“Where’d he go? I know Hunter’s got some skills but there’s only so long he can hide from us.” Applejack was serious about finding me this year and would most likely raise hell if I stayed at the farm. Why do ponies have to care so damn much? I just want to be left alone and get this damn day over with and then I can go back to being my happy self. I managed to evade AJ who had Jazz and even Etheria in tow. They were hell bent on making me have fun today. Why in the fuck does July 21st have to be some damn game of hide and seek?!

It may be a good idea to get out of the farm before they manage to recruit Twilight. One alicorn, I can hide from. Hower I'm sure my luck would fade with two of them concentrating. Woah! As I was about to shout, Scootaloo hushed me.

“Don’t worry Hunter, I don't like today either. You're not the only one who lost something on your birthday.” I had almost forgot that today was also her birthday and also the day she was put in the orphanage.

The two of us cuddled together and enjoyed the day our way, in solitude (mostly). “So I'm gonna guess you're the reason Etheria’s here with Jazz.” My orange lover gave me a mmhmm while buried in my chest. “Can't she sense your presence? You know, the whole Spartan princess thing and the connection you have with her as her Knight general?” I asked out of genuine concern and my dear Scootaloo knew it. That got me a small kiss as a reward. It was her turn to have the concerned look on her face. The look said it all and she was right. If we stayed here any longer, we were gonna be forced to have a party we didn't want. In a bout of perfect timing, a certain mailmare crashed into a barn on the other side of farm and the posse that was after us changed their directive. “Can you fly us out of here my love?” I felt a little stupid for asking in the first place.

She just smiled at me. “Of course I can, mi amore. But where to?” I smiled and off we went to Fluttershy’s. I love the fact that Scootaloo is strong enough to carry me and fly unhindered. If I tried this shit with Dash, she'd get a whole lot of nowhere. We arrived at the home of the pegasus I like addressing as my big sister. I had always wanted one and landing here and befriending her granted me just that.

Sis came out as soon as we touched down. Scootaloo and I were welcomed with the warm smile of Fluttershy. Not even seconds later; I was welcomed with a tackle hug from her resident human Angel. Fluttershy gave my assailant a stern look and she went back inside, her head hung a little low. Sis got straight to the point. “You can hide here for a while but it won’t stop the apple family from hunting you down. They take birthdays of their family members seriously. My advice is you leave town and celebrate on your own terms.” She had a good point there. Quite frankly, I have no Idea how long we can hide from Etheria what with Scoot’s connection but luckily it’s a two way lane. However there is only so far you can run from an alicorn which is one reason I do my damndest to blend in and avoid Sunny la Fatass.

“Thanks sis, I kinda like that idea. How about you, mon amour?” Scootaloo just smiled at me warmly and that’s all the answer I needed. We were going to have some outta town fun, I’ll have to make up to the other girls. “I’m sure they’ll leave well enough alone if we leave a note with sis that says we took a romantic getaway. I have no idea where we’re gonna go though.

Fluttershy chimed in on that one. “I’ve already made reservations for a week at Hotel LeBlanc in New Orleans! Fleur de Lis owed me a favor and I knew you had always wanted to visit there. I figured it would be a good birthday present.” Both Scootaloo and I both started smiling in happiness. “I had originally planned on going with you, little brother but I don’t want to rain on the parade. The only condition I have is that you take Angel with you. You two aren’t the only ones with birthdays to celebrate.” I facepalmed. First I forget about Scoots sharing a birthday with me and now I find out it’s Angel’s too. I turned to Fluttershy to realize that her birthday was also this week. The end of it to be precise

“Wow that makes us thirteen fourteen and fifteen! And to top it off you’ll be nineteen in a few days, right? Why don’t you come with us?” Right after I asked, she hands me exactly three tickets for an air chariot service New Orleans was halfway across the country so these were fucking expensive. I’d try to let them have a girls night but I think I was an important part of the point in going. She most likely wanted some alone time with me and Angel. “I’ll make this up to you sis. Anything you want.” That earned me a smile and a kiss.

“Angel, are you ready to go? The plan’s changed just like I thought it would! You’ll be having fun with Hunter and Scootaloo.” She lowered her voice once angel was closer and clearly ready wearing a yellow skirt with pink tennis shoes and a white shirt that I shit you not, had her name on it. She signed that she had everything prepared as soon as she was in eyesight “I figured I wasn’t going to go anyway and the big easy is a very noisy town, so I’m perfectly fine staying at home. Scootaloo, would you run angel to the pharmacy. She seems to have forgotten something pivotal, her damn medicine.”

“Why do you only have a backbone at times like these? You can be confident in front of everyone here or when you’re doing your job but not when others are concerned. I don’t want that nasty stuff!” She signed furiously. Scoots was with Fluttershy and me on this one. Angel can hate her medicine all she wants, but she needs it to live.

“Better idea, go to Zecora and tell her to get the stuff I was working on. It’s essentially Angel’s medicine but it doesn’t taste like shit. Make sure she gives you the aparatus I made to go with it…. It’s called an inhaler. Angel, you’ll be breathing in a vaporized version of the medicine instead of drinking it.” That got her to smile. Scootaloo motioned for Angel to get on and she did without hesitation. They were out of sight within seconds.

“It’s quite fascinating that her genetics allow her to be strong enough to do that, even at her size. As a geneticist, I find the Spartans to be quite the wonder and hope that I’ll be allowed further study of their capabilities.” She noticed the way I looked at her. “Don’t look at me like that, Twilight isn’t the absolute authority when it comes to science. My expertise in biology makes her look like a complete novice! I have a PHD in biology, genetics to be specific and what does she have? Absolutely nothing but a massive brain and a degree from Celestia’s school. It really annoys me when people up and disregard my advice in lieu of Twilights...and I’m ranting again. Sorry Hunter.” She kissed me flat out on the lips and walked back inside...with her tail straight up! I know she’s pretty much my sister but keep in mind what I did to my mother. I followed her in without hesitation. We don’t have much time.

About fifteen minutes later Fluttershy was a heavily panting, cum dripping, pussy winking mess. Looking at my work made me proud. Hell, I wanted more but knew we didn’t have much more time. My pants were almost back on before I heard the sexiest thing I’ve heard in awhile. “Hunter more, please! Fill my lonely little hole with your gorgeous pole. Make me shiver and whimper by the might of your shaft.” That got my engine revved again.

As I was about to reenter her depths, the door slams shut. “While I appreciate all that you've done for us Fluttershy. We have to go, now.” Scootaloo wasn't angry in the slightest. In fact she was calm about it. I could feel no jealousy coming from her. Fluttershy whimpered as I put my clothes back on back on but understood that if we were going it had to be now. She tried to get up to bid us adieu but to no avail. The only musk in the air was the sex we just haid, so I'm certain she's not in heat. Fluttershy was just plain old horny...for my dick. Against Scootaloo’s wishes, I started to lustily reach for Fluttershy. My pole wasn't done with that hole. I needily looked at Scootaloo. “Hunter, you can fuck me in the chariot. But if you want to avoid the Apples we must leave, rapido!” Scootaloo was correct. If we were going it had to be now. I breathed a small apology for essentially blue beaning Fluttershy and left with the girls. My bike was outside complements of Punchline who was staying at the castle while on leave. I would have a little fun with her but something about Punch drives Scoots to severe jealousy. So we are mostly platonic. If she buys me nothing can be done but thankfully she hasn’t done that.

Fluttershy was out of her stupor and saw us off as Scoot’s took the skies with Angel and I revved my now fully mana powered and thus mostly silent engine with Punch riding bitch. Thanks to the modifications made, we made it to the service not long after Scoots touched down. I gave Punch a hug and thanked her for bringing my bike. It’s kind weird how ponies can ride that thing but I digress. The three of us made our way to the designated port and found sturdy looking….SPARTANS?! They were supposed to be normal diurnal pegasi. We’ve been busted. Not one to miss the drama, Etheria emerged from literally nowhere. That girl has gotten good at popping out of the ether.

“Did you really think you were going to get away without me sending you off properly? Hunter my dear friend and Scootaloo my Chevalier, I am utterly devastated that you would deem me unworthy of a farewell.” She started crying but we didn’t take the bait. Those were clearly crocodile tears. The young blood sought to comfort their princess and shot us, or more accurately me glares. I gave them a look that screamed I’ll fuck you up and they winced in fear. In their defense my eyes were going draconic without my approval.

I take a breath. “Look Etheria, we need this. We want to be able to celebrate on our own terms. Scootaloo and I both have dealt with great loss on our birthdays. Mine was more gruesome but that is not the point” Scoots looked at me funny. “Love, my father was eaten by a dragon in front of my eyes and let’s not forget that said dragon became a permanent part of me.” My eyes were glowing at that point and I gave no shits.

“Perhaps you should calm down before you cause a scene Hunter. You of all people should know how problematic it would be if you went on a rampage here of all places.” Etheria had a point but I was never a fan of today and I was being driven off the rails. “These Spartans are to be your attendants. These ladies have shown themselves capable of handling most situations and they are of New Orleans. The town most likely won’t be the same as you remember it on Earth, Hunter.”

I conceded. She most certainly had a point. No matter how similar it was, It was not the Big Easy I remembered. I got a good look at our security detail and they were quite the lookers. Quadruplets and by the look of them, natural Spartans. They were older than Scoot so they had little more in the size department. But unlike them my wife was a Chevalier and only fourteen meaning she wasn’t done growing. “Scootaloo, this is my gift to you. These girls are yours to command and by extension Hunter’s. The Chariot and this specific port also now belong to you. The chariot will be adorned with your cutiemark the moment you receive it. For now my mark stands alone. It is a royal chariot and will grant you access to even the palace port.” Etheria pulled in for a hug. “Happy birthday my chevalier and to you as well Hunter.” Etheria sounded almost motherly when she addressed Scoots. That got a small smirk out of her. Our luggage was loaded in the chariot driven by four pegasi and we made our way in.

Before we took off Scoot got things in order. “Sound off!” The girls gave their names in an orderly fashion. Black Sash, Blue Bonnet, Red Ribbon, and White Lace. Their names were pretty straightforward and cutie marks indicated that much as well. Funny how that tends to happen. Scootaloo and I made a small bit of time in the first hour. All we did was be a little too lovey dovey, but it was fun. The rest of the flight was spent being close to one another. Angel was looking out in wonder and i couldn't help but chuckle a little, the fact that she didn't get out much was showing.

The flight was taking its toll on the girls so I suggested a layover. I can't even fly and I could tell they were tiring. The girls powered through using controlled glides and their powerful Spartan wings. I'll give em one thing, they know how to ride a current. The winds were fair for the summer near a mountain area. According to gps, the closest town was called Briarwood. Scootaloo used the phone on the chariot to call in to the (and I shit you not) Hilton. She and I would have a suite to ourselves while the others would get the security suite, which adjoined to ours.

Angel actually looked the place up on the terminal. “This town is actually quite nice according to the terminal. Any chance we get to look around, Hunter?” I gave her a warm smile.

“We'll be there for a few hours at best. You and I can take a look around if our schedule allows it. But trust me, you'll want to get some rest. We'll be arriving in New Orleans by evening and that town has a unique nightlife.” Angel pouted a bit but understood. The girls touched down at the lz about five minutes later and we were checked in and in our respective rooms rather quickly. A part of me was wondering how much of this was real service and how much was the “royal treatment” but whatever.

True to the name, most of the buildings here were wooden or wood like. Angel was curious about the town and truth be told as was I. I came up with a game plan as soon as our party was alone. “We'll be here for the next four hours so I think you four should sleep in shifts. Sash and Ribbon, you come with us. Bonnet and Lace get some sleep and swap out in two. That sound good Scoot?”

“That sounds good, darling.” She said while grabbing onto me and kissing my cheek. “Two guards at a time should be fine. This town is barely the size of Ponyville.” Scootaloo appreciated my line of thought and so did the girls. Scoot and I went on a bit of a date while having Sash and Ribbon tail us at an appropriate distance. There were cute little shops all around town but one got my attention.

The outside of the building was quite the feat. It looked like a dragon and the entrance was clearly the mouth. There was a plate that at one point had words on it but it had clearly worn off. While beautiful, it's clearly in need of refurbishment. The building gave the rest of my party the creeps and that was no small feat. However it had the opposite effect on me.

I found myself being drawn closer and closer still until I placed my hand at the mouth. A female voice called out to me. “Oh ye of dragon soul. If entrance is what you seek then you may do so.. alone.”

I turned to Scootaloo eyes glowing and filled with not anger but need. “This seems to be important to you for some reason. Go, miamore. Get the answers you need.” Sash started freaking out about how it was her specific duty to be by my side but Scoots tried to shut her down. Sash looked as crestfallen as you'd expect from a soldier that was literally told to fuck off and I just couldn't stand that look on her.

I begged for Sash’s entrance as softly as I could, didn't want to risk onlookers hearing the human talk. “Your guard may come, unarmed. No harm shall be done to you sweet child.” Scootaloo was pissed that I didn't ask for her but she's a big girl and can deal with hurt feelings. I wasn't about to get this girl in trouble on day one. The mouth opened for Sash and I and we entered, Scoot tried to sneak in but the teeth blocked her entry. “Only those permitted may enter.” She sounded more like a mother chastising a child than angry. A flurry of Spanish profanities could be heard from behind me. She was not happy but oh well.

The inside of the building looked newer than the out yet the furnishings kept true to the design outside from first glance. With a deeper look, I noticed the furniture was marble. The inside was surrounded with fireproofing runes. Immensely strong ones at that. Twilight would have a field day but I've seen these runes in my castle and books on how to prepare them. My guess is Luna either had a dragon lover or best friend cause it was in her wing. I could tell by the glowing that they were getting almost daily use. This was clearly a place of study and practice of magic and by the look of things,draconic magic.

“With all this there ought to be a dragon here. I wonder what’s taking the one with the motherly tone so long?” By that point we had been looking around for about three minutes. I had found a book that seemed like it had me in mind. It was titled ‘Controlling the Beast Within’ and that was something I was in need of. Control, as if. The fuck was that? I must be losing my mind.

A lady dragon appeared before me but for some reason I didn’t want to harm her and neither did Sash. She stood taller than me and looked like a teenage dragon but I could tell that that was absolutely false. She had hips for days, amazing legs, an ample buxom and oh sweet Twilight her scales were so beautiful! This was the first dragon I had ever seen with multicolored scales. Red seemed to be the strongest color but the majority of her face was black almost appearing to be a mask. The rest of her face leading down to and slightly beyond her lovely chest were pink however. The colors blended so magnificently that Sash and I were both awestruck. For the first time ever, I think I want to fuck a dragon and by the looks of it so does Sash.

I found myself glad that my blind hatred of dragons was gone. It was toxic and would get me killed one day. “I assure you, you are most certainly not losing your mind. This is your fifteenth year of life, yes?” I shook my head. Were this a few days ago my blade would be out and I would strike without hesitation. However I felt a kindred feeling towards this dragoness. It didn’t take me long to recognize her voice though.

The dragoness before me is the voice that welcomed me in. “What purpose do you have with my lord?” Sash asked with almost no hostility. Being addressed as milord was going to get weird for me.

“Sash from this moment you are to address me a boss, understood? While I may be lorded through marriage; I would rather you treat me as someone more relatable than a lord. At least when we are alone.” Sash called be boss while blushing, mostly in embarrassment. It would take her some time to call me that without hesitation. The Dragoness giggled at that while clearly trying and failing to contain her amusement at the events unfolding before her eyes. Referring to her as the dragoness was starting to feel both rude and old.

“My name is Carmen Flameheart. If you’re wondering why you feel so familiar to me, the answer shall come soon young student. I plan on teaching you well in how to control your draconic abilities. Depending on how deep the soul within you flows, you might even learn to use flame magic in the coming years or even flight!” That one had my interest. I could imagine a romantic flight with Scoots and it was amazing. In my head at least. “The first thing you need to do is call forth the persona the dragon left imprinted on you.” I tilted my head in confusion. “While I’m sure you’ve already figured you were slightly draconic, you have more dragon in you than you think. You’ve lost it a few times yes? Blacked out during battle to find yourself victorious leaving corpses in your wake? That is the dragon within protecting you from threats you yourself cannot handle. To truly understand you must bring her out while you are aware.” Her? How does she know so much? She must of stopped reading my mind or I must’ve stopped telecasting my thoughts. Carmen was merely smiling at me.

“How do you know so much about me? I haven’t told you a thing.” Carmen went on to explain that she was commuting with the soul within me but for the sake of sanity I’m going to refer to it as a persona. Also for the sake of my sanity, I’m not going to dive into the how part just yet. The thought of one vessel possessing two souls sounded off to me but two as one felt more accurate. She gave me a long lecture about diving within and bonding that I summarized into one statement thanks to my gaming nerd habits on earth. “I art thou, thou art I.”

Carmen was ecstatic at my statement “Correct, absolutely correct. Now that you’ve realized that you must get her to do the same. She is no longer her own and you no longer the boy you once were. Your lives were forever entwined the moment you drove your sword down for it didn’t just kill her it melded your two souls. Show me your blade.” I held out Dragonbane and presented it to her. “There was a lot of love in this. It must have been in your family for generations, it’s been reforged once or twice. Allow me to reforge this for you once more, Hunter. A dragonkin should have a weapon that can handle his mana. I won’t take long. I merely need to give it my fire.” Her fire was just a pretty as her scales. I couldn’t take my eyes away from her until Sash forced me to avert my gaze with her wings. She was right I could hurt my eyes that way.

There was one thought that didn’t hit me until Carmen was done reforging Dragonbane. How much time had we spent here? Sash must’ve been on the same thought because she looked at her watch and to our surprise not even five minutes had passed since we entered. This room must have some time alteration magic or is another dimension or something. I wasn’t aware dragon magic could do that. Must be that ancient magic. Carmen handed me the newly reforged Dragonbane. Her blade was now blood red and had runes all over it. Carmen said the runes would allow Dragonbane to hold a spell and handle the strain of my mana. She also went on to say that if I hadn't had this done she would have shattered eventually. If that had happened I would have lost something very important to me. With that statement I gave Carmen the best bow I could muster. “Arigatou gozaimasu.” My Japanese was horrid and my half japanese father always said I should try harder on that end of my heritage and not just my cajun roots. Even though I spoke the more proper french. Carmen returned the bow and gave me a key.

“That key contains magic that will allow you entrance to this place and by connection me. Place it to any door and you will find yourself with an entrance to Root Core. Please visit me often, it gets lonely here.” I agreed to visit as often as I could.

“Miss Carmen, there is no way someone as beautiful as you are is lonely. There is an entire town of...ponies.” Sash sunk her head in shame for failing to see the obvious. She’s only been a Spartan for a few months but she knows how it feels to get those looks of fear when all you want is a friend. “What about New Orleans or the Dragonlands?” Carmen explained that she had been more or less banished from both and neither of us asked why. The forlorn look on her face was enough to tell that love had something to do with it. My guess is something similar to the opera with the same name as her. Sash took a breath and smiled “Carmen, we are your friends and we shall return frequently. Right,...boss?” I shook my head in the affirmative. I had plenty to learn here and perhaps a chance to make a friend or something more of Carmen. Being the Cajun I am, I go straight to Carmen and kiss her goodbye and smile at her as I leave. I’ll have to meditate and work on getting the name of my persona within.

When we left ten minutes had passed. Scootaloo was pouting. “Did you get your answers sweetheart?” All I gave her was a smile. “ You look happier than I’ve seen you in a while what happened.” I told her everything since I don’t want to be in the practice of lying to my wife. “ You’d better keep that promise if she’s that lonely. Don’t you dare abandon her after you get what you need, estoy claro?” I replied with a yes ma’am. She was very clear in stating I am to make her feel loved and appreciated. If Carmen was willing to put up with me then there is no way I will ever let her feel lonely ever again. I open my mouth to ask if she’s sure about me becoming closer with her. The description I gave her made it very clear that I wanted to fuck her. “Hunter, it’s not like you’re trying to put a ring on her finger. I don’t care if you have a little fun with her just remember who your queen is.” I looked around and we were in the clear so I gave Scoots a kiss filled with my love and passion. We almost got lost in it but the girls gave us a nudge. It was time for the switch.

When we returned to the hotel Sash and ribbon went to their room and Scoot and I went to ours. If Sash was my guard in specific, that would mean she’d have to be on my detail whenever I left Ponyville. Meaning if I went on a date with Angel, she’d have to come and get no sleep whatsoever. Scoot just wanted to rest a bit herself but I remembered how horny I was before and then after I met Carmen. I’ll have to take care of that solo but first I have to cancel my plans with Angel. Sash needs sleep and that was a fact. That chariot is a four pegasus job and she needed her energy since this is our only stop.

When I crept into the other room I was greeted with a lovely sight. Angel was masturbating and was she going at it. My dick couldn’t take it anymore I had to get off. As I whipped out my dick, I noticed she was sniffing something. One good look and I knew she was using my hair bandana. Holy shit, Angel is slicking to me. Then I started hearing my name but Angel can’t speak. “Hunter, I love you. Please say you love me too.” I’m not losing my mind, Angel’s thoughts are being projected. She must be an esper I don’t think she’s know’s what she’s doing.

I slowly walk to her and prod her with my manliness. “je t'aime aussi Angel” Her eyes bulged but she didn’t think twice. She forced my member in her womanhood before I could react. There was no blood at all and truth be told i was kind of disappointed that I wasn’t her first.

“You’re wrong I tore it myself. I’ve always loved you. Why am I bothering, he can’t hear my thoughts.”

“Actually I can. You’ve been projecting your thoughts out to me this entire time. You’d think an esper would notice when they’re using their abilities.” We didn’t stop during this exchange. While I needed to inform her of the changes she’d be going through, we both had a burning need to fuck the other's brains out. As we were going at it, I noticed a certain guard of mine was watching us with one eye. This needed to end. No matter how good it was a serious distraction for the girls that needed sleep. My hand slithers downward to Angel’s nethers and reaches its target, her clitoris. That got an immediate reaction out of her between the fact that she had been playing solo for a while and I had been pounding her since. This girl is a lightweight compared to Winona. Angel tossed herself on the floors, breath unsteady. “Go take a bath and we’ll discuss the esper matter later. I’ve got some books to go get that may help you.” Sash was up and at'em as soon as I mentioned books. The stern look I gave her did nothing to deter her resolve in her duty so I rolled with it. She can get some rest in Root Core what with the whole time distortion thing going on and I need a little more studying on this persona of mine. I need to get her name and stabilize my condition as soon as possible.

Soon the key was in the door and we were in Root Core. Carmen gave a knowing smile. “The book your mate needs is on the table but please stay for lunch. And yes, Sash may have her nap here. Also before you ask, I am in fact an Esper as well which is why I was banished. I used my ability to help people and on one such occasion I allowed myself to be blinded by someone I cared for. He killed my betrothed in the name of love and a feud between families started.” Carmen went on to state that she was labeled as the instigator of the event that caused both families to lose their heir apparent and that is what lead to her banishment. They demanded blood but her family ties got her an exile instead. We were glad that she chose to share this and pushed no further. However I did ask if she would take on Angel as an apprentice. Thankfully enough, her answer was yes.

“In one day I have made two students and just as many friends! Bring this Angel to me and keep her here until you arrive at your destination. The amount of time spent would give her a few days worth of training. She won’t have mastered her abilities since that takes years. But she will have a lid on the situation as you would say and that should be enough for her to communicate to people she trust at least. You may want to wash off while you are here Hunter. Should your wife smell you, I have no doubt she’d be angered.” I explain the open door policy that Scoot and I have and bring it home by saying I would never intentionally lie to my wife and meaning every word that came out of my mouth. Carmen was moved. One thing got me though, Angel doesn’t have Dragon’s blood or soul within her. But I wrote that off as Carmen doing a favor of a friend. She seems like the type that likes lost souls. That made me wonder what was up with Sash but that was hers to tell when she felt like it. I was not going to push for that.

After following Carmen’s instructions, I had a chat with Scootaloo. “Winona is gonna be livid. But in all honesty, I saw this coming. I take it Angel is the last addition to your tribe?” I wanted to give the affirmative but it’s not just my decision to make. I’d have to run it by Winona and that was a fact. At the moment all I’m doing with angel is exploring possibilities. Having a tribe meant having a family and I would love for Angel to be apart of that family. The six of us checked out and set off to the Equestrian version of my hometown and the girls home. “You girls are free to check in on your relatives if you want when we retire to the hotel. But once again, in shifts of two. New Orleans is a big town and we will need you with us.” Scootaloo gave an order with full authority. I gave that same order to Sash and she gave me a yessir. Scoots had a look on her face and I realized I forgot to elaborate.

“She works for me, not you. As you know, Etheria assigned her to my protection detail when I leave town. She also stated that my orders are priority.” That got her to smile and giggle a little bit. It might not be this particular trip but in the time to come I would be making Sash earn her way. Danger seemed to have a strange fixation with me.

We took off soon after the exchange of orders and we took in the sights for a bit. At the pace we were going the module predicted we’d be at our destination at about 1900 hours. I personally hope we get there before sunset since it would be busy as all get out if we didn’t. New Orleans has a serious hustle and bustle about it. Memories of the sounds of the town came flooding back. It was a shame I didn’t have that long to be there and most of my memories are fuzzy but sounds of a band playing was clearly there. I started happily singing When the Saints Go Marching In. The girls must’ve heard me cause they chimed in through the comms. Their harmony gave us some entertainment while inflight. The girls actually beat the damn estimation and had us their by 1700. Both I and Scootaloo were very impressed. I used the key and retrieved Angel but not before having some small talk with Carmen. She gave me a list of things to get for her since I was in town and I had no problem with getting any of it since I was gonna anyway.

After landing in the royal port, we decided to take a trolley the rest of the way and take in a few sights. Not even five minutes in and a commotion could be heard. “Stop thief!” A pegasus took off and that was enough to get me to jump out and put my new toy to use. With a flick of my wrist, bows were in my hands bound by gloves and I took aim. I shot each wing at the base and tethered him to the ground with my new bindcaster that I designed to bind heavily armored creatures such as dragons or Spartans and Lamia. The thief attempted to get out but those binding links are magically reinforced by the Spartan Archmage herself. If he kept trying to force his way out he’d lose his wings and that is exactly what Scootaloo told him. He gave up and accepted this fact after feeling the bind’s pull. I felt slightly dickish for shooting a pegasus in the wings, but it had to happen. The guard came in and to my surprise, they were dogs.One male and one female. The male was guard D.Williams while the bitch was...I can’t believe it! In one day I’ve met and befriended someone named Carmen then I meet a guard named K.Sandiego. The K couldn’t be for what I thought it was could it? The Equestrian New Orleans was truly a place of equal opportunity. Dogs would never make the cut in the Canterlot guard. The binding lines became normal bindings as I swiped what was now a wristlet and one of the dogs whistled at my invention.

“Where do I get me one of those? You have no idea how much paperwork we fill out for having to shoot down fliers who attempt to escape arrest.” The bitch of the pair asked while not even hiding that she was impressed. Must be a fellow techie.

“You don’t yet. The bindcaster is in its prototype phase and currently under development by Spartan engineering. Hunter here has the only working model that I know of. And trust me I’d know, I’m the Chevalier of Princess Etheria.” She didn’t fling that around as often as she should but the fact that she has four guards. Well, five in they eyes of an outsider. Screams that she’s someone important. “Do you require us to come to the station for a report? If so, You may find us at Hotel LeBlanc. As a matter of fact our luggage is already there.” The guards bowed and took the perp away and I got a round of applause for stopping a thief. The shop owner went as far as to give me a big ol basket of beignets. I hadn’t made these in forever so I had to eat one while it was fresh. I had to cover my mouth since eating beignets always made me smile out of delight. The shop owner wasn’t surprised when I hugged her at all. Guess I didn’t do a good job of containing my delight. We were off to the hotel after that I just can’t believe the trolley actually stopped for us. Heroism has its perks I guess. We arrived and checked in around the time the guards got there for the report. They arrived with who I’m guessing to be their captain. She’s oozing ‘I’m important’. She was a quadrupedal half dragon by the looks of things. Her pony roots were clear to see. The red in her scales were similar sheen to Carmen’s then I noticed her name T.Flameheart. No way that is a coincidence.

“It ain’t, Hunter. She’s Carmen’s Kin. I’m attempting to shield our minds from probing. I don’t think she’s as powerful as her though. She’s clearly trying to read our minds. Scootaloo, do something!”

Scootaloo just smirked at me and we did what we had been trained to do in this situation. Think the most scaringly violent thing we could to cause them harm for prodding where they weren’t welcome. Captain Flameheart flinched. “Serves you right for trying to probe a Spartan. We have training in telepathic deterrents. I wouldn’t advise you attempt that again, you will be hurt if you do and I’ll see to it that you lose your position for a possible attempt at a breach in national security.” She came on with full authority. Oh sweet Twilight, I am so hot for my wife right now! The captain did a double take and apologized vehemently. She took the group statement made an order for about a dozen bindcasters and left. Considering the long day we had, we retired for the night and allowed the girls to reach out to their family. Engineering is either going to love or hate me when I get back and they receive this order. I’m also going to have to be careful around the guard captain if our paths should cross. Either way that is a problem for another day.

Author's Note

Dear lord this took some time. I had intended for it to be a minisode but it just kept getting bigger. In the end you get this, the lead up to the New Orleans story Arch. I was seriously hoping to have this out by august but c'est la vie. I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I did writing it.