Ryan and the guys stood waiting at the train station for their ride to Las Pegasus. Fancy had sent a message via magical fire to his buddy down there to outfit them with everything they would need. Turned out, he was some kind of official in immigration, or something, and he owed Fancy a favor. It really is good to have connections.

It was the middle of the day, and the oncoming Spring weather was already feeling really warm. It was actually relatively cool, naturally, but when you’re used to the cold, even mild warmth feels hot. Ryan rolled his sleeves up, freely allowing his scarred arms to show. On his back, he carried, in a huge bag, all of his extra gear, other than his 1911. It was heavy, especially with the steel plates, but he had to act like it was nothing, or someone might get suspicious.

Not many other ponies were getting on this train. Ryan heard that Las Pegasus had a bit of a reputation for taking ponies’ money, and Ponyville was by no means a rich town. Gambling could have serious repercussions for anypony here.

The guys all left their homes early to avoid having to retell their story. They hadn’t thought about it nearly enough, and looking back, it was pretty damn shaky, at the very best. The girls could expect them to go blow whatever money they bring, or get drunk and cause a raucous, or disappear off the face of the earth. If they weren’t careful, that last one would happen, too.

Silently, they waited for the train. They were all very nervous, worried that someone would come and ask what the hay they were doing going to a city of vice and crime like Las Pegasus. Their answer would have to come from one of them, and it would have to be the truth in that they weren't going to gamble, but not reveal their travel plans. None of the guys were particularly great liars; that was why they told their respective loved ones late at night; and one flawed statement could screw them.

“Are you guys sure you want to do this?” Ryan asked. “We’re getting close to the point of no return.”

“Of course we do,” Fancy Pants said. “We’re sticking together, Ryan. No one goes alone.”

“Y’all ain’t fighting by yerself,” Mac added. “It’s just foolish.”

“Mac would be an excellent warrior to keep by your side,” Fancy said. “He has the abilities and physicality for it. I might not join in the combat, but I have resources and strategy at my disposal that I will aid you with.”

“And I was in the 71st Recon,” Soarin’ said. “I’ll be way up high, watching. If I see trouble, I’ll signal you. And fight if necessary.”

“We can work that out on the ride,” Ryan said. He was happy to hear that at least one of them would be likely to get home. he looked away from the platform. “It looks we have company.”

The guys looked in the same direction and saw a group coming up. It was the Elements of Harmony and Spike, and Cinny too, sauntering casually up to the platform. If only they had moved slower, the train might have gotten here before them, and this could have been avoided.

“Hey!” Pinkie Pie shouted from thirty feet away.

“Hey yourself,” Ryan said. He blinked, and suddenly, Pinkie stood before him. He put his hands around her torso and picked her up, eliciting numerous giggles from the pink mare. “What’re you gals doing here?” Ryan asked.

“We came to see you boys off,” Pinkie said. “It sounds like it’ll be quite a trip.” Pinkie waggled her eyebrows at Ryan, who rolled his eyes in response.

“And we want to make sure that you don’t go too crazy out there,” Twilight said as the rest of the group caught up. “We know all about that city, and we know that you do too. The only one we aren’t worried about is Big Macintosh.”

“What about me, milady?” Fancy asked. “Surely, you suspect no bad behavior of me.”

“If what Fleur has told me is anything to go by,” Rarity said. “Then you must be reminded not to overdo it at the various pubs.”

“Ah, foiled again by my lovely wife,” Fancy said.

“Indeed,” Rarity replied. She turned her attention to Ryan. “Dear, might I speak with-”

“I can’t believe you’re going to Las Pegasus and I don’t get to come!” Rainbow Dash complained, shooting into the air. “There’s so much flight history there, and they have so many competitions! There’s at least two every week!” She landed in front of Soarin’ and poked his chest. “I’m so jealous of you guys.”

“As well you should be,” Soarin’ said. “I might just compete in one if I feel up to it.”

‘Dammit, I never get lucky!” Rainbow said.

“Well-” Ryan started.

“Don’t,” Rainbow warned with a glare. Ryan put his hands up in defense.

Rarity cleared her throat. “So, Ryan. I was hoping that I could-” And she was interrupted yet again.

“Oh, Big Mac, please be careful in the city!” Fluttershy said louder than typical. “It would break my heart if something bad happened before our wedding! What if the casino bosses don’t like you? What if they hurt you? Or a bum who lost everything wants to take your money and attacks you? Or you guys get jumped by gryphons from the south, or-”

“Fluttershy, Ah’ll be just fine,” mac said, pulling her into a hug. She instantly calmed down. “Ah’ve got mah good buddies here to protect me, and me to protect them. We’ll come home just fine.”

“Yes, Fluttershy, they will be alright,” Rarity said. Ryan caught a hint of frustration in her voice, but no one else seemed to notice. “They can handle themselves; they are fully grown stallions. Except this one.” Rarity nudged Ryan with her elbow. “He’s still a child.”

“It’s a good thing I’ll have the adults with me, then” Ryan said. “They can teach me the goodies and the baddies when we get there.” Rarity was about to start talking, but this time, she didn’t even get to begin.

“Ryan knows all about the baddies,” Cinny said. “But I bet he doesn’t know much of the goodies.” Twilight and Applejack groaned, while Ryan’s buddies all “Oooohed!” with tremendous volume at the smoking burn.

“Well, I suppose that you are right,” Ryan said. He leaned toward her and put his hands innocently behind his back. “Care to teach me?”

“My lectures are pretty intense,” Cinny said with half-closed eyes and a devious smile. “I tend to have hooves-on demonstrations, since it’ll help you to learn that much faster.”

“You’ll want me to learn fast,” Ryan said. “That way, during the tests, I can take it nice and slow, make sure I get everything correct.”

“I would hate for you to finish early and have nothing to do,” Cinny said. “Then we would both be bored.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I can usually occupy myself in the downtime.” Ryan walked over to Cinny and put his hand on the back of her neck. “It is called downtime, so I like to lower my head and close my eyes.”

Cinny giggled. “And in the end, you will receive a gold star for your excellent work, I’m sure of it.”

“I think I should be able to earn some extra credit,” Ryan said. “I could also-”

“As much as Ah’m sure we all love hearing your little exchange, Ah have to do work while Mac is away,” Applejack said. And we need to prepare for the wedding. Ah’d like to say goodbye to mah brother in a normal setting.”

Ryan cleared his throat. “Right,” he said. He was about to get carried away anyway.

Rarity pulled on Ryan’s elbow. “May I speak with you?” she asked. She was pulling him away, not really giving him a choice.

“I guess,” Ryan said, nervous. He let Rarity pull him over a few feet away from the group. They didn’t really notice because they were watching Fluttershy and Mac say goodbye.

Ryan stuck his hands in his pockets. “So whatcha need?” he asked.

Rarity looked thoughtful. She seemed a little unsure about whatever she was about to say, which really started to get to Ryan. Every second was eating at him like an hour, and he started to wonder what was so important that she would take so long.

“So you’re going on a trip south,” Rarity said.

“That’s right,” Ryan said. “Heading to Las Pegasus-”

“Are you now?” Rarity asked. “No adventures worth retelling, nothing major?”

Ryan swallowed. “We-”

Rarity sighed. “Sweetie Belle gave me what few details she could remember,” Rarity said. “She saw the metal plates that can only serve one purpose. Don’t try to say they are something else, because I make such items for the guard.”

“You never know when a thug might come at you,” Ryan said. It was a weak attempt.

Rarity shook her head. “She said you were going south. As in, SOUTH south.” She looked up into Ryan’s eyes with concern. “I don’t know what could ever possess you to go there...”

Ryan looked seriously at her. “I can’t expect you to understand,” he said. “I don’t expect the guys to really understand. All I know is that they stand by me.”

“I know,” Rarity said.

“Rarity, this is important,” Ryan said with a hint of pleading. “I can’t... I have to do it.”

“And I know that,” Rarity replied. “I said I don’t understand. That doesn’t mean I won’t try.”

Ryan felt a massive ball of tension leave his chest. “You really are generous,” he said.

“More than you know.” Rarity glanced over at Mac and Fluttershy, who were in a loving embrace. “You know that Fluttershy will be heartbroken if Big Macintosh were hurt.”

“He will come back fine,” Ryan said. “You have my word.”

“It’s not me who you must give your word to,” Rarity said. “Though I doubt Fluttershy will accept even your word on a matter such as this.”

“Then I’ll just have to make sure Mac comes back alright,” Ryan said. “I plan to bring everyone home alright. Plus one more.”

Rarity blinked. “So, that’s what this is about,” she said. “I don’t know who; I have no idea, really; but I won’t stop you now. Good luck.”

“Thank you, Rarity,” Ryan said.

“Don’t mention it,” Rarity said. Ryan started to turn, but she stopped him. “But I have something for you.”

She started fishing through a bag she had on her side for whatever she had while Ryan waited. He had no idea what she wanted to give him, seeing as there was no reason for her to give him a gift. She was generous, sure, but Ryan did nothing to deserve her generosity. Truth be told, he didn’t even deserve to live in her basement. So the extra generosity made him feel kind of guilty.

“Ah, here it is!” Rarity said, pulling something wrapped in cloth out of her bag. She levitated it to Ryan, who began to unwrap it. “I saw it some time ago on a business trip, and it made me think of you. I had planned on giving it to you as a gift for getting your own home, since you seem to be looking at that...”

Ryan finished removing the cloth and stared, mouth agape, at what lay in his hands. It was a blade. But not just any blade; perhaps one of the best he had ever seen. The edge was razor sharp, and it felt excellently balanced in his hand. The handle was expertly crafted exotic hardwood, a wood similar to Kamagong. But the most striking thing about it was the material that made up the blade; it was no metal. Instead, it was Obsidian, volcanic glass, carved by a master to be the perfect weapon for slitting through flesh.

The blade was designed exceptionally. It had a slight curve to it all the way up and down both sides, which would prevent it from catching inside whoever Ryan fought. There was not a flat spot on the blade, so it could always slide through its target. Toward the handle, there were two Navarro hooks on the blade to do extra damage when it was pulled out.

“Rarity...” Ryan said. He couldn’t finish.

“I saw it and it reminded me of you,” Rarity said. “I remember that Pinkie said you gave her your knife. I know it meant a lot to you, and that you liked to have it, so I thought I would give this to you when you went off on your own. I suppose that I’m going to have to give it to you now as you head off with your friends.”

“Thank you,” Ryan said as he gingerly handled the blade. “I’ll take good care of it.”

“Don’t worry too much,” Rarity said. “After he carved it, the unicorn used magic to reinforce it a bit so it would not shatter as easily. It was the only magic he used in the whole process. He also said that obsidian has one of the best cutting edges in the world, so I thought it would fit well with you.”

Ryan opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He was enraptured by the blade in his hands, the expert craftsmanship. It would almost be a shame to sully it with the blood of his enemies. Almost.

“I don't even know what to say,” Ryan finally managed.

“Just promise me that you shall bring everyone home,” Rarity said. “You have my friend, my best friend’s fiancé, and my other friend’s future teammate. Do whatever it takes.” She stared Ryan down as she gave him his orders.

“I will,” Ryan said. “I know I will.” Rarity half-smiled at Ryan, worried, but doing her best to believe that Ryan would get it done.

They returned to the group to see Fluttershy and Mac in a close embrace, ignoring everyone else around. They were all extremely preoccupied with those two, and hadn’t paid any mind to Rarity and Ryan. Ryan slyly stuck the wrapped up knife in his jacket pocket and rejoined the group.

“Ah’ll come back as soon as Ah can,” Mac whispered.

“I know,” Fluttershy said. She nuzzled her fiancè, mussing up the short fur on their faces. “Just come back in one piece.”

Ryan heard the train’s horn blow in the distance. He turned and saw it, perfect timing. On the train ride, they would be able to discuss their specific roles in the job, and what they would need to get when they arrived in Las Pegasus. There were a lot of logistics to deal with, and the sooner they left, the better.

“I hate to interrupt this moment,” Ryan said, walking up to Mac and Fluttershy. Fluttershy moved herself to be between Mac and Ryan. “But we really need to go, and the train’s about to arrive.”

Mac tried to separate from Fluttershy, but to no avail. “Honey,” he said, nuzzling her. She sighed contentedly. “Ah have to get ready.”

“Not yet,” Fluttershy said. “We still have a few minutes.” Mac glanced at Ryan without turning his head, and Ryan just shook his head and sighed.

They waited without talking for the next few minutes while the train stopped and the passengers disembarked. The ponies went about their business, completely oblivious to the plans of those around them and uncaring of what they may be. It’s amazing, how many things are and can be going on around you, and how little you care because it doesn’t involve you.

“Alright, boys, let’s head out,” Ryan said. He waved goodbye to the girls and Spike and pushed through the crowd to the train.

His buddies followed behind him after escaping from the girls and joined him on the train. They decided that it would be best to wait to discuss their plans until the train was moving again, just in case somepony got off and blabbed the plan to the entire town and country. That could have dire consequences, not so much for the guys, but for this Blazer fellow.

Mac was looking out the window until the train got moving again, smiling at his fiancè. She smiled back. It made Ryan feel lonely. His buddies were all loved and had their own loved ones, but he was the bachelor of the group. He knew that he would want to remedy the situation someday, but right now, he had bigger fish to fry.

Once the train was going, he sat back in his seat and took in the car they rode in. The seating areas were far enough away from each other that lip reading wasn’t easy, and with the noise of the train, it was hard to overhear other groups of ponies without trying. The setting was perfect for what they needed to do.

“Alright, boys, let’s get to business,” Ryan said. He and his buddies all leaned in on the table.

“What’s the plan?” Soarin’ asked. “How will we go about this?”

“I’m still working on that,” Ryan said. “For now, we need to figure out what we’ll want to bring to make this go as smoothly as possible. I have what I want, but new ideas are always welcome. Suggestions?”

“My friend in Las Pegasus can get us anything we need,” Fancy said. “All I need to do is send him a message before we arrive, and he will have it for us.”

“Good,” Ryan said. “But that won’t help if we don’t figure out what we need.”

“Radios,” Soarin’ said. “We used them in the Air Guard, standard issue equipment. Mount them on your head, communicate from up to two miles away. We’ll want them to stay in contact, or we could get separated. It happened to a group from the 16th Assault Falcons Battalion out there, and no one saw them alive again.”

“Sounds good,” Ryan said. “Will it fit under a helmet?”

“Wouldn’t be good military gear if it didn’t,” Soarin’ said. He looked to Fancy Pants. “Make sure your guy gets us some of those.”

“Most certainly,” Fancy said.

“We’ll also want some better clothes,” Soarin’ said. “My Wonderbolts flightsuit is hardly the best outfit for avoiding death. And we’ll all need to stay warm in those mountains.”

“I’m good for that,” Ryan said. “You’ll need to get those clothes for stallions only, Fancy.”

The train started to rattle, drawing everyone’s gaze to the window. Outside, the smooth lands around Ponyville and the gentle wilderness were replaced with rough badlands and desert horizons. There were no cacti like Ryan would expect, only shrubs, adding to the eerie feeling of an almost Afghanistan-like landscape in the near future.

“Anything else?” Fancy asked. Everyone thought hard for a moment about what they could need beyond that.

“Ah want a weapon,” Mac said. The guys turned to him.

“Are you sure, Mac?” Soarin’ asked. “I mean, Ryan’s the best fighter, since he has had actual training...”

“Ah know, but Ah won’t let him go in there alone. Not into any fight.” Mac looked at Ryan. “You can’t take on more than one gryphon alone, you know that. You’ll need somepony by your side.”

Ryan smiled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said. “All of us should have weapons. I have what I need, but you guys need to arm yourselves. Regardless of where you are, you are south of the border; it’s dangerous country. Best to be prepared.”

Fancy nodded. “Very well, I shall have my friend get us some arms.”

“So. We’ve got the roles, the gear, and the bodies. What’s the actual plan?” Soarin’ asked.

Ryan nodded. “I’ve been thinking about that. Whenever I had a chance, I looked at atlases in Twilight’s library.” Ryan reached into his jacket. “I snagged this from one of them.” He tossed a rolled up map onto the table.

Mac whistled. “That’s bold, Ryan,” he said. “Twilight’s liable to murder you for that.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t easy,” Ryan said. “But before we go on, I think we need to establish something important.”

“What’s that?” Soarin’ asked.

“Names.” The guys looked at Ryan confused. “These aren’t governmental bad guys. These are, in their most basic term, terrorists. They will target individuals who go against them. If any of you guys say your name, they’re going to be able to find you and your families.”

“Oh, my...” Fancy said.

“So we need to use fake names, not just for safety from our enemies, but to keep records from showing up that we crossed the border if we get caught in doing so. Fancy, we need fake documents.” Ryan pointed his finger into the table to emphasize the point.

Fancy grunted. “It shan't be easy, but I will see that it is done,” he said.

“Good,” Ryan said. “Now, names. I have something for each of us, and if you don’t like it, then suck it, ‘cuz that’s what you get.”

“And what are these names?” Big Mac asked.

“You’re Whopper,” Ryan said, staring into Mac’s eyes. He saw a flash of distaste, chuckled, then moved onto his other friends. “Soarin’, you’re going to be Osprey, and Fancy, you’re Gatsby.” The other two didn’t seem to mind their names, unfortunately.

“And what’re you gonna be?” Mac asked. “Something else ridiculous, like Thumbs?”

“No, my name is something you guys all know already,” Ryan said.

The guys all waited for him to go on, but he didn’t. He was looking back and forth between them, waiting for one of them to get it. None of them did, though. While he waited, he could feel the bumpy terrain under the train smoothing out, signifying that they were getting closer to the city. When they got off this train, they would become their new personas, and they would be those personas until they were safely at home and nowhere to be seen. Those personas would be famous for the rest of time, written down in the history books as the souls who refused to leave anypony behind. One of those personas would end up a replacement for the true identity of its owner.

“I’m Harkness.”

************************************************************************

The guys stepped off the train and into the ground-based cloud city known as Las Pegasus, a wretched hive of scum and legal villainy. Ponies lost their livelihoods, some, their lives. Few good things ever happened here, and the guys couldn’t wait to get out and into the more ethical lands of the Southern Gryphon Colonies.

They walked the streets of the city close together, evading the newly made beggars, the older ones, and the ponies who looked like they would shank you if they thought you had a single bit. They were all over the damn place, at least, away from the casinos and areas of business. Any that were near places or money or business were thrown out with the trash to keep the place clean.

Ryan ignored it all. Their problems weren’t his, and he wouldn’t spare any thoughts for them. Certainly not now, probably not ever as long as they were out of sight. Fancy seemed a bit bothered, and Ryan could see that he wanted to toss some bits out for them. Soarin’ stayed between him and the beggars to keep them at bay; many would recognize him as rich and famous; and Ryan kept his hand in his jacket where he had Rarity’s Obsidian knife.

The walk to where Fancy as leading them wasn’t terribly long, but it was terribly awkward with all the ponies around. Once they were there, at some nice-looking office building, Fancy rushed them inside and shut the doors behind them.

“Here we are,” Fancy said.

“Yeah,” Ryan responded mechanically. “Did you get that message out?”

“Yes, I did,” Fancy said. “My friend will have all the things we need in his office.”

“And who is this friend?” Soarin’ asked. “I don’t know about this...”

“Relax,” Fancy said with his hoof up. “He owes me a huge favor. I am simply calling it in.”

“As long as we don’t owe him later,” Ryan said.

They walked through a large foyer and to a receptionist’s desk, where a young mare was sitting with a pencil in her mane and her eyes glued to some papers. Fancy said something in a hushed voice to her, but she only jerked her head to the side to tell them which way to go. The guys went past her and off into some hall.

They walked down the hall for a time until they reached the end and found a large set of double doors. Fancy stepped up and knocked three times on the door. At first, no one answered. But a few moments later, the door casually opened on its own, revealing a small office inside and an armored stallion behind a desk.

“I see you really have made friends,” the stallion sad as the guys came into the room.

“Is that so surprising?” Fancy asked.

“Is that a question?” the stallion replied. He stood from his desk and moved around it to greet his apparently old friend.

“It’s good to see you again,” Fancy said, putting his foreleg up and hooking it The stallion hooked his foreleg onto Fancy’s.

“You too,” he said.

“You have what I asked?” Fancy asked.

“I got the message,” the armored stallion said. “I must say, I wasn’t expecting for a burst of flame to appear over my desk and drop a paper on my desk. Haven’t had that happen since my days in the guard.”

“Ha, I can imagine,” Fancy said. “How has the private contractor world worked out for you?”

“As much as I love people having fun reunions, we have a schedule to keep with,” Ryan said. “We need to get moving ASAP.”

“Right,” Fancy said with a sheepish smile. “Gary?” Gary? Really?

“I have it all,” Gary said. “Though why you guys plan on going down there, I can’t comprehend-”

“You don’t need to,” Ryan said, cutting Gary off. “As long as we have what we need.”

Gary looked oddly at Ryan. “And just what the hell are you, exactly?” he asked. “Some experiment of the princesses gone horribly wrong?” The stallions, especially Fancy Pants, all looked shocked at Gary.

“Yeah, so fuck you,” Ryan said. “I’m still better looking. What are you, the guy who drives a desk now?”

Gary narrowed his eyes at Ryan and Ryan narrowed his in return. The guys were quiet around them, watching with bated breath. The human and ex-guard stared at each other intently, like they were getting ready to fight. Then, out of seemingly nowhere, they both smiled and let their eyes soften.

“Good to see you’ve found the proper company,” Gary said. Fancy Pants breathed a sigh of relief.

“Too bad your definition of proper hasn’t changed,” Fancy said.

Gary walked over to a large drawer and opened it up, revealing everything that the guys had asked for. No one cheered or celebrated, only went in and took what they needed. Gary stood off to the side watching neutrally, possibly worried about his friend, but at the same time, looking relieved.

“I guess that would make us even?” he asked.

Fancy placed everything he took in his saddle bags. “Almost,” he said. “You said you could get us south?”

“I can, and I will.” Gary sounded like he was all business now. “Then I’ll be free of your debt. As for the others-”

“They will owe you nothing,” Fancy Pants said aggressively. “They are a part of the favor you owe me.”

“This wasn’t exactly easy, Pants,” Gary said, equally as aggressive. “And there’s a lot of risk involved.”

“Because there wasn’t risk involved when I paid a fortune to have another group of private contractors bail you out when you found yourself in that ‘pickle’,” Fancy Pants said. “That was a massive investment, one which I intend to receive the return from now. And I expect a full return.”

“You got yours,” Gary said. “But now I expect a return from these guys.”

“If you think I’m paying you back, you’ve got another thing coming,” Ryan said. “Same for these guys. This is part of your debt, so we don’t owe you jack.”

“And what for my silence?” Gary asked. He returned to his desk and held his hooves together. “You will owe me quite a bit to keep from telling the world about such a famoud group going into a war zone.”

“There are other ways to buy your silence,” Ryan said ominously.

“Now, Ryan...” Fancy said.

“Oh?” Gary replied. “And what might those be?”

Ryan pulled the obsidian knife out of his jacket. “You know what’s funny? Everyone seems to have a thing for having a good, steel blade. One that cuts clean, handles well, serves its user. But steel isn’t even the best blade. Obsidian is much sharper and cleaner.” Ryan flipped the knife in his hand. “It’s lighter, too. And since it isn’t metal, metal detectors can’t find it. Your world doesn’t have X-ray scanners, so that won’t help either.”

“So I should get an obsidian knife?” Gary asked, unperturbed.

“No,” Ryan said. “You would suck with it. What you should do is remember that, wherever you live, whatever protection you give to your family, an obsidian knife can always get in.” Ryan glared at Gary and gripped his knife hard.

Gary stood. “Are you threatening me, colt?” he asked. Ryan’s buddies froze again.

“Not you,” Ryan replied darkly.

No one moved. Gary’s eyes betrayed everything; he wanted to rush forward and put a knife through Ryan’s neck. The positive attitude he had for Ryan just before had disappeared entirely. Ryan stared back with emptied eyes, his hand on his knife, ready to fight. Gary’s teeth slowly started to show themselves, and he moved his hoof to his side.

Make your move, Ryan said with his eyes.

Gary’s teeth were completely bared now, and he was leaning on his desk, ready to lunge. If he came at Ryan now, there would be a lot of blood, from either one of them. If Gary scored the first hit, he would have to deal with the guards, who weren’t fans of private military contractors. If Ryan won, he would have to haul ass out of the building.

On the whole, it just wasn’t a good situation.

Gary leaned back. “You’re not worth the effort,” he said.

“The effort. Right,” Ryan replied.

Gary turned to the stallions. “Pack your shit and go,” he said. “There’s a guide waiting for you at the south fountain, on the edge of the city. He’ll take you where you need to go.”

“Thank you,” Fancy Pants said.

Gary started going through papers. “Just get out of my building.”

The group took their new stuff and made their way out. It felt like Gary and his ponies were watching them the whole way, but when Ryan glanced around, they couldn’t seem to care less about them. When they were finally out of the building, none of them took a single look back as they walked away.

“That was a good bluff,” Soarin’ said. Mac looked away, and Ryan looked confused.

“What?” he replied.

“That thing, about your knife,” Soarin’ said. “It was a risky move, but it worked really well.”

Ryan took in a deep breath. “I don’t lie,” he said. Soarin’ frowned, but said nothing, and the guys went on their way.

They arrived at the south fountain after a long, arduous walk through the city. WIth all their stuff, they thought it would be a better idea to take the longer, safer route through the better neighborhoods to avoid a mugging. At the fountain, they looked for anyone who appeared sketchy or shady, since that was probably who they were hooked up with. Ryan spotted a pony who wore a coat and droopy hat and approached.

“You the one who brings us down south?” he asked.

“Ssshh!” the pony said. “Not so loud. Yeah, I’m the guy.” He took one look at Ryan. “You’re definitely my charge. So let’s go.”

“How do you expect to get us down there?” Ryan asked. “How do I know I can trust you?”

“I’m ex-Unicorps Recon,” the stallion said. “That was my job before I retired.”

Ryan nodded. “Alright,” he said. “Yo, guys, it’s time to get going.” The stallions came over at Ryan’s beckoning. “Ready?”

“As ready as we can be,” Mac said.

“Good,” Ryan said. He turned to the shady stallion. “Lead the way.”

The stallion nodded and turned around to leave, taking the crew of near-misfits out of the world of what they knew and into a world of danger, uncertainty, and war.

It reminded Ryan of home.