A heavy downpour soaked Maretime Bay. Ponies carried umbrellas or wore clothing that was made for rainy days. It was the perfect weather for Sunny at the moment. She was kept inside a cell in the towns jail. Resting on a bed while gripping a pillow close to her chest. Her face and the pillow were stained with tears. She hadn't stopped crying since yesterday. Not since she hurt her nephew. She didn't even get any sleep last night. His scream haunted her. How could she do that to him? What kind of a monster was she?

Outside of the cell and across from her Jack sat at one of the desks. He appeared to be playing a game of solitaire. He glanced up at the mare in the cell. She hadn't moved since he brought her here yesterday. She hadn't even tried to make an escape. He strongly disliked her at the moment. She crossed a line and he may never forgive her for it. He still couldn't believe what had happened yesterday. One minute he was talking to his team. The next he got a call saying Sparky had been hurt. He glanced down at one of his cards; he reached for one that had the image of a scorpion on it. If he wanted to he could make her pay. All he had to do was throw this card into the cell and a giant scorpion would appear in it. It had enough poison to kill one hundred of his mothers best knights.

He looked back at her and sighed. Even if he threw a card in the cell nothing would happen. Another card of his was protecting her. The Guardian. A card that would protect him and those with innocent hearts. So why was it protecting her? He focused back on sorting his cards; he just had a couple more to organize. As he sorted his cards he wondered how his nephew was doing. When he heard the door to the station open he looked up. Hitch had just entered the station and was walking towards him.

He greeted him. “Hey.”

Hitch replied with the same word. “Hey.” His voice sounded tired.

He asked. “How's the babe?”

Hitch replied with a small smile. “Doctor says he's okay.” His voice carried a little happiness as he continued. “They couldn't find anything wrong with him internally.” He paused for a moment.

Jack picked up on the pause and said. “But.”

Hitch continued. “But, Sparky's a little shook up. When I mentioned her.” He looked at the cell and glared at Sunny for a moment before he finished. “He started crying and he nearly wet himself.”

Jack shook his head before reminding him. “The offer still.”

Hitch interrupted him. “Don't need to remind me. That's why I'm here.” He explained. “I need to get a few things for both me and Sparky. Moment the doctor clears him we're coming with you.”

Jack smiled before nodding; he then asked. “Do you want me to go be with the babe?”

Hitch nodded and replied. “Yes.” He then added. “Besides I need to speak with Sunny for a moment.”

Jack didn't need to be told twice. He quickly picked his cards up and put them away. He walked around the desk and stood in front of Hitch; both of them hugged for a moment before he walked away and out the door. Hitch looked at the cell. A cell that now held her. A place where he thought she would never end up. Many emotions ran through him. Anger, sadness, happiness, but most of all he felt betrayal. He felt betrayed by his oldest friend. He walked up to the cell and looked at her through the bars.

He called to her. “Sunny.”

She didn't respond; he gently pushed against the cell and opened it. The cell had been open the whole time. Surprisingly, he trusted her enough not to try and run and come after his son again. He slowly walked into the cell and towards her. She hid her face in the pillow she was holding. He could hear her faint sobbing behind it. He didn't care how sad she felt; what she did was next to unforgivable. So, why did he want to hug her? Why did he want to comfort her? He pushed the thoughts out of his mind.

He ordered. “Sunny, look at me.”

She didn't try to deny him. Slowly, she looked up at him; shivering under the intensity of the glare. Her eyes were red and slightly swollen from all they crying she had been doing. She had wished all night for this horrible nightmare to end. But, this was their reality and they had to live in it. No amount of magic could change this.

He spoke to her. “You're really lucky Sunny.” He said her name with such disgust. “My son is going to be okay. But, until I can feel that I can trust you again. I don't want you anywhere near him.” He paused for a moment before he continued. “That's why I'm leaving this town and taking him with me.”

Sunny questioned. “Leaving?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Hitch explained. “I'm still going to be hear when I need to work. But, the moment I finish my shift; I'll be gone. So don't bother trying to find us.” He started to walk away from her. He stopped just in front of the cell door; he turned back to her and said. “You're free to go.”

He walked out of the cell and headed for the back room. Sunny simply laid there on the bed. Her eyes glued to the door her friend just walked out of. Her mind slowly processed the information she was told. She sniffled before burying her head in the pillow again. Why did this happen? Why did she do such a horrible thing to Sparky? Why? Just why? She started to cry again.

She spoke into the pillow. “I'm sorry, Sparky.”

Zipp continued to study the video she had her sister send to her phone. She had watched it over and over again. Her mind was still having trouble processing what she was seeing. Her and her friends were acting so strange. Izzy was a mean unicorn that didn't care about anyone or about unicycling. Pipp was rocking out instead of singing pop. Hitch was littering. She was pretending to be a tyrant. And, Sunny tried to possibly kill Sparky.

She sighed and rubbed her tired eyes. She was going to need a power smoothie or some coffee. This was a case she couldn't let go cold. She started to rewind the video again; as it neared the beginning she heard hoofsteps coming towards her. She turned and saw her sister walking towards her. She had a look of concern on her face. But, she was more focused on the cup of coffee she was carrying.

Pipp asked when she reached her sister. “Anything?” She held out the cup of coffee.

Zipp shook her head. “No.” She grabbed the cup and took a big sip from it. The liquid burned her lips and tongue. But, she really needed the caffeine. She thanked her. “Thanks.”

Pipp nodded before saying. “Think you can stop for a minute.” Zipp was about to tell her again but she continued. “Sparky wants to see his Aunt Zipp before he has to go.”

Zipp stopped before she even started. She had forgotten that Hitch had told them they were leaving for somewhere safe. A place where Hitch could calm down and where Sparky could heal at his own pace. She got up from her desk and followed her sister down stairs. Both of them made their way outside. Izzy was standing with Hitch, Sparky, and Jack. She was still unsure about Jack. Sunny did tell them Twilight wrote a book about Humans. She just didn't think they were real.

They walked up to them just as Izzy finished hugging Sparky. The moment he saw them he laughed a little as he walked up to Pipp. His tiny arms waving in the air for a hug. Pipp awed at the cute sight and quickly scooped the baby dragon up. Sparky purred as he gently nuzzled her. She didn't want to let her nephew go. She loved the little guy even when he would get up to no good.

Zipp sniffled a little when the little guy locked eyes with her. He smiled and started to reach for her. Babbling his baby talk as he did. Pipp gently held him out to her and Zipp caught him and brought him in for a hug. His purring always made her smile. She couldn't believe him and Hitch were leaving. Yes, they would be back eventually. But, she just couldn't imagine Maretime bay without them.

Izzy asked. “You're sure about this Hitch?”

Hitch nodded and answered. “Yeah.” He looked at his son and continued. “He'll be safer where were going?”

Pipp asked. “Which is?”

Jack answered. “Again, can't tell ya.”

Zipp glared at the human as she put Sparky down. He cooed a little before turning and walking back towards his father. Hitch looked down at his son and smiled. He knelt down and let him climb onto his back. Sparky purred again as she nestled into his favorite spot on his fathers back. For a little while they talked and said there goodbyes. Izzy left to go bring Sunny back to the brighthouse. While Pipp walked back into the house. She needed to make another video; anything that could take her mind off their current situation. Zipp watched as the three started to walk away. She sighed as she turned to walk back to the house. She had to finish her investigation.

She gasped as she called out. “Who's there?” She just heard someone whisper into her ear. She looked around but nobody was there. She started to walk again only to call out again. “Who's there!? Show yourself!?” She just heard the voice again.

All was quiet for a moment and then the voice repeated. “Follow them.”

She looked at the Brighthouse for a moment; she had to figure out what happened. She stood as still as a statue. Until she turned and started tailing them. She didn't know why this voice was telling her to follow them. But, she had a feeling that she had to follow these instructions.

She followed them all the way down to the beach. She stayed out of sight and watched them. They continued walking down on the beach until they reached the waters edge. She had to hide herself behind some rocks as Jack started scanning the area. She wondered what in the world was going on? That was when she saw him pull something out of his pocket. She couldn't tell what it was. But, whatever it was it glowed brightly.

She gasped as something opened in front of them and all three of them disappeared. She got up and ran towards what they entered. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. It was a portal. An actually portal. She thought those only existed in the cheap science fiction movies she had seen. She slowly lifted her right hoof up; she was tempted to touch it. She stopped her hoof just in front of it.

The voice spoke to her again. “Follow them.”

She turned around and tried to find who was whispering in her ear. Who in Equestria was talking to her right now. Whoever it was; they were starting to annoy her. She sighed and turned back to the portal. It was still open; but she wondered how long it would be. For a long time she stared into the portal. It looked beautiful and at the same time it looked horrifying. She wondered what was on the other side? She wondered if it was like the movies? Would she be able to come back home?

She reached for the portal again but this time she touched it. Her hoof disappeared into it. Slowly, the rest of her followed. As her faced moved closer to the portal she closed her eyes and held her breath. When she felt her face pass through; she slowly opened her eyes. Just in time to see herself disappearing into a tunnel of light. The rest of her was sucked into the portal just as it closed. She felt herself moving faster than she had ever moved. Everything around her was a blur of light. The only thing that she could hear was her breathing.

Jack breathed in some fresh air as he stepped out of the portal and into the alley. He smiled as he looked up at the endless night sky. He commented. “Good to be home.”

Sparky laughed as him and his father exited the portal. He jumped down from his fathers back and started to run towards the end of the alley. He cooed as his uncle grabbed him and picked him up. Only to laugh again as he tickled his stomach while saying something.

Hitch chuckled before he heard an odd sound coming from the portal. He turned and asked. “Jack?”

Jack looked at him and questioned. “What's?” He stopped as he noticed the portal was still open. He commented. “That should've closed.” It was then an echoing scream was heard coming from the portal.

Both of them stepped back and readied themselves for a fight. Something must have entered the portal and was trying to break through. The screaming got more intense and then in a flash of white light; Zipp fell out of the portal and landed on the ground in front of them. The portal closed shortly after.

Hitch called out. “Zipp?”

Zipp groaned as she slowly got to her feet. She stumbled to the left and then to the right. Everything was weird. She opened her eyes and only saw blobs of darkness, light, and screeches of sound echoed in her ears. She groaned as she brought her hooves to her head. She started yelling for some reason.

Hitch recognized this and quickly ran up to her. He grabbed her and looked at Jack while saying. “Jack, need a gumball!”

Jack nodded and reached into his pocket. He pulled out what appeared to be a blue gumball and threw it at Hitch. He caught it before looking back at Zipp. He spoke. “Zipp listen to me.”

The screeching got worse and Zipp felt herself going crazy. She looked at the blob of color next to her. It shifted and changed into various shapes. She tried to get away but it had a hold on her. All of a sudden something was forced into her mouth and it was held shut. She felt something round in her mouth. It then suddenly dissolved into a liquid. It tasted horrible; it tasted like overcooked asparagus that had been marinated in anchovy sauce. With a shot of jalapeno juice. She tried to spit it out but something held her mouth shut. She felt her head being tilted upwards and she felt the liquid moving down her throat. Tears of disgust fell from her eyes as she felt the urge to vomit.

She then heard Hitch apologize to her. “Sorry, Zipp.”

She thought. “Hitch?”

All at once the screeching stopped. Her vision returned and she didn't feel like she had to vomit. She gasped as him and Jack backed away from her. For a moment she simply sat there in front of them panting heavily. She looked around noticing they were in an alleyway. Before she could ask Sparky ran up and hugged her right foreleg. He nuzzled his face against her leg as she smiled down at him.

Hitch questioned. “Zipp, what in the world were you thinking?”

Zipp answered. “I don't know. Something told me to follow you.” Before they could ask she questioned. “What in the world just happened to me?” She gagged a little before she also asked. “And, what in the world did you make me eat.” She could still taste it in her throat.

Jack chuckled as he answered the first question. “That was a very bad case of motion sickness.”

She questioned. “Motion sickness?” She had that before but never that bad.

He nodded and answered the next question. “What you took was some powerful medicine. It works fast, tastes horrible and then an hour later you'll be taking a nap.”

Hitch was about to ask her what she meant when she said she was told to follow them. But, he didn't have a chance to ask. Zipp had looked up to the sky and asked. “Wasn't it morning just a few seconds ago?” She also got a better look at her surroundings and asked. “Where are we?”

Hitch couldn't help but chuckle; he was in the same predicament about a year ago. He walked forward and picked Sparky up. His son giggled as he was placed onto his fathers back again. He looked at Zipp and motioned for her to follow him. She watched as Jack led the way down the alley. He turned the corner with Hitch following behind him. She simply sat there for a moment before getting to her hooves and following them.

As she reached the end and turned the corner; she gasped at the sight she saw. They were inside a towns center area. There was a cafe to the right and they were next to some kind of shop. She saw them standing at the railing and made her way towards them. As she joined them Jack turned and looked at her.

He then said. “Zipp, welcome to Traverse Town.”

She was in a state of awe down in the center a few creatures were gathered. Some were human. Others she recognized from history books her mother kept. It was Kirin and Minotaur. There was also some other strange creatures that she didn't recognize.

She asked. “Where in Equestria are we?”

Jack laughed and answered. “You're not in Equestria anymore.” He added. “You're in another world.” Before she had a chance to react he asked. “Before you start freaking out. Think, you can wait till were at my home?”

Her mind went blank from the overload of information. So many creatures she had only heard about. Another world other than Equestria. She wasn't sure if she should be freaking out or having the time of her life. The only thing she could do was simply nod her head. Jack turned and motioned for them to follow him.

Zipp noticed the sign on the shop as they walked around it. It was an Item's shop; she wondered what kind of things it sold. As they headed up the stairs; they passed a small home and another shop that was at the top just behind the Item's shop. It's sign read that it sold something called Gummi's. She wanted to ask what those were; but Jack kept them moving. They were heading right for a large set of double doors. He opened them and held them open for them as they walked through.

The area they entered was larger than the first one and it was filled with more shops. In the distance was a large mansion and clock tower. Zipp was amazed at how large the courtyard was. As they made their way down into the courtyard she saw the fountain that was there. She had no idea that they were standing just above it when they entered the area. Jack called this area the second district. As they walked through the courtyard Zipp noticed there was also a small motel there. Did this place get a lot of creatures visiting? The group was lead down another alleyway; as they turned the corner they saw the doors that lead to the third district. As they walked to the door Zipp groaned and fell to her knees.

Hitch noticed this. “Zipp.” He ran back to her as Jack stopped and looked. He asked her. “Are you okay?”

Before she could answer she fell asleep. Jack commented. “Gumballs side effect must have hit her.” He walked back to them and picked her up. He added. “Hasn't even been an hour yet. My guess the portal travel took a lot out of her.”

Hitch nodded as he remembered the first time he went through a portal. He remembered how he felt drained even before the medicine took effect. Jack motioned for them to keep going and Hitch nodded before they continued to the doors. Hitch pushed the double doors open and they entered the third district.

Jack asked. “Think you can get the door again Hitch?”

Hitch replied. “Sure thing.”

Hitch opened the door and stepped to the side; Jack stepped into his home and gently placed Zipp onto the floor. As Hitch closed the door; Sparky jumped off of his back and walked over to Zipp. He looked at her with slight worry.

Hitch noticed this and tried to comfort his son. “Don't worry, bud.” He smiled as he continued. “Aunt Zipp is just taking a nap.”

It was then in a flash of the light the room they were in changed. The floor turned into grass and so did the walls. But, the walls were much larger than the floor. Chairs made of bark grew from the floor; while in the center of the room a large table formed. On the table many teapots and dishes were set. The ceiling even changed; it looked like a starry night sky. Hitch sighed as he shook his head. He was still getting used to it.

Jack spoke. “Give me a second to get the guest room ready.”

He walked over to the wall and pulled another card from his pocket. He threw the card at the wall and in another flash of light a door appeared. He opened the door as the room was being built right behind it. The room itself looked like it was being carved inside of a large tree. The bed and desk inside were made of wood. The starry night sky remained on the ceiling just like the living room. He nodded and then walked over to them. He gently picked Zipp up again and carried her to the room.

Hitch asked. “Want me to grab the spare blankets and pillows?”

Jack answered as he entered the room. “No, need.” He gently layed Zipp down on the bed and continued. “Made some upgrades to my cards when I was visiting Hatter. Now the spare rooms are equipped with everything.”

Hitch nodded as Sparky ran into the room. He was about to call his son back. But, when he saw his baby jump onto the bed and cuddle up with his Aunt. He smiled at the cute sight as his son slipped into a peaceful slumber. He could hear him purring happily. Both of them quietly exited the room and shut the door.

Hitch thanked. “Hey, Jack. Th-.” He was interrupted by a knock at the door. He looked at it and asked. “Were you expecting company?”

Jack chuckled before he answered. “When you called I was talking to the others.” The knocking continue and he added. “I told them what happened and two of them said they'd be here.” He suggested. “You may want to answer the door.”

Hitch nodded and walked up to the door and opened it. As he opened the door he was face to face with a gryphon and another human. The gryphon had black and yellow feathers. While the human was dressed almost like a biker. He smiled as he walked forward.

He happily greeted. “Honey.”

The gryphon called Honey smiled and greeted him back. “Hitch.”

Both of them hugged each other as the human chuckled and walked around them. The human was a woman with red hair. She looked at Jack and greeted. “Sup, Jack.”

Jack greeted back. “Sup, Ryder.” He added. “Glad to see you both made it.” He asked. “The others here too?”

She shook her head and answered. “We're the only ones here for now.” She saw a light coming from the guest room and asked. “Baby boy in there?”

Jack nodded and Ryder started walking towards the door. She stopped and gently grabbed the knob. She slowly turned it and pushed open the door. She peeked into the room; she smiled as she saw the baby dragon sleeping peacefully next to a pegasus. But, she did wonder who in the world that was.

She quietly closed the door before turning towards Jack and asked. “Who's that in there?”

Jack answered. “Hitchhiker we picked up on the way.” He chuckled a little at his own joke. Before he pulled another card from his pocket. He asked her. “Want some fire tea?”

Ryder replied. “I would love some fire tea.”

Jack nodded and flipped the card in his hand; in a cloud of smoke it turned into a tea pot. He held his hand under the spout and poured it. From the spout came a saucer along with a tea cup. It was followed by a small spoon and the tea itself. The last to empty out of the pot was two cinnamon cubes. The spoon began to stir the tea on it's own. He offered the cup to her and she took it. The spoon floated out of the tea and over to the table.

She thanked him. “Thanks.”

He nodded as he looked out the window; he saw Hitch and Honey Bee walking towards the second district. He smiled and nodded; those two needed time to catch up. He drew two more cards and threw them at the wall. Another chair appeared and a small table appeared in between the two chairs. He walked over to one of them and sat down. Ryder walked over to the other and sat down.

Hitch smiled happily as him and Honey walked side by side. He was happy to see her again; it had been awhile since the last time they saw each other. Honey pressed herself against him as they turned the corner and walked towards the courtyard.

He asked her. “How have you been?”

She answered. “I'm fine.” She continued. “But, it should be me asking you that.”

He chuckled as they entered the courtyard. Both of them turned and looked towards the top of the clock-tower. The looked at each other and nodded. Honey unfolded her wings and flew up; while Hitch started running towards the wall. As he got closer his hooves started to glow with magical energy. He jumped at the wall and the moment his hooves made contact he started running up the wall. He ran all the way to the top; Honey was already there waiting for him. As he landed at the top; both of them smiled at each other and walked over to the edge. They rested there against each other and took in the wonderful sight of the town. The distant lights of the first district mixed with the countless stars above. It was a truly wonderful sight.

Honey asked him. “Are you okay, Hitch?”

For a moment he was quiet until he sighed and rested his head on his hooves. He wanted to say yes. But, the honestly he was angry. He was angry at himself for not protecting his son. But, he was mostly angry at Sunny. He trusted her. Out of all the ponies he knew he trusted her the most. Now, after seeing what she did to his son. She......she.....

He gasped as he felt a gentle wing drape over him. He looked at Honey who looked at him with a gentle look. For a moment they just stared at each other; until he moved his head to her chest and pressed himself against her. Not only did she wrap her wing around him; she also wrapped one of her fore claws around him. She held him close. Like he had done for her the first time she showed him her other side.

Author's Note

Taking some advice I’m going to be adding the other characters slowly. Starting with these two Ryder and Honey Bee. Chapter 3 will be rewritten soon. Let me know what y’all think about the rewrites.