The morning sun rose over the little shack and revealed Celadon sitting outside of her shack that was still shrouded in her shadowy field of protection. An echoed yawn came from the shack and she let her shadow field down. Not even a moment after Ryder just came out with his mane a mess and his wings all ruffled. He stretched as he looked towards Celadon. "...Morning Cel.... How long have you been awake?" He asked. The dark griffon shrugged. "Been up so long you just dont know huh? Well... I didnt sleep so well.... Had a nightmare about those idiots my brother leads... I go in to study and I get the crap beaten outta me...." He sat down right next to Celadon looking out over the city. "...Either that or I just run away.... That nightmare has been recurring ever since I had joined..... They were picking on me and kept saying I was gonna be their downfall but.... they still dont believe I can do anything without my cutie mark....."

Celadon rested a wing on his back and took out a pen and paper pad before starting to write. 'Look Ry... They wont do anything there... Not with your brother around...' She said. 'Even with you outnumbered your brother can order something and they're done.... He isnt around just defend yourself and see if you cant lead them to me but.... if that doesnt work lose them the best you can. Bring it to one and see if you cant take him down depending on what type of pony you've got following you. Okay?' Shinzo gave a nod.

"Celadon... maybe you should get inside before the sun hurts you badly... Your wings are deteriorating and its making my back itch a bit." Celadon took her wing back and grabbed her friends hoof bringing him over to the shade. She had the note pad at the ready again but it was the last page Ryder noticed.

'It's only like a slight diaper rash. I'm training myself to withstand direct sunlight so I can do more in the day time.... More attacks happen in broad daylight i've noticed.... I've read the papers about the attacks and seen a few attacks on rooftops between pegasus gang members. I dont step in unless its a normal pony getting in to trouble or you as an exception. And... Your brother as much as I hate to say it... Now can you get me some new paper please? Bring it back here or I can have my medic friend meet you at Canterlot Carrots. That okay?' Ryder nodded.

"I'd like to meet your medic friend but.... Maybe see if you cant give me an address to meet him at first before I do a little shopping for you. You could probably hide out there if its possible." A plume of smoke came from Celadon's neck hole and she snapped her claw giving her the cloak and mask. She then gestured to him saying 'follow me' and he did so. They flew over a few buildings diving down into an alleyway and landing in the shadows. Celadon landed near a door just rubbing one of her wings a bit. Ryder landed in front of the door and looked to his dark griffon friend. "Sun starting to hurt you?" She gave a thumbs up looking a bit shaky. "Okay I hope your friend lets you stay in his home. We arent going back to your shack... Its a bit dangerous and if we have an earthquake that thing is going down. Maybe even with the next big storm Cloudsdale sends us... But can he let you stay here if its possible? Think he'll let you if I ask?" Celadon shrugged. Ryder took a deep breath and sighed. "Alright lead on. I cant do any searching unless you have enough room for writing down directions. Use the random cardboard at the end if you need to." The dark griffon gave a thumbs up and took her note pad out. As she scrawled something out Ryder looked down the alley way at the street half blocked by a dumpster perfectly hiding Celadon. He saw a few stallions pass by sporting red bandannas wrapped around their heads either as a headband or a mask. He quickly hid a bit panicked. "Hurry! Rebels spotted!"

Celadon fiddled with her pen for a little because the ink didnt want to come out onto the paper but then the unthinkable happened making both Shinzo and the headless griffon freeze. "Guys I swear i saw something fly into this alley way!" A stallion said. "Could be a couple trying to fuck away from prying eyes! Maybe we make em pay us to get us away and let them finish."

"Hide!" Ryder whispered to Celadon. The griffon gave a thumbs up putting her paper pad and pen away before becoming a silhouette fusing to the wall. Ryder acted like he was trying to get in to the back door just as the same stallions that wore the red bandannas came right behind him.

"Well well well.... Looks like we got ourselves a wannabe thief trying to break in...." The middle one said. Ryder didnt dare turn around and show his face. "Doesnt even have his cutie mark yet! What a little pussy!"

Ryder growled silently feeling a cold chill envelope his body. "Must be a deaf piece of trash.... HEY LOOK AT US WHEN WE'RE TALKING TO YOU!" Another stallion said just as someone pushed him against the door. Again Ryder didnt look up.

Ryder sighed still looking at the door. "....I'm not gonna look at you... Do you really want someone to ID you guys after you do your dirty work?" He asked. The stallions behind him stayed silent.

"Well... Someone's actually got a head on their body.... It'd be a shame if someone separated them...." Just then he heard wings flap only to hear a metallic 'SHINGK' come to his ears. Ryder lowered himself just grinning a bit acting as if he were looking through a little hole in the door.

"....Big mistake...." He quickly sprang up and flew a couple feet over his attackers just looking down at each of them. "NOW!" Suddenly Celadon shot up from right where Ryder stood only to draw a blade made of pure darkness from her wings. The stallions shook frozen and just as she raised the sword the stallions yelled scared and ran off, one of them leaving his bandanna behind. Ryder quickly landed and picked the red cloth up. He looked to Celadon and grinned holding it in his hoof. "Celly! Thanks for that help." Celadon went over and hugged Ryder after putting her blade away. She shook as if she were frightened but Ryder shushed her. "....Hey... hey dont worry... I'm okay.... You're alright.... Thank you for protecting me...." Celadon just patted his back holding him close. He pushed off her and sighed. "Cant tell if it should be a trophy or disguise but check what I found." He held up the bandanna just grinning at it. Celadon took the fabric in her claw and a puff of smoke came from her neck. Suddenly she folded it up not even taking two seconds for it to happen before tying it around Ryder's head. "Huh... Disguise is a better thing while traversing this territory eh?" The griffon gave a thumbs up. "Good idea. But... I know only a few areas that are Rebel territories and others. I dont wanna walk out of rebel territory and into Green Circle territory just to get my ass kicked... Does your friend do business with anybody?" Celadon gave a puff of smoke and just rubbed two of her talons together after stepping back. "Ah.... For a price?" Celadon gave a thumbs up. "Okay gotcha... So you just wanna help me with the door and get me to your friend? I dont want more to show up."

The dark griffon didnt even give him any acknowledgement and just started working on the door. It didnt take her but a minute before she cracked it open and pulled Ryder inside. He followed closely through two floors of run down apartments but they stopped at one of the cleanest doors they've seen. Celadon knocked and grabbed Ryder and before he could react he was knocked out cold. Just a quick yet strong hit to the bridge of the nose and he was out. He came to in a dark room on a large bed with sunlight coming through the blinds just to the left of him. A shadowy figure sat in the corner but no distinguishing features could be made. "...Ah good you're awake..." They said. Their voice was low but he could make out it was a stallion maybe just about as old as he was maybe even a little older. Still young. "Stay still... You were knocked out right at my door apparently.... Thanks to a little 'accident' my friend caused you this check up is free. No blood loss, maybe slight bruising but nothing worse than a bump on the head. Before we go any further.... I need you to answer a few questions. Nothing in depth but just to test your memory. First off what's your name?"

"...Ryder Hanajeema.... My brother calls me Shinzo though...."

"....Alright... Nice to meet you Ryder. Names Shunko. Next question.... Are you a pegasus, Earth or unicorn pony?"

"I'm no idiot Shunko I'm a pegasus." The hidden stallion gave a laugh.

"Wow... feisty arent we? You know what city you're in?"

"Ikkebuckero dick can I get up now? And turn on a light why dont you? I'd like to see who is helping me here.... Id rather not get my brother in on this.... He's very protective over me and wont hesitate to come into this territory to scare you away...." The stallion sighed as he opened the blinds letting light into the room. The room was almost bare other than a chair in the corner where the stallion sat and the bed Ryder was laying on. The stallion known as Shunko was a unicorn pony. Grey coat, white scrub shirt with what looked to be blood splattered across the chest and a short mane. Looked to be a navy blue.

"Fine then... I know you're the brother of a crime boss Ryder.... Worked on him when he had a broken arm a year back. Hows he doing now?" Ryder slowly climbed out of the bed and got onto his hooves stretching.

"He's doing alright.... He got that broken arm when he was wrestling with a stallion twice his size and it ended up snapping. Didnt know you fixed him up." The stallion gave a smile turning his flank to the side shedding some light on it revealing a medical bag with a fast forward symbol on it.

"Well fast recovery is my game even when you dont know my name. You alright? Not dizzy? No pain?" Ryder coughed slightly.

"Well.... I am thirsty... Didnt have anything to drink since last night and I gotta use the can.... Any chance for either?" Shunko started towards a door.

"C'mon. Bathroom is right outside the door and I'll get you a glass of ice water. I've got who brought you in but just so you dont freak out I'm gonna ask them to just cover themselves up." Ryder sighed as the stallion opened the door.

"Is this somepony a headless griffon perchance?" Shunko looked back at Ryder a bit scared and nodded hesitantly. "Bring her to me.... NOW." Shunko huffed and nodded just leaving Ryder at the door of the bathroom. He waited there for a few moments until he saw Celadon approaching him with very little smoke coming from her neck hole. "Celadon.... what the actual FUCK?! I thought we were coming here because you wanted me to meet your friend! Not get treated by him! You may be a mare but I wont hesitate on smacking you!"

Celadon hesitantly pulled out a new little paper pad and her pen writing something down. '....Ryder I'm... I'm sorry.... Just hit me! Make things even between us I dont care!' She wrote. It came out all sloppy. 'Hit me anywhere.... I deserve it...." Ryder sighed.

"Celly..... I'll let you get off with a warning but if you do that again expect a buck to the belly! Got me?" Celadon wrote some more down on.

'....Okay... Again I'm really sorry... If it makes you feel any better I've singed my wings with the morning sun just to punish myself....' She extended one of her wings only for him to see a few feathers fall out looking burnt to a crisp.

"Okay that is just...." Ryder grunted stamping his hoof. "Okay its good you had a new pad of paper but I'm getting you something that can help you fly in the sunlight without getting hurt! Just go and sit down, just have Shunko get your measurements. I gotta use the can." Celadon just stood there as very little smoke came from her neck hole. She walked out into the living room just with her smoke coming off as if there were embers in her lungs. The living room was very clean. A flat screen TV hung up on the wall with a little shelf full of knickknacks below it. A Dining table sat in between the living room and the kitchen but it separated with the couch between the dining table and the living room.

Shunko sat on a black couch just flipping through a magazine. He looked up at the griffon who just lied down next to him. "....You okay Celadon?" He asked. "That boy didnt drill into you too hard did he? If he did I'll charge him as much as removing a broken shiv from his flank."

Celadon rolled onto her back twitching slightly as she pulled out her pad of paper and pen. '....He's just worried about me.... I punished myself with burning my wings with sunlight but he wants me to roam around in the daylight after he clothes me somehow.... He wanted you to get my measurements but I dont know how you're going to do that but... If he can find something for me to wear to protect me from the sun I'd just.... I dont know how I'd thank him but... It'd be the best way I could ever thank him.... Maybe I'd find some place like this he could live.... probably a weapon I find that isnt wing blades... Maybe some guard armor he could alter himself....' Shunko sighed closing the magazine up.

"Look... While we're out I'll have him pick something out. For now just relax here. Take a bath, soothe the burn, take a nap and I'll be back with him. Okay?" Celadon gave him a thumbs up before he went back to Ryder.

Not long later Ryder and Shunko were walking through the streets of Ikkebuckero. More of a better part of town with ponies in suits walking about. This was where most of the Bits hit disguised as other gang members and they hide easily when they work as a team. Ryder huffed as he looked to the unicorn at his side. "Guess what happened was more security for you huh?" He asked. Shunko nodded as they passed a few ponies.

"If someone is injured they need to be sedated as soon as possible even if it means either drugging them or knocking them out. Most likely it's the drugging to prevent more injury but say I have a stronger looking patient like you some force needs to be issued. Exactly why your check up was free." The colt rolled his eyes and huffed.

"I'm only seventeen. I'm as harmless as a bee."

"Dangerous until you actually do something before you're the one in trouble?" He chuckled a bit flying a bit off the ground as they went across the road.

"Yeah... Taunt one too many gang members and you're more than likely gonna get a few bruises just from rocks they throw. Most missing hitting windows and other ponies." Shunko hummed a bit.

"Heightened agility yet degraded strength... Broken any bones?" Ryder looked down at his travel companion.

"What's with the twenty questions doc?" Shunko smiled.

"Just a little research! Anything wrong with that? I need to know patients before I give any more treatment. A health history if you will. So... Any broken bones?" Ryder landed next to him as they stopped near a restaurant. There was a stallion outside trying to give out coupons. A rather large stallion wearing a white bandanna around his head and what looked to be a doctors scrubs shirt.

"Few years ago my mom pushed me down the stairs to my dads apartment... dumb bitch got booted when I had to go to the hospital for a broken arm and a busted wing. She keeps coming back, threatening me and my family just to either get drug money or something. Tried telling the guard but they never find her where we say she was. Most likely why my dad was in the hospital when my brother told me the other day."

"Couldnt get payment so someone got hurt?" Ryder shrugged.

"Dunno... Wouldnt doubt that she took a bunch of shit to hock."

"Probably why you stick to those who vow to protect you. Correct?" Ryder nodded hanging his head. Shunko looked up at the food joint next to them then back to Ryder. "Want to stop for food? My treat." Ryder looked to him a bit confused. "I know I know we're trying to give something back to someone who helped you but it might help take your mind off your own safety. Stick with Celadon and she'll protect you. Okay?" Ryder hesitantly nodded. "Good. Now lets get on inside and eat. Order what ever and i'll pay."

Ryder nodded and started walking towards the door where the big stallion was standing. "CANTERLOT CARROTS! CANTERLOT CARROTS! GOOD CARROTS, GOOD PRICE!" The stallion yelled. The stallion had a very thick accent. Easter Steuropean. Just as the duo were about to enter the stallion turned back and handed Ryder a coupon paper. "Here friends! Eat and enjoy! Coupons for one free entree when you buy another! Enjoy!" Ryder nodded as Shunko entered. Before Ryder could enter the stallion grabbed his arm. "Wait friend. Meet me around back after your meal. You look like someone resourceful that could help me! Check your coupon for a symbol we both would know." The colt nodded as he was set free allowing him to follow his friend inside. Ryder was understandably shaken. He followed Shunko to their table before Ryder looked at the paper he was given. On the bottom in the corner he saw the symbol he was told about. A circle with the outline of a horse shoe in it with half of it colored in. The Bits symbol he's seen painted in small places, some in other gangs graffiti.

"Everything alright Ryder?" Shunko asked startling the colt.

Ryder smiled nervously. "Y-Yeah... Just trying to figure out which coupon would be good to use... Maybe you can pic one out to use?" He asked sliding the paper over before grabbing the nearest menu. He just hid his face with it looking around. The restaurant looked somewhat fancy but with Steuropean design, even with those Eastern Steuropean characters hanging over where the bar was where a mare was mixing drinks for a couple at the bar.

"I think we should use a couple of them. Get some now and get another to take back to where you're going later. Now just pick what you want and we're gonna be good!"

Ryder didnt know what to order so he just went with what ever their waiter suggested. It was good, spicy like how Ryder liked it, sweet with some sauce they made in house and a drink. Something that seemed alcoholic but virgin. Meaning no alcohol. After they were done Ryder excused himself before heading to the restroom only to sneak out a window. He came out into an alley way. The street was blocked off by a chainlink fence and the other was just an alley through the buildings. A few trash cans were sitting just by a back door to the place with a few dumpsters a little further down. Ryder started to walk down the alley being weary of the door. As he neared the dumpsters he whistled a bit before the stallion emerged from behind them. He walked forward and smiled. "There you are friend! I knew I recognized you!" He said. "You dont know me but I help your brother a lot! Blades right?"

Ryder hesitantly nodded. "Yeah... who are you?" He asked. The stallion put a hoof to his chest and lowered his head.

"You may call me 'Stonewall'... My given name from old country very hard to pronounce in equestrian tongue!" He brought his head up and smiled standing on all fours again. "Shinzo... I have job for you if interested. It is sending word back to your brother, message of great importance!" The colt looked at the stallion confused.

"You know my..." He shook his head before staring down the stallion. "What do you have Stonewall?"

"You need to get back to base as quick as you can and tell your brother the stash they're after from the Rebels is a trap! We lose lot of good pony if taken! If he doesnt believe you tell him 'Stonewall doesnt budge!'" The colts heart dropped.

"Why have me tell him? You could've told him last you saw him!" Ryder snapped.

"Just found out! Is big problem with us but my manager has problem with me leaving early! Thin ice you see!"

"Why are you on thin ice?"

"Leaving post to handle business for our mutual friends. Told managers I was trying to catch bad tippers or those trying to skip bill." Stonewall looked up and back to Ryder. "Speak of devil... play along." The large stallion rushed Ryder and the colt fought back as he was forced to his back, a large hoof pinning his head to the floor. Ryder could only look around as far as his eyes could move.

Back where Ryder came from Ryder saw one of the restaurant workers coming out of the door. Stallion wearing chefs attire. He huffed looking down the alley at the 'wrestling' stallions. "Stonewall what are you doing?!" He asked.

"Sir! I caught someone skipping on bill! Snuck out window in restroom!"

Ryder huffed struggling and trying to buck the large pony off of him. "GET OFF ME! MY FRIEND IS INSIDE PAYING!" He yelled. "I JUST WENT TO BUY SOMETHING FROM A SHOP WITHOUT HIM KNOWING JUST TO THANK HIM!" The stallion pushed Stonewall off Ryder and huffed helping the colt stand up, dusting his vest off.

The stallion huffed. "Well dont go sneaking through the window! Looks bad for most of us!" He said. He looked to Stonewall as Ryder hid behind the chef stallion. "Stonewall thanks for that but he's just a kid! Dont use as much force on him next time!" He then looked back to Ryder. "And you. Dont go sneaking out windows to surprise someone. Just excuse yourself next time if you're out with him later." He nudged him along. "Get back inside, clean yourself up before heading back out. I wont mention this if you wont." Ryder huffed.

"Well dont go yelling at this guy either. Doing a good job with this shit... maybe close that window up so nobody can sneak out that way. Chainlink fences only stop so many." The stallion nodded before allowing Ryder to run back to the window and hop right in. Quickly he washed his hooves and went back out to Shunko.

As Ryder neared the table Shunko smiled at him. "Making room for more?" He asked tapping on a tightly tied up bag with plastic containers inside.

Ryder chuckled a bit as if he werent accosted by employees to falsify claims of gang activity. "I wish. Food was good but I think I might head on home." He replied. "Very full and very tired... Plus I gotta study. Blades says its good to keep a brain in my head than might in the muscles." The stallion grabbed the bag in his magic looking to the colt.

"Is everything alright? I thought you wanted to get something for your friend." Ryder stretched faking a yawn.

"Yeah but... I'm sure she can wait a bit... Quick nap and a study session and maybe I can come back to your place later?" Shunko studied the nervous pony before him. He smiled.

"Heh sure. I'll set up a spot for you to stay the night and I promise no more unneeded experiments. Well... Unless you're up for a bit of cash... No rush but I will tell you I will pay you for testing purposes but this is up to you if you want to do it. Okay?"

"Alright... I'll think about it." Ryder smiled at the stallion before turning around.

"Woah! Wait right there Ryder cant forget your food!" Ryder looked back as Shunko used his magic to take the food over to him. He grabbed it in his teeth. "Go on and remember: My place is on Delta street, third floor of the more open building. If going from the street its thirteen o'five, unit thirteen ten." Ryder nodded and hurried out taking flight just outside the door.

He flew fast above the streets with the food in his maw, the smells of the sweet food wafting into his nose by the oncoming breeze. He didnt realize how far from the warehouse he was until he landed on the roof and slipped in through a vent straight to his room. He dropped down landing just before his desk where his history book sat. Quickly he set the food down hearing someone coming down the hall outside. Before he could rush the door it opened revealing Blades looking ready to fight. He sighed hanging his head before hugging his brother. "Dude you scared the shit out of me! Why didnt you come through the front door?" He asked as Ryder broke away.

Ryder hopped up on the desk. "Have you sent anyone out to a new stash?" He asked. Blades nodded.

"Yeah... Just sent them out a half hour ago... Should be there almost if I'm right."

"Get them back!" The earth pony stallion looked confused at the colt.

"What? Why? We're getting more to sell and more to use!" Ryder grabbed his brother bringing him in close.

"Blades its a trap! Someone who worked at a restaurant recognized me and he told me to tell you that stash is a trap just to kill anyone who steals it! Even told me to tell you that Stonewall doesnt budge!" The emotion left his brothers eyes and his face turned pale.

"...We gotta save em..." He nudged Ryder off and looked to the now panicked looking stallion. "You get going, see if you cant stop them, I'll even be sending a few others to aid you. JUST MOVE!" Ryder nodded and quickly flew back out of the hatch above, doing a loop up out of it before flying away from the building. Ryder had to think quick. Where was that stash? Where did he get picked up at the other day? Perion street. He started flying in that direction just as other pegasi joined him. Three others wearing wing blades. They flew until they got to the area of the stash. Alleyway along side a building and a wall blocking a road. The building they were after was across the street. Three stories, broken balconies making ramps to other floors, boarded up windows and very few doorways open. Ryder looked back at the ponies.

"Everyone split up. Cover more ground to find everyone he sent. If you see anyone on the street from the warehouse, get them out of here. Even keep watch for any Rebelz in the area."

One of the ponies rolled his eyes and nudged him aside. "What ever 'Sarge'..." He said. The other pegasus stallions laughed as they too nudged Ryder aside going out into the street. Ryder huffed and flew up on the building next to him. He looked around surveying the area, still being weary of his surroundings. He watched as each Bit member flew to their own floor of the multistory building across the street. That's when he saw it. Two Red Rebelz stallions were on the roof, big stallions pushing a barrel over to the edge before dropping it through a hole onto a balcony. He sat down and put his hooves up around his muzzle.

"EVERYONE GET OUT OF THERE AMBUSH!" But it was too late. A bottle on fire came out of nowhere, hit the barrel and lit it up. Ryder could only watch as fire started tearing through the floors burning everything in its path. The large barrel exploded sending Ryder scrambling back only to start hearing the screams of the others from the building. He just backed away slowly in shock before quickly starting to fly away fast. He flew fast, weaved in and out of alley ways starting to get teary eyed. Not long later he landed up on the building where Celadon's shack was. He went inside just to find a mattress with a burlap sack stuffed with something acting as a pillow. He lied down on it hiding his face starting to cry. He just watched everyone die in front of him.

The colt cried for what felt like hours.... Nothing but his wails could be heard with the steel scrap walls bouncing the cries back into his ears. As he cried he was startled by the door to the shack opening. He screamed and hid his face with his wings only to feel a warm embrace. Ryder took his wings away from his tired face and red eyes only to see a black tail wavering in his face, wiping his tears away. The creature backed away only for him to see it was Celadon. She made her note pad appear out of the smoke coming from her neck and started to write something down. 'Ryder? Ryder what's wrong? Why are you here? Crying?' She asked showing him the note pad. He sniffled taking a shaky breath.

"...W-We were too late... they're dead... everyone i tried to save is dead..." He replied, a sob escaping nearly. Celadon started writing again.

'What? What happened? Who died?!'

"....Ambush... stash... just... FUCK!" The colt broke down again and curled up crying. Celadon stayed still for a moment making her notepad disappear. She was wondering what she could do with him... Then the idea came to her. She grabbed him and pulled him onto her back before exiting the shack. It was now nearing sunset. She flew off the building with the colt clinging to her. She flew the same route again flying all the way back to Shunko's place landing at the door almost doing a potty dance, frantically walking in place. She knocked a few times and rang the doorbell impatiently.

Not soon after the door opened and Celly pushed her way on through with Shunko looking at her in shock as she dumped the colt onto the couch. He had fallen asleep. The unicorn doctor closed the door before flashing over to the other side of the couch giving a huff. "Celadon I told you not to do this to him again! He has every right to visit and I gave him the address!" He said checking the colts pulse. Celadon pulled him away and over to the dining room just to the right of the entrance before sitting him down in a seat. "What is wrong with you anyways? I told you to go home yet you came back with him?"

Celadon sat down next to him, writing down on a notepad she conjured up again before showing him. 'He's been crying Shun.' She wrote. 'I found him in my shack bawling and you think I hurt him again?! HE'S OBVIOUSLY GOING THROUGH SOMETHING WHERE HE SAW SOMEONE DIE!' Shunko looked at her a bit shaken.

"...He... saw someone die?" He asked confused. Celadon's smoke just shrunk down almost coming to a mist like dry ice in a bowl of water. "Okay I believe you but I'm not that kind of doctor that helps with psychological stuff!" Celadon ripped the pages she had written on out slamming them on the table before writing more.

'WELL JUST KEEP WATCH OVER HIM! I need to find his brother and tell him where he is!' Shunko sighed taking the notes in his magic dumping them in a nearby trashcan.

"Fine fine just stay calm. If he starts urinating on himself you're cleaning it okay?" Celadon didnt write anymore. Just got up from her seat and went over to the window just beyond the sitting area. She opened it and flew out.

Celadon flew up quite a ways only to let out her ghostly griffons shriek before flying down as quick as she could to start weaving in and out of buildings, through abandoned warehouses and over others. She could feel the eyes upon her as ponies looked up at her, some screaming, others just watching, gazing at her black body. She couldnt care at this point. Soon she landed on the roof of the Bits warehouse only to dip into the room Ryder was using. She landed with little noise but started to panic. No disguise. She walked near the door only to plant her claws on the ground sending a dark shadow under it. She could see using the shadow to see if there were anyone around. Running the shadow along the corners in multiple directions. Out into the main meeting area, into other rooms but there was nobody here. The shadows expanded out more and more until one reached a room downstairs. It was dark with a single light, cast upon a bed where a pony was sleeping. She got a good look at him with the shadows now wrapping up the room. It was Blades. The look on his face looked tired, dried tear stains on his face. He had been crying. Celadon let out a silent huff and melted into a puddle on the floor now following the shadowy trail into Blades' room. She manifested as a blob at first but came back to her own form, stretching a bit and cracking joints before going and nudging the stallion. Blades shot up and looked around panting yet nearly screamed seeing Celadon who covered his mouth keeping him quiet. She held his mouth shut with shadows and put a claw to where her mouth should've been before releasing him.He rushed Celadon tackling her and pinning her to the ground. "WHERE IS MY BROTHER?! WHERE THE HELL IS HE?!" He yelled. Celadon disappeared into the ground before manifesting along side him and pinning him again with her wings, locking him down with shadow chains.

She started writing something down on her paper pad. 'Calm down asshole I didnt do anything to him!' She wrote. 'He tells me he watched someone die. What happened? That's all I'm here for.' Blades struggled a bit.

"TELL ME WHERE HE IS FIRST! I NEED TO KNOW IF HE'S OKAY!" Celadon gave silent sigh before writing more.

'He's okay. Just... disturbed... he was crying when I found him in my shack. I took him to a friends place and he's resting... I'll take you to him if you promise to keep your mouth shut otherwise I'm tying you up and dangling you on a street lamp outside! Got me?' Blades growled.

"Tell me where he is. I'll meet you there."

'Alone?'

"Yes... Alone... No funny business I promise."

'You come with anyone I'm killing them... Your gang or others... Now move....' She made the chains disappear before running out of the room.

"WAIT! I STILL DONT KNOW WHRE I'M GOING!" Quickly with her smoke she wrote the address on the mattress in the light for him to see.

About an hour later Celadon was walking back and forth over Ryder who was in a guest bed snoozing away holding a pillow close. She paced around before the door opened making her stop tensing up. She turned about carefully but relaxed only seeing Shunko standing in the doorway. "Celadon relax... Ryder's going to be fine...." He said coming in and hugging the upset gollahan. Her body pulsed as if she started to cry. "Hey hey... it's okay... I get it you did something that could bring down karma onto you... but the way you reacted you were scared for your friend.... Just relax... if he does anything to rough you or me up I give you full permission to do what you have to but please... dont do anything to kill him... Okay?" Celadon hugged him tighter as he tried to pull away. "It's okay... just stay here with Ryder.... He needs the company.... I'll be in the other room. Okay?" Celadon let go of Shunko, just keeping a claw on his chest for a moment before going to the foot of the bed and sitting down. Shunko sighed before going back out into the sitting area where he had a cup of tea waiting for him on the living room table.

In the other room Celadon was still pulsating next to Ryder. Her silent cries being lost in her smoke. She looked back at her friend and nudged him gently. He groaned a bit as she shook his hoof a bit. "...But... I dont wanna go to school..." He mumbled. She shook him harder and that's when he shot up gasping. "NO! I-" That's when Celadon hugged him. He looked to the griffon torso on him and sighed hugging her. "Celly... Its okay... What happened?" She backed off and made her pen and paper appear.

Ryder only could watch as she started writing shakily. 'Ryder I went and got your brother... he... didnt seem pleased with seeing me...' She said. '...He thought I hurt you... I would've brought him here but he was being uncooperative... He's going to be coming soon but... I'm afraid he isnt gonna come aloe...' The colt yawned and rubbed his eyes.

"He might be the gang leader but he's a stallion of his word... if he said he'll come alone he'll come alone... he only lies to those he doesnt trust..."

'But he doesnt trust me! You saw him when he met me!'

"Celly just calm down... You're gonna be fine... if he starts getting violent with you just grab me and dont let me go. He wont hurt me... Just maybe it'll give me a chance to say what I wanna say to him..." He averted his gaze a bit. Celadon kept writing.

'What is it you wanna tell him? Something you can say in front of me...?' He stayed silent for a moment before sighing.

"I guess... but... you just... You're gonna understand more than he will... At least I hope so... Just... Give me a moment..."

'Take your time... collect yourself... do you need some water? I can ask the doctor to get you some water if you need it.'

"I guess... I havent had a drink since I ate with Shunko... Just..." She put a claw over his mouth before holding up a note.

'Be quiet... Save your breath... Stalling is just gonna make it harder... Let me get your water. Kay?' Ryder nodded and watched as Celadon got up going out into the main living area. Ryder just sat there shakily breathing, staring at the wall only seeing the flames he once gazed upon, burning the others alive. All he heard was their cries of pain screaming into the heavens wanting nothing but mercy. He snapped back but a moment later seeing Celadon bring him a glass of water with a sticky note on it reading 'drink slow'. Ryder nodded and just grabbed the glass sipping from it slowly. Celadon climbed into the bed again resting a wing on his back. He lowered the glass and set it aside giving a sigh as Celadon wrote more. 'You good now?' Ryder sighed and nodded. 'Alright... just say when you're ready. My metaphorical ears are listening.' The colt stayed silent for a moment. He looked around trying to find the words almost as if they were bugs in the air only his eyes could catch. When he found them he looked over towards the beheaded smoke griffon and sighed.

"...I... might wanna get out of the gang life style... nobody respects me, I run the risk of dying and it just... that last thing I went through... that was the last straw... I dont like being a distraction, a martyr or someones idea of an easy target just because of my fucking blank flank..." He lied back down. "...Now you see why I want Blades' full attention... He's not gonna like it... He's probably gonna be more pissed at you for hiding me here..." He looked down at her watching her write something. She showed him the note moments after.

'He really should be grateful that I brought you here instead and told him about it. I could've left him there on his bed thinking you were dead.... would've made things easier if you just skipped town but then I wouldnt see you again... Not to mention your gang could be out where ever you go too...' The colt hid under the covers of the bed.

"I just wanna find something else that's either has little chance of dying or no chance of dying... I've been through beatings, chases, having shit thrown at me, having my stuff taken from me in my own room and even being threatened to have my throat slit while I was asleep... I had to tell my brother and even stay in his room with him a few nights all because of it... Yet that didnt stop at all..." Just then they heard a loud knock at the front door. He huffed curling up more. "...That's him... should get out there... make sure he doesnt hurt Shunko. Celadon hesitantly gave a thumbs up before hopping off the bed and going back into the living room. There she saw Shunko heading for the door. She grabbed him covering his mouth before she let a tendril of smoke look through the eyehole. Outside she saw Blades standing there.

Celadon didnt trust it. She pushed Shunko aisde and opened the door herself stepping out, blocking the stallion from coming in. "I came alone just like you asked." Blades said. "Where is he?!"

Celadon started writing a note out for him before showing him. 'He's inside. Before I let you in you just whistle.' She said. 'I saw how gangs operate. Yours and others. You guys are subtle. Let nobody know you're there. Get others to do their dirty work for you. Am I right?'

"...You're smarter than you look... smarter than those with heads on their shoulders..." He whistled before two unicorn, dressed in a way that hid their faces teleported to his side. He looked to the two who just stared down Celadon. "You two, get the others and get out of here. I'll be fine on my own. No questions. Go." Both stallions huffed before teleporting away again. Blades looked back to Celadon's smoke. "There. Happy?" Celadon started writing again.

'Yes... Shows your protective side... even shows the lies you'd tell your own brother. Now you follow me. Dont touch anything, dont speak to the doctor. Only sit with me and your brother. Got it?'

"Understood. Lead on." Celadon put her writing instruments away and turned back inside. Blades did as instructed. Followed close, didnt stray to grab anything or even talk to Shunko who was just standing there staring at him awkwardly. As they walked into the room Ryder covered himself up more. "Ryder? Ryder c'mon man we gotta go back to the warehouse!" He tried bringing the covers off his brother but they barely budged. "Ryder lets go! You cant stay here!"

Ryder grunted hiding his head under the covers, covering his eyes and ears like a mask. "Yes I can and that's what I'm doing." He said. "I'm not setting foot out there or back in that warehouse again!"

"Just what the hell are you saying?" That's when Ryder threw the covers off sitting up and looking to his brother.

"I'M SAYING I'M NOT GOING BACK TO THAT WAREHOUSE AND THOSE ASSHOLES YOU LEAD!" Both Celadon and Blades looked at Ryder as his eyes welled up with tears. "You sent some to die and they got burnt to a fucking crisp because you dont send runners other than me to get info. Maybe make sure things are safe before losing lives that didnt need to be lost! Those assholes do everything they can to make me leave and yet you sent ME OF ALL THE FUCKING HIGHER RANK PONIES YOU COULD'VE CHOSEN TO ALMOST LOSE HIS LIFE IN A GOD DAMN AMBUSH!" Celadon hugged him as he started to break down. Blades huffed.

"Look I'm sorry! I didnt realize it was going to be a trap! If I knew would I have sent you out there? No! You're my brother for fucks sake!"

"OH FUCK OFF ASSHOLE!" Blades huffed again, hurt by his brothers words.

"...Alright.. I'll leave... but... Just know you're welcome to come back at any time if you need to... Room is gonna be yours... if you see anyone that gives you trouble on the street just come to me... Doors always open." Slowly blades got up just watching his brother cry into Celadons shoulder. A tear even came to his eye as he stepped outside the door, closing it behind him. Though he didnt go far. He only walked out just to sit on the couch near Shunko.

Shunko picked a tea pot up off the table and poured himself another cup he used his magic to bring a second cup from a cabinet in the corner setting it down near Blades. Ended up pouring him some tea as well. "Sounds like things got a bit loud in there.... Everything alright?" Shunko asked. Blades sniffled.

"...This... I wanna say this is some fever dream but... the words carried barbs that tore at me..." The doctor hummed as he set down his tea.

"I'd listen to him... he seems like a nice boy but he has some problems that need attending to... for one his cutie mark is something that makes him a target... How many times does he come to you, complaining about someone making fun of him?" Blades shrugged as he sipped the warm leaf beverage. "Countless it seems... I'll keep watch over him, guide him and see if I cant keep him out of trouble. Though I'm not gonna stop him from spending time with his favorite headless griffon. Dont you see how he clings to her?" Blades nodded. "Good. Now you just finish your tea and relax... I'll ask him to at least allow you to visit or even visit you with a chaperone via me if that's sufficient." Blades set his cup down sighing.

"...I guess... But... pass along a message?" Shunko nodded. "Tell him no matter what happens, where he is or what ever... He's always welcome at the warehouse, in my arms and back into the group if he wishes to rejoin." The unicorn stallion smiled.

"I'll tell him once he calms down. You obviously care for him. Now off you go. I might need to start dinner for him." Blades nodded before getting up and leaving. His heart heavy with the words his brother threw at him.

To Be continued.

Author's Note

This was WAY overdue. I mean way over due the first chapter of this fic came out in July of 2016. THAT LONG. I've been working on other fan fics, remaking a few, canceling others and just scrapping idea after idea just to get something done. Bits and a Blank Flank will finish after a few more chapters. How long will it take? I'm unsure.