"Hey, Catnap?"

"Yes, Picky?" Picky set down her piping bag on the table, a strawberry cake nearly finished sat on the table, and the world's biggest pile of dishes waiting to be washed at the back. The cake wasn't enormous but sure it was fancy. Her kitchen had a table for six, an oven to the left of the sink, a window in front of the sink, and a stove to the left, of the sink. The ground had one of those plastic red carpet that was shining spotless.

Picky always kept her mother's kitchen pristine. "You've been smiling a lot more," of course, I cannot frown with so many good friends nearby! "And being less aggressive."

"Aggressive?"

I stopped placing strawberries on the cake. "Yeah, you used to beat up anycritter you didn't like. Even others who were more confrontational always came back licking their bruises," I looked at my paws, that itching feeling remained with an overwhelming sense of shame.

Picky gently carresed my paws with her hooves, "You're a good listener too."

I am?

"Kickin' used to be so shy before you came along," the Kickin Chicken? Shy? "Until that day you two went to hang out, once Kickin' came back he looked relieved," I remember that day Kickin' fell from his skate, I told him it was okay to fail - but that wouldn't change Kickin' to be the well of confidence he is now...

Where are you getting at? I curved my tail in a question mark, "You'd be a great psychologist!" Wh- what?

"You always listen to each of our problems and always find a way to solve them!" Well- No, it isn't that much- "From that time that Bubba got a burnout to even when Bobby's boyfriend broke up with her!" I-I just stood there listening to them, it wasn't that big of a deal and- "You're a great friend, and a great critter, Catnap."

I- I... It doesn't feel that way Picky. I need to do better.

The clattering of dishes being washed was comforting, a remnant of familiarity that I took for granted.

Other than the noise, the smell of cheapy fruity cereal had me struggling awake. My back felt terrible, my arms ached, and the urge to-

~Achoo~

Did I throw the blankets again..? And slept with the door open. It doesn't matter, this means I can hear Mom again.

"Mom..?"

...

Please, "Mom..!"

A sudden breeze made me curl up a bit more, however, said breeze was made from a pony- Jetstream flying from the kitchen to over here, "Oh- You're awake!" I-

Don't look back, don't look...

Deep breaths, I'm fine. Peachy. Fine. "Sorry for waking you early-" Early? Oh 06, she is an early riser, "but I needed to get everything ready, I was going to wake you up just in a bit anyway..." She floated down, "I never had breakfast with a fellian before so, uh, I don't know if you are okay with coffee?" No, definitely not! I Shake my head as fast as possible.

Jetstream smiled, "Knew it, so I just got some cereal. Eat up, we gotta to the Jam's soon." Alright.

Wait... "Do you have a telephone?" Please say yes or no..!

Jetstream tilted her head, "What's that?" W-well, that settles it.

"C'mon, the cereal won't eat itself!" I'll find my way, if there is none then I'll make one. Getting out of bed- sofa is quite easy when there are no blankets, and it was the moment I stood up and turned around to go into the kitchen, my eyes caught the insides of the kitchen which left my mouth agape. It is full of wooden furniture, tables, and stools, but amidst that stood a charcoal-black firewood-powered stove, and a sink with a few ants running on them. That would be fine IF it were organized, the oven was next to the table, and by next, I mean they are kissing each other! Also there were two stools left on the sink, not near, mind you, but ON the sink! Plus there was an extra table missing a leg! I would say that at least the window is near the stove, that is if it weren't on the other side of the room!!

"I know it isn't a whole lot of technology compared to Manehattan or Fillydelphia, but it's enough." Enough to make a grown critter hang themselves, that is!

Once inside the kitchen I took one of the stools that were on the sink and carefully put it besides the table next to the oven where the cereal was. The cereal was shaped like fruits, the milk was warm too, I reached for the spoon but waited for Jetstream to grab herself a stool first, "Jam is a nice mare, different from that doctor." and she did with remarkable speed. A blink and she already was sitting next to me with cereal for herself... She's eating straight from the box. "Plus, we could find somepony you know! Eternity Bridge's generous pay sure attracted a lot of workers last week." She took the cereal box and flipped it like a drink, whispering the next words in between crunches, "If it were just workers though..." Ominous.

Once Jetstream got carried on her cereal, so did I - focusing on my cereal bowl and dug in, ignoring everything as a faint ringing took place on my skull, reverberating and echoing - No, no. I'm fine. Just be like Kickin, he wouldn't be struck by this. He taught me through so many hours about how to be brave and self-confidence- I can't forget all he taught when it matters the most. I'm. Fine.

"Catnap, do you want more cereal?" Oh. It's empty. I gently put the spoon on the side and gripped the bowl, a swift motion and I drank all the milk in one sitting. "..Oh, I guess that's a no..." Jetstream lowered her gaze to her cereal, then just as quickly she gasped and stared back with pure joy, "Wait, this means you like it right?!" Oh, well, there is no not liking cheap fruity cereal. I nodded and gently swayed my tail for greater impact. Jetstream smiled and got back to her cereal.

I looked at the now-empty bowl and sighed. Everything will work out in the end; it always did - from getting lost on a camping trip to simply hurting ourselves while playing soccer. It always worked out for us in the end.

But now there is only me- No, Jetstream can help, she took me out of that hospital and offered me a home. From her voice to how she moves near me, I know she is trying her best to be a friend. She can help me. "Jetstream..." Be direct, nail the point down. "So, what if I wasn't from this world?"

Jet raises an eyebrow "Mmfphm?"

~Gulp~

"Ahem, Like not of this world as in you live in a country with dark age level of technology or like, an alien?"

I never thought about it that way, "An alien. I took a weird book from my friend's house and now I am here."

"And where's the book?"

"I... Lost it." This is stupid- I am stupid. It's worse than stepping on my tail-

Jetstream tapped her chin, "How does it look like?" I-

"Don't know." Look like a madcat.

Jetstream slams both hooves on the table with both wings stretched wide, "So you are like Starswirl but instead of dimensions you jump worlds, but you lost the artifact that makes world jumping possible on the forest you arrived at?" That's about it, I nodded. "You do realize just how unbelievable this is?" Y-yes... "And how exciting it would be if it's true!?" Huh?

"I mean, I'm not one to believe anything easily, but, even if you're lying you're still going to pay me back either way, so I'm fine with it. I will help you search for the book thingy later," Thank you, thank you so much! "Oh colts, this would explain the weird eyes and purple fur..."

Jetstream stopped and looked at the clock, "Well, we got ten minutes to do the dishes." Oh, uhm...

"I like what you have going on for your home."

"Really?! Thanks, it's kinda hard to get cloud furniture down here-" Her eyes narrowed, "Wait a second, you're trying to avoid doing the dishes!" Dangit!

With the dishes done, I took the liberty to look around Jetstream house before leaving, there was a room with a sofa where I slept. Yes, it just had a couch, devoid of anything else, that was also where the front door is. Then there was the bathroom to the right and Jetstream bedroom connected to it at the left, which had an old moldy soft bed. My paw had sunk in just by touching it. Not good for bipedal posture.

With exploring done, it was time to leave, and holy cow, was this city the capital of unplanned cities.

The streets were pavemented dirt with tidy bits of grass growing at random spots, and the houses were knitted together and non-linear, some were more at the front and others at the back, nonetheless, all shared the same characteristic of being made of wood.

I took a deep breath and looked at the clear blue sky. Then I let go of any attached hope that I am still in a familiar world, the only way back is finding the almanac. Just find it.

It's a simple solution, so why is everything foggy?

~Click~

"Sorry for the delay, forgot where I put the keys, heh." Jetstream flutters her wings hovering above the ground, "Nice town, ay? While not structurally safe, the pegasi keep any climate-related disaster from happening, since we are close to the ocean and all." She smiled, "This will be so fun! I never talked about the story of the town to anypony- Well, anycreature-"

"Anyone."

"That!" Jetstream flew a little higher and opened her hooves, "Let's walk and talk!" I don't know how long it will take to pay back 1500 bits, but I trust Jetstream will help me look into that forest once I repay her. I can't go back there alone.

She hovered a meter above ground and began flying backward- Isn't that dangerous? "Stableside was built by the construction workers that came here eight months or so ago. Quite the village, right? We are rebuilding the legendary Eternity Bridge!" She put a hoof under her chin, "I don't know what broke it in the first place though... Not that I researched about it anyway."

So that's why the houses are ill-organized, this place wasn't planned at all! From yesterday, if I were to guess the distance and think that this world has no vehicles - I saw no concrete road, so everycritter had to come here with their hooves. A trip back would probably take too much and be equally dangerous.

Danger, these ponies came here even knowing how dangerous it was to cross the wilderness... "How much do they pay?"

"About eighty bits per day. The average job usually pays five. Plus this job was promoted by the royal princess herself." Jetstream waved her hoof, "Of course, when everything was set and done, the Insurgence sent some agents to keep the surroundings clear." That's about... Ten, no- sixteen times the minimum wage?! "Then came in the cartel... But we're not talking bout these villains! Hmph!" Oh. Jetstreams does some loops in the air before continuing her tale, is that an effective way to de-stress?

"I came here after the town was somewhat settled in, but I heard the first few days gave many ponies sleepless nights as demons frequently attacked." Demons? "Your casual Lesser spirit and Flesh-eating squirrels." What..?

Actual demons? "Demons?"

"Oh right, world-hopping shenanigans. Oh wee, I wonder how it is to live in a world without them. Demons are commonly born from cannibalism, or, in the case of spirits, a hefty amount of negative emotion before death." D-did she say flesh-eating squirrels?! "Don't worry though, they are quite uncommon in the wilderness, maybe even downright gone from this area now, with the Insurgence."

Jetstream turned around and yawned, "They get stronger the older they are, and in most cases, demons don't die by aging." That's bad. "Anyways, we're getting off-topic, the point is that Stableside was created by workers and will likely be abandoned once work is finished." Of course, who would want to live next to demons!?

"I'd tell you more about why the bridge is getting reconstructed, but we're here." Huh? Oh! In front of us, sticking out like a sore thumb among the rest of the wooden houses, stood a stone structure decorated with sun flags, even the door was ornamented with a sun emblem!

The motor-mouth pegasi smiled at me, "All you need to do is write down your signature and you're in!" Won't they someone qualified, or at least ask my age? If I recall, it's illegal to work under fourteen, right? Or maybe it isn't here?

"No need to be shy, Just go in!" This will be my first job... "I'll see myself off, I'm late for work." Jetstream lazily flew toward the sky her wings barely putting effort to stay afloat... My first job, with no family, friends, or even familiar faces around.

Breathe in, everything will work out fine. The almanac won't go anywhere. Just repay Jetstream, and she will help later—simple, easy plan.

~Haaa..~

I shouldn't dwell on thoughts now. My gaze locked onto the door, there lies my foreseeable future, and hopefully a start to the path home.

My paw touched the oak door, and briefly stuck there. This is the next step forward to reunite with my friends. There's no need to look back. I push the door open.

~Ding Ding~

The inside of Jams is more structurally safe than the other wooden houses with walls of polished stone and even more fancier AND organized than Jetstream's minimalistic house, with a carpet, painting at the sides of the wall, a counter in an even better state than of that hospital with a small call back ring.

But no pony is here. My eyes explored the surroundings once more, briefly before raising an eyebrow, there was the smell of coffee and bread coming from someplace behind the counter. Another glance around and I find no one nearby. Hum. So, in other words, I can do anything.

I have always been curious about what a secretary hides behind the counter, is it a weapon to destroy the world? The cure for cancer?! I believe Jam's wouldn't mind if I cleaned the counter for her - it is, after all, something a nice critter like myself would do.

I got to my four and leaped over the counter, and there it was a door hidden in such a way no one would see entering. Aha! I knew it, so the cure for cancer is hidden in-

"hmm mm hmm!" Oh no!

Out of the corridor first appeared the sharp tip of a long red horn, then an orange stallion with a blue mane and tail with a single purple line, w-w-with a floating cup!

... And the cup dropped to the ground, "Oh my Celestia! What happened to your eyes and fur!" W-why is everyone mentioning it? white sclera isn't normal either! Even less floating stuff!

I'm not having another discussion like Jetstream. I jump back to the counter and tap on the call ring to get the stallion's attention out of my fur and eyes to pay attention to me.

"I'm here for the job." The stallion's ears perk up and then down as he looks at the spilled coffee on the floor.

Then he sighed a stale sigh, "One moment, also please don't stand on top of the counter. Name is Stale Archivist," He said in a stale voice as he quickly darted back to the corridor. I wonder why his name is so stale. I jump down to the side I was supposed to be.

It took some time for him to find a rag and clean up the mess, but once done, he ducked behind the counter and pulled a paper and pen, or rather, he levitated them. Why can't Crafty do that?

Paper and pen floated down to my height, "Sign your name at the bottom, cursive if possible." I put the paper against the counter - I'm smaller than the counter, - and write down my name in perfect flowing cursive then hand it back to the Stale Archivist.

The pony smiled then pulled a camera- Wait! "Snappy!" Holy 06, my eyes! "You have a nice smile. Your identification card will be delivered tomorrow, but you're free to start working today after lunch break is over."

Blinking away the whiteness and pain, brought me the sight of my very own floating picture. "Nice, isn't it? If you need help, don't be shy to ask Jam at the construction site." Was this it? Writing down my name and taking a photo? I raised an eyebrow to which Stale raised one of his own. I pointed to the paper and then made a question mark with my tail, to which Stale stared for a few seconds before perking up, "Oh! You can actually come back in half an hour, Jam should be here by then so both of you can speak earlier!" It really was 'just' signing the contract.

Nonetheless, something smells iffy and I can't quite put my paw on it. Good pay, just writing down your name, no qualification needed - Dad always made sure I went to school because it would make it easier to find jobs later on, but this isn't my world yet it is close enough.

There should be more critters signing up. "So, do you need anything else?" I shook my head, there's a mystery in the air - even if it's a Bubba thing to solve them, it might be a good distraction. No, no, I-I'm not looking away from the problem.

I shouldn't stop looking for a way back home-

Catnap, you beat yourself too much. It's fine to nail down a mistake to not repeat it, but keeping tackling it isn't the way either.

...

~Haahh~

I shouldn't waste any more of Stale's time, I wave my goodbyes and make my way out of Jams.

~Ding Ding~

I raised my paw to meet my chin, this is a town of workers, most of them already working so there isn't anyone to ask about it. The sun still lays at the horizon, Jetstream went to the flipside. Free time at my paws, if they were here I'd be with Hoppy now... I could try to memorize the path back to Jetstream house.

"Hey!" Or not... Suppressing a sigh, I turned around to witness another critter cat that looked like a ginger cat, he had well-defined whiskers and a rather short snout. Both were now face-planted on the floor with a banana peel as the culprit, why am I even surprised? Besides that, he smelled like oil. Is his father a mechanic or something similar?

Now, I would've helped him if he hadn't gotten up by himself after I took my first step forward. "Wassup'kit! You seem a little lost'round here." I do? "So, how bout we blitz a little?" Wha-

His paw stretches out and in a swift swipe, rips MY pendant off, swiftly landing on his paw, he then turns around and runs but not before shouting "Let's blitz then!" I ran after that nitwit.

The many knit-together houses blurred with my focus locking onto that thief, and he was fast, but never as fast as Hoppy. My paw reached, even touched his fur but he turned sharply to the right, not even losing an ounce of speed while I drifted on the dirt to avoid a fall. A small dark opening between two houses filled with mud and rotting wood, I shut down all the disgusting signs that my brain alarmed and began to run again.

While he was ahead, it wasn't by much. I'd catch up with him if it wasn't for the mud- the squashing and splashing at some point that threw me off and he got slightly further. Further enough to start kicking those rotten wooden planks in an attempt to halt me even more, but that wouldn't stop me, I rammed into them with my arm. It hurt, but I couldn't lose that pendant. Not now, not ever.

By simply bulldozing through the rotten wooden planks and adapting to the mud, once more I find my paw near his back, scratching almost. This time-

~Thud!~

Everything spun before grounding down in a soft splat, a continuous ringing of a bell tormented my skull as I glared at the ground, right where there is a double-head hammer, its tip red. He threw a hammer at me. I rubbed my forehead and when I brought my paw back, it was thick, dense, crimson blood. Tightening my teeth, I pulled myself up.

Let's tear him apart.

I glared to where he went - it was far. But not enough. I exhaled, and a small puff of red smoke escaped my mouth. I smiled and took a step backward into the dark alley.

"Phew, that was quite the blitz." I looked back, the streets were empty. "He should be fine." My attention diverged to the golden moon pendant held upon my paw. "Gus will be so happy that I helped him!"

Slowing down to a walk, blissfully giggling like I had just passed the world's hardest test, "Dat was amazin'." Passing a few houses, I arrive at my crib, the great warehouse of joy!! Its broken metal ceiling gives way to a nice night sky since it barely rains here becuz of pegasi shenanigans. Still, I wonder why they abandoned this cool place.

I knock two times on the door, then a third, then a fourth, then a- "I heard it, geez!" And then my beautiful, awesome, perfect, immaculate sister opens the door! Bombay Lucy! Her delightful short whiskers, snout, and pink nose define perfection! I, of course, hug her.

She pushes me away from her, "..Leo, where were you?" and puts her paws on her hips while tapping her feet on the ground, gosh, I love her sweet and strong voice.

"I was at the Jams then here then at the Jams again, passed by the Eternity Bridge then back here then at the Jams-" She faux-coughed.

"Wait, you've been running around for the past hour?!" I nod multiple times. "And you're not even tired?" I nod even more. "Oh my Celestia. Just come in." I skedaddled inside, everything was rearranged. Huh, the sofa was now on the far right, away from the night viewing hole, campfire was there now. I think it's because there was too much smoke or something, anyway, the three windows on each side now had curtains over them, nice! The stone floor was also cleaner. That means less rats, aw.

Well, time to show my haul, to the cool sitting Misty Gus on the couch! "Gus! Gusgusgusgusgusgus-"

~Haa~

"Yes, Leo?" Gus had no whiskers - lack of a sense of fashion - but his nice sharp snout compensated for it, all my siblings were so beautiful/handsome! Plus he was a little taller and had a nice flowing voice and- "Quit gawking, do you need another bedtime story?"

I shook my head, "Nuh-uh! It's still day. Plus, look'a'this!" His eyes were abruptly startled and wide at the sight of the golden pendant on my paw. Awesome, awesome!

Gus took the pendent and carefully looked at it, "Who did you pawn this from?" He's smiling!!!

"From a kitty cat, just arrived too. It was like this: There I was, on my nightly walk, walking happily through the nightly streets-"

Gus grunted, "To the point, please."

"I saw a Pegasi dunk a fellian, and his nice shinning pendant. So I blitzed him today!" Gus shifted the pendant between his fingers before biting it- Is he hungry? Oh, he's proud, I guess he's proud!

The misty cat smiled then began to once more play with the pendant, "This might be worth a month." W-what?! So much?? Lucy was gawking too, but quickly closed her mouth and looked away.

"I brought a treasure??!?" A real real treasure!? Like pirates who go around the world for gold and stuff! Mom, do you see that, I'm not a failure-

~Knock Knock~

Lucy jumped and then looked at the door, "Who could it be? We paid the cartel last week, didn't we?" Lucy shuddered, and so did I. Gus looked a bit anxious looking left and right but stopped abruptly.

He glared at me, "You made sure you weren't followed, right?" There shouldn't be anycreature tailing me. I took so many turns and checked behind me so many times.

Lucy shrugged and glanced at the door, "I'll open the door."

"Wait! Leo, go behind the door." Oh, a trap! Since the door opens to the inside, the intruder won't see it coming! How smart, Gus.

Gus and Lucy exchanged a glance as I got into position, and then Lucy opened the door.

I don't know what Lucy saw, but her look gave me the spooks. Then a purple fellian with a blotch of red fur on his head- Oh, oh my Celestia-

"Give my pendant back." I stepped inside this trashed mess of a warehouse, rust infested the walls, broken windows covered by torn dirty rags, and part of its metal ceiling was wide open as if something had pierced through, toppling that with the smell of dead rats. This place stinks more than Playcare. I hate it.

In front of me, stood that grey fucker playing with it like it's a damn toy.

Tear them apart.

Each further step I took made me see clearer his smile of absolute confiddence, made my blood twist and boil, my claws were itching uncomfortably inside my paw. "You've made a mistake coming here, kit." I drew them out, and it was so liberating~

It's been so long,

He shrugged, "Well, might as well introduce you to Leo." The moment he moved, I knew where he was. But I would never be able to react fast enough, both his paws wrapped around my arms and immobilized them, He is too close for a kick, so will ba-

My teeth hurt and my gum bled, half of my face felt burning from searing pain and excitment. "And I am Gus. Short of Gustavo." He withdrew his paw and smiled, "Pleasing to meet you."

Since we felt like this.

Oh, you think you have this under control, don't you? You think I can't do anything with your pal holding me, right?!

I glared back, he simply smiled and punched again, and again, with each punch my tail stretched a bit further, closer to his feet. Can't continue? Does your paw hurt too much? Aren't you a feline? Use those damned claws for once.

We missed so much.

It's close enough. "Quite sturdy, aren't you?" he waved to another cat close to him and handed something to her before walking back. Gus brought his arm back, "Welcome to Stableside, kit." And I pulled as he did, a straight arch backward followed by a thud of his head on the ground. I bashed my head against Leo's face once, twice then he let go. Gus was barely sitting as I finished off with Leo, a kick to his chin fixed that.

A sneaky bastard though I wouldn't hear him coming from behind I took two steps to the right, turning around while at it to see his outstretched claws. Time to punish this, I went for a slice with my claws but missed as Leo abruptly pulled back, my claws barely scratching his chest fur. then I was hit by a follow-up punch on my ribcage, barely feeling it. Good reflexes but bad precision, a severe lack of experience, if anything he should be good at running.

It's fun when there is a chance of losing.

He tried to go for a gut punch again with his left arm, trying to fix your mistake, are you? I could see that before he winded his punch, so by the time he's about to launch the punch I stepped to the left avoiding it entirely.

Shoulder up, completely vulnerable. I brought my claws down to his eye.

"Gaahh-" Beautiful.

Fresh blood. As his paws reached to cover his bleeding eye, I followed with a gut punch then grabbed his feet with my tail putting him upside down. With one kick to the head, If his nose wasn't broken, now it is. I drop him head-first to the ground, for a moment I stand still feeling and spreading the luke-warm blood on my paws, just touching it makes me feel warm. Gus should be up now if he's a bit though.

It's even better when they scream.

In the midst of the action of turning around I take in a deep breath and let it out, a small cloud of Dream gas surrounded me. Not potent enough, but good for what I want to do. "L-Leo!" Ah, she is my moon. Gus is indeed up and is in front of her.

Catnap, calm down! They didn't do much to deserve this!

If anything, that is a failed attempt to protect her.

Finish him.

I can feel my beating heart, the blood flowing, burning heat tearing through my veins. I love it. so many years since I felt so alive~ I missed this~!

You broke both of their arms, I know they kind of deserved it but that still was too much!

The small gas cloud followed behind me. I stretched my paw and feinted a punch followed by tripping Gus with my tail again, does he ever learn? "G-Gus!" I stomp on his stomach, would you look at that, who's in control now?

With Gus being a wheezing mess, Dream Gas took care of him.

Here Catnap, now you're a smiling critter.

"Give me my pendant."

Her eyes dropped low, probably around those two critters before she faced me again, taking a step back "I-I-I-" With a deep breath and an exhale, everything slowly tinted poppy red, the surroundings grew dissolute.

See, you can be nice too if you try, Catnap!

"The. Pendant."

Her feet shook like thin branches in a storm, so easy to snap. I moved forward, and she moved back. I love this feeling. But it came to an end as her back touched the wall at the end of the warehouse, eyes as small as toothpicks. A cornered animal.

~Sniffle~

No, a wimp. She fell on her knees, tears stamped on her face, sluggish and sloppy tears. She is nothing more than a guard dog, hiding behind bars and barking without a care. It makes me feel sick to even acknowledge her as the same species as I am.

Finally, her eyes rolled up her head and she fell into the beautiful dream I crafted just for her and her friends.

Bunzo wants to talk to you, apologize about everything and be friends,

Give it a try Catnap!

Critters can change too.

It's not enough. They can't be swept under the rug. Finish them.

I-I am sorry for stealing Bobby's lunch money... and.."

Sweep them from this world.

"I-I hope we can be friends..!"

...

What am I doing?

What makes us feel good.

I crouched and stared at the sleeping critter. I could see Bobby in her. If she were a cat and associated herself with thieves, that is.

Circumstances make us, not the other way around.

I reach for my pendant, now loosely hanging from her paw, it shined as bright as the day I first got it.

I-I made it like a moon, you remind me a bit of Dogday...

They are our trophy, take our reward!

Crafty, Bobby, Bubba, Kickin, and Hoppy made it together, Dogday was trying to keep it a surprise, but he was terrible at lying. He told me what I was getting without even realizing it.

FINISH THEM!!

I miss them so much. Turning around, I saw Gus and Leo's limp bodies, they could have been mistaken for corpses if they weren't still breathing.

FINISH THEM!!!!

Everything here is a mess, all of this. I overdid it. The Dream Gas burned my nostrils with a sweet, addictive scent- but I couldn't be carried by it anymore - I'm better, and I should keep getting better.

Do you want to play tag with us?

My feet slowly led me to the couch and I sat down, gazing at the clouds and blue sky I finally relaxed, and my head throbbed as if worms were having a Thanksgiving inside. Compared to that, the pain in my arm was negligible and nothing felt broken - I needed to wait for the adrenaline out to bee sure. heh.

NO!

Yes.

"Hahaha," I'm a terrible critter, aren't I?

With my pendant back where it's supposed to be, everything calmed down, the gas died down.

Nobody becomes a thief on purpose and what I did was extreme, by 06, I nearly gouged his eye!

I should've just warned a police officer or even Jetstream, she would've been enough to solve this. I need to apologize, not for me, but for them.

The sound of someone shifting draws my attention to the first critter I knocked out, Leo shifted on the ground much like spasms. That briefly brought concern that was unnecessary as Leo jumped up as if he saw an.. eugh.. cucumber.

His face was swollen and while the eye I scratched wasn't bleeding anymore, however, his nose- rather, his whole muzzle was a purplish ball. His voice also sounded a tad more nasal "Wh- Wher-" We locked eyes... Well, eye and he froze still until his only working eye saw his friends, "G-Gus! Lucy!" He nearly tripped as he ran toward Gus, both eyes crying. "P-Please-" His body relaxed as Gus let out a grunt, but stiffened as he saw Lucy. Leo ran toward her.

Gus grunted once more, his arms trembling as effort was put to push himself up but all he could muster was to sit. His body stiffened at me- trembled even, yet relaxed a few seconds later. "Leo," He sounded normal, however, weaker.

Just saying his name was enough of an instruction, he sat Lucy on the wall and immediately helped Gus up, "Let me sit next to him." His voice is definitely coming back, I didn't hurt him too much...

"B-but-" Gus shook his head, his eyes statically fixed on me. Leo looked back at me then stared at the ground, his free paw clenching into a trembling fist before relaxing, in favor of using said paw to better support Gus.

Leo's legs shaked with each step, both his arms trembled too - but for a different motive. Once Leo put Gus beside me he walked back to Lucy. I expected Gus to talk first but when I realized his eyes became distant, gazing at the clouds of the busted ceiling, this means that I for once needed to start the dialogue.

As much as I want to say sorry and walk away, I can't do that. This needs to be done right, and for it to be genuine I need to understand them, a little at least. And what way better to start to understand them than a simple question, "Why?"

Gus eyes focused as he stared down at his paws, "We owe money to the cartel. Everycreature on Stableside does." I raised an eyebrow, "...They came two months ago and began to demand protection fees, most laughed but then, the guards were sent far away and new ones came. Ones that had a green eye." What? "It doesn't take much to figure out what the cartel did, pulled some strings and got in some 'trustworthy' guards. They didn't like fellians."

"We got kicked out of work because of a conflict, the cartel kept knocking at the door wanting protection fees every day and... Here we are." Couldn't they run? "The Insurgence hasn't returned yet, they usually come once a month to check on the town then keep sweeping the nearby area for demons and-"

"Couldn't you run?"

Gus stopped, then chuckled. "To where? Try my luck in the wilderness and get my brother and sister killed? The Insurgence also doesn't like people hitchhiking on them either. Plus it's easier to do what we already are used to." The Insurgence again- I need to ask about that to Jetstream later. "You held back," His eyes ran from his paws to question me, "didn't you?"

"You could have just started with that smoke, but you didn't." It felt wrong to do so, "You also enjoyed beating Leo, didn't you?" I... I did. "But you held back." He smiled. A genuine smile. Why is he doing this?

Gus extended his hand, "You're new to Stableside, got robbed on the first day, but even when we stole from you, you had enough consideration to not do the worst." I took his handshake. "I won't make any excuses, what we do is wrong. But if we beg, the Cartel would just... Send us off. Nobody would remember a fellian, even more one that doesn't work... I saw them doing it."

...

"And we don't want to die."

..Why is everything in this world so wrong? I take a deep breath and Gus flinches. Of course, I'm not doing anything this time. It's just that I've never been one to speak, even more after my voice got this way. I don't know how to make a real genuine apology, and I don't think I honestly want to. But I need to.

I exhale and brave my own emotions, pushing down the discomfort for once, "I'm sorry for hurting you guys too much." It isn't genuine enough, so why is he smiling?

Gus sighed and once again stared at his paws, but still, he spared a glance at me, from the corner of his eyes "Do you ever feel lost, even when what you have to do is clear?" I nodded, "I love them. And I know that we should try to head to Fillydelphia but to convince some random pegasi to hitchhike is dangerous, and if that pegasi tells the cartel about it..." They'd be done. "But you came with a pegasi. I know I have no right to ask, but please, could you ask that pegasi that brought you in?"

I want to yell no, to reject, and just walk away. But, if I do so, how long can they last by stealing? If they were found out, and it is true the way they say the guard treats 'fellians', then... I don't want anycritter to die. Even if they wronged me, I believe that they can change. Just like how I did. "Fine."

"Thank you." Gus gave me a genuine smile, which left me speechless, I just gave him a beating a few minutes ago.

...

I can't dwell on this for long, I need to go back and talk to Jam still. I get up from the sofa, briefly stretching my back and feeling my arm - everything is nice and intact, Jetstream should have some painkillers at home, who doesn't after all?

"Lucy, it's okay to lay down if you aren't feeling fine..."

"AH!" Eep! Don't shout! My poor ears... "Give me the spray bottle, Leo!" Uh oh.

Leo pupil immediately dilated, "Wh-why?! I've behaved so far!"

"Not for you, it's for that twat!" Time to blast! If there was a lightning bolt racing me, it would've lost. Destination: Jams, where this crazy rodeo started, hopefully I didn't miss Jam.

Arriving at the Jam's safe and sound with only sore legs, my paw reached for the knob, almost turning but stopped when I heard a sniffle, no, someone crying their guts out. And then a few shouts followed by more cries. The voice was sweet as candy, different from Stale's, well, stale voice.

"This is the second time this week! Celestia forbid, if you don't straighten up by tomorrow, you will take a week off."

I could just come back later or rather meet Jam at the workplace. I'm sure there will be no problem with that.

"N-No, please! I need the bits-"

~Bang~

..That sounded like an angry stomp. I'm not one to eavesdrop, buuut these feline ears were made big for a reason, I rest my head against the door.

"NO buts! You just lost your filly a day ago! I just kept you at work out of worry the cartel does something to you." Again this cartel topic, be it with the thieves or Jetstream, the cartel is just everywhere in this town?!

"P-please..." something doesn't click, somecritter would've noticed something, anything strange by now, and this job is issued by the crown. At least Jetstream says it is.

Why is there no type of help coming?

~Thud~

The sudden cease of noise after something hit the ground, drove me to peek at the keyhole, for the little that is visible, there is just a deep blue mare lying on the ground, I couldn't see her face but her mane, which was navy blue. Her slumped form was just like Bobby's after her first break-up.

What am I thinking? I can't help that critter- Heck, I don't even know her. Both of my paws rub my head - ouchie - gently as I turn away from the door and look toward the sky, near the sun. What would you do, Dogday?

"Get yourself together before lunch break is over."

It's obvious what Dogday would do, "Damn it..." I turned back and reach for the knob, the whole of me screaming 'Bad idea' over and over, but I pushed over these thoughts. And the door.

~Ding Ding~

There it was, a blue mare on the floor softly sniffling. Next to her was- "Oh my goodness..." A red mare very, VERY muscular and with hair looked like blueberry jam. Who could she be? "What happened to your head!?" My educated guess would be, Jam of course - and by 06, her voice does not combine with her body, wanna trade? "Stale, bring in the medkit!"

"On it!" I looked at both of my paws that had just rubbed my head a moment prior, both had little tints of red. Blood had already coagulated and tomorrow I'll have a horn of my own. Great. "Oh- Catnap, what happened!?" Stale is back with a floating medkit.

Just tell them enough, "Somecrit- Somecreature threw a hammer at me." I look back at the mare lying on the ground and shake her lightly, she doesn't budge.

"What?!" Jam, I guess, stomped in utter rage, "If the cartel wasn't enough, now we got scoundrels running around town?! On Celestia soil!?!?" She snorted, "Did you see who it was?"

Lying is bad, and being honest is the greatest way to make friends, that is what my mother said, "No, he blitzed away too fast." But somecritter who nearly gouged somecritter else's eye can't be a good critter in the first place.

Should I hug her? Hugs from friends always made me feel better... But I hate to be hugged by strangers too, then what can I do? Oh- She is finally rising up! "Darn scoundrels-"

The blue mare slowly turn around, "It's you." A voice colder than both corners of the world. The crimson eyes of the mare that had been lying until now glared down at me, if stares could crush I would've been rubble. Her face writhing in anger like a raging beast. Her navy blue mane swayed like the tides of an enraged ocean, even her horn seemed a bit sharper. "She- she died because of you..!" I tried to question her, mutter something but my body was frozen in place shivering. Trembling. Dying. "Of course, it's your fault! T-they didn't have time to save her because of you." Jam reached a hoof forward but froze still, sweat dripping from her forehead. Stale didn't fare any better with all his hooves trem-

The tip of her horn began to in a silvery hue, "You. YOU!"

~Slap~

Jam slapped her face. "RIVULET! I CONDEMN SUCH ACTIONS FROM ANY OF MY WORKERS!" Her shouts were deafening, then she pointed a hoof to the door, "GET OUT!!"

Rivulet stood there, glaring at me - she abominates me. "This isn't over, demon." Her whisper spat with cold words filled with glacial hatred. Sometimes I wish my ears weren't so good. Rivulet trotted off.

~Ding Ding~

Only when her clip-clops weren't audible anymore I could stop trembling. I-I don't understand? I've fought critters before, they screamed at me, they hated me - but I never got such a reaction... It's scary.

She wanted to kill us.

... "I-I'm sorry, Rivulet isn't usually like this." She slowly moved to Stale and tapped him twice on his shoulder, "News of her missing filly came back yesterday. I never heard anypony wail as she did." Stale, still standing like a statue prompted Jam to shake him, awake then move back to give him his space, "I-it doesn't feel right." Jam looked at her hoof.

A filly- Oh. Rivulet should have talked to those who saved- That means, that filly was her child... I focus on Stale who finally recovers and begins wrapping bandages around my forehead with his telekinesis. Once done, my head felt squeezed and very uncomfortable - almost comparable to somecritter stepping on my tail, or listening to Catfeine coffee rush ramblings. Stale looked toward Jam, and spoke in a low, uncomfortable but somewhat still stale voice "Catnap here wants to know of a possible position to start as soon as possible."

Jam nods, "Hmm, those opposed thumbs are good at dealing with cement and placing bricks. And it's easy enough for a newbie." What? I raised an eyebrow. "With those noodle arms of yours kit, any creature can tell." N-noodle arms..? Noodle arms!? Heck, I beat Pug-a-pillar on an arm wrestling, while he used all nine right arms! Tell noodle arms to that! If growling wasn't a baby thing, I'd be doing that instead of swinging my glorious, enormous tail from side to side like a viper. "Don't be like that! Working will fix those noodle arms in a jiffy!"

Tsk, I'll prove to her how strong I am after I get the first job done, "Anyway, cementing is good for you?" I nod. "Great. Lunch break's over in twenty minutes." I nod once more. Jetstream should be at the, what was it? Eternity Bridge? Whatever, I'll head there now and hopefully not get mugged the moment I stomp my way outside.

~Ding Ding~

Oh wait.

~Ding Ding~

Jam and Stale looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "Where's the bridge?"

It was so hard to concentrate on anything, it felt like a thick fog made out of multiple thoughts drowning my mind. The day had only begun but so much already happened - the cartel putting everycritter in this town at gunpoint. Why is Jetstream even here? She could fly far, far away at a speed that no critter would catch her. It's even worse with the citizens, are they turning a blind eye to their suffering? Why not band together and overcome the cartel - there is no way there are more of them than there are of critters. I feel my grip on everything is getting weaker and all I can do is hope to find something sturdier to latch to before being swept. I-I barely even realized what I did to Leo- If they were here, it would've been easier- I d-don't even know where I am going. I-

Can't look back. Forward. Forward only.

With all effort I could muster, my lungs filled with air and let that sensation hang in there for a moment to regain a semblance of focus, all my eyes could see was a blue horizon and a dark bridge, the smell of the salty waters being carried by winds from places far away and the sound of waves hitting the shore before calmly receding into the ocean were pleasantly calming. This is my first time seeing the ocean and while I personally have a distate for water (I do shower everyday, or used to), it is an undeniably wonderful view... I wish they could see this too.

Besides the ocean, there is a dark bridge resides with tons of construction material, weird bell-like noise, and ponies, even other cats resting near the bridge. What surprises me most is that not even one group is made, all of them are talking like a big family and- "Hey!" Everything halted to a tightening silence.

A grey unicorn in golden armor walked toward a white fellian with black patches of fur, his voice as hoarse as an engine, "ID."

The fellian ears and tail fell before she muttered, "Oh, alright..." Why is she afraid? She hastily pulled an ID card from her back- How?

~Slap!~

Wh- why did he slap her ID to the ground- "Pick it up." The fellian trembled- this- She crouched down and- The stallion gave her a kick to the face, and she fell. Still. A small, irritable smirk shined in a hue that screamed for me to tear it apart- Breathe in. It's fine, I'm fine.

The other ponies - besides the guards - and fellians looked at the fellian worried, the guard who kicked the poor cat groaned then stomped, "Get back to work, the crown isn't wasting resources on lazybones." Holding his head high, the guard walked back to the bridge. Everycritter begins to pack up, and the few who hadn't finished eating stuffed whatever was left into their mouth.

"Heeeey! Caaaaaaaatnap!" Oh 06- I turn around and- "Hi."

~Nyaah!~

O-oh 06- I didn't do that! D-don't stare at me Jet! Stop chuckling or I'll- I'll scratch you! "Oh colts, that guard stinks, am I right?" She spoke with great difficulty - 06, why am I being punished? - Then folded her wings and landed on the ground and immediately nearly stuffing a hoove inside her mouth only to later breaking into a full blown laughter when looking at my face. Which should've been hidden by my paws...

...

It took a moment, but Jet eventually calmed down, "So where you'll be?"

Are they working now? But Jam isn't here. This is worrisome, "placing bricks and cementing stuff, now this happened-"

"Psh!" Jetstream waved her hoof "Don't worry, just lay low." She looked at both sides then whispered, "I've been compiling a few incriminating images and snooping around before I crashed into the hospital, somepony important should be coming today or tomorrow. Probably today." Oh, like some chief official? That's nice, they'll be able to jail those- "From the cartel." Oh. That's not good. "So they'll spend less time harassing the workers."

Just my luck, get robbed, attacked, and having to deal with some cartel big boss. On the same day. "Just three more days and the Insurgence will know all about it! Then cartel will fall!!" Her smile widened in a feral toothy grin, "I can't wait!" Okay, that's too much euphoria coming from her - nonetheless, I will be happy to witness. Jetstream begins to stretch her wings, "Still wondering when I will hit the 'too much effort' mark, so far they're perfect!" Jet crouches while staring at the clouds, "So I will see ya by six then, I'll wait for you!" Bursting toward the skies, the wind briefly pushed me off balance and forcefully made me shut my eyes. Are every pegasi like this?

Doesn't matter, I get up and make sure to wrap my tail like a belt before heading into the construction site, unicorns and fellians using their tools while the pegasi went to the legs of the bridge with materials wrapped at their back, and earth ponies brought a hefty amount of materials to where's needed, the guards carefully watched every worker. I could see in their eyes, itching for somecritter to mess up.

I stepped onto the bridge of dark stones, which honestly I have never seen used in any construction site - but wonder aside, I need some direction as to where to begin, and who's better at giving hints than somecritter who is doing the same job as me? And there, Placing bricks on the handrail of the bridge was a grey-coated unicorn with a black mane, next to it an unicorn with switched colors of the previous placing the bricks and cement, she was carrying a bucket of cement mortar in its mouth - is that sanitary? - and a Dark brown earth pony with a curly orange mane sitting down with two sacks of sand and one of cement. "Hey, I'm new and-"

"New? That's perfect!" A high-pitched enthusiastic voice came from the black-coated mare, she put her hooves together then continued, "My sister was already getting a sore horn." A sigh of exertion comes from the grey-coated mare, "So, do you have any experience?"

"N-no-"

"That's fine, we'll teach you." A very amused voice came from the grey mare, "Let's start with the basics, first and foremost: the measuring tools, also, by the way, what's wrong with your eyes?"

Working and keeping a lookout for the big baddie on the bridge, multi-tasking is my middle name! "Jet, this side doesn't look very safe." Currently, we are replacing old Sage Bricks with new ones, it's a surprise they got damaged, these bricks were supposed to last two thousand years when they were first made long ago.

"On it!" For most, this is tedious. For me? This is torture! That's how I relearned something that filly me was an expert, imagination! I'm good enough to do most work on automatic, so good that I am fast enough to do the job equivalent to seven pegasi and precise enough to outclass three unicorns! There's no challenge nor thrill! All on automatic. At least the pay is good. Be amazed, Storm! For I will blow your mind with speed and precision!

In retrospect, I almost regret turning out the Wonderbolts, but eh, being a pirate again sounds more fun than acrobatics. By now, bricks were replaced and safely glued - are you amazed yet, Storm? - I do a quick rise up to see if my target is here and surprise, it is! Lucky me. "I'll call in that break now Storm." with too many workers working on one bridge, calling breaks in between shifts is enough of an excuse for no guard suspect.

All right, plan A: Peak little above the handrails inconspicuously. Ears locked on.

A pony with an old, wrinkled face with a grey coat and mane - be it natural or a sign of old age - wearing a tuxedo and a fedora, he practically oozed mafia boss vibes walked through the bridge accompanied by an earth pony stallion with a somewhat grayish coat and a black mane with a singly grayish line, plus his cutie mark is a gold skull with a gem. Treasure hunter? Why here? There are no temples underwater, the insurgence checked it.

The smell of golden jackpot never left my nostrils, I tried to ignore it- but... I need more information. I can make out some small noises, not enough to hear, however, I am a professional lip reader. Thank you sailing master Celaeno!

'Something about fishing? five thousand facets golden chest is too deep, something, by tomorrow should be possible, something, burnt oven?! however, there's a chance of something, something.' Okay, my lip-reading skills have faltered a little. But not enough! The younger stallion looks at the mafioso, 'Good enough,
vegetables and fruits, don't worry about, something about apples, fellians to, treasure, they're more careful.' Treasure... It's arcane to think that there is a treasure down these waters, just below me...

Nonetheless, they'll get it by tomorrow, and if I piece things right - which I always do - that means that they will also leave after this ordeal is done. That won't do. I'll have to talk with the Insurgency today and convince them about the cartel, I have enough evidence, pictures, and knowledge of where they hide. They. Will. Go. Down. As any villain should.

On a positive note, Catnap seems to be doing peachy - plus he seems to be making new friends... Wait, is that Shadow Sport?!

Oh, that horse..! Tsk, I'll mess with her later.

I nod to myself, everything will end fine. I fold my wings and close my eyes, the rushing of the winds caught onto my ears, "One, two..." The sound of the ocean waves clattering against the bridge's leg, "Three, four..." And a villain to catch. "Five." I opened my wings then my eyes, the touch of the ocean on my ears and mane felt nice. After accompanying Catnap home I will do what needs to be done.

Phew, that was a nice five-minute break, time to get back to work.

"Wowzie, I didn't know fellian tail could be so strong!" Shadow Sport spoke jumping with each word. The day was over by now and we just sat and talked... By we I mean them.

Light Shade nodded and spoke, with a hoof under her chin, "That was ten bricks, right Catnap?" I mean, it's pretty normal? It miiiight be a bit strong, but not out of the charts.

"That's a very strong tail." Swiping Sweeper chuckled, and got up, "Time we go before it gets too dark."

Shadow Sport affirmed then whispered to my ear, "The guards get a bit iffy at night, poor Stormy once got beaten up because of it." Oh. I nod and get up as well, stretching briefly and throwing dust off.

My first step then never came and those of the other also stopped and looked ahead as a figure in the distance ran towards us, a figure familiar from this day, "Catnap!" Jam shouted and then stopped catching his breath before continuing, until his arrival was right before me, "Phew, got your ID done. Didn't want to..." She gave a quick glance at the guards, "Risk anymore after what I heard..."

I waved to dismiss his worries, and pinched the card away from his mouth, was full white with only a purple cat staring back with a blank expression. At least that's all that isn't covered by gooey saliva, ew. I put it in between my tail-belt and shivered as the saliva touched my fur.

Light Shade took her ID, and levitated it close to me "Just like mine," then chuckled. Blank expression, did they 'snappy' you too?

Jam smiles and takes in a deep breath through his mouth, "Alright, let's go then-"

~Swooosh~

Jetstream arrives with a blast, hitting the ground and rousing a cloud of dust no, wait, a cloud of... clouds? "Heeellooo!" with wings stretched the clouds dispersed in a burst of wind with Jetstream chuckling to herself at the center. She gently brushed wings before folding them.

"Oh great." Swiping Sweeper muttered.

"Catnap, those are your new friends, huh?" She smiles and extends a hoof, "Nice meetin'yall!"

Shadow Sport took the hoof without excitation and put a smile of her own, "It's a pleasure to meet you again!" Oh wow, they're like a leopard and a panther trying to convince each other who's the best runner, even if it's obvious.

"We should go," Swiping Sweeper whispered and Jam nodded. Light Shade shook her head and tapped her sister's shoulder.

Shadow Sport squinted her eye for a second before forfeiting her impromptu starring contest with Jet, "...Alright, see ya later Jet." Her voice filled with resistance.

Now Jetstream, "See'ya bestie!" Couldn't be more excited. It was then that I noticed Jam and Swiping had disappeared. "Oh well, let's go then." Jet turned around and flexed her wings before once more folding them, "Soo, you comin'?" Oh yeah. No more contemplations, let's just go then.

When I was at her side I noticed something rather unexpected... "What's with the tattoo?" I'm not a judge and never will be, but isn't that a bit, uh... Embarrassing?

"My cutie mark?" I nod, "Oh like everypony get's one before their tens." W-what? Do they get butt tattoos before their tens?! I put both paws on my mouth, "N-no! Not like that! It's a magical thing, that shows our special talent, there's like a big flash of light and-and-"

"It's normal! Stop blushing!" Jet acting like a fish out of water is kinda funny. "Like, I got mine after nibbling my wings," She wiggles her rump- is that even appropriate? I-I guess I could just ignore old-world customs... Her 'Cutie Mark' of a wing with a feather falling from it, "A special talent in preening! Really useful to keep those in check," She flexes her wings.

Sooo, there's that. I take the front only to stop to realize I don't know the way back, "Really, I mean it! It's a useful talent!" Alright, "Like, you don't know how many pegasi don't know how to preen and," Alright. "It's suuuuper useful! I won tons of competitions with well-preened wings" I stop and sigh, then nod, I believe in you, "Aaanyway, did you know Swiping Sweeper is a stallion?" Jet took to once more hovering above ground- 06, she's quite indecisive.

...

Wait, what? I mean, it's obvious- "Like, his snout is so smooth and he's just a tiny bit taller than your usual mare." Ouch, this one should've had very rough years in school.

"He smelled like a boy."

"Whuh?" Jet fell from the air head first to the ground, quickly recovered and looked at me straight in the eyes, "Whaddya mean smelled like a boy?"

Oh, yeah. Ponies can't do that. "Boys have a rough natural scent while girls have a sharp one. It's a cat thing."

Jet stared at me flat, as if I was speaking in another language, "Soo, what is it about that Insurgence?"

And, she's back on the air drifting forward, "Insurgence is like, the guards of guards- If royal guards were little fillies, then the Insurgence would be the parent." Such enthusiasm, are they like comic superheroes? "The Insurgence of Demonic Containing Forces, cool name, right, RIGHT?!" I- uh, alright. I nod. "Right. They are elite hunters that go around kicking the butt of demons!" Her eyes shined like stars as her hooves were held close to her chest "One of them saved me from a falling airship!" Oh wow, like a plane? "She was a flying unicorn!" Oh wow, so when an unicorn and a pegasi have kids, both characteristics are preserved? "Then she blew the huuuge sea creature away!" Oh wow, did she have explosive weaponry on her- "She is one of the three archmages of equestria, her name was Dust Powder!" Oh wow-

The door squeaked like a dying drunk rodent that just had a break up once Jetstream pushed open, barging in inside while yawning loud enough to wake the birds, and I stepped in with a dry throat from the conversation on the way back - of which only had 5% of my participation - and the eagerness to skip dinner and just fall on the couch is my only wish at the moment.

"I picked some oranges this morning, they are at the basket if you want'em." And with that, Jet disappears into one of the rooms, and that leaves a one-step from dreamland Catnap to get some oranges and hopefully not sleep while eating. "Got it-" Jet is back "Gonna go do some business, be back by dawn." Jet is off.

I steadily close the door after she leaves, and both my eyes can barely see straight. I wonder what Bubba is doing right now... Something interesting like home made explosives? I sit on the table and grab an orange, the next thing I know is that I am startled up with a puddle of my drool on the table, and some noise coming from the door... Jet?

My feet brushed through the floor as if brooms until I reach the door which looks slightly taller - My paw rubs off the door knob before bending and unceremoniously pulling the door, there two ponies in fancy tuxedos and wearing fedoras stand. "Fellian, tomorrow right after morning work you will help us with an errand."

"Alright..." Sure thing Jet and Jet the Second, I will. Both nod and turn off. Where's the sofa? I move somewhere until I feel something soft and drop down there. Hopefully, it's the sofa.

Author's Note

WeeeeHooo!! 10k words!
I swear next time I will make one at 4k tops. Took too long, and is too extensive - I'm not fond of long chapters myself. This is mainly my fault because I wanted to merge both C3 and C4 into one and that I don't keep a constant words written per day(Anywere from 300 to 2k, really). On the plus side, the fun stuff (Mischievous Trio) came out nice, most stuff that I imagine usually come out in a decadent state when put into words, but this one was cool. Shame Lucy didn't do much, planned to make he hit Catnap with a chair but it contradicted with her personality and traits, so eh.

So, let's go. For those who did not notice until now, Fellians are bipedal thinking big cats, not bigger than ponies tho. Also, this means Abyssians don't exist here(Reason: They are too big!)

Things get wilder at C5(Now C4) and the true colors of what this fic is about will finally shine!

So, uh. A month. Nice. Happy near month birthday to my weird lovely son! Yippie! As always, be free to tell what you didn't like, what you DID like, and what you think I could do better! Criticism is always welcome (If it isn't a 'Fuck you, your story trash lolol' type criticism), and don't be afraid to point out grammatical errors! Also, Martial Prowess List will be released soon after this chap or not, lol. Check it out if you want to.
Oh yeah, if any mad man/woman(besides myself) reads on day mode, the small bold text is meant to be Crafty.

Also, no, cats can't sniff out gender(Unless its female on estrus), I just made that up(The part cats can casually smell out your gender).

Oh and, previous art used as the cover was made by this person: https://twitter.com/yammiji_x6/status/1723478849432748115
I didn't knew that by clicking on the cover it wouldn't lead to the artist, sorry for that.

That's about it.

Yeah.