The trip back to the ship was mostlyspent going over their plans to save Fluttershy and convince Twilight who was the good guys. An idea that quickly sank when Phoenix pointed out that this side of the universe mostly had killers and the like.

"I guess that includes us now." Rainbow sighed as she looked at her hands. "It's not going to be easy to explain to the ponies back home about this."

"You said that you were in the military right?" Phoenix asked.

"Basically that's what they are. Why?"

Scootaloo gasped and smiled at her. "You think if you told them how you helped protect a princess it'll help smooth it over?"

Rainbow looked to Phoenix as after seeing his agreeing smile, grew a smile of her own. "You know what kid? You're right. That would help."

"Plus you're fighting a corrupt government to save your friends." He added.

Jumping out of her seat Rainbow pointed back to the planet. "What are we waiting for then? Let's save our friends!"

"Cool it Dash. We may have our targets. But we still need a plan. They still hold all the cards right now." Phoenix sighed.

Just then the speakers crackled to life. "Is this on? Hello? Mister Phoenix?"

"Bloom? Is something wrong?" He replied. "We're on our way back now with some of your friends."

"That's nice and all. Really." She replied nervously. "But… would you mind going back to the planet? Walker told me that my sister accidentally activated one of those teleporter… things. And was sent to someplace called… The Pound?"

Phoenix quickly got to the controls and readjusted their destination. "Don't worry Bloom. We'll get your sister back." He confirmed before cutting transmission and adding. "Even if I have to burn a few places down to do it."

Seeing how drastic things got oddly brought a smile to the faces of the two mares, as they started preparing for the coming fight.

In the back room of The Pound, Applejack sat against the wall panting as she held a cloth to her chest as a large shadowy figure walked up behind a group of large feral dogs.

"Either you're in heat or we have to get these boys laid more often." He laughed. "I'd hate to do this. But… seeing you're trespassing. I can't just let you hide out back here."

"So what ya gonna do?" Applejack asked.

"You have a few choices. And trust me. You don't want to be on the streets in your condition. First is you let these boys have their way with you."

"Not happening."

"Compared to one of the other options. They're a lot more gentle. Anyway, option two is you service the boss. Or act as my pet." He finished.

"Ya got to be kidding. Why would I do any of those?"

"For starters. You're trespassing. So my keeping these boys from plowing you is in itself a favor. And two, if you leave right now… a lot worse will happen to you." He replied with a shrug. "I can't promise your safety if you leave. Nore that you won't be in pain if you go with servicing the boss. But I can promise to help you get through the other two options."

"And what would I have to do if I played the role of your pet?"

"Mostly follow me around on all fours." He shrugged. "The boss may need more convincing. So I'll have you do simple tasks around the place. At most you'll have to let one or two guys mount you. Still a better offer than the boss or these four."

Applejack thought it over and she looked around. She was definitely in a kenal. And if what he said was true. There was only one option that would get her out of this place in one piece. "All I gotta do is act like your pet?"

"That about covers it. And if they need convincing then I know a few boys that will be a lot more gentle than this lot." He laughed.

"Fine." She sighed, getting on all fours. "Ya think ya can send a message to my friends about where I am?"

"Who are they?"

"Phoenix and his crew."

He laughed and pushed the dogs into cages. "Then don't worry. He'll come find you. No doubt. Come on. Time to buy you some time and put on a show." With a nod, Applejack followed him. Unaware of how the following time with him would change her life… forever.

Author's Note

These guys can't catch a break. Can they? What's next? Bloom falling for the tiger?... on second thought. Maybe that's a bit too far.

As always. Let me know what you guys think.