Chapter 23

I covered my mouth, hiding another yawn, as I stood beside Mr. Rich. He and a few other men were sitting together in a big office building and were going over sales for his business and some other boring junk. I had to wake up a little early since Mr. Rich wanted me to accompany him to the meeting, only I hadn’t realized how boring it would be. Still, I couldn’t say no since he was my employer and I somewhat respected the man.

“And if we secure a trade route through Manehattan and Saddle Arabia, our surplus would experience a great flux in income,” Mr. Rich said. “I’m sure they would be most grateful if we were to share our revenue with them.”

“While that would be the case, and the benefits would be most valuable to all of us, we will still have to worry about our competitors. There have been rumors that they monopolized most of the trade routes relating to Saddle Arabia by blackmail and even threats. Are you sure it’s a good idea to come on to their turf?” One of the board members asked.

“I am familiar with these rumours, but I assure you that we will have nothing to fear from them,” Rich assured them.

“How can you be so sure?”

“Simple. We have my most trusted associate, Axel, here for protection. Isn’t that right, my boy?”

“Sure, I can lend a hand securing a trade route,” I nodded. “Although, it would be nice if you guys had cars instead of carriages.” It was then I realized I spoke that last inside thought out loud, which made me curse under my breath as the men looked at me curiously. “Uh…forget I said that last bit.”

“Right…” Some, if not all, of the board members weren't exactly on board with me, but whatever.

“Excellent! Now then, are we all in favor of this next step?” Rich asked. The board members looked at each other for a moment before all nodding in unison. “Meeting adjourned.” Rich said as the board members began to leave. Before I could leave Rich stopped me. “Axel, may I have a word with you for a moment?”

“Sure, what’s up Mr. Rich?” I was a bit worried that he was gonna reprimanded me.

“What are cars?” He asked out of the blue.

“…Come again?” I asked.

“You said cars instead of carriages, so it made me curious. What are cars? Are they more efficient than carriages?” Rich asked, seeing a potential new business and marketing tool.

“Oh, um, well, as you already know, I’m not from this world,” I said, pulling out my phone.

“I am aware,” Rich nodded.

“In my world, there are these man-made mechanical inventions are called automobiles. They come in all shapes and sizes, used for a variety of uses.” I scrolled through my phone’s photo album and found the picture of my old car and showed it to him. “These cars can be used for traveling, transportation, delivery services, and so on. Or just from getting from point A to point B.”

“Fascinating!” Rich said as he eyed the fine piece of machinery. “Tell me, do you think we can, with the right tools and people, make one of these cars? Or at least, a variant of them?” He asked as he saw the potential millions they could make. With a faster and more reliable mode of transport to help with not only the transporting of people, but also the quicker movement of goods like medicine, clothes, food, and other needed resources for others. Plus, I could see how it could help expand businesses with other companies and further their reach for others in need.

“I suppose,” I said as I tucked my phone away. “Just so you know, these things are made of metal and run on things called engines. So if you know someone who can make an engine that runs off magic, or something, then it’s possible.” My comment about the engine seemed to spark a wide grin across his face as he pulled out his personal mobile phone and quickly dialed a number.

“Yes, this is Filthy Rich. I’m calling to talk to you about a new project for you…uh huh…yeah…runs on magic, for more eco friendly…yes…I have someone here who can provide any information you will require…yes…yes, you will get your payment for it. Really? Perfect! Pleasure, as always.” Rich then hung up the phone and smiled. “Good news, I got some of my best people to work on it. All you need to do is provide them with the grounds to help and oversee the production to make sure things are running smoothly.”

“Wow, that was quick,” I said a bit surprised how he managed to set up this project so fast.

“Never underestimate the connections of an entrepreneur such as myself,” Rich said confidently. “Now then, I’d like you to go and pick up Diamond from the hotel.” He reached into his jacket and pulled out two tickets that read Wonderbolt Prix.

“What’re these?” I asked as I took the tickets.

“Those are tickets to the Wonderbolt Prix later this afternoon. Diamond has been raving about it for weeks and I was able to get tickets. I will attend as well, but work never ends so I will need to run a few errands and I don’t want her to have to deal with being bored to tears. So I was hoping you could take her so she can see the race, buy some merchandise, that sort of thing,” Rich said.

“That actually sounds kinda fun,” I said as I tucked the tickets in my pocket. “Guess I’ll see you there.”

“Of course, good day for now, Axel,” Rich said and left.

I walked the other way towards the elevator and pushed the button.

“Heh, haven’t been to a race since I was a kid and saw a few NASCAR races. This should be quite enjoyable.”

Later That Afternoon

The sun was about to set and I was flying through the skies with Diamond on my back. The young girl was positively giddy the whole way as I flew towards the stadium where this race was being held.

“Someone’s excited,” I joked, looking over my shoulder as I flapped my digital wings.

“How are you not? It’s THE Wonderbolts! The best flyers in all of Equestria! The fastest! Bravest! And the most daring of people are allowed to join their ranks!” Diamond exclaimed excitedly, she looked like she was going to burst with joy.

“Heh, as long as you’re having fun, I’m not complaining,” I chuckled.

We soon arrived at the stadium and a touched down amongst the crowd. I set Diamond down beside me as I deactivated my wings and we walked together towards the entrance. As we made our way over, I noticed that some of the crowd was a little on edge; somewhat upset even. When I made it to the ticket booth, the guy looked like he was stressed out of his mind as his coworkers were trying to calm down some of the crowd.

“Uh…hey, we’re here for the race?” I said, holding up my tickets.

“Race?! There is no race!” The clerk said.

“What?!” Diamond yelped.

“Back up, what do you mean?” I asked.

“I’m not entirely sure what happened, but from what I know is that someone from the Wonderbolts couldn’t make it and now the race will be cancelled. Many people are demanding refunds and I fear a riot may break out.” The poor kid running the booth explained as he tried calming down the angry mob. Soon my phone started to ring and I looked down to see it was Filthy Rich calling. I answered and soon heard his voice

“Axel! I need to talk to you. Come up to the glass both overhead. Bring Diamond with you, I don’t want her getting lost,” Rich said.

He’s already here? “What if they won’t let me through?” I asked.

“Just tell them you work for me, they’ll know.”

Rich hung up and I tucked my phone in my pocket. I gently grabbed Diamond’s hand and pulled her along through the crowd. After meandering my way up towards the booth Rich was talking about, and telling the staff who I worked for, I managed to make it to the glass booth. I knocked on the door and it opened to reveal a woman. She had hair that looked like a blazing fire, wore a brown flight jacket, black sunglasses, and a skin-tight flight suit. To be honest, this chick was pretty hot, but Diamond’s hyperventilating pulled me from my staring.

“You okay Diamond?” I asked.

“Heh, it’s always the kids who react like this when they see me,” the woman said, confusing me.

“And you are?” I asked.

“The name’s Spitfire. I’m the Captain of the Wonderbolts.” Spitfire held out her hand and shook my hand. “You must be Axel Rickert, right? Filthy Rich mentioned you before.” Spitfire said.

“Axel! So good you’re here.” Rich sighed in relief “We have a problem.”

“One of my members, a top flyer by the name of Thunderlane, sprained his wing so he wasn’t able to make it. Which unfortunately means we have to cancel today’s race,” Spitfire explained.

“And that’s where you come in. I was hoping you would be willing to be part of the race! I’ll even sponsor you so you’ll be paid for participating,” Rich offered.

It took a minute to process the info that was dropped on me until it hit me like a sack of bricks.

“Say what? You want me to race?” I deadpanned. “No offense, and with all due respect, but why the hell would I do that?”

“Please Axel!” Diamond Tiara tugged at my arm and had tears swell up in the corners of her eyes. “Can you race, please? I’ve been looking forward to this for almost a month! I even gave daddy my own allowance money to buy my own ticket to come here! Please race!"”

“Come on, Axel. Surely you wouldn’t want to break my poor, sweet, little girl’s fragile heart, would you?” Filthy Rich asked as stroked Diamond’s hair as she gave me puppy dog eyes

“Oof, even I can feel that,” Spitfire muttered as she looked away.

As much as I tried to resist, those eyes pulled at my heartstrings like puppet strings.

“Aw…hell, fine, I’ll do it,” I rolled my eyes with a sigh.

“Yay! Thank you, big brother Axel!” Diamond jumped up and down with glee.

“Just one question, how are you gonna race with no wings? You plan to run around the track three times?” Spitfire guessed.

“While that would be an intriguing challenge, I’d prefer the more logical approach.” I activated Video and summoned my digital wings, surprising her. “Will these do?” A flapped my wings gently, giving them more of a theatrical appearance.

Spitfire’s jaw dropped as she saw me summon my digital wings out of nowhere, looking as if her brain shut down and had to reboot itself.

“H-H-How…wh-where did…y-you just…okay, someone better start explaining this.” She circled me while examining my wings. “Are they…digital? Looks like something you would see on a broken TV screen.”

“You wouldn’t be too far off.” I cracked my neck and knuckles. “Guess we better get this show underway.

I stood on the track next to Spitfire and to other Wonderbolts. One was another girl with mint green hair and the other was a guy with deep blue hair. They all wore the same flight suits as they stretched for the race. I looked at the crowd and could already see they were trying to get a read on who I was. I looked up at the booth where Diamond and Rich were and Diamond waved at me with a wide smile, to which I waved back. The loudspeaker then booted up as the announcer started to address the event and the racers.

“Ladies and gentlemen! After some complications we are happy to say that the race will continue! Today’s race will be a simple three laps around the track!”

“But these things are never simple, King. Anything can happen in a race!”

“You got that right, Miner. Let’s go over our racers. Up first we have the Captain of the Wonderbolts herself, the flying ball of fire, Spitfire! Next we have high flying, pie loving, Soarian! Next up is the cold breeze, Fleetfoot! And next is the new racer, sponsored by CEO Filthy Rich of Barnyard Bargains, Axel Rickert!”

Many people in the audience murmured amongst themselves as they tried to figure out who I was and why I was here.

“Ladies and gentlemen, ready your wings! On your mark! Get set!”

“Set fire to the sky! Go go go!”

The three fliers burst ahead of me and I just pulled out my earbuds. I scrolled through my phone’s playlist and picked the song for this occasion.

As the song played, I lowered my body forward and made my digital wings appear again, shocking the crowd at the spectacle. In one fluid motion, just as the beat to the song began, I flapped my wings as hard as I could and rocketed after the three flyers who got a head start. The wind blew against my face as I was quickly gaining speed and catching up to the others. We then rounded the first corner and I was already on Soarin’s tail.

Soarin went wide eyed as he saw me gaining on him. “Not on my watch!” He said defiantly. Soarin started spinning to try and use the wind to blind me or throw me off my concentration.

I raised my arm to block the wind and dipped down towards the ground. I dipped until I was just about to hit and flapped my wings hard a few times to go back up, using the momentum to speed up and pass Soarin. I left him in my digital wake and continued on to catch up to Fleetfoot and Spitfire. Just as I was about to catch up to Fleetfoot, we rounded the next corner. I hugged the turn as we came back around and I found myself flying right next to Fleetfoot as we were about to end the first lap.

“How are you this fast?! And how did you just grow wings?!” Fleetfoot asked as she got in front of me and started flying around blocking me from moving up.

I smirked as I banked to the right and corkscrewed by twisting my body. I spun past her and looked over my shoulder and winked at her before making my way towards Spitfire. We rounded the corner once more on our second lap and Spitfire was much faster than Fleetfoot and Soarin. We were nearing the second turn and I was just about to catch her, but she suddenly sped up and regained distance between us.

Damn, she’s fast! I thought as we rounded the corner and we neared the starting line again. Maybe if I add a little Neon to my flying…

…

No, no that’d be cheating. I grit my teeth and clenched my fists. And I’m no goddamn cheater!

I put my flying into overdrive and flew as fast as I could after Spitfire. The wind felt like it was cutting my face as I drew closer and closer to the Wonderbolts captain. I banked to the left and managed to claw the distance and we were now neck-and-neck.

I could tell that Spitfire saw me and she started flying around me. The wind she gathered and formed was acting like a small tornado, but what really caught my attention was that it looked like I was being surrounded by fire! She wouldn’t be a captain of the fastest flyers in Equestria for nothing if she didn’t have a few tricks up her sleeve.

I started to feel the strain from using my powers. I panted heavily as we past the starting line once more, which was the last lap of the race. Spitfire and I were flying like our lives depended on it. I flapped my digital wings as hard as I could, using every once of Video I had left in me.

“Come on, come on, come on!” I chanted out loud. Unbeknownst to me, my wings began to glow a little brighter. “Come on, come on, come on, come on!” My whole body then began to light up as we rounded the turn. “COME ON, COME ON, COME ON, COME ON!”

Spitfire didn’t let up either as she and I flew to the point where her wings we a blur. The metaphorical fire she conjured up dissipated as we tried to outpace the other. When we rounded the last turn, and flew down the last stretch, I put all I had left in my flying and my eyes were glued to the checkered flag and I flapped one last time as hard as I possibly could.

“COOOMMEE OOOOOONNN!!”

BOOM!

A sudden burst of speed launched me forward and I had to squint my eyes from the wind. All I could see was nearing the finish line and soon I had crossed it. As soon as I did, my wings seemed to have lost their juice and began to disappear. I acted quickly and flapped fervently to bring myself to a halt, but they had disappeared too soon as I slowed down enough. Before I knew it, I crashed into the ground and ate a lot of shit as I tumbled across the dirt for a good few meters. I eventually came to a stop in a slightly deep trench and I was aching all over.

“Fuck! Ugh, alright, that fuckn’ hurt…” I coughed and rubbed my head, laying flat on my ass. Coincidentally, the song playing had just come to an end.

Spitfire landed near me but had a more decent crash than I did as she landed on her feet but skidded quite a bit. She dropped to her knees and panted before chuckling.

“I…never went that…fast before in…a long time.” Spitfire laughed before rushing over to me. “Holy smokes, you okay, Axel?”

“Ugh, are any of my limbs bending the wrong way?” I groaned.

“Well, your arms and legs seem to be okay, no bones sticking out. Can you stand?”

“Yeah, yeah give me a sec.” I slowly managed to pick myself up and dusted my clothes off. I then cracked my back and neck as the other two racers joined us.

“Holy shit, dude! That was intense!” Soarin said. “There’s not a lot of people who can fly as fast s Captain Spitfire!”

“Yeah! And I’m maybe one of those people!” Fleetfoot said.

“Thanks, looks like it was a photo finish though,” I said. Just then, the loudspeaker turned on, along with the big screen that hung above the rafters.

On the screen, it slowed me and Spitfire down, inching closer and closer to the finish line. It was then shown that…I won!

“Wow, I did it!” I grinned.

“Ladies and gentlemen! We have a winner! Give it up for AXEL RICKERT!” The announcers and crowd soon erupted into chants and cheers for me. Spitfire chuckled and grinned at me.

“I must say, I am impressed! Hell, more than impressed!” Spitfire smacked my back.

“Fuck!” I winced, still hurt.

“Sorry about that.”Spitfire rubbed my back as she apologized. “You need a doctor or some ice?”

“Nah, I got it.” She was confused until I clapped my hands together and activated Smoke. Smoke wisps and small cinders surrounded my body and I healed myself. The sores and aches all over disappeared entirely and I took a deep satisfying breath before deactivating my power. “There, that outta do it.”

“What the…how did…dude, you have wings AND magic?! Are you some sort of Alicorn-human in disguise?” Fleetfoot asked.

“Are you a government experiment?!” Soarin gasped with stars in his eyes.

“No, and no.” I laughed. “And it’s not magic. Long story short, I’m a Conduit.”

“Conduit? What’s that?” Fleetfoot asked.

“Well, enough about that, you’re an amazing flyer Axel,” Spitfire reached into her suit’s pocket and handed me a card.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“I have met many flyers over the years, some had talent, many had potential, but you? You are a genius when it comes to flying! So I want to make you an offer. If you want to sharpen your skills in flying, consider joining the Wonderbolts.” Spitfire smiled at me.

“No way! Captain, are you really sure?” Soarin gasped in shock.

“Absolutely. Of course you are free to decline.”

“Don’t decline! Spitfire almost NEVER personally recruits others herself!” Fleetfoot shook my shoulders.

“Woah! Easy lady.” I pushed her hands from my shoulders. “While I’m flattered by what you think of my flying, this offer seems a bit out of the blue. You sure you’d want me on board your team?”

“Of course! I’ve never seen flying like that, let alone was pushed to my limit in a race, it would be dumb to pass up a chance to have you join us. You will still need to attend the academy, of course. No such thing as a shortcut in the Wonderbolts.”

“Well, like I said I’m flattered, but do you mind if I at least think about it? It’s sort of a lot to take in,” I tried to say.

“I understand. First day of the academy starts in about four months, if you wanna sign up in Cloudsdale. If you choose not to join, that is perfectly fine.” Spitfire then wrote something down on the back of the card.

“My number, if you have any questions.” Spitfire handed me back the card.

“Thanks, I’ll definitely think about it.” I tucked the card in my pocket.

“Now come on! Your new fans want a word with you for your first victory!”

I was shoved forward by Soarin and Fleetfoot as we were soon swarmed by dozens and dozens of reporters and bombarded by flashes of cameras

“Axel! Axel! Have you had any formal training before the race?”

“What magic did you use to summon your wings?”

“Are you a new trainee for the Wonderbolts?”

“Are you part of any other teams besides the Wonderbolts?”

“What’s your top speed?”

“How did you feel racing against the best of the Wonderbolts?”

“Uh…no, it’s not magic for the upteenth time, I’m not a trainee, I’m not part of any other team, I haven’t clocked my top speed before so I wouldn’t know, and it honestly felt like the best rush of my life,” I answered the questions as they came at me.

“Are you and Captain Spitfire in a relationship?”

“Are you Filthy Rich’s secret love child with a hidden mistress?”

“What’s your connection with the Princesses?”

“Are you the secret child of one of the Princesses?”

“Are you actually an alien?”

“What is the origin of your magic?”

“How did we get to these dumb questions?!” I deadpanned.

“Axel!” A little voice came from the crowd as Diamond jumped up into my arms and hugged me close. “You were amazing! I’ve never seen you fly so fast!”

“I’m glad you had fun. Would you believe me if I told you that I kinda wanted to win for you?” I said to the young girl I held in my arms.

“Really? You’re the best, big brother Axel!” Diamond Tiara wrapped her arms around me and snuggled against my neck. After hearing the words big brother, the reporters started going nuts.

“Are you really Filthy Rich’s son?”

“Are you adopted into the Rich family?”

“What is your relation to Diamond Tiara and her father?”

“Would you people take a damn chill pill?!” I snapped.

“Hehe! You’re funny when you’re mad, brother Axel,” Diamond giggled as she nuzzled into my neck.

“Oy ve…” I rolled my eyes.

It was now late in the afternoon and I sat on a bench outside the stadium and reminisced about what happened today. I had to convince Rich to let me use some of the tv screens the stadium had set up in order to recharge. I told Rich and Diamond that I’d meet them at the hotel later on while I get some alone time. Diamond wanted to stay too, but her father insisted I be left alone. It’s still a little surreal that I was able to go that fast. I never knew I had it in me.

Gotta hand it to you, Rickert, you sure know how to put on a show. I heard Dante in my head.

What can I say? I aim to please.

Since you don’t seem to be going anywhere, you mind if I take over?

Now?…Eh, I’m in a good mood. Sure, go ahead, but don’t do anything crazy.

When have I ever? Dante asked rhetorically before my consciousness began to be pushed away.

Dante 1st POV

I opened my eyes and and stretched my back.

“Ah, it’s always nice to be out,” I said aloud.

“Axel.” A man called out to me as I glanced over at him. He was a well-dressed man wearing a white button up shirt with a black vest, black dress pants and black dress shoes. He had a fedora on his head which obscured his face a little. Dude looked like the Good Value version of Michael Jackson.

“Who the fuck are you?” I asked him.

“No one important nor anyone you need to know. I have something for you.” The man reached into his vest and pulled out an envelope with a red seal with some sort of crest on it.

“Look, I ain’t interested in shitty fan mail, so piss off,” I brushed him off.

“It’s in your best interest to read it.” The man then tossed the envelope into my lap. Before I could say or do anything, the guy just…vanished.

I rolled my eyes as I opened the envelope and read the letter inside.

Mr. Axel Rickert,

You don’t know me, but you will this night. Come to my humble abode, we must discuss business.

-Don.

“Don? Who the hell’s Don?” I wondered.

There was an address at the bottom and directions on how to get there. I almost thought of tossing the letter, but what that guy said about it being in my best interest bugged me. I groaned out loud in annoyance as I summoned my red webbed digital wings and took flight. I flew across the city of Manehattan and I noticed I was flying towards the lower district of the city. I followed the directions and came across a very fancy-ass house on the edge of town. A couple men wearing similar clothing to the one I had met before stood outside the gates.

“You Axel?” One of the men asked.

“No, I’m his great-great-great grandmother, here to haunt you all,” I said sarcastically. The two men looked at each other before opening the gates.

“Follow us,” the other said.

The men led me past the gates and up the stairs. Before I was let in to the front door, I was stopped by more men.

“Gotta pat you down and search that pack of yours before you meet the boss,” the man said.

“Ugh, fine.” I pulled out my Amp. “But I hold on to this, got it?”

The guard raised a brow before rolling his eyes and started patting me down. After patting me a little more than I would’ve liked, he opened the door for me. I walked down the halls of the fancy-ass mansion and took in the decor. Whoever this guy was, he made Rich’s house look like a one story neighbourhood home. We arrived at a set of double doors and I was told to wait outside. One of the men knocked on the door and held his ear up to listen. He nodded and turned to me.

“The Don will see you now,” he said.

“Heh, the Don. What is this, the Godfather?” I joked before entering the room.

When I entered the room, it was dimly lit and was well furnished with the curtains drawn. At the back window, a man sat at a large desk with his back to me and had a small lamp on. As I approached the desk, a hand was raised, asking for me to stop. “Please, have a seat.”

I shrugged and set my pack and Amp aside and sat down. The man slowly spun his chair around and I got a good look at him. He was a older man, wearing a sharp tuxedo and black bow tie. In his pocket was a red tulip and he had a small cat in his lap. I could tell there was a lot more about this guy than I would’ve guessed. It was his eyes, how they looked like they wanted to pierce my soul, but also wanted to get to know me.

“Would you care for a drink before we start?” The man asked.

“I’m good.” I shook my head. “So, who are you?”

The Don took out a fresh cigar, cut the end, and lit it. After giving it a few puffs, he answered my question. “Don Fontaine Alduck, but most call me Godfather.” He took in a few more puffs. “And you have made quite a name for yourself. Excellent display with the Wonderbolts, by the way.”

“Thanks, I guess. You can call me Dante. Axel is my first name, and my middle name is Dante, but I prefer Dante,” I half lied. “So, why exactly am I here?”

The Godfather placed his cigar in a silver ashtray before looking at me directly. “I would like for you to become part of the family.” I was about to outright protest before he held up his hand again. “Don’t worry. I don’t want you to whack anyone, more like keep the other families in line, including our own family members.”

“Wait, wait, back up. What, this is actually the mafia? You’re literally the Godfather of a mafia?” I asked, trying to come to terms what was happening and how I ended up here.

“I take it you’ve heard of us before?” The Godfather asked me before going back to his cigar and petting his cat.

“Not a damn clue,” I sighed, rubbing my head. “Let’s say I was inclined to accept, what’s in it for me?” I crossed my arms. The other men in the room looked like they wanted to beat some manners into me, but Alduck held up his hand to stop them.

“You, and any that you consider a loved one, will be under our protection. You will have a very sizable income sent to you weekly. How does that sound?”

“You do realise I work for Mr. Filthy Rich? Money isn’t exactly an issue.”

“I’m sure it isn’t. But, it never hurts to have a little more in your pocket, tax-free of course.” He smiled at that part.

I leaned forward and looked deep into his eyes. “You don’t really wanna hire me, you actually need me to join you. Tell me why you really want me, and I’ll consider it.”

The Godfather let out a huff before leaning into his chair and putting his cigar aside. “Alright. The other families are trying to muscle into my territory. I hold my men and myself to a higher standard and just rough up anyone who asks for our services and comes up short. But the other families, resort to torture and even killing people to send a message, and they don’t care who they have to do it, too. Men, women, and children, are all at their mercy. The worst of these thugs are under Sam Spade.”

I perked up at that last part. “Sam Spade? That’s the name of the bitch who sent those bastards to nab Diamond.”

“Yes, I’ve heard about that. And yes, she’s the one responsible for sending those men to get her,” Alduck said with a nod.

I now thought about how to play this very seriously. If this Sam Spade is making moves in Manehatten, there’s a chance she also knows Diamond’s here too. I wouldn’t put it past her to try nabbing the kid again. Not to mention, this is the second or third time I’ve heard her name. Which couldn’t be a coincidence at this point. On the other hand, since this is the mafia, this might be another way to let loose my pent up aggression. Other than the Fight Club.

“One thing before I make a decision. I live in Ponyville, I’m only visiting Manehatten. Is that a problem?” I asked.

“Not at all. We have family everywhere,” He then leaned on the desk and picked up his cigar again. “So, are you interested?”

“Hmm, eh, what the hell. Consider me part of your family, Godfather.” I stood up and took his hand and kissed his ring.

The Godfather smiled. “Welcome to the family.” He gestured toward the door. “We’ll contact you when we have a job that requires your…unique skill set.”

“Sure thing, Godfather.” I nodded to him and picked up my Amp and Pack and headed for the door. I was somewhat looking forward to working for Alduck and his gang. “Yep, this world just keeps getting more and more interesting.”

Author's Note

A race for the ages and a new path in the underground world has opened.

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…