Canterlot City; July 1946

The two young policemen, Israel and Inferno, quickly approach the police station. It's been quite the heavy night with the ladies all shaken up from having their home broke into and one of them almost raped by those goons. Luckily, they're safe and sound now.

Soon, Israel parked the car on the curb and got out. "Alright, ladies. Follow us inside, you'll be safe there. You can give your statements when you're good and ready."

"Thank you, officer." Somnambula said. She, along with Mistmane and Meadowbrook all got out of the car and Israel then opened up the door to let his injured buddy out.

Inferno got out of the car, while also being strangely careful with his left arm, or more specifically his left shoulder. He also tried his hardest to not grunt in pain as he finally got out of the car.

And he bore a sour expression on his face.

“I… hate… stitches.” He said with a grouchy tone of voice.

Before they arrived at the police station and after learning that Meadowbrook was a nurse for the Army during WW2, they made a pit stop at a local pharmacy store to provide her some supplies to stitch up Inferno’s shoulder.

And the young man did not enjoy the experience.

“Oh, don’t be such a big baby, sweetheart.” Meadowbrook teased the young officer. “Besides it was just about 10 stitches, you’ll live.” she added.

“I feel like Frankenstine’s Monster.” Inferno exclaimed as he was rubbing his left shoulder, but soon Meadowbrook grabbed his hand and pulled it away.

“Stop that, you’ll tear up the stitches if you do that. And that wound will take weeks to heal enough for me to remove them. So, no touchy.” She informed him, while sounding like a mother scolding a child.

Inferno pouted while begrudgingly going along with what the lady requested. Unfortunately for him, his mother taught him to be a gentleman to women.

Back at the station, Mistmane and Somnambula are currently recuperating while Israel is filing a report on the incident. While Meadowbrook was checking up on Inferno’s stitches, seeing if they didn’t tear up. With the majority of the goons being sent to the morgue and their only remaining survivor being interrogated, it's gotten Israel thinking on a few things.

'I wonder… just what the hell were those assholes trying to cover up? If there's more out there, then we'd better keep our eyes and ears open. And those fuckers… they got some nerve to try and force themselves on such fine ladies.' he thought to himself.

Back with Inferno, the young man was still sour about getting stitches, but he knew it was the only means of not bleeding out more.

As he sat in the waiting lounge in silence, he soon heard the sounds of someone sitting down next to him. He turns to his side, and to his surprise, it was Mistmane.

“Hey,” Was all he could say.

“Hi.” She replied, then she went quiet for a moment before she spoke again. “Listen, I know I already said this back at the house, but… I just want to say, thank you… for saving me from a terrible experience. It was really brave of you.”

Her words wiped away the sour expression on Inferno’s face, and replaced it with a warm one.

“You’re welcome. I’m just glad nothing else happened.” Inferno proclaimed.

"Me, too. But… still, I'd be lying if I said that's the end of it. I'm scared, not just for me, but for my friends' safety." Mistmane said, looking down at the floor, her legs still slightly shaking. "I just know they'll be coming back for us."

He could say to her that everything is gonna be fine, but that would be him lying. This wasn’t like the Canterlot in his time, this was the Canterlot that is plagued with Mafia families, loan sharks, and gangsters. And if the men that tried to harm the ladies are connected to the murder that Somnambula unfortunately became witness to, then this is something big. Bigger than what he and Israel can handle.

But knowing his partner, Israel will never let this happen again and he will find whoever did this. And Inferno knows that it’s pointless to convince him to back out, and he’s gonna support his friend no matter what.

So that means that they were now involved in his game, whether they like it or not. And if they’re gonna play the game… He’s gonna have to do some ‘shopping’.

“STRAIGHT ARROW! SHADOW KNIGHT! MY OFFICE! NOW!” The two officers and the ladies were startled by the aggressive holler of the police chief of the precinct.

'Ugh!!! Does he not know how to fucking use his moderate or indoor voice?' Israel thought to himself in his head.

Inferno lets out a defeated sigh. “Ugh, great.” he said in an annoyed tone.

“We didn’t get you two in trouble, did we?” Mistmane asked out of concern.

“Oh no no no, he’s always like that with us. I’m sure he’s just gonna give us another scolding and have us do paperwork like usual.” Inferno replied to ease her concerns as he got up from his seat. “C’mon, Arrow, let's see what Chief ‘Sunshine’ wants now.”

So the two begrudgingly went over to the chief’s office. While thinking positive or trying to at least not think of any insults to throw, the two opened the door and entered.

“You wanted to see us, sir?” Inferno asked.

“Shut up, and get in here!” The chief shouted angrily in response.

Both Inferno and Israel rolled their eyes as they stepped into the Chief’s office while the former closed the door behind them.

“And make sure to lock the door.” The chief instructed.

While wondering what he meant by that, Inferno does as he was told and locks the door.

Soon the two young officers sat down in their respective seats, and awaited what the Chief had to say about them this time.

“You did it again. You disobeyed a direct order, again. Now how many is that, exactly? Mmm! Seven? Ten? The twelfth?! You were told to escort our witness to her homestead, and then return back to the precinct to fill in paperwork! But instead, you turned around and went back!” The chief exclaimed while the two young officers in front of him stared at him with blank expressions, as if they were expecting this to happen. “Now! I could hang you by your necks! I could expel you from the force! But there is only one thing I can do. But say… Good work.”

But that caught the two off guard.

“Say what?” Inferno was the first to speak.

"Oh, umm… thank you, sir." Israel added, now feeling speechless. 'Okay, aside from yelling in our faces, this is a first. Getting praised for our work?' he thought.

“I know, I was surprised to hear myself say that. But… What you boys did… was the right thing to do.” The chief stated. “Sure you disobeyed orders, but you have your loyalty to the law and justice.” Then he leans forward to get much closer to the young officers while having a serious and grim expression on his face. “And men like that are hard to come by these days.” He whispered.

The boys soon had confused looks on their faces, not wondering what he meant. But seconds later, the chief starts explaining everything.

“Those scum that you killed. Well just seconds after we handed their bodies to the morgue for autopsy, we identified who these men were. They were subordinates for the Dark Trinity.” The Chief exclaimed.

“Dark… Trinity?” Inferno asked in confusion.

“They’re a triad organization, a coalition between three mafia families. The first family, the Dark Centaurs, led by Tirek, a ruthless and power hungry crime lord that Canterlot has ever witnessed. The second family is known as the Black Mass Syndicate, they're led by someone who goes by the title of "King of Shadows”. And then there’s the third family, called themselves “the Hellspawns”, led by the head of the entire Dark Trinity… Grogar. A man so cruel, so bloodthirsty, so merciless, so inhuman… that many people believed him to be the Devil incarnate. For years, these combined families have ruled over Canterlot with an iron fist. They have control of everything; nightclubs, banks, town officials, even… law enforcement.” The chief explained.

When the chief said that last part, Inferno and Israel could now finally understand what he really meant earlier.

“I was but a rookie in the force when the Dark Trinity was in its early days. I have seen good officers, good men, corrupted by that organization. When the time came when I was promoted as the Chief of the Canterlot City Police Department, I vowed to undo everything the Dark Trinity did to this fine precinct. I fired all who was on payroll for those thugs and did everything in my power to sever ties with that terrible organization. Well… almost all.” The chief spoke with a look of suspicion and grimness. “After finding out who those men were, and knowing that they knew where to look for our witness… I have a feeling that someone in my precinct… tipped off to the Dark Trinity. One of them… is dirty. And at this point, I have no idea who to trust and believe. Which is why I’m telling you both this.” The chief stated

Israel nods in understanding. "I always knew this was way bigger than any of us… I just didn't know how big… But still, we're police officers. We serve and protect and if this Dark Trinity is holding the city hostage, then we're just gonna have to work harder to pick them apart bit by bit and take back this city. We may only be 2 officers, 3 if you're in it, but we can be so much more. I don't care if it takes us decades or even centuries, we will make Canterlot peaceful!" Israel said before taking his hat off and placing it by his heart. "I give you my solemn vow, chief."

He puts his police hat back on, keeping his determined look.

Inferno stares at his partner with a puzzled look on his face. ‘Jeez, if I had a nickel for everytime he gave a speech out of nowhere, I'd be a millionaire by now.’ He thought to himself.

“Yeah, what he said.” Inferno said, nonchalantly.

“While your heart is in the right place, rookie; however, it's not that simple. I’ve been trying to take down these bastards for years, with no victory to my record. But fortunately, these events have presented a sure-fire strategy. Ms. Somnambula is now a witness to a murder and an attempted one on her life as well as the other women with her. And if these incidents are connected to the Dark Trinity, and if our best detectives gather enough evidence; for once, this precinct can finally find an opening to deliver a mighty blow to them! It may be small, but it’ll be a start.” The chief spoke with a tone of slight enthusiasm.

“So what? You want us to gather evidence for ya?” Inferno asked.

“No. I’m assigning you two to protect our only witnesses.” the chief proclaimed.

“Say what now?” Inferno asked again.

“While our detectives are still searching for positive evidence at the two crime scenes, those three young ladies are important assets to tear open the defenses of the Dark Trinity. Their testimonies are crucial to back up any evidence we find. And it seems the crime families know also, and they’ll do anything to silence them. Which is why I’m secretly assigning you two as their escorts. You are to keep an eye on them and ensure they aren’t in any danger; until we have enough evidence to take this case to court.”

"Understood, sir. We'll keep them safe," Israel saluted.

“Yeah, sure.” Inferno saluted as well.

“Alright then. Once you leave this office, do not speak of your assignment to anyone. And just to be on the safer side, we need to find a safeplace for our witnesses to stay until things are situated.” The chief informed them both.

"I know a safe place. Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Shadow?" Israel turns to his partner with a smile.

“Arrow… You know damn well I do not know what goes on in your head.” Inferno said with a blank expression.

Sweet Apple Acres; 1.5 miles outside of Canterlot City; July 1946

Chilling in the living room, after a hard day of working in the fields, Marie-Ann was sitting in her wooden rocking chair, reading a book to herself.

While also being bored out of her mind.

Ever since the boys have joined the police force, it's been getting rather lonely most of the day. Even though they do come back later after their work hours, they would be tired or be called back if they’re needed.

Honestly, Marie-Ann found it frustrating and irksome.

She sighs heavily to herself as her boredom never wavered.

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

Until the sounds of knocking at her front door blew it away like sand in the wind.

“Huh, who could that be?” Marie-Ann asked as she placed down the book she was reading and got up from her rocking chair, though she struggled a bit (if you know what I mean), and went to the door to see what it was.

And when she got to the door, a voice spoke out from the other side.

"Yoo-hoo, Marie-Ann, it's us. Your handy helpers." Israel called out from outside.

Hearing Israel’s voice made Marie-Ann gasp and smile as she quickly opened the door, and there standing on the other side were her two favorite boys.

“Hey, Marie-Ann. We’re back.” Inferno said with a smile.

Without warning, Marie-Ann leaped at the two and wrapped her arms around them as best as she could.

"Y'all have any idea how worried sick Ah’ was with you two gone fer so long? Ah’ missed y'all so much, Ah’ almost gave up on sleeping tonight!" Marie-Ann replied, hugging them tightly.

"Sorry we worried you so much. But we managed to make it home safe and sound. But uh… there's something we'd like to ask you." Israel said.

Marie-Ann then lets go of the two and stares at them with suspicion. “Ask me what?”

“Well, we… brought guests.” Inferno said as he and Israel each stepped aside to allow a gap form between them.

And with that, Marie-Ann could see three young women waiting by Israel and Inferno’s car. With an unreadable expression, Marie-Ann stretched out her hands, tugged on both boy’s ties and pulled them harshly closer to her face. Then her expression becomes one of jealousy and slight aggression.

“Explain… NOW!” Marie-Ann demanded.

“W-We can explain! Everything! Inside!” Inferno spoke while having fear struck into him by this woman.

Israel nodded in agreement as well, while feeling the same way as his partner.

Soon after they all entered the house and sat down in the living room, the two boys explained everything to Marie-Ann; from Somnambula having witnessed a murder to her and her friends being threatened by gangsters. Explaining how urgent it was for the three women to have someplace safe to stay.

“So we, and by that I mean Straight Arrow here, suggested that they would stay here. And the chief agreed to it. And I know this might intrude on your daily routine around the ranch. But they could really use your help and your home as their sanctuary.” Inferno pleaded to her.

"If the answer is "no," we completely understand, miss. The last thing we want is to cause you any trouble." Somnambula said.

After hearing them out, Marie-Ann sat in silence for quite a while, with an unreadable facial expression. Until finally, she gave her answer.

“Well… Ah’ suppose it wouldn’t hurt to have some company ‘round the house.” Marie-Ann said.

"Oh, thank you, Ms. Marie-Ann. I promise you, we'll be out of here before you know it." Meadowbrook thanked.

"In the meantime, we'll be happy to help you around the house, if you'd like." Mistmane added.

“Well Ah’ could use some extra hands on the ranch. Especially since ma’ last two ranch hands decided to run off to play ‘cops and robbers’.” Marie-Ann said while looking at Inferno and Israel with glaring eyes before she got up from her rocking chair. “Now then, let me show y’all to yer rooms. They ain’t much, but they sure will be cozy enough fer ya.” She proclaimed as she led the three ladies upstairs.

"Cops and robbers?" Israel whispered to Inferno.

“I think it's best not to ask.” Inferno whispered in reply.

"If you say so," Israel whispered skeptically.

"And as fer you two, go march yer stenchy asses upstairs and hit the showers, y'all done stink to high heaven!" Marie-Ann says to Israel and Inferno. Then she and the three other ladies disappeared upstairs.

The two boys stood in the living room, as still as flag poles, before Inferno raised his right arm and sniffed his right armpit. Which solidified Marie-Ann’s point, as Inferno reels his head back and drops his arm down.

Inferno then looked at his partner and nodded his head. Yep, they need a shower.

Later on, nightfall came. The three ladies got settled into their temporary bedrooms, and the boys washed up as Marie-Ann requested.

And tonight, Marie-Ann is cooking up a feast, now that they have three more mouths to feed in the house.

One particular guest in the house can feel themselves float in the air from smelling a very delicious apple pie.

"Mmmmmm, is that apple pie I smell?" Israel asked, coming down the stairs, nice and clean and with a goofy smile on his face.

And he wasn’t the only one.

“I can smell it too, partner. Follow your nose.” Inferno said as he followed behind Israel down the stairs, with a wide grin on his face.

Following after the boys, Somnambula, Meadowbrook, and Mistmane walked down the stairs, while being hit by the delicious aroma that came from Marie-Ann delicious cooking.

“Oh my! What is that savory scent I smell?” Somnambula asked.

"Yes, it's so tantalizing, I can feel my own stomach rumble," Mistmane added.

"I'm starving too and that lovely smell is making my tummy sing," Meadowbrook chimed.

"Hehe, tummy? That's so cute. I love cute," Israel commented.

As they all entered the dining room, they saw a whole buffet or feast across the table. And seconds later, they see Marie-Ann exit the kitchen with a hot apple pie.

“Ah, glad to see y’all here! C’mon sit down and get it while it's pipin' hot." Marie-Ann said.

“Don’t have to ask me twice!” Inferno said as he rushed in and sat down to eat.

The 3 ladies took their seats and served themselves a plate each. Israel also shut his yap and served himself a helping of Marie-Ann's delicious home cooking. As everyone took a bite, the ladies moaned in satisfaction from the heavenly taste hitting their taste buds. Israel practically melted from how good it tasted and Inferno…

“It's like eating the happiest moment of my life.” Inferno commented while tears fell down from his eyes.

“Aw, that's mighty kind of ya, sugar.” Marie-Ann spoke to the young man.

“Your cooking will always be heavenly, Marie-Ann.” Inferno tearfully proclaimed as he took another bite.

"Mmm, I'll say. How do you do it, Marie-Ann?" Somnambula asked after gulping down a bite.

“Well, that’s a family secret, sugarcube. And Ah’ ain’t tellin’.” Marie-Ann said with an innocent smile.

"I can respect that. But that won't stop us… or those two from gobbling it up," Mistmane giggled, gesturing to the boys. We see Israel licking his plate clean and then wiping his face clean while Inferno jugged down his cider to the last drop after having cleaned off his plate, then he went to grab seconds.

"Dang, Shadow. an entire cider down the hatch and you're not even drunk this time? I thought you'd get all tipsy considering how much of a cider-holic you are." Israel teased.

“Well, guess I finally developed an immune system.” Inferno spoke before he ate up his second helpings.

“So, how y’all enjoyed yer meals, laddies?” Marie-Ann asked her three new guests.

“Oh, it's divine, Marie-Ann!” Mistmane commented.

“Best cooking I ever tasted. Well next to my culture’s diet.” Somnambula proclaimed.

“I swear I can keep eating this all day and not care if I gain weight.” Meadowbrook boldly stated.

"And you'll be the definition of "Big and Beautiful," Israel said with a wink. "Not to mention adorable, too."

"Oh, come on now. You're just saying that," Meadowbrook giggles with a cute blush.

"No, I mean it. I have a soft spot for ladies with cute sides." Israel replied.

Inferno watches this from his seat, shaking his head but still smiling. His pal always had a way with words. He knew what to say to make the ladies feel happy or special. And there was no way he could do the same. He wasn’t that much of a talker; only when a situation needed to be de-escalated.

Sure, girls at Canterlot HIgh, in the present, would gawk at him for his looks. But Inferno never really had luck on speaking like a gentleman to a lady, even with his mother’s teachings. He was lucky that he had met Sunset and the two dated.

But here in this time period? He was back to square one.

Inferno soon gets up from his seat to go into the kitchen to get another bottle of apple cider. And then seconds later, he came back with a bottle and sat down in his seat.

"Oh, and Shadow… the only reason yer not so tipsy as easily isn't because yer gettin' used to it, Ah’ actually made a slight change in the recipe so it'll still taste good, but keep ya sober yer longer, sugarcube," Marie-Ann said.

“Well, I guess now I can drink more cider now.” Inferno proclaimed before he took a sip from his bottle.

But unbeknownst to the two, that cider bottle Inferno had, was the last of the hard apple cider that Marie-Ann missed. So he was in for another hangover tonight.

“Well… If you'll excuse me. I’m off to bed.” Inferno said as he got up from his seat, while still holding the cider bottle in his hand.

“This early? Are ya sure ya don’t want to stay around fer desserts?” Marie-Ann asked out of confusion.

“No, no, no, its just… Well, it's… been a long day and I'm tuckered out. So… Goodnight everyone.” Inferno replied. And with that, he walked out of the dining room and walked up the stairs before he was asked many questions.

"Well… I guess more desserts for us, then," Israel shrugged. But he knew about his friend's stitches and why he decided to turn in. So, for the time being, he said nothing. "Still… maybe tomorrow, we can save him at least a few desserts."

"That sounds like a generous idea." Mistmane says.

"I agree," Somnambula added.

"Well, ya don't have to tell me, twice," Marie-Ann said, already setting some apple desserts aside for the wounded hero. The rest of the guests got to indulging themselves in some of Marie-Ann's delicious homemade sweets. Meadowbrook and Mistmane tried some apple fritters, Somnambula tried some apple brown betty and the goofball in silver hair had a couple of slices of apple pie.

The moment the ladies tasted Marie-Ann's desserts, they gave satisfied moans of delight.

"So yummy!!!" Meadowbrook squealed with a cute smile and cheeks stuffed with food.

"I've tasted high quality foods before, but your desserts would put high-ranking pastry chefs to shame, Ms. Marie-Ann!" Mistmane said in awe.

"If my taste buds had voices, they'd be singing back-up vocals." Somnambula chimed.

"I wish my stomach was endless, then I could eat this forever, hehehe," Israel said before taking another bite..

“Well, glad y'all enjoyed it. Now hurry up, finish up and hand over your plates so Ah’ can clean ‘em.” Marie-Ann informed them all.

"Would you like some help in cleaning the plates, deary?" Mistmane asked.

“Some help wouldn’t hurt, now hurry up.” Marie-Ann replied.

She nodded and everyone got down to finishing their food. Minutes later, after eating their fill, Mistmane stayed behind to help with the dishes while the other girls and Israel headed upstairs to turn in for the night.

Since there weren't that many guest rooms, the ladies had to share one room. Luckily, they have ways of making themselves comfortable.

"What a night. I never thought that something like this would happen." Somnambula said, sitting down on her bed.

"I know what you mean, Somnambula. I've never been so scared before in my life. I thought our lives were over. Thank goodness for those brave young men." Meadowbrook said with a sigh, laying on her bed.

"Meadowbrook… I'm so sorry. It's because of me, I wound up putting you… and Mistmane in danger, all because… I'm a witness to a murder. I don't know how much longer we'll be staying out here before we can safely go home." Somnambula said somberly.

“Hey, it could have happened to anyone. Unfortunately, it had to happen to you. So don’t blame yourself.” Meadowbrook replied, trying her best to ease her friend’s guilt. “Besides, as long as we have the officers look after us, we should be fine.” She then giggled all of a sudden as she looked at her Egyptian friend with a teasing smile. “And between you and me, I think Mistmane might be captivated by that Officer Knight fellow.”

"Is she now? Well, what about you? Are you holding a torch for Officer Knight?" Somnambula asked in a teasing manner.

“Me? No, no… But I do admit, that Officer Arrow character sure has a charming way with words. Why… don’t you?” Meadowbrook responded in the same teasing manner.

"Hmm… to be honest… they're both equally attractive. Shadow Knight is a realist, knows how to keep calm under pressure and I just know when I'm near him, I feel a sense of security. Like… he makes me feel safe. Straight Arrow, on the other hand… he's more of an idealist. He's unorthodox in terms of certain methods, but that just means he's resourceful. That, and he's rather funny, too. So, I can't choose between the two." Somnambula said.

“Oooh… So you’re craving for both of them, you little sly kitten.” Meadowbrook teased.

"C-Craving?! Meadowbrook, that's a strong, naughty word in a sense!" Somnambula said with a slight blush across her face.

“Then why are you blushing~?” Meadowbrook asked with a devious look in her eyes.

"I, uh… I-I-I could ask you the same thing from earlier… Do you crave Straight Arrow? Do you want him to… woo you with his unique charms?" Somnambula asked in a teasing manner, trying to turn the tables on her friend.d.

“Why you… little tease!” Meadowbrook responded back loudly while blushing.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Mistmane was helping Marie-Ann clean up the dining table and wash up the dishes. The farm gal appreciated her assistance

"Thank ya very much fer helpin' me out, Mistmane." Marie-Ann said.

"It was no trouble at all, Ms. Marie-Ann. It's the least I could do since you're allowing us to stay. If you need any more help tomorrow, just let me and my friends know and we'll help you out in any way we can." Mistmane replied.

“Ah’ sure will remember that, sugarcube.” Marie-Ann proclaimed.

As they were washing the dishes, Mistmane then all of a sudden looked nervous and like she wanted to ask something. After a few seconds, she soon had courage to do so.

“Uh, Marie-Ann… Can I ask you something? If it isn't too much trouble, of course.” Mistmane asked.

"Sure, sugarcube. What's on yer mind?" the apple gal asked.

“H-How much do you know about… Officer Knight?” Mistmane asked.

"Oh, well… he's got a good head on his shoulders, he likes mah apple cider and he's also very honest, hard-working and… he's a good shot and he's very… down to earth. Kinda like how I am most o' the time. Why do ya ask?" Marie-Ann asked back.

“Just curious…” Mistmane replied, but soon she couldn’t stop her thoughts. “It's just… He saved my life today, even nearly risking his life while doing it. And he seemed to be not much of a talker or tenacious like his partner. He’s so… mysterious and yet, caring. And also, I get the feeling he seems like he’s not very invested as a police officer, yet he still does the right thing, even in the most dire situation.”

"The way Ah’ see it, Shadow is a man of action, but when it comes to danger… he doesn't show it under that calm, fixated gaze of his, but Ah’ can tell he's scared. But he's one o' those men who chooses to face his fears just for the sake of others, especially his friend. Perhaps he's been through some traumatizing experiences when he was younger, or maybe it's this city that's gettin' to him. But either way, Shadow's the kind o' man Ah’ know you can count on. He's got guts o' steel… with a heart o' gold." Marie-Ann vouched.

As Mistmane heard everything, she can feel a slight warmth growing in her cheeks. And her thoughts about this Shadow had only grown fiercer. But from what she heard, she now knows that Shadow was not a man to seek a fight or get involved in danger just because, but is always ready to do the most noble deeds when he knows it's the right thing to do.

She doesn’t know why… but it sounded rather… sweet.

“Well then, Ah’ guess that’s everything. Best ya head to bed now.” Marie-Ann’s voice spoke to her, as Mistmane soon is broken out of her trance.

“Huh?” She said before looking down and seeing that all the dishes were all done. Guess she got lost in her thoughts and didn’t notice Marie-Ann had cleaned up the rest. "Oh, right. Anyways, thanks again, Marie-Ann. And have goodnight, deary."

"You too, Mistmane." Marie-Ann replied warmly. The mistress of beauty then left the well-stacked apple gal and headed upstairs to be with her friends. One upstairs, she heard what sounded like… singing coming from one of the rooms. But it wasn't Somnambula, it was one of the guys. She leaned against the door to listen and she could hear one of them clearly.

She then tip-toed to the other room where the girls were at and opened it quietly.

"Somnambula, Meadowbrook, can you hear that?" Mistmane asked in shock.

“I sure do,” Meadowbrook replied.

"Same here, I know that voice anywhere. That's Straight Arrow. I didn't know he could sing." Somnambula said, just as surprised.

To hear it better, the girls drew closer to the boy’s room, while trying not to be heard or make a sudden noise. As they stood near the slightly opened door, they could hear Israel’s singing more clearly.

His singing is extraordinary, yet the song he's singing… it's unlike any song they've ever heard of, in fact… This particular song is new to them. No singer in today's day and age has probably ever heard such a song or even thought of it. But something about it just makes the ladies' hearts beat faster than normal. So soothing… so comforting… so… romantic.

Eventually, the song came to an end and the ladies all let out a silent sigh. But then, one of them stepped on a creaky floorboard, which startled them a bit.

"Hmm? What was that?" Israel asked himself.,

Quickly, the girls rushed to their room as quietly, but hastily as they could. By the time the young man had peeped into the hallway, the ladies were inside their rooms. They peeped through the slight opening of their door to see if he hadn’t noticed them.

"Huh… I must be hearing things." he said to himself.

Little did he suspect, he had an audience gawking at his topless figure. During his time as a cop, he managed to gain a bit of muscle mass, even though he was slightly skinny. And he had developed a nice 6 pack. For the ladies to see him like this… well, their reactions say it all.

"Oh my… I… I think… I'm… I'm gonna…" Meadowbrook couldn't finish her sentence and let out a shuddered sigh as she fainted, but Somnambula quickly caught her.

"Well, someone's been keeping a healthy, well-balanced diet to get a body like that. Too bad Meadowbrook wasn't ready for it," Somnambula said.

“Indeed. Let's just get her to bed.” Mistmane suggested, and so the two carried their unconscious friend over to her bed, and had the courtesy of tucking her in.

After tucking Meadowbrook in bed, the other two ladies decided to get into their beds and get some shut eye.

In just a few seconds after laying down in their new beds, soon Somnambula and Mistmane finally fell into deep slumber. And fell into the realm of dreams.

[The next morning; Sweet Apple Acres: July 1946]

By next morning, the bright sunrise shone upon Sweet Apple Acres, and the rooster sounded the morning alarm for any living thing to wake up and start the day.

But one individual wasn’t too pleased to hear it.

“MARIE-ANN! CAN I PLEASE KILL THE ROOSTER!!!” Inferno’s loud voice echoed throughout the farm house.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT! Now quit yer bellyachin' an' git ready fer breakfast!" Marie-Ann called back loudly.

Inside the boys room, the-said-young man was laying in his head, not looking too good and sounding like something ran him over.

“Breakfast sounds nice, but why do I feel like shit?” Inferno muttered to himself. If only he knew about the hard apple cider he had last night, he wouldn’t have to experience his morning hangover.

"Maybe you drank the last bit of hard apple cider last night," Israel joked with a laugh.

“And you need a rain check when people are not talking to you…AGH!” Inferno responded to his pal before the headaches became fierce as he was getting up from bed.

"Aww, did I strike a nerve? Terribly sorry ol' chap," Israel teased in a British accent before heading to the bathroom. Inside he took care of business, brushing his teeth, combing and straightening out his hair and washing his hands before heading downstairs. "And how's our lovely apple gal doing this fine morning?" he asked.

“Well good mornin’ ta you too, sugarcube.” Marie-Ann called out from the kitchen as she was making breakfast.

"So, what's on today's delicious breakfast menu?" Israel asked.

"Hmm, Ah'm cookin' up some eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes an' some leftover apple fritters." Marie-Ann said.

"Yeeeaaah! Cook it up!" Israel said approvingly, making her giggle.

Soon the two could hear sounds of footsteps coming down the stairs, and entering the dining room where the ranch’s newest guests; Somnambula, Meadowbrook, and Mistmane.

"Well, hello, ladies. You're looking as fabulous as ever," Israel complimented.

“Why, thank you, Mr. Arrow. You’re not so bad yourself.” Meadowbrook replied.

“Y’all had plenty of good sleep last night?” Marie-Ann asked her new guests, hoping that they were comfortable in their new room.

“Oh, it was wonderful, Marie-Ann. It felt nice to sleep peacefully after the day we had yesterday.” Somnambula commented.

“Indeed it was. And even though they’re not like my bed back home, the mattresses in the guest room were quite comfortable.” Mistmane also commented and soon she noticed around the room that someone was not present. “Say, where’s Mr. Knight? Is he not joining us for breakfast?”

Before anyone could answer her, they all soon hear the sounds of groaning and heavy footsteps coming down the stairs. And soon arriving in the dining room, is Inferno; who surprisingly cleaned up and got dressed nicely despite his persistent hangover.

"Heeeeey, there he is! Still hungover, but looking snazzy, nonetheless," Israel said, trying to liven the mood.

“I’m gonna smack you silly, boy.” Inferno exclaimed. They all don’t know if it was the tiredness or the hangover talking. Soon the young man looked towards the woman of the house and asked: “Marie-Ann, would you mind making some tea. This hangover is murder.”

"Hangover? Ah'll get it brewin' but how in tarnation did ya get a hangover? Ah’ know I changed the recipe o' mah apple cider recently." Marie-Ann said as she got to prepping the tea.

"Uh… true, but… I think one slipped out of your sight." Israel said, showing her the empty cider bottle Inferno drank from.

"Oops. Heh… guess Ah’ missed that." the apple gal laughed nervously.

"Well… look at it this way. At least we now know all of the hard cider is gone for sure this time. Anyways, let's get to eating, I've got a serious case of the munchies," Israel said.

And with that, they all got to enjoy their morning meal. The ladies found it just as delicious as the dinner Marie-Ann cooked last night. Israel acted like a goofball once the tasty food touched his taste buds. Inferno was still cranky, due to fatigue and his hangover. But thankfully, the tea that Marie-Ann prepped for him helped a little, and settled his headaches at least.

"Ahhh, another delectable meal. Your cooking is phenomenal!" Mistmane complimented, rubbing her filled up stomach.

"Especially the apple fritters and fluffy pancakes." Meadowbrook said, tapping her belly, smiling all satisfied.

"You should open up a restaurant with cooking skills this good, Marie-Ann," Somnambula said before wiping her mouth and cheeks with a napkin.

“I agree. The whole town would come knocking down your door for your delicacies.” Mistmane complimented as she took another bite of the apple fritters.

"Y'all are much too kind. Ah’ could start a restaurant business, but mah true callin' is apple farmin' an' Ah’ wanna be able to start a family to continue the apple family tradition," Marie-Ann stated proudly.

"Well, Marie-Ann, if that's what you wanna do, I can respect that. And hey, play your cards right, the Apple family business will really take a huge leap over the years." Israel foreshadowed.

"Why thank ya, Straight Arrow. Now, if yer done eatin', Ah think it's time fer y'all to git to work. Y'all don't wanna keep yer chief waitin'." Marie-Ann said.

“Hey, about that. I have a… ‘personal’ errand to run. So Straight, you mind going to the station on your own today?" Inferno asked his partner.

"Uh, you do realize the chief ordered us to guard our witnesses and keep them safe, right? But I'll do what I can," Israel said before realizing. "Wait… what kind of errand are you running?"

“That… I’m keeping to myself.” Inferno said as he got up from his seat. “Not to worry, ladies. I’ll be back soon. It’ll be a quick run. Oh, Marie-Ann, do you mind if I borrow your truck?” He asked.

“Oh, uh sure, sugarcube.” Marie-Ann responded.

“Alright, then.” Inferno said as he reaches into his pocket and takes out the car keys to he and Israel's car and then tosses it over to his partner. “She’s yours for the day, partner. Not a single scratch, ya hear.” he instructs him before he exits the dining room.

"Yeah, whatever, mom." Israel rolled his eyes.

At the front door, Inferno reached for his black trench coat from the coat rack and his black fedora hat before placing them on. He then grabs the keys for the truck and then he exits the house and sets off to accomplish his ‘errand’.

"Well, there he goes. Looks like it's back to good ol' fashioned hard-working labor… at least, for the time being." Israel said. "So, what chores do you have in store for me today, Marie-Ann?"

"Y'all can start by headin' into the pig pen. Ah've got some extra apples Ah’ harvested yesterday, so go ahead an' feed 'em those." she instructed.

"Yes ma'am!" he saluted before heading out into the fields.

"He's something else, that's for sure," Meadowbrook giggled.

“A very strange man,” Mistmane commented.

“Yeah… but amusing.” Somnambula added.

A while after leaving Sweet Apple Acres, Inferno had been driving around town, trying to find something. Or someplace.

“C’mon, c’mon, where the hell is it? I know it’s here somewhere.” He muttered to himself. ‘I patrolled all over this city, how can it be this hard to find a simple…Oh. There it is.’ He was thinking to himself before he soon spotted the destination he was looking for.

He drives up the curb of the place, and then turns off the truck’s engine, before he gets a good look at the store in front of him. But it wasn’t just a regular store. No.

It was a gun store.

After having parked the truck, Inferno exits the vehicle before walking up to the front door of the gun store and entering inside. The door chimes rang when Inferno opened it, which alerted the gun store owner and his young apprentice of the arrival of a customer.

Inferno’s eyes wandered and observed every inch of the store. There were a few decorations in the shop; like some fish plaques and a few taxidermy animal heads hanging on the walls. But what Inferno was more interested in was the many varieties of firearms hanging on the walls and locked in display cases.

If Inferno wasn’t being professional and serious, he would have geeked out from the gun heaven he was in.

But it wasn’t that time.

With professional courtesy, Inferno spoke to the gun store owner, saying: “Good mornin’.”

“Can I help you, young man?” the owner replied while he and his apprentice were staring at him.

After being asked, Inferno soon reaches into his coat and he pulls out what appears to be a catalog book. And when he opened it to read its contents; it was revealed to be a catalog book for firearms, and as Inferno scrolled through the pages, it revealed that some of the weapons that were displayed on them were circled.

What Inferno hadn’t told his partner or the ladies, was that last night, he had been doing some shopping in secret. The book he had discovered in the look-out room in the barn; likely belonged to Marie-Ann’s father.

Surely, she or her late father would mind if he borrowed it for a moment?

Besides, if they were going to go up against some criminal organization that’s hunting Somnambula, then they will need some serious firepower to do the job.

And fortunately, everything that was on his intended list was all right here in this store. So, once he memorized everything he marked in the catalog book, he closed it shut and then approached the store owner behind the counter.

And finally, he begins to make his requests.

“Yeah, I like to have a look at that Thompson submachine gun. The 1928 model with the fore grip.” Inferno spoke as he pointed over to the said submachine gun displayed on the wall.

The owner nodded in confirmation as he walked over to where the Thompson was hanging. But before he could reach up and grab it, Inferno continued to list the other weapons he wanted to see.

“And the Colt Monitor machine rifle; the one up top there, with the custom pistol grip.” He said.

The store owner was a bit confused but nevertheless, he went along with the young man’s request and so he turns to his apprentice and asks him to fetch the said Colt Monitor machine rifle.

And as the young apprentice went up the ladder to get the machine rifle, the owner finally retrieved the Thompson gun and then placed it down onto the glass counter where Inferno stood on the other side. Then the store owner’s apprentice soon climbs down the ladder with the Colt Monitor and places it on the counter alongside the Thompson.

Inferno inspects the weapons on the counter before he continues shopping. Pointing his finger towards the glass counter where the small firearms were displayed.

“The Colt 1911 semi-automatic pistol, and the 1917 Smith & Wesson right behind it.” Inferno stated the small firearms, to which the gun store owner obliged, as he reached into the glass display case to grab the pistol and revolver.

But then something catches Inferno’s eyes.

“Say, isn’t that the Smith & Wesson Model 27?” Inferno asked.

“Yes, it is. Just got delivered here this morning.” The gun store owner replied as he placed down the 1911 pistol and 1917 revolver onto the counter.

“I like to take a look at that as well.” Inferno requested.

And so the store owner fetches the Model 27 revolver and places it on the counter along with the others.

“And I wanna see that BAR, .30-06.” Inferno spoke while pointing to the said machine rifle.

Soon the gun store owner starts to stare at Inferno as if he’s grown a second head, but nevertheless, he and his apprentice go to fetch the rifle that he requested.

“And the ‘03 Springfield rifle, with the scope, up top there. Then the Winchestor ‘07 semi-automatic rifle, just below the Springfield.” Inferno points at the two rifles he spoke of.

The gun store owner and the apprentice fetched the 3 rifles that Inferno requested and placed them on the counter along with the rest of the firearms that Inferno had picked out.

Inferno then takes another look into his catalog book to see if he missed something and then he proceeds with his shopping.

“That Remington Model 11 shotgun, and the Winchestor ‘12 shotgun below it.” He points to the two shotguns displayed on the wall.

The store owner then walks over to fetch the two, but before he does, he turns around and asks Inferno what barrel length he wants for the shotguns. “You want the 28-inch? Or the 20-inch for either of them?”

“No sir, I want the short barrel for both.” Inferno clarified.

And with that the store owner grabbed the Remington Model 11 and the Winchestor ‘12 shotguns and placed them on the counter with the others.

“And I like to see that old Winchestor rifle you got right there, the .30-30.” Inferno asked.

The gun store owner obliged and reached for the 1894 Winchester rifle; .30-30, and handed it over to Inferno.

The young man then proceeded to test out the lever-action of the gun while listening to it closely, to hear it functioning properly. And to his expectations, it may be old, but it works like a dream. With that, Inferno places the Winchester rifle down on the counter with the others.

“I’ll need one gun that won’t jam on me.” He proclaimed.

“Would you be wanting the mag or the drum for the Tommy?” The gun store owner asked.

“How many are in a mag?” Inferno asked in response.

“20-rounds.” The store owner replied.

“Then I’ll take a dozen mags…” Inferno stated. Then the store owner went to fetch the magazines for the Thompson, but stopped when Inferno said: “... And two of ‘em drums.”

The store owner and his apprentice both glanced at each other upon hearing what Inferno had said, as they’re suspicions and curiosities kept rising by a minute.

“Along with a few more mags for the BAR and the Colt Monitor, several for the Winchestor ‘07. And about a handful of them half-moon clips for the two Smith & Wessons if you got ‘em.” Inferno stated as he was inspecting the nickel-plated Smith & Wesson 1917 in his hand, realizing that it was too damn shiny.

So he looks up at the store owner while handing the 1917 S&W to him. “Do you have this in black instead of nickel? It's too damn shiny.” Inferno asked.

“Indeed I do,” The store owner replied as he took the nickel-plated revolver and reached into the glass display counter to grab a black version of the 1917 Smith & Wesson.

Seeing everything that was on the counter, Inferno then puts away his catalog book into his pocket. And before the owner could hand him over the black 1917 S&W, Inferno then spoke in a couple of words that had the store owner and his apprentice confused.

“Alright then… that’ll do it.”

The store owner stood behind the counter puzzled as he took a quick look at the firearms on the glass counter before looking back up to ask. “Which will do it?”

“All of them.” Inferno responded without hesitation.

The store owner and his apprentice were then flabbergasted by what their customer had just said.

“All of them?” The store owner asked with a dumbfounded expression on his face.

“Yes sir… Along with 100 boxes of .45 lead. Same for the .30-06 and… about the same amount for each of the others.” Inferno added.

The two shop workers were so shocked by how much ammunition and firepower that this person in front of them was requesting.

“Who… Who are you going after that will require all this firepower? If you don’t mind me asking?” The store owner asked.

“No sir, I don’t mind at all.” Inferno replied with a calm and collected expression on his face.

Soon after paying the store for all his orders, Inferno, along with the help of the store owner and his apprentice, carried his newly brought firearms and ammunition (which were all placed in a wooden crate) to the truck and loaded them onto the truck bed.

Once they were all carefully placed in, Inferno turns to the gun store owner and his apprentice one last time.

“Pleasure doing business with you, gentlemen.” Inferno proclaimed while tipping his hat to them before he got into his truck and drove off.

"Sheesh, if I didn't know any better, I'd say that man was prepping for a war," the store owner said in awe.

"I hear ya. This was practically our biggest sale of the day yet!" the apprentice said in awe.

"I'll say. And he knew exactly which model guns to choose from, along with the kind of ammo he needed, too. Something tells me he knows his way around guns." the owner said.

"You're telling me," the apprentice agreed.

[Canterlot City - Present Day]

Back at the present day, we turn our attention back with the girls, who have each gotten their drinks from the waitress.

"Thanks, miss." Sunset says.

"You're welcome. So is everyone ready to order or do you need more time?" the waitress asks.

“We still need more time, if ya don’t mind.” Applejack spoke for all of them.

"Oh, no worries. Take your time," the waitress replied politely before taking her leave.

"Hmm, now, let's see. Ah’ wonder what's good." AJ said, looking at the menu..

“Well, darlings, I’m gonna be dining on a healthy fruit salad.” Rarity proclaimed.

"Oh, uh… me too," Fluttershy chimed.

"Well, I’m gonna have the same order as I had last time.” Rainbow said, with confidence.

“Same here,” AJ added as well.

“Again, Darlings?! Pardon my prudish vocabulary, but you two already have ‘enlarged posteriors’ as it is. Do you both really intend to go past that limit?” Rarity asked them.

"You're one to talk whenever you seduce the boys with your big assets and chest pillows." Rainbow retorted.

Rarity gasped in response while covering her own large bosom, even though she was clothed. “How DARE you, Rainbow Dash!” She retorted.

"Hey, you started this by bringing up my awesome ass." Rainbow retorted, smacking her own massive, jiggling posterior. "Plus, I'm proud of its size, even the boys can't get enough of it. Just ask them… once we get them back home, that is."

"Ah can confirm without a doubt, Inferno loves mah big apples considerin' how hard he loves to buck mah assets," AJ replied.

“Girls! We are in PUBLIC!” Rarity explained, growing irritated by the prude words they were both using.

“Aw come on, girls. We all know that we each have super curvy and thicc bodies that the boys crave like its sugary, sweet candy!” Pinkie blurted out loud.

Right then and there, the whole restaurant fell silent and turned their attention to the girls. Some with questionable looks and others… with the most pervy looks imaginable.

"Oh great, now the entire restaurant's gawking at us," Sunset said, covering her eyes with one hand and blushing.

“LISTEN HERE, PERVS! WHY DON’T YOU TAKE A PICTURE, IT’LL LAST LONGER!!!” Rarity scolded at the onlookers in the restaurant, which frightened them all greatly and caused them all to look away from her and the girls.

"Thanks, Rarity. Things were getting a bit uncomfortable." Twilight said.

“I’m truly sorry, darlings. I don’t know what came over me?” Rarity spoke, while shocked from her own outburst.

“It feels like we’re driving ourselves crazy.” Fluttershy commented.

"I guess we're all just a little on edge because we're worried about the boys," Twilight said, looking down.

"So much so that we're reminiscing about things we recently did with them," Sunset added.

“Yep, we are sooooooooo… horny.” Pinkie spoke out of context.

“Pinkie!” The rest of the girls exclaimed.

“What? I’m stating the obvious… Or it could be just me?” Pinkie added.

"Pinkie, seriously. Stop blabbing about that stuff out loud when we're in a public place or we'll get thrown out. Keep that kind of talk private when we're back at our rooms." Sunset scolded.

“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie replied while zipping her mouth shut. "Changing the subject, I'll go for the triple flavored crepes with chocolate syrup on top."

"I'll go with the Happy Berry Pancake Supreme," Twilight said.

"I'm gonna go ahead and order the Belgian waffles," Sunset added.

Once they all decided what they wanted to order, on cue, the waitress returns back to their table, with her pen and notepad at the ready.

“So, you girls finally decided what meals you would like?” She asked.

"We sure have." Rainbow said.

It's not long before each of their orders are taken. The girls had better eat their fill soon, because the clock is still ticking and the boys are about to wage an all-out war against the criminal underground.

How will the outcome play out?

Tune in next time… on Canterlot Noire!

Author's Note

Here you go, another chapter done for my story. Props to TheShadowKnight for helping me out with it. And as always, thank you for your patience and support, be sure to stay tuned for more chapters to come in the future and remember to keep on bronying on, everypony