Chapter 4

“Okay Celestia, I think me and Ash are ready.”

“Very well, if you have any other questions please ask them now, or hold them until you’re back. I will go back to my palace and inform the Council of what has transpired, and due to the strange nature of your situation and surroundings I shall write up a royal document forbidding any unauthorized individuals from entering the ‘Magic Exclusion Zone’, or M.E.Z. as I have come to calling it. Now once you're prepared to go, please stand still and in front of me along with anything you wish to bring.” Nodding my head in agreement and thanks I go grab my keys and wallet while Ash takes her phone out and makes a few reminders about what i’m guessing are things she wants to do before coming back. A few minutes later, Ash and I stand in front of the white pony and hold hands.

“Okay you two, I will begin with the spell and you may feel some nausea once you arrive. I will see you both when my schedule allows it and I am glad our first encounter didn't go as bad as it could have gotten. Good luck,” her horn glows with a bright golden light, I look at Ash and she looks to me our eyes do all the speaking for us as we close them due to the brightness of the light coming from the Princess, all we feel is nothingness with some vertigo.

********************

*Sigh* Well, now that that’s settled, how about I take a look around this, ‘House', I feel a bit of guilt snooping while the two humans are gone but I must know of the potential danger these two are capable of. Making my way through the building I notice the room which they were in was locked, not wanting it to be obvious that I was snooping I use an echo location type spell, letting me vaguely see the contents of the room. Well that was slightly useful, the items inside elude me of their purpose but they seem like ordinary furniture along with a strange metallic safe. At least I have a little more information than just a glance inside could provide. Opening the next door reveals a large bed along with some night stands and an open walk in closet full of clothes. Well that solves that, next leads me to a restroom with a strange looking toilet and a tall but small shower, though thinking of it’s intended users it does not come as a surprise.

“Well, at least I won't be returning empty handed, information is just as powerful as any material objects I could have snatched.”

Using the same technique to exit the MEZ as entering, it did not take as long as the first time luckily. I cannot help but think and make plans and contingencies pertaining to the duo I just helped out.

Hmm, maybe…

********************

Arriving at our intended destination kind of felt like being funneled out of toothpaste, how do I know that, I don't i’m just guessing fucker. Anyways, Ash and I look to one another and give a parting hug not needing to be told twice about where to go and when to be back we depart. I’m guessing she's going to say farewell to her family and go attend to the supplies, while I go tend to my family and friends and go see a certain man about acquiring some less than legal goods. Not having time to see the full extent of the structural damage but noticing that it does not look pretty I take my truck, which had some dents on the hood, and head to go see my mom.

About ten minutes pass by in a rushed blur of adrenalin and anxiety, I get to my mom's place. Noticing it did not get hit as bad as everything else, I sigh in relief.

“Ma! Donde estas? Necesito a hablar contigo” (Mom! Where are you! I need to talk to you!)

“My san, where jhave you been mijo, I’ve been estressada with this earthquake.”

“Ma, I need to talk to you about something really important, and I don't have much time to explain.” Getting a little shaky with my nerves I prepare myself to upset my mother.

“Okay mijo but you need to call tu papa and make sure he's okay, santo ariba knows he wouldn't care if the jwhole jhouse fell on him.”

“Ok, I will mama but please, understand that I don't have any control in what's happening right now. I’m going away ma, I don't know for how long but probably forever. I literally can't stay ma, i’m sorry but, I don't have any say in this.”

Failing to just hold strong due to my mom being there for everything in my life, I never grew up slowly, I was forced to skip my childhood due to poverty, but my mom always held strong and fed my sister and I even if it meant going hungry herself. I never really knew how I would cope with my moms eventual departure from this world, but I always figured I’d have time to accept it, this though, this was not how I wanted to say goodbye to her.

“Mijo, I understand, sometimes un hombre needs to do what he needs to do. I wish I jhad more time to say goodbye but always remember tu mama siempre te va amar, but don't leave yet, I made some of your favorito food, tinga. At least take it with you.” My mother wipes the tears at the edge of my eyes, and shows me a pot full of shredded chicken and sauce.

“I will mom, thank you for understanding, and I have a gift for you, so you won't have to work a day in your life again,” running back to my truck I grab the pouch of precious metals and stones and hand it to her, she gasps and grabs the pouch while muttering spanish curses followed with a prayer to god.

“Mijo, not that I don't appreciate this but does this jhave to do with you jhaving to leave?”

“Heh, well it kind of does but it’s not what you think. Just know that i’m always gonna miss you and Stephanie” I hug her and she returns it with tears streaming down both our faces. “Te amo mama.”

“Yo tambien mijo, santa maria protect mi hijo, y su novia”, I blush but don't question how she figured it out, heh leave it to a mother's instinct. I leave with a container and damp jacket, it doesn't feel right leaving so soon, I wish I could have stayed longer but I know five hours will be up faster than I expect. Starting my truck and heading toward the surplus store I have in mind I call my step-dad. The phone rings three times before being answered.

“Hello? Erik, you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine but mom told me to call you to see how you were holding up.”

“Oh, I’m fine. It’ll take more than a little earthquake to take me down”

“Hmm, yeah figured. Well, I’m also calling you to tell you i’m leaving for good. You're probably not gonna hear from me again, but stay away from mom or i'll find a way to come back and kick your ass” the other line stays silent for a while until a sigh comes through.

“Sure thing Erik, I won't ask what's going on, but just be careful. You know i’m still sorry, but wherever you go just take care of that girl of yours or i'll find you and kick your ass.” My step dad being one I could confide in knew about my interest in Ashleigh, but this was before his fuck up.

“Heh, sure. Just remember what you've done… and goodbye, dad.” I hang up the phone just as I get to the camo painted building, neon lights still lit with ‘Guns, Ammo, Bait, Etc.’ on the front. Barred windows and door looking like a 450 is required to pry them open. I turn my truck off and lock it as I make my way through the door. The sound of a bell signals the arrival of a customer, the inside is pretty much what you would expect with fishing gear and supplies to the left of the store and anything to do with firearms and military toward the right, behind the counter is a grizzled old man with eyes of one who has seen too many things for one lifetime, Top is what anyone who is a regular calls him, that or Sarge.

“Well if it isn't Mr. Two pea shooter! What can I help you with this fine day! Finally come to buy some REAL guns?” I simply answer ‘yes’ while looking him in the eye. He notices the look in my eye and something within him sparks. “Well, well, I know that look. I won't ask why but you're going somewhere far, and dangerous ain't ya. Lucky for you, I got some good stuff, if you're willin to pay.” I just stare at him, and he seems to accept it, nodding he leads me to the back. Going down some stairs to a basement he turns to a metal counter, pushing it to the side it reveals a sturdy looking steel door. Pushing his thumb and putting in a code on a side panel it opens with a loud clank. Pushing it open my eyes widen to the shelves lined with military grade hardware, everything from a 93R to a M32 grenade launcher, and rows or ammo for everything in between.

“I won't ask what you’re lookin for but know i'm watching you, just come back to the door once you're ready,” with that I go to some shelves lined with assault rifles and DMRs I pick out an LVAO-C and 3 ammo containers of 5.56, place them on the side, a modern looking SVD catches my eye, always wanting one I grab it along with 4 containers of 7.62. Missing my Glock I look for a replacement, an H&K P30 makes my eyes go wide, after seeing it in John Wick I wanted one bad. Grabbing five boxes of 124gr +p (9mm) I finalize my selection, making my way to the doorway with Top waiting I spot something I absolutely needed, a belt of M67 frags. Unloading my picks in front of the old man he nods and inspects my selection.

“I like your tastes, alright this will cost you around 25Gs but since i'm being nice, i'll take it down to 10Gs, and i’ll even throw in some body armour and survival kits. From the look in your eyes, your going somewhere bad and need to protect someone. I know the feelin, just know no matter what happens don't lose yourself kid. It’s a fine line we men of action walk, never forget what you're fighting for.”

“Thanks Sarge, i’ll never forget your kindness.” I shake his hand and give him my credit card, I trust him to charge me on whatever, not like it’ll matter anyways. It takes me about 2 hours to load all of this and the gear he gave me, as well as cover it with a tarp, once i'm all situated I go and settle any old grievances and debts. Saying goodbye to my best friends was hard though, if it wasn't my mom, they were always there for me, without them my life would not have been as rich up to this point, i’m gunna miss my buddies.

I check the time and notice it’s been nearly four hours, shit time flies when you're busy alright. With the night still somewhat young I head over to a 24Hr gas station. The way over wasn't to important, just the city night life going on like nothing ever happened. Finally spotting my destination I turn into the lot and park next to a pump, turning the truck off and locking it I make my way inside the surprisingly roomy mart and spot a stack of empty five gallon jerry cans. I could probably fit eight of them in the back seats of my truck if I stack them efficiently. Making my mind up I ask the clerk to help me out in bringing them outside, not before I pay for them though.

With my forty gallons of gas all filled up, I top off my truck and drive off the lot, waving at the clerk I check the time, and instantly gun it to my destination. Breaking a few traffic laws, I get to the ruined apartments in record time with a less than happy looking Ashleigh waiting for me, I park and exit my truck.

“Heheh, sorry about that, I kind of got side tracked.”

“Oh i’m not mad that you're here barely on time, i’m mad that you didn't even think to call your sister. I called her and asked if she's heard from you, but I think you know what she told me,” oh shit. Damnit! I can't believe I actually forgot to call my own sister!

“Well, is she okay at least?”

“Yeah she was fine, just a little mad you didn't call her. Other than that, I gathered all the supplies and even managed to keep the bits Celestia gave me,” that did not come as a surprise to me considering her family lives comfortably enough. Though now that i'm taking in her appearance it looks like she cried for some time. Well i'm with her on that one, this was far more rushed and painful than I would have liked it to be, I just wish there was more time, maybe if I never moved out after that happened with my mom… maybe I would have never dragged Ash into this damned mess. Unfortunately for me there is no going back now, i'm stuck with this situation, the least I can do is try and make the most of it. Although truth be told i'm really just holding shit in for the sake of my sanity.

“-rick, Erriiikk!” a pale hand waves in front of my face breaking me from my thoughts.

“Oh shit! My bad, I was just thinking. Sorry, what were you trying to tell me?”

“I was just asking you if you were ready? I'm feeling something weird right now, I think we're about to get pulled back.” true enough I start feeling something like static in the air, making a quick rundown in my mind in case I forgot anything I realize I failed to mention buying milk, it's always the damn milk. Although before I can say anything my vision goes white and then I get a familiar sense of vertigo.

********************

A warm breeze rolls through the small hills upsetting the tall strands of emerald in a wave like motion eventually getting to the trees causing a flock of finch like birds to fly off of their perches, tweeting tune to the others the flock fly by our modest home, heh reminds me of the our first day here, even though that was about three months ago. I step out onto the porch Ash and I constructed to make our home a little more… homey, considering the door was about half a foot off the ground.

“Hey babe i'm makin a run to the stream, need anything while i'm out?”

“Nah, just make sure you get some fish for tonight, and be careful, Cel warned us about puntown expanding, I don't think those ponies are ready to find out about us.”

“I'll be careful, and I remember it being called Ponyville? Not puntown.”

“Yeah that bullshit, just come back soon!”

Heh, yeah that's Ash for you, not that I blame her though. We've gotten closer through these few months, were still a little awkward when it comes to anything physical. Cels done us some good too, some supplies for home upkeep and construction, though Ash still doesn't trust her, I can see why but i'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Doesn't mean id trust her with my life, but if she keeps it up I may just get there. Things are looking up for us, I just hope life doesn't take our comfort as a sign of complacency and weakness, we've been training in marksmanship and hand to hand every now and then, though the spars were more her idea. She can kick my ass in a fair fight, though not surprising when her father was a brown belt in the Marines hell he probably taught her how to kill a man with her bare hands, but that just means i'm learning from someone capable.

Yeah, life looks good for now. I just hope to whatever god is watching that when life throws something at us, we're ready.

Author's Note

Okay so, I don't have any good excuse other than iv'e been busy. I have more time on my hands now but this took so long to come out because I honestly was not feeling creative. And I know that if I were to have forced myself to write the final product would not have been worth it at all essentially meaning I let your the reader and myself down. But i'm kind of getting back into the groove, just don't expect super frequent updates. I hope you all enjoy, and if so leave a like if you feel like it, if anything comment and call me out on my bullshit literature.