The Bits and a Blank Flank

by Shizuo35

Rating: mature
Tags: Original Character, Crossover, Gore, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Sad, Other
Length: 16836

Ryder. All prepped and ready for gang warfare... almost....

Ryder 'Shinzo' Hanajeema. The seventeen year old stallion with gang ties and no Cutie Mark. The gang that blends into everything yet is still known. One day he was studying in the gang hide out when his brother and leader of the gang comes in only to tell him his father was put in the hospital by his abusive step mother who got arrested for that. Now Ryder just roams the city with his griffon friend Celadon meeting some odd characters along the way. Can he find his special talent while fending for himself in the bustling city of Ikkebuckero?

Crossed with: Durarara!! (With edited names of ponies, the city they're in (Added city I might add) and probably subtle references to some things going on in Equestria at the time.)

Published 2016-07-27 03:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2019-10-29 06:33:24 UTC

Invisible Gang. Invisible Flank.

"Ryder Hanajeema." A guard said. He stood at a jail cell door looking in at a white Pegasus stallion with a blonde mane. He looked to be about seventeen. Ryder (the Pegasus) was lying on a cot bolted to the wall. His mane was messy, he reeked of alcohol and urine. "Come on son get up. Your fathers here to get you. I hope your stay in here shows you underage drinking isn't fun. I see you in here again you'll stay in here for a week."

The stallion groaned a bit as he got up. "....Please tell me my dad at least has aspirin for me..." He said as he opened his eyes. His eyes were blue and bloodshot. He looked to the guard letting his ruffled wings stretch out. He saw the guard at the door was a unicorn guard with a few things in his magic. A set of sunglasses, keys, a black leather vest and a pocket watch.

"Sorry son but you're on your own there. Best I can do is give you some sunglasses from the lost and found to keep the summer sun from getting to ya." Ryder sighed getting up taking the vest and the pocket watch first. He put the vest on and shoved the pocket watch in to the pocket. He sighed putting the shades on.

"...Thanks... Mind sticking around so my dad cant beat my flank...?" He asked.

"I'll do what I can son but... Please I don't want to see you in here again. I'll call your father and schedule a few counseling classes for you. You got me?"

Ryder gave a nod and stepped out of the cell with his head hung low. The guard walked behind him. A few prisoners called out to him. "You're taking him outta here?!" One prisoner said. "What the hell man I was supposed to get out before him!" The guard looked back at him.

"That was before you threatened to rape another stallion in the shower. That's why you got the hose instead! Back to your cot dirtbag!" The guard looked to Ryder. He was slowing down looking a tad green in the face. "You know what son let's get you into the infirmary before you go. Give you something to keep breakfast down."

Ryder swallowed something he coughed up and rubbed his throat with his hoof. "...Shit... Did I have pancakes or gruel for breakfast....?" He asked having a bad taste in his mouth.

"Pancakes. Wanted you to eat light. You've been in that cell throwing up all night."

"...I'll believe that... Uh... Think if I get in here again I can get a bit better treatment after uh...." The guard looked to Ryder as he averted his gaze.

"After what? You aren't gonna puke are you?" Ryder shook his head swallowing again. "Then what's up? C'mon you can tell me I promise you come clean and I wont treat you like yesterday." Ryder took a deep breath and sighed.

"...Well... Yesterday I remember some colts wearing red bandana's chasing me.... They chased me into that alley I think you guys found me in and... They just shoved me to the ground and forced me to drink... I think they stole it and wanted to get rid of the evidence...." The guard gasped as they went into a door where there were colts all sick, beaten, bloody and cuffed to the bed. "....It's worse because... I knew them in school... They... They graduated last year... They saw me get hauled off and they're going to think I snitched.... I-I ain't one to snitch but... I'm just scared they're gonna come kill me at the school.... I-I don't wanna die sir...." The guard went into a medkit on the wall.

"Don't worry. You're going to be fine. You tell us where those guys are, we'll snag em and if you are in here again I'll make sure of it you're on a different schedule than them okay?" Ryder sniffled nodding as the guard gave him a few pills. He popped em and swallowed. "Alright... C'mon now we'll let you fill out an anonymous report form and let your father have a word with you. I'll be right there so no violence goes down." Ryder gave a hesitant smile as he wiped tears away with his wing.

Not long later Ryder sat in an interrogation room, gripping a pen in his teeth as he wrote down info on the stallions with the red bandanas. A stallion sat next to him looking ticked. An earth pony stallion who wore a fedora with a skull button on it. The guard sat near the door. "Ryder.... I told you next time I found you here I'd ground you!" The stallion said. "But being DRUNK?! What in Celestia's name have I told ya about drinking?!"

Ryder sighed as he set the pen down and slid the report over to the guard. "...Dad... Can you please not be so loud?" He asked. His father huffed.

"Why the hell should I?! You DRANK! ALCOHOL! HOW THE FUCK CAN I NOT BE LOUD?!" Ryder put his head on the desk covering his ears as the guard took the paper and rolled it up.

The sobering stallion groaned as the guard got up. "Sir I am going to ask you to calm down!" He said. "Both of you being in here isn't going to help either of you! Now stay here while I file this and send a few others out. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask anypony around here." Ryder whimpered as the guard went out the door. Just as the door shut Ryder looked up at his father who had a grin on his face.

"...Shinzo.... You made me proud and the entirety of The Bits proud as well! High hoof!"

Ryder gave a little chuckle as he bumped his fathers hoof. "Great idea on getting those jackasses out of their building. Now we can nab their stash, sell it for ourselves!" He said. "Now that we got those Red Rebel's gone who do we go after next? Green Circles? Silver Tail?" Ryder's father sat down next to him.

"Woah son don't get in over your head. The Silver Tails aren't as stupid as you think and you don't want to get involved with the Green Circles. For now why don't you just get to studying with your brother before he has to head out to his fathers.... Grindel's having him bring a part of that stash.... Now shut up and go back to crying or something I can feel that guard coming back...." Ryder nodded and went back to covering his ears with his head on the desk.

As he started to whimper the guard came in with two water bottles in his magic. "Alright so they're getting out there and taking down those threat makers down." He said. "These are for you to help keep everything down and uh.... Well... Maybe just to beat the heat. Your cell felt like an oven to me." Ryder's father grabbed the bottles and set them down on the desk.

"Thanks. Now I guess someone wont throw up on a hydrant again!"

Ryder groaned taking a water. "....Just... Shut the fuck up I can not deal with any shit right now..." He said as he cracked the top off and drank from the water. The guard went for him but Ryder's father stopped him.

"No.... I'll let him have that one. We'll leave when he's ready." The guard gave a nod and went back to his seat.

About an hour later Ryder was walking with his father down the road. The city streets were busy with carts being pulled by ponies, there were ponies running up and down the side walks and gang members everywhere. Red Rebels. All wore red bandanas. Some wore it around their necks, some around their faces, some around their heads, some even tied their tails up. All dangerous. Ryder stuck close to his father as best he could feeling all the eyes of the surrounding area spy his flank. "Ayyyyy look at that lil' blank flank!" One stallion called out. Some just laughed at him. Tears welled up in his eyes as he rested his wing on his father's back. He looked over at Ryder.

"Just ignore them. We'll get the Silver Tail's to smack em. I got a friend there. Exactly why I don't want you fraternizing with them. You say the wrong thing and BAM gang war, we're revealed and dead! You get into the warehouse, find your brother, I'll get it going with ST and Double R. Just fly. I'll be fine. You get followed go into known territory. Got me?" Ryder gave a hesitant nod and flew off as his father ran.

Shinzo. The seventeen year old, cutie markless stallion. A member of a feared yet invisible gang in Ikkebuckero. The Bit's. Stayed in an apartment up on the west side. The Warehouse is their hangout. Each member is hidden amongst the crowds. Some in groups. Some by themselves. Some can just be infiltrating other gangs. Ryder 'Shinzo' Hanajeema was just a scout. Lowest of anything. Does what ever he's told but wont take orders from just anyone. He only takes those orders from his brother. Blades. He was also known as 'The Slasher', 'The Bandit', 'The Buster' and the 'Clear Coat'. He mostly just goes by Blades in the streets on account he has horseshoes with hidden blades in them. As Ryder landed at the back door of an abandoned warehouse he took a deep breath trying to forget what those stallions said. He knocked on the door. "Blades? C'mon someone open up I didn't get my key back!" He called out. "You assholes never gave my fucking key back let me in!"

A little slot on the door opened up and someone peeked out. A stallion's sigh was heard. "YO CLEAR COAT! YOUR DUMBASS BROTHER IS OUTSIDE!" He yelled inside.

Another stallion's voice was heard. "HEY LEAVE HIM ALONE!" They yelled. "He's a vital part of us! Without him we'd be sunk! We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him finding this place! Now let him in! I see anyone in here pushing him around, fighting with him, teasing him, or Celestia forbid grope him I will see to it someone's getting left for the Green Circles!"

The slot on the door closed and the door opened a bit. Ryder pushed his way in slamming the door. Stallions surrounded him. Him and a black maned stallion. He had a brown coat, a few knives as his cutie mark. That was Blades. Ryder's older brother. Ryder smiled. "...Thanks bro..." He said bumping hooves. "Got those stash protectors on ice, should be ready for attack soon." Blades grinned.

"DID YOU HEAR THAT MY BRETHREN! THE REBELS STASH IS UNGUARDED! YOU GUYS DOUBTED HIM! I BELEIVED IN HIM!" The stallion's around him cheered. "NOW! I NEED TWO MUSCLE STALLIONS THERE! ONE LOOK OUT, THE OTHER TAKES IT! REPORT IN IMMEDIATELY IF YOU'RE WILLING TO GO!" Just then two big stallions came out of the crowd. Blades looked at Ryder. "Shinzo. Head to the back and get washed up. You smell like my mothers cooking." Ryder sighed averting his gaze.

"...You think.... You think I can talk with you for a bit Blades...?" Blades gave a nod and started walking. Blades was just a few months older than Ryder. Just a few months. Still an older brother though. They went through an old warehouse door into a factory area. Everything was run down, dusty with Stallions everywhere. "...Blades... I feel like I don't get the respect I deserve... Everyone in there looked at me like I was just... Like I wasn't even a part of this gang... They treat me like I'm part of the green circles.... I mean yesterday before I got myself arrested a few of those fucking assholes out there pushed me around called me trash.... Trash being the lightest of what they called me... I was seriously trying to study just like you told me to but they just said I wouldn't get anywhere by studying..." Blades looked to his brother as they walked into an office with a chemical shower in the wall.

"Shinzo don't listen to em. They're just pissed that you're getting the better jobs than they are. Next time they ask for a job they're on garbage duty and leaving themselves on the curb stuffed in trashbags after I cut them all up. Maybe after you get done with your shower we find pop and grab some grub. What I'll even do is find someone to paint a cutie mark on to you so no gang members can pin ya on anythin' while we're out. You even remember where dad is?" Ryder shook his head as he climbed in to the shower.

"Last I remember he told me to come here, get away from those Red Rebels. I was about a name away from fucking em up the ass with one anothers hooves." Blades huffed and sat off to the side as Ryder turned the water on.

"Please you'd probably be in a body bag with dad cryin' over you. Something tells me dad's getting 'Izzy' to help out. Attacking with just us isn't gonna help. Gotta have multiple gangs in on this. Ones we can trust. The reason the bits are invisible is because we wanna take the streets ourselves. Just like those stupid spy movies you like, we have to blend in with our surroundings. Any gang activity going on like retrieving the stash is going to be held like any other. Dressed like another so they take the fall. I had to dress as a Green Circle to get the blue prints for an attack on Red Rebel hideouts all over the city. Five big ones, all loaded with cash, drugs and other things for you could help with. You're a scout but the best one at that. Most of the colts around don't have as quiet hooves as you do." He looked to Ryder as he started to lather his mane with some nearby soap.

"Yeah... I do have quiet hooves." Ryder replied. "You think... You think that's what my cutie mark could be?"

"Ry your cutie mark can be anything but silent hooves is just a standard skill. You're still looking for a special skill. One that only you can do. You give me anything with a sharpened blade and I'm cutting things up, throwing them at a target, I'm even cutting up veggies for stirfry on occasion and I do remember how much you like yours with hot peppers in it." Ryder chuckled a bit.

"Bro you gotta know I mean this family wise but I do love you! Hey you think we can find dad after I'm done here? That prison food sucks and I am hungry!" Blades huffed.

"Ryder drinking that booze is gonna fuck with your digestive tract for a while. You wait for a bit, I'll send somepony out to get some saltines for you. Just please study up on something we can use. See if you can train some dogs to attack for us or something." Blades got up just as Ryder shut the water off.

"What if I can make a plan of attack for you? If we can get the blueprints to their stash building?" Blades looked to his brother as he stepped out of the shower and shook most of the water off.

"Okay first off we have the blue prints to almost everything the other gangs own. We have an alliance with the Green Circles but we still keep their stuff on file just in case another gang needs a temp alliance. Alliances win turf wars. Green Circles own north. Rebels got west. No one dares own the south or east side just because of that headless griffon." He went over to a desk and opened it tossing him a towel. Ryder caught it.

"C'mon dude Celadon isn't bad! She just lost and confused!" Blades looked to him shocked.

"You named it?! What the fuck man it's fucking dangerous! They've found more dead bodies in alleyways just because that fucking thing KILLS everyone! You see that thing you run the fuck away! Got it?" Ryder didn't answer while he dried himself off before putting his vest back on. "Ryder! Shinzo fucking answer me or next time you wanna be let inside I'm not gonna!" Ryder huffed.

"I'm not answering until you call HER by her fucking name! And she's not dangerous! I'm her friend." Blades walked over to his brother.

"Lurking in the shadows following it is not a fucking friendship! But look i'll give you an apology IF you can prove it! I'll get you fit with wing blades. It's one thing to be safe but I don't want dad coming here and finding out you were attacked by that thing! He'll flip out at me for letting you go near that thing and he'll flip out at you for even thinking about it! That is if you aren't dead and it doesn't find out where I am! Grab a camera and if you aren't back in an hour meet me with Saffron at St. Bleetersburg carrots. Saffron agreed to give us a free meal if you didn't fuck up! So unless you wanna die come find me." Blades hurried out of the room leaving Ryder by himself. Ryder huffed and flew through a busted out window in the office. He flew down to where the machinery was and landed on a catwalk.

"He wants proof I'll give him fucking proof... along with a hoof up his fucking ass..." He sighed as he went into another office area, a break room if you would. This was his personal study area. He closed the door behind him and locked it before looking up at a poster he put up to help him. Wonderbolts. He admired them but always thought of them as an inspiration. He turned back into the room and saw a desk against the wall with a lamp on it. A book sat there in the middle of the desk. 'War of Steurope' it was titled. He always admired war time whether it was the battles, the sides of the war, how the war started and how it ended. What interested him most were the tactics. Surprise attacks, recon, strategic flanking during attack and some excessive use of explosives at a few points in the war. Shinzo went and sat down at the desk and opened the book to where he left off. The battle of Clippersville. The turning point in the Steuropean war. He sat there for at least an hour studying before he got a knock on the door. As he got up he yawned and stretched a bit. "...Wonder who that could be..."

Ryder walked over to the door and unlocked it before he stepped away just to have it fly open nearly hitting him in the face. In came the stallion at the door when he had arrived. He had a bag in his mouth. He huffed and set it down. "You're lucky that brother of yours speaks highly of you...." He said. "Otherwise one of us would come out on top in a fight and clearly it would be me!" Ryder rolled his eyes.

"Clearly you don't know your mouth from your ass cause all that shit is just coming out of your mouth. Blades would love to leave you to another gang to fucking die. I'd love to watch your execution by the hooves of those fucking Rebels." The stallion looked a bit embarrassed by the young stallions words. Ryder grinned a bit. "Gotcha bitch. Now those better be my wing blades or you might be demoted to scout!"

"Fine just give me your wing! Blades is having me get it set up for you just because of your fucking inability to use your entrance." Ryder raised his wing and rolled his eyes.

"Any entrance is my entrance. You might as well squeeze your fat flank through a fucking dog door. So cut the crap and get it on there." The stallion nodded and took something from the bag attaching it to his wing. He hit a button and four blades that went with his feathers almost hiding them from view.

"What the hell is this for anyways? He sending you to the stash house?" Ryder shook his head as the stallion pulled a camera and fit him with it.

"Blades wants me to snag proof I can get close to the headless black griffon without getting caught... Who knows if I can get to her without fighting we could probably use her." The stallion looked at him like he was crazy.

"Really? That thing?" Shinzo nodded. "...Dude you're fucking insane trying to go to that. But I'll make you a deal. You bring back a picture of the headless black griffon and a feather I wont give you anymore shit. I fucking promise on the name of the fucking bits!"

"Hm... You're serious..." The stallion nodded. "Well... What if I bring back the whole griffon. You willing to kick somepony's flank if I ask you to?"

"Anything you need. I can promise I'll get it or do it for you!" Ryder gave a smile and walked out of the room. Not long later Ryder was flying over the city. The sun was overhead and bright. Luckily the sunglasses he got from the guard helped him. He flew over to a building with a shack on top. There were many buildings like this but this one had something about it. Something dark. It had a thin essence of darkness coming off of it even in the day time. He walked up to the busted shack door and knocked. "Celadon! It's Shinzo let me in!" There was no answer. All that happened was the dark essence weakened around the door as it creaked open slightly. Ryder pushed it open and went into the dimly lit shack. A dark shadow was seen at the other side of the room. There sat the headless griffon Celadon. A plume of smoke came from where her head should be as Ryder slowly approached. "Don't worry I know I wasn't followed. Trust me the only one who'd fuck with a stallion with wing blades would be you." Celadon stood up and walked to Ryder lifting his wing. "Look I'm sorry but my brother wanted me to wear this to protect myself from you. He still thinks you're responsible for all the killings that have been happening lately." Celadon released his wing and pointed to the camera. "Well... He thinks you and I wouldn't ever be friends because of what you are. He thinks you're a heartless monster but if that were so would you have saved me from those assholes who tried to purge me because of my age and no cutie mark?" Smoke puffed out in a good amount. "Don't hurt him! You hurt him he just wont let me near you again and he could get everyone to go after you and even my father! They get hurt who do I have? No one!" Celadon pointed to herself. "Yea I'd have you but you cant be seen by anyone and if you weren't around when I got hurt or something I could die! Most of The Bits still don't see me as part of the gang! And seriously what have I told you about using the note pad I gave you?"

Celadon let out a huge puff of smoke as if her heart was made of fire burning her from the inside out. She sat back holding a claw up as a plume of smoke made a pad of notebook paper appear. Another plume of smoke went into her other claw making a pencil and she started writing down something. Soon after she showed Ryder. 'Sorry sorry it's all still new to me.' It read. Ryder sighed and went to a stack of wooden crates.

"It's okay. It takes a while to get used to something... Trust me my dad came here with me and my brother didn't speak to me for a week. His mother basically wanted to carve a fucking cutie mark in my flank...." He hopped up and sat down on the crates. "...The worst part about it was having to bunk with my father until she said she wouldn't do that..." Celadon started to write something down as she flew over to Ryder's side.

'That sucks but... You know I've never had the experience of parents. My home in Steurope didn't think highly of me because of what I do. I'm basically a grim reaper.' She flipped to another page. 'My job was to go to the ponies that have wronged others and reap them... Back then I had my head always attached to my tail... One day I had my back turned trying to protect myself from angry villagers and it was gone.... I came here because when I sleep at night I see things my head sees... I saw this city... The buildings around here looked like it but I still have yet to find it...'

"I really don't think you've slept for a while have you?" Celadon started to write something down.

'...I've been awake every night helping ponies out. They don't freak out because I cloak myself... Just like when we first met... The only reason I returned to you is because you need more help than anypony I help... I mean look at you. No cutie mark, almost zero knowledge about other gangs and you listen to someone months older than you about what to do.'

"One, Blades is the leader of the gang. I have to listen to him. Second, I know more about the Red Rebels than all the other gangs. That's what Blades always has me on." Celadon started scrawling on the page.

'Do you want to get that picture of me and just head back? I feel like you might cry and... I don't know how I'd be able to help.' Ryder huffed a bit.

"Look... I'm tough... I'm not gonna cry... Besides I need either you or a feather so another asshole doesn't give me shit..." He looked to her a bit. "...I even gave Blades a little thought on seeing if you can help on an attack but only if you'd be willing to help..." Celadon's smoke simmered down. She started to write again.

'...I'll help but give me time to get a disguise. If anyone sees me you and all the others are going way down. It should only take a few minutes for me to scrounge one up. My smoke can make anything.'

"Picture first?" Celadon waved a claw as Ryder got up. "Okay fine the real you is better than a picture anyways. Headless but not heartless. That's what I like about you." He gave Celadon a smile before going outside of the rooftop shack. He sat outside for a few minutes just like Celadon wrote. Not long later he and Celadon were out flying above Ikkebuckero. Celadon had put a black cloak on along with a mask hiding her head smoke. The mask was made to fit a griffon's face perfectly. It was painted on almost to look realistic. "Honestly Celly I love the new mask. Makes it seem like you're an actual griffon who just doesn't really like the sun and yes I do know you like the sun." Celadon stopped and just stared at Ryder. He flew around her. "What you surprised I called you Celly instead of Celadon? I wanted to try something new this time around. You let me in to hide when I needed to hide from those damned rebels, you let me cuddle with you when my fucking step mother wouldn't let me in when it was raining... And... well you were always one I'd look to if I needed some advice about specific things... That's why I see you as a good friend instead of just an acquaintance... Now c'mon can you just keep flying? Staying out in the open like this is making me nervous." Celadon grabbed Ryder's hoof and started to fly with him. "Well it's good to see you happy now. Just uh..." Celadon looked back at Ryder. "Never mind."

Celadon looked back forward and kept on flying. They flew all the way back to The Bits warehouse. They snuck in through the door Ryder left out. Nopony around. Just the sound of his hooves and Celadon's claws and paws against the metal cat walk. Ryder's ear flickered as he approached his study room. He stopped and listened closely. Crying. A stallion crying. He slowly stepped towards the door to his study room. "...Dammit... Where are you Ry... Please be okay..." Someone said. It was Blades. Ryder looked to Celadon and just held a hoof up. The dark hooded headless griffon sat down as Ryder started to open the door. He peeked in and saw Blades just curled up on the floor in the middle of the room.

"Blades...? Everything okay?" Blades sniffled sitting up hearing his brothers voice. He looked back and rubbed his eyes.

"...Ry... Y-youre okay..." He slowly approached. "...And... No everything isn't okay..." He stopped just feet from the door. "...Come in... Take a seat.... Just got some good and bad news from some of the guys out in the field...." Ryder took a deep breath and glanced at Celadon.

"Sure but... maybe you'd wanna meet someone first? Maybe get a hug from em?" Blades hesitantly nodded and backed up a bit as Ryder went inside and stopped next to the door. "Blades..." He knocked on the wall a bit with his hoof and whistled a bit. Outside Celadon stood up and hesitantly entered the room. Blades looked at her confused. "Blades.... This is Celadon the headless griffon... She's my friend..." Ryder smiled nervously.

Celadon removed her hood and took the mask off letting a plume of smoke puff out as she set her things down. She put her claws out and made her pencil and paper pad appear. Blades jumped a bit as she wrote something down. She showed it to him. 'Yes I'm Celadon. Ryder here tells me you've been putting the image that I'm dangerous in his head haven't you Blades?' she wrote. Blades hesitantly nodded feeling a bit scared. Celadon flipped to another page and started writing. 'Good news from me is I am dangerous but only to those who hurt others like Ryder. Bad news it's rumors like that that nearly get me killed but surprise- I can never die. Just... Don't tell him...' She had an arrow pointing towards Ryder. 'He's sensitive and... Seeing him cry just hurts me...'

Blades gave a sigh. "...Yeah I... I know...." He said. "...Maybe... Just sit with him... I... Yeah...." Celadon closed the door and sat against the wall with Ryder. Blades took a deep breath and sat down. "...So... I'm just gonna start with the bad news.... Ryder..." He looked into his brothers eyes. "...You and I... We're on our own tonight.... Your dad's in the hospital.... My mom's in jail and... Well... My... My Dad OD'd... He's dead..." He saw in that moment all emotion leave Ryder's body. Celadon hesitantly put her arm around Ryder pulling him close. "...Good news is Dad's still alive... Yours but... He's gonna be in the hospital a while.... Izzy said she'd put us up at her place until he can get out and.... Well until the crime scene is cleared... Dad never said we lived there from what the guys said... Glad for that..." Ryder hung his head and closed his eyes whimpering. Celadon brought her arm back and rested her wing on him writing another note.

'...I knew he would do this.... Is there any way I could come with you...? Just for him?' Blades sighed.

"...Sorry uh... Celadon? Is it...?" Celadon gave a thumbs up. "...Yeah sorry we uh... We need to go alone... Izzy's only expecting us. You can stay here if you'd like and... Thank you for not killing my brother.... I'm pretty much he's got left other than the gang but they just pick on him for not having a cutie mark." Celadon started to write again.

'I'll forgive the thing about being called a ruthless murderer. Call me again and that name might live up to fit me.'

"Okay sorry I just... Everyone just blames you for random deaths.... All those bodies are just results of our gang members fighting over that territory. So far we haven't gained or lost any ground... plus... not really much to own there... It's the nicer part of town." Again writing.

'Yeah... The sunsets are beautiful from the highest buildings there but enough of that. Just get going with him... I've actually been looking for a change of scenery anyways and I'm happy to help in any fight you guys get in to.' Blades gave a smile and nodded before helping his brother up.

Hours later Blades sat in a bedroom of a studio apartment. Ryder was passed out in the bed and neon lights flashed outside of the window. Blades just sat at the foot of his brothers bed looking out at the bustling city. Pegasai and Griffon flew around, lights in the buildings across the road shown into lives of other ponies. A slight creak was heard making Blades look back. There he saw Izzy, a short maned mare looking tomboyish. She was a grey unicorn and had a cutie mark that of a beer mug. "Ah you're still awake there." She said with an accent. "Little lad passed out before dinner didn't he?"

Blades nodded as he sighed. "...Yeah... He's been through a lot lately... Hangover, an abusive bitch, and now just alone with me..." He said. "He just cant defend himself yet. Not with that blank flank bringing him down... You've probably been through the same things he has." Izzy nodded as she sat next to the bed.

"Aye. I've been through a lot of that as a little filly. Other fillies kept givin' me shit about it and I snapped mentally, they just snapped physically." She giggled a bit maniacally as Blades laughed a bit.

"They don't call you 'Insane Izzy' for nothing." Shinzo mumbled a bit shifting. Blades shushed Izzy and he got up. He looked to Izzy and nodded towards the door. They almost silently left but Ryder just was out of it. They came out into a fifties style living room, with a diner looking kitchen. Three couches sat near a window with a table in the middle. "...Still no TV here of fucking course Izzy. You were always a board game girl. Less of the 'Insane' more of 'Izzy'." Izzy gave a laugh hopping onto one of the couches.

"Yeah... No telling what could set me off and with what you're going through, be glad. Otherwise one of you'd be dead and the other a fuck toy." Blades sat down at the end of an opposite couch looking out of the large window.

"...Guess what keeps you sane is looking down at the ponies on the road thinking someone's about to get killed or mugged...." He looked up at the unicorn mare. "Am I right?" Izzy nodded as she went to the other side of the couch.

"I keep watch over everyone. A neutral god as I see it. I do nothing to help or hurt them. If they help me, I help back. They try and hurt me..." She snickered clicking her hooves together having her pupils go small and go away from her nose. She took a deep breath and smacked herself. "Okay uh.... Maybe let your brother sleep a little while and I start cooking. Hope pasta sounds good cuz I got nothing else."

Blades shrugged and just kept looking at the ponies down below. After a while with Ryder he was tossing and turning in the bedroom. "....N--no.... Dad.... Not me..." He mumbled. "...No... Not her anything but her...." He suddenly gasped sitting up in a cold sweat. He looked around. No one but him in the room. The door was cracked a bit. He rolled out of the bed and got up going right for the door. He opened it and the smell of freshly baked garlic bread hit his nose. "...Blades? Izzy?" He walked out into the apartment and saw Blades and Izzy in the kitchen getting a few plates set up. Izzy gave a smile seeing Ryder and his messy maned mug up out of the bed.

"Ah there's the snoozing sand snorter! You were out quite a while." Ryder gave a sigh as he went to the couch.

"...I honestly wish I was with my dad.... Why did Grindel have to put him in the hospital...?"

Blades set a knife down after shoveling in a bit of oregano into the sauce. "Ry if you were with Dad you'd be somewhere else, you and I wouldn't be brothers anymore." He said approaching his brother. "Besides... With my fucking mom in jail someone has to put out for you and last time I checked she wanted to slap the shit out of you if you never found your cutie mark. God knows she'd hold you hostage just so she could make up some story just to stay out of jail. You and I would both be stuck with her and we'd be getting our asses whipped and unless you knew where to hide but maybe hiding might not be an option. Would you even want that?" Ryder shook his head as his brother sat down next to him. "Well I wouldn't like to find you scared shitless."

Izzy strained a pot of noodles into a strainer in the sink. "You're in good hooves here." She said stirring the pasta sauce. "You guys are always welcomed here no matter the weather, the home problems or whatever it is. Now who wants some food? Got plenty up here." Blades sat his brother up and patted his back.

"You sit right here. I'll get your food for ya." Ryder smiled and rubbed his eyes as Blades got up and walked over to the kitchen.

Later that night Ryder was outside admiring the night sky just on the balcony. The streets below were still busy with other ponies but he was just waiting. Waiting for someone. A black shadow came down from a building across the way. It was very noticeable with the bright neon lighting. That shadow was none other than Celadon. She flew down and landed next to Shinzo. No hood or mask. Just a plume of smoke. She held her claw out and got her pencil and paper pad. She started to write something down. '...Bit for your brains?' She wrote.

Shinzo gave a sigh. "...You ever wonder if there's something you can do but it could just be so absurd you cant find out what it is?" He asked. Celadon started to write more down.

'Cutie mark again huh? Why do you worry about it so much?' He looked to the smoky griffons neck hole.

"It's my special talent. I don't find what I do better than anyone else I might be out on the streets... I wouldn't be able to pay rent, I wouldn't be able to buy food for myself... I'd be a nobody... still more than I already am..." He sighed looking away. Celadon started to write on her pad again.

'Oh... Well... Sorry I don't pay any mind to what ponies do and don't do... But... Maybe I can help you find what you're good at. I've been around many of years, I've seen many things you could do to get that cutie mark of yours... Really might help.' Celadon flipped a page. 'Oh and... While you were gone someone tried to break in and I scared them off. Red Rebel too.' Ryder glanced up at Celadon's smoke plume.

"You saw Red Rebels? In Bits hideout territory?!" Celeadon put a claw up as if she were shushing him. He huffed. "We gotta tell Blades! We cant just let those Rebels enter our base without backlash! We need to react!" Celadon wrote more down.

'Blades doesn't need to get involved! All I did was inadvertently scare them off by scratching my claws against the metal, breaking glass in that one office room across from that little room I was in. You say the word and I can spring an attack taking out one of their hideouts.'

"Not without back up Celadon! They could capture you and force you to do things for them! You're on our team and a tazer does not feel good trust me I've fucking gotten it in the flank!" A dark opaque plume of smoke came from Celadon's neck. Ryder huffed a bit. "I'm not budging from my answer. Kill me if you have to! I know you wont do it unless you're trying to protect someone who cant defend themselves." The smoke calmed down and the dark griffon turned away, waving him off with her claw. If she had her head, she might've been looking out over the city streets below. The stallion sighed and sat down. "...Okay look I'm sorry... I'm tired, its late... Just go back to the warehouse and guard it... I'll tell blades tomorrow morning... I'd ask for a hug but after the way I treated you....." Celadon turned back showing him the note pad.

'It's okay... You need sleep while I don't... Go on... I promise I'll be okay until the morning... I'll block every entrance and exit with my aura...'

"But... How will you know when the light comes?" Ryder watched as Celadon wrote on the pad again.

'With my aura I can sense when there's light out... It sort of burns but not like if I'm on fire or I got acid thrown on me. Mostly like a light diaper rash. Not too painful unless it's being touched. Just.... go back to bed... I promise you i'll be fine.... if you feel like you have to just tell Blades... Just go....'

Ryder gave a nod and hesitantly walked back inside. As he closed the sliding glass door he saw Celadon bring the cloak over herself and have the mask appear in her claw. A plume of smoke came from her neck hole looking like she hesitated on just slashing at him with her claws. She just put the mask on and flew off. Ryder turned inside and sat on the couch moonlight on him and a chess board in front of him with a white pawn visible in the moon light. He heard a door open up stairs and gave a groan. A yawn was heard and hoofsteps coming down stairs. "...Ryder...? What the hell're you doin' up lad....?" A familiar voice said. Ryder looked up and saw Izzy walking down into the moonlit room. Her mane was messy and shit did look a tad tired.

Ryder sighed as he reached over and knocked the pawn into the shadows. "...Everyone in that warehouse makes me feel like I'm just a pawn..." He said. "...An expendable no good piece of crap pawn... Something that can be eradicated and forgotten..." Izzy came up and sat right next to him.

"...This is about how everyones treatin' ya huh?" Ryder gave a nod. "Ah... Well lets see it this way... The pawns might be taken out because they're the first line of defense... if you know how to move those pawns they can last a while and your brother being the leader is always moving those pawns the way he sees fit. You're that one pawn closest to him and you moved only a space forward while the others moved a lot. You determine whether the king will fall or not. You keep him safe and so far your kingdom has grown stronger. You keep the kingdom moving forward and only attack when you see an opening. You understanding everything I'm putting out laddie?" Ryder huffed.

"....I don't wanna feel like a pawn! I want to feel like.... Like... Maybe a rook or a bishop..."

"Rooks and bishops only get straight shots at it and they always get taken out. If a pawn meets a pawn head on they cant do anything and neither of them'll budge... The rooks go in if the pawns fail. Same with the bishop. They fail more often because they cant attack like the pawns do. They attack the same way they move. Pawns move forward while attacking diagonally. Now you can be the best pawn you can be or be a rook and know nothing about what the hell you're supposed to be doin'." Izzy patted Ryder on the back and got up. "I aint gonna tell ya to get to sleep but a bishop gets less sleep than a pawn does since they got their own shit ta do." Ryder sighed and got up following Izzy up the stairs.

"....Guess if you need me I'll be out at the warehouse sleeping... I'll think on what you said... I do better thinking when I'm flying anyways...." They both stopped outside the bedroom doors. "But... before we get to sleep you think you can fit me with some wing blades? It would make Blades feel a little better knowing I'm protected..." Izzy let out a sigh.

"Well there's that pawn. You be that pawn and kick some ass. Don't let those asshats get ya down lad. Trust me when yer brother wakes I'll tell him you went with that black griffon. That's right I saw you talkin' with it... How'd ya manage not to get killed?"

"Helps to not fight. If she doesn't get attacked she doesn't attack."

"She?" Ryder gave a nod.

"Yeah. She. But.... seriously wing blades please? Blades seriously wouldnt like it if i disappeared and didnt have any protection." Izzy sighed.

"Fine fine just hold your horses lad. We cant get this done any faster if ya keep complainin'. Just wait here and I'll getcha fitted and on your way." Ryder nodded and just watched as Izzy disappeared into the bedroom.

Not long later Ryder was flying over the city. The darkness shrouded the roof tops showing the streets below like rivers of light in a cave of darkness. As he flew on he grew a little more fatigued as he looked out towards the outskirts of the large city. He could see Canterlot sitting atop a hill in the distance but all he could do was stare. He felt as if he were just distanced from all of society. Just then a loud screech sounded out. It was Celadon. Ryder landed on a building with a neon light just across the street. The light was a green and blue color. When he landed he sat down and sighed just looking out at the outside of the city. He didnt even flinch as someone landed directly behind him and hugged him. He looked back and saw Celadon's mask. She broke the hug and went to sit next to him. She started to write something down. 'You alright there Ryder?' She asked. Ryder huffed and shrugged. She started to write again. '....Come on what's wrong? Wanna go back to my shack and talk? I can carry you if you'd like."

He looked up at the headless griffon. "... Would you please....? I cant really sleep and I'm afraid if i start to nod off while flying I'll fall or hit something...." He said. He couldnt see any expression a little smoke came from behind Celadon's mask. She got up and lowered herself beckoning to him. He smiled and climbed on being mindful of his friends wings. "....Thanks Celly.... Hopefully I can wake up somewhere else and feel better.... tonight is just shit..." Celadon reached back and pinched his muzzle slightly and put her claw against his mouth telling him to be quiet. "....Alright.... I'll shut up for now.... But when we get to your place I need to speak with you...." Celly gave a thumbs up before just putting her pen and notebook away and flying up. The pegasus stallion held on to the dark griffon tight as they flew over the streets. Lights from the street nearly blinded his tired eyes but he looked down and saw ponies of all kinds just going through the streets. Some in gangs, others just regular citizens. He could even hear a few groups scream out something about the black griffon. That she was kidnapping a pony or taking him for a meal. He didnt care but he could feel the tension in Celadon's wings rise as they yelled those things. All he could do was hug the headless griffon tighter. It took a long while before they landed and when they did Ryder hopped off just near the door. He sighed. "....They were hurting you werent they? I could hear them yelling things.... I felt you tense up." Celadon went into her shack making her mask and cloak disappear before lighting a candle of darkness that still somehow lit up the inside. She sat down against the wall and pulled her pen and paper pad out.

'....Every day I go out whether its to save someones life from being ended or just to visit another friend of mine I can hear everyone just.... yelling and screaming at me....' She wrote. '....I wish i had my head so I could yell at them.... Tell them I'm no monster....' Ryder sighed as he went inside closing the door.

"...Oh right... You're looking for your head.... I dont know why but that keeps slipping my mind." He watched as the griffon started writing something down again.

'Its fine if you dont hold on to that info.... I dont care.... but... at least you see me for who I am... Not for what I do to protect....They say those bodies hidden in alley ways are mine but.... They arent.... They're just someone elses work made to look brutal just to blame on me.... I take shadows and make weapons while theirs leave metallic residue....' Ryder looked to her surprised as he shook off his wing blades having them land with a clang.

"Damn Izzy.... Not tight enough to fight but tight enough to stay on my wings while I fly...." He stretched his wing and cracked his neck. "...Sorry little tired here.... But you've tested their wounds? With what though?" She started writing again. Ryder sat next to Celadon just peeking over her shoulder.

'Well I didnt but I have a medic friend who helps me with this stuff. He's sort of.... unorthodox.... in a sense.... He basically is a griffon like myself but... He's got a head and can speak while I just write out my responses... By the way can you find me another paper pad or something please? I'm actually running out of pages here...." Ryder smiled and lied down giving a yawn.

"....Sure Celly.... Tomorrow when I'm out doing what I do I'll swing by the store and get one for you.... Maybe some new pens to write in different colors maybe? Just a thumbs up or down for this...." Celadon gave the colt a thumbs up and a plume of smoke came out of her neck hole and floated over them both just growing until it formed a blanket. It landed on top of them and Ryder instantly cuddle up to the dark griffon. Her warm body just pulled him in just as a little cloud of smoke formed a pillow for him. Her body moved like she sighed seeing her friend fall asleep. She couldnt even help but put an arm over him holding him close just so he'd feel comfortable as he slept. She carefully and hesitantly caressed the back of his head running her claws through his mane. Celadon lied down next to him and cuddled up to him before he just turned to his side hugging the dark griffon.

Burning Desires

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.