The trip to Vanhoover was long and tiring for Speedy as he drove non-stop while Scootaloo and Star admired the countryside and slept. In total it took Speedy three days of nonstop driving as they entered the city of Vanhoover as Celestia's sun barely rose over the horizon. The city itself was a haven for the rich and fancy, mansions and high end stores were seen almost everywhere while smaller apartment complexes dotted the city as well.

Scootaloo and Star both awoke as Speedy drove through the gates to a large mansion and stopped at the front gates. A valet opened the passenger door for the two fillies while Speedy got out himself and handed the valet the keys. “Watch the clutch. It tends to slip” he said as he walked inside. Inside the main entrance had marble floors and granite support columns decorated in gold leaf. Scootaloo was shocked at the size of the mansion alone and thought to herself that the entrance alone would put Diamond Tiaras house to shame.

“Ah. Glad to see my freund has made it to my humble heiligtum. And I see you brought some young fräuleins with you as well.” a thick, Germane voice said at the top of the stairway. There stood a cream colored unicorn about middle aged wearing a dress shirt and overcoat. Speedy looked up and smiled at the new stallion.

“Ah Fynn! Glad to have me stay with you longer. Although we do have a extra filly with us the plan is going so far well.” the two shared a small laugh until Scootaloo tapped Speedy's shoulder. “Ah! My manners. Girls, this is Fynn, the richest pony from Germaney and dear accomplice to me and this plan. Fynn, this is Scootaloo and Star, one a relative in a ways to the Element of Loyalty while the other was taken under her care in their hell of a home. Do you think you could find Star's family and send her home Fynn?” Speedy said with some concern.

The Germane stallion chuckled at the once former Marine. “Of course I can my freund. I can find the fräulein her home. She'll just have to stay with us for awhile till I can.” Speedy gave a sigh of relief as a maid came out and motioned for them to follow her. The trio followed the maid upstairs to a door with Speedy's name written in cursive on the door. Speedy opened the door to reveal a decent size apartment like room complete with kitchen, bathroom, and a bedroom with a queen size bed. Both girls were shocked at the size of this room and took it all in that they were practically living in luxury.

“You live here?!” Star said in which Speedy nodded.

“Yep. When I went into slavery Fynn took me in and cared for me. My previous owner before him treated me very poorly granted I was making him money more than any of his fighters could ever make. When the Elements came to me about you and your friends Fynn agreed to help us in exchange for immunity and to help us rescue and save slave ponies. You guys can do whatever you want to do here, I'm gonna go take a nap.” Speedy said as he closed the door to his bedroom which was soon followed by the faint sound of snoring.

Scootaloo and Star both decided to look in the kitchen and eat some food that was in the fridge while watching a cartoon channel on the living room television until a knock at the door. Scootaloo went and opened the door to see that the maid brought them a new set of clothes and a plate of chocolate chip cookies. Scootaloo thanked the maid and closed the door then set the cookies on the living room table as her and Star changed into their new clothes. Scootaloo then noticed that the clothes felt familiar to her and noticed something surprising on the tag.

It was made by Rarity.

Scootaloo felt her heart flutter remembering her friends and family as tears fell down her cheeks. Star looked at her friend with concern and hugged Scootaloo as she hummed a song to her calming her down. Scootaloo hugged Star back then went back to watching cartoons while eating the cookies the maid sent them. Later in the afternoon Speedy awoke and felt well rested as he went down towards Fynns office and wanted to plan his next move. Fynn just was leaving his office as Speedy walked up to him. “Good. I was about to get you” Fynn said as he gave Speedy a manila envelope. “High Rise. Very wealthy and rivals that of my own wealth. Only known relative I know of is her young daughter Ruby Rise.”

“Anyway I can get to him?”

“Yes you can. He's got a thing for gambling and is a professional at blackjack. The local casino is having a tournament tonight and I think the reigning champ should keep his title.” Fynn said with a grin. Speedy gave a similar smile as he lifted his sleeve and looked at the tattoo of his champion cards. “Great. But you're not driving your car that you came here with.” Fynn said as he walked towards the garage leaving Speedy with a confused look.

“W-what?! Why can't I use my Charger?! That's a family heirloom.” Speedy said as he quickly ran to Fynn.

“Because we're gonna fix it up for you. Right now you're gonna need something with some more class to get in. So I got you something that fits your peculiar…….taste.” Fynn said as he walked up to a tarped car. As Speedy walked up Fynn pulled off the tarp revealing a black 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner. Speedy looked at the car in awe as he looked it over. “440 cubic inch engine, custom pistol grip shifter, and a tracker chip in the transmission to know where you are in case shit goes down. The game starts in a hour and a half so hurry your ass and get dressed. The car will be waiting outside.”

Within a couple minutes Speedy left the mansion dressed in a tuxedo and took the Roadrunner to the local casino, Money Cent Casino. As he pulled up Fynn spoke to Speedy through his earpiece. “High Rise will be driving a lime green Porsche to the casino. It's his pride and joy and he uses it a lot.” Sure enough Speedy saw a lime green Porsche 911 in front of him as High Rise stepped out of the car and entered the casino as the valet drove the car away.

As the valet parked the Roadrunner Speedy entered the casino and looked for the sign up for the tournament. He soon found the receptionist who was handling sign in and gave her the enter cost and his name. He went to his spot at the table and waited until the casino founder arrived on a stage. He was a older unicorn wearing a golden tuxedo and held a microphone.

“Welcome competitors to our yearly blackjack tournament. As you know the best and richest ponies from Vanhoover to Las Pegasus compete for top place to see who is the best player in the world. And it looks like from this view our current record champion is in here tonight!” he said pointing to Speedy. Speedy grinned and stood up waving to the competitors who applauded him. As he sat down he noticed High Rise looking towards him with curiosity.

“Well without further ado. Let us begin!”

Author's Note

Probably expect another chapter this week. The recent chapter of Theponycaptorproject's threw me off