The Factions of Equestria

Eight Months Later...

Just three months after the tournament and Luke's new given position, the PAP clan has already been improving. While Jack was busy with the brand-new trading compound in Ponyville, Luke was almost always in charge of the main operating base. This lead to Luke getting a lot of respect from the citizens, as well as the constables. With Michael as his best friend, this lead to many more friendships with him and the group. The clan almost saw Luke as a less-douchey version of Jack.

For instance, they are both seen as leaders. However, Luke is a lot less strict when it came to the work that the clan members had to do. When the guards in the watch tower needed a break, he would give them two hours to do what they wished while some constables took over. Whenever someone got hurt, like a cut or sprain...once, a broken limb, Jack would just slap a Band-Aid on it and tell them to "man up". With Luke in charge, he made sure the doctors were doing what they could to make sure every clan mate is healthy. This made many of the PAP members see him as a role model, and someone they can depend on if they struggled. If anyone had an issue, he welcomed them to come into his office and talk about how they can solve the problem.

A month after that, Jack returned to the PAP base with news that the trading complex was successful...and sure enough, profits were coming in. With the extra money, the clan was able to gain enough resources to upgrade the base. Not only that, but also obtain food, water, and clothing. The clan was thriving, and so were the lives of ponies. The local economy boosted a noticeably larger amount, as well.

However, Jack's return disappointed the clan members a little. When he overheard about how Luke ran the base, he was mildly agitated...but he didn't want to ruin his plan. Hearing about how the members appreciated Luke made him jealous. It was at this point when he realized that Luke wasn't as quiet or depressed as he was a while back. He was commonly seen walking around the base, engaging in conversation, or teaching other clan members how to shoot well. Jack was irritated by this, but he knew that he couldn't remove Luke from the executive position. He was getting too much attention. If he demoted him, everyone would wonder why.

And then there was the visits. For the next five months, every day, Twilight would come to the base. She only would say hi to Jack or give him a hug or kiss...and then she would go directly to Luke and talk with him. He knew that they weren't doing anything that would break rule ten, he watched them through the window of the rooms. They simply sat and talked. What they talked about was beyond him, but this definitely added to his jealousy. He wanted Twilight to himself if he wanted royal powers, but he also couldn't tear her away from her new friend. That would give a sign.

That brings this adventure to about eight months after Luke's arrival. Jack was in his office, yet again writing in his journal.

Dear Journal,

The PAP is a success! We have made a lot of money, thanks to the trading complex in Ponyville. We have improved the overall conditions of the base as well, such as better quality food and clothes. We are also well-known by the public, so that only improves our good publicity!

However, not all is good. Twilight hasn't been talking to me much. She would come visit every day, but would only talk to Luke. I'm her damn boyfriend! I should be the one getting visited and talked to at least an hour a day! I know they aren't doing anything that would break rule 10, but I am curious on what they talk about. Tomorrow, I'll eavesdrop on their conversation...and see what they are discussing. I'd like to know what goes on between those two.

-Jack