We arrived back at the palace late in the evening. The sun had already set and things were getting rather dark. “I can’t believe… he was just a kid.” I grumbled. Elijah sighed.

“I know. There are some things in life that I would give anything to erase.” Elijah replied. We both let out a simultaneous sigh. Red simply laughed in his croaky voice.

“Hell… I ain’t ashamed a nothin I done in my entire life.” He stated, trying to act tough.

“Yeah, but you’re a guiltless murderer.” I replied and Red simply scoffed at the comment.

“Whatever you say sugar tits.” He replied back and I scowled.

“Stop calling me that! It’s rude!” I yelled and he simply chuckled. “Buck you Red.” I swore and he laughed.

We ascended up the stairs and to the balcony where El Presidente was waiting. “I have heard rumors that Mr. Steps… has passed away.” He called out to us and Red took a bow.

“Yes, your Excellency. Elijah took him out with a single shot from his rifle. Made sure it was painful and that he had a slow death.” Red lied, well sort of. Thunder Steps had a rather slow death due to bleed out.

“Indeed… well, here you all are. I request to see you all in the morning.” He told us. We were handed small duffels of bits. It was probably… wow, close to 2000 at least.

“Thank you, your Excellency.” Red thanked him as he gave another bow and left. I stayed behind for a brief moment.

“What about Black Mane?” I asked and El President simply chuckled.

“Yes… we shall talk of him later and at a more appropriate time.” He told me. I didn’t dare start arguing with him and simply nodded then turned to leave. “Oh and Ms. Do… I’m sorry about your loss.” He told me and I froze in my tracks. He couldn’t know… could he?

“What loss?” I asked and he sighed almost irritably.

“John.” He told me and I shivered.

“How did you know?” I asked and he smiled.

“Well… it wouldn’t be wise for someone not to do research on their employees.” He replied.

“So how’d your researchers find out?” I asked and he chuckled again.

“You do realize that your ‘John’ was actually the legendary Lone Ranger?” He asked in an upbeat tone.

“You heard of him?” I asked and he laughed.

“Heard of him?! How is it possible for somepony not to know of him? He’s a trotting legend.” He exclaimed. I simply nodded. He let out a depressed sigh. “If the reports weren’t accurate then I’d say he probably isn’t dead but… well, you know… You should feel honoured that he took an interest in you.” He told me. I was going to ask how he knew we were in a relationship but figured his response would be ‘My researches.’

I gave him a nod. “Yes… I miss him.” I told him before trotting back to where the others were waiting. Elijah looked to me with a look of curiosity.

“He say anything about Black Mane?” He asked and I shook my head. “Hmm… rats.” Elijah muttered as we made our way over to the saloon to rent the room again.

Once we entered , we were greeted by the sight of impaired zebras and gryphon mercenaries. I wasn’t exactly sure if this happened on a regular basis or if… I saw Red paying for vast amounts of alcoholic beverages while laughing his ass off like a loon.

He looked over to me and smiled half-heartedly. “HEY SUGAR TITS! Glad you could join us! Want a drink?!” He called out. I rolled my eyes and quickly rented the same room as we had the night before.

As we went to leave, Red came stumbling over. “Hey sugar tits… leaving so soon?” He asked and I gave him a cold glare.

“If El President doesn’t fork over the info… probably tomorrow.” I scowled. Red got a look of disappointment on his face.

“What… tomorrow?! Why so soon? Why not stay with me?” He slurred, obviously having already consumed a large amount of alcohol. His breath stank of alcohol and his sentences were slurred, he was definitely drunk.

“Red… you’re a loon… an insane bastard, very belligerent and rude. We’re leaving tomorrow.” I told him and he sighed.

“Well… in that case… it was nice meeting you… sugar tits.” He slurred then stumbled back to the lively party. I rolled my eyes and our small group proceeded to the small rented apartment.

Again, Bear slept on the floor with Elijah, Brixie slept with Billy and I slept by myself.

As I lay by myself I began to think of John. Tears filled my eyes and I quickly shut them tightly and rolled face down into the pillow to wipe them away. I never wanted this to happen ever again.

I rolled my head over so that the side of my face was resting on the pillow. I looked to Billy and Brixie who slept peacefully in each other’s embrace. Those two were lucky… and so weirdly paired.

Sleep seemed to come rather quickly and my eyelids became too heavy to keep open. Within moments I dazed off into deep sleep.

I awoke to the sound of banging on the door. “Huh…” I whispered, still in my morning daze. Elijah gave me a light and gentle shake.

“Daring… it’s Red… he says it’s urgent.” Elijah told me. I groaned. He probably wanted a goodbye kiss or something stupid.

I got up with a groan and trotted sleepily over to the door where Red waited. “Yes?” I asked in a semi irritated voice.

“El Presidente wants to talk. Says it’s urgent and to come at once.” Red informed us. Hopefully he was going to tell us were Black Mane was. I gave him a nod.

“Yeah, we’ll be right out.” I told him as Elijah got Brixie and Billy up. Within two minutes we packed up and were ready to head out. “Alright… let’s go say hi to Presidente.” I muttered as we made our way up the palace stairs.

As we approached the finely dressed stallion, he turned to face us for the first time. Red gave a bow but the zebra simply scoffed. “Stop being a suck up and listen close.” He told us and Red was taken aback by the sudden tone.

“You want Black Mane? Good, because I want the base he’s hiding in. Tell you what. You assist us on our assault and I’ll let you personally put down that stallion.” El Presidente offered. I was taken aback by the offer…

Author's Notes:

I have this feeling it's a setup... just my guess... WHY AM I GUESSING, I'M THE AUTHOR!