Rising Hope 2: The Harmony Of Equestria.

Jamir's Pov:

I don't know why nor how, but this really seemed to be taking a lot longer than at first glance. All we're doing Is just staking out a shanty compound and for what? To potentially freeze out In the cold over one pony and a treaty, but now I'm starting to get a little uncomfortable just sitting here. Some feet away was a decent sized kind of little hovel In what I'd say to be the worst part of any town: the slums. Zareran Informed us that the Equestrian representative was taken here and being held by some demented dragon: Kanaranx In a nutshell, this guys's fought on the front lines In the Great Dragon War and was subjected to a great deal of mental trauma, leaving him with the modern version of A.D.H.D. On a more particular note, this was going have to be well executed to the letter since we have a wild card plus anything could go wrong In a second.

Running a hand through my hair, I sighed and looked up In the sky. The sight of the moon In clear and unobstructed view only reminded me more of how I miss Luna and the girls. But that feeling only fueled my desires 10x more to just do what I came here to do In the first place. Taking one last look at the sky, I admired all the splendor and calm, quiet nature of the night before turning my attention to the griffon.

''So the rep's In there?'' I asked.

''Yea,  ol' Kan-Kan should be feeling In a giving mood, but be aware: he doesn't have the best logic.'' Flashing said as we made our way over.

Playing this safe, I only settled for using the gun function on my scythe, the very least I could do was shoot at their feet should they get out of line.

''But remember we have a deal.'' The griffon reminded me.

''I know, that's why I let you send Renoir with the guys while they take care of getting your sister and what she needs.'' I thought back to our little talk.

10 Minutes before hand:

Arriving In a questionable part of town gave me doubts, but still I let the local here explain with a somewhat crude map.

''So look: If we're gonna do this It's gonna be done right. Your team'll go and and head down to this part of town and make sure my sister's okay. You can take this service entrance down Into the slums and proceed on from there. Everything should be lax, so you might not encounter any resistance. Just go In and get what's needed and get out, we'll all rendezvous back here.'' Zareran said.

''Fine, doesn't seem to hard: but who's going to be leading the charge?'' I asked.

''Me!'' Frank and Valiant spoke up.

''You both lead, just take care not to bite each other's necks off and I swear If anything happens to my sister...''

''Relax, they'll take extra care to make sure nothing goes wrong.'' I assured. He scoffed at me with no belief.

Everything should go just fine on their end, but I am more concerned about how to deal with a possible psychotic dragon. Walking over with a calm demeanor, we were led through a door and downstairs to a cellar where two Earth pony guards were stationed. Taking a look at Zareran, they let us pass and a laugh was heard from down below. Walking down the stairs, a few figures came Into view. A blue Pegasus was playing  poker next to a jet black dragon who looked very pissed off, a pony with tied up with a potato sack over their head In a distant corner.

''Maybe you should slow down, It's not really a race to win If you don't know what your doing.'' The Pegasus snickered.

''Silence, this game just doesn't conform to my style of playing so It gets burnt!'' The dragon let a stream of yellow fire loose and smelt the cards and chips Into one soupy mess. Clearing his throat to make our presence known, Kanaranx turned his head to us with a speed that was sure to have his neck hurt. Settling his eyes on Zareran, he broke Into a wicked smile and clapped his claws In joy.

''My dear friends, how has life been treating you?'' The excitement In his eyes only paralleled to his body language.

''Alright, I guess: just broke out of prison so-''What?! hold It, hold It, hold everything and spill the details, do It!'' He brought up a chair and began munching on some jewels.

15 minutes later.

''And that's pretty much how It happened.'' Flashing explained.

Kanaranx looked at me, and then to the representative and laughed.

''That Is messed up, Indeed. I was hoping on this job to pay out, but since Azure double crossed you, I guess the least I can do Is give you what you came for, but since this'll put a major dent In my scales how about this: you owe me one favor, no matter the time or place.'' He offered his claw to me.

Considering all that happened, a small favor can be the least of my worries than a war sparking up.Taking his claw, I gave him the firmest handshake I could, looked him In his eyes and said: ''Deal.''

''Excellent, excellent! Wind Breaker, release the prisoner!'' The dragon said with a wave. The Pegasus seemed reluctant to do so, but none the less complied, revealing a tan unicorn mare knocked unconscious. Going over and waking her up, she looked to be In good condition. No visible rib lines, so they aren't starving her. Her body Is free of scars and wounds, so she must just be knocked out without much of a struggle, and her breathing rate Is normal, so that checks out: ''Now what about the peace treaty?'' I searched her satchel.

''It's right here: so go ahead and take your last look because you'll never see It again.'' Wind Breaker unfurled his wings and flapped dust Into our eyes and fled.

''This fucking cocksucker again. I swear I might kill him this time!'' I spawned thousands of thoughts.

''Damn, I can't see!'' I tried to clear the foreign debris out, my eyes watering from the dust and a Itching sensation present with every single piece feeling like tiny shards, edging my field of vision as I tasted traces of dirt. Following the sound of his hoofsteps outside, my ears picking up on his wings taking flight. Holstering my weapon, I took random aim as a bullet left the barrel, a piercing blare filling the air. Regaining my sight, my feet dashed quickly, giving me time to get my wings out and soar after, the thick, hot air leaving a slight sour taste on my tongue.

A flood of emotions went through my head as once again I was served yet another crap sandwich when my goal was so close. Letting a growl escape my lips, I once again have to fix a problem before It turns to something nopony can handle.

Frank's Pov, The Slums:

Walking down a dirt path, a small light shined on something In the distance. Jogging ahead of the group, I found It to be a puddle of water, the night sky Illuminating my facial features. Looking at the tangled black mess on my head I called hair really has grown. Brushing a few strands out of my way, my once smooth skin Is now blanketed with remains of dirt and small cuts. My light blues eyes only portrayed tiredness, hurt, and confusion as I readjusted my gloves. Sighing as we kept moving, the small sounds of grasshoppers and the occasional scream of protest filled the air with our trek. Stopping to look at the map, It looked to point us to the left. Walking slowly, we came Into a clearing that led to a open sewer pipe, the briny, putrid smell assaulting my nostrils and forcing me hold my sleeve to my nose and step back.

''Ugh, we have to go down there?'' I began dry heaving.

''Eww, that smells.'' Xenia clutched her nose.

The Zebra nodded as she hopped In, a squishing sound coming throughout the tunnel as a splash was heard next.

''Come on, can't we have a break for once?'' Valiant complained.

I slapped my forehead, the cool texture of my gloves forming a temporary pleasant feeling. Going down one at a time, I only shuddered when my turn came.

''This better be worth swimming In shit, or me and that griffon will be at each other's throats.'' My protest were cut short as I hopped In.

Big Mistake.

A Immediate flow of bile came Into contact with my feet that felt like someone mashing pieces of jelly together as the sound did no better. To put In perspective: Pig sloshing around In filth. Hoping for this to be over, my wish was granted as I flew some feet across a crap filled body of water and fell face first on a pile of sacks. Clenching my fist In anger and disgust, Renoir spoke.

''His sister Is down that way.'' She pointed to a old shack that would fallen over by now. Taking the charge, we came down the path and went Inside. Seeing fruit piled In a corner, dried bones from some type of meat,  a stale smell of something, and a sponge bath tub, a dim light came from the other room. Pulling back a tarp, a basket laid In the middle, a small mass slowly breathing In and out, oblivious to our presence. I was moving forward when the Zebra stopped me with a hoof and said:

''Wait here, let me wake her up.'' She whispered.

Moving over to the sleeping Infant, she slowly shook her awake.

''Huh? Big brother?'' The child let out a yawn.

''No, honey: It's me Renoir. Your brother Is busy taking care of something so we're getting you out of here.'' She cooed.

The child looked at us with mild confusion for a moment while I went outside to try and clear some of this gunk out.

Jamir's Pov:

Flying after this troublesome Pegasus certainly burnt a hole In my mercy meter. I say that because I will break his wings six different ways and stick It where the sun don't shine! Whatever this guy's problem Is, he sure seems determined to see It through. Rounding back to try and knock me out of the sky, swerving through small spaces, and just plain being a complete asshole. Seeing the kingdom's palace coming In the distance, I decided to bring out the Vindicator and try something different out. Coming to a stop, I focused my scope on a loose set of construction material and fired.

Crack!

The resulting structure collapsed on the unsuspecting pony, a scream of surprise alerting me to his demise. Flying down, I discovered one of wings got pinned down by stray debris, a look of anger on his face.

''Buck...'' He groaned.

Sorting through the wreckage, a letter with the royal Canterlot seal dropped to the ground, obvious signs of wear and tear present, but hopefully the proposal Is still legible. Opening It up, the penmanship looked to be In order.

To the desk of the current Ruler of the Griffon Kingdom: this letter Is to attempt a mutual agreement that can prove beneficial to both parties Involved. We request a formal meeting to form a union between Griffon and ponies completely to open trade routes,  become business associates, and provide better opportunities to handle future endeavors. A representative will be present to the signing of the treaty, should you accept. We await your reply, Princess Celestia and Luna of Canterlot.

Sounds about right, now to get this-''Cough!'' Idiot out of this wreckage and this letter and representative to the King.

10 minutes later:

Carrying the somewhat conscious Wind Breaker proved to be no problem at all since I mostly flung the bastard with my magic like a rock, only to let him flop down and hit the ground at a decent height that won't kill him. After all this shit that happened, I need a stress reliever and take what I can get. Letting him spin like a rag doll, he hit the ground one last time before letting out a small groan. Landing next to him, I went back Inside the little hamlet only to find everyone back here, a small basket on Renoir's back as Kanaranx was slapping his knee at a joke I would assume only Frank would tell him. Clearing my throat, all eyes were on me as walked down the stairs and-Oh god, what the hell Is that smell?

''Okay, either someone's being eating shit or taking a bath In the stuff, so who's the culprit so I can throw them In a tank of disinfectant?'' I held my nose at the brimy, stank scent.

''That would be these potty heads.'' Zareran pointed to my group.

''And what compelled you to do all...this?''

''Don't ask, can we please just go home?'' Spike said.

''Master, I want to take a bath.'' Xenia called inside the pouch that Frank had on. Poor thing.

''Yes, we can: all we have to do Is just deliver this peace treaty with the representative and then we finally can go back home.'' I assured.

''Yes!''

Turning to Zareran, I thought for a moment what he did, what I did, and most of all: what I'm going to do.

''You guys, I may have a solution for your troubles: come to Equestria with us, It certainly would be a big Improvement from where you are now plus I can tell you all want revenge for what Azure did to you, as do we. So why not join us In getting payback?''

''You make a valid point, I do want revenge on that bucking traitor, and leaving here would not only be best for me, but for her too.'' He looked to his sister. ''After what you did by breaking us out, saving our lives, and helping rescue my sister: I would be more than honored to follow you, we all would.'' He bowed to me, the rest following suit.

Smiling, this turned out to be a great win for me today. Not only do I have more support to fuck that **** to oblivion, I also got what I came here to, and the best part Is: We can go home after this. No more dank, dark rooms, no more smart asses, no trouble to deal with...at least for a time. Putting the knocked out Pegasus In some rope and getting my newly formed team In order, we had one more thing to deal with. Delivering this peace treaty and returning home.

''Come on guys, let's get to the point: We've always done It this way.''