiggle out of the question.

“I don’t know,” Yellow Quartz finally said giving in.

“I did the best I could,” Shadow finished. “I was also trying to get one of their courtesans out of an abusive ‘work’ environment. That was more important.”

Yellow Quartz stepped out of her armor and laid down on the couch opposite of the one Shadow was on. They didn’t know what to do. They had met over a heated competition and they didn’t have any free time to possibly get to know them. On top of that, Shadow was nagged by the fact that he was probably going to have to kill her.

Shadow was the one who got them food. He just ordered two oat burgers and hay fries. Yellow Quartz had fallen into a light nap, and he wasn’t going to disturb her. She woke up when room service knocked on their door. And the meal was more than acceptable to her.

Shadow checked his gear before going to an early bed. There was no window in his room.

“You are going to wear that to bed?” Yellow Quartz asked suspiciously. “Even the cloak?”

Shadow shrugged. “No offense, but I’m not the most comfortable with this arrangement. Both being here again and bunking with Steel Rangers. The Star Paladin is alright, and you seem safe, but as a rule, its not been safe dealing with Steel Rangers. I didn’t make that up, you guys did as I just tried to do what I needed to.”

Knight Yellow Quartz didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t discount his experiences, and at the same time, she needed to know she could trust him to have her back. She didn’t see that trust coming any time soon.

Shadow awoke briefly when he heard the Star Paladin get back. It was late. But there was still time to get good solid sleep.

Shadow was the first up. He spent the morning loading and unloading his magazines, checking their springs. Star Paladin Warding Blade was awake soon after, and he got Knight Yellow Quartz up. They ordered breakfast and then were on their way.

Outside the gate, Warding Blade began to move them forward at a quick pace. They were heading east by northeast. Shadow was certain their goal was to begin the hunt on the far side, where the Hellhounds were not expecting them to come from.

They were picking their way through a wooded area when Shadow halted. He knew the feeling rising in his gut. The familiar feeling of danger getting close. Or more accurately, them walking into danger.

Warding Blade stopped as he noticed Shadow hang back. Shadow held up a hoof. He then pointed it, signaling for Knight Yellow Quartz to fan out of the right. Warding Blade took a few steps back toward Shadow and then began sliding to the left. Shadow continued forward, taking point.

It was only a minute or so when Shadow heard the familiar gruff voices of trouble. As he slid up to scope them out, he saw a group sitting around a camp fire. And it was at the entrance down into a cave that sunk into the ground. An odd location.

One of the biggest males farted loudly and they all laughed. Nothing out of the ordinary. Too much.

Shadow stepped out and moved confidently towards them. He was noticed quickly.

“Is that Black Widow?” One asked.

“No idiot,” The unicorn leader said punching him in the arm. “But it is a fresh sucker. Who by now can’t get away. So he should come join us around the fire. Or regret it.”

Shadow chuckled and walked forward to join them. “Well, its not something you get to dictate. This is how this is going. What you were planning to do to me, I am going to do to you. Including the same consequences.”

Shadow held up his hoof to stop them from talking. “And I am not alone. So. How shall we do this?”

“Hmph!” The leader grunted. “Go. Parting ways is the better option. No one gets hurt, no one gets in trouble.”

Shadow smirked. “Until the next sucker comes along. How shall we do this? You get one chance to step away to a new life.”

“He he,” One chuckled. “You got no friends. You got nothin to stand on. So drop the bags and guns and you can walk. We won’t do anything since you have been so calm.”

“Vagabonds don’t win when I come into play.”

The leader stood up, levitating a baseball bat. One of the others tried to stand but a crack rang out, knocking his head off.

Shadow shrugged with a grin. “I said I had friends.”

The Unicorn screamed and charged. The others stood up but were picked off from both directions. Shadow just stood there as he bore down on him. At the last moment he hopped in, scrunching up and twisting on his front legs. He bucked the unicorn in the muzzle.

It halted the attack and he stumbled back a few paces before tumbling to the side. Shadow stepped over to his side and looked down on him.

“Bad choice. Now you get to suffer as your nose bleeds into itself and it’s collapsed structure. Most likely, you will suffocate in extreme pain. A pity.”

Shadow shrugged and walked towards the campfire. The two Steel Rangers met him there.

“Impressive,” Warding Blade said with a nod. “I’ve seen some good buckers, but that was impressive and precise. He never saw it coming.”

Yellow Quartz gave an approving nod.

“I know we have a mission-”

“Yes,” The Star Paladin finished. “We need to clean up weapons and check for useful supplies.”

It was a poor haul. A few rusty guns. One was a pipe on a piece of wood. Crude, but it worked. Their medical stash had several potions and their caps were an impressive 500 odd strong. Shadow had two empty bags, so he carried them.

The cave didn’t go down deep. Shadow stood watch while Warding Blade and Yellow Quartz entered it. They were back out a few minutes later. It was all trash and useless objects.

Back on the move, they were working to make up for the lost time. They had to get into position with more than sufficient time to set their trap and hunting range. The opening seconds had to disrupt and confuse the Hellhounds if they were going to succeed.

Next Chapter: Chapter 119 - Shuck Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 55 Minutes