~Prologue~View OnlineWhere the Bad Ponies Go~Prologue~~Prologue~ Jackie hated bullies. Not because of the way they would lurk young colts or mares to empty places to bully them, but how they carried themselves after doing something so wrong, acting as though they did nothing. It made Jackie’s blood boil to the core. But who was he to try and stop them? They were bigger than he was, and stronger, and of course, mean, which he was none of these things. He always watched them, his eyes glaring hard at them, his thoughts racing, and him wishing he could just go up to them, and tell them to back off. Everyday he stepped into the school, there would be a bully somewhere, harming another pony, and caring nothing about it. Of course, he made sure to stay clear from their sight. This year, there was another bully in the sights, looking for trouble, actually a few of them. Their group was called, The Terribles, which consisted of three ponies, the oldest being their leader. In this day and time, Jackie would find himself sitting among Rose, his best friend, and her friends, while they talk among themselves during lunch break, with his tray in front of him, barely touching his food. Jackie always seemed to think that he didn’t have time to sit and eat comfortably, while knowing that there were ponies in the school being bullied by older ponies who felt superior to them. While Rose was busy talking to her friends, Jackie’s eyes reverted to those at the Jock’s table. Mostly that’s where the bullies derived from or hung out with. His red eyes landed on his worst enemies, The Terribles, who were busy laughing at a joke one of the Jocks had recently cracked. The leader had looked Jackie’s way, and gave him a dangerous smirk, which had Jackie glaring back at him with hatred. If only he knew the kind of punishment that would teach them a lesson they’d never forget. Somewhere in the crowd of the many ponies, were a couple of sharp green emerald eyes, who were watching Jackie, ones who were hidden well, and laughing in amusement of seeing the hatred on the Pegasus’ face. A sly smirk made its way onto the figure’s lips, and a soft chuckling escaped them, as a plan began to form. Little did Jackie know, his wish was going to come true.
Chapter 1View OnlineWhere the Bad Ponies GoChapter 1~Bully Encounter~ I thought that everything was right with my life. The sun was setting in the horizon, my mother was busy in the kitchen, my father was out at work, and me? Well, I sat right here in my bedroom, doing what every average pony would do, playing video games; if you were into that sort of thing. I wore my red and black headphones, as the noises and music from the games always bothered my mother, so she bought them for me, and let me tell you, they work perfectly fine. I got my snacks next to me, some water, and have some peace and quiet. Yup. Mostly my life was perfect, well...almost perfect...there’s just one of those problems in the family you just can’t handle, and that is- "Jackie! You promised me you'd play with me after school!" yelled a loud, annoying girlish voice from outside my bedroom door, which happened to belong to my sister, Butter Cream... I turned around in my chair, the red and black headphones stuck to my ears to see my younger sister burst through the door. She's a Unicorn that has a soft grey coat, with large blue eyes, a long light golden mane and tail, with brown and white highlights; and was holding her favorite pony doll, which oddly looked just like her. I had to stare at her with a raised eyebrow, and pull the headphones down to wrap around my neck, and ask with annoyance on my face, "Yes, what do you want now, Miss I-want-everything?" My sister wasn't one to be patient, so she answered my question quickly with a small pout at the nickname, "You promised me we'd go biking today, but here you are, still sitting on your flank playing video games! Don't make me tell mama on you!" I only rolled my eyes in her direction. That was her way of getting me to do anything she wanted, since she knew I was too much of a softy, and only wanted what was best for her, even if she was annoying. "Alright. I'll be down in a few seconds, just need to fix this problem with the monitor, and then I'll get ready," I assured her, as she held a small grumpy face, as if not believing me. I then added, "I promise," and that made her smile. "Good." With nothing else left to say, she trotted out of the room to get her bike ready for action. 10 minutes later, I was downstairs, wearing my black and light blue helmet, which pretty much covered my strawberry red hair, while the rest flowed down to my shoulders, along with pads for my knees. I also wore my emerald amulet around my neck, where it made my white coat stand out, or so my mom says. I looked up just in time to see my little sister trotting her way towards me with her pink bike rolling beside her; and like myself, she was also wearing a helmet, one that had pink butterflies painted on it, and wore protectors for her knees as well. She gave me an excited smile, and asked, "Are you ready?" I gave her a small shrug of my shoulders, and nodded, hoping we can get back home in time for dinner, "As ready as I'll ever be..." She giggled excitedly, before climbing onto her bike, and waited until I was set; I had to keep my large white wings tucked in so that things didn’t go downhill for me, and once that was taken care of, we both rode off down the road towards town. Not so much time later, we made it to town, only to see that the streets weren’t all that busy. Since it was the afternoon of course, everypony would be going home to find out what’s for dinner. During our ride, my sister however, went on and on about a party her and her marefriends were planning. I only heard half of what she was saying, as I kept my eye out for any suspicious acts, and also since hearing her talk too much all the time, made me feel a bit irritated. "Did you hear what I just said??" she asked loudly, breaking me away from my thought bubble, as she does all the time, and stopped her bike with a loud screech, causing me to stop as well, and raise an annoyed eyebrow at her, before looking about once again, just to be sure nopony was there. "I heard you sis, but you talk way too much. How's about keeping it closed sometimes?" I asked, raising both eyes, as I posted my serious face. She was about to protest in anger, but was cut off by a familiar voice, which made my blood run cold, "Well, well, well, if it isn't Jackpot and his little brat-sister, Cream Puff." I growled angrily, and turned to see a group of three teen-aged colts standing in our way. Two of them were twins, with a dark blue coat, and the same short white hair, with light red highlights, and green eyes, both of their cutie marks being tennis rackets; and the third, their leader, being slightly bigger than the two, had a light cream colored coat, with short brown hair, blue crystal eyes, and a football for his cutie mark. They were called, The Terribles. "'What do you want, Gilden?' I asked, glaring at him, as he stood big and proud. What a jerk... I thought to myself, and waited to see what he was here for. He was one of those school jocks who didn't know when to quit bullying people around. Gilden stared at me with a dark smirk, "Do you know that you're on my territory, Jackpot?" He got snickers from the twins, who made me roll my eyes in annoyance, Such wannabes... I only raised an eyebrow towards Gilden, before correcting him, "This isn't your territory, Gilden. It belongs to everypony." Gilden scoffed slightly, and got close to my face, his muzzle scrunching up mine, as he continued, "I don't see everypony's name on it...do you?” He let my muzzle go too quickly, making me rub it softly, before continuing to glare at him with hatred, while he finished his thoughts. “Besides, I live just up the block, and everypony around there knows that this whole neighborhood is mine. So, if you don't want your flank kicked, I'd suggest you move along." He gave my sister and I both a wave of his hoof, as if dismissing us. I wanted to give this pony a piece of my mind, but my sister nudged my elbow, and looked at me with worried eyes; she was scared of Gilden, “We should go, Jackie...'' Gilden snickered at this, and moved away from me and my sister, before saying, "You should listen to her, Jackpot...you don't want to be pounded into the ground now, do ya?" I stared at the twins, who punched their hooves together, as if getting ready to give me a beating, and gave us an evil grin, which made me think it was best if we just rode back home. "Let's go, Cream," I said, not wanting to deal with these three today. She nodded, and climbed back on her bike, and we both rode off, leaving the sounds of Gilden and his two buds laughing in amusement. I really hated him, and wanted to do something about it, but what? ~~ Dinner was the scent that wafted through the house, which my sis and I could smell once we got back home. My father was back home it seemed too, so that's where my sister ran off, so she can greet him. I went upstairs to my room to write in my journal. It was the only thing I can do to keep my mind off of Gilden and his rambunctious ways. It also made it easier for me to write down my thoughts and feelings, instead of breaking anything that was priceless to me or my parents. We found that out when I started getting bullied in elementary school a long time ago, I never cherished those days. "Jackie! Dinner is in five minutes!" I heard my mom yell upstairs, while I was just taking out my pencil to put down a few thoughts in my journal. 'Sure mom! Be right down!" I yelled back, hoping she heard me. I stared at the blank sheet of paper before me, and frowned deeply. Now, what is it that I want to put down? I thought to myself, and then nodded, Right...Gilden... I scribbled down my thoughts about how much I disliked Gilden, and wished to pay him back for being so mean. Once I was done, my father came walking into the room. I looked up to give him a short smile. He had the same long strawberry red hair and white coat, and was wearing his brown hat and tie, "Did you hear your mother call you down for dinner, son?" he asked, giving me a raised eyebrow, before looking about my room, which I had left tidy before leaving out this afternoon with my sis. This, I noticed, made him smile a bit more. I nodded, and put my journal away quickly, before climbing off of the chair to face him properly, "Yes, I was just on my way." He gave my hair a quick ruffle, and smiled tiredly towards me, "Good. Try to stay out of trouble, son, ya hear?" I only smiled, and hugged him quickly, before trotting downstairs towards the dining area. Once there, I took my seat, and watched as Cream helped put the food out onto the plates. My mother walked in with a yellow apron on. The one she always wore when I was a young filly, and placed the refreshments on the table. She gave me a quick glance, as if wanting to tell me something, but left it alone, and went back into the kitchen to get dessert. Sometimes I wonder what my parents think of me. Am I a disappointment, or am I a son they are proud of? I didn't know, and probably was too afraid to ask, so I left that thought alone.
Chapter 2View OnlineWhere the Bad Ponies GoChapter 2New Teacher The next morning, I had awakened early, and was already out riding my bike towards the school. It's not like I had a choice, I just found that riding my bike was an easy way of getting to school than waiting for the bus that would normally come to the house, and pick me up. I had my blue backpack on my back, filled with the normal school supplies and my journal. My mother had to remind me a few times not to get into trouble, which I know was nice of her to watch out for me, but I’m 15! I can handle myself. Though, If I were to see Gilden today, I'd have to be very careful. Not like I was scared of him or anything, just irritated by his presence. I finally made it to the school, and had set my bike down at the bike rack, and locked it into place. The parking lot was vacant, except for a few cars that were scattered about; so maybe I was a bit too early. Oh well, better now than later. The only thing I mostly saw while making my towards the school, was a few lights on in certain rooms. Smiling to myself, and quite relieved that nopony that I knew wasn’t around at this time, I made my way over to the entrance, and cautiously made my way inside. As I suspected, not a lot of ponies were in yet, and it seemed I wasn’t the first student to show up. I saw a few ponies I knew, and waved to them, while I was on my way to my locker. Once there, I put in the locker combination, and continued with the daily routine of taking out most of my supplies for the first few classes, the first one being, Mathematics. I noticed too, as I was doing this, that I kept having an irritated feeling I was being watched by somepony. I looked left and then right, and only shrugged my shoulders, hoping it was just my imagination, since I didn't see anypony about. After I closed the door to my locker, I jumped back in surprise to see a pony standing next to my locker with a creepy smile. "Whoa...I didn't see you there," I said nervously, while taking in her appearance. She was a tall unicorn, who had an orange coat, with a light green mane, which was tied up in a tight bun and matching colored tail, along with the greenest eyes I'be ever seen. I took a look at her flank, and stared at the cutie mark, which bore a heart with an arrow running through it. Maybe she was a teacher? I couldn't be sure. Beside her, was a lot of books floating in the air, as she controlled it with her horn, the magic glowing a light blue. "I'm sorry if I startled you, young one," she said, her accent sounding in the mix between Manehattan and Gildedale. "You were so concentrated with what you were doing, I didn't want to disturb the peace." I raised an eyebrow at her, but continued to wonder who she was or where she came from, "Uh, alright. I was just on my way to my first class." To this new information, the Unicorn grinned, while I watched her look me over with a curious expression, "Ah, let me guess, Math class, correct?" I stared at her in shock, wondering how she knew. "Uh yes?" I started my way towards the staircase to get to the classroom. Something strange about this unicorn, and I had to ask, "What's your name? I never seen you around here before, well, until now." A soft chuckle escaped her muzzle, as she gave me a slight smirk, "You are a curious one yourself, and though I've only been here a few weeks, its strange how we never met...until now..." she turned to me, the smirk widening, as she mocked me, "But to shed a bit of light on your question, my name is Valerie Heart, though most who knewme, call me Val, for short." I raised an eyebrow at how she emphasized the word knew. It was like the ones who knew her, are not her friends anymore or something. Though I only concluded that in my head just now, I nodded, "Nice to meet you, Valerie. My name is Jackie, but some just call me Jack. Do you have the same class as I do?" I really wanted to know her status, she didn’t seem to be a teacher to me...or a student.... She shook her head, "No. But I am the new teacher for your class, since your last teacher...well...let's say...he's been given permission to take a small vacation." A creepy smirk made its way across her lips, and I felt a cold shiver run down my spine. I was a bit speechless to say the least. I don't remember getting any news about Mr. Hans taking a vacation from the class, if that were even possible... I only gave a short nod to the Lady, and once we made it to the classroom, I took my seat in the middle row. I wonder how this class will go with her as our teacher. I watched her place all the books she brought with her onto the desk in the front of the room, and sent me a wide smile. I looked back down at my folder quickly, which I took out and placed in front of me. Maybe meeting her now, instead of later is a good thing. I can tell she's certainly a mystery. There's just something about her I can't trust. Then again, its not like I trust everypony I meet, let alone a teacher... I frowned deeply, taking out a pencil to start out the day with, and waited for class to begin.
Chapter 3 - ShortView OnlineWhere the Bad Ponies GoChapter 3 - ShortNews! Classes had went smoothly, and I managed to actually hand in my homework and class work early. I have noticed also, that Ms. Heart has been giving me weird smiles too, as I would pass her in the hallways, but I only pass it as just something normal. Once the bell rang, I was all packed and ready to hit my next class, which was lunch. Making my way into the hallway of crowded ponies, I headed straight down the hallway, but I didn't get far, as I felt a hoof touch my shoulder, stopping me from going any further, and a familiar voice from behind, "Hey Jackie! Where are you headed to in such a rush?" Did I look like I was rushing? I wondered to myself, before turning to find one of my best friends smiling widely at me. She was a beautiful Pegasus pony, with her light pink coat, matching large wings, and dark purple mane, with a few light colored highlights as well as her tail, and those red eyes were so captivating. Her cutie mark was a red rose, and she was wearing the usual brown satchel filled with her books around her frame, "Hey Rose Sunbeam, I'm just on my way to my next class. I see you're a bit hyper today," I said, giving her a smile, as she squeezed me in for a quick hug, and walked along with me to my next class. "'Well, I'm glad somepony noticed! Guess what?!" she exclaimed, skipping happily, as I remained my walking position, keeping in stride, as she tried to keep her wings folded inwards. "What news do you have for me?" I asked, playing along, as this would sometimes be a favorite routine, except for her popping up out of nowhere when you’re not paying any attention. "Weeeell," she started, giggling softly, "My mom's allowing me to stay over for a sleepover tonight! Won't that be exciting!" I had to laugh softly at her enthusiasm, and thought about this new information, before frowning slightly, "Wait, you're coming over to my place for another sleepover?" This wasn't the first time she's been over, but I'm worried, since my mother or father didn't mention this to me, or maybe they don't even know. Rose nodded excitedly, and smiled brightly, "Yes! I also called your mom, and let her know earlier this morning." I raised an eyebrow, and then remembered my mother's face expression during breakfast, "Hm, I wonder if that's what she wanted to tell me..." I looked thoughtful, and realized that we had made it to the cafe where ponies of all shapes and sizes were sitting around either on clouds or regular seats, eating their lunch. "So, what do you think?" Rose soon asked, as she searched the cafeteria for her group of friends. She was very popular, unlike me, but that’s fine, I’m not much of an ‘in crowd’ pony. "I think it's a wonderful idea..." I said, giving her a small smile. "Oh, that reminds me..." I turned to Rose, and whispered, "Have you met the new math teacher, Ms. Valeria Heart?" Rose's muzzle scrunched up at the mention of the name, and nodded, before whispering back, "Yea, I did. I heard she already sent a few ponies to the Principal's office for being bad in class...and on her first day too..." I raised an eyebrow towards my best friend, "Really?" Rose nodded, but wasn't able to say much, as her group of Pegasus and Unicorn friends rampaged pass me, and pushed and shoved Rose to their table, all of them talking all at once, while Rose looked on in excitement. I sighed deeply, and decided to make my way to my locker to put my books away. On that note, I was starting to wonder who were the ponies that Ms. Heart sent to the Principal's office today.
Chapter 4View OnlineWhere the Bad Ponies GoChapter 4~Sleepover Party! PART 1~ The day seemed to have gone by quickly, and by the time school was over, Rose and I found ourselves trotting into an empty house. I looked about for a few seconds, and trotted slowly into the living room, where I placed my backpack on the couch, and then ran to the kitchen to find the place where my parents’ would always leave a note if they weren’t home. I found it sitting on the fridge door, held by a cupcake magnet: Dear Jackie, Your father and I have taken your sister to her grandmother’s for the weekend, while we have an important meeting to attend. You and Rose can help yourselves to anything in the kitchen, and I left your favorite cookies on the counter, hope you like them, and please stay safe. We should be back shortly tomorrow. Love, Mom and Dad xoxo I stared at the paper for a few minutes, and used my muzzle to take it down from the fridge, and placed it on the counter, next to the sweet ginger cookies my mother left me. I smiled happily, and picked one up to take a small nibble, but was interrupted by Rose, who was suddenly behind me, and snatching the sweet from my hoof, and munched on it instead. “Mmm, tastes good!” she exclaimed, and went for another one, but I stopped her. “Rose, that was really rude!” I glared playfully at her, though I was being serious as well. She giggled softly, and waved a hoof at me as if to dismiss what I said, “Aww, don’t worry about it. Your mum made you a ton of these, you’ll still have some left to eat. So, without further adieu...” She grabbed for another, and ate it. I hoof-faced my forehead, and just gave up, “I’ll eat my snacks later...” Picking up the tray, I sat them elsewhere, and away from Rose’ reach, before trotting back into the living room to retrieve my backpack, and made my way upstairs, “Come on, Rose!” I called down, and waited until I heard the familiar flap of her wings reach my ears, and saw a pink flash fly past me. I sighed deeply, and followed after her into my room, where I closed the door, and placed my backpack onto my bed, and watched curiously, as Rose took a look around my room. She seemed excited, which I was glad for, since I wasn’t sure how I should be feeling about another sleepover. “So...what do you have in mind this time for our umteenth sleepover this year?” I asked, sitting my flank down at the monitor of my video game station, while she sat down on my bed, her hind legs swinging gently in the air. She wore a thoughtful expression, and gave me a sly smirk, “Hm, well, I’ve been talking with the girls during lunch, and they all wanted to come over for the sleepover, so I let them.” “Oh no...no no no no no...Rose, please say you didn’t!” I pleaded with her, as I stood back up from my play station. She gave me a soft shrug, and chuckled, “Oh yes, I did. Your mother didn’t mind when I told her I’d bring a few friends over. Also, I ordered us some food out, so that when the girls get here, they won’t be starving...” I guessed that was a generous thing for Rose to do, but before could go on with any plans for the night, we were disturbed by a harsh knock on the door downstairs. Staring at each other with wide eyes, we both quickly ran over to the window to see that our food delivery had came. “Finally!” Rose said, and excitedly flew down the staircase, while I ran down, since mother always warned me not to fly around in the house. Rose made it to the door before I did, and retrieved the food before she paid the pony, who tipped his hat, and then left in a hurry. I walked over, and helped Rose with the bags and the couple of boxes. An hour later, we both had the table set with the food that was delivered, and I had to ask Rose a curious question, “Rose, how many of your mare friends are actually coming over?” Rose turned to raise an eyebrow at me from placing another plate of food on the table, and then was behind me in a few seconds, patting my head gently, while she spoke in a voice that was full of pity, “Aww, don’t worry Jackie. There won’t be a lot of them, I promise. Besides, you won’t be the only colt here.” I frowned slightly at that, and asked, “And who’s coming besides the mares?” She whispered in my ear, “The Terribles...” My face expression soon went blank, as my eyes widened, and sudden panic washed over me. “Please tell me you were joking, Rose.” I wore an expression of pure hatred, as I stared at Rose. She had a laughable smile on her face, but when she saw how serious I was, she had to shrug her shoulders, looking slightly nervous, while I waited for an answer, “Uhh....” The doorbell then rang, making Rose sigh with relief, and fly off to open it, while I growled lightly, clearly upset that she had invited my worst enemies. If they so much as mess up one precious item in this house, I’m blaming Rose for it, I thought grumpily. Some sleepover this will turn out to be.
Chapter 5View OnlineWhere the Bad Ponies GoChapter 5Sleepover Party! Part 2! It was not long for most of the ponies who came to settle down in the living room. I greeted most of them at the door, while I figured that most of them seemed pretty friendly, well, almost... I glared hard at the three who walked in last, their heads held high, while dark smirks covered their features. “Gilden...how nice to see you...” I whispered through my teeth, venom dripping from my words, as it was obvious sarcasm. Gilden turned to me, grinning widely, before nudging his pals, “Well Jackpo-” He stopped, when Rose came over, and gave him a raised eyebrow, where he looked back at me, and gave me a smile, one that was as fake as can be, “I mean, Jackie. I wanted to thank you for inviting us to your sleepover party.” One of the twins cut in, “Yea, thanks man!” He too, shared a fake smile, while his other twin rolled his eyes, but only nodded in response, before the three started to walk off. I only raised a confused eyebrow, acting as though I didn’t know what was going on, but had a pretty good idea that Rose had something to deal with it. Turning to ask her the question, I found the spot where she once stood, was gone...”Perfect...” I muttered, before sighing deeply, and trotting over to a couch to sit down for a while. I noticed a light blue unicorn smiling at me. She was pretty, had short light blue and white streaked mane and tail, with a few mint candies on her flank, and green eyes. A bit too bright for me, but nonetheless was fine. I smiled back at her, as she walked over to me, and asked softly, “Did you plan this sleepover, or did Rose force you into it?” I gave a soft shrug at her question, and spoke with honesty, “Oh, she had planned it, and then dragged me into it, as usual.” I then was curious of who this mare was, so I had to ask, “What’s your name?” She giggled, and took a seat next to me, as I sat on the couch, watching over everything, “My name is Misty Minty, but everypony calls me Minty. You’re Jackie, right?” I nodded. I guess it didn’t surprise me that she didn’t know who I was, since I never hung around with Rose and her friends. “Yes, I am. A pleasure to meet you, Misty. I hope you have fun here tonight, but be careful, Rose might go over her head again, and make things embarrassing, especially for me...” Misty laughed softly, “Yea, that’s Rose for ya. Always the prankster of the group.” Looking around with curiosity, she asked, “Where’d she go anyways?” Rose had went upstairs to fetch the games, while I just sat on the couch, conversing with a few of the other ponies, who had suddenly came up to speak with Misty and myself. I always feared that Rose’ friends would think of me as a weird Pegasus, but it seems they don’t seem to mind, since they’re weird as well. This bit of information, as they tell me, made me laugh with relief. “I got the games!” Speaking of the Pegasus. I looked up to see Rose with boxes of our favorite board games, and sighed deeply. I sure hope we can get this done quickly, and only hope that Rose doesn’t embarrass me. As the games got started, Rose tried to get me to play along, but I had no interest. I only waved a hoof at her, as if telling her to just move it along, while I just sat here and thought about a few things. She gave me a light shrug, and continued playing. The only thing I was more worried about now, was what the Terribles were up to, I just realized now that they’re not in my eyesight. My eyes widened in panic, and I ran into the dining room to see if they were in there; nowhere to be found. The family room...the cellar...not here either; where could they...? I then thought of a glass breaking, and my mother looking at me furiously. I groaned, and then ran towards the kitchen, and that’s where I found them, eating the cookies that my mother left for me. I stopped in my tracks, first shocked, and then angry. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” I yelled loudly, catching their attention, the twins dropping a cookie, while Gilden only turned with a smirk. “Oh, are these yours, Jackpot?” he asked, stuffing another one into his mouth, making my blood boil with anger. “My mother made those for me!” I stated, glaring at them all angrily. Wrong answer... “Your mother?” Gilden asked, his eyes suddenly widening, before he started laughing loudly, and nudged one of the twins shoulders, “Hey, Jackpot is a momma’s pony!” They all broke out in hilarious laughter, while I fumed. I ran over, and grabbed the tray that had my mother’s cookies on them, and stared at the few crumbs that were left in shock and panic. I cannot believe this! The next 15 minutes involved me wrestling with Gilden on the floor, while the twins tried their best to eat the rest of the cookies. Rose came in a few moments later to see what was going on, and then took Gilden off of me, who had been busy sending me punches to the face. “Gilden! You promised to be good!” she stated, glaring at the pony angrily, who only rolled his eyes in annoyance. Once I was on my hooves again, I only continued to glare at the three, before Rose said with a loud voice, “Alright, that’s it! Out! All three of you!” Gilden tried to reason with her, but Rose flapped her wings rapidly, and was ready to kick them out herself, literally. Soon enough, the three were out of the house, and on their way home. I watched them leave, and caught Gilden glaring back at me, as if saying this was not over. Of course it’s not over...its just beginning...
