Author's Note

I redid this chapter, and I feel much happier with it now, even though it is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from the original. I do hope you all enjoy this chapter.

Be sure to point out errors, and give your opinion.

Good day~

A Break and Small Things (9)

It’s a beautiful morning. Ray found himself thinking, looking out the window of his room, watching the sun rise slowly over the horizon. Canterlot looked so peaceful at night, and Ray was pretty sure that’s something Luna didn’t like, but oh well, it wasn’t his problem.

Mac was asleep on the bed, having asked Ray if he could sleep on it since his was softer than Mac’s bed; he allowed him.

Letting out a deep sigh, Ray stood from his chair, groaning as he stretched. Relaxing, Ray took this time to pour himself a glass of whiskey. When he finished pour it, he looked at the glass, then shrugged, tossing it out the window and just drank from the bottle. I deserve a fucking vacation. He thought dryly.

Sitting back down, Ray slumped into the chair, just watching the clouds go by as the sunlight began to come into the room.

Ray could hear Mac groaning on his bed, and turned to look, seeing Mac slowly getting up of the bed, rubbing his muzzle. He looked up, and took a look around the room, yawning before he spoke, “Where am I?” he asked, confused. Ray chuckled, beginning to respond, “Sleeping on my bed… You came in here last night, looking for a softer bed? So I let you, been up ever since.” Ray explained, Mac nodding as he began to remember, “Oh yeah.” he said simply.

Sighing, Ray realised it was nice out, since the sun had stopped rising, setting the time to morning. He also noticed it began to rain, the Pegasi working today for whatever reason, Ray couldn’t really care.

Mac trotted over, looking out the window, “Think there’s a bar in this place?” he asked, looking at Ray, who gave him a look that said, ‘Really?’ then actually spoke, “Mac, it’s a city, of course there’s a bar.” he said, chuckling, “But I don’t want to drink, I want to take a walk about the city.” Ray continued, fixing his vest and pulling his pants up properly.

Nodding, Mac began ‘fixing’ his mane, and proceeded to flatten out the fluff on his chest, nodding when he finished.

Ray smiled, finding it funny, but nodded too and they left the room, backed up by a Lunar Guard, the other staying to watch the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The rain wasn’t too bad, and luckily, the Lunar Guard had provided an umbrella for both Ray and Mac. How, Ray didn’t really care, since it kept him dry, and that was all he really cared about.

Walking through the city however, was something he quickly found out he didn’t enjoy, due to the fact that the snobs would point and stare, some laughing at him like he was an animal. Mac, of course, was practically growling at those who came close, which didn’t really help, and Ray found himself wanting a drink after all.

After looking around for a decent while, the finally came across what looked like some kind of club, and they had some trouble getting inside.

“You can’t bring your pet in here.” A Gryphon said, giving a flat look to the guard, making Ray groan, “I’m not a damn pet.” he said, very much annoyed, causing the Gryphon to look at him, startled. Regaining his composure, the Gryphon coughed, “Well, though you may have the correct attire, I’m afraid I cannot let-” “We are associates of one Princess Luna.” the Lunar Guard said calmly, making the Gryphons eye’s widen.

Thinking for a moment, the Gryphon nodded, noting the Guard’s armor, “Very well, you may enter. Do not cause any trouble.” he warned, letting them by.

“That was pretty slick.” Ray noted, Mac nodded, “What’s your name anyway?” Ray asked, looking at the Guard who looked up at him, “Gunnulf…” he said simply, then walked off, heading for a bar. Ray noted the name, and looked at Mac, “I’m going to go listen to some music.” he explained, hearing a violin playing somewhere.

Walking around, Ray noticed that most ponies here were dressed nicely, or dressed poshly. He found most of them parting a way for him, which he thought was nice, but couldn’t help but feel like they feared him, which they probably did.

Finally, Ray came to a raised platform, where a gray mare with a black mane was playing what Ray assumed was a Cello, but he didn’t really know, he wasn’t all that interested in instruments.

The music was beautiful though, Ray could admit that, and he found himself entranced by the way he mare played, she was clearly a pro.

Sadly, the music ended, the crowd clapping lightly as the mare bowed, Ray too clapping, smiling as it brought back memories of the early 30s, when he was just a child. Sighing, Ray walked away, heading back towards the bar, noticing Gunnulf sitting by himself, eating fish and drinking what looked like water or vodka.

Walking over, Ray sat beside him, “So, what made you join the Lunar Guard?” Ray asked, curious about it. Gunnulf only looked at Ray slowly, and took another sip, “I have a deep set sense of loyalty. The only ones I believed wouldn’t abuse it, was the Princesses, but Celestia was too good for me. I serve the night now, with a great sense of pride.” Gunnulf explained, taking another sip.

Ray nodded slowly, “Interesting.” Ray looked at the tender, “I’d like some whiskey.” he asked, and the tender nodded, beginning to find the bottle.

Ray looked back to Gunnulf, still wanting to know things, “What did you do before the military?” he asked, rolling his shoulders, they felt sore, probably an effect of getting pounded by a bench.

Gunnulf shrugged, “Nothing really, I worked freelance as a mercenary for nobles, doing work in other countries, though, I never enjoyed the work, since it would involve killing innocents.” Ray nodded, then asked, “How old are you?” Gunnulf only looked at him, raising a brow, “I don’t think you need to know, Ray.” Gunnulf simply stated.

Ray felt like he was insulted, but pushed the feeling aside. If Gunnulf didn’t feel like telling, he wasn’t gonna force him, especially considering that he was a military trained solder.

A double glass slide in front of Ray, courtesy of the tender, who only nodded as Ray nodded back. Licking his lips, Ray shot back the drink, smiling as the warmth and taste hit him, letting out a sigh, “That’s nice.” he simply stated, relaxing.

It was at that moment, that Ray felt someone lightly tap his back, and he whirled around, reaching into his vest, only to see the gray mare standing there, looking startled by his speed, “Oh dear, I’m terribly sorry for scaring you, but I just had to talk to you.” she explained, then blushed, “Oh, my name is Octavia.” she stated, smiling as she held out a hoof.

Ray shook it, not liking the idea of kissing hooves. Octavia smiled, “I saw you watching me play, you looked so at peace, what did it remind you of?” she asked, leaning closer, Ray leaning back, “It just reminded me of a simpler time.” he said, noticing the tender refill his glass, smiling.

Octavia leaned away, nodded, “That’s nice… I never got your name.” she said, looking at him with big eyes. I just want to drink damn it. He thought sourly, but sighed, then smiled at her warmly, “My name is Ray Tanner, but you can call me Ray.” he said calmly, making Octavia smile wider, then she took a look around, “I think you should meet my husband, he’s a charming fellow, but awfully secretive.” she said suddenly.

Ray shook his head, “That’s a kind gesture, but I don’t think he’d find me very interesting.” Really, that what I came up with? He berated himself, realising that he’d be pretty interesting. Octavia chuckled, “Darling, you are one of the most interesting persons I’ve met in a while.” That only drove the point home.

Sighing, Ray down the second drink, then stood, “Alright then, let's go meet this Pony.” he said simply, figuring he may as well get it over with. Octavia turned to walk, but Rat felt someone grab him and he turned, glaring back, finding Gunnulf there, “Don’t get in trouble.” he simply said, giving Ray a look.

Walking away, Ray felt a lot less comfortable about this, even more so when he noticed they were headed towards a VIP area. Ray decided to speak up, “Where are we going exactly?” He didn’t feel like getting involved with any other mad business.

Octavia smiled at him, “We’re going to my husband’s table, he’s currently talking to a business owner, hopefully he won’t mind us.” she explained, Ray nodding along, though he hoped the Pony would mind.

Once they reached the VIP area, she practically dragged him, much to his discomfort, to a lone table, where a jet black pony with a golden mane sat, sipping from a wine glass, seeming bored with a paper he was reading.

They got to the table, causing the Pony to look up, then rose a brow, looking to Ray, “I can’t buy it, honey.” he said simply, and Ray grit his teeth. Are you shitting me? He thought to himself, growing more upset. Yanking his hand from Octavia’s grasp, he scowled, “I don’t like being referred to as something to be bought.” Ray said firmly, gaining a much more serious look from the Pony.

Octavia let out a huff, “He can talk Nova!” she said grumpily, but not really upset.

Ray turned, wanting to leave, but felt magic grab him, and pull him back. Whirling around, Ray reached into his vest, “I’m done here ‘sir’, let me go.” Ray ordered, glaring, and ‘Nova’ just grinned, “Well aren’t you tough tiger.” he said, making Ray more uncomfortable than angry.

Ray felt his hand wrap around the grip of his PMM tightly, “Let. Me. Go.” he repeated, “Fucker.” he added, not caring if he offended either of them. Nova’s eyes widened, and Octavia looked shocked, “I think I should teach this ani-” Nova was cut off by a hoof hitting his face, knocking him to the ground.

Gunnulf stood over Nova, glaring as he snarled, “This man is the Business Partner of one Princess Luna, and you have threatened and Magically Assaulted him. I’m gonna have to bring you before the Princess of the Night.” he stated firmly, quickly putting cuffs on Nova’s hooves, and a ring around his horn.

Ray had been impressed with Gunnulf’s speed. Now that he looked at the Earth Pony, he was huge, almost as Mac, but slightly smaller.

Gunnulf had stood Nova up, and looked at Ray by the time Mac walked over, “I’ll meet you at the room, don’t worry.” he said simply, moving past a shocked Octavia with Nova, Ray grinning, his grip finally releasing from his gun, “That was cool.” he said dumbly to Mac, who nodded.

Octavia growled, “Stop him!” she yelled at Ray, who just shook his head, “No. He didn’t listen, and he should have known better, but he thought he was above me.” Ray said, smiling as Octavia scowled, and rushed after Gunnulf, who’d already left the building.

Mac watched as she left, then looked at Ray, rubbing the back of his head, “Wanna go to the castle garden?” he asked. Ray looked at Mac, then smiled, “Yeah… That sounds swell.” he said honestly, tired of the club.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After they’d left, it was a relatively long walk, but they endured it, joking as they went. Ray would look at building as the walked past, noticing barber shops, clothing stores, jewelry stores, and other things he didn’t find too interesting. They, while walking, he noticed a smaller Pony in an alley, stopping to look at them, causing Mac to walk past him.

The Pony was small, it’s coat a grimy brown, covered with dirt and grit. Their mane was a midnight blue, or, at least it looked like it, but the red blotches and dirt made it hard to tell.

Ray sighed, walking into the alley, kneeling by the foal, noticing it was likely a filly. Ray looked around, noticing Mac wasn’t with him. Oh lord. He sighed again, then gently nudged the filly, making her shift, before she looked up at him, her eyes a bright blue. They then shot wide open, but he pressed her down gently, so she wouldn’t bolt off.

“Relax, I’m not going to hurt you.” Ray said calmly, though the filly didn’t stop trying to get free. Gently lifting her, Ray could feel the poor dear’s hip bones and ribs. Feeling a scowl come to his face, Ray forced it away. Who the hell would let a child get to this state? He thought angrily.

“Shhh, don’t panic. I want to help you, maybe get you a warm blanket?” Ray bribed, causing her to look at him, wide eyed and a small smile cracked through, before the frown returned, “Please…” she said softly, coughing once. Ray only nodded, “Of course.” he said, “Just hold on.” he said, gently setting her down, and began removing his vest.

After having put his pistol in his pocket, he wrapped the filly with his vest, and picked her back up, standing slowly, so not to hurt the frail filly. Turning, he found himself looking at Mac, who was only smiling, “Think we should go back to the room?” he asked. Ray nodded, and they exited the alley together.

Ray couldn’t help but feel like he’d been being watched, and looked around before going into full step.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was when Ray and Mac had almost gotten back to the hotel, that Ray had noticed it was Gunnulf who was following them, which explained the feeling of being watched.

When they got into the building, Gunnulf came in soon after them, sighing as he rolled his shoulders, “That mare had a powerful punch.” he said simply. Ray didn’t care, he had something more important to deal with.

After having gone up the elevator, they got to the Penthouse suite, and Ray opened the door, ignoring the babbling guard, who’d been wondering where the filly came from.

Ray found himself stuck, staring at his bed, which Luna was sitting on, staring at him with a bemused look. She coughed before speaking, “I see you’ve found a little one?” she asked, but it was rhetorical. Ray nodded anyway, setting the filly down gently onto the bed, Luna moving off it to make room.

Luna looked at Gunnulf, “Wait outside.” she said sharply, and he left, closing the door behind him. Luna then looked to Ray, “What on earth were you thinking?” she asked, very clearly upset. Ray groaned, “I was thinking I could save her?” he said, giving her a look like ‘really?’; Luna only scoffed.

Mac came up beside Ray, “I think what Ray is doing is the right thi-” “Of course it is, but Canterlot orphans come with more baggage than you could ever expect.” Luna said curtly, cutting off Mac, much to his annoyment.

Ray chuckled, “Nothing I can’t deal with.” Ray said simply. Gathering up a clean rag, he ran it under some water in the bathroom. He came back, going to the filly, helping to put the rag in her mouth, so that she could suck out the water. Luna just watched him, wondering what Ray was doing now.

Ray unwrapped his vest from the filly, now noticing her wings. They looked… Alright, but not very many feathers remained, but that was something he could worry about later, “Mac, I’d like for you to go down stairs, and ask room service to bring up some food, soft things.” he said simply, not entirely sure when the filly had last eaten.

Luna trotted over, placing a hoof on Ray’s shoulder, “I’ll help her Ray, I know healing magic.” she said, trying to help now. Oh now you want to help. He thought bitterly, but sighed, letting Luna use her magic.

After a few silent moments, Luna stopped, looking at Ray. “She’s malnourished, but you already knew that. Aside from that, there is some damage to her vocal cords, likely due to crying or screaming.” Luna explained, looking at the filly.” she looked at the filly, then back to Ray, “Why’d you save her?” Luna asked, genuinely curious.

Why? That’s simple. Ray thought before speaking, “I have my own children Luna… I can’t just let a child lie hurt in an alley.” he explained, kneeling by the bed, “I couldn’t walk away.” he added.

Shaking his head, Ray stood, regaining his normal posture, “Tomorrow, I’d like to meet those Ponies you told me about.” he stated, smiling warmly, and Luna nodded, “Agreed, but I do think you need to make sure this one will be alright.”

Ray nodded, smiling down at the filly, “I will.” he said, and he meant it. Luna looked at him, a newfound respect for him developing, “Got a name for her?” she asked.

Ray nodded, speaking quietly, “Rose Diamonds.” he said, keeping in theme with the world around him.