Another Life

by Ironwolves21

Chapters

Chapter 0
Chapter One
Chapter Two / A
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Seven and a Half
Chapter Eight / B
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
FILE NAME: 00021-22107-IV
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Fifteen / D
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Seventeen / E
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Reach for the Stars
Disclaimer!
Chapter Fourteen / C

Chapter 0

“This stuff tastes like shit.”

“Of course it does, you’re lucky to get an A-rat that’s less than ten years old!”

"Mr. Venture. Please pay attention."

“Everypony must do their part to defeat the hippogriff menace! Celestia, when did we fight them?”

“73’.”

"Mr. Venture."

“Shit Cap, didn’t think you were fighting back then. When did you join the army?”

“1972. I was fifteen at the time, lied about my age and forged a signature.”

“Damn Riot, your folks didn’t come after you or nothin?”

“My folks? Feh, I-”

“MR. VENTURE!“

Riot lifted his head up, his eyes growing wide as he fell out of the daydream that had come upon him. The mare in front of him sat back down and adjusted herself. “You drifted off again Venture. Can you tell me what you saw?”

The stallion stared at his hooves for a moment as he thought. He didn’t like the pony behind the desk. She'd made it her life's work to see him behind bars. He didn’t like the place his superiors had dumped him in, like some kind of diseased animal. The whole situation stank, and he didn’t like it.

“I thought about A-rats.”

The mare lifted an eyebrow. “A-rats, Mr. Venture?”

Of course she didn’t know what they were. She was an MP, a lab pony at that. She ate the fresh food. She didn’t have to choke down cold, dry briquettes of pseudo-food. A-rats were always cold. Had to be cold.

“Trench food ma’am.” Riot avoided eye contact with the mare behind the desk. He hated her. He hated this place. He hated that she'd hounded him for years, trying to end his career.

“I see. Now, I brought you here for a reason, but since you decided to drift off while I was speaking, I suppose I’ll have to repeat myself. Again.” The mare slid over a slip of paper. “You got your ‘honourable’ discharge, and a ‘clean’ bill of health.” Doctor Usineighn scowled at the paper, then at the stallion on the other side of the desk. “You’re free to go. You’ll be taken to Firebase Lassoe until further transport can be attained for you.” The Doctor pulled off her glasses and rubbed her eyes with a hoof. Setting her hoof down on the desk, she lowered her voice to a growl. “Listen here Venture, Brass may have cleared your name, but what you've done is monstrous. If I had my way, you’d be held here indefinitely and strung up like the criminal you are.” The mare leaned forward in her chair. “You're a blemish on this fair land, you're everything a soldier shouldn't be. You disgust me.”

As the captain stood from his chair, he shot the doctor a withering look. “You wouldn't know what makes a good soldier if it shot you in the face. Goodbye Doctor Usineighn.”

“Get out of my office.”

The fiery headed stallion smirked at her as he trotted towards the door. “See you in hell.”

The mare snarled to herself when the door closed. "Just you wait, I'll find the evidence I need to put you where you belong." She shook her head sharply. "I need a spot of tea and a massage."

Chapter One

REA firebase Lassoe

Riot laid on the hard surface of his bunk; staring at the ceiling as he fought for sleep. He wished for peaceful sleep, but his mind demanded otherwise. The winds of the desert whipped about outside the pre-fab officers bunkroom.

“Sonuva...” Riot turned over in the bed, his mind wandering well beyond the small room. The stallions eyes went upwards to the ceiling as he let out an exhausted sigh. “Fuck.” Riots eyes drifted lazily around until they came in contact with the phone that sat next to the bed. He mulled the thought over in his mind, over and over before reaching out to grabbing the small device.

Riot squinted to remember the number through his mental haze, but before long he had tapped in the numbers and the phone was ringing on the other side.

One Ring...

Two Rings...

Three Rings...

“Hello, this is Aurora Venture, sorry I’m not in to take your call, but if you could plea-” The phone on the other side was picked up, answered by a squeaky voice.

“Hello?”

Riot sucked in a breath as the ghost of a smile crossed his lips. “Hey buddy, it’s me...”

The tiny colts voice on the other line squeaked in surprise. “Dad!! I missed you so much! I......Are you alright? When are you coming home?” The tiny voice sounded apprehensive.

“I’m comin’ home real soon lad, don’t you worry. I...I’ve been missing you too Hunter, how’s my little explorer been?”

“I’ve been awesome! I'm finally caught up enough to start going to the new school here! Ms. Cheerilee and the other ponies are really nice.”

Riot cracked an eyebrow. "New School?"

"Mhm! we moved. Didn't Momma tell you?"

The stallion sighed quietly before redirecting the subject. “New school eh? You made any friends yet? Any marefriends?”

“Fillies? Blegh! Gross Dad!" The lines goes quiet for a scant moment. "There’s these three fillies who never leave me alone, but at least they’re less gross than Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.” The voice grew a little bit angry at the mention of the last names.

“Aw, are the fillies at school giving you troubles little buddy?” Riot slouched on his spot in the mattress, his back legs hanging off the edge. He smiled as he pressed the phone against his ear, so he wouldn’t miss a moment.

“Just those two, they’re mean.....They said my ears were stupid, and they made fun of me for not having a cutie mark yet.” He grumbled. “But the other foals are nice... I guess. This white filly won't leave me alone for some reason, keeps talking about some kind of Crusade.”

“Fillies huh? I didn't understand them either when I was your age Hunter. How’s the homework?”

“It’s not bad at all, but the math stuff sucks. Miss Cheerilee is a great teacher though, and I met this other colt, Featherweight, and he’s helping me out.”

Riot smiled to himself as he listened to Hunter. “That awesome; tell him I said hi alright?” He paused for a moment. “How’s your Momma Hunter? Is she...” Riot let the sentence die off before shaking his head. “I’ll be in town soon, maybe I can help you with that math stuff, or I can teach you some cool army magic.”

“Really?! That’s awesome! Come home quick Daddy, I-” The small pony was cut off, a sweet voice washed through the speaker.

“Hunter, who’s that on the phone?” The voice asked, and there was a short crackle of static, before Hunter spoke again.

“It’s Daddy! He just called and- Hey! Gimmie that back!” A sound that had to be the phone passing from pony to pony went through, before the mares voice came through loud and clear.

“A-ashfall? Are...Are you there?” The mare almost sounded apprehensive and scared.

“I’m here Aurora... I’m here.”

The mare sighed happily into the receiver. “Oh thank the moon, it’s been so long, I missed you so much.” She said; Riot could hear Hunter squeaking in the background.

“Hey! Lemmie up! I wanna talk to daddy too!”

“Just a moment sweetie, I need to talk to daddy, first.” There was a disappointed ‘awww’ in the background, and then she allowed Riot to speak.

“Aurora...” He sucked in a breath before speaking again. “I’m sorry that I haven’t called you recently, It’s just been so hectic at the base, since we're trying to figure out what to do with everypony now that the war's over."

There was a light chuckle on the other end. "Oh yeah, how'd it go?"

Riot paused for a second. "How did what go?"

Aurora laughed again. "The war, silly! How'd it go?"

"We..." The stallion rubbed the bridge of his muzzle with a hoof. "I uh, managed to get some time away from the base though, so I'll be coming by to visit pretty soon."

“R-really? You can come see us?” She was eager, but seemed... Mistrustful, like she was preparing for disappointment.

“Yes, I’ve managed to secure some off time, I’ll be swinging by soon enough.” He looked around for a moment before speaking again. “I’m thinking of something more...Permanent. But we’ll talk about that later, alright love?”

Aurora stayed quiet for a moment before speaking. “We moved recently, I couldn't stay in Baltimare anymore, and I think Hunter was having troubles with some of the kids.”

“Yeah, Hunter said something about that. I would have like it if you’d at least told me before-hoof.”

“I’m sorry, it was very recent, I wasn’t even thinking of moving the last time we spoke, but we had to go. We moved to the home your uncle left us when he passed away. This place will be a better fit for all of us, I know it.”

Riot sighed in resignation. “Alright. What was the address again?”

“145 Willow Street, Ponyville, I’ll see you soon, right?” She asked, sounding regretful over the device.

“Sooner than you’d think Aura... Put Hunter back on, would you? I want to wish him a good night.”

The small voice returned to the phone, after a short bout of crackling and movement. “Dad?”

The stallions smile returned. “Hey buddy, ready for bed?”

“I don’t wanna go to bed! I want to talk to you! It’s been so long......When are you going to come and see us?”

Riot chuckled for a moment, turning the phone over to his other ear. “Alright, but you gotta ask mum for permission.”

There was a bit of mumbled speech coming over the phone, and then it stopped, the small voice returning with a sad tone. “Mom says I have to go to bed in five minutes, it’s a school night. Blegh.” He said, the sound of a hoof striking wood came through the speaker. Riot could practically hear the colt pouting.

“Now now, you gotta listen to your momma. You gotta be all good and rested for school, that way you don’t end up like your dad.” Riot glanced over to the small flask on his nightstand and grimaced.

“Why wouldn't I want to be like you?! You’re the best pony ever.” The young colt’s voice was filled with reverence.

“Ask your mother, she always said it better than I did.” The stallion shook his head for a moment. “Anyways, I can tell you’ll make an awesome architect, or an engineer! I’ve seen some of the things you’ve made with your bricks kid, a damn sight better than what I can make.”

The colt giggled, then sighed. “Mom says I gotta go now......I’ll see you soon, right?”

“Absolutely Hunter...” He let the sentence die for a moment. “I love you Hunter, you and your Mother....”

“We love you too, Dad. And we can’t wait to see you, hurry back.”

Riot fell back onto the hard mattress after placing the phone in its cradle. He stared up at the ceiling again, but this time his eyelids started to flutter under the weight of sleep.
_____________________________________________________________________
One week later...

Riot trotted down the dark street; squinting in the dark to read the addresses on each house. He finally spotted the right one; trotting up to the door as quietly as possible. “Now where is the damn key...” Grunting in frustration as the search grew futile, Riot opted to just knock on the door. The sound of hooves on hardwood caught his ear, and soon enough he could hear a mares voice through the door.

“Who would knock at this time of night...” The lock clicked open, and the door swung wide. “Who-” Auroras words were cut off by a quick gasp, and subsequently her hoof. “You....You’re actually-”

Riot smiled softly as he stepped forward. “Yeah. Couldn’t find my keys.”

“You’re home!” The batpony burst forward, wrapping her hooves tightly around the stallions neck, embracing him in a tight hug. “Oh I can barely believe it......" She embraced him as tightly as possible, her bat wings spread out wide. She lifts her face from his neck, and smiles, before looking over him. "W-what happened here?” She asked, prodding a new set of scars around Riot’s neck.

He brought a hoof up to his neck and failed to hide a grimace. “Miscommunication.”

“Oh I don’t even care.” She threw her hooves back around him, squeaking in happiness.

Riot hugged her tightly; he buried his face into her neck, sniffing once before reassuring his grip on her. “I’m so glad to be home Aura...”

“C-come inside, it’s cold out here.” She curled her velvet wing around the large unicorn; something he hadn’t felt in what seemed like years. The pair walked to the house, all smiles, and a few tears.

The door closed behind them, and Aurora broke off from Riot; waving him over to a set of stairs. Riot smiled as he placed his duffel bag on the floor as quietly as possible, then followed the mare into the living room. She turned to him, embracing her stallion as tightly as she could. Riot held her to his chest; his muzzle buried in her shoulder. "Celestia...I missed you so much."

Tears matted his shoulder as Aurora sobbed quietly. "I didn't think you were..." She sniffed loudly as she nuzzled him. "I didn't think you were coming back."

Riot shook his head as he led her over to the couch. Once they were seated he took her hoof in his and looked into her eyes. "Aura, I will never, ever abandon you. Nothing could make me do that." He kissed her lightly before she spoke.

"I...I know. It's just...We don’t get any real news about the war here, so all I can get is idle gossip and rumours from my sister in Gem Valley." She sniffed again, clutching him for comfort. "I was always so scared that there would be that knock at the door..."

His hoof pressed against her lips as he shushed her. "None of that Aura." Riot hugged her tightly, stroking her mane to keep her calm. "I got my Honourable Discharge. I'm here to stay."

Aurora looked at Riot for a moment, then squeaked her approval as she latched onto him, peppering his muzzle with kisses. "Thank you! I love you so much!" She hugged Riot tightly, as if she was trying to squeeze the life out of him. The mare looked at him for a moment, her eyes brimming with tears. “So...So you’re done with the army? Finished?”

Riot sucked in a breath and nodded. “Yeah. They finally decided that I wasn’t fit for du-.” The stallion stopped himself for a moment. “I’ve bled enough for them, I want to spend the rest of my life with you and Hunter.”

Aurora bit her lip for a moment, looking at the buck with trepidation. "I think we should celebrate..." She leaned in a bit closer, nibbling at his ear.

Riot grinned happily, his hooves wrapping around her side. "I thought you'd never ask."
___________________________________________________________

The pair snuggled together as closely as they could; ignoring the smell of sweat that permeated the air. Aurora sighed happily, her hooves clenching Riots sides as she buried her muzzle into his mane.

Riot held onto her tightly as he nibbled her ear. “I missed that... I think I went stir crazy more than once at base.” He let out a breath. “I just... I just want to fall asleep here; just you and me, and wake up like this in the morning.”

“T-that’s all I’ve wanted for so long.” Aurora smiled happily at the thought. “What do you want for breakfast, hun? Whatever you want, I’ll get it for you, I want you to know how much I love you.”

“I’ll always know that.” He nipped at her before pulling the covers over them. “Don’t sweat cooking tomorrow, I’m gonna make Hunter something special.”

“What are you going to make him, Ashie?” She asked, nuzzling his neck.

Riot rolled his eyes at his birth name. “Oh nothin’, just somethin’ me pa used to make.” He smiled at her before kissing the mare lovingly. ”Now let’s get some sleep love, I’ve got a long day planned for you and Hunter.”

“I’m just happy to have you home, more than anything.” She wrapped her wings back around him, caressing him with their velvety fur. After a few minutes, all that issued from the small bat pony were squeaking snores.

Riot ran a hoof through the mares mane, smiling softly at the beautiful bat-pony in his hooves. “I love you.” He whispered into her ear before following her back to sleep. The mare stirred at his words; smiling, but not waking.

____________________________________________________________
The next morning.

Hunter awoke to the smell of pastries. His mother never made big breakfasts, it was always cereal. The colt sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes. He didn’t remove the mask of confusion at the smell. He hopped off the bed, then started for his bedroom door. The colts bedroom door swung open with ease, but the child was quickly assaulted with a cacophony of wonderful smells coming from the kitchen.

Hunter wandered towards the kitchen; in his sleepy stupor, he completely missed the olive drab duffel bag and set of combat boots near the door.

“Mmm, what smells so good Momma?” The colt asked, trotting inside. His eyes widened at who he saw standing at the stove. “D-Dad?”

Riot turned from his frying pan and smiled widely at the colt. Kneeling downwards, he outstretched his hooves. “Hey there little trouble-maker.”

“DadDadDadDadDad!” Hunter screamed happily, galloping at the tall unicorn and tackled him with a flying hug.

Riot hugged the colt tightly against his chest as he fell back on his rump. He let out a short laugh before ruffling Hunters mane. “How’s it goin' Hunter? You hungry?”

“I’m so happy to see you!” Hunter giggled, snuggling into Riots chest. “I’m starving Dad! Did you make that?” He asked, sniffing at the air.

“You bet I did! Hay Bacon strips and apple puff pie! Just the way me pa used to make em’!” Riot let the foal go as he stood up to take the pans off the stove. “You’re just in time too, your momma hasn’t even woken up yet.” Riot sliced off a chunk of the poofy pastry, then placed it next to a small pile of hay bacon.

Hoofing it onto the table, Riot picked up the now squeaking colt and placed him on a seat. “Dig in Hunter! Tell me if my army cookin’s good enough for ya!” Riot ruffled the colts mane again as he went to grab his own plate.

The colt put some of the puff pastry in his mouth, and his eyes grew huge. He didn’t even speak, he just dove into the plate, starting to devour the meal.

“Something smells good.” Aurora said, trotting into the kitchen, nose in the air, smelling deeply. Her mane and tail were dishevelled, having yet to be brushed, and her glasses were perched haphazardly on her muzzle

Riot let his plate sit on the table as he went up to the mare; hugging her tight and kissing her lightly. “Mornin love.”

The mare smiled at him, but pushed away. “N-no, I’m ugly, I need to clean up.”

Riot waved a dismissive hoof as he wrapped his hoof around her to stop her from running away. “Nu-uh! You got to eat first!” He plopped the mare down on one of the wood seats.

Giving up the futile fight, Aurora settled into her seat. “Alright, Hunter seems to be enjoying it, or at least, he was.” The young colt was laid back in his seat, tongue lolling out of his mouth. Aurora tucked into the meal, and smiled at the first bite. “This is delicious, Ash!” The mare said, continuing to eat.

The stallion sat down next to her with his own plate full of food. “Glad to hear that I can still cook.” He started on his own food pile.
_________________________________________________________

“Alright Hunter, you be good at school alright?” Riot had just finished adjusting the colts backpack, but now he was watching his wife take the colt to school.

“Bye Dad, see you soon!” The young unicorn said, waving to his father.

“Don’t break anything, Ashie.” Aurora said, smirking as they disappeared into the distance.

Riot smiled lightly as he watched them trot away. He eventually closed the door and turned to his new house. His smile died slightly as he looked about. “Celestia, this is such a mare house...”

Another week later:

Riot had barely left the house at all, he had more than his fair share of paperwork to go over, and most of his time was spent in bed or revelling over the softness of civilian toilet paper.

Aurora sat on the bed, a small plastic stick in her hooves. She was watching the clock as it ticked away. The two minutes felt like an hour. After the time was up, she looked down. A small plus sign was on the tiny screen. She smiled, and galloped out of the room.

“Ash! I’ve got something to tell you!”

Riot looked up from his workbench, a small metal box and a pulled apart rifle resting on it. “What is it?” His face and hooves were smattered with oil and grime.

Ignoring the weapon, she held the small object in her hoof, hovering slightly in excitement. “Looklooklook!” She squeaked in delight, holding it just in front of his face.

He squinted to see the thing over the workbench, but when he did. “I-Is that thing accurate!? It’s only been a week!” Riot dropped the tuning key he was holding and cantered over to the mare, taking the small thing up in his hoof. He stared at it, not speaking.

“Yep! It’s one of those fancy magic ones! You know what it means!” She circled him once, glasses askew from her quick flight. “I’m going to have your foal again!” The bat pony nuzzled his face. Riot blinked rapidly, squinting hard at the little device. “I-is there something wrong, Ash?” Her face fell with a feeling of dread.

His muzzle slowly broke into a smile. “This...This is amazing!” He hugged her tightly, causing her to squeak in embarrassment and surprise. “Aurora! We’re going to have a foal! I’m gonna be a dad again!” His smile turned into a massive goofy grin.

Aurora squealed in happiness. “I’m gonna be all pregnant again.” Her face lost a bit of it’s gaiety. “I’m gonna be all pregnant again.” She repeated, groaning slightly. “All fat, and disgusting.”

Riot grunted in disapproval as he swept the mare off her hooves. “Aura, you are the most beautiful pony ever. Bearing my foal makes you at least three times as beautiful.”

She blew a lock of hair out of her face dismissively. “Oh you’re just saying that, you big lug.” She said, hoofing him in the chest. “I’ll be fat, and my boobs will be hanging down from my belly. Blegh.” The bat pony said, rubbing her belly. “I won’t even be able to fly anymore.”

He waved a dismissive hoof at her. “Bah, you can wear my pants.” He motioned towards the loose fitting combats.

“They’ll be too sensitive me to even wear pants!.......Darn, but it’s all worth it for another little foal, or two, or eight like that one mare.” She shuddered, rubbing at her stomach.

Riot shuddered as well. “I don’t think I can handle eight, or even two. Hunter was pretty easy, but that’s because he was such a sweetheart.” Riot grasped the mares hoof with his own. “Speaking of which, I think It’s about time for Hunter to be getting out of school... Want to go and pick him up together? I haven’t gotten a chance to meet his teacher yet either.”

“Mmhmm, do you think we should keep it a secret from Hunter, lest we get the ‘where do foals come from’ question?” The bat pony said, tossing out the pregnancy test, and bringing the stallion out into the main room, and away from his rifle.

“We should prolly think about it for a bit, see how he reacts to the idea.” Riot nuzzled her lovingly. “Lets the scenic route there, It’s a beautiful day out.”

“You’re right, come on, ‘hun.” The mare opened the door, and the pair headed off into the sunny Ponyville afternoon. It was warm, and there was scant a cloud in the sky. It wasn’t much of a walk to the schoolhouse, but they stopped for a moment in the park for Aurora to talk to a few of the ponies she’d met after moving there.

“That green one would make an awesome tank pilot. Wouldn’t even have to train her in how to sit in the damn thing.” Riot looked around, but started to notice the obscene lack of stallions in town. "Though she seems to be pretty friendly with that other mare. Huh. Weird."

“What’s wrong, Ash?” She asked, looking at his slightly scrunched-up features. “Are you suddenly against fillyfoolers?”

He cocked an eyebrow at Aurora. “They were sitting together, how’s that make them foolers?” His nose scrunched for a moment. “I wouldn’t have even known if you hadn’t said anything about an adoption.

“You just don’t have a mare’s intuition.” She said, nose rising into the air snootily. “So, if that’s not it, what’s wrong? You’ve got an odd expression.”

“There’s fuck all for stallions here.” He stopped dead in his tracks and started scanning. “Any that I do see are propped up with a mare.”

“Yeah, it’s odd, huh? I noticed it a lot when I got here too. Most of the mares aren’t even fillyfoolers, poor gals.” She said, frowning slightly. “Some mares have even started sharing stallions, especially around when the heat cycle starts.”

Riots eyebrows went straight up into his fringe. “They’ve been doin’ what now?”

“Well, heat can get.......Nasty.....when you’ve got a whole town syncing up, and with very, very few stallions to mares, things can get out of hoof quickly. So I guess some mares share with their friends, if both parties are willing to do so.” She shrugged.

“I’m going to hide in the basement, it'll be a veritable apocalypse.” Riot looked at her. “I’d rather take another turn on The Wall.”

“Don’t be silly, Ash. You’re all mine. I’m not going to let some whore grab a hold of you, no matter what.” She nuzzled him. “And don’t worry, the mares here are safe, and clean.” The bat pony giggled. “I’ll only rent you out to a couple of close friends.”

Riot shook his head slowly as he returned to her side. “You’re crazy.”

She giggled again. “Just wait until you see Cheerilee, you might change your tone a bit” The mare nuzzled Riot. “If you do anything with her without express permission from me, I’ll cut it off.” She looked at him dangerously.

“Dammit girl! Stop toying with me!” Riot whinnied in protest to the mare.

“But it’s so fun for a tiny mare like me to fluster a huge stallions like you. You are giant compared to most of the stallions here, look around. You’re getting more than a few stares.” She tittered squeakily again.

“And you’re getting a rather large number of glares your way love.” Riot trotted past the boundaries of the park, but a blur of pink in his peripheral vision caused him to slow and narrow his eyes. “I... No, hold on.”

“Hehe, yup, all the mares in town are soooo jealous, I love it.” She smooched the stallion on the cheek. “What did you say Ash? I couldn’t hear you.”

There was another flash of pink, just out of his vision. Riot whirled around, his face scrunched up in concentration. “It’s getting closer.”

Aurora smirked a bit, her face scrunching up in amusement. “Ash, what are you on about? You’re acting like a weirdo.” She poked his side in a jest.

“Yeah...” Riot turned to the mare. “I suppose you’re ri-”

'BANG'
“WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!”

Riot whipped about just in time to bear the brunt of a gut wrenching explosion. The stallion screamed in terror as he flung himself to the ground, covering his head with his hooves. His voice was consumed along with the air in his lungs. The explosion rattled his brain, forcing him to close his eyes. Dirt rained down as the artillery continued to pound his foxhole. Somepony nearby screamed for a medic.

“Ash, what are you doing?” Aurora asked, prodding the stallion as he huddled on the ground. “Pinkie, you went and scared him!”

“Scared him?! How am I supposed to scare a big pony like that?! That’s crazy! That’d be like Big Macintosh playing with dolls!”

All Riot could hear was the dead ringing in his ears. He was face down in the trench, with the smell of blood and gunpowder burning at his nose as the familiar taste of coppery blood filled his mouth. Somepony grasped at his uniform in pained terror, their words lost on his ringing ears. He looked up with bloodshot eyes in time to see the enemy soldiers pounding across the destroyed fields.

“Ashfall? Are you alright?” Aurora’s face grew concerned, and she put her hooves on Riot’s face. “What did you do, Pinkie?”

The pink mare scrunched her face up in confusion as a few ponies started to notice the commotion. “I set off my welcoming wagon silly! It was all like BANGWHOOSHPINGCAKE!!” She pointed to a little cupcake that sat in the miniature oven. “See?”

“I think something’s wrong with him.” Aurora said, taking the stallion’s head in her hooves.

Pinkie nodded. “I think we broke him.” The mare looked about. “I would ask Twilight, but she’s still mad at me over replacing all of her ink with food colouring... Spikes farts turned purple.” The mare burst into chortling laughter.

“Just go get Twilight, I think something might be really-”

Riot stood up from the trench with his bayonet at the ready. All of his ammo was spent, but that wouldn’t stop him from holding this fucking hill. He would tear those bastards to pieces with his hooves and teeth if he had to. With malice in his eyes and Celestias word emanating from his being, Riot charged.

The enemy soldier cocked its head as Riot lifted out of the dirt, but was caught off guard as Riot burst forward, knocking the pony on his ass. Riot raised up, then brought his brass-shod hoof down down onto the stallions face. He could hear the bone breaking under the impact, a quick jab with his bayonet would end the mongrels atta-

“ASH!” A scream penetrated his hallucination. In an instant, the savage dirt smeared soldier disappeared to be replaced by a surprised red stallion who wore no uniform. The malice in his eyes faded away, only to be replaced with confusion. “You’re not....”

“Uh, if ya’ll could be so kind as to git off my chest, it’d be much appreciated.” The red pony blinked slowly, staring at the crazed stallion who had quite possibly cracked a few of his ribs.

Riot looked about, his look of confusion being replaced by fear. “I-I...Alright, sorry about that...” Riot hopped off the stallion, before offering his hoof to help the stallion up. The other stallion took it, then was pulled to his hooves.

“Y’all hit harder than any unicorn should.” He forced a smile past grit teeth. Definitely busted ribs.

“Ash! What’s wrong with you?! You attacked Big Mac! You’re just lucky he wasn’t any smaller!” Aurora flapped over to him, grabbing his ear between her teeth. “I’m so sorry, Big M, I’ll send over some bits for compensation.” She said sweetly, before yelling into Riot’s ear, dragging him away by the ear. “What did you think you were doing!?”

Riot stared at her, dumbfounded. “I...I was defending Hill forty two.”

“Are you nuts?!” She struck the stallion in the side, yanking on his ear. “You could have really hurt him!”

He slumped slightly, his face blank, yet pained. “Sorry Aura. I...I think I’m just gonna go home, my head’s killing me.” He kept his mouth closed as he ran his tongue over his blood stained teeth, in a vain attempt to clean them.

The mare growled at him. “I’m not leaving you alone, not after that! You’re coming with me.” Her glasses were skewed again from the confrontation. She righted them, and continued walking down the road, silently.

Riot sighed in exhaustion as he followed Aurora along the path. He looked up to Aurora, only to find that she had trotted quite a bit aways. His vision of her trotting away from him was cut off by the pink blur again. This time, he didn’t so much as flinch.

“Hiya! Sorry about the party cannon, I think I packed too much icing into it!” The pink rocket smiled widely at Riot before pressing an invitation into his hoof. “Here!” The mare started to bounce away happily as the stallion stared blankly at the letter in his hoof.

“Ash, why are you just standing there? Come on.” Aurora said from up the road, still frowning at him, fore legs crossed as she hovered.

“Sorry.” Riot picked up his pace, quickly catching up with her.

“Thankfully we’re almost there; see?” She asked, pointing ahead to a small schoolhouse at the top of the hill they were climbing. The pair finished their walk in silence, coming up to the door. There were still a large number of foals who had yet to be picked up, thankfully Riot’s antics hadn’t made them late.

“Hunter isn’t outside, he must still be getting ready to leave.” Aurora said, knocking on the door to the schoolhouse.

Riot stood there blankly, staring at his hooves. The door was opened by a purple mare, whom Riot could only assume was the teacher. “Well hello Aurora! You must be here to pick up Hunter.” The light purple mare trotted up, giving Aurora a quick hug.

“Hey, Cheer! It’s good to see you.” Aurora replied with a smile and a hug in return. “Yes, could you get him for us? He isn’t in trouble, is he?” She shot Riot a quick look.

Cheerilee smiled at the pair before shaking her head. “Oh no, he’s quite nice to the other foals. I believe he’s on the playground with his new friends.” She looked over and motioned to the little grey unicorn with the shock of bright orange and red hair that was playing with a stark white unicorn filly. Cheerilee beckoned the pair over to the second door that led to the playground and opened it. “Hunter! Your parents are here!”

The colt looked over and waved to his parents, who waved back at him. He turned to the filly and said something to her. The two quickly hopped off the playground and galloped over to the three older ponies.

“Hi there, Hunter.” Aurora said, smiling. “Look who’s here!” She gestured to the grey pony next to her.

The colt nodded his head and hugged the leg of his father with gusto. “I’m so glad you’re here Dad! You can meet my friend Sweetie!” He motioned to the little filly, who smiled brightly at the tall unicorn.

“Hi! My names Sweetie Belle!” She waved at the stallion, like he couldn’t see her. “Wow mister, you have a big horn! You must know a whole ton of magic!”

Hunter smiled at the filly. “He sure does! My dad is so awesome! He’s in the army, he knows a whole lot of spells, and he said he was going to teach me some!” The colt was practically bouncing at the last words.

Cheerilee looked over Riot with a critical eye, unbeknownst to both Riot and Aurora. “These two have been getting along quite well, but I have to ask Sweetie; where are your other two friends?”

The filly shrugged. “Scoots said she had a Rainbow Dash thing to do, and Apple Bloom had to help her sister on the farm.”

“You’re a cutie, you are.” Aurora said, kneeling down to the filly’s level. “How did you meet my little Hunter?”

“Mooom! Don’t call me little!” He crossed his hooves defiantly. Aurora just chortled, and allowed the filly to speak.

“Diamond Tiara said his ears were stupid, but I told her that her face was stupid! She started crying and ran away... But Hunter is neat! I’ve never met a baticorn before!” She said, her voice squeaking on the high notes.

Cheerilee frowned. “You know you’re not supposed to say mean things Sweetie, but you did the right thing, standing up for Hunter.”

The colt pouted as he stood under his father. “I could have stood up for myself if Diamond Butt didn’t smell so much.”

“Hunter.” Aurora said, a motherly sternness growing into her voice.

“Alright, geez Mom. I’ll tell her I’m sorry next time I see her.”

Riot chuckled softly, ruffling the colts mane with his hoof. “Ready to get going little guy?”

Hunter looked up at his dad and smiled. “I sure am, but can Sweetie come too? Rarity is really busy working, and Sweetie’s other friends are busy.”

“Is it alright with your mum Sweetie?” Riot looked at the filly just in time to see her scowl.

“Oh, Ash. Sweetie lives with her sister Rarity, at the dress shop in town. Her parents aren’t around very often.” Aurora said, looking to the unicorn. “Sorry, Sweetie, he hasn’t been here for very long.”

The filly smiled at him before gasping. “Has Pinkie given you your welcoming yet?”

Aurora grimaced slightly. “Yes, you could say that....” She said, looking slightly away from the young pony. “Come on, Sweetie, lets get the both of you back to our house.”

Cherrilee smiled at them, but quickly looked at Riot and spoke. “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe we’ve met properly.” She offered the buck her hoof. “I’m Ms. Cheerilee, the school teacher. Heh, obviously.” She smiled awkwardly at him. “So your name’s Ashfall?”

Riot nickered as he picked up both Hunter and Sweetie with his magic, depositing them on his back. “Yeah, but everypony calls me Riot.”

Cheerilee cocked an eyebrow. “Riot? That’s an odd name.”

“Nickname, actually.” Cheerilee rolled her hoof, almost begging for more. Riot sighed to himself. “Iron Venture. Captain of 1st battalion, REA. Retired.” He did a mock salute to the mare.

Aurora giggled, nuzzling the pony. “My big strong army pony.” She smooched him on the cheek.

Hunter opened his mouth, and mocked shoving his hoof down his throat, sticking out his tongue; Sweetie giggled.

“Aww, they’re so cute together.” The little unicorn filly said, smiling from Riot’s back.

Hunter shook his head rapidly. “No they’re not! It’s gross, they’re all ‘Oh I'ma kiss you and smooch and be big and blegh!”

“It’s not that gross.” Sweetie said, laughing at the young unicorn’s antics. “It’s cool seeing a family that loves each other.” She smiled lightly, with a hint of strain.

Riot nickered as he diverted his attention to the foals on his back. “Alright kiddo! Where are we off to?”

Hunters eyes went large and he grabbed the bucks mane to brace himself. “Sugarcube corner! Ice cream!” Sweetie giggled happily and grabbed onto Hunter.

Riot rolled his eyes and nodded to Cheerilee. “Good meeting you ma’am. I’ll take these two hooligans off your hooves.”

The teacher smiled seductively for a split second, before her usual smile shone through. “They’re not that bad! But yes, it was a pleasure meeting you finally!” She looked over to the foals on the stallion’s back, who were braced for a race almost. “You two behave alright? And don’t forget to do your homework!” For a moment, the teacher seemed conflicted for a moment before speaking again. “Oh, Aurora, are we still on for coffee tomorrow?”

The mare looked at her in surprise for a moment before smiling. “Of course, I’ll see you at the normal time.” She looked back at the group behind her before turning away from the teacher. “Let’s get a move on; nice to see you, Cheer!” Aurora said, waving as they walked off down the hill. “How was school little ones?” She asked, looking to the little unicorns on Riot’s back.

Hunter groaned as he buried his face in Riots fur. “Mooom! Can we talk about it later? Dad promised ice cream!”

“Alright, ‘hun. We’ll get some ice cream, and then we can talk about school. Who are your other friends I see you with, Sweetie?”

The filly smiled sweetly at her before answering. “Vanilla and Chocolate!” She then brought up the most effective shit-eating grin ever created by a foal.

Riot chuckled at the pair’s antics before he picked up the pace. “C’mon Aura, these foals need some unhealthy sustenance!”

Aurora smiled, and started to fly next to the pair, just a foot or two off the ground, so she was at the same level Riot was. “Hey Sweetie, have you ever flown before?”

The filly gaped at the prospect, shaking her head slowly. “N-no ma’am, but I’d sure like to try!”

“Come on, lets fly bat pony airlines!” She laughed, and both adults slowed, so Sweetie could cross over. “Hold on now, neither of us want you falling off.”

The filly did as she was told, clutching the mares fur with her hooves and legs. Riot glanced over to Hunter and smiled; the pair shared a nod of understanding. Riot broke out into a gallop, yelling: “Race ya there!” He cried out as his lead on the surprised mares grew drastically.

Hunter raised his hoof and pointed towards an off-shooting street. “Go that way Dad!”

Aurora’s altitude grew, and she started into a quick pace. “We won’t let those smelly colts win, will we Sweetie?” She asked, looking back at the tiny unicorn. The filly nodded, but a bit of fear stayed in place. “Don’t you worry one bit, this is the most stable ride in the sky.” She said, quickening after the boys. She saw them pass into a side street, but instead chose to go over, hitting the roof, and running across it, before hopping onto the next one. “You’ll never catch us now!” She called down to them, as she took to the sky a few feet above Mane street.

Riot looked over to Hunter before he spoke. “We can’t let them beat us, come on buddy, know any short-cuts?” The colt nodded, and pointed towards a small alleyway. Smirking, Riot pulled forward, his adrenaline kicking in.

Aurora’s mouth dropped open as he saw the boys rocketing away, taking a dirty short-cut towards Sugarcube corner. “Do you think we can catch them, Sweetie?” She asked, wings pumping, barely keeping pace with the two unicorns below them.

The little filly nodded. “I’ll just have to use some of my magic!”

“Alright, just don’t hurt yourself, okay?” The bat pony said, as the boys put more distance between them.

Sweeties horn lit up, but the pale purple light was replaced by a flickering flame on both her horn and Auroras rear.

“AHH!” Aurora shouted in fear, pouring double her speed into her movement, effortlessly carrying the pair over Riot and Hunter, rocketing through the doors of Sugarcube corner. This would have been horribly painful, and probably crippling, had they not been caught in a massive catcher’s mitt, and doused with a bucket of water.

“Just in case of giant flaming baseball emergencies.” Pinkie pie finished with a smile before putting the mitt...somewhere. She walked back behind the counter to serve the next flabbergasted pony in line.

The stallions came to a skidding stop just beyond the stores doors, Riot cursing under his breath while Hunter was hooting and hollering as he jumped off his fathers back. “That was awesome Mom! You were on fire!”

Aurora craned her neck to look at her scorched rear. “Yeah, I really was.” She said, grimacing. “Are you okay Sweetie? You didn’t hurt yourself, did you?”

The filly looked up from her clenched position on the mare's back, and slowly started to break into a smile. “That. Was. AWESOME!” Her words came out squeaky and adorable.

“Your horn is alright? I saw the fire, is it okay, Ash?” She asked, turning so the filly was facing him.

“She looks fine, I’d say she’ll make a fine unicorn once we get past the spontaneous combustion.” Riot chuckled as he picked up the filly. “Alright, girls win this round. I’m buyin’.” He looked at the two mares as they shared a high hoof. “What do you gals want?”

“Vanilla for me.” Aurora said, smiling widely at her win. “Oh, and some ice, please.” She said, wincing, looking at her blackened rear.

“Strawberry for me please!” Sweetie stood near Riot, waiting as Hunter hopped down from the tall buck.

“Mint for me please!”

Riot smiled at the pink mare behind the counter. “You heard ‘em. Three regular cones please.”

“You don’t want anything, ‘hon?” Aurora asked, cocking her head at him, trotting to his side.

Pinkies brow furrowed heavily as she stared at the stallion. He looked at her and smirked. “A muffin, if you will.” The mare brightened considerably, nodding fast enough to put a machinegun to shame.

“Alrighty mister! Three cones and a super muffin coming right up! You folks just take a seat over there alight?” She pointed to an empty booth in the corner.

The four ponies took a seat, Riot and Aurora on one side, and Sweetie and Hunter on the other. “So, how was school today you two?” Aurora asked, smiling brightly. She squeaked a bit when Riot pressed the icepack against her rear.

“It was nice, Ms. Cheerilee taught us about the different kinds of ponies today.” Hunter fidgeted in his spot, anxious for his treat. “Sweetie’s friend said something funny though.”

Sweetie blushed slightly at the thought. “It wasn’t that funny...”
“What was it, Hunter?” Aurora asked, noting the slight discomfort from the white filly. The colt snickered at the thought. Riot placed a tentative hoof on Aurora’s leg, sending her wings up slightly. The colt broke into a cracking laugh, as did Sweetie. “Ash!” She cried, folding her wings back into position, crimson blush washing into her features.

Hunter giggled happily, talking to Sweetie in a hushed voice. “Heh, wingboner.” The filly went bright beet red as the colt broke into a giggle fit.

“T-that’s not funny, you two!” Aurora started, but it was overridden when she started giggling as well. “Alright, now that we’ve embarrassed momma, how about we hear the story of the funny thing that was said as school?”

The two foals shared a look before smirking at her. Riot clued in, chuckling to himself. “W-what?” Aurora asked, confusion on her still-pink features.

Riot ran a hoof down her cutie mark, causing her wings to rise again. This sent the foals overboard, they giggled uncontrollably, and soon a bright pink mare was giggling along with them.

“Q-quit it, Ash!” She cried, hoofing him in the horn.

“Aha! What? You still can’t figure it out?” He grabbed the cones from the mare with his magic. “Thanks ma’am.” He passed the treats out before turning to his own.

“No! I don’t get it!” She said, licking at the vanilla cone. He poked at her wings before wiggling his eyebrows at her. “Okay, all this poking fun at the winged one just because one little filly said-” She lowered her voice. “Wingboner?”

Riot cracked up, his suppressed laugh coming out through his nose. He nodded curtly before taking a bite of his muffin.

“Racists.” She said, in mock-anger. The bat pony was licking at her cone, and had a bit of vanilla on the tip of her nose. Riot smirked, before lunging at her. She squeaked in surprise, only to have her nose licked and a bite stolen out of her cone.

Riot pointed a hoof at her nose and smiled while he chewed down the chilly treat. “You had shomshing on your noshe.”

Hunter made the same gagging pantomime as before, and Sweetie noticed a bit of his had ended up in the same place. She smirked mischievously, and nipped him on the nose, taking the bit of ice cream with her. She went back to her ice cream, blushing slightly.

The colt stared at his nose, almost going cross-eyed despite his burning blush. He looked at Sweetie and smiled weakly. Riot smiled at the complete normality of the situation before placing a hoof around Aurora’s shoulders.

Aurora smirked at the large unicorn, and looked to everypony. “Are we all finished?” She asked, finishing munching the cone.

Hunter looked up from the tattered remains of his cone. “Almost mum.” Sweetie nodded in turn, licking the trace bits left on her lips.

“Alright, let’s get along home, then.” She said, standing, letting Riot out next to her. He hopped out and motioned towards the door.

“Come on kids, lets get movin.”

This time Aurora took Hunter onto her back, and Sweetie sat on Riot. “I bet Ash here could teach the both of you some magic.” She said, as they walked through the town’s streets.

“I was actually planning on something like that, right buddy?” Riot looked over to Hunter, who nodded furiously.

“C-can I learn too? My magic is.....lame.” Sweetie said, looking down.

Riot leaned forward, tapping the filly on the shoulder and mocking a whisper into her ear. “Ya know, when I was a wee little colt, I couldn’t do magic either.”

“R-really? No way, you could levitate a whole train!”

Riot shook his head to stifle a chuckle. “I’m not that good kid, those suckers are heavy. But! I can do quite a few useful little spells.” He looked at both of the foals and spoke with a deep tone. “You two won’t be learning any flashy or useless spells from me, oh no. You’ll be learning utility spells and the like, things that can help you and others no matter the situation. “

Hunter yawned dramatically. “That sounds boring dad-”

“Boring!? I’ll be teachin’ you shield spells, fall reducing spells, Telekinesis, and low yield healing spells.” He looked at the pair and grinned. “That’s just the silly stuff. Once you’ve proven your worth, we’ll move onto the big things!”

The pair were grinning widely. “Scratch what I said, that sounds awesome!” Hunter looked over to Sweetie Belle. “I told you he was the best Dad in all of Equestria!”

“Ash, don’t be teaching them anything dangerous, Rarity would have a conniption fit if she thought that we were teaching her sister attack magic.” Aurora shot a concerned look at the stallion who trotted next to her.

“I’m not gonna teach them anything like that, just some basics and the like. “ Riot nipped Aurora on the nose. “I know better than to do that.”

___________________________________________________________________________
The four ponies finished their trot, laughing about something that Hunter had said about school. “This is it, Sweetie.” Aurora said, tossing her head towards their house.

The foal looked it over before smiling. “It’s a pretty house! At least it isn’t a stupid carousel...”

“Thank you so much, aren’t you just the nicest filly.” The bat pony said, patting the small filly on her horned head. “Come inside, and relax before we get to magic.”

The group trotting into the home, but they were quickly split up. Hunter pointed towards his door. “Come on Sweetie, I’ll show you some of my stuff.”

“You two run along, I’ll make you both a bit of real food.” Aurora smiled at the pair, trotting off into the kitchen.

“Behave alright? Just give me a holler when you’re ready for learning.” Riot nudged the colt along, who was more than happy to catch up with the white filly. Riot smiled to himself before following Aurora into the kitchen. He looked up to find her with her back to him. A sly grin crossed his features as he stalked towards her.

The mare had her front hooves up on the counter, and she was gathering the ingredients for a Caesar salad. Riot snuck up behind her, before wrapping his hooves around her waist. He kissed her neck as he hugged her from behind.

She squealed, squeaking at his touch. “A-Ash! T-the little ones are just over there.....” The bat pony tried to pull away slightly.

Riot smiled as he nibbled her twitching ear. “I’m not doin’ anything, just holding my beautiful mare.”

Aurora bit her lip, blushing as she was nipped at. “Y-you tease....”

He nipped at her neck before pulling away. “Don’t forget the croutons. I’ll be in the shop, that rifle’s not goin’ anywhere without me fixing it.” The bat pony shuddered a bit after her finished with his cuddling, and went back to fixing the salad.

Riot trotted into the garage, but as the door closed behind him his smile faltered and eventually failed. He leaned up against the workbench before running a hoof over his face. “What the fuck happened today?” He looked at his hoof, but quickly recoiled at the blood that was pooling in the cup of the hoof. He blinked quickly before dumping it in the garbage can; he grasped for some of his shop wipes, then quickly dabbed at his nose. He scowled as the wipe came away clean as a whistle.

There was a knock at the door. “Ash, I made some for you too, are you hungry?”

Riot blinked through the haze before shaking his head. “N-no, I’m fine Aura.”

“Are you okay? You sound kind of strange....” She pushed open the door, and came in, a bowl of salad on a small tray.

Riot waved his hoof at her, making her stop at the door. “I’m fine, just a headache.”

“You’ve been getting those a lot lately, are you sure you don’t want to go see a doctor?” She placed the food down, and trotted over, putting a soft hoof on his shoulder.

“I’m fine.”

“You’re sure?” The mare had a look of genuine concern on her face.

“Yeah.” He braced a hoof against the bench. “Go feed the chitlins.”

“A-alright.” She said, taking the tray and heading back to the kitchen.

“Fuck.” Riot spat the word out in conjunction with a glob of spit. He shook his head before opening up a small cupboard to pull out a familiar flask. “Fuck me...” The stallion stared at the flask for a moment, then shook his head. “I’m sorry.” With a flick of magic, the flask was at his lips and a long swig of the liquid flowed down his throat. With a rough cough, he placed the flask back in its hiding spot.

He had barely put his flask away when two tiny ponies burst in. “We’re ready, Dad! Come teach us some awesome magic!”

Riot pushed out a smile at the two foals before clapping his hooves together. “Alright! Let’s move out!” He waved his hoof past his head before he cantered towards the back door. The trio burst out into the yard.

“Woohoo!” Hunter said, bounding out into the grass. Sweetie was more reserved, walking alongside Riot as they left the house. “What’re you gonna teach us first, Dad?” The young colt asked, eyes shining with wonder.

“How about some basic levitation, we’ll figure out what we can do and go from there.” He smiled at Hunter and Sweetie. “How 'bout it Sweets? You up for some practice?” The filly nodded her head rapidly, excitement filled every fibre of her being. Riot chuckled at the attention. “Okay, let’s start by getting some things to levitate...”

__________________________________________________________________________

A few hours later

“Welp, I think that’s it for today lads and lasses!” Riot sat down on his rump before looking up at the tired looking unicorn foals, who still wore the same look of amazement and excitement.

“Wow, Dad, you must be like, the most powerful unicorn in ponyville.” Hunter said, falling back into the grass in exhaustion.

“No, in all of Equestria!” Sweetie chimed in, mimicking the colt’s movement.

“Heh, I don’t think I hold that one, but I’ll let it slide this time. He winked at the pair before standing up. “Welp, I think it’s time I took you home Sweetie, It’s starting to get dark out.”

“Aww, do I have to?” She asked, giving her best puppy dog eyes to Riot; penetrating his very soul with cuteness.

Riot ruffled her mane with a hoof. “If you want, you can come over and play with Hunter after school. Of course, if your sister’s alright with it.”

“She doesn’t care. I bet she didn’t even notice I wasn’t home today.” The filly kicked a daisy vigorously.

“I’m sure she did Sweetie, she is your sister after all.” Riot cocked an eyebrow at the filly; honestly curious as to why the filly was so biased towards her own sister. Then again, it wasn’t like he was such a great role model for that. The stallion frowned at the thought. If Rarity was anything like Kepler...

The filly blew a bit of her mane out of her face. “She doesn’t care about me at all, she only cares about her precious ‘job’.” She said, in a mocking tone. “I go off with my friends just so she doesn’t yell at me whenever I try to help her.”

Riot frowned again before standing up. “Well, if you’re ever bored feel free to come over. I’m sure Hunter won’t mind.”

The pair of foals joined him by the gate. “She can keep coming over as long as you keep teaching us all this awesome magic!” Hunter smiled up at Riot as the buck opened the gate and ushered the pair through.

“Heh... alrighty, I’m going to tell your mother that I’m taking Sweetie home.” Riot trotted away from the two and into the front door. He cracked it open and hollered in. “I’m taking Sweetie home Aura! Hunter’s coming with me.”

“Alright! Hurry home you two.” The mares voice echoed in from the kitchen, and the smell of fresh food gave the stallion no reason to dawdle.

The little filly yawned, and started down the dirt road. “You’re the best dad ever, Mr. Venture.” She said, hugging his foreleg between her small hooves.

“I try my best lass.” Riot smiled at the pair; witnessing them both yawn simultaneously, he wrapped them in his magic and placed them on his back. “I’ll handle it from here folks.”

“Thanks Dad.” Hunter said, curling up on Riots back. The little filly shivered in a cold breeze, and laid down next to Hunter, closing her eyes.

The Stallion carried the pair into town without incident, and he easily found Sweeties home, due to her talk about carousels earlier. He looked back at the foals on his back as he trotted up to the door. He smiled as he looked over the two sleeping forms. Riot raised his hoof up and knocked twice.

There was the sound of a set of dainty hooves crossing hardwood, and the door opened. The pony who answered was a short, white unicorn, with a few bolts of fabric, a pair of scissors, and a measuring tape floating along next to her.

“Why hello, Sir. Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic’ unique and magnifique.” She said, sounding like she’d said it many times that day. Even though she kept an air of dignity and poise, Riot could see the slight droop in her steps, and her magic wavering slightly from exhaustion.

Riot nodded to the mare before speaking. “Evenin’ ma’am, just comin’ by to drop off Sweetie, she spent the day with Hunter here.” He motioned to the sleeping forms on his back, smiling slightly.

“Oh Sweetie Belle, already found a coltfriend, I see.” She smiled down at her sister, warmth in her eyes. The filly stirred slightly in her sleep, snuggling closer to Hunter.

Riot smirked at the white mare before speaking again. “Anyways, I figured I’d bring her home in time for bed, she’s already eaten dinner.”

“That’s wonderful, Darling. I hope she wasn’t too much trouble, she can be a bit of a hoof-ful.” She added the filly to her already-large group of objects in her magic, she was trying in vain to hide her strain.

“I can carry her to bed, it looks like you’re about ready to collapse yourself.”

“No thank you, Darling, I can fare just fine myself.” She sounded confident, but her magic wavered, and a heavy bolt of fabric dropped from it. “Or maybe that would be best....” The white mare finished, passing the snoring filly gently back to Riot.

“Eh, no worries lass.” Ignoring the his accent coming through, Riot placed the filly back onto his back, feeling as she nuzzled into the thick fur. “Where's her room?”
The mare stopped, hearing the change in accent. “What accent is that? I don’t recognize it, and I recognize most.” She put a hoof to her chin, obviously thinking. “Last at the end of the hall.”

He nodded and continued down the hall, not answering the mares question. He cracked open the door and levitated the filly onto the small bed. Pulling the covers up to her neck, he smiled at the filly before trotting out and closing the door. “She’s a good kid, and she’s a fast learner.”

“She is quite the filly.” Rarity said, chuckling to herself. “Now, I recognize your accent, but I can’t place where.” Rarity cocked her head at him.

“What? I’da figured Emerald Isle was a bit more common out here, but I suppose not.” Riot rolled his eyes. “I think it’s started to fall away, considering the last time I was in that part of the world it was when I met Aurora in Dublin.” Riot trotted down the hall and into the main foyer.

“Aurora? You mean that new mare I see every so often? When did you meet her?”

“You ever heard of the Na’cht us fre’ fla’mens?”

“No, what does it mean?” The mare asked, interest piqued.

“The Night of Tall Flames. Dublin burned for forty eight hours after one of the refineries blew. Half the city was coated in ash, the other half burned out of control. Then some rogue griffons figured they'd send a little attack over.” Riot sighed. “My bits are still on the chance that they were the ones who blew the refinery.”

“Oh that’s just horrible!” Rarity said, putting a hoof over her mouth. “Don’t tell me you were there!”

“Military support. The local fire suppression team was so hard-pressed they had ponies dropping left and right from exhaustion. Dublin called in for military aid, and my base just happened to get the call.” He looked out the window for a moment. He shook his head to dispel the memory. “Aurora was working with the fire crews, trying to keep the water talismans from exploding from duress.”

The mare’s other hoof went to her mouth. Her various items floating over to a table. “Please, sit down and tell me more.” The mare patted the couch next to her with a hoof.

Riot glanced at the couch, then out the window. “Sure, but I can only stay for a bit before Aurora starts asking questions.” He lifted the sleeping colt off his back and onto the soft pillow on the couch.

“Aurora? You live with her? Oh that’s wonderful! And this is your little one?” She asked, ruffling the sleeping colt’s mane.

“Yeah, we’ve been married for about nineteen years now.” He stroked the colts tail, causing the foal to nuzzle against his leg. “Hunter is... He’s a pretty awesome kid. Better than I was when I was his age.”

“I’m sure he is; it’s so nice to see Sweetie with less destructive friends. Rarity scrunched her nose at that. “Anyways, how did you meet your wife?”

Riot smirked at her from the fringe of his hair that obscured his view. “Every volunteer, military or not, fought many hard battles for two weeks. Everypony deserves a break...” He looked at the colt again before speaking. “I met Aura near some dingy beer hole that hadn’t closed. Some bucks were giving her trouble, and she was too timid to call out for help.”

The mare put her hooves over her chest, listening wistfully. “Such gallantry!” She said, wiggling her rear hooves slightly.

“It wasn’t all that hard. Even drunks know when to back down when they’re staring down the business end of a thirty odd six carbine with a ten inch bayonet. The pissed off guardscolt on the other end was just the icing on the proverbial cake.” Riot smirked at the thought.

“Alright, maybe not the picture of a knight in shining armor, but close enough in today's day and age. I hope I can find a stallion as chivalrous.” She said, nuzzling into the couch longingly. “Aurora is a lucky mare.”

“She’s definitely lucky I came along when I did, but I’m the lucky one. She decided to stick around...” Riot smiled wistfully at the memory.’

“Lovely. It was so nice talking to you, but I shouldn’t hold you up any longer. Your mare needs her knight.” The white unicorn says, waving her hoof. Something seemed to come to her mind. “I just realized I never asked you your name.”

The stallion saluted lazily. “Captain Iron Venture of the REA, retired. You can call me Riot, everypony else does.”

“A Captain? My my, I didn’t expect to have somepony of such rank in my humble home.” She said, looking dreamily at him.

He smirked at her before shrugging. “What about you? I’m sure you’ve got quite the proper Canterlot name.”

“My name is Rarity, Rarity Belle, but I’m sure Sweetie must have told you.” The mare said, standing for a curtsey, before beginning to pick up a few things in her magic.

“She may have mentioned it.” Riot quickly picked up the still sleeping foal in his magic before depositing the load onto his back. He made his way for the door.

“Have a good night, Mr. Venture. You must get Aurora to come see me sometime, I’d love to make a dress for her; not to mention learn more about her interesting heritage.” She said, smiling a practised businesspony smile as he left her shop.

“G’night Miss Belle.” The door closed quietly behind him.

Riots trot home was pleasantly uneventful, and he eventually found his way home by the time the sun completely disappeared. He unlocked the front door and trotted in.

“What took you so long, Ash? Your dinner is almost cold!” The bat pony said crossly, eyeing the larger stallion.

He held a hoof up to his lips, signifying silence. He cocked his head towards Hunter and smiled. “I’ll take him to bed and tuck him in. Come on Aura.” Riot started towards the colts room, then opened the door into it. He stepped cautiously over strewn about plastic blocks of death and laid the colt down on his soft bed. Riot pulled the cover over the colt, then tucked in the edges.

“Good night little moon, I’ll see you when the goddess sleeps.” Aurora nuzzled the small pony, kissing his forehead affectionately.

Riot closed the door silently behind himself before following the mare into the living room. “I’m sorry I took so long, I got caught up in a chat with Sweeties older sister, Rarity.”

“Oh? What did she have to say?” Aurora asked, trotting into the living room next to the large stallion.

Riot shrugged slightly before sitting down on the couch. “Mostly questions about us, how I met you and all that jazz.” He laid back, kicking his hooves up onto the coffee table. “She was digging for gossip.”

“She has been known to do that.” Aurora tittered lightly. “She’s a nice mare, even if we haven’t been able to be properly introduced.”

“She said something about bringing you by to have a dress fitted.” Riot patted the spot next to him on the couch. “Wants to know more about you.”

“Really? A dress on a plain maintenance pony like me, silly.” The mare said, giving a halfhearted flap of her wings. “I will need to see her about maternity clothes though, nothing I have would fit.”

Riot smiled wide, hugging the mare tightly to his chest. “I love you.”

The mare sighed, rubbing a wing into him. “I know, I love you too. It’s just that....Having another foal in the house, it’s going to be hard, especially now that you’ll have to get a new job, and I’ll have to take my maternity leave in six months. We aren’t doing the greatest right now as it is.”

“We just need my military pension to come in, we’ll be fine. Worse comes to worse I get a job in town.” Riot nuzzled the mare. “We’ll be fine; more than fine, actually.”

“I hope so.” The bat pony nuzzled him, tufted ears wiggling. “I bet I could rent you out to mares for big bits.” She said, giggling at him.

“This again? I thought I made it clear that your exotic charm was all I could ever ask for.” He nipped her tufted ear, making the mare squeak. “Unless you want to rent me to a zebra mare, I could do with more exotics.” Riot grinned slyly at Aurora.

“Well, there is one......” She said, smirking at him. “I’m surprised you didn’t see the signals Cheer was laying down for you.”

“Oh I saw them alright, she wasn’t as subtle as she thought she was.” Riot laid down on the couch, bringing the fidgeting mare with him.

The mare bit her lip nervously. “So......what did you think of her?”

He exhaled slowly before nuzzling her neck with his bearded chin. “She’s not my sexily exotic batpony.”

“You didn’t answer my question.” She said, nipping his chest.

“She was nice, pulled off the school teacher thing pretty well. Not so good at hiding the lust between her legs, but hey, nopony's perfect.”

“Who could hide it when talking to you? You make my legs weak, can't see it being different for others around town.” Aurora said, rubbing his chest with a hoof. “What about her butt?”

Riot cocked an eyebrow. “Do you have a mareboner for Cheerilee?”

“I w-wouldn’t use that word.....” She said, blushing hotly, looking to the side. “I j-just think she’s....attractive, is all.”

“Knew it.” Riot stood up from the couch, but as the mare started to protest, he picked her up and started to carry the featherweight mare to the bedroom.

Aurora let out a breath before speaking. “Ash...We need to talk... About what happened today.”

“Heard that a lot before I got kicked out of college.” Riot plopped the mare down on the bed before crawling in with her.

She squeaked,but her gaze soon hardened. “Ash, what happened in the park? That wasn’t you.”

The stallion frowned as he looked away. “I don’t know. That...Thing, went off, and I wasn’t there anymore.” Aurora nodded, but kept a small distance between her and her husband. Riot scowled before getting out of the bed. “I don’t know what happened. I’ve seen it a few times in some of my men, when they get too hurt, or too scared to comprehend what’s going on... We call that Shellshock. But... I wasn’t shell shocked...” He sighed heavily again. “I need to wash my face.”

“Then what-”

“I don’t know!” Riot snapped at her, causing the mare to pull back in fear. “I don’t know what the fuck happened, one minute I was with you, the next I was gutting some little fucker with my bay-” Riot clamped his jaw shut, and started towards the bathroom.

Riot closed the door behind him, then quickly turned on the tap. He stood there for a moment, pushing his thoughts deep down into the drain. In a moment, his anger came to a boil, and his hoof went through the bathroom mirror.

Aurora could hear the mirror crack, and she dug herself deeper into the bed, fearful of what was going to happen.

Riot hung his head in shame, letting the droplets of blood fall into the sink from his hoof. He cursed quietly as hot tears followed the blood.

She covered her head with her hooves, trying to drown out his tears. “P-please, Ash......Come back to m-me.....I need you.” She said quietly into the darkness.

A grey hoof wiped across Riot nose, wiping away the blood and tears. He shut off the sink before opening the door. He looked over to the mare and shook his head. “Yeah...Yeah, I’ll be there in a second.”

The mare forced a smile of relief. “Good... I’ll be waiting for you.” She smiled again as she relaxed. Within a few minutes, the bathroom door opened, and Riot trotted back out.

“I uh... Slipped and hit the mirror. I’ll see about getting it replaced tomorrow.” He smiled sheepishly as he slid into bed.

After a few moments of sliding about, Riot finally found a comfortable spot to be in. Aurora, despite everything, pulled herself closer, snuggling up against him. “Goodnight Ashie... I love you.”

Riot clenched his eyes in pain before smiling. “Yeah, I love you too Aura.”

The large stallion didn’t sleep though, not right away. His eyes stayed locked on the ceiling for fear of what would happen if he let go.

Chapter Two / A

Behind her desk, Usineighn fiddled with a small paper crane, her magic and hooves folding it into position. A fat manilla folder sat on her desk, it's contents clearly labelled, organized, and coded. The folder read: (Ret) Captain Iron 'Riot' Venture. After several moments, a completed paper crane was set down at the edge of her desk, and her attention turned back to the folder. The ruddy orangish-red unicorn stared at the folder intently, her features growing displeased. After a moment, she placed a hoof on the intercom. "MP Swirl, could you come into my office for a moment?"

There was a brief pause, before the door swung open, and a small pegasus stallion trotted in. "Ma'am?"

Usineighn smiled lightly, placing a hoof on the large folder. "I need some work done regarding a case that technically isn't open anymore. Think you can help?"

The stallion smirked, before closing the door with one of his wings. "For you? That depends. What's in it for me?" His smirk only grew as he trotted up to the desk; leaning on it as he looks over at the mare.

Said mare frowned deeply. "Hooves off the desk." She waited until he complied. "How does a big promotion and salary increase sound? Sound good? I would think so, considering if we shore up evidence to get a well known criminal behind bars."

"Who's the perp? And why are you asking me for help?" The stallion cocked his head, not looking very convinced.

Usineighn sighed, pushing the folder over. "A retired Captain who goes by the name 'Riot'. He's a crude individual, and he's committed a lot of murders that have flown under the radar." She leaned forward a bit. "I can't get close, he knows me. But you can. Just keep an eye on him. You don't even have to intervene if he goes nuts. Just take pictures."

The frown on the stallions muzzle only increased in size. "No."

"No?" Usineighn looked up at him, surprise etched on her muzzle. "What do you mean 'No'? He's a murderer! He's long overdue on being brought down!"

Swirl could only shake his head. "I mean no Marigold. Just looking at his profile scares the crap out of me. Look at how much black there is! Half of his shit has been removed from record! We don't mess with Black-Operators, and for good reason! The ponies who do either end up dead or disgraced!"

Letting out a heated huff of air, Marigold straightened out her collar. "Listen Swirl, he's retired, and he was just under investigation for a brutal murder during war. He's a monster, and he needs to be brought in. I asked for your help thinking you'd be the pony for the job. Obviously I was wrong. Good Day Staff Sergeant Swirl."

"Ma'am, I-"

"I said good day."

The stallion stared at her for a long moment, before throwing up a half assed salute. "Yes ma'am." He made for the door, but stopped just shy of the exit. "Be careful alright?" He shook his head, letting the door close behind him.

Marigold held a hoof to the bridge of her nose, her glasses removed for the moment. "Think Marigold, think. He's retired to his home in Ponyville... Who can I call in Ponyville..." She snorted. "Bumblescum town in the middle of nowhere... I-" She paused, her hoof caught in mid air. A small smile spread across her lips. "I know just the mare."

Chapter Two

Riot awoke to the steady light of morning streaming through his front window. He brought his hooves up to wipe away the sleep. Riot looked over to shake Aurora awake, but swiftly decided against it. She deserved a good nights rest.

The stallion sighed in exhaustion as he swung his hind legs past the lip of the bed. He looked up at the small wall clock. “Six thirty... Yay.” He pushed off the bed and onto his hooves. Riot started to trot towards the kitchen, but when he reached it; he decided against making a large breakfast for everypony in the house. He grabbed a pair of bowls from the cupboard, then filled them up with cereal and milk.

Riot picked up the bowls with his telekinesis, then made his way towards Hunters room. He bumped the door open quietly and entered. Setting the bowls down on the nightstand, Riot sat down next to the sleeping colt. Placing a hoof on Hunters shoulder, Riot gave him a gentle shake. “Rise and shine little buddy.”

The little colt stirred, mumbling sleepily. “Sstime to get up?” He asked sleepily, lifting his head slightly.

Riot smiled at the colt before levitating over the cereal. “I brought breakfast.”

“Daddy?” The colt asked, lifting himself, groaning, to his little hooves. Hunters eyes drifted down to the bowl that floated next to him. “Mmm, cereal.” He said, focusing as much as he could, bringing the bowl to himself.

Ruffling the colts mane, Riot dug into his own bowl post haste.

Hunter tucked into breakfast, slowly eating his bowl, sleepily focusing on his telekinesis. “Where’s mum? She usually wakes me up.” Hunter looked out the window, and glanced at his alarm clock. “She’s usually awake by now”

“I wanted to say Hi before I left for town, I’ve got a long day planned.” Riot glanced at the door again before speaking. “Just wanted to say hi.”

“Where’s mum? Is she sick?” Hunter asked, finishing his cereal, and floating it back to his nightstand.

“You mum’s fine Hunter, I figured I’d let her sleep in.” Riot stood up, grasping both bowls with his magic before making his way towards the door. “You might want to wake her up if you need her before heading off to school though.”

“Alright, bye Daddy.” The young colt said, slowly rolling out of bed so he could get himself ready for school.

Riot made his way into the kitchen, quickly depositing the bowls into the sink and giving them a quick soak. He turned, and trotted to the front door; his combat boots laced up over his hooves. Riot grabbed a small set of keys before opening the door and heading out into the morning sun.

Aurora, clad in a black housecoat, watched him go from the upstairs window, a look of worry plastered across her face. “Oh Ashfall... I’m so sorry...” She whispered to herself, before going downstairs to make sure Hunter was ready for school.

Riot trotted slowly into town, letting the sun hit him as he moved. The town hall came into view after a short bit, but first the buck would have to pass through the market to get there. Riot sighed at the thought of having to deal with more ponies, but he steeled himself and headed forward.

“Apples! Get’cher apples here!” Riot heard a call off from an orange mare standing next to an apple cart hitched to the same massive red stallion from before. The huge red buck almost looked apologetic when the orange pony locked onto Riot, stopping her selling, and trotting over to him, anger in her eyes.

“Hey! You! What were ya’ll thinkin’ when ya done beat up my brother for no good reason?!” She shouted at him, hoof poking Riot angrily in the chest. He felt the strength under that hoof, quite unusual for a pony that size.

Riot cocked an eyebrow and looked down on the mare, then at the big buck. “Listen, I really am sorry for what happened, I don’t know what came over me.” Oh he knew full well what had come over him, as well as the fact that if It hadn’t been for Aurora, the large red stallion would have died.

The orange mare glared angrily up at him, drawing her height up a bit further. “Ah’ve half a mind to report ya’ll to the police, for assaultin’ poor Macintosh, he ain’t done nothin’ to you!”

Macintosh pressed his large hoof against his face, then slowly dragged it down. Riot in turn sighed. “Listen ma’am, I didn't mean to hurt Mr. Macintosh here. It was a mistake, one that I’ve apologized over several times.” Riot put on his best apologetic face in hopes of escaping this encounter.

The orange pony put her hoof down, and backed up a step. “Alright....but Ah’ll be watchin’ ya’.” She turned around, bounding back to her brother, who leaned forward, whispering in her ear. She fumed, and glared at the red pony.

Riot rolled his eyes, and quickly started to trot towards the town hall. He kept his gaze straight, avoiding the earth pony’s glare. He was becoming very uncomfortable, with all the looks he was getting from the ponies of the marketplace. Smirks, and grins, winks, and glares. The large grey pony took it all in forced stride, entering the large building.

The secretary that was chewing gum behind the desk looked up at him and exhaled slowly, showing her immediate dislike of the stallion with a bored, narrowed look.

“Like, what do you want?” She asked, valley-filly accent screwdriving into his ears.

“Where’s the Job board?” Riot met the mares bored look, then raised her with a hard military gaze.

Her eyebrow raised, and she tossed her head to the large bulletin board on the side of the room. Riot nodded quickly before making his way to the large corkwood board. His eyes scanned over the thing, and he quickly found that a small portion of the jobs were ones that he could barely even begin to stomach, like adjusting clocks or picking berries. The stallion sighed heavily before pulling a small notice off the board.

‘Help wanted. Need help building animal corral to keep chickens safe. Please come by cottage lane 12 and apply.’ Riot lifted an eyebrow at the notice. He could swear that the damn thing was whispering at him to convey the message, and if the flowing hoof script was any indication, the employer wasn’t looking for him. Riot placed the letter back on the board, and secretly hoped that there was something better than that up for offer.

Riots eyes fell on the next bit, a fancy hunk of header that looked like it belonged on the princesses lap. ‘Models needed, stallions only, see Rarity at Carousel boutique.’ Said the paper, with the mental image of the white pony winking at the grey stallion. Riot rolled his eyes. “When in doubt, it’s always an ambush.”

‘Strong ponies wanted, full-season helpers for Sweet Apple Acres, bi-weekly payment, free apples weekly, see Big Macintosh or Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres.’ Riot groaned. He wasn’t about to go and ask miss angry farm girl for work. Riot placed the notice back up, before his eyes fell on the last notice.

‘Need help moving heavy ass sound equipment, I’ll give you bits for Celestia's sake. Come by The ’Horseshoe' to help me move this shit.’ Riot chuckled, then pulled the stained yellow sticky note off the wall and placed it in his pocket. “Heavy lifting it is.”

Riot turned from the job board and made his way out of the town hall, barely noticing the mare behind the desk. He trotted onto the main drag of the town, and he quickly found himself wondering just where ‘The Horseshoe’ could be.

He looked at a large electrical pole, and smirked, seeing the small poster stapled to the wood. ‘The Horseshoe! Live music every night with DJ PON3! Five bits at the door, 16 Saddle street!’

“Well doesn’t that just solve all of my fuckin problems.” Riot turned from the pole and made his way towards 16 Saddle street.

_______________________________________________________________________

It was about a half hour later before Riot found the club entrance. He grimaced as he stared down the little set of stairs that sat under a small overhang. “Of course its a bunker... Lovely.” He shook his head before hopping down the set of stairs with ease. He raised a hoof to knock, but found the door unlocked.

He entered the large, empty room, and saw a small white mare with an electric blue mane pushing at a huge stack of heavy amps, she squealed as it started to tilt the wrong way; she threw her hooves over her face, as if it would stop the several hundred-pound objects from crushing her into paste.

Riot dove forward, letting the stack of amps press against him as he slowed the things fall with his magic. He pushed upwards, hefting the stack back into place with a loud grunt and a bit of magic.

The mare continued cowering, eyes squeezed shut. She opened one tentatively, revealing a red iris. “I’m not dead?” She asked, straightening. She took a look at Riot, and smirked. “My hero?” She asked, sauntering up to the large pony.

“Your new employee.” He held up the little notice. “Unless I’ve got the wrong club.”

She quickly floated over a pair of purple-tinted sunglasses, hiding her red eyes from view. “Yup, only one in Ponyville.” She frowned slightly. “For all the good it does me.” She said, clopping a hoof against the concrete floor.

“Heh, tough business?” Riot looked over the small club, taking note of the raised DJ booth nestled in the corner.

“Yeah, what was I thinking? Opening a club in a backwater mudhole like this.” She sighed. “So, you here to help me move all this shit?” She asked. “Wait, what’s your name, big guy?”

“Riot.” His magic wrapped around one of the largest stacks of amps, allowing him to cart it about as he pressed his shoulder against them.

“Riot? I like it.” She said, ducking past him. “Vinyl, Vinyl Scratch.” The mare said, kneeling to her hooves, watching him work with a hoof on her chin, rubbing it in thought.

“Good to meet you ma’am. Where do you want this one?” He motioned towards a long amp, the last one in the pile.

“Ma’am? That’s a new one.” She smirked at him, wiggling a bit. “Just over there with the rest. Oh, and there’s a few more things over in the DJ booth I need moved.”

Riot nodded curtly before wheeling the long amp over, placing it on top of the others. “Alright, I’ll bolt these to the ground so we don’t have any more little ponies getting turned into pancakes.”

An eyebrow appeared from above the tinted glasses. “So, you new in town or something? Haven’t seen you around before.” She stood up, and looked Riot over, smirking.

“Yup.” Riots hoof went over to the door of the DJ booth. Pulling it open, he quickly found himself buried under an avalanche of stuff.

“Ooh, sorry about that one. I guess I packed in a little too much.” She said, pulling some of the smaller speakers, wires, and broken headsets off of him with her magic. “So, where you from Riot?” Vinyl asked, freeing the buck’s grimacing face.

“Born in Cork, but I didn’t stay long. Seen all kind of places after that.” He lifted the rest off of himself with his magic, and quickly saw it organized with a military grade sorting spell.

“Woah, that’s fucking cool, you’ll need to teach me that one.” She said in awe as her clutter floated along.

Riot chuckled quietly as he placed all of the assorted equipment in a semi-appropriate places. “You try organizing a barracks when the sarge is bearing down, you’ll learn how to get your shit in gear.”

“Military, huh?” She asked, darting around the stallion’s side. The mare slunk around him, looking him over stealthily. “I should’ve guessed. My ex-coltfriend was military.”

“It’s the scars, ain’t it?” He looked over to her, his smirk dying down to a tiny crack of the lips.

“Yeah, I like ‘em.” Vinyl said, making another lazy circle. “So, do you need any work?” She asked, eyebrows raising.

He nodded before grabbing a small drill from the toolbox in the corner along with a box of screws. “That’s why I’m here lass.”

Vinyl smirked again. “Well, I may have something for you to do, it could help my business, and keep me safe.” She darted underneath him, and around the other side. “I need somepony big and strong to make sure nopony comes in who could hurt anypony, how does that sound?”

“If there's good coin in it, and you stop circling me like a Timber wolf going for the kill, sure.”

She giggled cutely, looking into his eyes. “It’ll be worth your while. And I’m just making sure I’m making a good investment, your muscles aren’t the only reason you’re getting the job.” Vinyl smiled at him, and turned, flicking her tail at his face. She trotted into the DJ booth, wiggling her flanks as she trotted.

Riot nodded, smirking slightly as he followed her. “You still owe me for saving your ass.” He looked around quickly. “And moving everything.”

“Well, it is quite a pretty ass.” She said, smirking as she sat down, looking up at the stallion. “Hmm, how about twenty bits, and the job offer?”

“Make it twenty-five, and I need a place to smoke.” Riot plopped down next to the alabaster mare.

“Gah, you’re taking advantage of me!” Vinyl grinned, and thwapped the stallion with her tail. “It’s a deal, big guy.”

Riot nodded his head and offered his hoof to the mare, who took it up in hers and gave it a well meaning shake. “Good to be in business with you Miss Scratch.”

“Miss Scratch?” The mare feigned gagging. “Ponies called my mom that, just call me Vinyl, or Sexy, if you prefer.” Vinyl tilted her head up at him, wiggling her rear enticingly.

Riot rolled his eyes as he spoke. “Vinyl it is then.” He grinned down at her.

She pouted at the choice of name, but brightened slightly as a thought passed through her head. “You wanna drink?”

Riot frowned for a moment before shaking his head. “No, sorry. I don’t drink anymore.”

Vinyl looked at the stallion with mixed emotions fighting for dominance. “You’re my clubs bouncer...And you don’t drink? What?”

“I made a promise to a friend.”

“Well She better be a damn sexy friend, hooch is the best thing in life!” Vinyl smirked at him as she levitated over a bottle of alcohol.

Riot shook his head. “He was a good friend. He ain’t around anymore so I figured I’d make good on my promise.”

Vinyl winced as her words bit her in the flank. “Sorry.” She lifted the bottle of clear liquid as if in a toast. “To lost friends and shitty lovers!” She smirked broadley before downing a quarter of the bottle.

He cocked an eyebrow at the mare, watching her guzzle like no tomorrow. “You may want to take it easy there chief, it’s not even two yet.”

“Oh please, I’ve shotgunned everclear and zapapple moonshine. This is nothing.” She said, throwing back a short swig. The mare shot a look at him. “See, puss-” Her eyes shot open, and she sputtered, coughing. After a moment of clearing her throat, she giggled. ”This is why I don’t wake up till four.”

Riot rolled his eyes before smiling. “Maybe one of these days I’ll mix you something proper. Well, proper as in, might kill a weaker pony, but whatever.” He shrugged as he pulled the bottle away from her..

Vinyl coughed again, and reached out for the bottle with her magic, but it was so weakened by the mental barrage from the alcohol, that she ended up pulling his whole hoof towards her. “Y-you mix drinks too? Wow, that’s...” She smiled at him. “Prove it.”

Riot rolled his eyes in feigned annoyance, despite having found something to take his mind off his current train of thought. “We’ll see if you can handle trench mix. Where’s your hooch?”

“Hold on, what did you just ask me? We just met, don’t be so forward.” Vinyl giggled, playfully pushing him away. “Well.... Maybe, but only cause’ you’re cute.”

Riot groaned inwardly; he would be getting this a lot. “I need a tallcolt, and the supplies to make a 50/50 Stalliongrad Daisy Cutter, Dublin Hoof Stomper mix.” He stood up, then looked over to the remains of a tiny bar.

“Hmm, since the bar got trashed last week, I’m not sure what we have....” The white unicorn nickered. “Whole fucking joint is falling apart!” She shouted, punching the floor.

“I’ve fixed up worse.” He trotted over to the bar, then started rooting around inside it.

“Really? A repairbuck, too? I really hit the jackpot with you.” The mare said, trotting up behind him; slightly shakily from her recent slamming from the drink.

“Oh I’m sure I’ll give you a nice, solid reason to dislike me eventually.” Riot pulled up a fat mug, then a pair of small glasses. The rest, mostly alcohol, floated up to meet the glasses. “Alright, let’s see if I can make this work with what I’ve got.”

“Seriously, are you a robot or something? No one pony can know all this stuff.”

“You’d be surprised how much you can learn when you spend three years as a volunteer in a unit made up of conscripts.” He started working on the drinks, his hooves moving steadily and with purpose. “And you’d be willing to try almost anything to take the edge off when Griffon rebels are shelling your position.”

“Man, that’s hardcore.” She said, flipping up her shades, watching him with awe, eyes huge with interest.

Riot placed the pair of glasses in front of himself, each with the required drinks in them. His horn lit up, sending a small ball of energy into each cup. He pulled open his jacket, pulling a brass object from within it.

“Woah, woah, woah. Is that a bullet? What the hell are you going to do with that?” She asked, prodding him with her hoof.

“This is a thirty odd six hardened tracer. I don’t need the cartridge, I need the magic powder.” The round popped out of the casing after a short struggle. A short tap of the top saw a tiny amount of powder into the drink. Within seconds, the powder dissolved, and the amber drink turned into a deep purple. Without ceremony, Riot hoofed over the drink to the mare. “There you go, one Cremators Foley.”

“Gunpowder. In a drink.......You’re fucking amazing.” She looked into the glass, and swirled it slightly.

"Not gunpowder. That shit'll fuck you up worse than any hangover. This stuff is powdered magic residue." He frowned, capping the round. “Farley tried that once. I think he shot himself.” Finding nothing more to do, his eyes drifted around the bar. “Huh, that vodka’s gonna need to be changed over, it’s closer to rubbing alcohol than anything.”

The smaller mare shrugged, and downed the drink, eyes watering. She shook on her hooves, and belched as well, not bothering to cover it. “Da-damn that’s fucking-” She coughed, and continued. “Fucking good stuff, I need another one of you, do you have a brother who can work the bar? Preferably an identical twin.”

“He’s stationed in Libaneigh.” Riot paused, realizing the implications. “He’s not quite identical, and he can’t mix to save his life.” The tall stallion chuckled as he placed the glass in the sink.

She groaned. “Damn it, I need more eye candy. Maybe I can talk Cheerilee into becoming a dancer, that’d satisfy some hot-for-teacher feelings.” Vinyl said, rubbing her hooves together.

“Mfm.” Riot grunted in response as his thoughts continued to rift.

“What’s up with you?” She asked, scrunching her nose slightly.

“Nothin, just mulling some stuff over.” He leaned against the bar, a foul look crossing his features.

“Woah, cool the anger big guy, I don’t need more holes in the place. Have a seat, and tell Doctor Scratch all about it.” She patted the floor with her hoof.

He shook his head, wanting to be standing. For a moment Riot stayed quiet, not wanting to just up and share his problems with some mare he had just met; but he lacked anypony else to vent to. “I’m gone for eleven months, fighting and bleeding to keep her safe... I come back, and she’s talking about fucking pawning me off on other mares...She’s seriously trying to....” His eyes began to bore holes into the floor. “I feel like shit and she’s treating it like a game.” Riot rubbed his muzzle roughly for a moment. “I think I’m losing my mind.”

“Woah.” Vinyl said, surprise in her eyes. “Listen, I don’t know what you’re going through, or really enough about the situation, but that’s fucked up.” She said, placing a comforting hoof on the stallion’s shoulder. “And you’re......married to this mare?” She asked, frowning slightly.

“Nine years on, one year off, ten on after that. One foal, another on the way... I love her, but sometimes I don’t know why she does what she does. Part of me thinks it’s worse than it seems.” He blinked slowly, the desire to drown everything in alcohol and rage lifted up, only to be quashed down.

Vinyl exhaled slowly, rubbing the hoof into his back. “That’s rough......What do you think you’re going to do?”

“Don’t know yet, but I’m not leaving Hunter. No way in hell.” Riot closed his eyes slowly. “I’ll just hang out here during the night, go home, and see my son off to school while I try and figure out what’s going on.”

Vinyl frowned inwardly. “That.......doesn’t really fix things. Even though I do want you here during the nights, you need to talk to.....whatever her name is, get everything out in the open.”

Riot nodded his head slowly. “Yeah. I’ll go see Hunter once he gets out of school. I should probably be talking to Aurora about this, not some pony I just met.” Riot smirked when Vinyl pouted momentarily. “No offence.” He looked at the little mare. “But don’t you worry about any of this, I’ll still be here to do my job.”

“You’re some kind of superbuck. Why aren’t there single ones of you?” She asked, pouting.

“Hah, If things go sideways, I’ll need a sugar momma.” Riot prodded the mare with a playful hoof.

The mare smiled weakly. “I’m good with that. It’s a deeeep sugarbowl, too.” She said, wiggling her bountiful flanks again.

Riot grunted in response. “I just threw myself back into that hole.” He put out a pained smile.
“Oh joy.”

The mare gave Riot a playful shove. “Get a move on, Tiger. Get things sorted out before sundown, I need you here to work!” She said, pushing on his rear, to get him to stand.

“Alright alright, I’m goin.” He stood up, then offered a hoof of aid to the floored mare.

She smiled, and took it, standing on wobbly legs. “Celestia, that was strong stuff. This ol’ gal is gonna have trouble helping me get ready for tonight.” The alabaster DJ said, hoofing at her horn.

“We’ll see if you can still walk in an hour or so, if not...” He looked at her, smirking slightly before shrugging his shoulders. “Fuck if I know.”

“Well, then I’ll need a strong pony to take care of me once I’m crippled.” She said, going to work moving some of the smaller gear into position.

“I’m going to have to carry you everywhere aren’t I?” Riot steadied the mare as she started to sway.

“Or, you know, we could just stay in the house all the time. But bathing would be quite difficult without......assistance.”

“I’ll keep that in mind Vinyl, I’ll see you in a few.” Riot patted her head before making his way towards the door. “Drink lots of water and stay near the toilet.”

“Alright, alright. Just get moving loverbuck, that mare needs sorting out, so do you!” Vinyl called up the stairs, the door clanging shut behind him. Vinyl exhaled, sinking to the floor. “Vinyl Scratch, you are going to die alone.” The DJ said, whimpering pathetically.

Riot made his way out of the basement club and up the stairs. He squinted in the harsh afternoon light. “Celestia's really pouring it on today...” He turned his head, checking the street. There was a smattering of multi-coloured townsponies, but no-pony he knew. Riot shook his head, then started to trot towards the school. Despite how much he had dawdled, there was at least an half hour left in Hunters day, so he would have to wait.
__________________________________________________________________

“Alright little ones, that’s it for today.” The schoolteacher said warmly, just finishing up the class. As the students quickly got their things together, and prepared to leave, she said over the ensuing din. “And I want that math work done by tomorrow, we have a test friday!” She sat down at her desk, and opened a small folder, looking over some yet-to-be-marked tests.

Hunter trotted up to the teachers desk, placing the homework on her desk. “Here you go Miss Cheerilee.”

“Thank you, Hunter. Make sure you say hello to your mother and father for me.” She said, smiling down at the young colt.

“I sure will Miss Cheerilee, momma told me to say hello anyways. So Hello!”

The older mare laughed lightly, patting the little unicorn on the head. “Alright, have a good day, okay?”

“Alright Miss Cheerilee.” The colt raced out of the door, but quickly backtracked and picked up his bag in his teeth. He made towards the door and out into the field where the other foals were waiting to either be picked up, or were hanging out with friends.

The mare sighed contentedly, leaning back in her seat, happy with her empty, and quiet classroom, warm shafts of sunlight coming through the windows, painting the cozy classroom yellow.

Hunter trotted over to the colt who was taking pictures of the wildlife with his camera. “Hey! Thanks for your help with the math Featherweight!”

“No problem, man.” The lithe colt said, bumping hooves with the unicorn, fluttering his wings slightly.

Hunter looked about the playground; managing a smile; as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were nowhere to be seen. “Awesome, maybe I can help you with the history homework, my dad knows a lot about that kind of stuff, so I can just ask him.”

“Works for me, I think I can do it toda-” Featherweight paused, and frowned. “Wait, I have some stuff that needs doing for the newspaper. I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

Hunter shrugged his shoulders. “Alright, see you tomorrow.”

“See you.” The small pegasus said, fluttering off, little wings motoring.

The small colt turned, and started to trot towards town, until he saw a familiar set of figures approaching him on the road. Scootaloo rolled up in her scooter, a small wagon carrying another two familiar filles.

“See, that’s my baticorn friend, Hunter!” Sweetie said, pointing out the young colt. Both of her friends left the ‘vehicle’ and trotted to him, looking him over.

“Wah’ do you call ‘im a baticorn, Sweetie?” Applebloom asked, poking at his side. “He don’t got no wings.”

“Look! He’s got bat-pony ears, and he has a horn, baticorn!” The white unicorn squeaked, putting her hoof over one of his ears. “His mom is a bat pony, and she’s REALLY cool!” She said, smiling at her friends, showing off the colt like he was a new toy.

Hunter shook his head to hide his blush. “H-hi Sweetie, how’s It going?”

“I’m great! This is Scootaloo, and Applebloom.” She said, pointing to each of her friends. “They wanted to meet you proper after I told them I met a colt who wasn’t stupid, or mean. They thought I was lying.” She giggled, poking the colt on the nose.

“Well you ain’t lyin, I’m no dummy.” Hunter stuck his nose in the air before giggling.

“We’ll see....” Scootaloo said, circling the young unicorns. Applebloom started to do the same, in the other direction.

Both unicorns broke out into laughter as the two fillies collided into each other. Hunter snorted in laughter. “Looks like I’ll have to see if you’re the dummy Scooter.”

The pegasus and the earth pony took it in stride, giggling along with the two. “What are you going to do after school today, Hunter?” Sweetie asked, batting her eyelashes.

“I dunno, all my homework's done.” He looked about for a moment. “My momma gave me a couple bits, we could go to sugarcube corner.”

“Well, then lets go!....but you should probably ask your dad first, he should be coming to get you soon. Oh wait, there he is!” Sweetie said, pointing over the colt’s head.

Hunters head whipped around and his smile widened. “Dad!” He galloped over to the large buck, who lifted Hunter off his hooves.

“Hey little buddy! How was school?” Riot managed a weak smile as he embraced the colt.

“Great! I wanted to see if I could go into town, and play with the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” He asked, pointing to the three fillies to his side.

“Cutie mark crusaders?” Riot looked over to the fillies, and waved to Sweetie. “Alright, just be careful, and do me proud son.” He ruffled the colts mane with a hoof. “I’m gonna go talk to your teacher real quick. You want some bits for food?”

“Momma already gave me some, I’m going to bring the fillies to Sugarcube Corner.” He says, smiling up at his father, jingling a small bag of bits.

“Alright Hunter, you be good now ya hear?”

“Yes Dad.” The colt said, nuzzling his father’s leg for a moment. “Come on, Crusaders! Cupcakes are on me!” He called, running back to the trio.

Riot watched the colt run away with the fillies. He could only chuckled softly at the colts antics. “Kid’s gonna go far.” The buck shook his head, then turned to the school house.

Cheerilee was just looking over some papers, marking them with little movements of the pen clutched between her teeth. She looked up in surprise. “Oh, hello Mr. Venture, if you’re looking for Hunter, then he’s outside playing with a few of the other foals.”

The stallion entered, closing the door behind him. He exhaled slowly as he stood near the desk. Riot opened his eyes again and smiled. “Afternoon Miss Cheerilee.”

The teacher smiled sweetly as she adjusted herself in her seat. “And what brings you out here? Without Aurora?”

“I wanted to know how Hunters doing in school; stuff like that.”

Cheerilee let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Hunter is doing quite well, all things considered. He took to the courses quite well, and anything he doesn’t understand he finds his own help. It’s very impressive.”

Riot nodded, expecting as much. “I figured he’d do well...” The stallion let out a breath. “Anything else I should know?” Riot stopped himself, a thought coming to mind. “So how did you and Aura become such fast friends? Last I checked we haven’t been in town all that long.”

The mare gulped unintentionally. “We uh... Well, we met through her just coming with Hunter to school, we found that we both had similar interests. I found it quite nice to talk with somepony so exotic and interesting.” Cheerilee forced a smile.

Riot chuckled, closing his eyes. “I had a similar reaction.”

Cheerilee let out a sigh, her smile remaining. “We started having coffee together quite often, it's become a bit of a habit for me.” The teacher chuckled at the thought. “She really is a very lovely mare. You're lucky to have her.” Cheerilee broadened her smile, but it didn't feel right somehow.

Riot nodded, ignoring the feeling in his gut. “Yeah, anyways, I just wanted to ask a favour from you.”

Cheerilee sputtered silently for a moment, her thoughts catching. “E-excuse me?”

Riot cocked an eyebrow and held up a hoof. “It ain't anything that deserves that reaction. It's just... She's been acting odd recently, I wanted you to keep an eye on her, make sure she's alright. That, and if something is going on, tell me.” Riot shrugged ”

Cheerilee placed her hooves together while they were on her desk and put on the best smile she could. “Of course, She's coming over tonight for coffee, I can pry a bit and see if she's doing alright.”

Riot nodded his thanks, then gestured towards the door. 'I suppose I've taken up enough of your time Cheerilee.

The teacher nodded, her eyes going to a stack of assignments that were left to be graded. Her head bolted up just as Riot neared the door. “Say, Mr. Venture?” The stallion turned his head and cocked an eyebrow. “Could you tell Aurora to bring her sugar? I'm afraid I'm a bit low.”

Riot lifted his hoof as he trotted away, signaling that he would do ask she asked. Once he was free and clear of the school grounds, Riot realized that he really didn't have anything to do. His internal compass; on autopilot; put him right back where he’d left off, the club. Not even his subconscious would let him shirk his responsibilities. The large grey buck sighed, heading inside.

He trotted inside, making his way over to a small couch. He plopped down silently, running his hooves down his face and through his light beard. His attention was drawn to the DJ booth when a sharp squeak emitted from within. Riot crammed his anger deep inside. Now was not the time for his feelings. He stood up, and quickly trotted over, opening the door.

Vinyl was huddled under the soundboard, cursing sharply as arcs of electricity zapped her unprotected hoof. Riot tapped the outside of her thigh, causing the mare to yelp in surprise and smack her head into the under side of the set-up.

She quickly flicked her sunglasses back on after placing a hoof over her forehead. “Fuck! That hurt like a bitch.” Vinyl looked up angrily, but the look wavered for a moment. 'Oh! Hey Riot, you're back early.”

“A good soldier always knows when he’s needed. He may not know why or how, but that rarely matters.” Riot leaned against the soundboard as his eyes wandered about.

Vinyl rolled her eyes before pulling herself out from under the table. “Help me up.” She held her hooves up, like a foal would. “Vinyl want up.” Riot laughed before he griped her hooves with his and pulled the mare up. Vinyl popped up and flashed Riot a smirk. “Question still stands Tiger, why are you back so early?”

Riot shrugged, finding a spot against the wall that he could lean against. “Nothing to do really, figured I'd come and help out. Again.”

Vinyl plopped down on a small beanbag chair that sat near the corner. It looked... Crusty. Riot suppressed a shudder as his mind conjured the amount of unspeakable acts that had been preformed on that oversized plush chair.

The alabaster mare blew a raspberry at him. “I don't need your help! I'm a strong, independant unicorn!” She threw a hoof in the air, before losing her balance and falling deeper into the chair. She glared at Riot from over the brim. 'My point still stands.”

Riot simply shrugged. “Whatever you say boss, I'll just go over to the bar, and mix more drinks, and maybe take off some-” He cut himself off as Vinyl started lunging forward in a desperate attempt to get to her hooves. To make matters worse for her, and for his own enjoyment, Riot trotted out of the dj booth, listening to the increasingly frantic noises Vinyl made in an attempt to get up and be lecherous.

Taking a seat by the bar, Riot managed a smile. Within a few minutes, the door of the booth swung open, and a sweaty Vinyl galloped over to the bar; out of breath and huffing. “W-why... Why isn't there any booze out? And... Why... Aren't you naked?”

Riot cracked an evil smile. “Because I'm a devious bastard who can still make the most out of shape independant unicorn bolt out of her seat.”

Vinyl let out a sound that was more akin to an animal dying horribly as she flopped against the bar. “You! You....You suck!” She took a lazy swing at his shoulder, but only met empty air. “You're an evil pony! You.. you.. you.... Jerk.”

Riot waved it off. “Come on boss, regulate your breaths and try to not waste so much energy. You've got a long night ahead of you.”

Vinyl groaned one more time, and placed her glasses back on her face, getting to her hooves. “You’re right, the show must go on.” She said, wandering off back to the dj booth; hopefully to do her thing with the crazy criss-cross of wires.

______________________________________________________________________

Riot stood back, nodding happily at his achievements over the past two hours. He looked over at Vinyl, who was still flank deep in the wires. “I’m gonna slip out real quick boss, gonna head on home and grab some things before we open.”

There was a near-silent ‘mmhmm’ followed by a short zap and a loud curse. Riot chuckled before heading towards the door. The evening air nipped at his coat as he trotted up the short flight of steps for the fourth time that day.

___________________________________________________________________________

Riot stopped short of the front door to his domicile. He exhaled slowly, then pushed the door open. Aurora was inside, eating dinner with Hunter. They both looked up; Hunter smiled, Aurora frowned. “Hello, hun’, we missed you. Where have you been?” She asked warmly, taking a bite of dinner.

“Found some work, gonna be there for most of the night.” He moved towards the colt before rustling the foals mane. “How was your day out Hunter?”

“It was awesome! Sweetie Belle’s friends are cool! She kept rubbing up against me on the scooter ride home though, I think there’s something wrong with her. “ He said, scrunching his face slightly as he ate. “I think she might have the cooties.”

Riot smiled as he grabbed a plate of food. “I’m glad you’re making friends buddy.” He sat down between Hunter and Aurora, then dug into his meal.

“Where are you working, Ash?” Aurora asked, looking up from her meal.

“In town.”

She sighed exasperatedly, and Hunter giggled a little. “Where in town, Ash?”

“Working as a bouncer for the club in town.” Riot started on his small salad once he was done with the hay fries.

“I thought you hated clubs!’ Aurora scrunched her muzzle up before she spoke again. “It better not be the club run by that Scratch mare.” She asked, interest and distaste rising in her voice.

“There’s only one club in town Aurora.” Riot focused on his food as he tried to shake focus on his meal.

The mare rolled her eyes, malice becoming apparent in her voice. “Ooh, I heard about Miss Scratch before. I heard a few of the other mares saying that she's a wh-”

“Aurora!” Riots hoof impacted the table, causing the ponies there to jump. He looked over to Hunter, his expression softening slightly. “Go to your room real quick, alright buddy?”

“Uhh, alright Dad....Is everything okay?” The colt asked, feeling the tension between his parents.

“It’s fine son, I just need to talk to your mother privately.” Riot stood, scraping off the remains of his food into the trash.

“Okay....” The small colt frowned, trotting slowly from the room. The two adults didn’t start until they’d heard his door close.

Aurora started angrily, “Ash-” But was quickly cut off.

“Aurora, what the fuck?” Riot placed his empty plate in the sink, then hit it with a short burst of water. “You're gonna start going off about ponies in front of Hunter?.”

“Oh, and I'm supposed to keep my mouth shut when you tell me that you're working for the biggest slut in town!?” The bat pony demanded, standing as well.

Riot growled in anger, but smothered it into a sigh. “Really Aura? Fucking...REALLY!?” Riot swung his hoof to the side, knocking over something on the counter. “You honestly think I would do anything? You fucking distrust me so much that you actually think that!? Are you daft!?”

Aurora balked, not expecting such a sudden attack. “I-I..No! No, I just-””She wavered, her hoof falling. “”No, It's just that I've been under a lot of stress from work lately, and that mare's not exactly carrying such a wonderful reputation.”Aurora took a step towards the angered Riot. Äsh, please, just-

“I went to talk to Cheerilee today too!” Riot turned away from her, pacing angrily around the kitchen. Ï suppose that since I can't be trusted, I must have bent her over her desk and runted her fucking teeth out!”

Riots head recoiled a small amount as Aurora's hoof slapped across his cheek. The mare stood in front of him; chest heaving in and out as she sucked in air between sobs. “Ash...”

He scowled at her before turning away. The swelling had already started under his eye where she had punched him. The mare calmed herself enough to realize what she had done. “Ash, I'm sorry, I-” Riot held up a hoof, stopping her as she made an attempt to get closer.

“So is this it?” He asked, catching her off guard. “Is this how our marriage ends?” He cocked an eyebrow, and he stared her down. “Are we really gonna do this again?”

“N-no...t-that’s n-not....” She cowered slightly, sitting on her haunches. “P-please, Ash....take me back, I'm sorry about what I said, and for hitting you...”

His anger ebbed, sadness replacing it, but he kept his voice level so that Hunter couldn’t hear them. “I’m dealing with some heavy shit right now Aurora, I was almost court marshaled three months ago. I’ve got some serious issues that I need help dealing with, and I need you to help me. I can't do this without you.” Riot fought to keep his voice low. “I promised I would be faithful to you Aura, I'm not gonna cheat on you. Please just trust me.”

“Y-you...” The mare sucked in a breath,, before nodding. 'Okay.” She said, putting a hoof on his chest. “I love you Ash, more than anything. I’m sorry that life is hard, but I need help too! I can't do everything on my own anymore.”
Riot clenched his eyes shut. "I know Aurora, that's why I went to get work. I want to make sure that both you and our foals have a good home.” Riot opened his eyes and shook his head. "I'm gonna head out to work now. I'll come back after and we'll figure this out."

Aurora scowled before turning away. “Alright, but I'm not gonna pretend that I like where you're working!”

Riot rolled his eyes and stood straight. As the remainders of his anger and worries were stuffed deep down, he remembered what Cheerille had said. “What time you going to see Cheerilee?”

Aurora jolted for a moment, her eyes going wide for a split second. “W-what?”

“When I talked to her about Hunter and school, she said that you two were having coffee tonight. I just wanted to know when.”

Aurora let out a silent breath.”After I put Hunter to bed.”
Riot nodded as he turned. “I’m going to tuck my son in.” Before he left, he looked over his shoulder. “Oh, and before I forget, Cheerille said to bring your sugar. Said she was low.”

The mares eyes widened again, but Riot didn't see. “Yeah, okay. Thanks hun.”

His hoof-falls echoed down the hall and towards the colts door. Riot wiped his eyes, then sighed heavily before opening it up. Hunter looked up from his lego and smiled.

“Hi dad, is everything okay?” Hunter dropped his voice. “Did momma yell at you?”

“Your momma's a very opinionated mare.” Riot sat down next to the colt and rested his large head on the tiny shoulder. “So, whatcha building?”

Hunter nodded slowly, taking in his words. The colt promptly set his toys down and looked at the older stallion. “Dunno really. I’m not really focusing.....Dad, why are fillies so complicated?”

Riot balked at the question, his hoof moving up to the back of his head. “I wish I could answer you Hunter... I really wish I could.”

“But I thought you knew everything?” Hunter asked, hoof over his mouth in amazement.

“Heh, not really little buddy. But mares are one of the last remaining mysteries in ponykind. Riot lifted his hoof towards the legos. “Take these for example. You’ve grabbed a couple blocks, and when you’re done, you’ve made something with them.”

Riot pointed towards the blocks, then to the box full of them. “The blocks are like your brain. You know what you what to do with them most of the time, and if you need to think about something, you sit down and think.” He pointed at the box. “That is a mares brain. It’s all jumbled up with things that we don’t even know about, and they always have more thought going on than what they need. They have so much going on, they’ll never know if they need more blocks.”

“Thats kind of silly. Why don’t they just try to keep things simple?” The foal asked, looking up at his father.

“They can’t, they actually think that what they’re doing is simple, and that colts are dumb for not thinking the same way.” He leaned in close to the colt. “It’s not simple, and we’re actually pretty smart.”

“Alright....I think I might understand...a little.” The colt yawned, getting into bed. “Will I see you tomorrow, Daddy?”

“Of course Hunter, I’ll be here to see you off to school.” Riot nuzzled the colt as he pulled up the covers. “I love you so much Hunter.”

The colt snuggled into the covers, nuzzling back at his father. “I love you too Daddy.”

Riot stood up, then turned for the door. He halted at the threshold; looking over his shoulder at the form of his son. “Good night Hunter.” His hoof flicked off the light, and the door closed silently behind him.

Riots hooves carried him to his room, where a large duffel bag was filled with a few necessities. A spare shirt, pants and a first aid kit. A couple snacks and a bottle of water. Riot tossed the bag over his shoulder and started trotting towards the front door.

Aurora sat in the kitchen, avoiding eye contact with him as he trotted out the door.
________________________________________________________________________

Riots hooves clattered down the concrete steps and into the club. There was a small neon sign hanging up outside now, selling out the clubs entrance. The door clicked open and Riot treaded in. He walked over to the Bar, depositing his duffel bag behind it. The mare standing behind the bar cocked an eyebrow at him, but didn’t say anything.

He jumped slightly when music started to play through the speakers, but he took it as a sign to start his shift. Riot waved over to the DJ booth, then moved outside. A small sign advertised the club, and also informed Riot of the entrance price. The rest he could figure out on his own.

The street was mostly empty for the first ten minutes for his shift, but then the ponies started trickling in. Mostly mares, he noticed. A short, chubby blue earth pony came up to him and spoke.

“So, handsome, how much is it for thirty minutes with you?” She winked up at him, smiling.

Riot looked down at her, then motioned towards the poster near the door. “Five bits for entry.”

The mare purred, flicking her tail up, and curling around his neck. “Come on then, handsome, lets go have some fun.”

“Sorry ma’am, I’m workin at the moment.” He motioned towards a small group of mares moving towards the club, as well as a single buck moving towards them as well. “But as long as everypony stays nice and cordial, I may come in and play a little.”

Her face grew a bit irritated. “Alright then, but hurry it up, loverbuck.” She said, thwapping his flank with her tail on the way past, wiggling her giant flanks as she walked into the first room.

Riot shook his head slowly. “This is going to be so much fun. Yaaaay.” Fun like shrapnel in the stomach.

The next group was a light blue pegasus with a shaggy purple mane, a small mint-colored unicorn, and a beige earth pony with a two-toned mane. They came as a group, giggling at some joke as they arrived at the doors. “Oooh, I don’t remember the Horseshoe having such good looking.....” The mint unicorn started, but coughed when the earth pony shot her a look. “Umm, wallpaper?” She offered, hooves raising defensively.”

“Oh come on, Bon Bon, look at him! He’s preeeetttyyy.” The pegasus said, floating through the air as lazily as she could wish.

Riot nodded at them “Evenin ladies, if you’re comin’ in, it’ll be five bits.”

As each pony passed him, giving him his bits, the unicorn slipped an extra five into his jacket pocket. “And five more for you, big guy.”

“Much appreciated.” Riot winked at her, before opening the door for the mares. The minty mare blushed, quickly trotting in behind her friends.

The next two to come was a caramel earth pony, and......Big Macintosh. The pair walked up to him, the caramel pony looking decisively.....mare-ish.

Riot managed a flat smile before just waving the pair in. “Free entry, it’ll stop the lecherous ones from coming back out.”

“Oooh, isn’t he generous?” The caramel pony said, putting his hooves on Riot’s back, looking to Big Macintosh. The mere touch made Riot tense, holding back the desire to mangle the stallion.

“Eeeyup.” Was the only reply. Macintosh gave a smile of gratitude to Riot as they passed, followed by a tiny nod.

“Have fun you two, don’t get too rowdy.” Riot held the door open, allowing the bucks entry.

“Don’t worry, this one wouldn’t hurt a fly, he’s reaaaalll gentle.....unless you ask real nice.” The caramel buck smirked at Riot, and curled his tail under Big Mac’s belly.

As the door closed behind the bucks, Riot grimaced deeply as his eyes clamped shut. “Gaaaaaaaay...”

The next couple of groups passed without.....incident; and then the ponies started really pouring in. Riot didn’t know what it was, Vinyl had said they’d been losing money, with this many ponies they’d need a second club. A line was forming at this point, there wasn’t enough room for everypony. He was getting piles of tips, though. Some ponies were tipping five, and ten bits to him, his pockets were getting full, a pickpocket wouldn’t even have to try to lift a few bits off of him.

“Come onnn! Let us in, what’s the matter, our bits no good here?” A cyan pegasus said impatiently, prodding Riot in the chest.

“You’d prolly suffocate in there.” Riot looked at the line up, shaking his head. “I can’t just let everypony in, this place is only set up for sixty ponies maximum.”

“Pssh, yeah right, you’re probably just making sure you get some statistic like ‘20% pegasi’, racist.” She snorted.

He leveled his gaze at the small mare. “I’m dead serious. If I let any more of you folks in, there’ll be more pony than air in there.”

She seemed to mull this over, and then slumped against the wall. “Alright, but I don’t want to be waiting out here all night.”

Just then the door popped open and a pair of tipsy unicorn wandered out. Riot smirked as he glanced at the cyan mare. “You’re in luck lass.”

“Awesome!” She said, ziping past Riot, and down the stairs.

Nopony had to wait, actually. Once the line had formed, nopony else arrived, and ponies were leaving steadily. They’d filled up around one AM, and were still going to be open for a few hours. With nopony else coming, Riot decided to make good on his offer to come inside once things died down. After locking the door, he went inside, and quickly checked to make sure the push bar would open the door from the inside, satisfied, he trotted towards the bar. Once there, he emptied his pockets into a small register that sat under the bar. Poking his head over the edge, he frowned at the gyrating mass of bodies. “Bloody sweat factory...” He stood up, placing his hooves on the bar. The bartender nickered at him, but didn’t move away from the glasses she was cleaning.

He’d barely done anything before he felt a soft hoof on his flank. “Hey there, handsome.” The mare’s voice growled seductively in his ear. “So, how about it? Want to take a ride on the Cake Causeway?”

Riot grimaced, unbeknownst to the tipsy mare. “How bout I get you a drink? You look pretty thirsty.”

“Alright, handsome.” She said, trotting next to him, sweeping her poofy pink tail over his back, and then under his belly, curling around his opposite leg, then grinned at him when she thought she found what she was looking for.

Just think of the dentist, don’t think about the crazy chubby mare who looks like she’s quaffed out a few foals... And a Howitzer.... He looked up from the beer he had pulled up and forced a smile. Scratch that, I won’t have to try very hard with her sitting there. Riot slid the beer over to the mare.

The mare took the bottle’s neck into her mouth, and leaned her head back, twisting her teeth. She put the bottle back down, and smiled with the cap between her teeth. The mare picked the bottle back up between her hooves, and brought it to her mouth. She took the first bit of the bottle into her mouth, the liquid glugging into her mouth. Half of the neck entered her mouth, she smiled lecherously at Riot. She took the entire neck of the bottle into her mouth, the beer depositing itself directly in her stomach. It was at that point that Riot sincerely wished he was getting shot at.

Riot raised a disinterested eyebrow at the mare, before turning to the bartender and motioning towards the mare. The purple bartender face-hoofed then whipped a napkin at the mare. “Come on! Don’t be deepthroating bottles in public, that’s something you do at home or in the bathroom!” The bartender shooed the mare away.

The blue earth pony snorted angrily, and looked to Riot. “Remember handsome, offer’s still open for one night only, don’t miss it.” She said as she sauntered off, flanks bouncing with the beat, tail raised ever so slightly.

Riot exhaled slowly before smiling at the bartender. “ I've seen some shit in my days, and it's apparent those days are coming to a middle.” He managed a weak frown before looking at the purple bartender. “Thanks lass, she was getting a little too... Frisky.”

“Not a problem, she’s always poaching young bucks; she gets off on it. Don’t believe that ‘one night only’ crap, she’s here every night.”

The buck nodded slowly. “Roger that.” He lifted his hoof up. “Didn’t catch your name; I’m Riot.”

“Berry, Berry Punch.” She said, shaking his hoof, and then sliding a beer down the bar when a few bits were placed upon it.

“Let’s hope these ponies don’t get too rowdy, I don’t think that DJ booth is held together with more than spit and wishful thinking.” Riot reached down into the bar, pulling out a bottle of beer and hoofing it to an already tipsy mint unicorn. Thankfully, he was behind the bar, but out of Berry’s way.

“It ain't spit. Trust me.” Berry smirked at him before laughing. “We’ve had worse, the first night our bouncer took off with one of the guests, and this place got filled to eighty ponies, there were pegasi all over the ceiling like barnswallows, the crowd was insane, we almost lost a wall, I’m sure of it.”

“Celestia...I can see that being a real problem, especially considering how...’Rowdy’ some of them get.” Riot leaned back, taking in the crowd and scanning for troublemakers. He did his best to ignore the debauchery in the gyrating crowd

“I’m surprised, honestly. Ninety percent of stallions would have already been gone with all the attention you’ve been getting. You could open your own damn business in the stallions bathroom.” She said, bumping him in the side with hers.

Riot chuckled over the bumping music. “Maybe with all of this increased revenue, we can find a bigger place, or take over a field or something.” He tapped a hoof against his chin. “Maybe I should open up in the bathroom, the extra bits could buy us into Canterlot.”

Berry smiled. “Hey, if you’re taking the stallions bathroom, I’ll do the fillies. Vinyl drilled those holes in the wall of stall three for a reason.” She said, giggling. “Lets do it, we’ll get a massive place with all that money.”

“Hah, sorry. Ain't my scene.” He shook his head as a couple ponies filtered out of the club. “Wife wouldn’t be too pleased.”

The mulberry mare blew a bit of hair out of her face. “Feh, monogamy.” She looked at him curiously. “This place does have a bit of a reputation, I’m surprised she let you bounce here. Especially looking like you do.”

“I’m sure she had her reasons.” Riot leaned forward onto the bar, poking at a comatose red stallion with four shot glasses littering the bar around him. “Heh, lightweight.” He considered Berry's words for a moment before speaking. 'Wait, looking like I do?”

The Stallion looked up, smiling at him. “It's 'cause you're pretty, Captain.” The red pegasus said, winking. Berry simply shrugged her agreement.

Riot scowled deeply as he poked the Stallion again. Harder this time. “No. I ain't there, you go away.”

“What’s wrong, Boss? Aren’t you happy to see me?” The pony asked. “Another one, if you please, Berry.”

“Gorram it. Last place I’d ever think of seeing you, that’s for sure.” Riot pushed a beer towards the stallion. “Lighten up, I'm not pouring you out of here when we close.”

Wildman rolled his eyes. “Yes, Mom.” He sipped at the drink, watching the crowd. “So, did Mrs. Cake find you yet? What are you doing here, anyway? Don’t you have a nice, exotic bat pony mare to run home to?”

“I’m the new bouncer. Didn’t like sitting on my hooves all damn day, so I got a job.” Riot looked up at the throbbing throng of bodies behind the pegasus. “And yes, I ran into a fat blue mare who wanted to ride my pony stick.”

Wildman smiled, leaning back into the bar. “Yeaaah......she’s a real firecracker, that one. Nearly had a heart attack, I swear to Celestia. I can’t believe Mr. Cake is still alive.” He watched a pair of mares walk by, smirking to himself.

Riot shook his head. “Crazy bitch.” He looked at the pegasus before breaking into a half grin. “So what brings you out here?”

“Oh, you know. Got discharged cause of my injuries, came home for a while. Decided to move on, see what it was like in a new town. Cloudsdale life was starting to grate, having to balloon everywhere.” Wildman said, flapping his single wing a few times.

“Feh, yeah I can see where that would start to really blow.” Riot reached down, grabbing a bottle of water for himself. He grimaced for a moment before looking at the buck. “Have you had any...problems, coming back into civilian life?”

“Nope, just fine. A nightmare here or there of getting fucking immolated and my wing falling off along with my cutie marks, but I guess it comes with the territory.” Wild said, sipping the brew between his hooves. “Why?”

Riot rubbed the back of his head. “I don’t know man... I had an incident a couple days ago.” He sighed heavily before downing the weak brew. "And I keep waking up to the smell of thermite and death."

“What’s up? Was that the assault in the Marketplace I heard about? I thought of you when I read that in the paper.” Wild laughed, finishing his drink.

Riot shook his head. “Park, actually.”

The red stallion frowned slightly, placing his drink on the bar. “I see. Well then, I’m just glad nopony got hurt. And you’re saying that was because of the switch between military to civilian?”

“No...It’s something different.” Riot rubbed his face as he watched a few more ponies file out. “I was back on that fucking hill Wild. Hill Forty Two.”

Wildman leaned back, putting his hooves over his face. “Yeah man.....I understand. I still get the shakes over it some times. I’m not sure what was worse, flying, or galloping. They had flak cannons. I saw a griffon shredded by one of those things. It was not pretty.”

Riot nodded, ignoring some of the attention their reminiscing had gotten. “I keep seeing the assault every now and then. I’m crawling through the mud, and their artillery is pounding the ever living shit out of us.” He shuddered for a moment. “I woke up once, and my chest was pounding like it was when those tunnels opened up.”

“Yeah.....I know.” The pegasus became uncharacteristically somber. “That flamedog......that fucking flamedog. I never saw him coming......” He shuddered, looking at the ceiling. When his head came back down, he was all smiles again. “But those are old wounds. And you know how to shut them up? Hard alcohol. Berry?”

The mare waved a hoof at him, either pretending, or actually not caring about their conversation. “Kind of busy!”

Riot shook his head, reaching down into the bar. “I'll fix you something.”

“Captain's special, Boss.”

Riot looked up at the pegasus, then at the mare who simply shrugged her shoulders and went back to taking care of a trio of mares who were working a beer bong. “Alright, but you’re getting a shot glass.”

“Awwww, what are you, my mom? No, wait, if you were my mom, the bar would have been empty at this point.” Wild said, rolling his eyes. “Get on with it, Cap.”

Riot shook his head, the ghost of a smile breaking out on his muzzle. He went through the necessary steps to make his special brew. Roughly a minute later, he had three shot glasses prepared. “Here ya go lad, I gave you a double shot of the Hoof Stomper.”

“Who’s the extras for? I thought you quit.” Wild asked, pounding back the first shotglass and coughing violently; he smiled through the burn.

Riot picked up the glasses with his magic. “The dead.” He poured the first onto the ground, then lifted the empty glass up; a move the red pegasus mirrored. “And the DJ. I’ll be back in five.” He trotted out from behind the bar and started to trot towards the booth.

“Hey, Riot! Give that flank a smack for me!” Wild called, giggling as he pounded back the next drink, smirking up at Berry. “Give me a kiss, lass.” The pegasus said, butchering Riot’s accent.

“Pssh, shat ap!” Berry threw a hoof towel at the pegasus; striking him in the muzzle.

Riot made his way through the crowd, making extra sure that the drink didn’t spill. Eventually, he came up on the short stairway that led up to the DJ booth. Easily climbing them with a short few steps, Riot knocked quickly before entering the booth.

“Heeeey, Riot!” Vinyl called, bobbing her head to the beat, her hooves on the DJ table, looking behind her at him, bobbing her whole body, the white mares body jerking to and fro.

He smirked heavily as he walked in, closing the door behind himself. “I brought booze.” Riot floated the shot glass over to the mare.

“Sawweeet!” She said, pounding the hard drink back. Vinyl wobbled slightly, falling back into the stallion’s hooves. “Thanks for the catch, Tiger.”

“No problem Vinyl.” He stretched after hoisting her back into position. “The red idiot at the bar says hello. He also wants me to smack your ass like you’re a bad filly, but I’ve decided against that course of action.”

“Well, tell him that he shouldn’t send somepony else, and that he should come get it himself.” She said, smirking at the grey stallion, wiggling her rear.

“Nah, I gave him a double hit of the Hoof Stomper, he couldn’t walk if he wanted to.” Riot smiled at her as he watched as the mare pulled off the left record, only to replace it with another.

“Well, I’ve got some time before my next set.....” She said, stepping away from the table. “Go get your friend, you can come too, if you want...” Vinyl continued, brushing against the stallion’s side, her body hot with the temperature of the room and the inclosed space of the booth.

“So what was all that about needing me? You’ve got plenty of ponies jumpin’ at the chance to be with you.” Riot nudged her flank with his own.

“Yeah, but this buck’ll be like all the others, just up for a quick flank spank, and then off to the next ass that walks by, right?” She asked, blushing slightly as he brushed by her flank.

Riot waved a dismissive hoof. “I’ll leave you to it then. Someponies gotta watch the club.”

“Come ooonnn, Tiger. You don’t want any of this? At all?” She asked, pushing her thick rear into him.

Riot rolled his eyes, giving the mares side a light hearted thwap with his tail. “Tell Wild I said hi.”

“I will, but going by reputation, you might have to come to me.” She said, trotting out of the booth, making her way to the bar.

“Wonderful, I’ll have to deal with a carpet burn victim and a drunkard.” Riot shook his head, then looked over the still gyrating crowd. “OI! No drug dealing in the club!” He clambered down the steps and through the crowd towards a shifty looking buck.

The dull brown earth pony’s eyes widened. “Aww man, Flutts’ Get the fuck over here!” He called out, to nopony in particular. “We have a problem!” The stallion turned on his hoof and slipped something into a ragged jacket.

Riots eyes narrowed. “Hey! Buddy, I wanna talk to you.”

The stallion glared at Riot through green eyes. “The fuck do you want maaan?” He slurred the last word a bit, easily grating on Riots nerves.

Riot narrowed his gaze. “Don’t act like you weren’t doing anything.” He closed the distance between himself and the shaggy pony. “Come here!”

Without a second to lose, the brown pony bolted out the door, dragging a surprised pale yellow pegasus with him. Riot galloped over to the door, then stuck his head out. “I’ll remember your face buckwheat, nopony cokes up in my club!” He scowled at the pair, just as they stopped at one of the corners. The brown buck made the mistake of looking back. Riot bored into the ponies eyes with his thousand yard stare as he drew a hoof along his neckline..

The pony waved a hoof at him. “Come and get me then, big guy!” He shouted before sneering, acting like he’d won a contest or something..

Riot shook his head, his features becoming warped with rage. “I will bombard you, motherfucker!”

The stallion whistled, like calling a dog. “Come on you fascist guard dog, come on!”

Riot almost followed, but pulled back as he stepped on something metal. Looking down, Riot grasped a large buck knife, one which would easily intimidate a pony who had no spine. He cocked an eyebrow as he looked back at the brown pony.

“Hey man!! Put that down!That’s mine man!!” The brown pony yelled, taking a frantic few steps towards the grey stallion.

“What, this?” Riot waved the thing lazily. “It’s just a piece of shit butter-knife, I’ll go melt it down or something.”

The pony put his hooves up. “Woah woah woah, lets not be hasty bro, just gimme back my knife!”

The pale yellow mare turned to him and said something, but was so quiet even Riot couldn’t make out what she was saying.

The stallion on the other hoof, was much easier to hear. “Don’t be so fucking stupid Flutts, that's MY knife!”

Riot thought for a moment, before smirking dangerously. “You want this glorified butt-plug? Cause I know somepony who could REALLY use it. He waved the rounded end at the stallion before slamming the door shut.

Riot trotted through the crowd towards the bar. As he reached the bar, Riot slid the knife over to Berry, who cocked an eyebrow at it. Riot simply shrugged. “Do whatever the fuck you want with it, I don’t care.”

The mare placed it up on the mantle of the bar. “This is cool, I’m keepin’ it. If you’re looking for your friend, he and Vinyl disappeared about five minutes ago, that way.” She said, pointing towards the bathrooms.

Riot waved a hoof. “Then they already finished about three minutes ago.” He sat down in front of the bar. “Bloody idiots trying to sell drugs and shit in the middle of the club.”

“What? Since when does that happen?” She asked, sitting down as well. The club was beginning to wind down, there were maybe about two thirds the number of ponies from before.

“Fuck if I know, all I saw was this bag of something being offered about. I called him out on it and he bailed like a scared rabbit.” Riot rested his elbows on the bar, then rested his face in his hooves.

“Eh, you’ll get him next time.” She said, patting the grey stallion on the foreleg. “I think you might be able to call it, it looks like everypony’s just about passed out.” Berry said, wiping the bar with a rag.

Riot looked over his shoulder and sighed. “Vinyls supposed to do that, but I suppose I may as well considering she’s prolly taking a red cock up the ass right now.” He stood up and trotted over to the DJ booth. After a short bit, he found the volume knob and turned it down. “Thanks for the awesome turn out folks, feel free to drop by tomorrow night!” Exits are over there, and there.” He pointed to both exits with his hoof. “Have a good night, and remember not to fly drunk.”

The ponies quickly filled out, wobbling through the doors. About five minutes later, Wildman trotted out of the bathroom, single wing laying over Vinyl’s white side. “Hey there, Riot.” He said, smiling widely, nuzzling the white pony.

He lifted a hoof up, waving lamely at the pair. “Howdy.”

“And how are you, Tiger?” Vinyl asked, legs buckling slightly.

“Just fine, had to chase a pair out when they tried to sell some shit on the floor. Got a nice trophy out of the deal.” He pointed at the mantle above the bar.

“Drugs? In my club?!” Vinyl tried to wiggle out from Wild’s embrace, but failed. “I’ll tear ‘em limb from limb!” Vinyl struggled, but gave up, nuzzling back into the ex-military pegasus.

“Right right, anyways...Bits are in the bar.” Riot ran a hoof through his mane, shaking his head slowly.

“Alright, thanks for doing such good work. Take thirty home with you.” She nuzzled the red pegasus next to her, and whispered in his ear. Wild perked up instantly, a blush appearing over his already-red face.

He coughed. “So, Riot, are you leaving any time soon?”

Riot nodded slowly. “Prolly.”

“Y-yeah, you should umm, do that. Like soon.” He said, twitching as Vinyl ran her tail over his underside.

Rolling his eyes, Riot stayed silent. Trotting over to his duffel bag, Riot pulled off the heavy jacket and replaced the sweaty shirt under it with a fresh one.

Vinyl and Wildman trotted into the DJ booth, closing the door behind them. Riot heard the door lock.

Shaking his head, he turned away from the sight. “Some shit never changes.”Riot waved to Berry, who was helping herself to a full bottle of whiskey. “Don’t drink too much Berry.”

“No such thing.” She said, leaning back, sipping the whiskey as the DJ booth started shaking.

“I hope the DJ booth bottoms out.” He tossed the bag over his shoulder and started towards the door. “See you tomorrow.”

“See ya.” She smirked, standing. “I think I’m gonna go see if they need any help. “She said, cheeks reddening from the amount of hard alcohol in her system.

Riot pushed the door open and exited into the cool night air. He exhaled slowly, then started trotting towards the park. His hooves crunched across the packed dirt and gravel as he went. Riot sniffed the air, noting the coolness. “Might actually snow soon.” The park came into view, as did the number of trees within it.

He heard a set of hooves crunching in the fallen leaves, a melodic voice singing into the darkness. Riot lifted his head, scanning the area with his smidgen of night-vision he had gained from his short walk.

It was Aurora, humming to herself, absent-mindedly fluttering between the trees. He stopped, considering his options. It was obvious she hadn’t seen him. Riot sat down behind a small tree; it was enough so that he could see her, but she couldn’t see him.

She stopped as well, taking wing, and sitting up on the limb of a tall tree. The bat pony sighed, and closed her eyes. Riot exhaled slowly, waiting to see where she would go, and what she was doing out at this time.

Aurora stood from the branch, and looked down to the ground. She seemed to mull things over for a bit, before hopping from the tree, landing gracefully. The mare continued her trot, going in the general direction of the town. Riot grimaced slightly, hoping that his gut would be wrong, and he could just come off feeling like an idiot.

They walked silently into town, and into the residential area. Riot tailed Aurora by a fair distance, but he often had to hurry so he wouldn't lose her. Eventually the mare knocked on a door, and a certain magenta pony answered. Cheerilee hugged Aurora tightly, bring the bat pony into a loving embrace that capped off with a strong kiss. Aurora said something that Riot could barely hear.

Cheerilee spoke, after giving the other mare another kiss. “Did you bring your sugar?” She laughed.

Aurora nodded, bringing herself close to the other mare. “Oh you know I did, I've been waiting for this.” Cheerilee laughed, before leading Aurora in; closing the door behind them.

Riot stood there, at the edge of the street, just staring at the door blankly. He raised a hoof, but slowly lowered it back to the ground. Riot slowly stood, his mind reeling. Cheerilee was sleeping with his wife. Aurora was cheating on him, and she was doing it right under his nose. He didn’t register the crunching of hooves before they were practically on top of him.

“Umm.. E-excuse me...” The drug stallions girlfriend stood not but two metres away from him. Riot didn’t answer, only looking staring off into the dirt around his hooves as he started to trot slowly away from Cheerilees home. “E-excuse me..But you have something that... Belongs to a friend of mine.”

Riots expression stayed solemnly blank as he trotted away. “If you lost something in the club you can grab it tomorrow when we open.”

“Well I-......oh.....okay.” The pegasus mare managed a meek smile as she backpedaled away from Riot as quickly as possible..

Riots trot home was uneventful, his hooves carried him home without fail. The keys jingled quietly in the lock, and he opened the door silently. He trotted in, barely noticing the tiny note waiting on the stand. Riot let his bag fall, along with the thirty bits inside. He collapsed down on the couch and stared at the wall for what seemed like forever.
___________________________________________________________________

A few hours later, Riot heard something, that same melodious humming, coming from outside. He heard a lock turning, and the door opened, Aurora trotted inside, smiling widely, slightly slick with sweat.

Riot looked up at her, not smiling or frowning at all. He nudged the bag of coins to her, then laid down on the couch; pulling his jacket up as a blanket.

“Oh, Ash......I uh.....I just finished coffee with Cheer'..... When did you get in? Just now?” She asked, taking off her jacket.

“Take the money Aura.”

“W-what’s wrong? Did something happen at work?” She asked, sinking down into a chair, sighing contentedly despite his reaction.

He sighed quietly, rolling over. “I’m just tired Aura. I’ll see you in the morning for when you walk Hunter to school.”

She held the bag of bits in her hoof. “W-why are you giving these to me? They’re yours.”

“Ours, actually.” He stretched out, finally finding a semi-comfortable spot. “Just take the money, buy yourself something nice.”

“B-b-but I-”

“Take the money Aura. Give it to Hunter or stick it in a jar if you don’t want it.”

“A-alright.....goodnight, Ash, I love you.” She said, going to kiss him on the cheek. 'Wait, are you really gonna sleep out here tonight?”

“Yeah. Night.” Her lips caressed his cheek, but he didn't say anything or move in response. Aurora frowned sadly as she looked down on him, then started towards their small bedroom.

Riot scowled, his thoughts growing darker by the moment. She had thought that their fight wasn’t truly important. That he would forgive her. He might have, if he hadn’t found out that she was smack dab in the middle of a sordid love affair.

His eyes closed, but it would be quite some time before sleep overcame him.

Chapter Three

“Sergeant! We need to move!” Riot pulled at the red pegasus who was pinned under a bit of debris.

Wild yanked himself free, wings motoring to get back into the air. “Thanks Cap! Alright, we’ve got wounded up ahead, they need help!” Wild called out to any remaining soldiers, soaring ahead, flak bursting in the air around him.

Riot yelled as he popped over the trench edge, firing at the muzzle flashes coming up the hill. “Hold on Sergeant! I'm right behind you!” He galloped with his head low, so he wouldn’t receive any stray rounds in the face. He came up on the red pegasus as who was trying to stop a small soldier from bleeding out.

“We need to get them out of here! Right now!” Wild pulled at the smaller buck, who was barely out of colthood; the soldier writhed and screamed in pain from the shrapnel in his belly. The sounds of his anguish were shortly drowned out as a heavy mortar shell crash several metres away from them, collapsing a section of trench.

“Hold on Wild, I’ll try and wrap his wound, then we’ll lift together!” Riot practically had to scream to be heard over the thunderous crash of artillery fire and the snap of high velocity rounds that pinged barely a half metre over their heads.

“You have to pull him, there’s more wounded up ahead, I can get them out, I’ll be right back!” The red pegasus took to the sky, wings pumping, disregarding Riot’s warnings.

The captain swore loudly just to hear himself. He pulled out the last of his morphine, then plugged the other soldier with it. “Just hang on soldier!” His measly roll of bandages barely held the wound together, but when coupled with his magic they did the job. Riot started to pull the buck towards the medical bunker that was a few hundred metres back.

When Riot was this close to him, he could hear the pony whispering, pleading.

“M-momma I d-don’t wanna die.....n-not like this...I’m g-gonna come home to you, momma...”

Riot grimaced as he ensured his grip on the buck. “Hold on! We’re almost the-” KAARACKBOOOOOM

Riot was thrown across the trench by the artillery round. He hit the side wall and tumbled down; his ears bleeding and the world consumed with roaring silence. Riot tried to stagger back to his hooves; his efforts made hellish as parts of the crumpled trench pinned him down. After a moment of struggling, Riot grasped the bucks front hooves and resumed dragging him to the triage centre.

The captain stumbled into the medical bunker with the young private in his grasp. One of the medical ponies ran over and said something to Riot, who could only shake his head and shout. “This soldier need medical attention! Shrapnel in the gut!”

The medic balked, looking at the private, then at Riot. He shook his head, then pointed at the buck. Riot scowled, then looked down.

His expression turned to one of sorrow when he saw the top half of the buck, and the long trail of blood and severed entrails that replaced where his entire bottom half should have been.

“Captain!! I need your help out here, there’s ponies who need us! Lets get moving!” Wild shouted, shaking Riots shoulder. A wounded mare clutching him, a stump of a hind leg dragging behind her. It sounded like the sergeant was yelling at him through a long tube.

Riot merely nodded, dropping the bucks dead hooves and moving out of the medical bunker. Riot blinked rapidly as his left eye’s sight was tinted a heavy red. He galloped down the trench, narrowly avoiding a mortar strike.

Wild was trying his damndest to pull two ponies at once, shouting at himself, yanking the hooves of a pair of soldiers, slowly pulling them across the ground.

Riot looked around, and quickly found a fairly unwounded soldier huddled in the corner, clutching his rifle and his helmet for dear life. Riot shook the bucks shoulder, drawing his attention. “Come on! We need more hooves to help get these ponies to the medical centre!”

“W-what? F-fuck no! I-I’m not going out there!” The pony continued to cower, hooves over his head.

“Sorry kid! I can’t hear you! Any piss poor excuse will have to wait until we’ve wiped these bloody mongrels!” Riot pulled the buck to his hooves and pointed to a mare who lay wounded on the ground. “Get her to medical!”

The private squeaked in fear and did as he was told, pulling the mare away, tears sliding down his face.

Riot rounded about to Wildman, taking one of the ponies. “Come on! There’s a break in the shelling!” Riot lifted the wounded buck up, placing him over his shoulders as he broke into a gallop. “Hurry up! All able hooves, I want guns the line!” He waved over a pair of intact ponies, who started setting up a medium machinegun.

The red pegasus smiled as best he could, pulling a wounded pegasus buck with him, hovering across the trench. The ground shook under Riots hooves, and the side of the trench exploded as underground charges ripped through their lines. Riot began to roar an order, before the ground beneath him exploded. The air was forced from his lungs as the concussion tossed him into the air like a ragdoll. Riot hit the ground with a dull squelch; he wheezed weakly as his hoof pressed against his neck, where a hefty chunk of sizzling shrapnel had embedded itself into his flesh.

A large brown form burst forth from the ground, snarling and howling as it locked onto it’s nearest target; Riot. His eyes went wide as he was pressed to the ground by the Dog kicking him down as its shiny rifle lifted up in an attempt to bayonet Riot to the ground.

Riot clenched his eyes shut as his horn flared. His fallen rifle lifted up and barked loudly, a short burst shredding through the dogs flimsy barding and into its vitals. The heavy body fell on top of the captain, pinning Riot down as he coughed up blood. Riots head fell to the side, just in time to see a flamedog team loose their weapons contents into the trench, and onto Wildman and the ponies he was trying to save. The red pegasus turned, trying to cover himself as the flames licked at his armour. Wild burst into flames, his one wing flailing uselessly as he screamed silently.
____________________________________________________________________

Riot awoke with a start, his jacket fell to the floor as he bolted up in a cold sweat. He coughed heavily into his free hoof as he fought for breath.

It was just getting into the afternoon, Hunter would be getting out from school soon, and Aurora was at work. Riot lifted off the couch, but was almost floored by a heavy wave of nausea brought on by the smell of cooking flesh. He staggered into the bathroom, quickly emptying his stomach's contents into the small toilet.

He continued to vomit, the filth being poured out of his body. He heaved a few times, and pulled away. Riot washed out his mouth in the sink, and looked into the mirror. To put it lightly, he looked like hammered shit. His eyes were bloodshot, and had bags under them; his face was pale.

“Fuck...” Riot placed his hoof on the mirror; letting it slide down slowly. He touched the scar on his neck, the memory now fresh in his mind.

Death, destruction, betrayal. Was this all his life had left? Was this the only thing he was going to have happen to him for the rest of his life? Would every little thing he loved be ripped away before he’s allowed to die?

Riot moved into the living room; his flask levitated over to meet him. He could only scoff at what it entailed. “I'm sorry Mumbles.” Taking a long swig out of the flask, he tossed the empty thing onto the table. “I’ll prolly die cold and alone...But at least it won’t be sober..” Yeah, great. A sad, broken drunk who can’t tell the difference between reality and hell. It was no wonder that Aurora had left him for a school teacher.

It was about three o’clock, time to go get Hunter. He thought about his own appearance. There was no way he could walk up to a schoolyard looking like he did, he didn’t want to traumatize the foals. The buck splashed some water on his face to regain some color. Looking up in the mirror...Well it was a small improvement, but an improvement none the least.

Riot popped open the little bottle labeled Tylenol, and downed a pair of them. He shuddered as they went down, but quickly made his way to the door. It dawned on him that he had slept in for the first time in what felt like years. Riot let out a breath. It almost felt wrong. Almost.

__________________________________________________________

The trot to the schoolyard was quick and uneventful, everypony seemed to be keeping their distance for one reason or another. Riot found his way to the school, and sat down on a small bench that was across from the door.

He heard a small bell being chimed from inside, and a long sound of movement from many ponies. The first ones out were the Cutie Mark Crusaders, with Hunter trotting along behind them. Riot waved to the colt, catching his attention easily. The colt galloped past the trio of fillies and over to his father.

“Hey, Dad! I missed you! I wanted to wake you up for breakfast, but mom said you’d had a hard night. Are you okay?” Hunter asked, head cocked to the side.

Riot nodded slowly, standing up from the bench. “I’m fine little buddy, just tired.” He ruffled the colts mane. “You wanna get something from Sugarcube corner?”

“Sure, that sounds awesome!” He said excitedly, waving goodbye to the trio of fillies.

Riot led the colt down to the shop, but when they arrived, Riot saw somepony he wasn’t expecting to see until that night. Sitting down in the corner booth, Mrs. Cake trotted over, oblivious to who Riot really was.

“What can I get you, dearie?” She asked, smiling brightly at the pair. The blue mare squinted slightly at Riot. “Do I know you from somewhere?”

He looked up at her with a flat gaze. “I wonder if that ‘one night deal’ is still good?”

Her eyes popped open, and she blushed in embarrassment, pulling a bit with her apron. “O-oh, I see, so.....what is it you need?”

“I’d like a coffee, and a long john.” He looked over to Hunter. “And whatever he wants.”

“Banana split, please!” The colt said, smiling up at her, oblivious to why she was blushing.

“Alright then, dears. I’ll be right back with your treats.” She said, trotting off, tail hanging low.

Riot shook his head, hiding a weak smirk. Placing his hooves on the table he focused on Hunter. “So, how was school? Spend much time with your friends?”

“I had fun, I’m starting to really get the math stuff, Featherweight has been an awesome tutor.” He said, swinging his rear legs slightly in anticipation of the sugary treat.

“I’m glad to hear that... Have those two fillies been giving you trouble?” Riot rested his cheek in the cusp of his hoof.

“They try to, I don’t care though! Having so many friends helps me through it, especially the Cutie Mark Crusaders! The four of us get it the worst, for not having our cutie marks yet, but if we stick together, we can ignore those two dinks.” He says, lightly flicking his hoof at a napkin.

“Language Hunter.” Riot leveled his gaze at the colt as the plump mare passed by the counter, still working on their food.

“What? Dink isn’t a bad word.....” He said, crossing his hooves.

“Hunter.”

The young colt sighed. “Yes dad.” He said flatly, without much conviction. “You and mom use worse...”

“It’s not a very bad word, but it can hurt someponies feelings. You need to be considerate of others, even if they don’t deserve it.” Riot poked the colt in the shoulder.

“Yeah...I guess you’re right.” Hunter said, smiling widely; seeing their food coming to them.

“Here you are, Dearies. Enjoy!” Mrs. Cake said brightly. “Just holler if you need anything.” She said, redness still creeping onto her features.

“I’ll keep that in mind. I may order a Cake causeway before we leave.” Riot smothered a shit eating grin.

The chubby blue mare burst into a flaming blush that consumed her entire being. She turned tail, and scooted back to the kitchen as quickly as possible.

Riot smiled broadly as he dug into his large donut. If anything, he could always enjoy the suffering of others. He watched with tired happiness as Hunter dug into his banana split without mercy. Sipping at his coffee, Riot looked about for a moment.

“What’s up, dad?” The young unicorn asked, looking at his father, ice cream matting his lower lip and jaw line.

He looked over at the colt. “Hmm?”

“You’re looking all around, like you’re merecat or something.” He said, taking a spoonful of banana into his mouth.

“I’m fine Hunter, just looking around.” Riot smirked at the colt before stealing a spoonful of ice cream. “Besides, you know your Pa ain’t afraid of nothin.”

“Hey!” He squeaked, as a mouthful of his ice cream escaped. “I know, you’re the strongest pony in the world.” Hunter said, polishing off the banana, and going to work on the last scoop of ice cream.

“Heh, you’ll be bigger than me one of these days kiddo.” He smiled at the colt. “All big and masculine, having to beat the mares off with a stick.”

“Nuh-uh!” He said, waving his hooves. “No way I’ll be bigger than you. And why would I want to hit mares with a stick? That’s mean.” He said, finishing the ice cream, pushing the dish away, and wiping his lips.

Riot stood up and placed the dish on the side next to his empty coffee. “I dunno Buddy, you eat way more than I did when I was a colt. As long as we keep you movin about and such, you’ll be as big as your Pa here.” Riot motioned towards the door with his head. “Come on Hunter, I’ll pay Mrs. Cake and then we’ll walk home.

“Alright, Dad.” The colt said, stretching his hooves languidly, smiling happily after the large dessert. He stood from the table, and waited near the door for his father.

Riot trotted up to the till and brought up a couple bits. “How much do I owe ya ma’am?”

The mare squeaked, blush working its way back up her face. “S-six bits, Sir.” She said, looking at anything but the grey unicorn.

“How’s the hangover treating you?” Riot spoke quietly so no-pony but here could hear.

“I beg your pardon?” She said, pulling back slightly. “I have nothing of the sort....Ow.” The blue earth pony said, putting a hoof to her forehead.

He frowned knowingly as he looked at the mare. “Maybe take it easy on the brews tonight ma’am.” Riot nodded to her as he placed the bits on the counter. “See you later.” He trotted towards the door to where the bouncing colt was waiting. She looked down, slowly making her way back to the kitchens.

“Ready to go Hunter?”

“Mmhmm.” The colt nodded, opening the door out into the steadily-dying sunlight.
_______________________________________________________________________

Riot sat down on the couch, going through his bug-out bag. Hunter was sitting in the kitchen finishing up his homework. Riot pulled out his shirt from last night then gave it a sniff. “Gehhh...” Tossing the shirt into the laundry hamper, he set his eyes towards his room.

Hearing a set of keys outside the front door, Riot stood up and went to the room. His rear disappeared from sight just as the door opened.

“Hunter, I’m home!” Aurora called, hanging her jacket on the rack, and stepping into the front room. The colt got up from the table, and galloped at his mother, jumping into her hooves. “Well, somepony’s affectionate today!” She said, nuzzling the unicorn.

Hunter nodded rapidly. “Daddy took me for ice cream after school!” He smiled broadly before scampering back into the kitchen and to his homework.

The mare breathed out loudly, collapsing onto the couch on her back, hooves sticking up into the air, wings laying out lazily. Riot stuck his head out from the bedroom door, then smiled once he saw that the mare was facing away from him. Sneaking silently across the floor, Riot approached the mare from behind. Popping up behind her, Riot wrapped his hooves around her shoulders, letting them play along the mares chest.

She squeaked, putting her hooves over his. “H-hi Hun....”

He smiled broadly, kissing her cheek. “Hey love.”

The bat pony nuzzled back into him, smiling widely. “I-I missed this.....” She whispered.

“Mhmm.” He nuzzled back at her, his hooves playing with her tufts of hair. The mare let out a short breath before hugging his head and neck.

“D-do you have to leave for work soon?” She asked, turning around on the couch, so she was facing him, hooves around his neck.

He gave her his best loving smile as he kissed her muzzle lightly. “In about an hour or so.” Riot licked her, causing the mare to squeak in surprise and cover her nose in embarrassment.

She wiped her muzzle with a hoof, and kissed him back, rubbing her hooves into the back of his head. “W-we have time....” The mare asked, moving her rear hooves apart slightly.

Riot sighed happily as he embraced her closely. “I want to spend some time with you and Hunter before I go.” Nipping at her neck, he spoke quietly. “We can play later...”

The mare smiled widely, pulling his head into her neck, nibbling his grey ear. “Alright, momma needs to relax, first.” She said, laying back on the couch, tail flicking slowly.

“Sounds like momma needs a massage.” Riot stepped around the couch and sat down next to her, working his hooves around her shoulders and spine.

“Mmmm... Yes she dooooes...” Aurora purred in delight, wiggling her hooves, tail flicking faster.

Riot smiled as he wrapped his hooves around her, pulling the mare into a tight hug. He nuzzled her neck as he spoke. “I love you Aura...” Nipping at her ear, He worked back towards her wings.

“I l-love you so much....I’m so sorry.” She said, wings trembling in anticipation.

He grimaced heavily, fighting back emotions as he nipped at the fur that lined the base of her wing. “It’s alright Aura.”

She looked at him, wetness making her eyes shiny. “I-it’s not alright..... We ended last night on a bad note, and I thought you would still be angry.” Aurora curled up under his hooves, surrendering herself to his ministrations.

“You were just worried, that’s all.” He nuzzled her back, kissing along her neck. “I forgive you.”

The bat pony’s tears began to slide down her face, just as Hunter stepped into the room. He trotted up, curling into his mother’s hooves. “Why are you crying, Momma? What’s wrong?” He asked, looking up at her.

“No, it’s okay. I’m just really happy.” She said, hugging him to her chest, leaning back into Riot.

The stallion kissed her neck softly, stroking her mane. “It’s alright Love.” He laid down next to her, hugging the mare tightly.

The mare sighed in contentedly. “Both my big strong stallions.” She said, hugging them both, as Hunter nuzzled her.

Riot looked up at the clock as it slowly began to tick down to when he had to leave. Hugging the mare tightly against him, Riot kissed at her neck.

“I-I don’t want you to go, we can support ourselves without you taking a job too...” She said, kissing at his neck, as Hunter faked gagging at all the affection between his parents.

He shook his head. “I know love, but I need to keep my hooves busy.”

“Alright....I’ll see you when you get home, right?” She asked, nuzzling Hunter with her wing.

“Of course Aura. I’ll always be here for you.” Riot kissed her softly, feeling her lips upon his.

She yawned, pulling Hunter closer, and closing her eyes. Hunter mimicked her motions, tired after a long day at school.

Riot stood up, lifting the mare up and placing her against the back of the couch. His magic pulled over a large blanket, draping it over the two forms. He kissed Hunter on the forehead, then nuzzled against Aurora. “I’ll see you two in a few hours. I love you both so much.”

Both ponies began to snore quietly, wrapped in each other’s hooves. Riot smiled, and slipped a new shirt on before heading off to work.
_____________________________________________________________________

Riots hooves carried him towards the club; he bounded down the steps and pushed into the door. He trotted towards the bar, tossing his duffel bag behind it. Riot shook his mane about before looking up at the booths that lined the one side of the club..

Vinyl was squeaking and giggling, a certain red pegasus nibbling and playing at her neck. She blanched when Riot came into view, pushing Wildman onto his ass. “Hey there, Tiger.” She said, smiling nervously.

He waved a lazy hoof as he lit up a small cigarette. “Howdy.”

Wildman stood as well, clapping the grey pony on the shoulder. “Hey, Boss. Vinyl said I could stay here and be eye-candy, and I get free drinks!” He said, smiling widely.

“Yay.” Riot grabbed a bottle of water from the duffel bag and waved it in obviously fake happiness. “Might as well head out now then.”

“Alright, don’t hurt anypony too bad, alright?” Vinyl asked, trotting up into her DJ booth. The door closed behind her, but Riot could see Wildman’s eyes still glued on where she had been.

Riot shook his head, then trotted towards the door.

Wild trotted up to the bar, plopping himself down on a barstool. “Gimmie the best you got, Berry!” He called, just as Riot left earshot.

Riots hooves clattered up the short flight of stairs and into the chilly autumn night. He leaned up against the wall, finishing off his smoke just as the first pony came into view.

It was Mr. Cake; Or at least, Riot assumed it was. He had seen the stallion at Sugarcube, but hadn't spoken to him. Mr. Cake trotted up to Riot, grumbling under his breath. Even though he looked pissed, Riot knew the gangly pony wouldn’t be able to cause any real damage.

Riot waved to the buck. “Welcome to the Horseshoe. Five bits at the door.”

“Thanks. I just need somewhere to fill up on cheap booze.” He said, passing his bits to Riot, and going inside.

“Don’t cause too much trouble and have a good night sir.” Riot rolled his eyes as the door clicked closed. “Poor bastard. I know the feeling.” He plopped the five bits down into the heavy box he had brought with him for storing the money. “Hope this works tonight.”

The next ponies were the mint unicorn, and beige earth pony from the night before. They smiled widely as they passed, the minty mare flicking her tail up into his nose, dropping a sixth bit into his pocket. “Have a good night ladies.” He smirked widely at the tip.

The next pony was the butter yellow pegasus from the night before, looking sheepish as she gave Riot an extra ten bits for his trouble the night before. “I-I'm sorry for how Buck acted... He's really a nice pony once you get to know him.” She said, looking down as She trotted in.

Riot held his hoof up, holding it on the ponies chest. “Hold up lass.” The mare squeaked in fear, her eyes going wide.

“Just what the hell were you two doing last night?” Riot looked over the buck quickly.

The mare struggled with her words for a moment, before Riot rolled his hoof. “We...Buck said that he needed something from a friend, that it was for something he was making.” The mare gulped audibly, her eyes flitting about.

“He needed something. From a friend.“ Riot ran a hoof down his face, grumbling loudly enough to make the mare pull away. The mare squeaked out something inaudible, and started backpedaling slowly away. Riot held his hoof up, halting her. “Look, you seem like a nice girl, so I'm not gonna blame you for your coltfriends choices. Just... Think about what your doing alright? And tell your 'Buck' to stay away from the club. For his own good.”

The mare nodded quickly, her eyes the size of dinner plates. “T-thank you si-sir.... I-”

“Just go in already, I don't need a line building.” Riot managed a weak smile as he waved her in.

The rest of the arriving ponies were without incident, or real interest. He still garnered many tips from the mares, and still a few from the stallions. The last pony of the night was a certain blue earth pony, looking sadly at the ground as she walked.

“Evening Mrs Cake. Looking for your husband?” Riot asked her as he leaned against the wall.

“Not really.....we had a bit of a falling out....I’m just looking for a place to drink.” She said, walking to him, giving him her bits.

“Then you may want to wait until tomorrow.”

“What do you mean? My bits not good here anymore?”

Riot sighed heavily. “I don’t want to be breaking up a fight between you and Mr. Cake tonight ma’am. I can’t stop you from going in yet.”

“Damn it. He’s already in there, isn’t he?” She asked, sliding down the wall, coming to rest on the ground.

“Yup. Since you’re the only one out here I’m moving inside to make sure nothing bad’s happening.” He pushed off the wall and opened the door.

“Alright...” The mare sighed, closing her eyes as the back of her head met the wall.

Inside, Riot was nearly consumed by the throng of ponies before him. He trotted over to the bar, placing the heavy box down behind it. “Busy night eh Berry?”

“Busybusybusy, cannot talk!” She said, rushing to fulfill each pony’s order.

Riot shook his head slowly before reaching down for a beer. He looked up at the DJ booth for Vinyl, but couldn’t see her in the dark. “I’m gonna take the boss a drink, back in a moment.” Riot levitated the beer over his head as he pushed through the crowd.

She opened the door at his knock, and smiled. “Ooh, got me something to drink, did you? How thoughtful.” She said, taking the bottle in her magic, and sipping at it as she worked. “How’s the night coming, Tiger?”

“It’s dark.” He gave her a halfhearted smile before turning tail and heading back down the stairs.

“Aww, leaving so soon?” The white mare asked, hopping off of the DJ table, and turning towards the retreating buck.

“You hired me to do a job Boss.” He shrugged his shoulders and scanned the crowd.

“Alright...Tell Wild to come up here and see me, if you find him out there.” She said, waving a hoof towards the gyrating crowd.

“I think he’s in the bathroom making use of the holes you drilled.” Riot disappeared into the crowd before she could speak again.

Wild came trotting out of the bathroom, with.....Big Macintosh behind him. The red pegasus giggled, and thwapped the huge earth pony with his tail. Riot shuddered , his guts churning as his brain filled in the gaps. He looked away from the pair, and continued his vigil over the crowd.

“See you next time, Big guy.” Wild said, sending the large stallion back into the crowd. “How’s the night going, Captain?”

Riot shrugged. “I’m not a Captain anymore Wild.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right.” He said, scratching his chin. “I’ve been using it so long, I might not be able to change. I think I’ll stick with it.” Wild continued, scanning the crowd.

“Mr. Cake could use some cheering up, why don’t you drag him into the bathroom?” Riot turned towards a mint unicorn who had obviously had too much to drink. Her friend from before was nowhere to be seen.

“Already tried. He wasn’t in on it.” Wild said, sighing before breaking off in a moment.

“Lovely. Back in a second.” Riot trotted over, lifting his hoof up in time to stop the mare from falling over. She stumbled over again, still being held by the buck. “Easy there, I’m gonna walk you too the bathroom. You’ve had a bit much to drink.”

“Mmfine.” She mumbled, trying to stand on her own, and failing, falling back into Riot’s hooves.

Riot wrapped his hooves around her shoulders, then started the walk towards the bathroom. Halfway there he grunted in frustration, then hefted the mare over his back. His magic wrapped around her muzzle, ensuring she wouldn’t spew everywhere.

The minty mare mumbled through the magic gag, wiggling slightly as they entered the dirty tiled room. As Riot placed her gingerly down on the floor, he could see the nausea building up. She grasped the toilet as the magic disappeared. Riot held the mare's mane as she hurled violently into the bowl.

There was a muffled noise from the stall opposite, and a sound of something wet on fur. “Keep it down next door, will ya?” A mare’s voice came out, and then stopped suddenly with a wet sucking sound.

The mint mare with her face in the toilet bowl looked up for a moment. “B-bonbon?” She asked weakly.

The sound stopped again. “Lyra?” The voice asked, the stall door being kicked open. The same beige pony from before trotted out, wiping her lips with a hoof.

“Hey! What gives!” Wild’s voice carried over from the stall opposite.

Riot deadpanned, his look becoming foul and dark. “Shut the fuck up Wild.”

“Riot?” The voice of Wildman asked. “I’m out bro.” He said, opening the stall, and trotting out, pulling up his stained combats.

Riot looked at the confused earth pony. “You.”

“W-what?” She asked, wiping her lips again.

His hoof pointed at the mare curled around the toilet; whose mane he was still holding. “Hold her and make sure she doesn’t drown.”

She sighed. “Alright.” Bonbon sat next to her friend, holding Lyras mane with her hooves as she stared at the ceiling with a bored expression on her face. “Every time we go out, every time.” She growled angrily. “And I was just starting to have fun.”

Riot shook his head slowly. “I told her to slow it down.” He pulled out of the stall and moved towards the door. “Have fun.”

The beige pony laughed weakly. “Yeah. Fun. Damn it Lyra. Next time you do something like this, your ass is getting stuck up against the hole while it happens.” She said irritatedly.

“B-but I wuv yoooouuuu...”

The door closed behind Riot, leaving the mares behind. He made his way over to the bar, where he fished out a small glass and filled it with water.

Berry breathed out loudly, sitting back against the bar, panting slightly. “That was crazy...” She said, given a lull in the action to breathe.

He nodded, agreeing fully. “Yup... Hey, I thought this place was supposed to be going belly up? Why are there so many ponies?”

She laughed breathlessly. “You mean you didn’t notice?”

Riot cocked an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Word travels fast in small towns.” The bartender said, patting him on the shoulder. “Word gets out that The Horseshoe has a new bouncer, a real sexy one, it spreads. Then everypony comes to get a good look, and maybe a shot.” She says, wiping the bar with a dirty rag. “And then a second one shows up, our friend Wild. Sure he’s nothing pretty, but he gives out what these mares need most.” She finishes, sliding a few beers to a customer.

Riot nodded slowly. “Yeah, that makes sense. There’s an acute lack of bucks, and the ones that are in town are either taken or too busy fucking the other bucks silly.”

She laughed. “Yeah, the odds aren’t exactly stacked in a straight mare’s favor.”

“Heh. Yup.” Riot looked about, watching some of the ponies file out. “No fights over the cock though, that’s a good sign.”

“Yep, these mares are good natured to one another. It helps matters that some mares are gracious enough to share. Sometimes you’ll see a stallion with two, or three mares at his side.” She said, leaning back, putting her hooves behind her head.

“Yeah. Then you get ones like Wild, then ones like me.” He shook his head slowly. “Wonder how long it'll take these mares to realize I ain't interested.”

“Heh, lots of mares are going to be disappointed with that one.” Berry said, putting a hoof on his shoulder. “But I understand feel for yah.”

“It’s my choice in the end.” Riot ran a hoof down the length of his face, then down his neck to the fat scar that still sat there. “My choice to make.”

“Mmhmm.” She said, nodding. “It’s good to see that, I’ve seen some mares who treat the stallions they attract like property, trading and bartering using them. It’s kind of fucked up.” She finished, watching the crowd build up momentum again, as the song changed.

“Yeah. I don’t think Aurora would do anything like that...” His sentence trailed off and the buck was soon lost in thought.

“Well, I guess it depends if the stallion is okay with that.” Berry shrugged. “But it’s nice, seeing a buck who really appreciates the monogamy thing.”

“Seems like I’m last again.” Riot shook his head as he reached for the bottle of water that sat unopened in his bag.

“Last? What do you mean?” She asked, pushing the bottle away from his hoof.

“Last buck out, last buck alive, last buck to stay true to his marriage agreement.” He grabbed the bottle and took a swig from its neck.

“Hey! Don't you sit at my bar being angry, while drinking fuckin water!” She said, nabbing it from him. “And being last ain’t always bad.”

“It’s a nice treat for Aurora, but it’s not exactly being shared with anypony else.” He pulled a second botle out and waved it in front of the mare.

“Yeah, selfish bastard.” She says, reaching for the item.

He pulled it out of her reach just as she neared it. “I paid for it with my own bits.” He smirked at the mare as she pouted angrily. Taking a long pull off the bottle, he tossed it into his bag.

She waved a hoof at him, before guzzling back from a bottle of whiskey. “Good stuff.” She said, offering it to Riot. “I’ve had stronger.”

“You’re not supposed to drink bleach and motor oil.” Riot held up a hoof and shook his head..

“Everclear, bleach, moonshine, equal parts, mix well.” The tipsy pony said, drinking down some of her whiskey.

“That would explain the shaky hooves and the twitchy eyes.”

“Hey, my hooves are plenty stable.” She said, holding the shaking appendage in front of his eyes. “See? I don’t see any shaking.” The mare finished, her eye twitching as it does, overriding the movement.

“Uh Huh, sure. I bet that nerve cluster right there.” He poked her neck with a hoof. “Is corroded to all fuck.”

“Just a little bit.” She said, holding her hooves slightly apart. “Got told to go to the hospital to have....something, done to it. Didn’t go, not enough bits.”

Riot exhaled slowly. “You know, I knew a soldier that was a lot like you.”

“Who was that?” She asked, taking another long pull.

“Gunny Ironhide. Drank like a skunk and swore up and down he could blow the head off a gopher from 50 metres while being piss drunk.” Riot chuckled softly at the memory. “He was supposed to go and have that nerve cluster fixed after he shot himself.”

“What ended up happening? Dead?” She asked, over the lip of the bottle.

“Nah, I think he’s deadlifting bears somewhere up in the Stalliongrad wilderness.” Riot rubbed his chest in memoriam. “Crazy fucker.”

“Oh well, at least I don’t know if it’ll kill me, yet.” She said, leaning back. “Whatever, I’ve got more time to drink and fuck, instead of worrying.”

“How much would the surgery cost?” Riot glanced back from the crowd to the mare. “To fix your kidneys I mean.”

“Lots.” She said, closing her eyes.

“How much?” He steadied his gaze on the tipsy bartender.

“Fifteen hundred.” She said flatly, downing the rest of the burning liquid.

“No way, that shit should be around two hundred flat. That unicorn’s talking out his Canterlot ass.” Riot nickered hotly.

“That’s how much it is now, maybe two years ago it was two hundred for me, but not now.” She said.

“Fuck that, I could perform that spell in me fuckin’ garage.” Riot spat into the sink as the music set wound down.

“R-really? Do you think you could?” She asked, worry making it’s way into her features for the first time.

“Maybe when I was younger. I doubt I could fix a paper cut now.” He looked at her, placing a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “Pity. I’ve fixed worse in shittier conditions.”

“Damn. I-it’s been so long with this shit....” Berry looked hopefully at him, putting both hooves on his chest.

Riot frowned deeply. He didn't want to see Berry suffer, but a regen spell was more than likely out of his reach. “If I fuck it up, it could kill you.” Riot stared at her, but doubt lingered in his features. “But-”

“But I don't care!” Berry grabbed his collar and shook him. 'If there's a chance, fuckin do it!”

Riot nickered, hoping sincerely that he wouldn't fuck it up. “Alright... When we close I'll give it a shot.”

Berry pumped her hoof, and called out. “Drinks on me!” She immediately regretted this decision, realizing that she was the one who would be giving them out, instead of some other bartender. She laughed nervously. “Can I have a hoof?

Riot nodded, grabbing a cooler full of brews. “You got it.”

The rest of the night passed uneventfully, Riot and Berry handing out piles of drinks, the room slowly emptying. The night came to a close, the last of the ponies filing out.

Vinyl left the DJ booth, stretching. Wild was sitting at the bar, draped over two stools, legs splayed out, tongue hanging out of his mouth in exhaustion. Riot shook his head, sending a short spray of sweat out.

“Whoo, that was a great night, more ponies than I ever remember showing up before.” Vinyl said, sitting next to Wild, draping a hoof over his neck.

Riot nodded, looking at the overflowing box of bits. “Yup, we made about three hundred at the door, and almost a thousand in drinks.” He looked up at the three ponies in front of him and grinned. “We’re out of alcohol though.”

Berry put a hoof to her face. “Worst idea ever.”

Wild smiled up at them. “Hehe, I made twice that in tips...or maybe I’m just seeing double...” He blinked rapidly.

“I think there’s a hole in your pocket Wild.” Riot let out a short laugh as the bucks eyes went wide.

“W-what?!” Wild rolled over, and collapsed to the floor. “Damn it.”

Riot chuckled mirthfully. “That's what you get you lecherous bastard.”

There was a knock upstairs, interupting any recourse.

“Riot, get that, will you?” Vinyl said, tossing her head as she lifted Wild up, and dusted him off.

“Yup.” Riot pushed off of the bar and started towards the door. There was another knock, this one heavier and faster. “Hold on! I’m comin dammit.” Riot pressed on the release hinge on the door.

The door opened, and Riot let out a cry of terror; slamming the door shut. There was another knock, and a mutted voice sounded out from the other side. Riot groaned, his head meeting steel several times before he pulled open the door again. A mare walked in, throwing her hooves around his neck. “Hello, Ashie!”

Riots eyes clamped shut as he forced a brief hug in return. “Hey Kep. What are you doing here? More importantly, how the hell did you find me?”

“Well, I followed the other ponies, of course! Nothing can keep us apart.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I missed you, big brother!”

Riots features were those of a horrified buck. He forced a grin onto them as the mare let go. “So. How have you been?” He pushed the question out to keep her occupied while he thought up how to murder himself.

“I’ve been great!” She smiled. “Take me to see your friends! You work here, lemmie see!” Kepler said trying the squeeze past him.

Riot nickered as she squeezed past him; the mare breaking into a half gallop as he smacked a hoof into his face. “Why Celestia? Why?”

“Woah, Riot you look different!” Wild’s voice came back up the stairs. “But just as sexy.”

Riot cringed painfully as he trotted down the short hallway. “God dammit Wild...I’m going to murder you!”

When he reached the bottom, Wild was already on his hooves. He took Kepler’s hoof in his, and kissed it lightly. “Nice to meet you, female Riot. Hello, male Riot.” The stallion said, waving. “Two Riots, I can’t tell you what I’m thinking right now.”

Riot held up a threatening hoof. “You better cease all though in that head right fuckin now, or so save me Celestia I’m blowing it off.”

He giggled, and kissed Kepler’s hoof again, leaning back. “So, who is this?”

“My baby sister.” He growled out, staring bayonets at both Kepler and Wild.

Vinyl giggled, but it was obviously forced. She kept her eye on the grey mare as she stood near Wild. “A twin, perhaps?” She asked, with just the slightest of bristlings of her neck fur, watching Wild and Kepler.

Riot peaked over his hoof, his face twisted in pain. “Eight years younger, looks the bloody same.” He scowled heavily. “My wonderful sister Kepler.”

Berry grimaced slightly. “What’s wrong, Riot? I would have thought you’d be happy to see your sister.” She spoke quietly, not wanting to draw much attention.

Kepler was too busy chatting with Wildman to notice the action around her. Riot sat next to Berry and rubbed the bridge of his nose; along yet another scar. “Yeah, not really. Whenever she shows up things go badly. For me. Always.”

“I’m sure things will be fine.” Berry said, putting a mulberry hoof on Riot’s shoulder. “Look, she’s getting along with everypony just fine.”

“For now.” Riot shook his head slowly. “Anyways, I think I promised something along the lines of a regen spell for you.”

“D-do you really think you can do it?” She asked, looking up at him.

Riot flatened his lips together and shook his head. “Nope. I can't do shit like that anymore.”

Wild turned his head. 'What are you doing Cap?” His eyes brightened. “Are you gonna have sex with Berr-” The stallion spat out the last sylable as Riot sent him to the floor.

“Wild, you of all ponies know better. I will beat you so bad your dozens of children will all be born bruised.” He ignored a glare of diapproval from Kepler.

“Question still stands Tiger.” Vinyl asked, standing next to Riot. “What are you doing to my bartender? I thought you weren't going to cheat.”

Riot groaned in defiance. “She wants me to use a regen spell on her, but I haven't done anything like that since-” Riot cut himself off before he dredged up memories he did not want. “Regardless, It didn't work then, and I doubt it'll work now.

Vinyl cocked an eyebrow. “It's a regen spell, how badly can it go? Really man, it really wouldn't hurt to try.” Vinyl shot an angry glare over at Kepler and Wild, who were right back into it. “You two, give Riot here some space so he can work his magic.

The pair offered no resistance, getting up almost immediately.“Ooh, Riot. She’s a good one, enjoy yourself!” Wild called, trotting up the steps, with Kepler taking the rear.

Riot snarled at him, causing the red buck to retract any stray limbs. Riot shook his head as he pursed his lips together. “Welp, fuck it then. If I gotta, I gotta. Go lie own or some shit. I'll be over in a moment.” Berry nodded breathlessly; quickly making her way over to one of the couchs. She laid down, and Vinyl sat down next to her. Riot ran a hoof through his mane before heading over. 'Okay, I'm gonna have to put my hooves on you Berry, you alright with that?”

“Mmhmm.” The bartender said, breathing once or twice, and then focusing hard on that one place of her stomach..

Riot placed his hooves on her stomach and a spot just around her waist. “Now take a deep breath.” His horn began to glow brighter and brighter. “Imagine that you’re completely healthy and s-safe.” His own mind flickered, giving him the image of a lemon yellow stallion, blood gurgling rapidly from a gaping tear in his throat.. “Nice even breaths.” His magic moved into the mare, easily finding the spots with the aid of his hooves.

Riot broke into a light sweat. “You-you’ll make it home...” The magic wrapped around her kidneys and liver. He could feel the gross amounts of damage done to them through alcohol abuse and other things. The buck grimaced as his features grew hard and focused.

In a moment, it was over. Riots horn died out completely. He kept his eyes clamped shut but let his hooves fall to his sides. Berry was panting, and Vinyl was holding her sweat-slicked body in place, keeping her from getting off of the couch during the spell. She’d been screaming, and writhing in pain the whole time, but Riot was too busy with the casting to realize.

Riot wheezed in pain as all of the air was forced out of his lungs, forcing him to the floor. In a moment, air came back in as he gasped. The stallion whiped his eyes, but didn't look up. The blood on his hooves wouldn't go away, not matter how many times he blinked.

“Y-you did it, Riot....I think she’s okay....” Vinyl stroked the mare’s back, cooing softly. To her, there was no blood, and desite a little pain, the whole thing had been a success.

“I-I’m fine.” Berry said, trying to stand on the couch, but had no strength in her limbs.

Riot shook slightly, his hooves clattering down onto the ground. “It's alright Mumbles... Ju-just hold on...Just don't die......” He clutched his head tightly in his hooves.

Vinyl looked at him, shocked. “A-are you okay?” She asked, moving to him, taking his head in her hooves. Riot curled against her, his bloodshot eyes clamped shut as he tried in vain to seal the ragged tear in his best friends throat. The ony responsible had run, and Riot hadn't chased him in fear that Mumbles would die..

[sizes=2]“Celestia, there's so much blood...” He shuddered, cowering under his hooves. His friend clutched at his uniform, mumbles's final words reduced to gurgles of blood and flem.

Vinyl took his head, cradling it in her hooves. “Shhh, shh, it's alright Riot, I'm here.” She slowly stroked his mane.

He shook violently in her hooves. Berry was just sitting up, holding her head and cursing loudly. “What the fuck did you do?” The mulberry mare said, whimpering. “A-at least there’s one place I don’t hurt...” She said, prodding her stomach, where her liver was usually screaming.

Riot seemed to not hear the mare over the sound of Mumbles' death rattle. He was holding his neck, coughing violently. “I'm so sorry Mumbles...I'm so sorry...”

“Easy Riot, easy... I've got you...” Vinyl said, kissing his forehead, stroking his mane.

Berry shook her head, wincing at the pain. She looked up, hoping to vent some pain and anger on the stallion. “What the fuck did you do to me? What, no anesthetic spell? Asshole.” She said, standing up, shakily walking over to the bar, and filling a huge glass with the dregs of every alcohol that they had on tap. She downed the thing in one go, laying her head on the bar.

“Wake up.... Wake up....” Vinyl repeated, sliding her hooves down Riot’s back, and kissing his face. “Come back to me, Riot.”

The dead stallion in his hooves faded from his vision. Riot could hear words being spoken to him, but nopony was left alive but him. He looked up towards the clouds, watching as the sun beamed happily across the wasteland of death and destruction..

Riots eyes snapped open; he was clutching at fur and cushion. “Ffuuck... My head.” He sat up, rubbing his eyes roughly. “Did I get run over or something?”

“I'm here...” Vinyl blinked, her hooves still curled around his neck. “Oh thank Celestia, you’re alright!” She said, kissing him on the lips, enraptured with happiness. Riots hooves curled and his eyes shot wide at the kiss. He blinked rapidly as the mare broke off. The DJ blushed madly, pulling away. “Y-you’re okay, that’s great.” She giggled nervously.

“Y-yeah, I’m fine. Just feel like crap is all.” He rubbed the back of his head, looking about. “Did it work? Is Berry alright?”

“I think so, but she just nearly offed herself with alcohol, so we won’t know for a while.” She said, touching her lips with a hoof.

“Gorram it, I just fixed that damn liver!” He hopped up, running towards the bar just as the tanked mare started mixing her next drink.

“No, fuck off.” The purple mare said, pointing at him with a hoof. “I just had surgery without anesthetic, on a fucking vital organ. I’m going to kill this pain the one way I know how.” She said, downing another one of the horrible-tasting concoctions.

“NO! I JUST FIXED THAT DAMN THING!” Riot dove over the bar, tackling the mare to the ground. “It was supposed to be a painless spell!”

“It wasn’t.” The already-tipsy mare said flatly.

Riot sputtered. “It was your idea anyways!”

Vinyl came up behind the pair. “She’s right, she was in pain and screaming the whole time.”

Riot looked up, confusion etched on his muzzle. “What? I didn’t hear any screaming.” He looked down at the mare. “If you hold still I can use a painkiller spell.” She went to drink again, only to have the bottle wrenched out of her grasp. “You’re not killing yourself! Your liver can’t take that kind of beating any more!”

She growled, groaned, and rubbed her eyes. “Just fucking do it already. I don’t want to feel this anymore, my whole body hurts.” Riots horn lit up, and a small line of magic went to the mares forehead. She yelped at the contact, but was quickly relieved of the pain that racked her body.

“Ohhhh, yes.” She said, eyes rolling up. The next thing that came from the mare was a quiet snoring.

Riot pouted for a moment before looking back up at the white DJ. “Should I move her to a couch?”

“Y-yeah...” She said, looking worried. “just bring her back over to the couch you used.”

Riot lifted the comatose mare up, quickly carting her over to the couch. “I don’t suppose we have any blankets?” The DJ’s head shaking was the only answer he needed. “Damn... Fuck it.” His jackets contents were emptied into his pants pockets, and the leather bomber was spread over the mare. “I hope she doesn’t puke all over it...”

“Riot.....what do you remember after casting the spell?” Vinyl asked, as the grey stallion stood up.

“The headache. Why?” He trotted over to the bar, replacing his soaked shirt with the fresh one. “I’m gonna need more shirts at this rate.”

“Y-you started whispering to somepony, begging them not to die...” She said, putting a hoof on his neck.

Riot flinched away as she touched the edge of his scar. “I-I don’t remember any of that...” His eyes fell downwards.

“It’s alright, I comforted you, made sure you were okay.” She nodded somberly, looking into his eyes.

“I...Thanks...” Riot looked up at the mare. “I don’t know what’s going on anymore...”

“What do you mean? Has something like this happened before?” She asked, concerned.

He nodded slowly, sitting down against the wall. “In the park, a couple days ago...”

“What happened?” She asked, sitting next to him, putting a hoof on the side of his face.

“I attacked Big Mac apparently.”

“Celestia...Why would you want to do that?” Vinyl asked, cocking her head to the side.

“I thought he was the enemy, and my enemies met bayonet and bullets.” Riot shook his head slowly. “If he had been anypony else, or even just a bit smaller, I might have killed him.”

Vinyl pulled back in fear, being close to such a strong pony who could crack at any moment. But she swallowed her fear, and moved closer, putting a hoof over his shoulder. “T-that’s terrible....” She said. “Y-you should see a doctor.”

“I don’t know who to see though... I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” He grasped her hoof tightly. “I remember Pinkies fuckin..Cannon, going off... then black. I remember casting the healing spell on Berry, then fuckin....Black.” He lied. Clutching at his head, he worked the edge of his one hoof into it.

“Umm. I really don’t know.....go to ponyville general, and see if anypony can help you, I mean, what if you had the same thing as you did with big mac just now. Both me and Berry would be dead.”

Riots eyes went wide in fear. “Oh Celestia...What if it happened while I was home...With Hunter and Aurora?” His hooves shook with fear at the thought of killing his own family and not realizing it.

Vinyl cringed as the stallion stared down at his hooves. “Alright, you can stay here with the two of us tonight, and we’ll get you to the hospital in the morning, how does that sound?” The DJ asked, bringing herself closer to the scared stallion.

“I...I don’t know Vinyl...I...” He clenched his eyes shut. “Maybe I should just leave...Go wander off into the Everfree.”

She whapped him in the head with a coaster. “No, bad pony.” The mare’s face hardened. “You’re going to get better. You’re staying here tonight, and then you’re going to the hospital.”

Riot looked up at the mare, his eyes filled with pain. “Vinyl...”

“No. You’re staying away from your family, and there’s nowhere else for you to go.”

He groaned in defeat, accepting her ruminations. “Alright Vinyl.” Riot shook his head, then placed a hoof on her cheek. “Thanks for helping me out down there.”

She blushed under his hoof, and stood. “Come on, I rent the place above this. Bring sleeping beauty.” The mare said, heading up the stairs. “I’ll go send the lovers home.”

“I...I don’t know what to say to Aurora.” He looked about before lifting up the sleeping mare. He reached out with his magic, grabbing his duffel bag and the money box. “Might as well deal with it when my brains not fucked.”

Upstairs, Vinyl trotted up to the door, and peeked out. “Hey, you two, get over here a minute.”

The pair looked up as they finished making out. Wild blushed, waving weakly as he stood over Kepler. “O-oh, hi Vinyl....” He said, foreleg wrapped around Kepler’s neck, while his other hoof lay on her belly, and had been inching lower just seconds before.

Kepler smiled broadly as she waved. “Howdy! Did brother mess something up again?” The mare asked with a happy smirk.

Vinyl bristled, trying to keep calm. “It’s time for the pair of you to leave. Riot is staying here tonight. Go home.” She said, turning around, and trotting back inside, closing the door with a bang.

Vinyl came up next to Riot as he carried the comatose Berry punch up the stairs and into Vinyls home. “Where do you want her?”

“Toss her out on the couch.” She said, nearly a growl.

Riot did so, placing the mare down on the couch, then removing his jacket and placing a small blanket over the mare. He smiled slightly without looking at the DJ. “Alrighty.”

“Alright, come on.” She said, bringing him into the only bedroom. “Here, this is you, I’ll snuggle up to the drunkard.”

Riot grunted. “I can just sleep in the corner, I've handled worse. It is your bed after all.”

Vinyl blushed again. “I... Maybe I should keep an eye on you, make sure you don't do anything silly in your sleep.” She said, looking away slightly.

“I...Fuck it. I'm not going to argue.” He frowned tiredly; taking off the shirt. “I’ll keep the pants on though.”

“If you need to.” The mare said, sliding into the blankets.

“They are pretty uncomfortable. But I’ll keep em on.” He clambered onto the bed, slowly making his way up. The white mare pulled the blanket over herself, sighing as Riot came to rest next to her, bringing the blanket over himself as well. Vinyl snuggled into him slightly, taking in the warmth from his long fur.

Riot laid there for a moment, exhaustion finally starting to overcome him. Vinyl sucked in a breath; scooching in closer and she nuzzled his chest. Despite her assumptions, Riot didn't do anything to fight it.

“Night Vinyl...”

“G-goodnight.” She said, warmth spreading through her body, congregating at the space between her haunches.

Riot silently prayed that he wouldn’t have any dreams that night, and that he would be able to be fixed in the morning.
_________________________________________________________

Chapter Four

Vinyl awoke as sunlight bled through her thin curtains. She snuggled into the covers, loving the unusual warmth they gave her. She snuggled backwards, feeling the long chest fur of somepony else. The night before rocketed through her brain, and she pulled forward slightly, away from the large pony behind her. Riots body twitched softly as he mumbled something in his sleep. Vinyl rolled over, facing the stallion. She yawned, then bit her lip, trying to decide what to do.

I should probably wake him up, and get him to the hospital......

The mare looked around slowly, and cuddled into him, sighing happily.

Fuck that shit.

Riots facial features were uncharacteristically soft; twitching slightly as he dreamt. “No....Wait...” His back hoof kicked softly.

“Easy Tiger, Momma’s here.” She slowly stroked his mane, and down his back, sighing contentedly into his chest.

The buck seemed to calm down slightly; his twitching less erratic and his legs still. The buck wrapped his hooves around Vinyl, hugging her softly. “I love...”

Vinyl looked up at his closed eyes, and bit her lip again. She shook her head.

No, Vinyl. Married buck, in your bed. Bad pony!

Riot yawned loudly, stretching out in the bed. He rolled over, hugging the mare tightly. “Mmm...Mornin Aura...”

Vinyl frowned, guilty about what was happening to her. “R-Riot....” She said, weakly, only half-hoping he’d come to his senses.

The buck kept his eyes closed as sun poured in through the curtains. “Mmes?” It was obvious he was still barely conscious. The white DJ sighed sadly, wanting to snuggle into him. She didn’t move, hoping he’d fall back asleep, and not remove his strong hooves. The buck smacked his lips together as he rubbed his legs together. “S’cold...” He hugged the mare into his chest, falling back into deep sleep.

She hugged the large stallion, and stealthily placed a kiss on his sleeping lips. The mare pulled back, hoof on her muzzle.

Why did I do that? Fuck.

Vinyl squeezed her eyes shut, and whimpered pathetically in his hooves. Of course she had to be in bed with the one stallion who wouldn’t try to take advantage of the fact. Said stallion twitched again, murmuring quietly as he nuzzled against the covers and the warm mare in front of him..

A dreamer... Heh.

As much as she never wanted this moment to end, she sighed, and prodded the buck. “Riot.....it’s time to wake up....”

He rolled over, waving a hoof about lazily. “Ffiiive more minutes....”

“I-I’m sorry, Riot. You have to get up.” She squeezed her eyes shut, so she wouldn’t have to see him, trying to stop the cascade of warmth through her body at his touch.

“S’omethin wrong?” He tried to open his eyes, but had to rub them with a hoof to clear out the sleep. He cracked a veiny eye open and looked down at the mare. He sat up a bit, blinking faster. “Vinyl? I-” He stopped seeming to remember the night before. “Ugh, right...” He sat up completely, swinging his legs off the end of the bed. “I didn’t wake you up, did I? I tend to...Move about in my sleep.”

She sighed. “N-no. You didn’t wake me up.....What do you want for breakfast? I think we have....” She tapped her chin with a hoof. “Whiskey?”

“I think I’ll run to sugarcube corner and grab some breakfast stuff, Berry will need as much grease as possible to avoid a killer hangover.” He thought for a moment. “I could go for a muffin...”

“Here, let me pay, we can go together while Berry’s out of it.” She said, swinging her long rear legs off of the bed as well.

Riot nodded, thinking the idea over. “Alright, let’s get movin. I don’t want her jumping straight into the booze when she wakes up.”

“Yeah...” Vinyl said, standing. “....I’m sorry for snuggling up to you like that...”

Riot went to say something, but retracted both his hoof and words. “Yeah, it was nice.”

The mare gulped, and looked down. “I-it was wrong of me.”

“Don’t sweat it, it’s pretty cold out.” He shivered dramatically as he placed a hoof down on the floor.

Vinyl hopped to the floor as well, slipping her sunglasses over her face to stop Riot from seeing the sadness in her eyes. “Yeah, come on, lets go.” She said, back to her usual bubbly self.

A few minutes later the pair were standing inside the bakery, staring into the display case as they tried to figure out what would make a good autumn breakfast.

“Ooh, apple cinnamon muffins? Or maybe raisin bagels and cream cheese?” Vinyl asked, bending far down to look at the bottom shelf.

Riot somehow managed to not look at the mare, instead busying himself with the bagel rack. “I’m thinkin a cheddar bagel with cream cheese.” He waved over a somewhat happier looking Mr. Cake. “I’ll get a cheddar bagel, and a chocolate chip muffin.”

“Good choice, Sir, and you, Miss Scratch?” He asked, looking expectantly to the young mare.

“I’ll..hmmm....I’ll take two apple cinnamon muffins, and two coffees. One milk two sugars, and one with two milks.” She replied.

Riot nodded before a memory hit him. “Oh! Could you make up a greasy breakfast sandwich? Got a friend who drank a bit too much last night.”

“Ummm, sure?” Mr. Cake said, with some uncertainty. “I’ll be right back with everything.”

Riot smiled, then turned to speak to Scratch. A pink blur at the edge of his vision sent his spine on edge. “Pinkie?”

“Hmm?” Vinyl asked, looking behind her, seeing nothing. “Uhh, Riot, are you losing it?”

He looked around, a look of actual worry spreading across his features. “I hope so...” Another pink blur. The damn mare was stalking him. “Pinkie, please just come out. I don’t want a repeat of last time.”

There was a loud sigh of defeat, and the bright pink mare dropped from the ceiling. “Ruin all my fun...” Her smile returned tenfold. “I brought you a ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ cupcake!” She held out the tiny confectionary, which had her exact words embedded on it with icing.

The stallion managed a weak smile, taking the food. “Thanks, though I’ve been here for awhile now.”

The hyperactive mare shrugged. “I’ve been busy with all the new drop ins, and helping the Cakes-”

“Pinkie, please. These two are trying to enjoy their romantic breakfast. Please just go back inside the kitchen, Mrs. Cake could use a few extra hooves.” Mr. Cake waved the pink mare off, much to her chagrin.

Riots eyes went wide as Pinkie sighed heavily. “Fiiiine...” She said before she trudged into the kitchen; while Riot rushed out his words.

“We aren’t-” He waved a hoof between himself and Vinyl. “Together. I’m married, actually.” He smiled weakly at the stallion.

Mr. Cake smiled apologetically. “Oh, I’m sorry, Sir. Vinyl usually takes her buckfriends here for breakfast. Now, enjoy your food.” He said, sliding a bag with their food across the counter.

Riot looked over at his now blushing companion. “Well then.” He grabbed the bag of food after depositing the bits on the counter and pointed at the door. “Shall we?”

“S-sure.” She said, hanging her head slightly as she walked.

The pair arrived back at Vinyls house, just in time to see Berry wake up with the worst hangover she had ever experienced to date. The mare was on the floor, clutching her head and whimpering loudly, and pathetically.

“P-please....J-just kill me.” She groaned, putting her hooves over her head.

Riot chuckled lightly, trotting over and offering the greasy food to the mare. “Here, eat this. It’ll make you feel better.”

“O-okay......You’ve got pretty eyes, you know that?” She asked, taking a bite of the food.

The stallion blinked, then trotted into the kitchen, quickly returning with a bottle of alcohol. “Alright, greasy food and some hair of the dog that bit ya.” He smiled lightly at Berry, who was all but hiding under the couch to avoid the suns painful rays.

Berry whined, moaning as she pulling herself deeper into the recesses of the underside of the couch. “It’s been forever since we dusted down her-ACHOO!”

Riot flinched slightly as Berry sneezed on him, then looked out the window. “I’m gonna scarf down me food, then I better get moving.”

Vinyl smiled weakly at him. “Alright, it was really nice having you over, thanks for paying for breakfast.” She said, giving him a short hug, revelling in his warm body against hers.

“Don’t worry about it, it was my treat.” The buck wrapped a hoof around her shoulder, giving her a quick squeeze. “So Berry, how’s the kidney’s feeling?” A loud groan replied from beneath the couch. Vinyl smiled, blushing slightly.

Damn this white fur, I look like a cherry.

Riot chuckled, patting the lone hoof that poked out of the couch. “It’s alright. You can’t drink that much anymore, but you’ll be able to pee without it burning like hellfire.”

“Whee, pain-free pissing.” Berry said flatly, wiggling the one hoof.

“And! And, you’ll live longer.” He smiled dramatically, then scarfed down the little muffin.

“Yay.” The flat voice sounded back. “Somepony pass me some bleach and a sippie-cup.”

Riot picked up the couch, staring down at the mare. “I will stick that lamp up your ass if you break your liver again.”

“Do you promise?” She asked. He couldn’t see her face, but he knew she was grinning.

“Yup, and it won’t be pretty.” He dropped the couch back down, registering a weak oomf from the mare under it. He turned, shaking his head before devouring the bagel. “Welp, it’s about time that I get out of here.”

Vinyl snickered lightly before speaking. “Oh.....okay. W-well, you c-come over whenever you n-need me.....Us, us, I meant us.” She said, blushing hotly.

The stallion nodded; rolling his eyes on the inside. “I don’t know if I can come in tonight, I’d like to spend some time with my son and Aurora.” He waved, then trotted out the door into the morning sun. There was a nip of cold in the air, and a large bank of storm clouds gathering in the distance, It was obvious that the pegasi had plans for a storm tonight.

Inside, Vinyl was dealing with trying to drag Berry out from under the couch. The other mare had differing plans, and was quickly capitalizing on Vinyls weakness.

“You’ve got a crush on Riiiooot~”

Vinyl hissed loudly, before jabbing a duster under the couch. “Shut your hole you drunkard.”
______________________________________________________________________

Riot stood outside Ponyville general, wondering if whatever condition he had was worth going in for. He shook his head, trotting towards the doors. “I promised I would.” He came up to the front desk, where a light purple pegasus with a white and blue mane smiled at him.

“Hello, Sir. What can I do for you today?” The mare said, looking at him brightly.

“I need to talk to a doctor or nurse. One who knows something about head problems.” He gave her a weak smile back.

“Which kind of ‘head problems’, Sir?” She asked. “Psychological, or physical?”

“Not entirely sure ma’am.” Riot shrugged slowly.

“Alright, I’ll get somepony who can diagnose you. Mr......?”

“Iron Venture.”

“Alright, Mr. Venture, if you could take a seat over there, I can have one of the nurses out to see you in a few minutes.”

Riot did as he was told, taking a seat near the corner in one of the very uncomfortable hospital seats. He leaned back, kicking one of his clothed legs over the other. It wasn’t long before a white mare with a vibrant pink mane trotted over to him.

“Hello Mr. Venture. I’m nurse Redheart, and if you could just follow me, I can see what is wrong with you.” She smiled at him confidently, and started trotting off towards the hallway.

“Alright then.” Riot stood up from his seat, and quickly fell in line behind the mare, matching her steps perfectly.

“Mr. Venture, I said to follow-” She turned around, his silence making her think he’d not been following. When she turned and ended up with a faceful of his chest fur, she pulled back, and blushed. “Oh! I`m sorry Mr. Venture, you were so quiet I thought you’d not heard me.”

He chuckled softly as she continued down the hall. “Sorry, all those years in the military makes it kind of subconscious that I match step.”

“Military? Interesting.” She said, opening the door to one of the rooms. “If you would undress, that would make things easier.” She continued, closing the door. Riot raised an eyebrow, but did as he was told. Placing his clothes next to the table then hopped up on it.

She smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Venture. So, why is it you came in here today?” She asked, checking his pulse with a stethoscope, jotting down the results.

Riot sighed heavily. “Well...It’s difficult to explain.”

“Well, we won’t be able to help you if we don’t know what’s wrong.” She said, depressing his tongue, and checking around the inside.

“Alright alright...” He bowed his head slightly after waving off the nurse as she approached with a thermometer. “I’ve been having mental flashes... Of my time in the military.” He looked up at the mare. “They haven’t been pleasant, and they haven’t been without incident.”

“Oh, really?” She asked. “Well, then that’s not really my place.” Nurse Redheart said, continuing her checkup like it was second nature, which by this point, it probably was.

“I don’t know what to do anymore... I’m afraid that I’m going to hurt somepony the next time I have a flashback, somepony I love...” His eyes fell to the ground.

“Alright, Mr. Venture. I’ll get you an appointment with the psychologist, he’s supposed to be free in two days, can you come in then, around three in the afternoon?” She asked. “You may put your clothing back on.” She said, turning, and bending over to place the medical clipboard where it belonged.

She rustled around, moving things inside the small cupboard. “If I may ask, why do you wear clothing? Most ponies around here don’t, unless it’s a uniform.” She said, putting a hoof on her medical garb, which consisted of a white apron-like jacket, and a cap with a red cross, in her mane.

“It’s a force a habit... Military. We have to wear clothing at all times, battle or none. It’s so we can hide easier, not get killed...” He held his grey shirt up, feeling the fabric in his hoof. “I suppose you go with something for so long, you can’t imagine going without it.”

“I guess that would make sense.” Redheart said, standing. “Especially if it were a pony like me. Stark white on the battlefield probably wouldn’t fare too well, hmm?” She asked with an innocent smile.

He nodded. “Yup, we’d have to dirty you up before you even left barracks.”

The mare blushed, smiling slightly. “Oh, would you?”

“Yup, we’d-” His sentence died as he saw the look on the mares face. “Was it something I- Oh Gorram it.” He slapped his face with a hoof, then let out a chuckling laugh.

She giggled. “Not that I’d be very averse to it.....” The mare suddenly looked down. “Oh, that was very inappropriate...”

“Hah, don’t sweat it. I’ve been put through the ringer ever since I got into this crazy town.” He looked up at the mare, a small grin spreading on his features. “I wonder why stallions from all over aren’t flocking here, considering the amount of single mares running about.”

“Yeah.....this place needs some new stallions.” Redheart sighed. “Some of us haven’t been able to find a stallion for.....years, even. I..I think we had more before the war broke out.”

Riot winced, looking out the window. He seemed to contimplate something for a moment before speaking. “Why don’t you come by the Horseshoe? There’s a couple stallions who galavant about there who you might want to meet.” Riot tightened his belt before looking at the nurse. “I’ll let you in.”

“R-really?” She asked, hope rising in her face.

“Yup, free o’ charge, one night only.” Riot made his way towards the door. “You’ll see flyers up all over town, and you can’t miss the noise.” He gave her a small smile before leaving.

“Alright, I’ll see you there, then?” She said, eyes shining brightly.

Riot stopped halfway through the door. “Yup, I might not be working, but I’m sure I can swing by and give you some company.” He smiled, bumping the mare on the shoulder. His hooves carried him out the hospital and towards his home. It was a saturday, Hunter would be home, and Aurora didn’t have work. Riot relished in the idea of having some proper family time.
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Riot stopped short of the door, his heart pounding in his chest. He wiped his brow, then unlocked the door. The inside of the house was dark, and quiet. Riot went to drop his duffel bag onto the couch and announce his presence; he heard a giggle coming from his room. Placing the bag down as quietly as he could, Riot stole over to the door, then pressed his ear against it.

“Ch-Cheer!” There was a surprised squeak, and then a quiet moan. “N-naughty mare.....” Aurora’s voice, soft, melodious, sultry.

“Oh, you know you love it.” Cheerilee’s voice; a much sexier undertone, but still as soft as usual.

“Y-yes Miss Cheerilee.” Aurora’s voice again.

Riot grimaced heavily. His fears had been completely confirmed; not only had they been confirmed, but they were being dangled in front of him, like he was an animal. A wave of anger washed over him; the tingling feeling spreading through his chest and head. I should go and grab my rifle; pin that cheating cunt to the bed with my bayonet before I- He shook his head roughly in a vain attempt to dislodge the vulgar thought of taking the pair in the other room apart limb by limb.

There was a quick series of high-pitched squeaks, and a moan. “Mmm, Miss Venture, what is that stain? Clean it up, or I’ll have you in for detention.” There was a slurping noise. “Good girl, now. Like before.....Just give me a moment, I left something special outside...” There was the sound of bedsprings, and the sound of a hoof touching the door.

Riot leaned against the wall, staring at the door as it opened. The purple mare went pure white as she looked up at Riot. “M-Mr. Venture!”

Riot leaned in close, narrowing his eyes at the mare. “Evening Cheerilee. Doing some tutoring with my wife?”

‘I-I-I-I...” The mare seemed totally unable to reply, struck dumb with pure fear. She backpedaled into the room, where Aurora squeaked in terror; pulling a blanket up to her chin. Riot looked over them, hatred flooding his features.

“Where’s Hunter?” He narrowed his eyes at the batpony mare. “Where is he Aurora? Don’t tell me you had the gall to fuck around with your own son in the same house.”

“He’s at Rarity’s...” Cheerilee shrank away immediately after speaking, fearing his ire.

Aurora looked up at him in fear. “Y-you didn’t come home last night...You were sleeping with that whore! It’s only fair!” She looked at Cheerilee for support.

Riots expression twisted violently. “I was in the hospital! I’m trying to get used to being normal again, and you go and do this!?” He snorted hot air; the idea of murder becoming more and more appeasing.

“I-I’m sorry, Ash.....B-but I love Cheerilee. I know that now.” Aurora said, gaining confidence. “I think that we should spend some time apart.” The mare pulled Cheerilee to her side.

He closed his eyes; running a hoof down the length of his face. “How long. How long have you been seeing her behind my back?”

“T-two months....” The mare said. “I s-saw her for the first time a month and a half before you arrived.

“And you never stopped, did you?”

“No.” Aurora said, looking at the floor.

Riot nodded slowly, pushing off the wall. “Fine. Keep Cheerilee.” He glared at the school teacher for a moment. “I’m going to Rarity’s; to try and explain to Hunter why Daddy can’t come home any more, and why Momma’s loving teacher more than she ever did Daddy.” He snarled the words out before turning away, and trotted into the living room.

Aurora ran out after him. “Ash, wait. You can still see Hunter whenever you want! I’ll even give you custody. We just have to agree that Hunter gets both parents in his life. After that, I don’t care what happens, I just want Hunter to live an at least semi-normal life.”

“What about the pregnancy? Aurora? What about the foal you’re cookin up?” Riot looked over his shoulder at Aurora. He hated how Cheerilee just hung around in the background, just watching his marriage implode on itself.

“I......I don’t know.....” She said, with a pathetic whimper.

“Of course you don’t.” He straightened up, grabbing the bag in his magic. Riot jabbed a hoof in her direction. “You never knew what to do! You always relied on me to pul the weight of the is family, and now you’re shitting on everything I’ve ever done for you!” Riot snorted angrily. “I’ll be back in a few hours to get the rest of my things.” At that, he trotted to the door.

“G-goodbye Ash.” Aurora said, tears pouring down her face, ears laid back.

“Stop calling me that. You have no right..” Riot nudged the door open; his ears folded back and his features contorted in pain. The door clicked closed behind him, but he didn’t stop moving. His first and foremost priority was Hunter. He needed to see his son.
_____________________________________________________

The rain clouds were threatening the night from where they laid in the near distance. It was obvious the pegasi were capitalizing on their plans for a heavy shower tonight. Riot trudged forward just as the clouds opened up; Carousel boutique coming into view. Riot trotted up the steps and knocked lightly on the door.

There was a set of hooves on hardwood, and then the door opened. It was Rarity, and she was smiling widely.

“Hello Captain! I thought that little Hunter wasn’t being picked up until tomorrow.” She said, and despite her confusion, she maintained a steady composure, and an alluring charm.

Riot sighed softly as he looked down at the steps. “I know Rarity. I just need to talk to him.”

“Alright, I’ll go get him,is everything alright?” She asked, putting a dainty hoof on his shoulder.

His ears folded back as he shook his head, sending his mane flopping about. “No. Everything isn’t alright... I just hope Hunter can forgive me.”

The mare looked at him apologetically, hints of fear prodding at her features. “What happened, is Aurora alright?”

“I would assume so... She’s with her special somepony.” He ran a hoof through his mane then looked at the mare. “Where’s Hunter? I...I need to seehim.”

“Alright, please, come inside. It’s about to rain.” She trotted off into the house, and up the stairs. After a couple of minutes, Hunter came back down the stairs, a confused look on his face. Riot waved from the small couch Rarity had for waiting clients. Hunter sat down next to his father, and nuzzled his side.

“What is it, Dad? Is everypony okay?” Riot tried to smile at the colt, but he couldn’t hold it as his features became filled with sorrow. He hugged the colt tightly, placing his head over Hunters shoulder so the colt wouldn’t see him cry. “Dad? Is Momma okay? Did something happen to her?” He asked, fear in his eyes.

Riot shook his head while he held Hunter tightly. “Your...Your Momma’s fineHunter...S-she’s with...Cheerilee. She’s fine.” He cringed heavily as his insides twisted up into tight knots.

“Cheerilee?” He asked, face scrunching up. “Why is she with Miss Cheerilee?” The tiny unicorn asked, feeling his father shaking.

The buck sobbed once, his chest heaving heavily as he clutched Hunter tightly. “ She’s her special somepony now Hunter...” He didn’t look up to see the white and purple dress maker standing at the door, holding a hoof to her mouth.

“W-what d-do you mean? I t-thought y-you were m-momma’s special somepony......T-that’s what it is when you get m-married, you become their special s-somepony forever, right? Right?” Hunter asked desperately.

Riot nodded. “It sure is buddy, and don’t you ever think differently...” Riot sniffed heavily before wiping his eyes. Facing the young colt, he couldn’t help but smile and choke out his words. “But no matter what, never forget that I love you more than anything in the world Hunter. You’re my beautiful little moon...”

The little colt began to cry, his tiny eyes brimming with tears. “W-what happened? S-she’s M-momma’s special somepony n-now.......W-what happens to you? And me?” He asked, uncertainty and fear leaking into his voice and features. .

“I’ll still be here for you Hunter. I’ll...I’ll just be living somewhere else.” He hugged the foal to his chest, letting the colt hold onto his fur and cry it out. “We both still love you, so very much. Momma just...Doesn’t love Daddy anymore.”

“B-but w-what do you mean? M-mommy’s l-love daddy’s, and daddy’s lo-love mommy’s.....Th-that’s how things are supposed to w-work....” The foal looked totally devastated.

Riot pulled in a breath, steeling himself so he could take care of his son. “I know Hunter.... Aurora...She changed her mind. I wasn’t...I wasn’t good enough for her. I’m sorry Hunter... I... I ruined everything.”

“N-no, Dad. It-it wasn’t y-your fault...S-she changed her m-mind, you d-did the best you could....” The colt shook with a sob. “T-things are a-all going to be different, now...”

Riot nodded, his anger and sorrow getting stuffed deep inside. “Yeah. Things are gonna be a little different now, but I’ll still be here for you.” He placed a hoof on Hunters chest, right where his heart was. “Even when I’m not around, I’ll still be in here, always.”

The colt finally smiled, wiping some of the tears from his face. “Y-you aren’t g-going to leave ponyville, a-are you?”

He gave the colt a serious look as he placed both of his large hooves on Hunters shoulders. “Never. Not as long as you’re still here. If Aurora want to take you away, she’ll have to do it over my cold, dead carcass. I will never leave you.” Riot had, up till that point, kept most of the malice out of his voice, but at that moment, some of it leaked through.

“G-good.....W-where s-should I go? I-I don’t think I should s-stay here, I-I’ll just make Sweetie sad.....and I don’t really wanna see momma right now.” Hunter said, looking at the floor.

Riot thought for a moment. He had thought about this on the way over, but he hadn’t come to a conclusion. “You should stay here for the night. Your friend Sweetie can help you feel better about all this. I’ve seen her make you smile before.” He tickled the colts side; smiling himself. “Tomorrow...We’ll deal with it when it comes, won’t we soldier?” Riot pulled back, placing a hoof on the colts shoulder.

Hunter nodded, wiping the rest of the tears from his face. “A-alright, Dad....I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” He asked. “Miss Rarity, can I still stay the night?” The colt looked to the tearing white mare.

“O-of course, little one. You can stay here whenever you want.” She said, taking the colt onto her back. “I-I’m sorry, Riot.” Rarity said, looking at the grey pony.

He looked up at her, his eyes filled with mirth. “Yeah. For what it’s worth, so am I.” Riot stood from the couch; shouldering his bag. “I better get going. I’ll see you tomorrow Hunter, you be good for Rarity.”

“Oh you won’t have to worry about that.” Rarity said, smiling. “He’s just the nicest and most polite colt I know.” She nuzzled the colt, and he giggled. “And Sweetie really likes him, and he keeps her out of trouble.”

“That’s good to hear. If you have any problems-” He paused for a second, not sure what to say. “Call...Call the Horseshoe and ask for me. I’ll be right over come hell or high water.”

“No problem.....W-what do I do if A-aurora comes?” She asked. “I mean.....legally, I can’t keep him from her...”

“Let her do the talking. I’m sure she’ll say something about me or what happened.” He placed a hoof on her shoulder. “It’ll prolly come to dual custody. She said she wanted Hunter to have a normal life.” He placed his hoof back on the ground. “I can’t see thing being very normal for him from here on though.”

“I d-don’t wanna go with momma. I wanna stay with Miss Rarity, or you, daddy.” The foal said, standing up on the aforementioned mare’s back.

“Goodbye, Riot.....I’m sorry.” Rarity said, daintily trotting up the stairs.

Riot waved goodbye to Hunter, then trotted through the door and towards the Horseshoe. Just as the door to Rarity's home clicked closed behind him, the sky cracked open once again and the downpour began. Riot shrugged his duffel bag over, then started walking.
___________________________________________________________

Riot finally reached the Horseshoe, but he had been completely soaked for almost fifteen minutes. Darkness had fallen, and he could barely hear anything over the roar of the water. His hooves clattered down the steps and his shoulder pressed the door open. He trotted in a few steps, then shook himself. Scrapping his hooves on the mat, Riot trotted into the club proper.

Vinyl was chatting with Berry at the bar. It looked like they had brought in a new order of alcoholic substances. The pair smiled before waving at him. Vinyl pushed off the bar and trotted over to him. “So, how’d it go?”

Riot dropped his soaking wet bag down on the concrete floor. “I have to go back in two days, see a psychologist.” Keep quiet about it. Last thing we need is this bastion to be corrupted.

“Oh, well at least that is some progress!” Vinyl said, hugging around his neck

Riot nodded, heart still pounding and hurting from before. He hugged the mare back, but put no strength behind it. “Yeah, yeah it is.”

She pulled away, putting a hoof on his chest. “Are you alright? Your heart is going a mile a minute.” She asked, cocking her head.

“I’m fine, just jogged all the way here to avoid the rain. I didn’t make it.”

“Alright....” Vinyl said, a concerned look marring her pretty face.

He smiled at her, trying to put the mare at ease. “I’m fine, just a little wet. My kid’s spending the night at Rarity’s, hanging with his little marefriend.” He chuckled for a moment. “Auroras bone tired, I figured I’d come out and work.” Whore’s lucky she isn’t a fucking grease stain on the carpet right now. Riot focused for a moment; silently telling the angry little voice to go sit in the corner.

“Okay, if you’re sure.” Vinyl said, lightly brushing his cheek with a hoof.

He brushed her hoof away. “Yup, now lets get ready, we’ll have a lot of wet bodies movin about tonight.”

Riot trotted over to the door; cracking it open. The stallion pulled back slightly as he looked out into the literal monsoon. “Damn...” He turned about, trotting back into the club. “Do we have any space heaters?”

Vinyl poked her head out of the booth. “Heating’s been broken for twelve years.” She said. “Doesn’t matter though, the crowd makes its own heat. In the summer, it gets so bad there’s sweat dripping from the ceiling.”

“Then we may want to break out some hot chocolate, we’re going to be dealing with some shivering ponies.”

Berry piped up from the bar. “I’ve got plenty to get the fire stoked in their belly.” She said, wiggling a bottle of magically enhanced ‘flamewhiskey’.

Riot shrugged, looking back at the door. “Alright, but I’m not standing out there if I don’t have to.”

Vinyl nodded. “You can stay down here, not many ponies will brave the storm for cheap hooch. But we’ll get a good number of ponies.”

There was a frenzied knocking just as Riot was turning away. The stallion let out an exasperated sigh as he turned again, and opened the door. It was Wild, soaked to the bone, with Kepler in tow. Riot cocked an eyebrow, then stepped aside to let them in. “You two look like drowned rats.”

“I don’t feel much better.” Wild said, shaking himself dry, all over Riot. Kepler giggled, stepping to her big brother, and giving him a big hug, drying her face off in his chest.

Riot smiled broadly, not caring that it looked completely forced. “Good to see you too Kep.”

The two ponies headed down the stairs, and Riot followed. Wild was biting his lip, and talked to Vinyl.

“Vinyl, I’m sorry. But we can’t be together anymore......I kind of found somepony.” He said, wrapping his sodden wing over Kepler lovingly.

Vinyl bristled, and snorted. “Congratulations.” She said, turning away, back into the booth. “You both deserve each other.”

Riot looked over the pair, his features blank. Wildman looked away from him, his eyes shifting about anywhere that Riot didn’t occupy. Just fucking lovely! First, Aurora leaves us, now Chickenshit Wild is fucking Kepler! The angry pony in his head stomped, filling his head with ideas and dark thoughts. It was all Riot could do to shove the images away and push the little pony off to the side.

Kepler looked apologetically at Riot. “I-I’m sorry...we j-just found something in each other.....”

Riot snorted hotly as he turned back towards the door. “You two love birds try not to stain the carpets.”

Wild sighed, watching him walk away. “Kep, what’s up with him? Why do you have to apologize?” He whispered into the grey mare’s ear.

Riot ignored the rest of the exchange as he ducked outside the door, just under the tiny awning.
_____________________________________________________________________________

The first mare of the evening was surprisingly; Nurse Redheart. She’d ditched the nurse’s uniform, and taken her hair out of the tight bun she always wore, instead it hung freely; it looked much, much, longer than it looked like it did while in it’s normal ‘do. She had red lipstick on, and her eyelashes were spruced up, with a bit of shadow on her eyelids. The mare was mostly dry, carrying an umbrella in her mouth. She came up to Riot, smiling nervously.

“H-hello, Mr. Venture.” She said, extremely shy, unused to being so done up.

He smiled at her, opening the door and bowing slightly. “After you madame. Tell our bartender that I sent you with regards.”

She blushed heavily, and walked past. “I-I’m sorry...I’m just so nervous. D-do I look okay?” She asked.

“You look lovely.” Riot smiled at the mare before leaning against the door frame. “I’ll be inside fairly soon, maybe we can talk then?”

The blush seemed to spread over Redhearts entire white body. “I-I’d like that....” She walked by, swinging her flanks as sexily as she could. Riot cocked an eyebrow when he saw that under the small dress she was wearing, there was a small black strip, that could only be a thong, stretched between her taut flanks.

Riots eyebrows disappeared up into his fringe. It looked like life wasn’t done throwing curve balls tonight.

A few more ponies came, depositing their bits in the bucket that Riot was manning. The next group was Mr. and Mrs. Cake, together, side by side. “Hey there, handsome.” Mrs. Cake said, bumping Riot’s side as she walked past. “The hubby has taken a liking to swinging, how about we show him the ropes?”

“Maybe later.” Riot waved them in, holding the door for them as he suppressed a slew of expletives and slurs..

A few more regulars passed, and a couple groups of new ponies. They were all soaked to the bone, hanging coats, and scraping their hooves inside the entrance. They said their hellos to Riot, and went down into the growing throng. The line of ponies petered out much quicker than usual, no doubt due to the growing storm.

Riot took that as his cue to close the doors and head in. The doors clicked closed behind him, and he was now in the throbbing mass of ponies that was the Horseshoe. Riot made his way towards the bar, motioning to Berry to come over.

She trotted over, not very busy. “Yeah, what do you need, ‘hun?”

“I’m gonna go and sit with Nurse Redheart for a bit, she could use the company.” He motioned over to the lone mare sitting alone on one of the couches, too shy to get up on the dance floor. “I’m grabbin two iced teas.”

“Alright, don’t forget to keep your eye on the floor.”

He waved a hoof at her. “I won’t I won’t.”He pressed through the throng towards the lonely mare residing in one of the booths. She squeaked in surprise as he plopped down in front of her.

“O-oh...you actually came to see me....” The small nurse said, looking up at him with her shadowed eyes.

“Hey, I keep my promises lass.” He passed her the iced tea. “On the house.”

She smiled, sipping at it. “Not bad.” The mare looked at all the ponies on the dance floor, curling her rear hooves up onto the couch with her. “Do new mare’s always get drinks from you?” She asked, turning her dress-covered body to him.

“Nah, sometimes it’s good to just do something nice.” He smiled at her as he leaned back, drink in hoof.

“Well...thank you. Y-you can go back to your friends, you don’t need to hang out with the most boring mare at the club anymore.” Redheart said, curling deeper into the couch.

“Welp, it’s either I get a migraine over there, alone. Or I get a migraine over here, with you.” Riot stretched out, finding a comfortable spot. “I’m staying right here.”

She scooted closer to him absentmindedly, sipping at her drink. “T-thank you for this.....I don’t have a lot of times when I get to feel........sexy.”

Riot smiled at the mare. “I bet. Those doctors are just the worst aren’t they?” He chuckled a bit. “We had this one doc back at base, I swear, he had more in common with the bloody gurneys than he did with the patients.”

She giggled, putting a hoof on her thigh, circling it slowly. “Yeah, I know what you mean. All of the doctors here would rather have their patients put out a hundred percent of the time, and leave everything to do with speaking with ponies to the nurses.” The mare frowned.

“Yup.” Riot placed his hoof over hers, giving it a supportive squeeze.

She looked down at it, and then her vision travelled up his foreleg, to his shoulder, and then to his eyes, as if she didn’t believe it existed. “I-It gets hard sometimes.....” She said, exhaling. “Dealing with ponies who are really, really, sick.......it gets bad.....I almost don’t want to get to know the ponies who are seriously in trouble. But it’s my job, and I do it well.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry, I’m rambling.” She put a hoof to her face. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a real social situation. I’ve just had so much work to do, the last thing I usually want is to go to a place where the music is too loud. The food stinks, and the ponies would rather grind like wild animals than talk.”

Riot nodded in complete understanding. He looked over the crowd, taking in the feverous grinding and dry humping. “Yeah... It can really grate sometimes.” He looked over at the mare, smiling a bit. “I could think of worse places though.”

“Mmhmm, this place is certainly better than most of it’s kind. Normally you can’t even breath, with all the cigarette smoke, and bodies.” She blushed as she saw a pair of ponies closer to intercourse than dancing out on the floor.

“I didn’t mean clubs, but I can see your point pretty well.” He rubbed his hoof into her fur; as lightly as he could. “We keep a pretty strict policy on that kind of stuff.”

He could see the tiny bit of her cheek where she had bitten it from the inside. Redheart nodded, not catching exactly what he had meant “That’s good, this could actually be a nice place to spend time; if they had a proper kitchen. Have you ever thought about setting one up?” She rested her cheek in her hoof as she stared at the stallion across from her.

“We have one up stairs, but it’s part of the apartment. As much as Vinyl would love the idea of ponies partying everywhere, it’s bad for rental purposes.” Riot tapped his chin in thought. “Maybe we should set this up as a kind of social club...”

“That’d be nice....maybe you’d get some more of the......savory ponies.” Her eyes were still stuck on the grinding ponies from earlier, unable to look away.

He nodded slowly as he watched over the crowd like a hungry hawk. “Yeah....” It was pretty obvious his mind was in another place, but the reasoning behind it was unknown to the mare.

“Oh.....I’m sorry, am I being boring? It’s okay, you can go talk your friends.....” She said, frowning at his apparent disinterest.

Riot blinked, then looked over at the mare in surprise. “What?”

“Y-you seem kind of.......Bored....Or maybe just distracted.....I’m sorry, I’m a boring pony, this is why I don’t go out to clubs.” She deflated visibly, the allure disappearing from her eyes.

Riot sighed, placing a hoof over the mares shoulder. “No, it’s alright. To be honest you’re very interesting, to the point that I really want to know more.” He swallowed, looking down at the concrete floor. “I’m just a little...Frazzled, at the moment.” Would it be too much to ask? Couldn’t we just kill one pony? Oh! Maybe, maybe we could get drunk! We haven’t done that in almost a year!

“Oh, what’s wrong?” She asked, putting a concerned hoof on his shoulder. “Other than the flashbacks, I mean.”

He withdrew the hoof and finished off the iced tea. “It’s nothing, really. Just trying to figure out what to do with my life now. I went from soldier to a club bouncer... It’s...It’s been very difficult getting used to things again.” Skirting the real problem, he found an easy scapegoat.

“Yeah, I understand. Did I ever tell you I used to be an ER trauma doctor?”

Riot cocked an eyebrow, looking over at the mare. “Oh? How’d you go from there to Nurse?”

She sighed. “By choice. I didn’t think I was cut out for it.......One night, a pony was brought in, he’d had his spine broken when a cart smashed into him. B-before he went into surgery, his family was notified......He got one moment of lucidity, before he went under. He was crying for his mother.....I told him that everything was going to be okay, that momma was here......I c-c-couldn’t save him...” Redheart sighed sadly, seemingly forgetting about the club around her for a moment.

Riot stared blankly at the table, his mind locked exactly where its shouldn’t have been. His hooves weren’t around a cheap drink. His hooves were wrapped around a screaming red buck as he tried to pull him out of the wreckage. Wild wailed in horrible pain, his charred flanks dragging across the dirt because Riot could barely focus through the blood, mud and pain. He stumbled, falling almost on top of the injured stallion.

He couldn’t cry out, it felt as though his head would fall off if he uttered a single word. The captain choked out a rivulet of blood before holding the crying sergeant in his hooves. “I’m sorry Wild, I’m sch-” He coughed roughly, hacking up more blood.

“M-momma? I-It h-hurts......H-hel-help me....”

Riot held the buck close, grimacing as he felt his side becoming sticky and numb. “I’m...I-I’m here...Sergeant...Jus-just hold..hold..on...” The darkness coiled around him like a predator, sucking his will and life away in an instant.

The stallion snapped back into reality with the nurse waving a hoof in front of his face. He blinked rapidly, feeling at the fat scar on his neck that strayed barely an inch away from his neck. The thin grey shirts he wore barely covered half of the ugly thing. “S-sorry...Spaced out for a moment there.”

Redheart actually looked afraid, looking up into his eyes. “Y-your eyes.....A-are you alright?”

Riot blinked hard, trying to rid whatever the nurse was talking about. “Sorry, sorry.”

“It’s okay.....Did it happen again?” The nurse in her came back in an instant; curiosity piqued in every way possible.

Riot closed his eyes, letting his head fall. “Yeah.”

Redheart placed a hoof over his. “I’m so sorry, we’ll try to get you fixed up.”

He rubbed his face, hiding the grimace with a hoof. “I hope so. I don’t want to hurt anypony...”

“You’ve got a kind heart, I know you don’t like to hurt ponies.” She said, nuzzling into his neck.

He shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I’m not a very good pony.” He looked up, taking in the crowd. “I’ve done things that I never want to remember, but I see them clear as day everytime I close my eyes.” Like what I did to Skyrunner, except he deserved it. Needle dicker bug fucker.

Redheart stood for a few moments; just long enough to swap sides. She put her face gently into his chest, listening to each heartbeat. “You’re a strong pony, I know you can get through this.” She exhaled into his warm chest. “I know you will.”

“I hope so. I really do.” The stallion looked up, then scowled. “Oh you are not doing that buddy.” He stood up, looking back at the mare. “I’ve got ponies to hurt. It was nice talking to you Redheart, I’ll see you in two days.” He offered a weak smile before picking up her hoof and kissing it. “It was a pleasure talking with you.”

She blushed heartily, slowly taking her hoof back; and sipping the drink that was given to her as she watched him walk away. Riot treaded towards the horribly drunken stallion trying to get into get over the bar at Berry. He trotted up, tapping the drunkard on the shoulder.

“What da’ FUCK do you want, asshole?” The pony cried drunkenly, taking a wild swing at him with a hoof.

Easily dodging the swing, Riot looked over at Berry. “He giving you problems?” The stallion took another swing, but only ended up on the ground due to his inebriation.

“He demanded free drinks just for being here, he said that ‘you don’t know who I am’, that whole BS spiel.”

Riot nodded, looking down at the stallion. “Sir, you are drunk. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“I’m not drunk! I’m just pished off!” The drunken stallion yelled from the floor, slowly getting to his hooves.

Riot smiled on the inside. He was going to enjoy laying down the hurt. “I’m going to have to ask you to step outside sir.” This. This is gonna feel GOOOOOOOD.

“Fuck you! I’m a payin’ customer!” The buck took a swing at Riot, but was apparently not expecting Riot to grab him by the back of the head, and to slam his face into the solid wood bar; hard enough to bounce the drinks on the other end. The stallions head bounced off, then the drunk collapsed into an easily manageable pile of stupidity and meat. Riot ignored the fact that for a moment, the stallion had looked like Aurora.

Riot nodded to a surprised Berry as he tossed the pisstanked buck over his back. “I’ll take this poor sod out back and toss him.”

“Thank you, Hero~.” She said, putting a hoof on his shoulder. A few ponies clapped as Riot walked off, carrying the pony.

The stallion frowned angrily, and Berry retracted her hoof quickly. Riot trotted out around the back, then ditched the buck behind a dumpster. “Lay off the booze buddy, your face will thank you.” Riot stood there for a moment, staring at the bloody mess of a pony who laid next to the dumpster. “Stupid ass piece of shit...” Riot gave the drunk a hard kick, his anger getting the best of him for a moment.

Riot trotted back out into the club, which was still going despite the heavy rain outside. He looked over to Berry and nodded. The mare waved eagerly, trying to get him to come over. Riot sighed, forcing a smile still as he made his way over. “Howdy, I assume everythings been going smoothly?”

She nodded, sliding another drink across the bar. “Yup, going great. We’re getting a lot of traffic now.”

“Good to hear, how’s Vinyl doing? Has she come out for a drink yet?”

“Nope, not yet, I think she’s waiting for somepony to bring it to her.” Berry smiled, and gave him a bottle. “Go on, do your thing.”

The buck rolled his eyes, fake smile still plastered on his face. “Alright alright, I’m goin.” Riot wove through the crowd quickly and with ease. His hooves clattered up the short bit of steps, and his free hoof the door open.

“Hey there, Tiger~.” Vinyl purred, stepping off of the mixing table for a moment.

“Hey.” He passed her the beverage before leaning against the wall.

“Thanks, I was getting pretty thirsty.” Vinyl cracked open the beer then took a sip. “Been having a good night?”

He stonefaced her. “I feel like hammered shit.”

The mare gave him a sad smile before waving him off. “Thanks again Tiger...” The mare sipped the brew, going back to her job laying down waves of wub for the crowd.

Riot gave the mare a wave before trotting back down the stairs. He scanned the floor, checking for any trouble. Not seeing any problems, or Redheart; Riot started trotting back towards the bar. Berry leaned against it, having no more patrons to serve. She pulled out a small bottle of beer; cracking the top, she quickly swigged back the whole thing. Riot sat down on the wooden stool, eager to take a load off his sore hooves.

A grey mare slid in next to him, punching his shoulder.

“So big brother, how’ve you been?” Kepler smiled at him as she waved over a drink.

Riot shrugged, trying to think of a way to get away from the bar now. “Surviving.”

The mare crossed her hooves, trying to look sternly at the buck. “What’s up? Somepony giving you problems?”

He nickered as he looked around for a reason to leave. “I’m fine, handling things how I always do.”

For the first time in her life, Kepler’s face became serious. “Ash, I’m sorry about what happened, really. If you need any help, in anything, you can come see me.” She said, putting a hoof on his shoulder, brows knitted together.

He brushed her hoof away as he took a short swig. “Right.”

“Seriously. I know, I was never really a good sister, but I’m trying to help you.” The grey mare said, turning his head to look at her.

“Like the time you helped me be late for my wedding huh?” Riot shot her a look that summed up his faith in her ‘help’. “Or the time you ‘helped’ me, by being kidnapped by your psycho buckfriend, causing me to miss Hunter being born? Or the time-”

“Damn it Ash!” She cut him off. “Don’t you think I still feel like shit about all that?! I want to try to start making up for it.” The grey mare looked at the floor, frowning.

He snorted, waving his hoof dismissively. “Don’t.”

The mare sighed, and took a sip of her drink. “You have to accept help from somepony, eventually.” She said, hoofing his shoulder. “You just keep running yourself into the ground, trying to protect other ponies. You bottle up that anger and you’ll really hurt somepony.”

Riot pushed off the bar, having noticed a possible scuffle about to happen, and sorely demanding a way out of the conversation. “If you hadn’t noticed Kep, it’s my fucking job.” At that, he pushed through the crowd towards the two drunken mares. Kepler could only shake her head as he disappeared into the crowd.

When Riot reached the mares, they were almost to blows. “Ah’ll kick your multicolor flank, Missy!” One of them said, the same orange pony that had accosted him in the market two days ago. Big Macintosh’s sister, he remembered.

“Just you try it, dirt pony.” The other mare countered, a hovering cyan pegasus, with a prismatic mane. Riot had spoken to her at one point before, but had never learned her name. The pegasus was being held back by the same mare who he had spoken with several nights ago; the one who was infatuated with the druggy stallion. She was very, very, quietly telling the other pony to calm down. The orange mare had a telekinetic glow around her, a purple unicorn struggling to keep her back.

Riot stepped in between the squabbling mares and their handlers. “Alright ladies, break it up!”

Both of them looked at the buck at the same time. “Back off!” They shouted, continuing to pull away from their handlers

His gaze darkened considerably as he looked at the two mares trying desperately to hold the pair off each other. They yellow and purple mare could only voice their opinions through sorry looks. Riot looked down on either mare, showing his utter contempt towards them. “I said, Break. It. UP.” If either of these lovely ladies try anything, it’s go time. The little pony in his head cracked a dangerous smile.

The orange mare growled. “That’s the pony that done beat on my brother!” She shouted, pointing a glowering hoof at Riot.

The cyan pegasus looked over to him as well, anger on her face. “Hey! You don’t just beat up innocent ponies!” Both of them turned to him, seemingly forgetting their own quarrel.

He was in no mood for their bullshit. “Listen, I really don’t care one way or another about what you’re fighting about. I suggest you both forget it and go back to enjoying your night.”

Both of them took another wrenching step towards him. “Ah don’t think so, Sugarcube.” The earth pony said, finally shattering the purple telekinetic hold, and barreling down at him. The yellow pegasus squeaked in surprise, and the pony she was holding tore away as well, screaming down at him at a surprisingly fast speed for the distance she had.

This wasn’t a bar fight anymore. This was a muddy crater in which his survival was fought for with teeth and claws. The buck hunkered down, his eyes and horn blazing with fury and hatred. The first diamond dog barreled down on him, only to receive a quick throat punch/ hammerhoof combo, followed by a quick kinetic burst to the ribs for its efforts. The Dog wasn’t out, but it was more than enough to allow him time to deal with the other . The second dog was already pouncing, and was about to broadside him. Riot relaxed his body in an instant, rolling with the impact, and thus throwing the dog off balance. He took the lapse in ability on the dogs part as a chance to stun it with a hard right hook, followed by a helmeted headbutt that put it out of the fight. All he had to do was kill them, quickly. Before their reinforcements found him.

Riot popped out of the illusion just as the mares hit the floor. They were almost immediately back on their hooves, albeit considerably bloody. He sneered angrily, wrapping his magic around them. He wrenched their hooves out from underneath them, then proceeded to drag them out the door and toss the haggard pair into the pouring rain. During the entire ordeal he was faintly aware of somepony yelling at him. That sounds kinda like Ma.

“AND STAY OUT!” The door slammed closed as he roared with an appropriate clang of steel on steel.

The yellow pegasus did nothing but squeak in pure fear, hiding under her hooves. The unicorn looked at Riot, anger in her eyes. Her horn was charged, but the power dissipated quickly as she let out a flustered sigh. “Okay mister tough pony, you made your point!” The purple mare huffed at him. “You didn’t have to hurt them so badly! It’s not their fault they-”

Riot held up a hoof, silencing her. She really did sound like his mother. He neared her, until he was obviously breaking into her personal space. Planting a hoof barely off her chest, Riot spoke. “You’re friends are lucky they were drunk. Next time, I won’t be gentle, and I will treat them as the enemy.” The mare pulled back slightly, taken aback by the anger in his words.

She sighed in defeat, retreating from the conversation entirely. “Come on, Fluttershy. Lets go make sure Rainbow and AJ are okay.” The unicorn shot a disgusted look at Riot as she left. The pegasus, apparently, and aptly named Fluttershy soundlessly gliding out behind her, her eyes fighting to avoid eye contact with Riot.

Riot returned to the edge of the crowd, which was acting like they hadn’t seen a thing. He looked about, hoping that the quick scuffle would dissuade anypony from starting any more trouble.

Berry looked shocked as he returned. “Wow, that was amazing.....What else can you do?” She asked, looking at him.

“Kill.”

“O-okay....I guess that makes sense.” She said, yawning. Riot sighed heavily in response as he leaned against the bar. Berry stretched languidly, and sat back down, looking at the dispersing crowd. It seemed that the scuffle between the mares had been the straw that broke the camel’s back. “Well, it looks like the night’s drawing to a close.”

He nodded, watching silently through half closed eyes. A vast majority of the crowd had already left, the remaining ones only seemed to be sticking around because they were waiting for a lull in the rain.

Nurse Redheart bumped Riot’s shoulder. “Th-thanks for the great night.....W-will I see you tomorrow?”

Riot looked over at the mare and managed a smile. “Yea, If you want I can bring you lunch or...something.” He rolled his eyes, then smiled at the mare. “At the very least you’ll see me monday.”

“Mmhmm.” She said, nodding happily, before trotting out into the storm, umbrella between her teeth.

Riots smile dropped as he followed her to the door. As she disappeared into the darkness, Riot leaned against the open door frame and let out a long drawn out sigh. He felt somepony press on his shoulder, and he turned to see that it was Vinyl.

“What’s wrong, Tiger?” She asked, concerned.

He looked back out, taking in the downpour. “Nothin Vinyl, just a long night.”

“Wow, I don’t think anypony wants to walk in that shit. Berry will probably stay over, again. You can too, you know.....If you want to.”

He knew full well that he didn’t have a place to stay that night. Aurora...She wouldn’t exactly like him just popping in to soak the couch. Not that he wanted anything to do with that house or the whore inside it. Riot closed his eyes, thinking fast. He couldn’t just abuse Vinyl’s generosity and trust by staying here for the second night in a row.

“I think I gotta start heading home, Aurora’s gonna be wondering why I’m not home yet anyways.” He smiled at the mare, poking her chest with a hoof. “That was a... Well, it was an interesting night to say the least.”

Vinyl actually looked sad as his declination. “Oh, yeah....That’s right. Yeah....it was pretty crazy. I’ll see you tomorrow, alright?” She asked, placing a large bag of bits in his pocket.

He smiled weakly at her, then grabbed his bag with a burst of magic. He stood at the edge of the door. “Yeah. Tomorrow, will be a new day...” Riot shook his head, then pushed into the pouring rain.

Vinyl shivered as the draft from the opened door washed over her. She watched him go, and Berry put her hooves over the smaller unicorn’s shoulders, given her a tiny nuzzle.

Riot treaded through the dark, ignoring the pounding rain. He was already soaked, but he wasn’t any closer to finding a place to sleep. “Dammit...” He sat down on a bench, ignoring the fact that it too was soaked. There weren’t any lights on at this time of night, so all he had was his slowly returning night vision.

He groaned loudly as he sat forward, wrapping his hooves around his head. His features twisted violently as he roared his anger and pain into the night air.

A light flicked on in one of the buildings close to the park. He couldn’t see quite which one, due to the severely reduced visibility. The sound of a door opening, and closing, cut through the noise of the torrential downpour on the dirt.

Riot hugged his head, sobbing hotly into the rain as it soaked him to the bone. He pounded a hoof against his temple in a vain attempt to drive out the pain of his emotions with physical pain.

A hoof was placed on his foreleg. He snapped back, looking up into a soaked white face, normally-quaffed mane sagging under the weight of the rain, Rarity looked to him sadly.

“Riot, was that you, just now?”

He ignored her for the most part, his sorrow and pain wrenching about in his head. His hatred for himself began to consume him as the rain beat down his form.

“Riot, do you have anywhere to sleep tonight?” She asked, turning his head up to look at her.

He smirked darkly before patting the bench. “I’ve got this bench. It’s all I need.”

The dressmaker shook her head, and took his hooves in hers. With surprising strength, she pulled him to his hooves. “Come now, I won’t have my friend sleeping outside in the rain.”

“We aren’t friends. All my friends are dead and gone! I’m surrounded by traitors and idiots!” He grabbed his bag in his magic, then went to turn away before he went any further.

Despite his harsh words, Rarity looked up at the big pony, a suddenly hard look on her face. “Listen, no beating yourself up for something you didn’t do. Now come on, you’re getting a nice, warm, couch, and something hot to drink.” He scowled, his shoulders sagging in defeat. He followed the mare towards her home after a moment of deliberation.

She opened the door for him, pushing the large stallion inside. “Here, take this.” The mare wrapped a heavy blanket around Riot, and pointed to the couch. “Snuggle up right over there, try to keep warm. What would you like to drink? Coffee, tea, hot cocoa?”

He shrugged weakly, dropping his sopping wet bag on the floor. “Anything. It doesn’t matter.” The mare smiled warmly, confident in her heating to keep the stallion warm while she fetched him something hot to drink. She hummed as she did, disappearing into the kitchen. He groaned in pain, rubbing his head and neck. “Such a fuck up...”

Rarity’s melodious, prim voice wafted in through the hallway. “What were you thinking, Darling? Going out into the freezing storm without anywhere to go? You should have just asked me when you were here last, I would have gladly given you a place to stay.”

“Mhm.” He grunted quickly, not looking up from his hooves.

There was an irritated snort from the kitchen, and the white mare returned, a cup of hot cocoa floating along next to her, a saucer underneath it. “Please, drink this, it will make you feel better.” The mare sat down on the couch opposite him, and smiled warmly.

Riot suppressed a sigh, then started drinking the blazing hot mix. He finished it quickly, then set it down on the table next to him.

Rarity blinked, but didn’t note it verbally. “Alright, I’m going to go back to sleep, and make sure you didn’t wake up the little ones. There’s another blanket just over there, and I’ll bring you down a pillow.” She said, standing, and trotting towards the stairs.

He nodded, then took off his jacket. The thing was still dry, being enchanted and the like to deflect up to the harshest the elements could throw at him. He puffed it out, then laid out on the couch. Riot closed his eyes, hoping that when he woke up it would all turn out to be just a dream.

The mare returned shortly, placing a soft, fluffed, pillow under his head, and draping a second warm blanket over him. “I’ll see you in the morning, no running off, now.”

“The bench won’t take me back.” He growled mirthfully, turning over on the couch.

She giggled despite his tone, and stroked his back with a hoof before standing, and trotting back up the stairs. He heard a door swing closed, and once again, he was alone with his anger, and his thoughts. As loud as his thoughts and heart was, it was all seemingly muffled by the heavy warmth around him. Sleep took the exhausted stallion quickly, dropping him into darkness.

Chapter Five

“Keep watch on that area Gibbs, I don’t want any surprises.” Sergeant Venture waved a hoof over to the broken shop. The armoured stallion to his right nodded, then meandered over to the position while his rifle hung limply at his side. Iron shook his head before looking up into the flaming sky.

The sky wasn’t actually flaming, but the flickering lights of the factory flames made the rolling smoke look like it was ablaze. Couple that with an awe inspiring sunset, the sky truly looked as if it were ablaze.

Dublin was burning. Pure and simple. Iron shook his head again, this time to dislodge the layer of ash that had settled on his NBC suit’s hood. His heavy gasmask did its job in keeping the ash and smoke out, but it didn’t stay the smell.

He wished that he could go home, or work as a volunteer handing out masks to civilians or something. Instead, he was placed in charge of a brand new squad and was given the task of dissuading violence and looting. This meant he was often up for hours on end, trotting around a city coated in ash, looking for ponies who were try to take advantage of the situation. Some ponies had taken a disliking to the army presence in the city, but to be honest they were the only ones who were set up to deal with something like this.

“Sir!” Sergeant Venture looked up and over at the voice. One of the privates was standing at the mouth of a shop; its front window had been kicked in. He trotted over, and heard the voices emanating from the store. He didn’t care if ponies were taking food to survive, but the fact this was a jewelry store had him on edge.

“I’ll take point, Krak, you go around back with Stomper and make sure they don’t run for it.” The massive stallion that he had spoken to smirked dangerously before nodding. Krak grabbed the other stallion, then cantered around back. Iron looked over at the remaining soldiers and pointed at two of them. “You two on overwatch, I don’t want anything happening under our noses. The rest of you on my six.”

Three heavily armed and armoured stallions trotted through the broken store window and into the fairly large store. The voices were louder now, despite the rubber mask and thick hood that covered their ears. Iron pointed to the edges of a door; his squad mates quickly picked up on the order and fell into place. Riot stole up to the door, pressing his hooded ear against it.

“Is that all of it?”

“I think so...”

“Well check!” There was a sound of an impact.

“Fine, dick.”

Another set of hooves came into the room, drawing closer to one of the voices. “We’re almost done in the back, once we’ve got these crates filled we’ll move them to the truck.”

“Good, I don’t want any cops showing up, or Celestia forbid, the REA.”

There was a low chuckle. “Yeah, those assholes have really mucked up any attempts we’ve made.” It was hard to distinguish which of the voices was the leader, but Iron had heard enough. He pulled back from the door, then made the signal for a Bang and Clear maneuver.

The soldiers nodded, then one of them pulled out the flash grenade. Iron pulled back, then bucked the door down just as the pin on the grenade was pulled.

“WA’ THA BLEEDIN ‘ELL?!”
BANG

The grenade went off, blinding and deafening all of the crooks inside the building. Iron charged in; his rifle at the ready. A quiet crack sounded off in the room, and a bit of the wall next to the charging soldier exploded into dust and debris. Irons eyes locked onto the mare with the heavy pistol, which was still smoking from the discharge.

The crook fired, the shots going far wide. A combination of panic, and disorientation from the flashbang sending the bullets flying far off target. Iron had barely moved his head to the side when the round wizzed past. He fired once with his rifle, bringing the pistol bearer to her knees. The mare screamed in pain, dropping the pistol to the ground.

“REA, GET ON THE GROUND!” Iron roared from beneath his heavy rubber shawl.

There was no resistance from the shot burglar, who instantly threw her working hoof over her head, before curling up on the ground, groaning in pain. The rest of the crooks in the room did the same, holding their hooves out as they laid down on the floor.

Iron stepped forward, a bundle of heavy duty zap-straps floating out from one of his pockets. He walked up to the first buck, then strapped his hooves together where he stood. “Corporal, take half of these and do up the rest of them, Private, clear out the back rooms.” The soldiers nodded, then set off.

The first crook spoke, her hooves still over her head. “O-oh goddess.....J-just kill me....” She rolled over, squinting her eyes shut as she held her hooves over her ears, rubbing them to get the ringing to stop.

Riot steadied his rifle at the mare. “Get on your stomach and keep your hooves were I can see them!” The mare complied, groaning as she rolled over onto her belly, her hooves going out flat. Iron let out a quiet breath, his rifle lowering slightly. He finished tying up the first stallion, then moved towards one with a fat clipboard covering one of his hooves.

The sergeant went to kick it away, just as the buck sprang up, tackling him off his hooves.
A small blade flashed in the light of the setting sun, and tried to insert itself deep between Irons ribs. Iron rolled his shoulders and sucked in his gut, giving himself a bit of breathing room. The stallion slashed at him again, opening up a cut in his ash covered webbing. The stallion kicked Iron, sending his head into the concrete floor. The knife raised up just as Irons horn flashed.

BRAK

The knife wielding stallion jerked heavily, falling off the young sergeant. The burglars body bounced off the floor, a new smoking hole sported in his chest. The sergeant stood up just as the back door was booted down by the flanking soldiers.

“Sergeant, are you alright?” Krak asked, quickly sweeping his weapon through the room.

“I’m fine, just a scratch.” He looked over at the flabergasted mare who was still holding her rifle up. “You! Why didn’t you shoot that asshole?”

She lowered her weapon, stammering heavily. “S-sir! I-I cou-couldn’t get a clean shot off!”

He shook his head slowly, looking down at the dead stallion. “Well, at least it’s over now.”

A massive armoured stallion clapped the sergeant on the shoulder. “Glorious fighting comrade, you were a true riot in the field!” Kratonis Ironhide laughed loudly as he helped Iron to his hooves.

Another soldier joined Kraks short laugh before speaking. “Hey, riot...Maybe we should call the sarge that?” The blue mare rubbed her chin before smiling. “Yeah, I like it! Riot!”

Iron rolled his eyes. “Come on guys, what kind of name is Riot anyways?”
________________________________________________________________
Smoke. Smoke filled his nostrils, invaded his being. His eyes fluttered, then shot open completely.Shooting up in bed, or couch rather; He shed his blankets and quickly galloped into the kitchen. Or rather, he would have, if there had been a door where it was supposed to be. Riot shook his head, swiftly remembering that he wasn’t in his home anymore.

“Is everypony alright?!” He asked, looking around as he entered the kitchen. “Where’s the fire?”

“Uhh.....Fire?” The tiny white unicorn standing by the stove asked, two burning eggs in the pan, with a lot of charred breakfast foods strewn across the room.

Riot exhaled heavily, wiping his brow. “Thank Celestia...” He shook his head, dispersing the bit of sweat that had accumulated there. He looked up, then cringed as he realized the eggs horrible fate. “Looks like....You could use some help.”

Sweetie looked down at the eggs she had been vigorously scraping at with a spatula, but had found them to be unyielding foes. “Ummm, just maybe.” The filly stared up at him with pleading eyes.

Riot chuckled lightly before scraping the eggs off into the garbage. “Alright, grab me six eggs.” He pointed at the carton sitting next to the stove. “Now, lets see if your sister has any pan degreaser.”

“Mmhmm!” Sweetie said, saluting. “But....Th-they’re nonstick pans.....We don’t have degreaser.”

He looked up, then over to the filly. “But...How?” He looked over at the charred eggs that had taken a fair portion of his strength to scrape off. “H-How!?” The little filly shrugged, taking some milk out of the fridge.

The buck blinked, before shaking his head and turning back to the stove. “I’ll handle it from here little one, but if you could pour up four glasses of milk, that would be awesome.” He cracked open six eggs into the pan, then immediately chopped up the yolks and stirred.

She saluted again, reopening the fridge, and pulling out a larger carton of milk, She planted her hooves, and her horn glowed brighter, pulling the heavy object through the air. It slowly travelled across the room, sweat appearing on the filly’s forehead.

Riot cringed as he remembered her previous ability in unaided magic and the ensuing fire. He looked over his shoulder and spoke. “Focus Sweetie, just like we practised.” Sweetie took a breath, pulling it the least foot or so, depositing it on the table, safely. She squealed in quiet happiness, as to not wake up the rest of the house. Riot smiled broadly. “Nicely done Sweetie.”

He turned back to the eggs, breaking them up again with the spatula to scramble them. He sighed heavily, letting his horn stir and chop for him. He cracked open the small cupboard above his head, finding Rarity’s spice rack. “Nice, I could use a few of these.” A variety of spices floated out, just as another thought hit him. “I should add cheese...”

“Right away, Mr. Riot!” Sweetie said, opening the fridge, and pulling some old cheddar out, floating it to Riot with much less difficulty due to the decreased weight compared to the milk.

He smiled, ruffling the fillies mane. “Thanks, could you shred it for me? It’ll be good practice for your magic.” He grasped the shredder with his own magic, holding it out to her.

The little filly nodded, and focused, instead of trying to get strength, she needed precision. She held the cheddar block still in her magic, and tried to lift the cheese grater as well, but couldn’t take the strain from lifting both.

“I-I can’t do both...I-I c-can’t focus.” She said, still being able to pick up one object fine, but the it always fell to the counter whenever she tried to pick up the other object.

He turned away from the eggs for a moment, lowering himself to her height. “Alright, imagine a field of your magic, lifting them both as if they were one object. Don’t treat them like two things, treat them like one.”

She closed her eyes for a moment, exhaling, before she opened them, her tiny orbs burning with intensity as she focused on the objects. In her minds eye, she created almost a ball of magic, and moved the ball, with the objects caught in it.

“Alright, now, that single object needs to grate up and down, try and imagine it.” He leaned against the counter, proud of her already great progress.

The filly tried to move the grater against the cheese, slowly pushing it up and down against the white block. The cheese wobbled, the field around it wavering, and then fell to the counter. Sweetie groaned, and smacked the floor with a hoof.

“I’m so useless! I can’t even do a little bit of tele...teleki.....telekilnisis.” She said, sinking to the floor.

“Hey, theres no need for that.” Riot sat down next to her, placing a hoof over her tiny shoulder. “You were doing awesome, you just need some more practice. Why don’t you try holding the grater down and moving the block with your magic?”

She sighed sadly. “No....I’ll just mess it up. I can’t do anything right, ever.” The tiny mare put her hooves over her head, burying her face in the meticulously clean floor.

Riot frowned slightly, picking up the fillies chin with the edge of his hoof. “Listen up soldier, we need that cheese grated, stat. Ponies are counting on us, and I’ll be damned if my second in command thinks she’s useless.” He stood up, offering his hoof to the filly. “Let’s get it done soldier.”

Sweetie took his hoof, a hardened expression on her face as she planted all four hooves on the ground, sinking into the ‘power stance’ that Riot had showed her a few days ago. Both objects rose again, the cheese moving slowly against the grater; shredded cheese falling into the plate below the grater. Her eyes shone with happiness, continuing to grate.

He smiled broadly, clapping his hooves quietly in approval. “Way to go Sweetie.” He turned back to the eggs; shaking the spices into them as he stirred. Soon he started sprinkling cheese down onto it. After a short bit, the cheese had melted and Riot turned off the oven. “Welp, breakfast is ready.” He saluted the little filly. “Job well done private Sweetie!”

She giggled, and instead of saluting back, she latched around his foreleg with her hooves, hugging him with a death grip. “You’re the best Mr. Riot!”

He wrapped his free hoof around her, giving her a slight squeeze. “Couldn’t have done it without you kiddo.” He levitated out four plates and divied out proper proportions. “Now, you go wake up the others, I’ll set everything up.” She trotted off happily, her tiny hooves clopping up the stairs as she hummed in delight. Riot smiled as he filled four glasses full of milk, his thoughts were anchored completely in this moment. He didn’t want to think about the fact he was making breakfast in a friends home, with the feeling like he was doing it for...family.

Riots smile faded slightly as he finished setting up the table. The sounds of small clattering hooves, accompanied by a set of larger ones forced him to at least not look like he was in a foul, murderous mood.

“Look, Rarity! We cooked breakfast!” Sweetie said, giggling as she led Hunter and her sister into the clean kitchen.

“O-oh but it’s so.....Clean.” Rarity said, looking around.

Hunter trotted into the kitchen, but stopped dead when he saw the buck who stood inside. “W-wait, Dad? What are you doing here? Did you come here early to help Sweetie with breakfast?”

Riot froze for a second. He wasn’t supposed to be here. “Oh, I came by a little early. Rarity was up, so she let me in. I kinda fell asleep on the couch.” He forced a chuckle before stealing a look at Rarity, who was smiling in agreement.

“Look, Rarity! We made breakfast!” Sweetie said, holding a plate perfectly in her magic.

Rarity squeaked, closing one eye as the food was levitated, but then opened it in surprise. “Look at you, Sweetie! I’ve never seen your magic this strong before.”

Hunter piped up. “My Dad taught us both some magic a few days ago, we both learned a lot!”

“Really?” Rarity asked, looking to Riot with eyebrows raised.

He merely shrugged, smiling at her as he waved to the chairs. “Come on, have a seat. Sweetie put a lot of effort into our breakfast.”

Sweetie smiled at him, but spoke. “I-It wasn’t me, really.....I just grated the cheese, and got out the milk.”

Riot shook his head. “Nope, I seem to remember a certain soldier who helped me when I needed it.” He smirked at the filly, who seemed spurred forward by the remark.

“Well.......Yeah, I guess I was kind of awesome.” She said, giggling as she sat down.

The rest of the ponies took their seats, and began to eat breakfast. There were many ‘hmms’ of approval, and Riot could see Sweetie beaming out of the corner of his eye. He dug into his own food, happy that the spice hadn’t destroyed the flavour.

“These eggs are amazing you two, thank you so very much for making them.” Rarity said, ever the proper lady. Hunter nodded rapidly, swallowing down another massive mouthful of the meal.

Riot looked over at the colt and frowned slightly. “Chew your food Hunter.” Hunter groaned, making sure to chew, shaking his head slightly. Riot smiled, turning back to his own food. He decided to ignore the odd look Rarity was giving him from across the table.

Her eyebrow was raised ever so slightly, her head turned, a slight pout on her full lips. Her mane, even though she had just awoken, was perfectly coiffed, and stayed in it’s purple glory as she winked at him, crossing and uncrossing her legs beneath the table.

His focus on breakfast increased tenfold, knowing that if he looked up for a second, he would be doomed. “So Hunter, are you going to spend the day with Sweetie?”

The colt looked up from his nearly-devastated meal. “It depends, what are you doing today, Dad? Because Sweetie wanted to learn more magic. We were practicing together last night, like you said.”

“I’m...I could could come by later. I’ve got a couple things to do today, but nothing very pressing.” He lied, quite blatantly. Fortunately, the foals bought it.

Hunter sighed. “Alright, we can practice by ourselves, right Sweetie?” He asked, smiling brightly. Sweetie Belle nodded rapidly, pushing her plate away with her magic.

Riot forced down a quick shudder. “You two be good while I’m gone, but try and go over the basic rules that I told you about.”

“Oh you won’t have to worry, they’ve been the best little angels while you’ve been gone. Your little Hunter is the most polite and gentlemanly little colt in ponyville.” Rarity said, a hoof brushing the colts shoulder.

“Thank you Miss Rarity.” Hunter said, blushing at the praise.

“I’m glad he’s behaving, especially considering...Well, yeah. Glad he’s been good.” Riot ruffled the colts mane before standing. “I’ll take the dishes if you’re all done.”

“You two run along now, I’ll see Mr. Riot out.” Rarity said, giving Sweetie a little push to the rear with her magic.

As the two young ponies left, Rarity trotted up beside Riot, sweeping her tail across his back, looking with her nearly-trademarked seductive stare, directly into his eyes. Her flank rubbed on his, her triple diamonds against his crosshairs and shield. They squashed only a tiny amount against his haunch, their large size overridingly firm.

Riot breathed out through his nose, his mouth having been clamped shut. He looked over at the mare, pleading with his eyes.

She did not relent, the tip of her tongue leaving those big, pouty lips, lightly tracing the edge of them. This was a practiced move, shattering hundreds of colts and stallions, leaving them hopeless thralls to her will.

His nose raised in the air as he shook his head; speaking through clenched lips. “Not today seductress.”

Rarity noticed with triumph that his eyes had not left hers, even while moving his head. She batted her eyelashes, taking a step forward, her tail curling around his neck as her flank rubbed down the side of his body.

“I need to go. You know, talk to my wife about why she left me for Cheerilee.” His face was grim, not finding much amusement in todays activities.

The white mare raised her eyebrow, letting him pass. So she lost out today, big deal, the seed was sown. “Goodbye, Captain....” She said, the slightest sultry tone entering her voice..

He blinked athow unrelenting she was. Rarity had given him a place to stay, so that meant he couldn’t just burn down her parade. “Goodbye Rarity.”Riot said, before turning and walking away; picked up his duffel bag and making for the door. The bright door opened, then closed as he trotted out and into the morning sun.

Rarity plopped down on her drama couch by the window on her side, cocking her top leg slightly, continuing to look sultrily out the window at the grey stallion.

Riot continued walking towards his home. He needed this talk, he needed answers. The street was surprisingly full of ponies, causing the stallion to have to duck and weave through the crowds just to get to the other side. He suddenly realized that he was smack dab in the middle of the market.

A tiny filly tugged on his foreleg. “You look pretty hungry, Mister Riot, you should get a few apples!” It was Applebloom, with a small basket with some apples, and a little bucket for bits. “Just three a bit.”

He smiled down at the filly. “Sure, get me the three shiniest apples you got and there’ll be an extra bit in it for ya.” He followed the filly to the stall, taking note that only Big Macintosh was working it, besides Applebloom. “So, Mac. How’s Applejack?”

“Fine.” He said, passing over the apples Riot had requested. The farmcolt eyed the other stallion coldly, before sighing.

Riot nodded, catching the stallions drift. “Alright. Thanks for the apples.” He tossed a pair of coins at the buck, who caught them and handed them to Applebloom.

She smiled up at him through the shiny coins. “Thanksh yah for yer patra....patrrer....”

“Patronage.” Big Mac said. He leaned towards the little filly, and whispered in her ear.

“Alright Mac. I’ll be back in a bit.” She said, putting the bits and the basket down, trotting off.

The big pony looked down at Riot, something that the career soldier was totally unused to.

“Mind tellin’ me why Applejack has bruises?” He asked, knowing Riot already knew what he was talking about.

Riot grunted, looking to the side where the filly had gone. “Tell your sister to lay off the hard liquor. She was about a second away from starting a brawl with some rainbow maned filly. I tried to break them up and they turned their anger towards me.” He looked over to Big Mac. “She’s an apple farmer, meaning she’d buck my guts into the next room.”

“Ah understand.” The big pony went back to arranging the large barrels of apples.

“Yeah, she sure won’t.” The grey stallion shook his head, then started trotting away.

“Eeyup.” Was the only answer.

Riot continued through the market, only recognizing a select few ponies. Most of which he had seen at the club. He passed through the market, and into the park. The tall grey stallion looked to the side, and saw a pair of ponies sitting on a bench. It was the same mint unicorn and beige earth pony from a few nights ago... What were their names again? Lyra and BonBon?

They waved to him. “Hey Riot! How’s Aurora and Hunter?” The unicorn asked.

He cringed a bit. “Oh, Hunters doing well, he’s just spending the day with a school friend.” He thought for a moment. “Aurora’s...Aurora.” He shrugged weakly. “I...I gotta go. I’ll see you around.” The earth pony raised her eyebrows, but didn’t press the issue. Whispering to Lyra as he trotted away; it was obvious the rumors were about to begin.

Riot was very close to his home now. He only hoped that Cheerilee wasn’t there. He wasn’t sure if he could keep his cool if she was. Would we want to though? Nah.

The house sat near the end of the road, just past the park. Riot trotted up the steps and reached for his keys. He stopped suddenly, realizing it wasn’t his house anymore. The soldier sighed, then steeled himself as he knocked on the door.

There was a voice from inside. “Cheer? Is that you? I’ll be there is just a moment.” There was a clattering of hooves, and a rustling of wings, and the door opened. “What brings you here so early Chee........” She trailed off, seeing Riot instead of Cheerilee.

Riot lifted up a hoof and forced a weak smile. “Hello Aurora...”

The mare gulped audibly. “W-what are you d-doing here, Ash?”

“I’m...Just getting some of my things.” He dropped the smile and just let his tired being back out.

She sighed, stepping aside. “You didn’t need to knock.”

He let his head fall as he trotted in. “It’s not my home anymore. It’d be rude to just walk in.”

“Y-you can still come see me when you want.....” She said, sniffing slightly as she looked at the floor.

Riot shook his head as he trotted towards the bedroom. “I don’t think Cheer would like that.” He popped open the dresser door and lifted out a couple pairs of clothes. “I’ll just take what I can carry. Still need to figure out where I’ll be sleeping tonight.” He peeked under the bed, grabbing a small ammunition tin that held his personal belongings. His thoughts went to the firearms he had stored in a large safe near his workbench, but figured that since only he knew the combination, they would be fine for the time being.

“I-I can tell Cheerilee to n-not come by for the next week or two, and you can stay here, and sleep on the couch until you’re back on your hooves.” The mare offered.

He let his hooves fall as he looked at the mare who had been so important to him for fifteen plus years. “Aura...Do you still love me?”

The mare’s breathing quickened visibly. “I....I.....Yes.”

Drawing his hooves back, Riot let his shoulders sag. “I missed you a lot when I was on tour. Sometimes I’d just lay awake, pretending that you were lying next to me.” He looked down, almost ashamed of it now.

She put her hooves over her face, a pained expression marring her pretty features. “M-Maker, I’m s-so sorry...I d-didn’t want this......Hunter, where’s Hunter, I need to see him.”

“He’s still at Rarity’s. Practicing magic with Sweetie.” The soldier kept his sentences short and to the point. He had to keep his composure, he couldn’t break now.

“I-is he alright? W-what I did.....I n-need to talk to him.”

“He’s...He’s fine.” Riot choked out the words, trying to hide his features from the mare behind his medium length mane.

“Ash.....I still n-need to be a part of his life.....We can’t let either of us have full custody...”

Riot nodded slowly. “Yeah....” He sniffed loudly before standing up. “I’m sorry love...I really am...” Riot looked up at her, then went to put a hoof on her shoulder. He stopped, letting his hoof fall back. “I want to ask you to take me back, but...I think we both know that it isn’t going to work.” Riot squared his shoulders, finding strength inside himself.

Aurora gave a shuddering breath. “I-it’s not your fault....I-I’m a filthy adulterer, and a whore.....” She said, clenching her eyes shut at his last words.

“And I’m a coward and a fool.” Riot trotted past the mare, only to stop by her side. “I’m sorry Aura...I’m still in love with you, and I don’t think that’ll ever change.” He clenched his eyes closed. “No matter who you love.” Riot trotted quickly into their room; the dresser opening quickly through his magic. Several clean articles of clothing floated in, and he grabbed what little possessions he had left at the house.

The mare’s tears began to fall, and she tried to put her hooves around Riot. “I-I love you too, b-but I love Cheerilee, too....”

Riot let her place her hooves around him, and he let her soak his shoulder with her sorrow. He didn’t hug back. “I’m sorry Aura...You can’t have both.” At that, he trotted into the living room. “I’ll be...Somewhere. I don’t know where yet.” He stopped for a moment before reaching into his jacket. He pulled out a small, worn picture before hoofing it to the mare. “Here. It’s gotten me through some rough patches.”

The bat pony burst into loud sobs, holding the little thing between her hooves, cuddling it to her belly. She didn’t speak; she couldn’t, not with the influx of tears.

“Goodbye Aurora.”

She let herself sink to the floor, tears soaking the carpet. “G-Goodbye....Ash, p-please.....d-don’t c-come back.....”

The door opened in front of him. “I’m already gone.” The door clicked closed behind him, but the weight of the conversation stayed firmly on his shoulders next to the filled bag.

Riot trotted forward aimlessly, realizing there was nowhere to really go. The stallion was down to two choices, either going to Vinyl, or back to Rarity’s. He needed somewhere to stay, Hunter could stay with Aurora. The thought of Redheart flashed before his mind, but it was nowhere near lunch. He sighed heavily, choosing to go and sulk in the park.

As he set down on one of the benches, lost in thought as he laidback, looking at the sky from between the branches of the tree above him. They shook slightly, even though there was no wind. Riot ignored them, choosing to plop down on the bench below. He placed his duffel next to the bench before sitting on it. A head appeared, a cyan one, sticking out from behind one of the larger limbs.

“Hey! I know you!” She said with a growl. He ignored the mare. Instead, he ran both hooves over his face, groaning quietly. “You’re that stallion who hit me and my friend! Do you always beat on ponies smaller than you?” She asked angrily.

“Do you always get piss drunk and attack bouncers who try and stop you from hurting your friends?” He let his head fall back, allowing him to see the mare as he spit his acidic words at her.

“Well....I....but....Uhg!” She grabbed her pillow, and shot off like a bullet.

He cocked an eyebrow at the prismatic line in the air that the mare had left. “Running away doesn't change anything kid.” He looked down at the duffle bag. “You just die tired.”

The grey stallion was well rested, but there was nothing he could do; but simply lie limply on that bench. His eyes eventually closed. falling asleep with a small ribbon of velvet clutched between his hooves.

Almost immediately, the smell of charred flesh filled his nostrils, and the heaving body of a friend lay in his hooves. Riot blinked through the red tinge and weakly rifled through his vest. A small red bottle floated out, and was placed on the crying bucks lips.

“Dr-drink...You need it...” He tilted the bottle up, letting the buck drink greedily from it.

The blood pouring from Wilds wounds was only slightly darker than the stallions fur; the piles of charred tissue tearing away wetly as he writhed, his half-melted wing falling from his body, the destroyed flesh of the base not strong enough to keep it on his body. The thing flopped to the ground, still twitching.

Riot clutched at the upper half of his body, which luckily wasn’t burned to the extent that his lower body was. The roaring blaze laid in place where the flamedog had stood, spraying broiling death down on his friends and comrades. Riot tilted the bottle until it was vertical; he watched as the stallions hide slowly stopped bleeding, and the melting stopped completely. Riots eyes closed slowly, only to reopen lazily.

“Wild...You’re gonna make it.” He didn’t have the strength to cock his head away as the stallion coughed heavily onto his chest, painting him with more blood. Riot cringed in terrible pain as the shrapnel in his neck bobbed about at every movement, tearing at his flesh.

Wild rocked slowly, grabbing and crying into his mangled wing as his good one folded back into place. He didn’t seem to even notice Riot, burying his tear soaked face in the horribly burned appendage.

Riot let the buck go. His plans were to grab him and drag him to the triage bunker, but as the soldier left his hooves, Riot fell over crippled in pain. He cried out, holding his neck as blood dribbled out from his nose and mouth.

The red pegasus stood, a blank expression on his face. He picked up the wing in his mouth, and limped away, completely unaware of the world around him.

Riot lifted a weak hoof up, trying to get the bucks attention. “Wi-wild...He...help...”

Wild didn’t stop, he didn’t even look, the same blank expression on his face as he limped, wing still clutched between his teeth, no longer even walking back towards friendly lines, just seemingly-mindlessly trotting down the battle line as bullets sprayed around him like hail.

Riot cried out in angry pain as he ripped open his flak vest. He rifled through the pockets with his short burst of adrenaline going through his veins. He soon realized that Wild had drank his last healing potion. The stallion blinked slowly, looking down at the empty pockets and empty magazines.

His helmet lay barely a foot away. Riot reached over as the last of his energy bled away. A small photo, depicting a fresh shaven buck and a beautiful batpony mare who was in a hospital gown. They were holding a tiny bundle in their collective hooves. Riot kissed the picture weakly, then held it against his chest as the light began to fade away as the black in the corner of his eyes began to flood inwards.

_______________________________________________________

Riot awoke with a gasp, clutching at his chest, but finding no fresh wounds, just old scars. Riot was still on the bench, the sun just beginning to set on the warm autumn afternoon. He put his legs over the side, and rubbed his mane. He was sweaty, and unkempt. He hadn’t been able to shower in nearly three days. Rarity would let him use hers if he asked, but the thought of being wet, naked, and vulnerable in her home welled up both an odd feeling of dread.

He stood up, shaking his head as he steadied himself. A short burst of magic saw his burden floating over his back. “Looks like I’m working tonight.” He hoped Aurora would go see Hunter, and explain things to him. Riot didn’t have the willpower to tell his son that he couldn’t stay with his dad.

Riot breathed loudly, starting to trot off for Vinyl’s. At least he would have, if a small, furry, missile hadn’t cracked him in the side. It was a foal, a grey foal hugging at his side, tears soaking his face. “D-dad! I f-f-found you!”

He breathed out in surprise from the impact. “Hunter? What are you doing out here?”

“I-I.....M-momma came for me....I didn’t want to go....But she made me come home with her....She tried talking to me, I don’t want to hear it. When we got back, I sat in my room while she tried to talk to me through the door. I w-wanted to find you....so I got out through the window and-” He was cut off when a tearful shout echoed in the empty park.

“Hunter!” It was Aurora, speedily flying towards the two grey ponies.

Riot hugged the colt tightly against his chest. “I love you Hunter. I always will, no matter what happens between me and Aurora.”

She set down, more scared and sad than angry. “Hunter! What were you thinking? I-I-”

“Go away!” He screamed at her, taking a step back. “This is your fault!”

“Hunter.....Y-you...I...” The mare was dumbstruck, each time she took a step towards her foal, he took another step backwards. “P-please Hunter....Come back to momma...” She said, kneeling, and putting out her hooves.

The young colt growled, actually growled, and pulled back even more, moving so Riot was between the two.

Riot closed his eyes and frowned heavily before turning to the colt and wrapping his hooves over the colts shoulders. “Hunter, you gotta go with momma now.”

The colt shook, trying to escape. “No! I don’t want to! I want to stay with you, lets go back to Rarity’s....I liked it there with you and Sweetie.” The colt snorted at his mother. “Before you ruined everything!”

Riot looked into Hunter’s eyes before speaking. “I’m sorry son...I don’t have anywhere to go. We can’t stay at Rarity’s forever, and I won’t have you sleeping on a park bench.” He picked up the colt and started trotting towards Aurora.

“Y-yes w-we can......R-Rarity really l-likes you....we-we could live there u-until we get a house of our own...” He went limp in his father’s hooves, allowing himself to be deposited, scowling, onto his mother’s back.

He ran a hoof down the colts face, smiling weakly. “I’m sorry buddy...” He took a deep breath. “But it’s for the best. Your momma loves you more than anything, she’ll take care of you.” He nuzzled the colt softly. “I love you Hunter.”

The young pony nuzzled back into Riot, before hopping to the ground, standing alongside Aurora. “I can still walk, I don’t need you to carry me.” He said darkly.

The mare hung her head, trying her best to avoid looking at Riot. “Goodbye, I’ll make sure he stays with me this time.”

Riot didn’t answer as he watched the two trot away. He waved weakly as Hunter looked back at him; the colts cheeks were still stained with tears.

He still had lots of time before the day was out, so he continued on his other plan, going to Vinyl’s. The stallion knocked on the door with a hoof, and the white mare opened it, surprised. “Heyyyy Tiger, what are you doing here so early? We don’t open for two hours.” When she saw what he looked like, she lost most of her cheery demeanor. “What happened to you, Riot? Are you alright?”

He shook his head slowly. “Can I...Can I come in?”

“Of course! Get in here, I’ll get you something to drink, and eat.” She said, taking him by the neck, and leading him inside. “What do you want to drink?”

“Water.” He placed the bag down on the ground, then sat down on his haunches.

“W-....”The mare blinked, staring at him. “O-okay, sit down on the couch and I’ll be right back.” She said, giving him a quick nuzzle, before trotting off into the kitchen. He remained where he was on the floor. There was a small crash and a scared squeak from the kitchen, causing him to look up in confusion.

“Vinyl? You alright?” There wasn’t an answer. Riot exhaled slowly before getting up. “I’m comin I’m comin...”

She was lying on the floor, holding her head. “I-I’m okay, just go sit on the couch.” She said, standing and picking up a bottle of water in her magic. The mare stumbled, only to be caught halfway to the ground. Riot held onto the mare as they both fell to the floor. Luckily nopony was hurt.

The mare looked up at his worn features. “I-I’m sorry, Riot.....Y-you’re m-married, I....th-these feelings won’t go away....”

He blinked at the mare, not quite catching onto what she had said. “Feelings?”

She breathed out, loudly. “It...it just seems sometimes that all the good stallions are gone....e-except for you.....B-but you’re married......What I feel about you is wrong.”
The realization hit him finally. She liked him. A lot. The buck closed his eyes, thinking one single word. ‘FUCK.’

She gulped. “You’re always t-there....an y-you’re so talented, and strong.....handsome.” The DJ said, closing her eyes, hiding behind her hooves. “Noble.”

He exhaled slowly, placing a hoof on hers. “I...I don’t know what to say Vinyl. The timing of all this is just surreal.”

“W-what do you m-mean?” Vinyl asked, taking one hoof away from her face, looking up at his blues with her reds.

Riot licked his lips, trying to figure out what to say. “Vinyl...I” He swallowed a bit then hung his head. A small ring floated out from his pocket, then clattered across the floor.

“W-what is that?” She asked, gripping it in her magic, and floating it up to her eyes. Her eyes widened, and she dropped it in surprise. “I-is that your.....”

“Yeah. Aurora left me, for Cheerilee. I don’t need that anymore.” He tapped the ring about in the floor.

Her mouth fell open. “Oh Celestia that’s terrible!” She hugged him, pulling his head into her warm, fuzzy, chest. “I’m so sorry for you.” She said, rubbing his mane.

He pulled away, looking her in the eyes. “Don’t feel sorry for me. She made her choice, I’m just along for the ride.” He took a deep breath before speaking. “This place is dragging me to hell, and I’m stuck riding shotgun. And all anypony in this shithole can think of is FUCKING.” He didn’t stand up as he made a vulgar gesture towards the window, exhaustion had already driven him into the ground.

The mare slowly continued to stroke his mane, nuzzling his cheek. She tried to ignore his anger at pretty much what she had been doing the entire time of knowing him. “Shh, shh, don’t talk like that.... It’s perfectly normal, you just need to get used to it.”

He shook his head. “No Vinyl. I’m losing my mind, I’m a danger to myself and everypony around me. The doctor was right..” He sneered at the thought of the place where he may have ended his life.

She looked directly into his eyes. “I don’t care.”

He raised a hoof to object, but let it fall back down. “I keep seeing myself die.”

Vinyl smiled at him sadly. “Shh, don’t think about any of that, everything’s fine....”

Riot shook his head; standing up from his spot on the floor. “No, everything isn’t fine. My entire life has been gutted with brutal efficiency within a week.” He looked out the window silently for a moment before speaking again. “I may even lose Hunter.”

“You won’t lose Hunter, you’re such a good father....” She said, cuddling up to him..

“I might lose him, I don’t even have a place to stay.” He looked around, taking in the house. “And if the psychologist says I’m fucked, she can take him and I won’t be able to stop her. STOP. Touching me.” He growled the last part out, causing Vinyl to retract her limbs in an instant.

Vinyl winced. “Well.....You can always stay here for awhile.....” She said, looking down at her floorboards.

“No. I...I can’t. I’ll figure something out. Until then the park benches will work.”

“Are you crazy? You really think I’d let you go sleep outside? Bullshit. You’re staying right here young colt.” She said, patting the top of his head. Riot closed his eyes as he fell to his haunches. He didn’t say anything as he stared at the plain ring at his hooves. “Now, lets have a seat and continue our heartfelt conversation somewhere more comfortable. I know I’ve got a lot of padding, but sitting like this sucks.” She said, wiggling her rear, and standing.

He nodded weakly, standing up and trotting over to the small couch. He sat down heavily and tossed the ring into his open duffel bag. The mare sat down next to him, sitting on her curled legs. “You’re going to stay here, for at least tonight.” Riot nodded again, staying silent.

Vinyl made a grab for one of his hooves, but retreated when he shot her with a glare, his features looking haggard and beaten.

Vinyl pulled her hooves away from him. “Fine, alright. I get it, you like your space, that’s cool. Listen though, maybe you should just have a good cry session!” The mare smiled at him. “That helps me when I’m really sad.” She perked up, hoping to get somewhere.

“Soldiers don’t cry Vinyl.”

She looked at him, raising her eyebrow. “You’ve been through a lot, you can’t just keep it all bottled up, it’s got to leave some time.”

“I bled it all out.” He pushed a grin, then immediately regretted it.

The mare whined, before giving him a disapproving look. “That’s no way to do it....”

Riot cocked an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Bleeding out your pain doesn’t do shit....it’s worse than bottling it up, because even though it helps relieve some of the pressure, it adds more than it takes. You have to get it out of you...” She said, her hooves edging closer..

“If it makes you feel better, it wasn’t voluntary bleeding.” He lifted a hoof up to his scar absent mindedly.

She winced, rubbing at his scar with a hoof before having it swatted away. “I’m so sorry....You of all ponies deserve some solidity in life, and here I am, whining that I have too much ‘no-strings-attached’ sex.” The mare said, putting her hooves to her face.

The stallion chuckled dryly. “Heh, sex. Haven’t had that in almost three weeks. Seven months before that.” He shook his head slowly, trying to lose any ideas. He wasn’t in the mood for bullshit, and sex almost always required bullshit to get.

The mare put her hooves around his head. “Are you crazy?! You’re gonna kill some poor mare when you cum!” She said, moving slightly, as if getting away from where his member would be pointing. Riot rolled his eyes as he grunted at her before lying down completely. His head rested in his hooves as he nibbled at the fur lining his hoof.

Vinyl sat next to the stallion, rubbing his back, kneading his flesh. “I’m so sorry, Riot.....Going so long without anything, and coming back to that?”

He scowled angrily, not at Vinyl, at himself. “I should have stayed with her. I should have done something...”

“No, no....you did what you thought was right.” She said, still stroking his spine, and the long scar that was there. “I-I’m sure plenty of other mares really like you too....”

“You wouldn’t believe the amount of bullshit I’ve waded through in ponyville. Almost every mare in town looks at me like I’m a hunk of meat with a cock. They don’t care what I’m thinking, they don’t care that I’m married...They don’t care that I’ve bled for them.” Maybe we should make them care. Make them bleed for a change.

“I-I’m s-so sorry.....I-I’m tre-treating you just like that......” Vinyl says, slowing her massage to a stop.

“Whatever, not like it made a fuckin difference.” Riot pulled off his jacket; Vinyl recoiled a bit at the smell, but then realized where he had probably slept the last night.

She coughed. “Woah, somepony needs a shower....”

He sniffed at his hoof and nodded. “Yeah, last night was....Interesting.”

“Come on, Tiger. Let’s get you in the shower.” She said, standing, pulling the stallion to his hooves. “Get you all nice and sparkly.”

“Hm.” He grunted, standing up as well as he could.

She ushered him into the small bathroom, motioning to the tub and shower combo. “Here’s you, shampoo is in the top shelf, soap is in the dish. Take as long as you need. Make sure to holler if you need any......company~” The white mare giggled, shutting the door.

Riot watched as the door closed, then made sure it closed. He turned to the tub, then cranked the shower head on. He was never one for baths. Once the water was set to a nice boil, he shed his dirty clothes and stepped in.

Vinyl opened one eye, biting her lip as she peered through the keyhole of the old-style door, watching as the stallion undressed, eyes widening with each passing second. A part of her felt horrible for doing it, but she still couldn’t resist.

Riot looked about the bath area for the things he needed, but he felt the weight of the day pulling him down. The stallion sighed as he sat down on his haunches, letting the water fall over him. His mane hung down over his eyes, despite the fact his horn tended to keep it out of the way. He looked down at the swirling water and started watching the dirt and grime float away.

The stallion lit his horn up, taking a bar of soap in his hoof, scrubbing himself thoroughly, trying to rid himself from the disgusting, dirty feeling he had from the days of unwashing. His breathing wavered for a moment and he placed the bar on the side. Sniffing loudly, Riot ran a hoof over his face and hardened his features.Riot sat there, staring at the drain as his filth washed away. It didn’t make him feel better about his situation..

Vinyl wavered, feeling dirty herself for what she was doing. She pulled her head away, and leaned against the door, hearing a sigh penetrate the wood, and pass into her ears.

Riot managed to stay quiet after that, but he couldn’t stop the continual wave of emotions that washed over him, filling his heart with hate and anger for a fleeting moment. He hugged his head in his hooves as memories came through, reminding him exactly of what he had lost. He sniffed quietly, then sucked in a breath as he looked down at his cracked hooves.

The mare outside gulped, and then asked through the keyhole. “Riot, are you okay?”

He looked up at the door and got up on his hooves. “Yeah, just trying to get some knots out of my mane, that’s all.”

“A-alright....if you’re sure.” She said, not buying it, and going off to make him something warm to drink for when he left the shower.

Riot shook his head, letting his features harden once again. The bar of soap floated up, along with a small bottle of mare’s shampoo. “Damn, well beggars can’t be choosers...”

A few minutes later, Riot stepped past the bathroom door with his bit of dirty clothing in tow. Part of him felt wrong not wearing any clothes, but barely anypony else wore them. He had to try and fit in...Try to be normal. He walked over to his duffel bag, then deposited the clothes in one of the side pockets.

“Oh, joining the land of the naked, I see.” Vinyl said, giggling at his still slighty wet body. “Wow, you look like the cover of playmare.”

Riot rolled his eyes at the mare. He opened up the diddy bag, then grabbed what he was looking for. A small orange and red hat, given to him by a dear friend before his departure. He donned the cap and looked at Vinyl; ignoring the faded fuzzy tassels hanging past his face.

“Look at that, you had to go ruin it.” She said, slapping him on the wet flank. “You were all sexy and wet before, but now not even I will ride your pony stick.” The mare said, nose rising snootily into the air.

“I knew I kept this thing around for a reason.” He smirked at the mare. “And you really wouldn’t? Not even if I asked nicely?”

She bit her lip, looking at his wet body. “Mmmmm. Well, ask, and we’ll see.”

He shook his head before nipping at his hoof. “Negative Ghost Two.” He pulled on a clean pair of camos; already feeling better about himself. “We better start getting set up. The sunday crowd will demand wubs.”

“No such thing.” She says, leaning onto her back, splaying out her hooves. “We’re closed sundays.”

He cock an eyebrow at the mare as she sprawled out. “But you said we work in two hours when I got here. Are you closing shop just because I had a bad day?” He poked her in curiosity.

“Nah, I just decided to take a personal day with my new roommate.” She stretched her legs. “So, what do you want to do?”

He shrugged, looking around. “I don’t really know...Where will I sleep?”

“Well.....Unfortunately the couch is taken.”

Riot frowned deeply. “By who?”

Vinyl shrugged. ‘Berry likes to drop in late at night, when we aren’t working. So...I guess you’re bunking with me soldier~” Vinyl bit her lips before poking Riot.

“What, you want me to take up all the room on your bed?” He asked with sharp sarcasm.

“Mmm, I’ll find somewhere to fit myself. It’ll get.....close, though.” She said, now lying on her side, tail flicking ever so slightly.

He nodded at the mare, knowing full well what she meant. “Yeah...I’m sure it will.” Riot looked down at his bag and sighed. “Guess I better unpack.”

“Yeah, you can put your stuff wherever. I don’t have a lot of things, ninety percent of the money goes back into the club.”

“Until I came along.” He looked at her, then looked down at the fat bag of bits he had sitting in his duffel.

“Woah! Where did those come from?!” She said, eyes shooting wide.

“Tips.” He answered flatly, before pointing to a smaller, albeit fairly large bag. “That’s what you’ve paid me so far.”

“W-what? Maker, I’ve been paying you too well.” She said, putting a hoof on the large bag of bits.

“You’re actually paying me around minimum wage.” He patted the bag before zipping the duffel back up. “I enjoy my work so much I don’t bitch.” The stallion stated snidely. He started trotting towards her room.

She followed him. “So, what do you want to do tonight? We can do whoever you want.” She said, with a little ‘freudian slip’.

Riot shook his head slowly. “I didn’t get a very good sleep last night...” He pushed open the door to her room. He trotted in, not paying attention to the bits of personal belongings and...Undergarments that laid on the floor.

The mare sighed in momentary defeat. She’d already had dinner, and she was already in her pajamas. ”I guess an early night might be good for me.” The mare said, trotting in behind him, biting her lip at the amount of her personal items he’d seen.

Riot tossed his bag on the floor, wincing a bit as an ammo can impacted the floor loudly. “So, how are we gonna do this? Until I go and buy an inflatable mattress that is.”

“Dunno, you want to be on top?” She said, giggling, before hopping into bed, snuggling into the covers.

“I’ll sleep over here.” He patted the side of the bed she wasn’t on. He was too tired to try and fight with a couch for a good nights sleep, and it wasn’t like he hadn’t slept in Vinyls bed before.

“Sounds good to me.” She said with a yawn as he laid down. The mare turned away, and actually closed her eyes, trying to get to sleep, to Riot’s surprise. He blinked in disbelief, not having to worry about fending her off. Yet. He laid down next to her, his back to hers.

Chapter Six

Riots eyes fluttered open, and the coppery burn in his mouth had been replaced with...Pomegranate? He groaned in pain, rolling over in the dirt.

“Come on Captain! Back on your hooves!”

Somepony was pulling at him, trying to get him up. Riot shook his head, trying to dislodge the cobwebs in his brain. Everything felt fuzzy and surreal. Then it hit him. The smell of burning flesh. The smell of burning gunpowder and thermite that clung to the air like a parasite. Riot blinked rapidly as he looked up at the source of the voice. His eyes finally found the voice’s owner, and did his best to feel happy about it. Corporal Mulberry pulled at his hooves, dragging him along.

“Mumbles? What’s going on?” Riot stumbled a bit before leaning against the trench wall. “Where is everypony?”

The lemon stallion nickered in fear as he shook his head. “I don’t know! Our support is a no-show, and everypony fell back when they burst through our lines!” The stallion’s eyes whipped about in different directions as he fidgeted. Riot realized they were now trotting into the empty triage bunker.

Riot shook his head before wincing at a sharp pain in his neck. “How long was I out?”

Mumbles looked up at the tall unicorn. “You were dead for about a minute sir.”

“Lovely... I-” Riot coughed roughly into his hoof, then whipped the blood onto his uniform as vertigo clutched at his head. Riot grasped the flask in his flak jackets pocket. Popping the cap, he took a deep swig.

“Take it easy Cap’, you lost a lot of blood... Seriously, you need to quit drinking.” The smaller unicorn looked around at the blood stained sheets that had been left behind. “I managed to get a healing potion down your throat, but then I had to find a blood bag... You’re a weird bloodtype man.”

Riot managed a weak smile as he felt up to his neck, feeling the torn armour and uniform. “Thanks Mumbles, I wouldn’t have survived if you hadn’t done that. But I’m not gonna stop drinking just cause you said so, I’m an alcoholic for fucks sake.”

The stallion shrugged, forcing out a grin of his own. “No worries Riot, I’m just saying. Anyways, I may have just saved you so I wouldn’t die alone.”

The officer in Riot took over, checking over what little munitions he had and the condition of his rifle. “Dying’s over-rated soldier. Speaking of which, how come we aren’t knee deep in the enemy?”

“Because we’re shelling their line, once it’s over they’ll take this trenchline without any problems. Those darn zebras and the dogs are shredding us.” Mumbles pulled out his rifle’s magazine, then shook his head as he looked down at roughly twenty rounds. “We have to pull back sir; command ordered the retreat ten minutes ago. I couldn’t leave without you.”

Riot nodded, taking mental note to buy Mumbles a whole keg of hard apple cider when they got out. “How long do we have?” The shelling in the distance stopped abruptly, only to be replaced with a gut wrenching fusilade of howls from the enemy line.

The lemon stallion sighed heavily, looking out the door to the bunker. “We’re out of time Sir.”
___________________________________________________________________________

Riot galloped through the trench line with Mumbles in hot pursuit. It wouldn’t take long for the zebra ultranationalists and their diamond dog allies to reach the trench. The enemy was moving forward slowly though, making sure they weren’t trotting into a trap.

“Come on Mumbles! I’m not giving these bastards any of our munitions to toss back at us!” Riot had a demolition charge clenched in his teeth, its purpose was to destroy the main ammunition cache inside one of their fortified bunkers.

Reaching the door to the bunker, Riot jammed his key in; set the timer for six minutes, then tossed it inside. Slamming the door shut, Riot broke into a full gallop in the opposite direction. Mumbles yelled something behind Riot, something he couldn’t hear as a large shell landed near them. The world went white for a moment; his ears were filled with white noise.

The captain hit the side of the trench, his world suddenly upside down and filled with flying dirt. He didn’t know what happened to the corporal that was hot on his hooves a moment before. “Mumbles!” He yelled out, hoping to get a response.

Somepony next to him coughed loudly, before pounding his shoulder. ‘I’m here sir!”

“Come on Corporal! Let’s get the hell out of here!”

The corporal stopped next to Riot for a moment, taking a deep swig from his now empty canteen. Mumbles shook his head, grunting as his wall eyes focused. “I’m right behind you!”

They both knew that they were nearing the trench exit; escape was just within their grasp. Before they rounded the last corner, Riot could hear somepony crying out, just a couple rows over.

“H-help! Charley six-two-six! Help!”

Riot scrunched up his muzzle. The demolition charge would be going off in barely four minutes. The enemy would be there in less than a minute themselves. The Captain growled his distaste before halting the corporal. “Mumbles, you hear that?”

The corporal nodded. “Yeah, sounds like one of ours, don’t know why he’d be yelling that code though.” The unicorn nickered. “Whelp, time for some dashing heroics, eh Cap’?”

Riot swore, then nodded. “You lead Mumbles, I’ll cover you!”

Galloping as fast as they could, the pair headed towards the voice, which continued to yell for help, as well as the strange code. Riot figured the pony was calling for his unit, or using a callsign. Mumbles pressed himself up against a trench wall, just before the source of the voice.

“Icepick!”

There was a pregnant pause.

“Everfree!”

Riot let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding; following Mumbles around the corner. To his surprise, a lanky green pegasus laid trapped under a fallen trench brace. The stallion’s eyes flitted between the two of them, then he broke out into a wide smile.

“Captain Riot! Corporal Mumbles! I’m so glad you two found me!”

The captain nickered; cantering over to the stallion. “Shut up for fuck’s sake private, keep it down. Stripe’s prolly right on top of us!” He hissed at the younger stallion, who clamped his mouth shut, if only for a moment.

“What are you two doing here? I thought we sounded the retreat?” The trapped soldier let out a breath as Mumbles lifted the beam off him without much effort.

Mumbles chuckled. “Could ask you the same thing Skyrunner, come on, let’s get out of here.”

The private shook his head. “Sorry sirs, I can’t.”

Riots muzzle scrunched up as he moved forward. “What do you mean private?”

Skyrunner shrugged, his wings stretching out. “I’ve got a transaction to complete.”

BRAKKABRAK

Riot flinched as the assault carbine that was strapped to Skyrunners side let out a burst, stitching Mumbles from chest to throat. Before the corporal even hit the ground, Riot let out an enraged roar as he dived forward in hopes of tackling the traitor. Skyrunner pumped his wings, and Riot hit the muck below him. The private came down hard, driving Riots face into the hard packed dirt. Darkness overcame the Captain, just as a zebra Kommando came out of hiding.

Riot came to moments later, just as Skyrunner waved to the zebra. “Thanks for the Kwacha. Take care of him would you?” The private pointed at Riot before flying off, a briefcase in tow..

The Kommando shrugged, and focused on Riot. “Put up a fight, for my delight?” He smiled cruelly before pulling out a razor sharp zebrican knife. Riot coughed roughly as he was pushed back to the ground.

“Fuck you Stripes...”

“No need to be snide, I’ll be taking your hide.” The Kommando laughed at his own wordplay.

Riots horn flared, and a magical flashbang went off in an instant. The zebra cursed loudly; not seeing the captain roll onto his back, service pistol at the ready.

BLAM BLAM BLAM

The pistol barked three times, the last sending the zebra over backwards as the heavy .45 round sprayed his skull’s contents onto the trench wall like a grapefruit. Forcing himself up, Riot holstered his pistol, then looked over at the crumpled form of Mumbles. The captain watch beeped, signalling the last minute before the charge went off. He clenched his eyes, before grabbing a plastic wrapped package from one of the stallion’s pouches, and his tags.

“I’m sorry Mumbles... I’m so sorry... I’ll get that bastard if it’s the last thing I ever do.” Riot sniffed, before galloping away, towards the trench exit.

Some ways away, in a crumbling farmhouse, Riot watched as a zebra light tank trundled into view near his old trench. There was a dull Crump from the trench; Riot ducked into cover just as the munition dump went up in flames.

The fireball was massive, and the shockwave was even larger. Dust and dirt fell down from the ceiling, along with multiple beams of wood. Riot covered the back of his head with both hooves, cradling himself as to avoid any more head injuries from falling debris. After about a half minute passed, Riot looked up, momentarily admiring the fireball that consumed the sky.

Riot laughed as he pulled out the flask and took a deep swig. “Mumbles, you’re promoted...” He held up the pony’s tags. “You did a fine job keeping me alive.”

“It was my pleasure sir.”

Riot blinked, then looked around. he was alone. Glass from the house’s blown windows crunched outside, causing Riot to tense like a high pressure spring. Pulling out his bayonet, he waited quietly beside the bookshelf. Moments later, a stumpy rifle barrel, with a black suppressor attached poked through the door. Riot held his breath. That wasn’t an REA rifle. As the zebra kommando poked his head in, he failed to see the captain’s dust covered form hunker down in the shadows. The zebra let out a sigh, before pulling out a packet of cigarettes. As he fiddled around with a gold lighter, Riot snuck forward.

The kommando flicked at the lighter again, before letting out a disgruntled curse in zebrican. The zebra looked up, just in time to see a faint blue glow in the remains of a ruined mirror. His eyes went wide, and he opened his mouth to yell out, but only a choked squeal came out as Riot jumped on him; the razor edged blade passing through flesh and tendon without pause. The suppressed rifle went off, riddling the wall with slugs. Captain Riot brought the knife back towards himself, opening up the rest of the artery, and severing the kommandos vocal cords in one quick motion. A gurgling wheeze escaped the zebra’s lips before he flopped to the ground, his limbs moving slowly as he tried to outrun death. Riot picked up the cigarette package with his magic, before pulling one out, along with a gold officer’s lighter.

“Thanks for the smoke.”

A burst of machine gun fire ripped through the flimsy home, driving the captain to the floor. Riot poked his head out the window before firing a short burst from his rifle. “Shit... They definitely want revenge for that lightshow.” Moving to the rear of the cottage, Riot peeked out past the broken wall.

Riot burst out of the back of the cottage just as the artillery barrage opened up. He couldn’t tell whose it was, and it was obvious the shells didn’t care who they tore to bits. As he broke over the halfway point, bullets of all sizes started whizzing past him from both sides.

A massive shell landed several meters ahead of Riot, but the shockwave gave him pause as it buffeted his tattered armour and worn being. “Sonuva!!” He spat out a glob of dirty blood; absentmindedly running his tongue over his teeth.

“Almost there!” Riot managed a grin as he mentally recited the challenge, and the answer. He jumped over the large blast crater, then turned around to check his surroundings..

It was hell on Equis. all he could see was the burned out husks of trees, and homes. There were bodies everywhere, from all sides. He was sure that there were no civilians though; they had all been evacuated days before. Turning back to his own lines, he could see the hulking mass of Hoofington far in the distance. That was what it was all over.

He was sorely close to friendly lines now, but Riot could practically smell the enemy as they bore down on him from behind. He lowered his head, forcing himself into a hard gallop that would leave him drained and heaving under normal circumstances.

The last hurdle, a small hill that he had to climb before he could gallop the last bit to the friendly lines. The trench sat ahead, taunting him and goading him forward.

Riot bounded over the hill, his legs roasting in pain. The captain ignored the pain, knowing full well if he stopped, he died. The trench was within a hoofs reach now. Riot sprang forward, his hooves crossing the threshold.

A scared recruit, barely out of bootcamp stood in front of him as he jumped. The recruit screamed in surprise, his rifle barking as his tongue hit the trigger.

The world went black as Riot hit the ground like a sack of apples, rolling head over heels before sliding into the duckboards. The tall stallion skittered in behind cover, just as the recruit fired again, fearful for his life.

“EVERFREE! FRIENDLY FIRE!”

The shots stopped in an instant, causing Riot to peek around the corner. The recruit shook heavily, his helmet bouncing to and fro on his head. Riot stood up, causing the recruit to suck in a breath and salute.

‘S-sir! I-I’m so sor-”

Riot held up a hoof as he trotted forward. “Stop saluting me dammit, snipers’ll pick my head off!” The recruit dropped his hoof in an instant, looking devastated.

“I-I thought you were a zebra sir...”

He waved it off, his horn lighting up for a few moments. “Smoke?”

The recruit nodded, taking the cigarette out of his telekinesis. “Sir? These are Red stripes!” He stared at the stick as if it would stab him.

Riot merely chuckled as he started trotting towards the company CP. “I decided to help the other guy quit.” He turned his head away from the recruit, his thoughts focused and sharp.

The door of the company CP was only a couple twists away, and the captain knew the trench by heart. He passed by several fire teams, their carbines and assault rifles barking continuously as they beat back the tide. The guard at the command post looked up in time to see the captain approaching. He pulled back in surprise. “Captain Riot! We thought we had lost the 221st!”

Riot paused, his sure demeanor wavering for a moment. “I hope we didn’t. How many made it back during the retreat?”

The guards mouth opened, then closed again as he fought for words. “Sir.... Not enough.”

The captain sucked in a breath, before letting out a low sigh through clenched teeth. “Yeah. made those bastards pay for it though. Bet they weren’t expecting a D-charge in the munitions stock.” Riot smirked darkly, and the guard waved him in.

Colonel Star Flight didn’t even look up from his map and markers as he stood hunched over the table. Riot saluted quickly, making his presence know. “Sir. Captain Riot of the 221st, Easy company, reporting.”

Star Flight looked up for a moment, before letting his gaze fall back down. “Captain. Glad we didn’t lose all of our officers.”

“We nearly did sir. I owe my life to Corporal Mulberry for that.”

The general cracked a smile. “That’s good, we’ll put him up for a medal. Did he make it?”

Riot paused. “No sir.”

Before the conversation could go any further, a cleanly dressed Lt. trotted up to Riot, saluting smartly before speaking. “Captain, we have one of your soldiers here at the moment. He was trying to go awol.” The Lt. smirked. “Just wanted to get you to confirm his ID. He gave us one, but that soldier is actually guarding the door right now.” The pony smirked wider.

Riot rolled his hoof. “Make it quick, I gotta get back out there.”

“And see a medic.” The Colonel chuckled dryly. “You look like you’re a dead pony walking. I can’t have my officers looking like that.”

The captain rolled his eyes. “Sorry I can’t keep my cammies pressed sir, Stripes took out my ironing board last week with a mortar.” He shared a chuckle with some of the other officers, before he caught a look at the pony who had tried to go awol.
___________________________________________________________

Vinyl opened her eyes, yawned, and stretched. The young mare smiled when she felt Riot’s warmth along her spine. She thought for a moment; Cuddle? Or no cuddle? Her choice was made for her when Riot began to move in his sleep.

“How....Long was I....” He fidgeted a bit, but was otherwise calm.

“Hmm?” She asked, yawning and stretching again, wanting nothing more than to cuddle up with him and sleep the day away.

“How long do we...Have...”

“We have like...” She looked at her alarm clock. “A few hours. At least until we might have to get up so we can be ready to get to work today.” The stallion twitched suddenly, his back hooves kicking lightly. His facial features contorted as if he were stressed.

Vinyl giggled, it was like watching a dog running in it’s sleep. She gave his side a stroke. “Go get that rabbit, boy! Go get it!” She said quietly, patting his side as she smiled.

The private shook his head. “Sorry sirs, I can’t.”

Riot’s muzzle scrunched up as he moved forward. “What do you mean private?”

Skyrunner shrugged, his wings stretching out. “I’ve got a transaction to complete.”

BRAKKABRAK Riots chest convulsed heavily, and his head jerked back. His eyes snapped open and he sucked in a terrified breath of air as he plummeted off the edge of the bed.

Vinyl’s eyes widened as the buck careened off the side of the bed. Her head poked over the side. “Hey, are you alright, Tiger?”

He clenched his eyes shut, just wanting to hide in the deepest hole he could find until the boiling pain in his head went away. Riot whimpered in pain; curling into a tight ball on the floor.

The mare was at his side immediately, hugging him to her. “Are you okay? What happened?”

Riot sucked in a ragged breath. Mumbles had saved his life time and time again, as Riot had saved his. They had fought clear across Equestria, and in some of the nastiest places Equis could dish out. They had bled together, lived together, and fought together. Mumbles, Riot’s best friend, had been murdered in an instant by a slimy little prick. “I’m fine....I’m fine.”

Her red irises showed a unique blend of concern, fear, and relief. She nuzzled the stallion under the neck. “You’re sure?”

Riot nodded as he opened his eyes. “Yeah...Recruits are assholes.” He pushed her back, gently though.

The mare pulled back slightly, blushing in embarrassment. “Sorry.....”

“Fer what?” He sat up, cracking his neck. He lifted a hoof, feeling the curve of his scar.

“You know....the whole hugging thing...” She said, clambering back onto the bed, and rolling onto her back.

He grunted in acknowledgement before getting up onto his hooves. “Celestia, I feel like hammered shit.”

Vinyl stretched out on the bed. “Come on back to bed, Tiger. Get some more sleep.”

“I think I better figure out where I’ll be sleeping tonight.” He scratched his scruffy chin for a moment. “Maybe get a bedroll or something.”

The mare tried her hardest not to look disappointed. “Well.....You don’t have to.....”

Riot looked over at the mare. “I have to. That, and I should prolly figure out where to sleep so that I won’t wake you up everytime I get shot or sliced up.”

“It’s okay.....” She said, looking down. “Wait....what the fuck are you talking about? You haven’t been anywhere for something like that to happen for weeks.”

He shook his head slowly. “You wouldn’t understand Vinyl, I’m sorry.” Riot turned towards the door and trotted out into the hall. He had appointments today, and he was hoping for answers.

Vinyl got out of bed, and followed him. “What do you mean I won’t understand?”

“Did you hear anything about the skirmishes with the Zebras out by Hoofington?”

The mare looked at him with a sad expression. “Yeah.....yeah I did.”

“You hear about it in the papers?” He trotted out into the living room, then looked about for the kitchen.
Vinyl nodded. “Yeah, mostly.”

“Then you have no idea how bad it really was.”

Vinyl cocked her head, looking at the stallion. “What do you mean? We won after all, and the newspapers said we didn’t lose that many ponies.”

Riot chuckled darkly as he leaned against the wall. “They had Flamethrowers and artillery support. I lost a full squad of ponies to a single moment. A single pull of the trigger by some ultra nationalist Zebra who didn’t want to follow the nation’s rule anymore.” He looked at the mare; his eyes glossy. “They were incinerated in an instant.”

The mare sat on her haunches, sadder than Riot had ever seen her, tears beginning to brim her eyes. He winced, suddenly feeling like he was the one pulling the trigger. “I’m sorry Vinyl... I need to remember that ponies don’t want to know what happened there. I keep forgetting...” Riot looked away from her; his brain trying to overcome guilt with the thought of hay bacon.

Vinyl swallowed, and looked up at him. “I-it’s n-not all that......I-I had a c-coltfriend for a long time.....almost a year. He had to join the equestrian forces to pay to put his brother through school......He shipped out to Hoofington.....I n-never saw him again....”

Riot clenched his eyes closed. A hundred fresh faced stallions came to mind. “What was his name?” He didn’t want to know. Putting names to dead faces hurt more than it looked.

“Skyrunner....” She said, covering her tearing eyes with a foreleg.”H-he was so brave....kind....strong. He never wanted to f-fight.”

The captain saw Skyrunner out of the corner of his eye, but the other pony didn’t see him. Skyrunner was too busy chatting up a storm with the pony who was bringing him forward. Something inside Riot snapped, its conjoined gears left to spin freely. Riot let out a roar as he charged forward. He was on top of the scrawny pegasus before any of the other officers could figure out what was going on. He had his bayonet hilt deep by the time somepony yelled. Primal rage overcame Riot as his knife punched through Skyrunners rib cage like it was paper mache. Somepony was pulling at his shoulders, trying to drag him off of the little traitor. They wouldn’t stop him. He would make Skyrunner pay for what he had done. For what he had cost Riot.

Riot exhaled slowly as he put a hoof on Vinyls shoulder. “He was a good pony.” A crying foal, barely big enough to fill his armour. A club hound with a penance for cheap Hoofington tail lifters.. “He was a brave pony.” The little voice in Riot’s head hissed at the sentence, both it and Riot despised saying it, but Vinyl couldn’t know about what he did, how he had gutted Skyrunner in the span of six seconds in front of the company commander and his retinue..

She sniffled, and nuzzled into the hoof. “T-thank you....”

Bringing the mare into a hug, Riot rested her head on his chest. “He loved you more than anything.” Unless that anything had to do with a mare named Candy, or various club drugs. Riot had kicked him out of bed and into line more than once, only to find that the kid was still rolling off the high from the night before.

Vinyl curled her hooves under herself, and laid on her stomach, giving a pathetic whimper as her tears slid down her white face. It was Riots turn to comfort her. His hooves wrapped around the mare in a tight hug. He leaned over, cooing into her ear as she sobbed into his chest.

“Y-y-you j-just r-reminded me of h-him s-so much.....” She pulled back to wipe her face with a hoof. “I-it-it’s not the s-stallion’s f-fault f-f-for hitting and qu-quiting....I-I’m the pr-problem.”

“What do you mean?” He was never good at dealing with private matters. It was what made him a good soldier. He rarely got attached to his fellow comrades anymore. Not on any kind of level where it would matter or hurt if they died. Unlike Mumbles, or any of the others.

He was a good soldier. Riot focused for a moment. I am a good soldier.

“I-I p-push them a-away be-because I d-don’t want to get h-hurt anymore.......I d-don’t want them to l-leave me again....”

She was hiding something. She wanted him invested, wanted him close for something. But what was it? The little voice growled, before disappearing from his thoughts. “It’s alright Vinyl, you’re not going to get hurt anymore.” He would keep her at a hoofs length. He couldn’t afford trust her, or anypony else. Love was out of the question.

She pushed his hooves away. “I-I’m sorry....G-go, you pr-probably have something to d-do today.” The mare said, standing.

“I’ve got to see that psychologist in an hour or so, maybe swing by the post office and see if they can reroute any mail here.” He thought for a moment. Was he supposed to receive any mail at all, other than his pension and injury checks? “Maybe try and get a few more of my things while the ex is at work.”

“Mmhmm.” Vinyl said, wiping the last tears away, and slowly trotting back into her bedroom. “I-I’ll see you later, yeah?”

“Yeah, I’ll drop in every now and then to check up on ya.” He smiled at her, it was an honest smile.

She nodded, and closed the door to her room. Riot could hear the bed springs squeak as she hopped onto the bed. He shook his head slowly. He had things to do today, he couldn’t comfort a mare when everything was conspiring against him.

The sky was grey, a few pegasi hurriedly moving clouds into position above him. Looked like another day of rain. Riot huffed, and started his meander over to the hospital. Halfway there, he was struck with a thought.

He hadn’t visited Redheart yesterday like he had said he would. You care about that? She’s a quack, just like the army medics. She’ll sugar coat things, and write your death warrant while she smiles at you.

Riot blinked, then turned towards sugarcube corner. The place was nearly empty, with just Mrs. Cake sitting at the front, sipping at a cup of coffee. The door chime jingled merrily as Riot pushed into the sickly sweet building.

The mare perked up, putting on her hostess face. She placed the coffee down. “Hello dearie!” She said warmly.

“Mornin’ Mrs. Cake.” He trotted up to the display case and peered inside.

She gulped when she looked at his face, wincing at him for just a moment before perking back up. “R-rough night?”

“Not really, just wet, like usual.” He looked closer at the display, before pointing a hoof at a pair of fresh cinnamon raisin bagels. “I’ll take those two, with cream cheese. Two coffees as well, triple triples if you will.”

The blue mare nodded slowly, turning away to fetch the food. Riot turned to one of the benches in the store, then opted to take a seat. His stomach growled in agreement as he smelt the fresh baked goods being worked on in the kitchen.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake whispering to one another, the blue mare visibly frightened as they looked at him. Riot exhaled in exasperation before looking out the window. He caught a bit of his reflection in it.

“ I look like shit. Like I just crawled out of a trench.” He cringed a bit, before noticing the days paper sitting at the edge of the table.

TODAY PRINCESS CELESTIA TALKS ABOUT VETERAN REPARATIONS WITH ZEBRA PRIME MINISTER.

Later today will be the time for when our beloved Princess Celestia will hold conference with the Zebra Prime Minister over what to do with the recent veterans of the defence of Hoofington. The minister displayed heartfelt sadness after hearing about the loss of life of our soldiers on the battlefield.

While the attackers were not sent or supported in anyway by the Zebrican government, the Minister assures us that he will do everything in his power to ensure that those responsible for the coup attempt will pay dearly.

Riot snorted, but kept reading.

This raises the question, what should we do with our veterans? They seem to have trouble fitting into normal society, and are more prone to violent tendencies. Various schools of thought have converged on the veterans in curiousity. Several tests are being performed as I type this!

As always, we will be accepting letters from the community about our veteran soldiers of the REA. If you missed the chance to send in, check out our newest question below!

He didn’t even notice as the food was plopped down next to him in a plain brown bag. Riot had to keep reading, some morbid curiosity held his eyes to the page; and the communities response to stallions like him. You need to see this.

Our veterans have become monsters.

Hold on, what? Riot squinted, re-reading the passage.

Our veterans have become monsters. They defy the peace and harmony the princesses have worked so hard to bring us. If it weren’t for armies, the attack on Hoofington would have never happened! We only need the royal guard to keep us safe! And even they push their boundaries, cracking down on helpless protestors and ponies like me!

The message was signed by one B. Timbers. Riot was consumed with the desire to find this pony and stick him/her on the firing line. Or make them see just how fuckin’ dangerous a real veteran can be. The pony in his head growled, and Riot shared its sentiment

He was much more reluctant to read on, and his reluctance paid off. The veterans of the Hoofington attack are little more than privileged and well armed animals. They’re a foul bunch of disillusioned colts and fillies who have no idea about how Equestria works. We don’t need an army, and we don’t need THEM.

Riot threw the paper to the other side of the table in disgust and got to his hooves. He grumbled darkly as he placed a number of bits on the counter. Mr cake looked them over before lifting a timid hoof. “You left too much sir...”

His words came out more as a growl than anything as he trotted out the door.. “Keep the change.”

The trek to the hospital was uneventful, the streets empty in preparation for the coming rainstorm. The relatively small building loomed ahead. Riot stopped short, taking in the building. He hated hospitals. Any medical area really. He had spent too much time in them. He had visited to many comrades lying in the pure white beds. They were always fucked up beyond all repair, or were mental wrecks. He hated this place already. Riot sucked in a breath and he trotted in. He stopped in the lobby long enough to speak to the mare at the front desk.

“Hello sir, how may I help you today?” She forced a smile at him.

“Is Nurse Redheart in today? I have an appointment.”

The light purple and blue mare blinked, then smiled honestly at him. “Yes, yes she is. I’ll call her down right away.” The mare turned away from Riot, then pressed a button on the intercom. “Nurse Redheart to the front desk please, Nurse Redheart to the front desk.”

After a few short minutes, the white nurse had made her way to the lobby, trotting purposefully toward Riot. She smiled warmly at him. “Hello, Mr. Venture. It’s good to see you.”

He waved weakly, before lifting up the food bag. “I brought breakfast.” Riot looked around for a moment. “Can we sit somewhere?”

Her eyes widened at the mention of food. “Oh you shouldn’t have! I’m starving, and I’d love to eat while we talk, follow me. We can eat in my office.” She said, trotting merrily down the hall, Riot in tow.

He walked into her office, taking note of the small bench with a soaked pillow near the corner. He sat down in a small chair; shifting uncomfortably as he did so.

“Oh, I’m sorry for the chair, most ponies aren’t as big as you are.” She said, leaning back in her seat, sighing in content. “You didn’t have to go get me breakfast! You’re great, really.” She said, smiling at him.

Riot shrugged as he pulled out their food and passed the mare her coffee. “Don’t mention it, I didn’t get much of a chance to come down yesterday.” His eyes wandered around the office, taking in the sparseness, while taking in the fact that she probably spent more time here than at home. A lot of awards on the walls here... Fancy paper and shiny certificates... Like a veteran with his chest full of metal and ribbon.

She blushed slightly, seeing him looking at her home away from home, and how empty it was despite for the awards. “I-it’s alright, have you had any more episodes lately?”

Recounting his vivid dream and his sudden awakening, Riot nodded. “Yeah, but it was a dream, not a hallucination.”

She took a bite of her bagel, and a sip of coffee. “Well, it was better that than a hallucination.” The mare said, rubbing her tired eyes.

He nodded again. “Yeah, nopony got hurt.” The stallion closed his eyes, his features regaining a bit of the fear he had felt that day.

“Are you alright, Mr. Venture?” She asked, cocking her head, leaning across her desk to put a hoof over his.

Riot jerked away at the contact; opening his eyes he stared at his hooves. “Yeah. I’m fine, really.”

“No, Mr. Venture. You’re really not.” She said, sighing. “I’ve got a psychologist coming in from Canterlot, who is acclaimed for his abilities when dealing with ponies who suffer with PTSD.”

His interest was peaked at the acronym. “PTSD?”

“Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is common in ponies who have seen some of the things you’ve seen.”

A short snort cut her train of thought in half. “Sounds like a fancy terming for shell shock.” He looked at the mare, a trail of confidence in his eyes. “I’m not shell shocked. Sergeant Wild was shell shocked in the last battle, wandered off like he was in a park somewhere, with his dismembered wing in tow.” He closed his eyes as the image came back to the front of his mind, along with the feeling of betrayal and abandonment. He didn’t blame Wild, and was actually quite glad the jaunty little bastard had survived.

Redheart ignored the nasty scene that Riot painted in her mind. “Shell shock is often what the short-term version is called. PTSD is the long-term. Take a look at this.” She said, handing him a sheet of paper. “I’ve drawn this up for you to read.”

Symptoms of PTSD fall into three main categories:
1. "Reliving" the event, which disturbs day-to-day activity
Flashback episodes, where the event seems to be happening again and again
Repeated upsetting memories of the event
Repeated nightmares of the event
Strong, uncomfortable reactions to situations that remind you of the event

2. Avoidance
Emotional "numbing," or feeling as though you don't care about anything
Feeling detached
Being unable to remember important aspects of the trauma
Having a lack of interest in normal activities
Showing less of your moods
Avoiding places, people, or thoughts that remind you of the event
Feeling like you have no future

3. Arousal
Difficulty concentrating
Startling easily
Having an exaggerated response to things that startle you
Feeling more aware (hypervigilance)
Feeling irritable or having outbursts of anger
Having trouble falling or staying asleep
You might feel guilt about the event (including "survivor guilt"). You might also have some of the following symptoms, which are typical of anxiety, stress, and tension:
Agitation or excitability
Dizziness
Fainting
Feeling your heartbeat in your chest
Headache

Riot put down the sheet and rubbed his eyes slowly. “Well shit.”

“I take it these are your symptoms?”

“Yes.” His answer was quick and to the point. The mare lifted a hoof to say something, but let it fall back down when she looked over the buck. He looked like he belonged in extensive care.

She swallowed, not looking much like the pretty mare she was at the club. Her hair was greying slightly in her tight pink bun, her eyes had large bags under them from lack of sleep, and wrinkles were forming along her pretty face.

The stallion leaned back, his hooves covering his face for a moment. “What are the threats of this...Disease.”

“It’s not a disease, Mr. Venture, it’s a disorder. And for threats, are the symptoms not bad enough?”

“No.” He looked up, conviction in his eyes. “I can handle things. Always have. It’s possible threats to others that I want control of. And to me, it is a disease.” He frowned heavily as he spoke.

“Well, I won’t be able to help you. Only Doctor Stuart can help you now.” She said, sighing. “I’m very sorry, Mr. Venture.”

“It’s alright ma’am. I’m used to being shuffled down the line, it was actually in my job description.” Riot chuckled, recalling several times where he had been looped around for days. His smile disappeared. That wasn’t a memory he should have been happy about.

The mare stood, finishing her coffee and trotting around the desk to the large soldier. She placed a ginger hoof on his shoulder, doing her best to ensure his calm remained. “Do you mind? I.. I want to take a look at that scar of yours.”

Riot just accepted his fate and nodded half heartedly. His features remained stoic and unchanged as the mare trailed a hoof down his neck and to his large scar.

“This is amazing.....” She said, feeling the bit of scar tissue with a hoof. “How could you have survived so much......”

“I had a good friend help me.” His features remained neutral, despite the return of the coppery burn in his mouth.

Her head pulled back slightly, looking at his face. “Who do you mean? Your friend who got ‘shellshock’?”

“No. That friend lived.”

She frowned, looking down. “W-who then?”

“Corporal Flaky Mulberry. Mumbles.” Riot closed his eyes, wishing he had something left of the stallion other than terrified memories and trinkets.

The mare gave him a sympathetic look, and pulled away, sitting back behind the desk. “I’m very sorry for what has happened to you, and I hope that we can get you some help. You of all ponies deserve some normality after what you’ve suffered.”

“I keep hearing that statement getting tossed around. Doesn’t make it true Redheart.” He stood up from the tiny chair. “Do you know when this doctor will be coming in?”

“Should be later this week, he is a busy stallion, lots of clients after that last time the military was brought in.” She said, shuddering, and choosing to ignore his first statement.

“Alright. Enjoy your breakfast, I’ll see you around.” Riot turned to leave, his hoof pushing the door open.

She nodded, and went back to her bagel, chewing heartily as he disappeared out the door. “Try not to get into any physical confrontations, they may compound the problem.”

Riot didn’t hear the mares last statement as he exited into the hallway. He wanted to be somewhere else. Anywhere but this sordid place that hated him for helping it. Riot passed the front desk, giving a half hearted wave to Flitter.

He exited out into the dreary afternoon, and immediately regretted not having planned for something else to do. The immediate thought of buying a bedroll or the like came to mind. He could also go back to his new home, but he would have to fend off Vinyl. Not to mention every other mare that knows you’re single now. The stallion grimaced at the thought.

Seeing as how he needed a bedroll, Riot figured he could try and find a store to grab what he needed. Heading through town, the stallion found himself wandering aimlessly. If he didn’t find something soon, he would probably just declare the mission a lost cause. Riot thought about going through the market, but that would have to be a last resort, especially if Applejack was there.

The stallion wandered a bit more, but eventually spotted a small shop tucked away between a flower shop and a magic shop. The sign above read ‘Albernies Camping Supplies and Military Surplus’.

Riot shrugged to himself before heading inside, what was the worst that could happen?

The shop walls were lined to the roof with various assortments of camping gear and general supplies. Riot glanced around, taking in the bright colours that marked civilian stuff. The shop owner gave him a quick glance, but found his attention consumed by the pony he was already talking to. A dash of olive drab and a faintly familiar camouflage pattern caught Riots eye; off near the corner of the store sat a small selection of infantry gear. The stallion trotted forward, looking over each bit of gear. Most of it looked new, but some was definitely used. Turning away from the selection, Riot found his way over to the sleeping bags and mattresses. It didn’t take long to find one that would work for what he needed.

“Come on bro! I was in the army, I deserve this stuff!”

The sudden burst of whiny conversation filled Riot ears, pulling his head up. The pony at the counter was arguing with the clerk about prices, but something was off about it. Riot trotted up closer to the counter, semi-curious about the conversation.

“I already told you Buck, I can’t give you free stuff, no matter what you did in the army.”

The brown pony pointed a hoof at the clerk. “That’s bull man! I killed ponies for you!”

Riot scrunched up his muzzle; the brown pony was wearing a zebra field jacket. The mere sight of it made his fur stand on end. The shopkeeper looked up, seeing Riot approaching. “Hello sir! Have you found everything you were looking for?”

“Yeah, just came in for a bed roll. Didn’t get mine back.” Riot let out a light chuckle, figuring it was probably under six metres of dirt by now. Before either of them could speak again though, the brown pony butted in again.

“Hey asshole! I was talking to you!” He jabbed a hoof at the shopkeeper again. He shot Riot a sour look. “Back up civie.”

Oh you did not just fuckin say that.

Riot bristled visibly as the brown pony turned around. The shopkeeper saw it however, and a look of realization crossed his muzzle. “Buck, why don’t you just go browse for a bit while I ring this customer through?”

Buck, the brown earth pony, snorted angrily before turning to Riot. “And what gives this loser the right to go in front of me? It’s not like he gave up anything like I did!” Buck jabbed Riot in the chest with his hoof. “You’re just-” The stallions eyes went wide for a moment. “You’re that asshole bouncer who chased me and Flutts out of the club!” He stepped away from the counter and took a step closer to Riot. “What gives you the right man!? I’m a veteran! I deserve better treatment!”

Riots muzzle contorted into a bastard child between soul consuming rage and sickening amusement. “You? A veteran? Please. What army did you serve in? It definitely wasn’t the zebras, they would have torn you to pieces.” Riot poked at the autumn camo jacket the pony wore. “So this jacket definitely ain’t yours.” Thinking for a moment, Riot spoke again. “You’re definitely not REA though, you wouldn’t be begging for hoof outs.” Buck fumed at the comment, but was cut off again. “That, and you wouldn’t have survived a day on any battlefield.”

Buck spat, narrowly missing Riots face. “Fuck you! I don’t answer to you man!” The stallion pulled a fat blade from his jacket and waved it in front of Riot. “I’ll shove my knife up yo-EAUCH!”

The ponies face made a resounding ‘thump’ as Riot slammed it into the counter, the bowie knife that had been waved at him mere moments ago now in a light blue magical grasp. Riot pressed his foreleg deep into Bucks throat, cutting off his breath for the most part. He leaned in close as the shopkeeper watched in morbid fascination. “You just made a very, very big mistake.” Riot lifted the knife up, causing the other two stallions to freeze in fear. “I’m not in a good mood today. I just found out that I suffer from a disorder that could cause me to just SNAP at any moment.” He drew a line across Bucks neck with the knife. “If you had done something like that and I had, I would have jammed this shitty little knife into your neck here, and I would tear everything from there, to here.” Riot drew a nice line across the stallions twitching flesh. “You’d be dead in a matter of seconds, and you wouldn’t make a sound.” Flipping the knife around in his magic, Riot jabbed the stallion hard in the chest with the dull end of the handle. “If I had my bayonet, I would have impaled your heart through your ribs, and twisted” He twisted the handle for effect. “If I was feeling vicious, I would have stabbed you in the lungs, then crushed your sternum with the butt of my rifle, just to watch you choke to death on your own flem.” Riot slammed the knife into the counter, and tossed the brown stallion to the ground.

“I’ve killed more ponies than you’ve ever met you arrogant little shit. I’ve lost more friends than you’ve ever had.” Riot took a dangerous step forward, causing both the shopkeeper, and Buck to shrink in size. “I am a Devil Dog. I am a trained killer whose hooves have drawn blood on almost every continent on this sordid little shithole we call Equis.” Riot kneeled down next to the floored pony and smiled. “Ponies like you make me sick. You take the suffering of others and bend it to your will. I didn’t bleed for you. And given the chance, I would make you bleed.” Riot stood tall, and motioned to the door with his head. “Get out of my sight.”

Buck bounded to his hooves, and rocketed out of the store without a second to spare. Riot let out a breath, and closed his eyes for a moment.

“U-uh...Sir?”

Cracking one eye open, he looked over at the shopkeeper, who was doing his best to suppress a broad smile. “Yeah?”

“That was fuckin sweet.” The shopkeeper saluted properly, his posture going straight. “Corporal Sails, second artillery division. You just made my week by driving off that little fucker!’ Corporal Sails grinned ear to ear before yarding the knife off of the counter. “He’s been coming in here continually trying to get free shit and discounts on our stuff, seems like he’s been doing it all over town since a few of the other vets started rolling in. I’ve tried to send him off, but he’s a tenacious little shit.” The stallion sighed happily, before looking at the captain. “So, let me ring you up here, and send you on your way!”

Nodding, Riot stepped up to the counter and plopped down the bed roll he had chosen. “I just need this. Oh, you wouldn’t happen to have any butane refills for lighters by any chance?” Riot pulled out his gold officers lighter, which had seen some serious action. The Corporal nodded quickly, before placing two cans of butane on the counter. “I only want one Corporal, don’t have too much cash.”

The shopkeeper shook his head, and placed a hoof on the cans. “On the house.” He smiled, before ringing up the bedroll. “That’s ten bits sir.”

“Ten?”

“Discounted.” The pony smiled broadly, before placing the bits Riot gave him in the till. ‘Thank you sir, please come again!”

Riot nodded his thanks, and headed for the door. As the door opened, he could barely hear the corporal say something quietly. “And good luck.”

One thing off the list. Now for the mail. Riot nickered, then started trotting towards the small post office building. When he arrived, there was nopony but a grey pegasus trotting about with a brown mailbag draped over her. She spotted him, and fluttered over to the counter.

“Mornin Miss. Just came in to see if you had any mail for me, and if you could redirect any packages to this address.” He slipped over a bit of paper containing the clubs address.

The mare smiled at him, containing nothing but pure, unbridled happiness. “Hello, Mister! How are you today?” She asked, taking the piece of paper, and going over to the main desk.

“Just peachy.” He cocked an eyebrow as she came back with what looked like an army trunk.

“Wow, Mister, you sure do have a big package.” She said, smiling at him as she pushed on it.

Riot rolled his eyes before speaking. “Thanks for the mail, did it say who it was from?”

“Nope, just a big ol’ seal from the army stamped on it.” She said, patting the side with a hoof.

“Thanks, by the way, did you know Flaky Mulberry by any chance?” He asked out of feigned curiosity, she had the same condition Mumbles had.

The mare shook her head. “Nope, sorry mister.” She smiled even wider. ‘Why?”

Riot once again immediately regretted the fact that he had been born with a mouth. “He uhh...He had the same condition as you.” Riot smiled for a moment, but his smile quickly faded. “ He was my friend... I owe him my life.” Riot felt his scar. “He was my friend.”

The mailmare took a deep breath through her nostrils, eyes filling with realization. “He sounds like a nice stallion!” She said merrily, hoping to cheer the strange pony up. “I probably would have liked him. I like a lot of ponies!” She continued her smile.

He closed his eyes, realizing how easily it could have been Mumbles in his place. “I’m sorry. I’m just here for my mail.” He nodded his head at her. “Thanks for the package.”

She nodded, swallowing dryly, closing her eyes for a moment.The grey mare reopened them after a few moments, and pressed a smile, shouldering the mailbag.

“Yeah...Have a good day ma’am.” Riot lifted the trunk up in his magic, then carried it out the door. The mailmare stood by the counter, a rare frown gracing her muzzle. She looked down for a moment, then gasped.

The mare galloped out after him, and accidentally, knocking the trunk to the ground in his surprise. It opened, and a few of the items spilled out. She frowned. “Oh Celestia...I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” She said, trying to gather them up with her hooves before the growing wind blew them away.

The trunk lid closed quickly just as the winds picked up. Riot turned to the mare, his face betraying his sadness. “It’s alright.. I’ve got it.” He started just shoving the trunks contents back in, not looking at what was in it. he already knew. The mare stooped next to him, grabbing several slips of paper and some pictures.

The mailmare stood up, a picture cradled in her hooves. “Is this him?” She turned the photo, showing it to Riot.

The stallions face fell, and he looked away. “Yeah. Keep it.” She lifted a hoof to protest, but the stallion was already gone.

Feeling even worse than he had when the day started, Riot pushed open the door to Vinyl’s house. The vibrations of her wubs emanated from the club downstairs. It seemed like she was practicing something new for tonight. Riot plopped the trunk down on the floor, then scraped off the tag covers.

His hooves stopped dead as they uncovered the name. His name. The trunk clicked open, revealing a multitude of his things. The most pronounced being his armour. The stallion pulled out a torn uniform. It was clean as a whistle, but there was blood on it. There would always be blood on it. It was torn at the collar, denoting the exact position of his new scar. His armour bore the same wound.

Riot scrunched his muzzle, and dug further in. His hoof made contact with what he was looking for. Riot pulled out his service pistol. The weapon was clean as well, and with a click of the mag release, he found it had a full load. A couple of bayonets were in the box as well, but they were of little consequence. He pulled back the slide on the heavy Mk23, finding solace in its clean action and return. He placed it on the table in front of him, taking special care to place it with its holster.

Riot floated out the bits and pieces, finally coming to some things that were all his. His eyes floated over pictures of his platoon, which were scattered about among other pictures of friends and family from many of the guardcolts. Riot pulled up a small trinket, something he hadn’t believed to have survived the defence of Hoofington.

It was a simple thing, a small picture case that was built to hold out water and the like. It was only meant to hold one picture. That picture was dog-eared and faded beyond belief, considering where it had been for the past fifteen years, the condition wasn’t surprising.

Riot went to toss the thing back in, but something in the bottom of the trunk drew his attention. He placed the trinket down, then reached in.

Riot pulled up a bundle of dogtags, each denoting the friends he had lost. He had all of the ones who mattered in that bag.

Flaky Mulberry
Diamond Cutter
Killjoy O’Har
Crumpets Lilly
Roseluck
Cherry Cola
Pepper Shilling
Mint Peach
Skyrunner

The list went on and on, but he only had a few of the tags. Riot closed his eyes; wrapping his hoof around the bundle, not noticing when the music stopped downstairs as he threw Skyrunners tag back into the box with vindication. Buy a blowtorch while you’re out, we’ll melt that fuckin thing.

Vinyl entered the apartment, and closed the door behind her. “Oh, hi Riot.” She said, noticing him. “What do you have there?” He didn’t answer. It was likely that he hadn’t even heard her; he was so consumed in his thoughts.

She came up behind him, putting her hooves on his back. “Whatcha got there?” Her eyes floated down over the massive, sundered armour and onto a large pistol.

“Where did you get that?!” She shouted, backpedaling away from the weapon.

Riot came to; placing the dog tags down with great care. He sat there for a moment, his eyes going over the trunk in which held the literal manifestation of his life. He smirked lightly, still not realizing the mare was right behind him.

“Riot!” She yelled, not amused at his unawareness.

He blinked, then turned his head. “Oh, hi Vinyl.”

“‘Oh, hi Vinyl’” She said, waving her hooves. “I’m only dragging a chest full of weaponry into your house, and putting my killing tools on your floor!”

Riot looked down at the trunk and sighed; closing the lid on it. “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting to get anything like this in the mail.”

“Alright, but you could have come and told me that you had a weapon in my living room......Is it.....is it loaded?” She asked, taking a cautious step forward.

“No.” He lied “And I have no desire to ever touch it again.” He lied again. Riot looked down over the trunk. “Or anything inside that trunk for that matter.”

She nodded, and stood next to him. “T-that’s y-your army stuff, right? I-is there anything fr-from Skyrunner in there?”

“Maybe. You may as well take a look.” He kicked the latch with a hoof for emphasis. “I think I need a shower.” The mare sat, transfixed at the box. She waved him off, before opening it. Riot trotted into the bathroom, shaking his head to ignore whatever noise she would make.

She moved some of the objects out of the way with her magic, balking at the state of Riot’s armor. The thing looked like it would let a pony withstand a meteor strike, but it was dented, and nearly destroyed. The next thing was his pistol, which she very, very carefully rested on the floor. Vinyl went through pictures of ponies, loved ones, dead ones......so many dead ponies, staring up at her with eyes so full of life. She brought up one last picture, and it cut her to the core.

It was Skyrunner, and he was in the midst of making out with, and groping a young mare, a green one, with freckles. Riot was in the background, seemingly trying to carry two very drunk ponies. He was trying to pull at Skyrunner, but to no avail.

Her Skyrunner, the one that’d talked about living with, and having a life with......all over that.....that.....green whore. She growled, and threw the picture across the room. Good pony, brave pony my ass, Riot fucking knew about this shit, why didn’t he tell me?! The enraged mare pushed the trunk out of the way, and knocked loudly on the bathroom door.

Riot pulled the door open, his eyes shallow and pale. “Hey, everything-”

She pushed into the bathroom, hooves on the stallion’s shoulders. “How could you lie to me like that!?”

“What? What do you mean?” He was honestly curious, he didn’t know why she would be so angry with him.

“Skyrunner! You let me believe that he was some good stallion, but no. I saw the picture of him with his hooves all other that tramp at the bar!” She put a hoof in his chest. “You told me he loved me.”

“Do you want the truth Vinyl?” Riot stared at the mare; he was tired of this game. Vinyl deserved the truth, but it would hurt more than she realized.

She growled. “Yes, no more lies.”

“He defected.”

“What?” The mare asked, eyes wide.

Riot continued, unabated. “He betrayed us. Fed the enemy strategic info, led to the massacre of the 221st mobile infantry company, 1st Battalion, Easy company. He was a coward, and a liar. He was responsible for the deaths of many of my friends and brothers.” Riot took a breath, trying not to let his seething hate for the stallion seep through towards Vinyl. “He didn’t live long enough to use the bits the Zebras gave him.”

The mare snorted, still trying to be angry, but her resolve was weakening. She turned, and left the bathroom. “Couch.” She said simply, entering her bedroom, slamming the door with a bang.

The stallion shook his head slowly as he trotted out towards the living room. Today had been a shit day, and it wasn’t anywhere close to being finished. He sat down heavily on the couch, sinking into it as he stared at the open trunk. His pistol sat on the floor, alongside the rifle that killed the stallion that killed his brothers.

Riot picked up the pistol, feeling along the comfortable grip and the stamped steel slide. The pistols barrel had little teeth on it, making it easy to jab into things.

The hours trickled away, leaving Riot restless. His things had long since gone back into the trunk, and he had managed to get a fairly nice setup for when he needed to sleep. He looked up at the clock, realizing it was almost time for work. He wondered if there would be any work at all tonight if Vinyl didn’t come out of her room.

There was a knock at the door. Riot lifted his head up from his floored pillow. He sighed, then got up and trotted to the door.

It was Wildman and Berry; totally drenched, they looked pitiful, like puppies whining to come inside.

Berry blinked at the sight of the buck “Oh, Hi Riot. Didn’t think you’d be here this early.”

He shrugged, stepping out of their way. “Yeah.”

“We knocked downstairs, it’s nearly time for work, why aren't you two getting ready?” Wild asked, looking around Riot. “Where is Vinyl, anyway?”

“She’s in her room. And I think I’ve overstayed my welcome.” He looked at the trunk and his now collapsing friendship. Riot quickly packed his things up, then tied them all down to the trunk. Wild cocked his head to the side, recognizing the trunk.

“What is that doing here?” He asked, confused.

“Came in the mail. Guess somepony didn’t want my stuff taking up valuable space in a warehouse somewhere.” Riot shook his head slowly, levitating the trunk. “I better get going.”

“Is Vinyl okay? Why is she in her room? The club opens in less than an hour.” Berry asked.

One of Wild’s eyebrows rose, he didn’t say anything, but Riot knew the question he was asking. What did you do?

“She found out something about somepony she knew. It wasn’t good.” He looked at Wildman for a moment before speaking. “Remember Skyrunner?”

“Yeah, we had some crazy times, especially with that mare Candy.....He was a little fuck.” He said, exhaling hotly.

Riot snorted, looking across the room. “Then you don’t know what he did Wild.” He trotted towards the couch and plopped down. “Or why he got what he deserved.”

“Riot, what do you mean? Got what he deserved?!” The red pegasus asked, cocking his head at the stallion. Berry backpedaled away from Riot as his mood went visibly dark.

“I. Killed. Him.” Riot locked eyes with Wild.

The smaller pegasus blinked, backing away for a moment. “You what?” He shook his head. “You fucking did what!?”

Riot snorted angrily. “I gutted that little traitor in the company CP.” He took another step forward. “I slit that little bastards throat.” Finding his fight washing away, Riot pulled out his flask; taking a deep swig, he stared down at the coffee table. “Didn’t you ever wonder why we didn’t get any warning when the ultras attacked? Or how they got our codes?”

The pegasus stood a bit back, with a clearly terrified Berry behind him. “That’s how sneak attacks, and spies work, Riot.” Wild said, flatly, crossing his hooves.

“A spy named Skyrunner! who betrayed his friends for four thousand bits. Too bad he got caught trying to go AWOL.” Riot stood up, staring the pegasus down as he hissed out his words. “He’s the reason why Mumbles ain't living. He shot Mumbles in the throat without a second thought. He left me to the mercy of a Kommando.”

Wild snorted hotly, and slammed a hoof into the floor. “That fucker! I went to his fucking funeral! I actually prayed for that cunt!” He growled, and bucked the wall, sending a small crack up it.

“What the fuck is going on out here!?” Vinyl yelled, opening her door. “Putting holes in my walls as well as my heart?”

Riot closed his eyes as he lifted up the trunk and its carry ons. “I’m sorry for lying to you Vinyl. Some things just shouldn’t be shared.” He started towards the door, nudging past the fuming Wild and the horribly confused Berry Punch.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Vinyl asked him as he went to leave.

He shrugged, not looking back. “Somewhere, where I won’t hurt anypony. Physically, or emotionally.” The rain was pouring down, but he had become accustomed to it.

“Wait! Wait! You can stay here, I just got angry......I’m o-okay now....please, don’t go out there, stay here where it’s warm.” Vinyl said, standing in the doorway..

Shaking his head, Riot continued out into the rain. “I need to go.”

“B-but....where will you go? I’m not going to let you sleep outside on a fucking park bench because you think you deserve it!”

“I need to give something to my son.” He didn’t look back as the light began to diminish from the house. In all realism, he was barely twenty feet away from the door, but the rain had cast a dark shroud over the unlit street. Vinyl sat on her haunches, frowning as Riot disappeared.

Wild trotted up behind her; his fuming had come to a middle. “You alright?”

The mare sighed, looking at the floor. “Yeah.....I’m just worried about him. He’s going to end up getting himself killed.”

___________________________________________________________________________

Riot finally reached his home, soaking wet and run down. He stopped at the door, just under the small awning. His trunk clicked open, and the pistol was pulled out, along with any undesirable items. He quickly strapped the pistol holster to his chest, where it would be concealed by his jacket. Everything that had been removed was placed inside his duffle bag, which clung to the trunk lid via rope. The pistol now lay comfortably against his chest.

Exhaling slowly, Riot knocked on the door. The pitter patter of tiny hooves rocketed towards the door. The door flew open, and a tiny grey bullet slammed into Riot.

“Dad!” Hunter squealed, tackling his father’s chest with a hug.

Riot wrapped a hoof around the colts body; nuzzling him gently. “Hey buddy, I missed you.”

“I missed you too!” The colt said, nuzzling his neck. “Momma’s not home, so we can hang out....Unless we’re going somewhere else?” He said, up at his father.

Riot stepped inside, using a quick spell to dry himself off. “Why isn’t Aurora home?”

“She’s....At the grocery store?” The colt seemed to question his own answer.

He stooped down, placing a hoof on Hunters shoulder. “It’s way too late to go to the grocery store Hunter, did Aurora tell you where she was going?”

“Umm, no.....” He said, looking down. “I-I think I kn-know where she is, though.....”

“That’s alright Buddy, but I’ll have a talk with her about leaving you alone. Again.” He brought his load in. “First things first. I brought you something.”

“Really?” He said, perking up instantly; little tufted ears springing up.

“Sure did champ! Why don’t we go take a seat on the couch, and I’ll let you see what I brought you.” Riot followed the bouncing colt to the couch; where he laid the trunk down on the floor in front of both himself and Hunter. “Go ahead, open it up.”

He opened it with some effort, the old hinges creaking. “Wooooow.” He said in awe at all the military paraphernalia inside.

Riot lifted out a large flak helmet, then placed it on the colts head. “Heh, perfect fit!”

The colt smiled happily, before the helmet slid down his face, covering his eyes completely. “Gah! I’m blind!” He said, flailing.

“Hah, hold on, let me free you.” He pulled the helmet off, then placed it on the table. “Go ahead Hunter. It’s all yours.”

“What?” The colt asked, holding the tattered armor in his hooves. “M-mine?”

He nodded slowly, pulling out the crumpled uniform. His hoof went through the tear in the collar as he did. “Some of it needs some patching up, but I think you’ll fill it nicely in a couple years.” Riot let his hoof rest on the colts shoulder as he pulled up the armoured chest piece.

“No way, I’m never gonna be as big as you.” The colt said, brushing the armor with a hoof. “Wow....”

Reaching into the top of his shirt, Riot pulled out a familiar set of tags. “Here, I want you to wear these for me.” He passed the tags to the colt, ensuring that he held them tightly. “They’re too heavy for me.”

“W-what are they?” He asked, eyes huge as he looked them over.

“They’re my identification tags, so if anything happened to me, somepony could tell you.” He pulled back, looking at the small bag near the bottom that held so many more versions of his bit of stamped metal. “In essence, those tags are a piece of you. Don’t ever lose them Hunter, because for as long as you hold onto those tags, I’ll be with you.” He looked back down at the bag. “No matter what.”

The colt’s mouth fell open, looking in awe at the bits of metal. “L-Luna......I’ll n-never lose them.” He said, clutching them to his chest before putting them on.

Nodding, Riot turned to the next piece in the bin. “I’d like you to meet some of my friends.”

“W-what do you mean?” He asked, trying to peek inside.

Riot pulled up a hoof full of photos. “My friends.” He passed the first one over to the colt, it was a picture of the whole platoon, standing in full battle dress. Riot stood front and center, his stature proud and unmovable.

Hunter stared at the picture in awe, and put the tip of his hoof on Riot. “Y-you look so....Happy.” He said, tilting his head. “Who are the other ponies?”

Ignoring the foals first comment, he pointed at the ponies who surrounded him, making faces and goofing off just as the picture was taken. “Those are ponies just like you and Sweetie. A lot of them were more than friends Hunter. They were my family.”

He nodded, looking down at them. “Can I meet them someday?” The colt asked, looking at a green earth pony giving a yellow unicorn a noogie.

“Sure you can buddy...Sure you can.” He rifled through the pile, looking for a specific picture. “I want you to meet one of my best friends...” He pulled out a small picture of both himself and Mumbles in full dress uniform, standing in a puddle that went up to their bellies. Both bucks were laughing heavily, barely noticing the camera. “Flaky Mulberry. Or as we all called him, Mumbles.”

The colt smiled. “He looks like fun! Why did you call him Mumbles, anyway?”

Riot chuckled, remembering one cold night at boot camp. “Sometimes he would talk so fast it would sound like he was mumbling...But most of the time it was when he was around mares in boot camp.” He broke out into a low laugh, shaking his head. “He could barely talk to any of them he was so shy.”

Hunter giggled. “Can I meet him? He sounds like a fun pony.”

Riots laughing died, and he looked down at the picture. “He had to go away, but I’m sure he would have loved to meet you. Heck, he prolly would have helped you terrorize all the fillies at school.”

The little pony frowned slightly. “Aww....Who are the other ponies?”

Riot nestled up to the colt, wrapping his left hoof around him as he pointed out various ponies in the picture. “That’s Wild. His real name is Sunshine, but he doesn’t know that I know.” Riot chuckled for a moment. “That’s Minty, Mumbles’ best friend. That mare right there is Cherry Cola, our medic. That’s Kratonis, our big lumbering behemoth. That pony right there is.....”
________________________________________________________________________

The hour bled by quickly as Riot shared his memories with the colt. He eventually found his army beret, and had promptly shown Hunter how to put it on properly. Luckily, the beret actually fit the colt. He had eventually run out of new things to show the colt, but that didn’t seem to matter. He was currently drooling over Riots medals and campaign ribbons.

“What’s this one?” He asked, holding up a purple heart. “Wow, there’s a whole lot of these ones.”

“Those are my purple hearts. I actually started giving them away to some of my buddies so they wouldn’t have to get them.” He chuckled at the memory.

The colt smiled, and placed it back. “Why is all this stuff in a trunk? Shouldn’t you have it all in a display case, or something? Like Granny Smith.”

“Granny Smith? Don’t think I’ve met her before.”

“Oh, she’s Applebloom’s grandma. She runs the farm with Applejack and Big Macintosh.”

Riot picked up a small box that had been separated from the others. “I’ll have to talk to her some time.”

“What’s in there?” The little colt asked.

“Something called the Cross of Valour.” He popped it open, looking into the small cardboard box.

“Wow, sounds cool.” Hunter said, a touch of reverence in his voice.

“It’s a paper weight.” He hoofed it to the colt, then grabbed another one. “This one is extra special, it’s called The Lance of Equestria.”

“Why is it so special?” Hunter asked, looking at the beautiful piece of metal.

“It came with this.” He held up a small bit of torn ribbon. The fabric fluttered about despite the lack of natural wind in the home. It shimmered lightly as Hunter touched it.

“W-what is it?” The colt asked, in awe at the item.

“All that remains of a bad pony.”

The colt immediately pulled his hoof back. “W-what do you mean?”

Riot placed the ribbon down on the table, then stared at it for a moment. “It was given to me by somepony very important after a battle. I had...Defeated, a very bad pony.” Hunter nodded, his eyes going from the fabric to the rest of the stars and shields and crosses that sat in tiny little unassuming boxes.

Hunters fathers eyes fell on a bit off paper, nestled deep within the confines of the trunk. He reached in, grasping it with a hoof.

“What is this?” Hunter asked, looking up at Riot expectantly.

.”I’m not sure, give me a moment.”

Royal Equestrian Military

Dear Captain Venture,

It pains me to send this messages, given your time, dedication and sacrifice to and for the Equestrian cause. With my most heartfelt apologies, I must declare you unfit for battle, and unfit for leadership as of recent events.

Your sacrifice at Hoofington will not be forgotten, but the blows of that battle are apparent in you. While the death of one ‘Corporal Skyrunner was being investigated, we had finally established that he was the mole in our lines. We would commemorate you for your action against him, but we cannot condone the act of killing a soldier of the REA, spy or not.

Your mental stability has been questioned by many ponies in power here, and I cannot say that I haven’t started to question you myself. I realize the loss of your friend, ‘Corporal Mulberry’ was especially hard on you. Recent studies have shown that soldiers like yourself are basically time bombs, due to a condition known as post traumatic stress disorder. We’ve had numerous problems with it, thus we must take action before any damage is done. You are to be immediately removed from service to avoid any kind of psychotic breakdown, resulting in death and/or dismemberment.

Hopefully you can find peace in the civilian world. I wish you the best, and I hope you remember that we do not turn our back on our own. We will help you get back on your hooves and to serve as a helping hoof if you are ever in need.

Sincerely, General Thundershot.

Riot crumpled the letter up in his hooves. “It’s nothing Hunter, just some junk mail that got in with the rest of my things.”

“Alright. Wow, dad. I can’t believe you’re giving all of this to me.....” He said, eyes slightly sad. “Y-you a-aren’t doing this j-just to leave, are you?”

“No, I’m not leaving Hunter. I’m not letting you grow up without a dad.” Riot hugged the colt tightly as he let the crumpled note fall to the floor.

Hunter snuggled into his father. “T-that’s good.....C-can you help me put this in my room?”

He picked up the trunk in his magic; feigning strain, he lowered it to the ground. “Guhh, I’m so tired, maybe my super awesome son can show me just how powerful his magic is!”

Hunter planted his hooves, in the same power stance that his father had shown him. He focused hard, strain making him scrunch up his face. His horn began to glow, trying to pull the heavy object. The trunk shook, then lifted up. It started to float towards the colts room.

“You can do it Hunter! Just a little further!” Riot grinned broadly as he just held the trunk up with his magic. Hunter was doing all of the pushing.

The small grey horn’s glow increased, another layer beginning to take form around it. The trunk began to move slowly through the air, and the little colt’s eyes were shining with excitement, moving the thing along. Riot smiled at the colt as the trunk came to rest in Hunters room.

“That was awesome Hunter, thanks for the help.” He ruffled the colts mane before pointing to the bed. “But if I’m right, it’s just about bedtime for little soldiers.”

“Hey! I-I’m not little!” He said with an adorable growl.

“No, you’re not.” He picked the colt up by the scruff of his neck. “Buh biwg shtallionsh need shweep too.” He was speaking through fur, but he was sure his message got across.

Hunter exhaled loudly. “Okay, Dad.....” Thunder crashed outside, causing the colt to squeak. “I-I wonder if momma will be home tonight.” He asked, laying out on the bed.

Riot pulled the covers over Hunter, then hugged him tightly. “I’ll make you a deal.”

“What is it?” The colt asked, snuggling into the warmth.

“I’ll stay here, right by your side until Aurora gets home.” He sat down next to the bed, shifting slightly.

Hunter smiled widely, cuddling into his father. “Then I hope I never see her again.”

He cringed a bit at the colt’s words. “On two conditions though.”

“Hmm?” Hunter asked, looking up at Riot.

“Condition one, you remember that I will always love you, no matter what.”

“Of course! I know that!.” He said, hugging the large stallion.

“Condition two...You need to listen to your momma. She loves you just as much as I do. Never forget that Hunter.” He hugged the colt tightly. “You’re growing up so fast...”

The colt snorted. “Alright, alright.....School tomorrow is going to be awkward....”

Riot nodded, knowing exactly what the colt meant. “Yeah. Be good alright? I don’t think Cheerilee wants me coming by because you stuck a tack in her chair.” He leaned in a bit closer. “Not that I wouldn’t reward you with ice cream....”

Hunter nodded, smiling weakly. “Alright...” The colt yawned, stretching his hooves around Riot’s back.
__________________________________________________________________

In a few moments, Hunter was fast asleep with his face buried in Riots mane and neck. He smiled, almost falling asleep there himself. He would have, if the sound of keys in a lock didn’t draw his attention.

“Hunter? I’m home...” The sound of hooves neared the bedroom, causing Riot to close his eyes and wish for a better ending than what he was getting.

“He’s asleep Aurora.” The hooves stopped short of the door.

“A-ash?” A bit of light leaked into the room, just enough to show her that he was getting up. She went to speak, but he silenced her by placing a hoof against his lips. Aurora nodded, then backed into the living room. Once the door to Hunters room was closed though, she advanced on the buck, placing an accusing hoof on his chest. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I came to see him before he went to bed. You weren’t here.” He looked up at the clock. “That was almost two hours ago Aurora. Why did you leave Hunter alone for two hours?”

She swallowed dryly. “I-I....I was with Cheerilee.....I just w-wanted to tell her t-that Hunter knew, a-and n-not to bother him too much tomorrow....T-things got out of hoof.”

“I figured as much.” Riot trotted past her and towards the door. The mare fumed angrily behind him, then cantered in front of him.

“That doesn’t change the fact that you came into my house without permission!” She said, poking him in the chest with a hoof.

“My names still on the agreement, and Hunter let me in. I can come and go as I please Aurora, because it’s not your house. This isn’t my home, but It’s my gorram house.”

The mare sputtered. “I-I....Y-you.......J-just go.” Aurora pointed towards the door.

Riot had been leveled headed throughout the interaction, but it was obvious he was not impressed. “No. Why don’t you go and spend the night at Cheerilee's, I’ll take care of Hunter.”

“This is my house! You can’t kick me out just because I went to see Cheerilee for a few hours!” She exclaimed angrily.

His features twisted angrily and he closed the distance between himself and Aurora. “It’s not your house Aurora, it’s mine. I’m kicking you out for leaving my son alone for three hours in the middle of a bloody storm to go fuck your marefriend.”

The small bat pony seemed to shrink even smaller under the rage of Riot, she crouched slightly, eyes squeezed shut. “A-alright...I-I’ll go...” She said, picking her umbrella back up, and heading out the door.

Riot followed her to the door; once the mare was outside he spoke. “When you’re done acting like foal, you can come back and tell Hunter the truth.”

“T-the truth?” She asked.

“The truth Aurora. That you’re losing interest in your family. That you don’t care anymore.” He looked down on her.

“Are you insane!? I love Hunter more than life itself!” She said, angrily, but quietly.

“Prove it.” He took a step towards her, his hoof pressing into her chest.

Her mouth opened, and then closed again, a hoof raised. “W-what? How!?”

His words came out venomous. “Start acting like a fuckin mother, think of him before yourself.” The mare’s eyes hardened, and she left the house, slamming the door with a bang. There was a rustling from Hunter’s room. Riot locked the front door, then quickly turned around and trotted quietly into the colts room.

He poked his head in, seeing that Hunter was hiding his head under his pillow and the colt was crying softly. Riot cringed sadly, then sat down next to the bed. His hooves went around his son. “Shhshh, It’s alright Hunter. Daddy’s got you.”

“D-Dad? W-w-what happened to m-momma?” He asked, wiping tears from his eyes with hoof.

“She went to spend the night at her friends.” Riot hugged Hunter tighter. “I’ll spend the night here to make sure you’re safe.”

He smiled, and he shook his head to get rid of the tears. Hunter cuddled into his father, sighing happily. “I-I thought M-momma w-was gonna kick you out....”

Riot laid the colt back out on his bed, then tucked in the covers. “I’m not leaving you Hunter. I’m done with that.”

“A-are you sure? W-what about when momma comes back?”

“She can go suck a rock.” He nuzzled the foal as he made himself comfortable on the floor. “I’ll be right here Hunter, if you need anything just let me know.”

“Th-there’s room up here, Dad...” He said, patting the side of the bed. “Y-you don’t have to sleep on the floor.”

“You sure Hunter? I take up a lot of room.”

“I don’t care, you’re big and warm, and soft.” The colt said said, nodding. Thunder cracked outside, causing the colt to squeak in fear. His tufted ears twitched, then flattened. “I-It’s n-not because I’m af-afraid......Stallions aren’t allowed to be afraid....” He was stuttering, obviously scared.

Riot climbed up into the small single bed. Hunter grasped at his fur, then snuggled in. Riot laid his head down on the pillow, then laid a hoof over Hunters side. “I’ll keep you safe little one.”

Hunter immediately relaxed, sinking into his father’s fur. “Y-you’re so warm....Will I ever get as big as you?”

“Of course, You’ll be just as big a me, and definitely bigger than your uncle Enfield.” He chuckled lightly at his own joke.

The colt raised his eyebrow, not understanding. “I-I hope so....”

Hunter had grown since Riot had arrived, actually. He had hit a growth spurt just before Riot arrived, and he was taller by about an inch, and his legs and chest had begun to fill out.

The larger stallion closed his eyes, wishing for his arduous day to be over and done with. His mind blurred a bit, hazing out his thoughts as they came up. He kissed Hunters forehead just before falling asleep. “I love you Hunter.”

“I love you too, daddy....” The colt yawned, and closed his eyes, his breath settling into steady beats.

Please Luna, let me sleep without dreams....Let me have this moment without another waking nightmare.
_______________________________________________________________________

Chapter Seven

A week and a half later.

Riot sat in sugarcube corner, staring out the window at the ponies who drifted by. He sipped at his cup of coffee, listening half-heartedly to the Cakes talk about what to do for their foals first birthdays. Pinkie was trotting around, doing her job quietly, for once. That alone was enough to raise suspicion. Riot had been practically in hiding for the past week and a half. He had managed to rent a motel room, but hadn’t wandered outside much except for food and the like. He hadn’t spoken with Wild, Vinyl, or anypony. Ponies were starting to whisper.

He looked out the window, and saw a few ponies setting up Nightmare Night decorations. It was nearly time for that, he’d practically forgotten. The stallion was still pondering this when Rarity trotted in with Sweetie Belle in tow. Rarity smiled at him coyly, and Sweetie giggled; both trotting over.

“Hello Mister Riot!” Sweetie said happily, hugging his foreleg.

“Hey Sweets, how’s it going?” He focused on the filly, hoping to keep any conversations with Rarity short and to the point.

She smiled. “Things have been good, but is Hunter okay? I asked him why he was so sad lately, but he didn’t want to talk about it.” The filly frowned.

“He’s doing fine Sweetie, he’s just not feeling very well right now.” He ruffled the fillies mane, much to Rarity's horror. “Just be nice to him and he’ll be fine.”

Sweetie nodded. “Something’s been off with Miss Cheerilee, too. Do you know what’s going on? I saw you talking to her a week or so ago.”

Riot shrugged. “Not sure kiddo, she’s a mystery.” He turned back to his coffee and paper. “Anyways, it was good talking with you Sweetie, maybe when Hunters feeling better you can come over and play with him?”

The filly smiled widely, nodding. “Mmhmm! That sounds like fun!” She looked over to her sister, who was standing impatiently by the counter. “I’ll have to see you later, bye Mr. Riot!”

He waved a hoof at her, the watched for a moment as Rarity went into deep discussion with Pinkie. He shuddered a bit at the thought of Pinkie planning anything, and he hoped it wouldn’t have anything to do with him. Although, despite everything, he actually didn’t mind the bright mare. She was one of the few mares in town who didn’t seem to care about trying to mate with him.

Riot exhaled slowly, putting the mornings paper down. He hadn’t really talked with anypony for the past few days now, and the isolation suited him fine. The most he managed was a quick conversation that he always ended quickly. He lifted his head, stealing one last glance out the window.

Something on the telephone pole drew his attention. Something familiar. He got up out of the booth and trotted towards the door, having already payed for his coffee. He came to a stop outside, then pulled at the fold out pamphlet with a hoof. It popped off its staple, then flopped open.

THE DANGERS OF POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

PONIES AFFECTED BY THIS DISEASE ARE PRONE TO VIOLENCE AND IRRATIONAL THOUGHT. THEY ARE A DANGER TO EVERYPONY, AND CANNOT BE TOLERATED BY OUR TOWN. PONIES AFFECTED ARE OFTEN THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN IN THE -

Riot didn’t read another word, he tore the thing in two and quickly stomped it into the ground. He muttered under his breath angrily, his eyes going down the street to search for a culprit. They went wide in horror, seeing dozens of pamphlets stapled up on every surface, taped to every shop window. There were more than a few ponies who were reading them, and most of them seemed to be nodding their heads. HOW THE FUCK DID I MISS THIS!? Riot balked, his mind wandering.

His thoughts eventually went to Redheart. She was one of the few ponies in town who seemed to know much about the disorder, but she didn’t seem like the kind of pony to go around putting something as malicious as that pamphlet up all over town. She was an option, but a very unlikely one.

Riot shook his head slowly. “This just keeps getting better and better...” He started trotting down the street, not entirely sure as to where to go. He had been taking time off from his night job due to Redhearts advice. He didn’t want any incidents, and drunks were bad for his goals. Not to mention he hadn’t really fixed the issue with Vinyl or Wild; so he was staying at a motel near the outskirts of town.

He needed something to keep his mind occupied, something to hold his attention. Riot altered his course, then started trotting towards the library. At the most he may be able to get somewhat of an idea as to who was posting a wanted poster for anypony who’d ever been shot at all over town. At the very least he’d kill some time.

The grey unicorn was only slightly surprised at finding that the library was contained inside a tree. It was massive, large enough for what looked like a third floor balcony. He raised a hoof, and knocked a few times. What surprised him the most was that a small green and purple scaled thing greeted him, a tiny dragon.

“Woah, I haven’t seen you around town before...” The small dragon said, looking waaaay up into the bottom of Riot’s chin.

“And I didn’t think I’d meet a dragon when I went to the library.” Riot deadpanned before smiling apologetically at the tiny reptile. “Mind if I come in?”

The little dragon smiled up at him. “Yeah, it’s always a surprise for first-timers. But I’m more surprised with you! You look like you could take Big Mac in a hoof-wrestle.” He said, awed at Riot’s size. He moved to the side, allowing the stallion entry to the small library.

“Thanks, I’m Riot.” He offered a hoof to the dragon after trotting in; allowing the door to click closed behind him.

“Spike.” He said, holding out his claws in a fist, and bumping the stallion’s hoof. “Normally Twilight is around to keep things in order, but she’s out for the day, so her number one assistant has to hold down the fort.” Spike said, picking up a small pile of books, and depositing them on a table.

Riot nodded slowly, taking in the rows of books. “I know the feeling.” He trotted up to one of the shelves, but it was pretty obvious he wasn’t sure what to look for.

The dragon looked at him curiously. “What is a big pony like you doing in a library anyway? Aren’t you busy being cool somewhere, instead of hanging out in a library?”

The stallion laughed, before slowly shaking his head. “I’m not one for big crowds.” He picked up a medium sized tome, then turned it over to give the back a quick read. “You don’t happen to have anything to do with mental disorders or PTSD?”

“Mental dishuh, and ptswhat?” Spikes head cocked to the side, not understanding.

“Any books with info about brain problems?”

“Oooooh...” He said with recognition, taking a look into the large shelves.

Riot smiled lightly, then went back to looking over the shelves. “Let’s see here... Daring Doo and the Temple of Doom, Trees and you....Singing for dummies? Feh....” He turned the book over. “Learn how to control your voice and...Hah, free your soul.” He placed the book on a table behind himself. “What a crock.”

Spike looked up at him from a different shelf. “Is this what you’re looking for?” He asked, holding up a thick book titled Neurology and You .

Riot nodded, taking the book in his magic. “May as well take a look at it. Hopefully try and figure out what everypony’s all angry about.”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked, still curious about the large stallion in front of him.

“You haven’t seen any of the flyers up around town?” He scowled heavily. “Somepony’s got it out for soldiers...”

“I knew it!” The young dragon said, pumping his clawed fist. “I knew you were a soldier pony!”

Riot managed a chuckle. “What gave it away?”

“Dunno, you being super awesome, and your badass scars!” He said, poking at one of the ones curling around Riots foreleg with a claw.

Riot cocked an eyebrow. “Super awesome? Since when?”

“Well...I don’t really know why, but you’re just....cool.” Spike said, lowering his arms.

“Heh, you and Hunter would get along well.” Riot looked around, but didn’t see any of the malicious flyers up. “Is there anypony in town who doesn’t like soldiers?”

“Hmm.....not sure. Why? Have you been having trouble with ponies because you are in the military?”

“Not really, just somepony’s been putting up flyers around town. They’re pretty much an attack on anypony who served in the REA.”

Spike scrunched up his green and purple snout. “Who would want to do that? You protected them!”

“My exact thoughts.” Riot shook his head quickly, before holding up two books. “I’ll sign these out, if I get bored I’ll come back.”

The little dragon nodded rapidly. “Come on back whenever you want, I bet you have some really cool stories. I bet Twilight would like to hear them too!”

Riot was midway through his goodbye when the door opened. “Spi-iiiike!?” The same purple pony from the club a week and a bit ago trotted inside, a number of objects floating next to her in a sheath of magic. She jumped slightly when she saw Riot. “O-Oh....Hello...” She kept her voice cheerful and welcoming, but her eyes betrayed her animosity towards the large stallion.

“Oh, so you’re Twilight.” He nodded to the small dragon. “Thanks for your help little guy.” He started trotting towards the door, completely ignoring the glowering look he was receiving from the mare.

“Yes, that is me. I still don’t know your name, Mr.....?” She asked, leaning towards the stallion.

“Iron Venture.”

She nodded . “I see. Judging by your scars I’d say you are ex-military, yes?”

“Figured you already knew.” He had stopped trotting towards the door, realizing the mare wouldn’t stop her questions.

The mare wrinkled her nose. “What do you mean? I’ve only met you the one time.”

His eyes went to her saddle bags. There was a very familiar looking flyer hanging out from it. “Seems like it was more than enough for you to start putting up those bloody flyers.” His magic pulled out the bit of paper.

She grabbed it out of the air, running her eyes over it quickly, muttering under her breath. When Twilight finally tore her eyes from the page, they bore a look of serious concern and anger. “Why would I have written these? The ‘facts’ given are totally groundless!”

“If you didn’t put it out, then who did, hmm? Who in this backwards town has such searing hatred towards veterans?” It was obvious Riot was not pleased.

“I don’t know! Anypony could, it’s not like they have an angry mob set to run you out of town.” The purple mare said, shaking her head.

Spikes voice trembled slightly as he spoke. “Uhh.....Guys?” He said, holding one of the curtains out of the way, peering outside.

“What is it Spike?” Both older ponies said simultaneously.

The dragon gulped. “It’s an angry mob set to run somepony out of town.”

Twilight galloped over to the window. “Who’s leading them? Trixie? Gilda? Diamond dog spies? Changelings?” She paled when she looked outside.

Spike exhaled. “No......It’s Rainbow Dash and Applejack.”

Chapter Seven and a Half

Riot cantered over to the window, pulling the curtain over slightly. “Who are they?” He squinted, seeing a large group of angry ponies led by an enraged yellow pegasus. He shook his head slowly. “Celestia, can’t I get a single fuckin break in this dingy little backwater!?”

“Rainbow Dash is the carrier of the element of Loyalty. Applejack is the carrier for Honesty” Spike said flatly, looking out at the mares rallying the crowd of thirty or so ponies.

The large stallion banged his head against the wall. “Not only is there a mob, but they have the elements of Harmony.” The stallion swore quietly under his breath. “I don’t suppose there’s a back door huh?” He looked at the reeling Twilight, who seemed to ignore him.

Twilight trotted over to the stairs, climbing them quickly, and looking out the back window. “Doesn’t matter....We’re kind of surrounded.”

“I don’t suppose you can do anything huh?” He watched as two familiar ponies trotted up next to the mares. The first was that ‘Buck’ character he had run off earlier, and the second was his marefriend. Riot sighed heavily as he sat down on the floor; a heavy metal object poked him in the ribs, reminding him of its presence. “Guess this is it.”

Twilight looked out the window again. “We may be able to talk them down, we just need to get them inside and away from the crowd...” Her mane had sprung up, and the mare was showing serious signs of stress.

“Fly at it, looks like they’re pretty keen on coming in.” Riot spat on the ground before standing up; his horn flaring.

The purple pony opened the door. “Girls, please! You don’t need these ponies, let’s just talk!” She said, calling outside. There was an angry roar from the crowd, but Rainbow and Applejack redirected them. Buck stepped in front of them, and focused on Twilight.

“She’s not the enemy here, we won’t be angry at her! Yes, Twilight. We will come inside, but only if the ‘dog’ is leashed.”

Twilight blinked before nodding. The four broke off, heading towards the door.

Buck sneered at Twilight, giving her his best ‘I’ve won’ look. “He’d better not cause any trouble, because I can’t promise the crowd will stay like this for long.”

Fluttershy fluttered up next to Twilight, her head bowed. “I-I’m sorry Twilight, but that pony in there is a bad pony, but we want things to be peaceful.”

Twilight balked, then nodded slowly. “A-alright Fluttershy...”

Back in the library, Riot was pacing back and forth in the main room. Spike was up on the stairs, not sure what to make of the situation. “Why’d that stallion call you a dog Mr. Venture?”

He snorted hotly. “Devildog, slang for a soldier. Otherwise derogatory in use, means I’m an animal to be loosed on something bad when somepony doesn’t want to get their hooves dirty.” He stopped his pacing and stood firm as the door swung open, the five trotting in.

Buck took one look at Riot, before turning to Fluttershy. “Make him sit.”

Fluttershy nodded with a bit of uncertainty, before taking a step back. She glared at Riot with an intensity unlike any he’d ever felt before .”Sit.” She said, looking at him, eyes seeming to grow huger, like two aqua pools that he was drowning in.

He’d been stared down at by drill sergeants and roaring charges. He wasn’t going anywhere. “No.”

Some of the ponies eyebrows raised, and Fluttershy pulled back, looking at Buck with uncertainty. He simply shook his head “We have to do this the hard way? We’ll do this the hard way. Again Flutts” The normally-timid butter yellow pegasus’s eyes became deep wells of pure oppression. Riot could feel his strength sapping away, like he was thrown into a frozen lake. His legs buckled under the assault of her stare, wobbling slightly. “Now, what did I say? Sit.” Fluttershy commanded.

Twilight put her hooves up. “S-stop it, Fluttershy! You’re hurting him!”

Riot sat down, but not entirely. His entire body tensed up like an animal on the hunt. At the first sign of weakness he would pounce. Riots eyes became lakes of burning hatred towards the mare. It was like Kai-Fong all over again, with the Hyenas cackling at him as they chained him to the thick forest trees and beat him with bamboo rods, before throwing him into the pit. He HATED those dogs. He had slaughtered them, down to the last pup. He had pulled their tongues out through their throats; crushed their skulls with rocks and strangled them with barbed wire.

You’ll slaughter these ones just the same.

Fluttershy knew animals, she knew a predatory posture when she saw it. Her eyes narrowed, but didn’t seem to shrink at all, the gaze even focusing. She was sorry for what she had to do to this pony, but after Buck had told her what had happened, she couldn’t sit idle any more.

“Now, sit properly.” Buck growled, taking an angry step towards the soldier.

“I’ll sit when I’m dead.” Riot glowered at her with every ounce of anger and frustration in his body. His haunches flattened against the wood paneling, despite his words. Fluttershy’s friends were bickering near the table, but they would reach him eventually. Fluttershy could see the pain she was causing the stallion, but it had to be worth it? Right?

“He attacked mah brother! And the pair of us! He can’t be trusted!” The orange mare shouted, turning on the purple unicorn.

“Yeah! Why are you defending a murderer anyway!?” Rainbow Dash floated above everypony else, but her posture was the same.

Twilight gapped at their words. “You were both drunk! He stopped you from hurting each other and destroying your friendship!” She looked up at the pegasus. “And how could you say that Rainbow? You don’t even know him! He’s not a murderer!”

Riot would have been quite happy that somepony he barely knew was trying to defend him; against her friends no less. Unfortunately his thoughts were on the heavy pistol that was tucked comfortably at the side of his chest. For the longest time, he didn’t know why he felt compelled to bring it with him, but now he had a damn good reason to thank his gut.

“Rainbow, AJ, if you would please wait outside?” Buck asked with a voice filled with saccharin hatred.

“Hold on one ponypicking minu-!”

“We’re not going anyw-!”

“Girls, please just go.” Fluttershy said, turning her head towards the two mares as she begged them mentally to leave without a fight. “You two need to keep the ponies outside calm.”

The two other ponies grumbled, but eventually agreed and left; the door clicking shut behind them.

“Alright, now that we won’t be interrupted, please, Twilight, have a seat.” Buck said calmly, motioning to her left.

The purple mare nodded slowly, taking a seat by the small table in the center of the room. “Listen Buck, I don’t know why you’re doing this, or why you’ve dragged my friends into this, but you need to stop! This is insanity!”

“When I found out that a dog of the military was living in my town, I was angry enough, but when watched him assault two ponies, both my friends, it set me off.” His gaze wandered over to the floored Riot. The stallion smiled as he watched Fluttershy obey his order, keeping the pony rooted down.

Riot scowled at him, despite the massive amount of willpower it took to even turn his eyes that way.. “I’ve given up everything to keep ponies like you safe, and this is how you thank me...” He grunted in pain as his attention was firmly swallowed by Fluttershy yet again.

Buck matched his glare with one of his own. “That’s how it begins.....I saw it in your eyes when you attacked me in the store, then the same as I do now. That sharpened edge of reflexes, that killer instinct barely held back by a fraying grip on sanity. I’ve seen it before, and I know you’re nothing better than a wild animal who needs to be put down.”

Fluttershy gasped quietly, her eyes flicking to Buck. “How can you say that?”

Riot held back the urge to deck the self-righteous little shit right then and there. Unfortunately, he wasn’t exactly wrong. “You think I’m not trying to deal with it right now!?”

“I do believe you are trying, but what if you fail? Ponies die. That’s what happens if you fail. And even if you succeed, who’s to say that something or somepony won’t set you off again? There is no winning here, Dog.” The last word was uttered as if it were something disgusting to be gotten out of his mouth.

Twilight stepped between Fluttershy and Riot, effectively breaking the stare without even realizing it. “That’s it! I won’t have a witch hunt in my home!” She planted her hooves on the pegasus’ chest. “This isn’t the Fluttershy I’m friends with! Please think about this!”

The mare looked to Twilight for once, as if only now noticing her existence. Her gaze softened considerably, closer to her old self. “Twilight, I’m protecting ponies, I’m sorry!.”

Buck simply spat, his ire falling on the pair. “You don’t know what he’s capable of! Flutts, stop listening to this dumb bitch and keep that bastard down!”

Riot focused on his holster while the mares were distracted; his pistol safety silently clicking off as the holsters button popped open. He leveled a look of pure disgust at Buck “And I suppose you’re some stuck up ‘free the trees’ type who thinks anypony who tries to be better deserves a bullet in the gut huh? I’ve never even met you for fucks sake!”

His anger flared,and his hoof struck across Riots face, registering a gasp from the mares. “You?! Trying to be better?! By killing ponies!?”

“You arrogant little spoon fed shit! I’ve sacrificed everything for ponies like you! I LOST MY BESTFRIEND BECAUSE OF PONIES LIKE YOU!!!” He was roaring at the top of his lungs; his frustration had come to a breaking point.

This is it. There’s no turning back from this point. You gotta make your choice.

Buck pulled his knife out, probably intending to threaten Riot with it, but Riot was already in action. His pistol whipped out of his holster, and the barrel came to a stop next to Bucks ear.

BLAM

The concussion of the shot burst the stallions ear drum in an instant. He jerked to the side involuntarily, giving Riot just enough room to slam the butt of the pistol down on Bucks head. The stallion hit the floor, just as Twilight and Fluttershy were reacting to the gunshot. Riots horn lit up, and a magical flashbang went off immediately, blinding the pair before they could act.

In an instant, Riot was on his hooves, and bounding towards the door. He came to a stop, seeing the group gathered outside.

The angry mob outside had becoming agitated at the gunshot, and were now advancing on the treehome. Riots angry expression became tainted by fear. Fear of killing innocent, misguided ponies. The same ponies he had sworn to protect. His pistol floated into his mouth, allowing him to use the weapon while he fended off ponies with his horn.

Twilight shook, barely able to speak or see. “W-what d-did you do?” She asked, looking down at the weeping Fluttershy, who had her wings curled around herself, shaking like a leaf.

He looked at the mare as she spoke. “I did my job, I did what Princess Celestia asked of me.” He steadied the pistol, before closing his eyes for a moment.. “Looks like the Princess was wrong.”

“W-what a-are you doing!? I swear to C-Celestia, if you plan on hurting those ponies....” Her horn glowed dangerously, eyes showing tinges of bright white light. She still couldn’t see him.

“I just want to go home...” He started trotting towards the door. He stopped in front of the thing and he took a deep breath. “I guess this is it...”

“No! Stop! I can get us both out of here without anypony getting hurt.” She said, her expression dropping it’s anger.

“You’re not my ally. They’re your friends, and I’m just a murderer you met last week at some dingy club. You’re not going to take me somewhere safe, don’t even begin to pretend that you will.” His hoof rested on the door handle. He could feel a pair of eyes on him from the stairs, though he couldn’t find any words for the small dragon.

Spike was still cowering at the top of the stairs, and waved a claw at Riot weakly as he left.

Riot burst through the door, his shield going to full strength as a cyan rocket bounced off it. A well placed telekinetic burst and a flashbang punched a non-lethal hole through the side of the crowd and bought him some time. Riot broke into a gallop across the street and into the town proper. His vision wavered, and he wasn’t in ponyville anymore.

His hooves dug into the wet ground of the Kai-Fong jungle, the paws of his captors weren’t far behind. He could hear them panting and cursing as they chased him through the dense terrain.

“Git that murderer!”

He doubled his pacing, he may not have any back-up, but he was hardly alone. Riots heart was calmed by the taste of polymer and steel in his mouth. It’s weight assured him that he would go down fighting and killing.

Riot pounded through the jungle, his own breathing laboured, his wounds searing his entire body as malnutrition fought his every move. Just vision flickered for a moment, and a small equestrian home appeared some twenty meters away. A set of keys came out in his magic, and flew towards the door. Riot dove through the door; slamming it as he entered, the deadbolt falling.

He looked around, the house becoming familiar for some reason. He felt like he had been there before. It felt like he had something here. He pulled off from the door, and quickly slammed a couch up against it for good measure. As the mob reached the small home, he was already in the workshop. Nopony else was in the house, probably for good reason.

He easily found the gun safe. The ring of keys floated up in his magic, and the safe door swung open. Inside sat a number of deadly weapons that he had used before. Each one had killed.

There was a pounding at the door as the enemy tried to force its way in. He had to move quickly before they just burned the house down around him. His eyes fell on the StA-52, a relic from the past; a undeniably dangerous one at that. He’d had to smuggle it out from the captured gear locker, which was under the commanders watchful eye. The fruits of his labour had come round in the shape of a fifty round 30-06 bullpup drum mag and cold stamped steel that could easily crack bones.

A window smashed in the front room, and the door was bucked in. Riot silently cursed, and brought his rifle to bear.

A cyan hyena stomped into the hall, and locked eyes with him. Her eyes went wide as she found herself staring down the barrel of an assault rifle. She screamed something intelligible to him, before barely leaping out of the way of a two round burst. Riot turned his head, finding a small back door in the workshop. He said a quick prayer to whomever was watching, and charged it down.

The sunlight blinded him for a moment, but thankfully he was free of the claustrophobic halls. A yell rang out, and the mob circled around the building. Riot swore, finding his escape routes cut off. The yard of the house was penned in by other houses, and a long drop into a fast moving stream. He turned his attention back to the mob, which had encircled him, but was keeping their distance.

Riot yelled incoherently at them, but they didn’t falter.

In a moment, the mob of hyena guards turned into angry ponies. Ponies he’d given everything for. His rifle barrel shook, and he lowered it for a moment.

In his revelation and return to Equestria, he hadn’t seen the cyan mare take to the sky, nor did he see her coming down. Rainbow Dash slammed into his side, lifting the heavy stallion off his hooves. He hit the ground and rolled, attempting to find his attacker. Before he could, a steady pair of hooves bucked his other side, sending him down again; feeling as if a train had just broken four of his ribs. Riots eyes went wide, and he sputtered blood onto the grass. Rainbow lighted next to him, her hoof striking the side of his face; before the rest of the mob charged. His weapons were wrenched away from his grasp, and Riot swiftly found himself at the bottom of a vicious beating.

Feels like home.

He yelled out in pain as somepony bucked his chest again, but as swiftly as the kicks and punches and jabs started, they stopped. A few ponies spat on him as somepony else said something. The crowd parted, just as Riot forced himself to his knees. Looking up, he saw Buck handling his officers sidearm. The stallion smiled, but didn’t fire.

“BUCK!” Somepony yelled, grabbing his attention. The stallion turned his head away from Riot.

Pulling the weapon from his mouth, he addressed the butter yellow pegasus who has landed near him. “What the fuck do you want Flutts!?”

The mare pulled back at the sight of the weapon, but pressed back in. “You will stop this instant! You’ve gone too far!” She wiped tears from her eyes and approached him. “Just stop!”

The stallion nickered, before pointing the weapon at Riot. “We’ve got him! I just need to finish this and we’ll be safe!”

Fluttershy shook her head in horror. “Finish him!?” She screeched in anger. “If you don’t drop that thing right now, we’re over!” She stomped her hoof, driving the point home.

“Like I give a shit you dumb bitch!” Buck pushed her away, and bit down on the pistol. “Hwe’ll ‘ave hwat hwee hwant!”

A fiery flash erupted at the edge of his vision, and Buck yelled in surprise. His tongue hit the trigger, and the pistol barked to life. A large circle of magic appeared for an instant, before flashing again, blinding anypony who was looking, which was everypony. Celestia herself stood at it’s center, lightning playing up and down her wings, and across her horn.

The mob stopped dead in its tracks as their deity stood between them and their supposed enemy. Riot looked at the glowing white alicorn, his features broken and bloody. He forced himself up, and Buck fell back; the pistol forgotten as he backpedaled as fast as his legs could carry him.

“ CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE!” Her voice boomed, the full power of the royal Canterlot voice sending some of the ponies before her back a few steps. “ RETURN TO YOUR HOMES, LEST YOU SEE THE FULL POWER OF THE SUN!” Her eyes were quite literally burning. Like Twilight’s white glow, Celestia’s was of a hot sun-like fire. The ponies in the mob squeaked in fear, running down the streets, trying to escape the angered alicorn. All except for the elements of harmony and a frozen Buck.

The flamed left Celestia’s eyes, but her wings were still flared protectively. “How dare you try to hurt this pony!” She yelled, all guise of motherly scolding from previous encounters gone. “You are the elements of harmony, yet you prey on an innocent pony who has done no wrong other than be mutilated for you!”

Everyponies eyes fell in shame as they realized the foolishness of their actions. Celestia snorted hotly, calming herself. “This pony holds no ill will towards your town, and goes with my blessing. Any action taken towards him will bring the might of the equestrian law system upon yourself.”

Bucks demeanor grew desperate. “But Princess Celestia! He’s a murderer!”

“So were you, almost.” She said, looking down on the brown stallion.

Bucks eyes fell to his hooves in defeat. Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at each other nervously, guilt filling their eyes. Dash looked at the bloody buck, still standing to attention behind Celestia. She cringed as she looked at the injuries she had inflicted on him.

“Now, Ashfall, if you could come before me, it would do me great pleasure to heal you.” Celestia said, bowing her head slightly.

Riots salute fell, but he didn’t answer her. His bloodshot eyes stared past her, past the ponies in front of her, and into the distance. He wasn’t there anymore. A choked cough escaped his lips, along with a fat glob of blood. He clutched at the tingling spot in his chest.

“Ashfall, did you not hear me?” Celestia asked, looking behind her at the stallion.

It felt like everything was slowing down, like the parade ground in front of him wasn’t there. Sergeant Venture gave his head a quick shake. He was probably just tired from last night, he and his squad mates had been out all night celebrating their graduation from bootcamp. Iron was lucky, he had shown exceptional ability and promise during training and the incident before, thus earning himself Lance Corporal right out of Boot.

Something didn’t feel right. It felt like he was swimming, more likely that his lungs were swimming...Everything hurt. The General’s trotting closer, better straighten up.

Back in ponyville, Celestia’s eyes widened as she saw the dark viscous liquid leaking past his hoof as he clutched his chest. She turned, and her horn glowed. A wash of warm golden light coated the stallion, quickly seeping into him. He drew breath again, her magic mending his punctured lung, and coaxing the ribs back into place. His breathing was still shallow, and it sounded like he was breathing through a cup of water. The sun princess closed her eyes in sadness. Her spell couldn’t drain the blood in his lung, and she had no spell that could suck the blood out of a pony. She didn’t even know about the hunk of lead that she had sealed inside his lung yet.

Riot swayed slightly, then fell flat onto the ground. Somepony cried out, running towards him. It felt like the he was surrounded.

Riot stood in the parade ground as the General stopped in front of him. The lemon buck smiled at him eagerly. “Well hey there Riot, what’re you doing here?”

He blinked, relaxing his posture. The rest of the recruits were gone, as was the parade ground. He sat in a nice club, but the General had disappeared as well. Mumbles was standing at the edge of the booth, smiling broadly as he usually did.

Mumbles crossed his legs as he sat down, then leaned onto the booths back. “Boy-o-boy, I’ve got so much to share with you!” He hugged the grey unicorn, then sat back down. “But before I start rambling, how have you been?”

“I think I got shot.”

The pony across from him shook his head before laughing. “Come on Cap’, that can’t be it.”

Riot shrugged slowly. “It’s been difficult. Everypony hates me, or wishes that I’d just go away.”

Mumbles inhaled, and then breathed out slowly. “That’s not true, if that were true then you’d have been killed by the angry mob outside of the library, or they would have crushed your skull while you were on the ground.”

“Yeah, but the only ponies who could make a difference actually hate me. Celestia, Aura left me. Vinyl all but kicked me out because I lied to her. The Elements...The Elements of mother fucking Harmony actually set out to either kill me or run me out of town.” He rubbed his eyes with his hooves. “I messed up man, I fucked up everything. You should have lived, Skyrunner should have shot me...I deserved that whole burst.”

The yellow pony closed his eyes, shaking his head. “No, Riot......That’s just how things go, you can’t dwell on the past. Look to the future, and live!” He said, throwing his hooves into the air happily.

”Riiiiiiight.”

The voice caused Mumbles to freeze. Riot looked up to see... Something. Something he had wished he would never see again. “Shiv.” Mumbles nearly spat out the name.

Shiv sat down next to Mumbles, wrapping a bloody hoof around the obviously scared stallion. “Come on Mumbly! Try and look happy to see me!” The near-stallion chuckled, before lifting a hoof. “Now, fuck off.” He gave Mumbles a push, and within a moment the stallion was gone.

Riot looked at Shiv, but he couldn’t help but notice the differences between them,. Shiv was a direct copy of himself, for reasons Riot didn’t know. However, Shiv was more cut, his muscles looking like piles of coiled ripcord. Shiv was spattered in blood, and his disturbing mask sat over his features. It felt wrong just looking at the bastard.

Said stallion laughed. “Yeah, I figured you’d think that.” He relaxed into the booth. “Not even a hello? I’m hurt, really. You’d think that after all the time we’ve spent together, you’d at least acknowledge me.”

Leaning back himself, Riot spoke. “I don’t want to talk Shiv. You’ve been causing trouble in my head. Making me see things. Think things..”

Shiv chuckled as he pulled a small flask from his combat webbing. “Watch your tone welp.” He leaned forward, the mask ever smiling with its jagged teeth and fangs. “I’ve been stuck in there for years, watching, helping, and learning from you. I’ve shaped you into what you are now.” The stallion leaned back, taking a deep drink from the flask through the mask.

The entire situation set Riot on edge. It was all too surreal. He had to get out.

“Oh you aren’t leaving that easy.” Shiv looked up him with his cold white eyes before sliding a glass to him. “Go on, have a drink. You know what it is.” The glass came to a stop just at the edge of his hoof, the liquid inside tempting him forward. The masked stallion across from him rolled his hoof. “Come on, drink.”

Riot stared at the glass, the desire welling up inside him to just have that one drink. He only needed one drink. Hell, he used to live off brennevin and cigarettes, so one drink really wouldn’t hurt. His hoof wrapped around the glass, but he couldn’t lift it.

“No.”

Shiv looked up in an instant, mirth filling his voice. “What?”

Riot shook his head before pushing the glass away. “No. I don’t need this shit anymore. I don’t need it.”

“You weak piece of shit!” The masked stallion across from Riot leapt to his hooves, throwing the table away with the flick of his hooves. “I PROTECTED YOU! I HELPED YOU WHEN YOUR MA BEAT YOU SO BAD YOU COULDN’T WALK! I KEPT YOU ALIVE WHEN THE KORSKI TRAIN DERAILED! I MADE YOU!” The stallion pointed a sharp hoof at him. “You can’t deny me anymore Ashfall. I’m you. I’m better than you. In every. Way. Possible.”

Riot snarled at the masked stallion. “Our Deal was a mistake. A mistake I made a long time ago. You’re nothing but a voice in my head. You ain’t shit.” Riot turned his back on the stallion, and to his surprise, nothing happened. He was alone. Riot looked about, seeing nothing but an empty bar.

You’re never happy with yourself, are you Ashfall?

His head popped up. That wasn’t Shiv’s poisonous voice. “Who's there?”

Always be a murderer to me.

Riot growled angrily. “Show yourself.”

Shiv appeared as he turned his head. “Sorry, had to pop out for a few. Some ponies to take care of.”

Riot frowned darkly. “What did you do?”

“You don’t get it, do you? You were always slow. I made up for that.” Shiv pulled out a razor sharp bayonet. “What’s wrong, Ashfall? Can’t face the truth?”

“Shut the fuck up.” Riot turned to face the now laughing stallion. “The fuck is so damn funny?”

“Oh nothin, just happy I finally got rid of that bitch ex of ours!” The stallion ran a blood smeared hoof down his cheek, staining the fur. “That fine little DJ was fun to hunt too. Pinned her down and made her regret living.” He chuckled happily at the thought. “I fuckin loved the noise she made when I-”

Riot stood, facing his doppelganger. “Shut. The. Fuck. UP!” He booted over the table that stood between them, then tackled the still laughing stallion.

Shiv only laughed harder, and threw the enraged pony off of himself like he was nothing. It was clutching its sides with laughter as Riot peeled himself from the floor. “You know, Mumbles always did say we didn’t smile enough, you and I! So, I’m going to change that!” Shiv narrowed his gaze at Riot. “I’ll make you smile as you cut them down.”

Riot looked around, only finding a couple things that could even remotely help him. “I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU!” He charged the stallion, tackling him off his hooves. The pair hit the ground and rolled; soon becoming a twisted knot of anger and maniacal laughter.

Masked Riot shoved back against him, slamming the grey stallion into the bar, laughing to himself as he did. “Come on, you can do better than that! I know you can! TRY AND KILL ME YOU WEAK PIECE OF SHIT!!”

Riots hooves wrapped around a shard of glass that came from the broken mug. Riot lunged at the stallion again, and managed to force the doppelganger to the ground. The glass shard dug into the stallions flesh from the impact. Riot forced the monster in his head flat onto the ground, the glass shard moving up and down in a feverous motion. The masked stallion twisted, snapping the improvised shiv. A hard hoof slammed against Riots chin, sending him off. The stallions horn lit up, and Riot found himself airborne for a full two seconds, before he smashed into a table hard enough to cause the strong wood to buckle under his weight.

Laughing, the pony approached him, his knife coming back up. “You’re fuckin’ pathetic. No wonder Pa left you. It’s no wonder why Ma took it out on you either! You’re a waste! A perfectly good waste of potential, you could do great things! You could kill so many!” Shiv snarled. “You’re a colossal waste of my time and energy.”

The knife lifted in the air, just as Riots horn flared. One of the tables snapped legs came up, the sharp broken wood puncturing the side of Shiv’s neck. The impact caused the knife to drop, and the masked pony fell to his knees gurgling. Forcing himself up, Riot placed a hoof on the table leg, then shoved it deeper in, ignoring the other ponies legs as they slapped weakly against him. With a twist, the leg came free, and Riot brought it down on the ponies skull. The stallion dropped, viscous black liquid leaking out from the massive wound in his neck. Riot roared his frustrations at the other stallion, before bringing the table leg back down, then up, then down, then up again.

Riot fell backwards, landing heavily on his haunches as his own throat filled with blood. He fell back; eyes flickering slightly before the light in them died out.
_________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Eight / B

It was zero three hundred, and Doctor Usineighn had just fallen onto her bed. It had been a very long, arduous day for her. She'd had to dig through a young lance corporals mind, sifting through the barbaric images of his daily life to uncover a crime he had committed while stationed in Canterlot. After she found what she was looking for, the young stallion broke down, begging her for understanding. He tried to convince her that it had been an accident, and that he hadn't meant any of it. Naturally, she had her subordinates drag the pony off to the brig where her findings would be documented and sent on up the ladder. Her work was done, and she was getting a nice bonus for clean work. A small smile ghosted her face as she snuggled into her plush covers. Today had been a good day.

Riiiiing.....Riiiiiiing....Riiiiing...

She cracked open an unamused eye; glancing over at her night stand, where her phone sat, ringing loudly. She considered ignoring it for a moment, before it lifted up in her green magic. The earpiece pressed against her head, and she spoke with a tired, groggy voice.

"Usineighn. This better be good."

"It is Mari. You'll be doing flips."

The voice on the other end made her sit up in surprise. "Mel? What's going on?"

Melody chuckled over the phone. "Today was a big day for your ghost Mari. He got into lots of trouble."

Marigold Usineighn was immediately awake and alert. "What happened- wait, let me get a pen." She scrambled, grabbing a pen and a large stack of paper. "Okay, talk."

"Where to begin~" Melody cooed over the phone, causing Usineighn to grimace. "He pissed off a lot of ponies. The anti-veteran movement to be precise. They attacked him in broad daylight, and you'll never guess who they had in their ranks."

Marigold was frowning. This wasn't good at all. "Who?"

"Three of the Elements of Fausting Harmony."

The line went silent.

"Mari? You there?"

Usineighn blinked, before shaking her head. "Yeah, yeah I'm here. What happened? Did he attack anypony?"

She could practically see Melody grin. "He roughed up a couple of them, apparently almost shot a few of them. But it gets better. They overpowered him when he can't bring himself to shoot one of them, and they start attacking, and you'll never believe who showed up."

Usineighn gripped the device as tightly as she could, her horn taking down the entire conversation. "Who?"

"Princess Fausting Celestia."

There was another long pause.

"I'm gonna assume you're too shocked for words, Mari. So the Princess herself shows up, disperses the mob, scolds the elements, and saves your ghosts life. All in the matter of like, five minutes."

Rubbing her eyes, Usineighn could only shake her head. "S-so... Princess Celestia saved his life?"

"That's what I said."

"Marigold shook her head. "Where is he now? What's he doing?"

A chuckle sounded from the other side. "He's doing a lot of coma stuff from what I hear. Apparently they smoked him pretty good when they dropped him on his head, or something like that."

"A..." Usineighn paused, her pen stopping for a moment. "He's in a coma?"

"Last I heard, yeah."

"Damn... Okay, I need you get get me a copy of the police report, and witness statements from everypony who saw it go down. I need to be up to date and on top of this Melody. Don't let me down."

The pony on the other end snorted, causing a large amount of auditory feedback from the device. "I thought you'd be stoked to hear your ghost is almost pushing daisies."

"I... I'll talk to you later Melody, get me what I asked for." Usineighn placed the device gingerly back in its cradle. She sat there for a moment, before falling back onto her plush bed. Sleep wouldn't come to her however; she had much to think about.

Chapter Eight

The infection in your mind and soul will never leave you. In fact, it is no longer an infection. It is a disease.

Riots eyed flickered slightly, but weren’t able to open. He groaned quietly before sitting up in bed. Riot tried to speak, but any words came out at a hoarse whisper. As he forced his eyes open, light did not flood in. Riot looked around the the dark, luckily finding a small cup of water on a stand next to the bed.

After downing the drink, he sat for a moment, taking in his surroundings. He was in a dark room, in a semi hard bed. Everything smelt like it belonged in a hospital. Was he in a hospital?

I...I can’t be here... I’m not here... I’m not here!

Riot squinted through the dark as his heart beat heavily within his chest; just barely making out a single door on the far wall. He moved to get up, but was halted when the bundles of tubes and wires became taught, causing him to grunt in pain. He stopped for a moment before yanked out the lines. A monotone squeal filled the room; emanating from a machine that stood near his bed. Ignoring it, he stood up on shaky hooves before moving towards the door.

Pushing his way out into the semi-lit hallway, he made a right turn. He didn’t know where to go, or even where he was at that moment in time. All he knew was that he couldn’t stay there anymore. He couldn’t remember why he was here. Why was he here?

His thoughts went out as he walked, hearing agitated yelling and what sounded like a cart crashing through the hall opposite from the direction he was headed.. Everything was fuzzy. It was like he was thinking through a thick haze. He remembered running. That was what he was doing now. He was running. A sharp stabbing pain lanced at his chest, and his speed was cut; his body hitting the wall but not stopping. Riot fought for breath, forcing his sore lungs to cooperate.

The pain brought forward memories, at first a trickle, then a torrent. The stallion closed his eyes, doing his best to focus.

He had been shot. Shot like a rabid animal. He felt angry.

He trotted down the hall and onto what he could only assume was the ground floor of the hospital. He could hear frantic movement a floor above him; they were coming for him. Riot looked about, then made a hard left turn through a door with a bright red sign above it.

The door clicked open quietly into the calm winter night. A blast of chilly air bit at him as his hooves crunched through the snow. Unable to see the ground properly, Riot stumbled, hissing in pain as he forced himself back up. He shivered slightly at the cold, but otherwise his fur kept him fairly warm. There was a bench ahead. Riot trotted forward on his still unsteady hooves.
Tired

The tall stallion plopped down on the treated wood surface; taking his front hooves and running them down his face, Riot looked around for a moment, taking in his surroundings.

Nurse Redheart came trotting out of the hospital, looking frantic, hairs sticking out of her normally-neat bun. She held a flashlight in her mouth, trying to light up the dark. It didn’t occur to Riot that she was probably looking for him.

Riot looked down at his hooves, allowing his body to go slack a bit against the bench. The light flashed over him, and the mare yelled out in surprise.

“Mr. Venture! There you are! Celestia, I was so worried, are you okay?” She asked, galloping to him and taking his head in her hooves. She looked him over, making sure he was alright.

Riot squinted, trying to look away as her flashlight blazed in his face. “Yeah, just a little horse...”

She was far too worried to say anything about the terrible joke. The white mare sighed in relief, allowing his head to leave her hooves. “What were you thinking!? You don’t run out of a hospital!

He looked about at the large structure that was shrouded in darkness. “Don’t like hospitals... Bad places.” His voice was still strained and husky, despite the drink he’d had.

“Come on, lets get you inside.” She said, lifting him to his hooves. “You still have a lot of recovering to do.”

“What happened? I remember running, and angry ponies.” He leaned against the mare, not able to work his legs fully anymore.

The pair began to slowly limp back to the entrance. A few ponies looked out the large wooden doors, but Redheart waved them off. “You ran into some trouble with some of the townsfolk, you managed to not be beaten to death, but... One of them shot you. And while they didn’t kill you, those ponies hurt you really badly. Major concussion, serious fractures, internal bleeding; don’t even get me started on that hunk of lead we had to pull out of your chest. You’re just lucky that Celestia arrived in time to help you. Without her magical assistance, you wouldn’t have had a chance.”

He nodded, struggling to deal with sudden burst of info from the excited and obviously exasperated mare. “Alright...”

“You’ve been out for a awhile now, but you’re recovering fine. Things were touch and go for a few days, but you pulled through.” She patted him on the back, limping through the main doors with him. “Now lets get you back in bed, and get you hooked up.”

Flashes of a dirty triage on the frontline came up before him; the smell of thermite and antiseptic filling his nose. “No...I’ll be fine. Just need some rest.” He was finally able to speak at a normal level, but his voice was still scratchy and gruff.

“No, Mr. Venture. These are doctor’s orders.” She said, ushering him up onto his bed. “You’ll be better soon, I promise.” Redheart slid a hoof down his face when she was sure that nopony was looking.

One of the tubes and its conjoined needles sent shivers up his spine. Thoughts of blood loss and tetanus shots, malaria pills and blood worms accompanied the small instrument. Unbeknownst to Riot, he had growled lowly as she had brought the feed line near him.

She gave him a tiny fwap with her tail. “Hey, I’m trying to make you better.” She let out a small giggle. “What’s wrong, Riot, afraid of needles?”

He sat up on the edge of the bed, not looking at anything other than his hooves. He ran the edge of his hoof down his foreleg, feeling the healing line of stitches that had been pulled out recently. “They tried to kill me.”

Redheart looked down at him, a warm, kind look on her face. “It’s okay, Riot. We’ll have you all fixed up in no time, alright?”

Riot shook his head slowly. “It’s not right.”

The mare stroked his neck. “Shh, everything’s okay. We’ll make you all better.”

“Killing ponies isn’t right... It’s not natural.” He was looking at his own hooves now, which were shaking slightly.

If she was perturbed, she didn’t show it. “We aren’t killing ponies, Riot. Just go to sleep, you’ll be alright here, you’re safe.”

He looked up at her with wide eyes. “You haven’t. I have. I’ve....” He looked down at his hooves again. His eyes weren’t betraying him. His hooves would always be soaked in blood, even when they were squeaky clean.

Redheart sighed, and pushed his head back down the the pillow. “Just sleep, everything will be better when you wake up.”

Riot clenched his eyes shut, trying his best to hide. “Is there...Anything you can give me? I...I don’t want to see them again...”

The mare cocked her head. “What do you mean, Mr. Venture?”

“I don’t want to see them anymore... They’re always there, just beyond... Whispering at me. They hate me.” He shook his head, trying to lose the tears that were matting his cheeks. “I don’t want to see the things I’ve done...”

A needle was pressed in, its contents injected into his foreleg. A warm, bubbly sensation washed over the supine stallion. “Hush now, Riot......Just sleep, it’ll be fine in the morning.”

His eyes flickered, showing for a mere split second the fear he held for falling asleep.

Bayonet out, rifle at the ready.

Hooves pounding over uneven soil.

Cracking shots and whizzing shells.

Liars and cheats, hiding amongst the dead.

Riot sat in a hastily made foxhole. Between his hooves was a measly little fire that was slowly warming up a kettle of coffee. He looked up as he heard melodious hoof falls in the deep snow.

“Password.” He called out

“Crumpets smells.”

Riot smirked, hearing the sound of a hoof smack over the back of a steel helmet. “You’re late. Coffees almost ready.”

A yellow head with a white painted helmet perched on it appeared, peering down at him. “Hey there, Riot.” The stallion said, cheerfully. “Got enough for three?”

He waved his hoof, beckoning the pair in. Once the two were cozy, he fed the fire a bit more magic. “So, all quiet on the Western Front?”

The deep blue mare in combat armor laughed quietly, taking a sip of the coffee. “Oohhh, this is wizard.” She said with an air of reverence conjoined with a light Trottingham accent.

“Sorry your highness, didn’t bring any tea today.” Riot tossed the mare a small package. “But I did get my hooves on officer level mre’s.” He poured out Mumbles’ cup, then his own.

Crumpets’ eyes shot open. “What do you got, my darling?” She asked, smiling widely, hoping for some good food. “Any good ‘trotty food?”

Riot pulled open his own package and scowled. “I got pop tarts again. Fuck.”

Mumbles laughed lightly before opening his own. His smile fell away as he stared into the package. “Peas. I got peas and carrots.”

Crumpets bit her lip in anticipation, closing one eye as she slowly opened the package. She peered in with one eye, and cheered. “Haha! Veggie burger!”

Riot stomped the ground as he pursed his lips. “Gorram it all!”

She giggled, smiling happily at the package. “Hehe! Looks like my luck is finally-” The mare jerked forward, a bloody rose spraying out from her chest. She fell forward onto the frozen dirt at the bottom of the foxhole as the rifle crack finally reached them. Riot and Mumbles had a split second to react before the shelling began.

Riot grabbed the mare’s shoulders, dragging her closer to himself. “Hold on lass! I’ve got you!” Crumpets spat out blood as she sobbed; hooves clutching at her wound and the stallion that held her down.

The shelling continued, and gunfire issued from a few of the holes down the line. Dirt rained into the foxhole, and Riot sheltered the mare with his body. The strong smell of cordite and gunpowder sprung into the air.

“Corporal! Get me that healing potion! He pointed at his heavy vest, where all of his gear lay. The lemon buck nodded as he dove towards the vest, wrenching open the top pocket. He tossed the mix to Riot, who caught it in his magic. “Just hold on Crumpy, I’ve got you...”

Crumpets whimpered into Riot’s hooves, unable to speak. She could barely lift her own hooves to hold onto his for support as the pomegranate mix poured down her throat. Her breathing slowed, becoming less haggard and weak. Riot breathed out as shells poured down around them. “I’ve got you...”

She smiled weakly, and breathed long, slow breaths against the stallion. The blood started to clot in the wound, and the spread of blood across her chest slowed, and then stopped completely. The mare tried to talk, but all that came out was a small gurgle.

Mumbles crawled over under the raining fire. “You’ll be fine Crumpy, don’t try to talk!” He squatted next to the pair. “Sir! What should we do?”

Riot shook his head, dislodging a layer of dirt that had fallen there. “Pass my my morphine, middle pocket, left side.”
The stallion nodded, and dug back into Riots gear. In a few moments, the tiny morphine syrette had been emptied into the mares foreleg. She swooned, before slumping against the foxholes edge.

KKAAABOOOM

The foxhole became half buried as the artillery shell blew the ground beside it to pieces. One of the smaller trees creaked dangerously, before collapsing just above the trio. Riot let out a low grunt as its branches scraped past. He blinked rapidly, then looked at Crumpets. She was still breathing, but it was obvious she was in a lot of pain. “We run her to Triage when there’s a break in the fire! No stops!”

The yellow stallion nodded, poking his head up from the slowly-collapsing hole. “It looks like the west side is getting hit by infantry, but the mortars are off target, and hitting us instead. We should be fine if we wait until the mortars stop for a moment.”

Riot nodded, then lifted over his heavy flak vest. “Hold still Crumpy, I’m gonna get you home.” The flak vest was pitifully loose over her form, but Riot hoped that it would do its job despite that.

The mare coughed weakly as she clutched to his chest. “S-sir...Ar-are my legs still there?” Her voice was weak and full of fear. Riot looked down and nodded, but this only brought the mare to tears. “I-I can’t feel them...”

Mumbles gulped visibly, putting a hoof on the mare’s belly. “Y-you’re fine, Crumpy....We’ll get you fixed up real quick, alright?” The stallion placed a hoof on her red-stained stomach.

There was a break in the fire, as the mortars repositioned. Riot stood up, but kept his head low. He wrapped the mare up with his magic before fastening a couple sticks and a bed roll into a makeshift stretcher. “Mumbles, take the left side! Lifting her in three, two, one, now!” He lifted the mare up, setting her down on the stretcher. All this warranted was a pained scream from Crumpets as she clenched her eyes closed.

Mumbles was whimpering quietly into the mare’s ear, telling her that ‘everything is going to be fine’ and that ‘you’ll be fine’. The pair of them dragged the wounded mare out, and took off into the darkness.

“F-Friendlies coming out!” Mumbles called, as they neared a couple of foxholes.

“MAKE A HOLE! CASUALTIES COMING IN!” Riots voice boomed over the fox holes, ensuring no friendly fire would put any of them down. The small bunker that they used for medical lay a couple hundred feet away. Riot doubled his pace, only hoping that Crumpets would make it there.

She was smiling now. “I-I feel warm, S-sarge.....I-I feel.....Nice.” The mare’s eyes closed, and Mumbles gave her a shake

“No you don’t, Crumpy. You gotta stay awake, alright? Just keep those pretty eyes open.” Mumbles begged her, shaking her shoulder as she slipped in and out of consciousness.

The mares eyes opened lazily, but they were dull and dreary. “S’okay...I’m jus’ sleepy...”

Riot barreled through the entrance, clearing a dirty table with his magic. “DOC!” A small nurse came rolling out of the adjacent bunker, but when she saw the bleeding soldier she galloped back in. Barely a second later the light green doctor had galloped out and slid to a stop by the table.

“How bad is it? Where is she hurt?”

Riot gingerly lifted the mare off the stretcher and placed her on the table. “She took one in the gut, but we managed to get her a healing potion before she passed out. She needs proper medical though, or she’s not gonna make it!” He pulled off the heavy flak vest, which seemed to have caught another round in its plating.

The mare’s eyes rolled slowly about in her sockets, taking in each pony. Her face was paling, and she was losing focus with every second. The nurse breathed out, floating out a purple, bubbling potion. “Hold her head, I need her to drink this.”

Riot did as he was told; opening the mares mouth open and tilting her head so the potion could go in without problems.

The potion was put between her lips, and liquid started to slowly flow into it. Crumpets’ throat wasn’t moving, letting her mouth fill with liquid. Mumbles stroked her throat slowly, helping her throat along before she choked on it.

Mumbles was breathing raggedly, still not used to such a situation.

“You’re doing fine Corporal, just make sure she doesn’t choke on that potion.” Riot watched as the doctor wheeled away to grab his medical kit. His eyes went back down to Crumpets. She was breathing properly now, but her eyes were still foggy. He ran a hoof through her mane. “You’ll be alright Crumpets, you’ll be fine...I promise.”
______________________________________________________________-

Riot cracked his eyes open, then immediately shut them under the onslaught of winters sun. He rolled over in bed, only to have the tubes and lines go taunt again. “Fuck off...”

“Hey, he’s awake! Nurse Redheart!” There was a female voice, he recognized it, but was unable to place a name. There was a quick-paced clopping of hooves on the floor, and the door opened. “He opened his eyes!”

He held his eyes closed, trying to mentally stamp out the dream. He wanted to sit up in the hard bed, but knew it would just pull the bloody tubes tight again. He brought his hoof up; scratching at his face and eyes.

There was a hoof laid on his side, and warm breath on his face. A pair of hooves went around his sides, squeezing him into a warm, fuzzy chest. “You’re okay, Riot....It’s me, Vinyl.” She pecked him on the muzzle.

He wanted to say something, he really did. All that came out was a pained grunt as Vinyl’s hooves squeezed his side.

“Miss Scratch, please get off of my patient.” He recognized this as Redheart’s voice. There was a groan, and the warmth left. A new hoof was laid on his chest. “Can you speak, Mr. Venture?”

“Water.”

“Vinyl, get him something to drink, please.” The water arrived very quickly, the lip of a plastic water bottle placed between his lips. The cool liquid poured into his mouth, massaging his parched throat. As the liquid slowly disappeared from the bottle, there was a hoof on his throat, slowly massaging the water down.

He pushed the hoof away, feeling his dry throat go back to its normal status. He sat up, ignoring the machine bleeping loudly as he pulled out a tube. He looked down, then started pulling the tubes out, much to Nurse Redheart’s chagrin.

“Hey, don’t start with that again.” She pushed at his chest with a hoof. “Down. Bad pony.”

Riot brushed away her hoof and finished freeing himself. “Don’t need no bloody wires to keep me alive.” He sat up on the edge of the bed, stretching his legs and yawning widely. He winced a bit as he stretched upwards, but otherwise looked fine.

“Damn it, Riot! You can’t forgo treatment! Do I have to get the security team in here to make sure you stay in bed?” She pushed at his chest, vainly trying to keep him on the soft mattress.

Riot swayed on his hooves, his face pinned in pain. “P-please...I..I need air...I need out...”

Redheart nickered, shaking her head. “I... I can’t let you go alone. You’ll get hurt.” Vinyl stood nearby, sympathy plastered on her face.

He shook his head. “Bathroom...Bathroom then. Need something...”

The nurse huffed quietly, looking at the ceiling for its non-existant support. “Fine. Fine. Vinyl, could you please go with Mr. Venture?”

The white DJ nodded, placing her hoof on his. “Come on Riot, let’s go.”

He nodded, slowly making his way towards the bathroom sign. He finally reached the door, shouldering his way in. Vinyl stopped at the door; looking in on him as she spoke. “I’ll be right outside alright? If you need anything just holler.”

Riot nodded slowly as the door swung closed. He leaned against the stall as his eyes went about the small room. They eventually fell on a small window that shone with the wonders of the outside. A small grin came to his haggard muzzle. The Wehrmacht Hyenas couldn’t keep him jailed, the griffons couldn’t hold him, what hopes did this place have? Riot steeled himself; turning on the tap to try and muffle any noises he made. The window popped open without much hassle, but he was going to have to really suck in his gut if he really wanted to escape.

Riot sucked in a breath, ignoring his ribs pained cries as he jumped. His front hooves and head went through the window, and were quickly followed by his hind legs. Riot fell forward with a surprised yelp; his face becoming buried in the snow. Riot groaned in pain as he pulled himself out of the snow drift. His escape was a success!

The air was positively frigid, wind blowing the dregs of snow on the ground. He looked about, feeling his internal furnace fire up in the first time in what felt like forever. He watched as several ponies milled about, minding their own business. He looked down, then pulled off the flimsy gown. “Maybe get some food...” At that thought, he started trotting slowly to Sugarcube Corner.

As he entered the pinkish building, he was greeted by Mrs. Cake, who put a hoof over her mouth in surprise at his appearance. “U-umm, hello, M-Mr. Venture.”

He waved a weak hoof over at her as he moved to sit at the corner booth. He plopped down, then looked up as Mrs Cake trotted over. “Could I get a coffee? Or food?”

She nodded slowly, trotting back into the shop, sneaking looks over her shoulder. As Riot sat in one of the seats, the bell chimed, and a small group of ponies entered the building. He recognized all of them, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity.

Riot groaned inwardly as he pulled into the corner of the booth in a vain attempt to disappear. He remembered in vivid detail the full amount of bullshit he’d had to deal with from them. Mrs. Cake trotted back over, leaving his coffee and a slice of cake on the table as he hid behind a newspaper.
She nodded to him, but still looked disturbed. The other ponies, still chatting, trotted into one of the booths, sitting down.

Rainbow pointed out a snack she wanted, just as Pinkie bounced out. “Heya guys!”

Twilight smiled lightly at the bubbly mare. “Hello Pinkie, we’re just swinging by for some planning, figured you might want your hooves in it.”

“Ooh ooh ooh! What kind of planning? Party planning?” She asked, clopping her hooves together.

Twilight looked at Rainbow and Applejack, who looked at their hooves in turn. “Not really, some apology planning.”

“Everypony knows the best kind of apology is an apology party, Twilight.” Pinkie said, shaking her head like it was common knowledge.

The purple mare nodded curtly, then motioned towards the booth opposite of Riot’s.

The stallion cursed even louder, yet still inwardly. He should have stayed at the hospital, at least there he could pretend to sleep and ignore everypony. The mares sat down, then started what sounded like a lengthy session.

Rainbow yawned loudly as she finished her treat. “Twi, I still don’t see why I have to apologize.”

The unicorn let out an exasperated breath before glaring uncharacteristically at her friend. “You almost beat him to death Rainbow.”

She held up a hoof to refute the accusation, but she just quietly uttered: “Alright.”She said, like a small foal who had been scolded.

Twilight floated out a short bit of parchment and a quill. “Now, where should we start?” She filled in her own sentence. “We’ll visit him when he’s awake in his hospital room. Do any of you think you could get Fluttershy to come out?”

Rainbow winced. “Maybe, although she’s still not big on coming into town still.”

Twilight shook her head slowly. “I still can’t believe what Buck did...Rarity, do you think you could loosen her up with a visit to the spa? That always seems to get her calm, and I don’t want any problems when we visit Mr. Venture.”

The white mare nodded. “Of course. I could use a bit of a spa date as well.”

The mares seemed to nod in understanding, then turned back to the list. “Now, we’ll need balloons. Pinkie?”

“You won't be able to even walk with all the balloons I have for something like this.” Pinkie said, acting very serious.

Twilight nodded once again. Riot laid his head down on the table and grunted in defeat. He looked up at the paper he was hiding behind.

HOOFINGTON VETERAN-

Nope. Nope straight to the moon. Riots muzzle contorted in pain as his face made a silent impact with the table.

“Now Applejack, if you could work with Pinkie to maybe get some food together?”

Applejack groaned, hoof making slow circles on the wooden table. “Ah guess I could get something whipped up for it.”

Riot glanced up, feeling her disliking towards the entire idea. Hell, he wasn’t too fond of it, but she was the damn reason he was in this predicament. He scowled hotly, snorting quietly as he sipped at his coffee. A certain pink pony turned her head slowly towards his booth.

Her eyebrow raised, but her blue irises turned back to the ponies talking. She didn’t speak, either, which was odd.

Riot cringed heavily as he clenched his coffee. Shit. She’s on to me, the pink one will be the death of me...They’ll see me and gather another bloody mob to finally stamp me out and-

Pinkie opened her mouth. “Why don’t we take this upstairs? Wouldn’t that be better? I can get some cookies from the kitchen so we can eat while we plan, doesn’t that sound fun?” She said, bouncing in her seat slightly.

The mares shared a look, each nodding slowly. Twilight stowed away her list and stood up. “That’s a wonderful idea Pinkie, it’ll also give us some privacy if anypony were to walk in.” She ushered the rest of the mares out of their seats. “Come on girls, the princess was quite strict on her request.”

Riot held his breath until the short conga line of mares was out of sight. He exhaled painfully, grasping at his ribs. Riot looked about, but didn’t move from his spot. “Fuck my life...” Slugging back the remains of his coffee, Riot tossed the empty cup in the garbage and stood from his booth. The sudden realization that he didn’t have any bits to pay for it hit him.

He trotted up to the till, hoping that Mrs Cake would at least put up a tab. Riot waved weakly as he leaned against the counter. “Thanks for the drink and food, I don’t trust anything the hospital makes in those regards.”

She waved him off, still avoiding looking at him. “Oh don’t worry about it, In fact, it’s on the house.” Mrs. Cake smiled at him broadly, before looking away. “It’s nice to see you up and about again dearie.”

Riot blinked quickly, then smiled back. “Thanks.” He winced a bit, but otherwise kept a straight face. “I’ll see you later Mrs. Cake, have a nice day.”

Nodding, Mrs Cake turned her back on him and trotted back into the kitchen. Riot shook his head slowly, then trotted out into the chilly afternoon air.
__________________________________________________________________________

Riot looked around for the first time after leaving the shop. A thin layer of snow covered most of the ground. How long was he out, anyway? It hadn’t even been Nightmare Night yet when he’d gotten into trouble.

The idea of wasting away in a dank hospital room day after day made him shiver more than the cold nip in the air. Riot shook his head, then started towards home. He stopped after a few steps, wondering what day it was, what time it was...Was Hunter even home? Or was he with Aurora?

He shook his restless head, and continued his trot towards where he thought Hunter would be......maybe. Perhaps he should have thought before jumping out of a hospital window without any information.

His house loomed in the distance. Was it even possible for a one floor home to loom? He thought the idea over a bit before coming up to the door. He shook his head, then pounded on the door. Riot waited, and waited. No hoof steps, no talking, no nothing. He hung his head and turned around, looking at the town before him.

What now?

He exhaled, and stretched. The scratchy plastic of his hospital bracelet made itself known. Riot turned, and scrounged around the front for the spare key to the door. He still had clothes here, so he could go into town clothed.

Riot kicked over a potted plant, then lifted up the small key up and into the lock. The door swung open and Riot trotted into the chilly home. He flicked at the light switch, but nothing came out. “The fuck? How long was I out for? Did they seriously cut off my power?” He flicked at it for a couple more moments before quitting and trotting into his room. The dresser was pulled open and empty, everything but his clothes had been removed.

Shaking his head, Riot pulled a wool sweater over himself, as well as a pair of winterized cargo pants. A spare pair of boots were quickly tied up so that everything would work. He smiled to himself for a moment, before realizing that everything except for the heaviest of the furniture was gone. A thought hit Riot, causing him to bound out of his room and towards Hunter’s.

The whole room was cleaned out. Not a thing. The closets were empty, the bed and the furniture were gone, as were all of his toys and clothes. Riot did a quick once over: Nope, empty. He quickly trotted out, and checked the rest of the rooms. Just as empty, nopony lived there anymore.

The only thing that was left was the hideous couch, the heavy-ass dresser, and his mattress with boxspring. He only noticed now that Aurora had taken the covers and sheets as well. Riot forced a low chuckle, only to break down coughing. He grasped at his sides in pain.

He was definitely beginning to regret escaping the hospital now, the burning pain working up his sides like a flamethrower filled with rusty nails. The stallions mouth fell open as he gasped for air like a fish out of water. A low howl of pain escaped his lips as he sat down against the wall. The pain was beginning to ebb now, starting to leave him just as quickly as it had came. He exhaled, panting as he clutched his sides.

Riot stood up, then opened the door. He wasn’t going to stick around in an empty house with no soul left. He trotted back out into the street, then started towards...Anywhere but here. Back to the hospital, he had to figure out what the fuck was still wrong with him, what the date was, and what had happened to his family. The idea of returning sucked, but it wasn’t like he had much of a choice.

His hooves carried him forward, but he had no control over them. Sharp stabbing bits of pain attacked every few steps, reminding him how much of a mess he had made everything, including himself. Pretty soon, after trotting past groups of ponies who were more than happy to avoid him, he was nearing the hospital.

He hadn’t even made it into the lobby before he was tackled. Riot wheezed in pain as he fell backwards. Fully expecting either a pissed off Redheart or Vinyl; he looked down at who had accosted him, and a smile appeared on Riots haggard face.

“Dad! You’re alright!” It was Hunter alright, and he was hugging his father like there was no tomorrow. He actually felt stronger, the colt must have hit another good growth spurt when he was out. Hunter’s legs and chest had begun to fill out nicely, and he’d even grown a few inches taller.

Riot hugged the colt back, but he couldn’t do it for long. Riot let go as he grimaced in pain. “H-hey buddy, you’re alright. I missed you.” A dozen thoughts went through his head, but a lot of them didn’t make sense.

“I missed you so much!” The colt said, standing next to his father. “Are you alright?” He asked as Riot held his side again. “W-why did you run away from the hospital? These ponies are supposed to make you all better....”

He closed his eyes as he sat up. “I’m sorry Hunter I....I don’t like hospitals. Not one bit.” That was all he could say. That’s what he told himself after all, surely it would be good enough for the young colt?

The colt’s expression turned hard, and he thumped the large stallion’s chest with a small hoof. “That’s no excuse, Dad...I hate needles, but I gotta get them because they make sure I don’t get sick. You have to let them fix you, Dad.”

Riot nodded slowly, knowing full well that Hunter was right. “Alright Hunter. I was going back to the hospital anyways...I don’t even know what day it is anymore.” Standing slowly, Riot clutched at his side again as he huffed in pain.

Hunter frowned. “Are you okay?” He went to his father’s side. “We need to go get Nurse Redheart...”

“How do you know Nurse Redheart?” He started walking forward, but then realized that Hunter was halfway up his chest now. Before the incident, Hunter was almost to the tops of his legs. A niggling fear started to attack the back of Riots mind, filling his head full of questions and what if’s.

“Well, she was the one taking care of you for all this time, so I talked to her when I came to visit.” The colt said, shrugging. Riot nodded, storing the info away. The hospital was in view now. After a bit of silence, the door stood in front of them. Hunter pushed it open, then ushered Riot in. “Come on Dad.”

Hunters voice almost seemed...Deeper now. Must have been a hell of a growth spurt. Riot shook his head as he approached the front desk. Before he could speak, a set of hooves were galloping down the hall towards him. “Shit...Here comes the beration squad. “

“Riot!” It was Redheart, trotting up to the grey stallion. “What were you thinking?! You don’t just run out of a hospital after you’ve been out for so long. Your muscles can’t take it right now!”

Riot shook his head, looking at the nurse. “You said I was out for awhile...How long was I out Redheart?” His eyes went towards Hunter. “How long...”

She looked confused for a moment, before recognition came into her face. “Riot.......The incident was thirteen months ago....”

Thirteen months...Riots legs wavered, and he leaned against the wall. “What...H-how?” He was starting to panic. He knew he had been out for awhile, but a full year? He wasn’t ready for this. He couldn’t be ready for this. Panic started to bleed into his features, causing the looks from Redheart and Hunter to soften in worry.

Hunter came over to him, putting his hooves around the large pony. “I’m sorry, Dad....I came to see you whenever I could. I’m sorry this had to happen.”

“No, no this shouldn’t have happened! How could this happen?” He was desperate for answers, and he was demanding them from Redheart.

The mare looked down at the floor. “We...We thought that it was only a chest injury...Celestia did too...”

The sudden realization why his head had been hurting as well hit home. He had fucked up. Riot slumped a bit, then fell to his haunches.

The door crashed open, and another white mare came into the lobby. It was Vinyl, she’d shed her glasses, and her normally pretty features were twisted by anger. “Riot!” She shouted, trotting up to him.

Riot didn’t quite hear her. He was still neck deep in his own thoughts. His hooves covered his face as he sat against the front desk.

Vinyls features softened as she trotted to his side, placing a hoof on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Riot.....I really am.”

Hunter swallowed dryly, also putting a hoof on Riot’s shoulder. “At least you’re awake now Dad.”

He couldn’t bring himself to look up. “A full year...I came back to an empty home...” His features scrunched up in sorrow as he stared at the floor. “A full bloody year...”

Hunter nuzzled the large stallion’s neck. “I’m sorry.....If you’d stayed here, we could have told you. You can’t just run off like that, Dad.”

“Everythings gone Hunter....I...I missed your birthday again, didn’t I?” He looked up at the colt sadly. “Again...”

Hunter sighed. “It’s alright Dad, don’t be silly. Just having you back is better than ten birthdays.” He gave the stallion another nuzzle, but Riot didn’t say anything. All he could do was lay his head against Hunters shoulder and force himself to not break down.

Nurse Redheart nodded to a pair of familiar guards who were standing close by. “If you two would please take Mr Venture to his room?”

They nodded, bringing Riot up to his hooves. They led him down the hall, but kept their distance from the grey stallion as they walked. They opened the door to his room, and ushered him inside. “This is you, Nurse Redheart should be along shortly.”

Riot nodded slowly as Hunter thanked them. He trotted over to the bed and laid his hoof down on it. “I can’t stay here....I can’t.”

He felt a soft hoof on his foreleg. He looked over, and it was Aurora, looking sheepish. “I-It’ll be okay, Ash. I know you’re strong enough for this. There’s no shame in this.”

“No shame?” He looked at Aurora; his flash of anger ebbing away in the face of exhaustion. “Shame is when you come home to an empty house, or when you’re such a bad husband that your wife leaves your for a mare, and takes the colt with her.” He leaned against the bed for support. “Why are you even here?”

She looked hurt, unused to these now-old wounds being wrenched open. “T-things have changed.....Not by much, but they’ve changed.” The mare swallowed dryly. “Hunter wants to be with you, and I’m letting him do that. We can work out custody later, when my lawyer comes in, alright?” She asked, lowering her hoof as she offered a weak smile.

Riot closed his eyes, just wanting nothing more than the universe to crack open and suck her up. “Fine.”

Aurora sighed, and went to leave. “I-I’m sorry....It’s good to see you awake. The house still belongs to you, I can have the furniture sent back, too.”

“Don’t bother. You’ll just get it all back in whatever settlement comes through.”

“W-we don’t know how that’ll work out, I can still-” Riot held up a hoof, cutting her off as she drew herself up.

“Just leave Aurora.” He was still leaning against the bed, but he could see Vinyl and Nurse Redheart standing near the door. “Just go.”

The mare exhaled slowly, and trotted out, a pained expression on her features. Nurse Redheart came in next, sitting down next to his bed. “Alright, Riot. You’ve been in a coma for one year, Two months, and three days. Your wounds have mostly healed, but you’ll have problems with your lungs for the rest of your life.”

Riot took in the information, then nodded. “Alright, what else.”

“What else?” Redheart let out a short laugh of disbelief. “Celestia checked on you for the first bit, but had to leave due to royal duties. You’ve gained a small pension for your trouble, and will not have much trouble paying for your home even without work.” She put a hoof on his shoulder. “The townsfolk were horrified when they found out what happened. It was just a group of fanatics, not the whole town.”

“They’ll be back.” He sat up on the bed, then coughed in his hoof. He looked up at the ponies before him and forced a smile. “I’m fine, really.”

Vinyl shook her head. “No, they won’t be back, and no, you aren’t fine. You’ve been out for so long, your muscles have deteriorated, or something. You haven’t used them.”

He forced a chuckle. “Not the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.” A sudden thought hit him. “What happened to Wild and Kepler? I’m surprised I didn’t see them at all.”

“They are out of town right now, but they’re supposed to be back in a few days. You should have seen Kepler, she was out of her mind.” Vinyl shook her head. “She really loves you, you know?”

“She’s also a very good liar.” Riot grimaced a bit as he laid back on the bed. “I hate this place.” A fusilade of thoughts and worries hit him like a train. “Where’s my rifle and pistol?”

Nurse Redheart shook her head slowly. “Riot, don’t be stupid. She’s your sister. And I don’t care if you hate this place, you aren’t leaving.” She grimaced at his final question; taking her time to answer. “Celestia...Took the weapons. Said that it would be stored in canterlot. Your duffel bag is here, with the rest of your belongings.”

He scowled, but didn’t want to say anything regarding those lines of questions. “Fine. But keep my visitors to a minimum. I don’t want to see hide nor hair of those bloody ‘Elements’.” He capped Elements with hoof quotations.

She nodded, sighing. “Alright Riot. I know you want to see your family, but you need to do some physical therapy for your muscles. They’ve deteriorated so badly you won’t be able to get very far if you run off again.”

“Alright, alright.” He looked around. “I just got in bed too.”

Redheart sighed. “Alright, you’ve already run off, and got enough exercise. You can stay here with your visitors, and then get some rest. You’ll start your therapy tomorrow.”

“Fine. Alright.” He laid his head back a bit, resting it on the flimsy hospital pillow. His eyes closed for a moment as he cursed both his luck and those stupid, stuck up little shitheads that thought he didn’t deserve what he had earned.

Hunter sat on his haunches next to the stallion, putting a hoof on his bed. “I missed you Dad. So did Miss Scratch, and Rarity, and even Sweetie. They all came to visit you too.”

“I don’t...I don’t remember any of it.” Riot wrapped a hoof around his pained waist. “I don’t remember anything to do with the princess either...” He thought hard for a moment, before his concentration was broken by a dainty hoof resting on his own.

It was Vinyl. She looked a little worse for wear, and her signature glasses had been tucked away for the moment. “Riot, we’re here for you.”

He looked at her, then down to the dainty white hoof that was hard pressed to wrap around his own. Riot placed his other hoof above hers. “I...I know. Thank you.”

The mare smiled warmly, and nuzzled his neck. “What is the last thing you remember?” She asked, looking concerned.

“Getting stomped, then my gun.” He rubbed the side of his head. “After that it’s just...Cold.”

Nurse Redheart took this as her cue, chiming in. “Buck went to ground, but the police eventually found him.” She gave him a coy smile. “They may or may not have put him in a military prison.”

Riot shook his head; he wanted to celebrate that the pony who had started this was gone, but he couldn’t find joy in it. “Serves him right. Now the other three need to join him.” His eyes went over to Hunter and Vinyl. Hunter had definitely grown. What grade was he in now? The sharp pain of realization hit Riot. He didn’t know.

Vinyl noticed his look, and gave Hunter’s mane a tousle. “This guy sure has gotten big, huh? He hit a nice growth spurt a couple months ago, soon he’ll be bigger than you.” She chuckled, and Hunter’s cheeks gained a tiny blush.

“He sure has; I’m looking forward to catching up... With the both of you.” Riot gave them a weak smile as he laid back against the pillows.

Hunter frowned slightly, trotting to the bed. “I’m just happy you’re back, Dad.” He gave his father a nuzzle.

“It’s good to be back. Not quite how I imagined my return, but it’ll have to do eh?” Riot chuckled a bit before looking around the room. “Celestia, the colours in this place are so damn depressing.”

Vinyl took a look around. “I know, I’ve been saying that for months, I volunteered some strobe lights and glowsticks, but Nurse Redheart shut me down for some reason.” She rolled her eyes at the other white mare.

Redheart shook her head slowly, and trotted out of the room. “Get some rest, Riot. I know you’ve been out for a long time, but you need some natural sleep.”

Riot waved a dismissive hoof at her as she left. “I’ve got all the time in the world lass.” He smiled at the two ponies still by his side. “All the time in the world.”

Hunter sat on his haunches next to the bed, nuzzling his father’s side. Vinyl smiled, and went around to Riot’s other side, looking down on him. “I think we should probably let you rest, huh? We’ll bring a couple of the ponies who wanted to see you tomorrow, okay?”

Hunter looked up. “Yeah, Sweetie and Rarity both wanted to see you.”

He exhaled in spite. “Fine, but I don’t want those bloody elements coming by as a whole. They already kicked me inside out, I don’t think a second attempt is needed.”

Vinyl chuckled, and took Hunter by the hoof. “Come on Big guy. Lets get you back to your momma.” The colt stood reluctantly, but stood rather close to Vinyl.

“Bye Dad, I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” He said, beginning to trot out at Vinyl’s side.

Riots weak smile became mildly distressed. “Yeah, sure. I’ll see you tomorrow, bright and early!” The pair nodded, then closed the door behind them. Riot looked about the room nervously. “I hate this place....”

By the sunlight streaming in through the window, he was pretty sure it was only about noon, but he was still physically and emotionally exhausted from all the running around, and finding out how much he had missed. The stallion put his hooves behind his head, and stared at the ceiling tiles, unable to rest with the thoughts stampeding through his mind.

Despite everything, his thoughts went out to Kepler and Wild. Were they still together? Or had they both kept to their usual way of business? The very idea of them being together was like powdered glass, cutting and slashing as it went through his mind. “Crazy ponies and their relationships...Blegh...” He went to roll over, but stopped as a lance of pain shot through his body. “I can’t even roll over...” He made a fusilade of noises regarding his general dislike for the situation, but none of them fixed anything.

He studied his hooves as they lay in front of him. He was surprised to see that most of the wounds in them seemed much duller, even nearing transparency. It seemed that on top of saving his neck, Celestia went and made him pretty again. He chuckled dryly, feeling the crest of his chin. A bit of horror hit him. His beard was gone.

Nurse Redheart must have shaved it or something equally as horrible. Mares never understood the meaning behind a solid beard.

Riot pushed up off the bed and trotted towards a small sink/mirror couple. The mirror managed to calm him a bit; realizing she hadn’t actually shaved him, his fur had just gotten longer. Riot chuckled lightly as he rubbed the hanging bits of fur and beard. “Fuck, looking shaggy...” He needed a proper trim, and it was unlikely that they would give him a razor here.

There was a quiet squeaking from outside, and another nurse rolled a cart into the room, laden down with trays of hospital food. “Hello, Mr Venture. It’s good to see you up and about again.” She placed a tray on the small table next to his bed, and retreated out of the room.

He trotted over to the tray, then lifted the lid up. He sniffed at the salad, then recoiled a bit. His hoof poked at the jello, but it didn’t wobble or give in the slightest. “Cripes, give me A-rats any day...” Riot grabbed the small carton of milk and a sealed toast package. He trotted over to the bed, hopping up and sitting on the tough mattress. His stomach growled in protest, despite the lack of edible food in the room.

The stallion choked down what food he could eat. His mouth wanted it little, his stomach less, but he continued, finishing off the toast and milk. He exhaled, and sat down on the side of the mattress. This was going to be his home for awhile still, he might as well get used to it.

They must have put something in the toast...

His eyes closed and opened groggily, and his tired body eventually forced him down into the hard bed. His magic pulled up a dainty blanket that couldn’t keep an open fire warm; draping it over his body. Riot pulled his hind hooves up closer, but found them still poking out from the ‘blankets’ edges. His eyes fluttered closed.

_______________________________________________________________________

His hooves went up, allowing him to rest comfortably in the bar. His drink was a hoofs reach away, but it did nothing to reassure him. The bar catered to many soldiers and guardsponies, the most prominent of which were the cocky Wonderbolts. Not that they came in at all, but every now and then one would wander in and get a free drink from Manny.

Riot looked up at the deep olive mare who ran the bar. He didn’t want to get on the wrong side of that pegasus. He had never liked heights, and she would be more than willing to drop anypony from cruising altitude if they pissed her off.

He shook off the feeling of dread when Mumbles and Wild trotted in. He lifted a hoof, beckoning them over. “Come on, I’ve been waiting forever!”

Mumbles brightened when he noticed Riot, and brought Wild over, sitting down next to the grey stallion at the bar. “Hey there, Sarge.” The yellow buck said, smiling. Wildman sat next to Riot’s other side, looking nervous next to the sergeant.

“Bout time you lads showed up, you get held up by some turkey in a wingsuit?” He chuckled, remembering the last wonderbolt that had passed through. The mare was barely past rookie, and had forgotten to change out of her suit.

Mumbles shook his head. “Nah, just putting the rookie through his paces.” He said, prodding Wild in the shoulder.

“Good to hear it.” Riot waved over the waiter and placed a quick order before turning his attention to the red pegasus. “So, how're you liking your time in Dublin? The cold getting to you yet?”

The stallion smiled. “Hell no, I’m used to this stuff. I come from farther north, just below the mountains.” He said, waving the barkeep over.

Riot and Mumbles shared a look. “He’ll learn.”

The barkeep trotted up, then nodded to the pegasus. “Hurry it up kid, I’ve got plenty of shit to do.”

“A bottle of firewhiskey, and a shot glass.” The stallion said, sliding some bits across the table. The olive mare nodded as she took his bits and trotted away.

Riot pulled out a cigarette and lit it with his magic. He smirked at Mumbles as he pushed a light cola across the table. “I know you’re not big on drinking.”

The yellow stallion shook his head. “Not tonight. Gimme a beer.” He said, pushing the soft drink away.

Riot shrugged, then grabbed a small bottle from the nearby waiter. He slid it over to the buck and cocked his own drink towards the buck. “To Crumpets.”

Mumbles closed his eyes and nodded, mimicking the larger stallions movements. “To Crumpets.” Both bucks took a short drink as the new recruit stared at them in curiosity.

“Crumpets?” Wild asked, downing a shot of the firewhiskey, and shuddering at the burn. “A fallen comrade?”

“Friend. And she ain’t dead.” Riot placed his drink on the table before looking around.

“Not yet anyways...” Mumbles shared the action; his trademark smile snuffed to a minimum.

Wild exhaled, opting to drink directly from the bottle. “Here, take a pull. It’ll help.” He says, sliding it across the bar.

Mumbles shook his head, Riot only laughed at the buck. “Take your drink back kid.” He finished off his own drink before clapping Mumbles on the shoulder. “Finish your beer Mumbles, we’re on patrol.”

The yellow buck, sipped down some more of the liquid, and grimaced. “That’s why I don’t drink.” He stood, leaving the half-drank bottle at the bar. Wild stayed where he was, still sipping his whiskey.

“I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

Riot cocked an eyebrow, but didn’t say anything. “Lights out at twenty-two hundred. Don’t be late.” He turned his back on the red pegasus and trotted towards the door with Mumbles hot on his heals. The pair exited out into the chilly snow swept lane, their winterized gear did its best to keep out the cold. Riot had dealt with worse, but Mumbles had always been a lightweight when it came to the elements.

The lemon buck shivered a bit, then sneezed loudly. He wiped his nose with a hoof before wrapping his large shemagh around his head and neck. Riot brought up his scarf, easily covering his mouth and neck. “Alright sir, where to?”

“East river patrol, we’ll hit the barracks and grab some extra gear. We aren’t due for the patrol for another twenty.” He pointed a hoof in the general direction they had to go.

Mumbles nodded, and made for the barracks with Riot, shivering. “W-why is so s-so darned cold out here?” He asked, rubbing his hooves together.

“We’re right out near the north sea, we’re gettin’ pummeled by arctic winds and the like.” Riot trotted forwards along the small path that had been dug out of the snow. “At least the city isn’t on fire anymore.

The yellow stallion followed him through the snow, and looked to the dark grey sky. “Frigging griffins, why can’t they live somewhere warm? Tropical. Or attack somewhere that isn’t burned to slag”

Riot let out a light chuckle as the half buried barracks came into view. “Just you wait, the next place we’ll be stationed in will be a boiling hell hole, and still be on fire.” His pushed open the door, then headed towards his bunk.

“You’re right, I shouldn’t have jinxed it.” Mumbles said, trotting inside as well. “Please, dear Celestia, please let the next group to pick a fight with you at least be rebels, so we can stay home.”

Riot strapped on his battle saddle and trotted up to the stallion as his armour strapped into place. “Don’t forget your helmet this time.” His own was already secure, along with a proper winter muzzle wrap.

The smaller stallion nodded, slipping the heavy metal soup bowl over his cranium, his compact horn slipping through the accommodating slot in his helmet. He pulled his cold weather gear on, moving his hooves, trying to warm himself up. “I hate winter.”

“Come on buddy, at least it isn’t raining ash.” Riot offered the stallion a light smile, but it was covered by the face wrap. He clopped the soldier on the shoulder. “Come on, those Griffons won’t finish our patrol for us.”

Mumbles nodded again, trotting out, thick metal horseshoes making deep imprints in the snow. Riot took the lead, letting the smaller buck and his support gun follow him towards the east side.
____________________________________________________________________

They arrived after a short trot to find that nothing but snow and ponies had moved through the area. Riot waved to the patrol waiting for their relief. “Go on lads, they got the heater in the barracks fixed.”

The sergeant in the old patrol trotted up, saluting the Gunnery Sergeant. “Thanks for the relief Gunny. We haven’t had any action so far, hopefully it stays like that for you too.”

Riot nodded curtly as the trio of tired soldiers filed past him and down the street. He trotted to the shack, then grabbed a small radio. “Patrol Four Six Lima reporting in, beginning our patrol until ‘o three hundred.” He nodded to Mumbles, then started trotting down the street.

Mumbles stomped his hooves a few times in the snow to warm up his legs, and looked over his weapon to make sure there weren’t any problems. “Stupid winter is hell on these things, if only Celestia would put a few more bits into the military to get us guns that won’t lock up in any temperature other than room.”

“On that bloody Mag, sure. My rifle works fine.” Riot hefted his rifle up, smirking broadly at the now sulking unicorn. His rifle was one of the best designs to ever come out of the royal armouries. It may not have had any fancy enchantments or synthetic parts, but stamped steel and a 30-06 cartridge was more than enough to ensure survival in even the worst conditions.

The yellow stallion blew out a breath. “Darn riflecolts always getting their gear first. What happens when you have a crowd of griffins coming down on you? You know what happens? The support gunners bring them down, but not if your weapon locks up after three shots.” He thumped his weapon, and cleared away some of the growing frost. “Maybe I should go into R/D.” He said, looking down at the weapon.

“You just need a bigger receiver Mumbles. Your weapon needs to breath, and all that expanding and contracting metal ain’t helpin.” Riot kicked over the remains of a snowpony as he walked.

The weapon got another smack. “This thing jams up with dust too, have you seen some of those Zebra rifles? They are amazing! The chamber is so roomy that a quick cleaning of it has the thing combat ready. You can bury that thing in the sand for a week, take it out, and fire it like new.”

“Maybe, we should see if our allies are willing to cough up some nice weapons for us.” Riot grinned at the buck before turning down the street. “Although I wouldn’t trust any weapon that comes from anywhere that isn’t Hoofington or Stalliongrad. You’re stuck with a Canterlot gun. It’s more fancy than it should be.”

“I know what you mean, this thing is closer to a range toy than a combat weapon. What I need is one of those RA EQ144’s, now that is a machine gun. Seven-point-six-two caliber, eight hundred rounds a minute, two-hundred back mounted box, and it’s light enough to load on both sides of a support saddle.” The stallion said, an air of reverence in his voice.

“Heh, I heard a couple of the testers naming the bloody thing the Back Biter. Already sounds like it’s got a reputation for biting the operator.” He chuckled a bit at that as he patted the rifle in his saddle. “Not this old girl, She’s a Back Talker, but she’d never bite me.”

Mumbles waved a hoof dismissively. “I don’t care if it bites me, I just need something that can actually penetrate a griffon hide without jamming four times before I have to reload.”

“Fair enou-”

There was a scream in the distance. A mares scream. “Fuckin lovely. Come on!” Riot broke out into a gallop towards the general area the scream had come from. Mumbles was hot on his trail, although he was hampered by the deep snow and his relatively short stature.

As the pair turned a corner, they saw a small group of ponies surrounding a small form on the ground. One of them brought up his hoof, and slammed it down on her, and she cried out again.

“Freeze! REA!” Mumbles shouted, racking the action on his weapon with a bit of magic.

A couple of the ponies turned away from the form on the ground and brandished several firearms. “Piss off!”

Riot took a step forward, his light ballistic face mask clicking down over his muzzle. “THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING!”

He couldn’t tell if they were drunk or not, but it seemed like a fair portion of them weren’t exactly planning on leaving, despite the firepower facing them. The largest buck trotted forward, brandishing a sawn off shotgun. “An’ jus’ what the bloody ‘ell makes you think you can order us around you piss head!?”

“You best leave that mare alone buckwheat, or none of you will ever see the light of day again.” Riot braced his legs as he set the sights of the rifle on the front bucks chest.

The large earth pony up front growled something past the heavy pistol clutched between his teeth, but it was unintelligible. “What he said!” The unicorn next to him shouted, racking the slide on his machine pistol. “Just back of, Pig, we’re teaching this sliteyes some respect.”

Riot took a step forward, not liking what they had said one bit. “Wrong answer asshole.”

The machine pistol let out a very, very short burst of fire, before a dull click issued from the weapon. The stallion had been holding it sideways, and one of the casings had stuck and jammed it. He shook it, slamming the side.

“FU-” BAM Riot’s rifle evaporated everything above the stallion’s eyebrows, but that probably wasn’t much of a change. He rolled the sights back to the next target, which had just pulled the trigger on his heavy pistol. Riot felt the impact on the round on the side of his chest, but his aim stayed true. The rifle howled loudly in the tiny alleyway, carving a deep swath through two of the gunstallions, just as Mumbles opened fire.

Mumbles kneeled, and leaned forward into the recoil. He bit down on the weapon grip, and opened fire. Compared to the rattle of the machine pistol, this thing was more akin to the roar of a dragon, spitting a relative cloud of lead into the small group. The lead stallion was nearly torn in two by the short burst. All the REA support gunners were taught one thing, short bursts just long enough to say ‘die motherfucker die’. And speak his weapon did, beating it’s own heavy, atonal music into the cold air.

Each of the ponies in the crowd were suddenly covered in large rose blossoms of blood, travelling up their entire frames. A heavy pistol went flying through the air before it too took a round, tearing the slide away. The firing from Mumbles slid to a grinding halt, the weapon giving nothing but a dry click, just as the other stallion’s had.

“FUCKING PIECE OF UNDERFUNDED LOWEST BIDDER SHIT!” Mumbles screamed, diving to the ground to avoid the return fire.

Riot ducked down behind a heavy metal dumpster as his magic pushed Mumbles out into proper cover. He heard the unicorn curse and swear at his weapon, if things hadn’t been life and death, Riot probably would have laughed his ass off. Mumbles never swore. Riots rifle went up, and instantly put another one of the attackers down. He stood up, realizing that nopony in the alley was still standing but he.

Riot trotted forward, ignoring the pained breathing of one of the gunstallions as he trotted towards their intended victim. The pony had curled up into a tight ball, and was shivering heavily in between quiet sobs. Riot knelt down next to her. “Hey, you’re safe now. Where are you hurt?”

The mare looked up at him, and he immediately pulled back a bit as his eyes met her large blue ones. Her pupils weren’t normal, they were large slits. She squeaked in terror, then attempted to hide under her broken wing.

His jacket came off, and was draped over her in an attempt to at least warm her up. “Mumbles, radio for an medical team, we’ve got a wounded civilian.” He looked up at the stallion just in time to see a heavy pistol being pointed at him by one of the dying stallions. “LOOK OUT!”

He wrapped his frame around the mare just as the pistol barked. He yelled out in pain as the round caved in the metal plating in his armour. The attackers brains were quickly removed by Mumbles, who had abandoned his support gun in lieu of his own pistol. “Sir! Are you alright?”

“Gaahh... Yeah, I’m fine! Just gonna be bruised tomorrow.” Riot winced in pain, then looked down at the cowering mare. “Do you have a spare scarf? Anything warm?” He asked Mumbles.

The mare pulled away from him, still shivering heavily under the jacket. “La’lea...La’lea y’en do’mal gesh na gho....”

Riot frowned, not understanding her words. He wrapped his hooves around her, bringing her up and into his lap. The mare avoided looking at him as he tried to keep her warm. “Just stay awake, I’ll keep you safe.” The mare cringed as her broken wing flopped onto the ground, twitching weakly.

She looked up at him with her warm blue eyes, it almost seemed like she was begging for him to just leave her alone and not hurt her anymore. He was nearly taken aback by her eyes. He felt...Odd. “Please...Don’t hurt me...”

Riot shook his head as Mumbles trotted over. “I’m not going to hurt you, I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” The mare curled up against him, trying to stave off the cold.

Mumbles kneeled down next to the pair and cocked his head. “I’ve called for an medivac sir, what about these louts?”

“Leave them. Not worth the supplies.” He looked over the bloody alleyway. “I don’t think any of them are alive anyways.” The mare squeaked in pain, her wing was cradled in her hooves as she licked at it in a vain attempt to try and heal it. Riot brought out a small healing potion. “Here, I’m going to set your wing, then you need to drink this. Not before alright? If you drink it before there’s nothing I can do.”

She looked up at him and nodded weakly, taking the bottle in her shaky hooves. Riot nodded slowly as he braced the drink. “Here, I’m going to use a spell so that it doesn’t hurt alright?”

“Wa’ man’os...”

He wrapped her wing in magic, allowing the pain relief spell to ease her down. There was a short click as her wing popped back into place. There was a yelp of surprise from the mare, but she was otherwise quiet. Riot stroked her mane as he lifted up the bottle. “Come on, drink up.”

She nodded, quickly drinking down the red liquid. The mare belched quietly, then blushed profusely as she shivered. Riot could hear heavy hoof falls in the distance, and he hoped it was back up. “Mumbles, go wave down our back-up. I’ll keep our friend here warm.”

“Right away Gunny!” The lemon stallion was off at a gallop. As he turned the corner, Riot looked back down at the mare.

“What’s your name?”

She hid behind her mane as she spoke quietly. “Bau’v fla’men...”

He forced a grin, despite not understanding a word she spoke. “Well Bau’v, I’m gunnery sergeant Venture, but you can call me Riot.”

“M-my names A.....Auro....Aurora...”

He smiled softly down at the mare as she snuggled into the stallions stomach and hooves. “That’s a very pretty name, but I suppose it suites the mare who owns it.” The blush on her cheeks was more than enough to show that she was warming up.

A pair of military police entered the alleyway, along with a combat medic. Riot waved them over, then quickly explained the situation. “We heard yelling and came to investigate. They fired first, with deadly intent.” He looked at the plethora of bodies and a few spare bits that littered the ground. “We’ll need a clean up crew, that’s for sure.”

The officers nodded before motioning to the cowering mare. “What’s up with the civilian?”

“Intended victim. You fellas don’t happen to have a spare blanket or heat pad eh?”

The medic nodded as he opened up his bag, taking out a large blanket. “Here, wrap her in this.”

Riot nodded, then motioned to Mumbles. “Me and the corporal will take her to the barracks and warm her up a bit. Once she’s calmed down we’ll call you boys in to take a statement on what happened.”

The medic frowned at the idea, but seeing how she wasn’t hurt too badly he backed off, giving the officers free reign. The officers shared a surprising nod of agreement. “Alright Gunny, we’ll see you in a few.”
____________________________________________________________________________

After a short walk and a couple cups of hot chocolate, Riot, Mumbles and Aurora were sitting in the barracks. Mumbles was fighting with his LMG, and was lightly cursing under his breath as he tried to dig out a spent shell. Riot chuckled lightly as he looked about.

“Well, what do you think?”

Aurora looked up at him, confusion etched on her face. “Voch ah’nam?”

“S’cuse me? I still don’t understand you.” He placed his empty drink down on the table and looked at the odd mare. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony like you.” The mare fidgeted, looking obviously distressed at his words. He held up a hoof, trying to ease her down. “Easy, I’m just curious.”

“I’m...I’m a batpony.”

He blinked, realizing the obvious. “One of Lunas children?”

Aurora nodded slowly, sipping at her drink. “Not really, but close enough.”

“You mind tellin’ me what those lads wanted from you?” The mare was sitting on his bunk, but he didn’t want to encroach on her. Riot settled into his seat, and rolled his hooves for the mare to move forward with her story.

Aurora cleared her throat and looked about for a moment. “They....They don’t like ponies like me. They weren’t very nice...”

He nodded, trying to support her with a smile. “They’re gone now, it’s alright. Why were they after you?”

“I’m a volunteer, I’m helping with the relief effort. They were originally going after weaker ponies and a little filly. Over something silly I’m sure.... I stopped them, so they focused on me instead.”

Riot grimaced a bit, then laid a hoof on hers. “I understand, it’s alright.”

The mare exhaled, warming under his touch. “T-thank you....Y-you saved my life...”

“It’s my job, and I didn’t do it alone.” Riot motioned over to Mumbles, who was still fighting with his weapon. “But I’m glad we showed up when we did.”

“Believe me, I’m much more glad than you are.......The things they said they’d do....” The mare swallowed dryly, looking at the floor.

Riot looked over to Mumbles and grimaced. He eased over onto his bunk next to the mare; letting his hoof to around her shoulder in comfort. “It’s alright, you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.”

She didn’t speak, she just nodded, and her wings fluttered at his touch. “Y-you saved my wings....”

“Why would somepony do this anyways? You don’t strike me as the kind of pony to piss off a whole mob of drunken twats.” He was glad the mare wasn’t freezing anymore, but he wasn’t sure what to think of the velvety wings that were edging slowly around him.

She shook her head. “I-I didn’t do anything but my job.....T-they d-didn’t like me because of what I am...” The batmare said, unfolding a wing. “I-I’m a bat pony, they c-called me names.....Sliteyes, Leather wings, Freak.....” She swallowed again. “I-I tried to fly away.....They snapped my wing with their bare hooves...”

He grimaced as her wings fluttered in distress. Riot rubbed her back in support. “It’s alright. I don’t think any of them will bother anypony ever again.”

Mumbles poked his head up from the cluster of tools and brushes. “There’s not many know cures for being dead you know.” He finished with a broad smile as he went back to work.

She shuddered, and shuffled closer to Riot, wrapping her wing around him. “W-where do I g-go now?”

“You’ll have to stick around here for a bit, at least until the MP’s show up. Then you can prolly go back to whatever housing the volunteer corp set you up with from the beginning of this mess.” He sat up a bit straighter, before feeling a jabbing sensation coming from the flak armour he was still wearing.

The mare nodded, rubbing her hooves together to warm herself up. “C-can I stay h-here tonight?” She asked, fear still showing in her slitted eyes.

Riot shared a surprised look with Mumbles before looking back at Aurora. “I...Suppose...”

“I-I’m sorry...I-I don’t w-want to be a bother....I-I’m just still......Afraid..”

Riot didn’t know whether to hug the poor mare or just stay as he was. In all honesty he was horribly out of his element. He was a grunt, not a hero. “I just don’t know what to say, I...” He solidified his resolve. “You’re safe here, you can stay as long as you need.”

Gunny Riot, Master of seduction.

Fuck off you.

She smiled widely, showing her beautiful smile for the first time. “Thank you so much!” The mare threw her hooves around the stallion, newly-fixed wing flaring out. His eyes went wide as the mare kissed his cheek in happiness.

Riot blinked rapidly as he looked between Aurora and Mumbles. The lemon stallion smirked dangerously at his team leader as he stood up. “I’ll go see what’s taking our boys in blue so long.” He winked at the now panicking Riot as he started trotting towards the door.

Riot held up a hoof to stop him, but then retracted it as the mare snuggled into him. What have I gotten myself into!? “No problem.....”

“Beu’n ne, yi’n fre’nne mae’dranach... ” Aurora was still hugging him, but the awkwardness had yet to reach her. Riot could barely make out what she was saying in the wash of clicks and squeaks. He hoped it was just more praise, he didn’t exactly want to be tied down by some odd cultural thing that demanded he marry her.

Riot patted the mares shoulder lightly as he refrained from hugging her. “Like I said, it wasn’t a problem.”

She realized that he had yet to return the affectionate gesture, and pulled away. “Oh...I’m sorry. I should translate....I just said that you are my hero...” The mare blushed, and fluttered her wings, as if she was trying to take off.

He waved off the notion. “Oh come on lass, I’m no hero. I’m just some pony in a dirty uniform.” He smirked at her before noticing her empty cup. “You want more hot chocolate?”

The mare nodded. “Yes, that would be nice. And you are are a hero! You and your friend both rescued me!”

Riot hopped off the bed and trotted over to the small machine as it kept the hot water near a boil. “So, what kind of volunteer work are you doing? You don’t strike me as a firefighter.”

“Oh, I was a talisman mechanic.” She said, nodding. “I made sure the water pumps worked correctly.”

Returning with the steaming drink, Riot sat down next to the mare again as he hoofed her drink over. “Interesting, but they definitely needed that kind of work.” His mind wandered over to the thought of the city, and how it looked like a literal hell at night. Of course, that was during the fire. Most of the city was naught but ash now.

She nodded again, and held the cup in her hooves, blowing on it to cool it off. “You don’t meet many of my kind, do you?”

“Can’t say I have. But you’re very...” He was at a loss for words as he looked over the mares lithe frame and supple flanks. “Unique. Amazing even.” He was never good with finding words that properly displayed his feelings.

The mare blushed hotly, looking at the floor when she saw him sweep his eyes over her. “I-I....Thank you, Sir.” She said, swallowing. “T-those other ponies sure didn’t think so...”

“You can call me Riot, everypony else does.” He finished with a smirk, not wanting to think about the ponies whom he had blown to pieces earlier.

“Alright.” She nodded. “That can’t be your real name.” The batmare said, stretching out her wings before kneeling down to lay on her belly.

“You’d be correct with that assumption.” Riot kicked his hooves out and propped them up on a chair that sat nearby.

The mare laid her hooves to the side, and relaxed, her back pressing against one of Riot’s legs. “Well, are you going to tell me?” She asked, looking up into his eyes with her slitted blue orbs.

The bucks eyes were transfixed on hers. It was like he was drowning, but instead of death, there was peace and comfort. “I...” He blinked a bit, looking away from the mare for a moment. “Names Iron Venture. I hail from a family of six, which is set up near the edge of the Emerald Isles, near the city of Cork. It’s me, my twin brother and sister, me Pa, me Ma, and Gran.”

She smiled. “Iron.....That’s a strong name. Fitting for such a strong pony.” Aurora said, and she noticeably pushed her back into his leg, rubbing her soft dark fur into his.

“It looks like you’re warming up a fair bit, that’s good.” He managed a smile as the mare looked up at him. “Glad we don’t have to deal with hypothermia.”

“I wasn’t outside for very long.” She said, fluttering her wings again, the sound being not unlike a billowing dress moving. “I-I’m fine, physically, thanks to you.”

Riot smiled happily. “Good to hear!” She was coming out of her shell now. She spoke in near perfect equestrian, with a hint of Trottingham in her accent. There was a more major part to the accent, but he couldn’t recognize it. Riot coughed a bit, wincing slightly as he did so. “I should really take off this armour.”

She blushed again. “D-do you need help?” Aurora asked, putting a hoof on the heavy fabric of the vest.

“I think one of the frontal plates has buckled on the inside...” He was pulling at the hem of the flak armour, but to no avail. “Yeah. That jackass with the heavy pistol buckled the plate.”

Her eyes widened. “W-what? You got shot!?” She said, putting a hoof on his chest. “Are you okay?” She asked, looking over his body for wounds.

He was quite surprised at how quickly she jumped him. “I’m fine, just some bruises and scratches.” The mare went forward unabated, probably not hearing him as she pushed forward. Subsequently, Riot lost his purchase on the bed and plunged to the floor with Aurora in hoof. The pair hit the floor with a heavy thump, Aurora squeaking in surprise on top and Riot wheezing on the bottom.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” She said, pulling away, squeaking.

Riot lay there, still floored by the weight of the mare and his gear. “So...Is this how you seduce all of your stallions?” His weak smile shone through again

Aurora blushed again, looking more akin to a tomato than a pony. “I-I d-didn’t....” She giggled nervously; a tittery, tinkling laugh. The giggle soon turned into a laugh, and she collapsed on the buck in a fit of laughter. Riot started laughing as well as his hoof went around the mares waist. He went to say something, but was quickly consumed with curiosity and enjoyment over her laugh. The mare looked at him, and then down to his hoof. She smiled, and her wings fluttered, making that odd sound again.

Their eyes met again, but it was different this time. Oh shit....Is this? OH Celestia, is this really happening!? They drew a bit closer, both obviously filled with trepidation. This, this is it...

In an instant their lips met. Both sets of eyes closed as they shared in the embrace. Aurora’s wings snapped out and became one rigid construct. Riot on the other hoof...Well, lets just say that he was quite glad that almost every male soldier was given a ballistic cup.

She opened her eyes, and slowly pulled back, holding his lip between hers. She immediately blushed and looked away. “I-I’m s-sorry.” Her wings tried to fold back, but were unable to with them so stiff.

Riot blinked rapidly; brain still failing to compute everything.”I...Wow...” He laid his head down on the floor, not noticing the mares frustration with her wings.

“I-I’ll j-just go, I d-didn’t mean to.” She said, standing, taking a few steps back. The mare bent at the knees slightly, making herself look smaller.

Sitting up, Riot finally focused on her. “That was awesome.”

Aurora looked up at him, wings fluttering as they tried to fold back. “W-what?”

Riot looked into her eyes for the moment. “That was the best kiss I’ve ever had...” He blinked, realizing the impact of that statement, as well as how horribly sad it sounded.

The mare swallowed, and took another step back. “I-I.....I’m.......I’vegottogo!” She said, turning and galloping out into the dark winter night.

Riot stood up, realization hitting him. “Wait!” He galloped to the now open door. “Wait!” She was already gone. Riot lowered his hoof slowly as he stared out the door. “Fuck...” His eyes went about, then focused on his rifle and cold weather gear. “Still have half a patrol...” They wouldn’t mind if he dropped in, considering Minty and Kratonis were blatant haters of cold weather.

Sighing heavily, Riot wrapped himself up in his gear and strapped his rifle to his side. In a scant moment he was out the door and into the dark. “The MP’s can chase her down.”
____________________________________________________

Chapter Nine

There was somepony nearby. Riot stirred in his sleep, but he couldn’t force his eyes to open. The large stallion groaned, but ended up feeling like his chest was being crushed. “Celestia....This hurts...” He managed to crack an eye open and looked up, there was a white face looking down on him from his chest. “Vinyl?”

“Vinyl? Nope!” The pony said, her face coming into focus. It was Sweetie Belle, looking much more.....Defined. “I’m so happy you’re awake! Me and Rarity missed you so much!”

Riot groaned a bit more, but managed a weak smile. “I missed you too kiddo, but would you please get off my chest? It still hurts.”

The fillies smile was reduced slightly as she hopped off. “Sorry....”

Sitting up, Riot wrapped a hoof around his side and looked about. He didn’t see anypony else. “Did you come here with Rarity? Or Hunter?”

“Yeah, my sister went to get me some food when we arrived.” She put a hoof on Riot’s foreleg. “We really missed you, Riot.”

“Yeah, I’ve been out for awhile now...” His thoughts trailed off for the moment before he spoke again. “Anyways, how have things been for you and Rares? You definitely look like you’re growing up.”

She smiled widely, and bounced a bit of her mane with a hoof. “You know, things have been fine. Rarity is still making dresses, and I got my cutie mark!” She squeed in delight. “Look!” The little mare turned, showing off the new ass-tattoo.

The vibrant mocking bird and musical bells definitely suited her. “Well done little one! Although I don’t think I can call you little anymore eh?” Riot finally managed to sit up straight; his eyes wandered about the room.

Sweetie Belle smiled, and gave her rear a bit of a shake. “Awesome, huh? The rest of the crusaders were soooo jealous! Hunter is just the best!”

That made Riot a bit more curious. “Hunter? He help you find your talent?” He smiled a bit more. “That’s me lad. Now you just need to help him find his.”

She nodded rapidly. “Mmhmm! He showed me this book on famous singers, and I tried to sing some of their songs. Apparently I’m pretty good.” The young mare said, smiling widely.

Riots mind went to the book he had been taking out before he was put down. There was no way it could have been the same book. That was just one coincidences to many. “Figures, you’ll have to show me some time Sweetie.” He ruffled her mane for a moment before a curt cough from the door. He looked up and forced a smile. “Hello Rarity.”

The white mare smiled at him. “Riot, it’s so very nice to see you awake. Little Hunter talked about you all the time; it was quite sad, I must say. But you’re up and about now, so there’s nothing to fear!” She said, trotting inside, and floating Sweetie some food. “I brought some for you too, Riot. I would think that the food here is just dreadful.”

He nodded thankfully, taking the dandelion sandwich as it was offered to him. “Thanks, and you’d be right about the grub. I’ve eaten lead that was better tasting than some of the bricks that pass for food around here.”

Sweetie giggled, but Rarity just gave him a strange look, sitting down on one of the seats. “I’m so very sorry for what happened...all that time ago.” She said, swallowing dryly.

Riot shrugged a bit. “It was yesterday for me.” He looked up and noticed the mares increasingly distressed look. “Don’t be sorry for me. You didn’t have any hoof in the whole ordeal.”

She exhaled. “I know, but I should have tried harder to get my friends under control.”

“Memory deems that you weren’t even there.” He took a big bite out of the sandwich, then lifted up a hoof as the mare went to speak. “Enough of that though.”

The elder Belle mare nodded, sitting neatly on the seat, ever the prim and proper Canterlot mare. “What would you like to talk about, Riot dear?”

“Anything important that’s happened within the year.” His thoughts went to Hunters birthday, and then to Vinyls club. “Any good news.”

“Did Sweetie Belle tell you that Hunter helped her get her cutie mark?” She asked, beaming with pride.

“Sure did. Doesn’t surprise me in the slightest.” He gave the little filly a smile and nod, which seemed to make her beam with pride.

The young mare on the other side of the room stood up, and sat next to her sister, nuzzling the older mare. “I feel so silly, after trying all those crazy things to get my cutie mark. Now I can help Scoots and Applebloom get theirs too!”

He smiled and nodded. “Maybe, now you know that your cutie mark is something special, not just a random activity.” Sweetie nodded, smiling at him.The little filly had grown quite a bit, just as Hunter had... Riot shook his head, banishing the thought. “Anyways, anything else I should know about?”

The white mare tapped a dainty hoof on her chin. “Changelings... Somber...Discord...Oh! My friends want to make a public apology for what happened, and throw a small get together for you.” She smiled broadly, obviously skipping certain topics.

FUCK...... There goes my smile.
Riot shook his head slowly. “No need.”

“Are you sure? Pinkie Pie throws the best parties!” Sweetie chimed in. “She even threw Hunter his birthday party a few months ago!”

AND NOW FOR MY PRIDE.
Riot grimaced heavily and failed badly at keeping it hidden, but otherwise kept his cool. “I’m glad that she did that for him, I really am. I’m just sorry I couldn’t be there.” Again.

Rarity shook her head. “Of course you couldn’t! You shouldn’t feel guilty for something that was completely out of your hooves.”

“Yeah. You’re right.” He sat up on the edge of his bed, stretching his hooves out and grunting quietly as all, or most of his bits clicked into place. “But my answer to the ‘party’ is still no.”

Nurse Redheart took this moment to trot inside. “Mr Venture, it’s time for your physical therapy.” She said, looking to the grey stallion. “I’m sorry, but your visitors will have to leave.”

Riot nodded and went to get off the bed. “Sorry ladies, but you heard the mare. I’ll talk to you two later, alright?”

The two white ponies nodded, and Sweetie gave him a hug before following after her sibling. “Bye, Mr. Riot....” The young mare said, trotting out with her older sister.

He smiled lightly as the mares trotted out of view. His attention then turned to Nurse Redheart. “Alright, let’s get moving.” He said with a nod, much to the nurses satisfaction.

Redheart went to give him a hoof out of bed, but he waved her off, standing himself. One of his legs buckled and the stallion let out a pained grunt. Redheart put a hoof around him, steadying him. “You can’t always act like the strong stallion, Riot. One of these days it will get you killed.” She said, helping him out of the room.

“Still waiting on that Ma’am.” He trotted next to the mare, only barely noticing the painful tingling sensation all over his body. They reached to the therapy room with relative ease, but Redheart wasn’t much of a conversationalist, and Riot wasn’t exactly a shining example himself.

The going was slow, Riot’s muscles had deteriorated badly, his little escape the day before had compounded the problem, overworking the wrecked tissues. He made little progress, but showed potential.

Eventually Nurse Redheart called it a day and led him back to his room. He leaned against the bed, not quite wanting to go back to the stupidly hard mattress. “Thanks for the workout Red, didn’t occur to me that I’d be that out of shape.”

“You haven’t used any of your muscles for over a year, what did you expect to happen to them?” She hung a clipboard from the edge of his bed after writing something on it.

“For everything to be fine. I wasn’t exactly planning on napping that long.” He managed a smirk, only to receive a disapproving look from the nurse. “Hey, it’s just a joke alright?”

Redheart sighed with disapproval. “This isn’t funny, Riot. You need to take it easy sometimes, just lay down, let other ponies take care of things. You’re going to end up running yourself into the ground.”

Riot held up a hoof in defeat. “Alright alright.” He pushed himself up onto the bed and sat there for a moment. “Just don’t hit me with a clipboard alright?”

“I’ll beat you with this clipboard if I feel like it.” She said, exhaling, giving his hoof a halfhearted slap with it.

He faked horrible pain, falling back onto the bed hissing in pain. “You’re such a mean pony! Where’s the lovely mare I shared a drink with at the Horseshoe?” He hoped that his attempted “puppy dog eyes” were working.

She raised an eyebrow and smothered a smile. “That’s more like it. Act like that more often and maybe your body will have time to heal before you throw yourself willingly through a meat grinder again.” The mare said, trotting out of the room.

Riot rolled his eyes after she had left and the door had closed. He was lucky to have a room, and not have to share a ward with various other ponies. His eyes went around the room, causing him to let out an exasperated sigh. “Damn it all to high hell.” Laying back onto the bed, Riot started counting bumps in the roof.

Food arrived again, and he choked some of it down, still hungry after the extensive therapy. The stallion groaned, rubbing his eyes with a hoof. He levitated a book from the small cart that had been wheeled to him to him and began to read.
______________________________________________________________________

Another slow, painful day later.

Riot had just finished his bout of physical therapy for that day. He was, once again, staring up at the ceiling in pure boredom. The sound of hooves nearing his room only made him want to roll over and pretend to sleep. He hadn’t had much luck with visitors as of late.

“Ash?” A voice asked, knocking a hoof on the doorframe. “Are you awake?” Aurora’s voice, tinged with sadness and trepidation.

His round of bad luck just seemed to never end. “I’m awake.” He didn’t open his eyes though. Her demeanor was off, and Riot suspected that he definitely wouldn’t like it.

She swallowed dryly, and sat down on one of the seats. “A-Ash...I know I’m the pony you want to see the least, but we need to talk.”

He cracked an eye open, finally looking at her. “Yeah? Alright. Help me up.” He was still tired from the workout, and the dead weight of his own legs was starting to make him question his ability to run from his problems.

The mare pulled him to his haunches, giving his foreleg a rub. She took a deep breath, and sat back on the seat. “Ash.....We got some n-news...Good news....Last year....D-do you remember?” She struggled with getting the sentence out into the air, and it drove another pang of worry into Riot.

Things were starting to piece themselves together, and they weren’t looking good. He still managed a smile though, he had another foal! “Yeah, I remember.” He rubbed his eyes with a hoof. “What’s her name? When do I get to see her?” Despite everything, this was still Aurora. He couldn’t assume the worst right off the bat.

She took a ragged breath, a tear forming at the edge of her eye. “Y-you d-don’t....N-nopony does....” The mare said, more tears beginning their trek down her face.

Riot sucked in a breath, knowing completely now what she had done. He closed his eyes and nodded. “Well...You did what you had to do. You couldn’t exactly support yourself and Hunter, as well as a new foal on just Cheerilees wages.” It was the truth, or at least the only truth he would listen to.

The mare’s wings drooped, her ears laying back. “I-I’m s-sorry......I-I wanted to k-keep her...S-so much......I-it w-wasn’t f-f-fair of me to d-do it w-without y-your permission....”

He wanted to yell at her, call her an idiot and a murderer. But deep down, he knew it wouldn’t change anything. His second foal would still never live, and Aurora still wouldn’t come back to him. That last one was a given, she was never coming back. “It’s alright Aurora...I understand.”

“No you don’t!” She shouted suddenly, tears pouring down her cheeks. “Y-you have no idea! I-It f-felt like m-murder......I-I k-killed my foal........I-I s-should have p-p-put her up for a-adoption, a-anything but that.....”

He leaned forward, dragging the mare into a hug whether she damn well wanted one or not. It was a familiar hug. One born not of love or sympathy, but of a severe lack of options. He had shared that hug with her in a cold alley in Dublin, amidst the bodies of almost a dozen armed ponies.

Her tears wetted his neck, the sobbing mare making his fur absolutely sopping. “I-I-I’m s-so s-sorry....”

Riots own venire was starting to crack badly. He had wanted another foal... His hooves embraced the mare tightly, allowing her to empty her tear ducts into his fur, all the while allowing him to try and compose himself.

“I-I n-never ever w-wanted th-this to h-happen.....” She squeaked, wrapping her wings as well as her hooves around his chest, enclosing him with warmth.

“It still happened Aurora, we just need to roll with it the best we can.” He had finished composing himself, and was now able to think clearly without the desire to strangle her to death or burn the town down.

“I-I know....I know.....B-But I-I’m a killer, Ash......I m-murdered my foal.....O-our foal...”

Riot pulled away, separating himself and the mare with his hooves. “Aurora, it was your choice.” His voice was hard and his expression was set. “You have to live with the consequences.” In all honesty, while he still loved her, he was tired of her shit. She wasn’t even his anymore, and she expected him to just sit and listen to all of her own misbegotten problems? “We both have to live with the horrible things we’ve done.”

She swallowed again, and stood. “I-I’m sorry.....Y-you had the r-right to know....Goodbye....” The mare said, trotting out, wings hanging slightly limp.

Riot sighed as he laid back down. He was glad that the whole ordeal was over, for now at least. His nose scrunched up as yet another set of hooves approached. “Celestia dammit, I’m this close to just up and leaving this bloody hole.”

But it just turned out to be the nurse with the breakfast cart. At least the cereal and the juice was good here. Then again, it’s hard to fuck up corn flakes. He took a bite and immediately regretted the earlier thought. “What did I do to deserve piss in my corn flakes!?”

A passing pony poked their head through the door in curiosity, but a look from Riot sent them packing, galloping down the hall, forgetting the cart of food. He looked at the cart longingly, but came to the realization that it probably had the same swill and hard slop he had to eat on it.

Riot exhaled in frustration as he fell back on the pillow, hooves splayed out. “I hate this place.”

He heard the pony come back, and heard him say. “Wow, that was close, I almost lost all of the food for the doctors!”

RIot let out a growl, and threw his bowl into the hall, startling the food pony. “Fuck you!”
____________________________________________________________________________

Riot was hoofing through through a gossip magazine as he laid in bed. The only real reason for doing this wasn’t for information or actual gossip, but because one of the orderlies had ‘accidentally’ spilled water on the only book he had. The thing had become sopping wet, and had sat for almost fourteen hours before he found it. The orderly was lucky, considering Riot had been asleep at the time. Riot stopped at one part, the one outlining the drug addled fall of some shitty stage magician.

Riot stared up at the ceiling, not being able to look at the horrid magazine any longer. He was to take today off from any physical activities, orders from Redheart. “Lovely, it looks like they don’t wash the ceiling...”

He heard hooves, and a small grunting sound of a pony lifting something heavy. The door opened, and Hunter staggered in, back loaded down with books. The young colt stood tall, before the weight crashed down on him, bringing him to his knees.

Riot chuckled lightly as he telekinetically lifted the books off of Hunter. “Hey Hunter! These for me?” He looked some of them over, not recognizing many of the titles. There were a few from his college days, but nothing beyond that.

The colt breathed a sigh of relief, standing up fully. “Mmhmm, I brought all the books from home that I thought belonged to you.”

He pulled back a bit, then leaned forward and squinted at some of the titles. “Welp, shows how much I read.” One book stood out though. He pulled it forward and smirked at the title. “Heh, this the one you showed to your fillyfriend?”

Hunter blushed, the redness reaching up to his ears. “Sw-Sweeties n-not my filly friend! W-we’re just friends....good friends.” He said, looking to the book. “But yeah...That’s the one.”

Riot smirked as he placed the book down next to him. “Well, maybe you should take her on a nice....Outing, to the local shop. Maybe have lunch with her.” Riot leaned forward, making a show of him not letting anypony else hear the conversation. “I always kept some bits in my flak armour, pull the plate off the inside.”

Hunter blushed again. “I-I d-don’t know......W-we d-don’t like each other like t-that...” The colt said, bashfully.

“Oh don’t you play coy with me lad, I may not be able to leave this bed, but I’ll tickle the livin giggles out of you.” A smile had finally spread to Riot features, seeing Hunter like this gave him a definite and profound morale boost.

“S-she’s older than me, a-and she already has her cutie mark.....S-she wouldn’t be interested...” The colt said, sitting down on one of the chairs.

Riot sighed, leaning on his good hoof. “Alright lad, listen up. I’m gonna teach you a valuable lesson right here.” The colt nodded, looking at him intensely. Riot looked about again, then spoke. “Alright, first off, never assume a mare is out of your league. She may be pretty or smart or all of the above, but she’s still a pony, just like you and me. Second, you need to take chances! Third, don’t jump headlong into things, take her out on a couple dates, get to know her, then see if you want her as your special somepony.”

“I-I d-don’t know.....W-we’ve known eachother for so long....It’d be kind of weird.” Hunter said, putting a hoof on his chin as he thought the whole things over.

“It’s not weird Hunter, it doesn’t even have to be a date.” Riot patted his son on the shoulder. “Just be confident, like I know you are. She’ll see that, and trust me lad, she likes you a whole lot. Don’t waste this opportunity twiddling your hooves thinking for shoulda coulda woulda.”

He nodded rapidly. “Alright, Dad! I’m gonna do what you said, I’m not gonna worry about any kind of age difference.” The colt smiled widely. “I’ll see you soon, Dad! I’m gonna go and ask Vinyl for ideas!!” The colt galloped out before Riot could finish his stammered reply.

“Vinyl? No! Hunter wait! DATE RAPE ISN’T THE ANSWER!” Riot flopped out of the bed, having over-extended his reach. He landed on his face, and crumpled into a half ‘c’; medical sheet draped around his being. “Dammit.”

The colt was already gone, either not hearing, or not paying attention to Riot’s plea. The larger stallion groaned, getting onto his knees. Riot flopped over, letting his back rest against the bed for the time being.

Nurse Redheart poked her head in. “Riot! Get back in bed, I said take it easy today. It looks like you have lots of books, go ahead, read something.”

“I fell dammit!” The mare was already gone. “Yeah well fuck you too...” He wrenched himself off the ground and against the bed. “I. HATE. This sordid hellhole of a hospital.”

“No badmouthing the hospital!” Redheart’s head showed again long enough to berate him, and then disappeared.

“HELP ME UP YOU MED SCHOOL DROPOUT!” Riot huffed in anger as he started trotting towards the door. He slammed the door shut, and propped one of the chairs against it. ”I’ll get you back. just you wait.”

He flopped onto the bed, and sighed heavily. “Damn it....” The stallion levitated a book to himself, cracked it open, and began to read.

“‘Singing, and you.’ Celestia, Why me?” He tossed the book to the side, before grabbing an action adventure novel.
___________________________________________________________________________

Yet another day went by.

Riot was beginning to show solid improvement in his physical well-being, almost to the point of being able to escape again. Although the guard stationed at his door would still be a major wall for him to overcome in any attempt.

Riot tossed the finished book to the side. He was starting to seriously run out of books. All he had left was a book on applied physics and its effects on magic, and the stupid singing book. Riot let out a sigh, before picking up the book on singing. As he cracked it open, a crumpled slip of paper slipped out. Riot cocked his head, before picking up the note.

It read: ‘Don’t think about singing, just let it happen. Don’t force yourself to write, let your heart do the writing for you.’

That had been hours ago. He had thrown his self respect to the wind, and given the whole music thing a shot.

His horn lit up a bit, playing the ghost instrument, much like the book had taught him. He knew the thing sounded tinny and dull, but something told him it would do.

“Eyes burn with stinging sweat....”

There was a knock at the door, and Vinyl entered. The white mare was smiling widely, and took off a blue scarf that was flecked with snow. She shook her electric blue mane, freeing more of the white crystals from it. “Mornin’ Riot, was that you? That was really good.” She said, trotting to his bedside.

He waved a dismissive hoof as he set down the book. “I’m bored out of my skull, I’ll try anything at this point.” His frown broke out into a small smile as he looked up at the mare. “I was wondering when you’d swing by and see me again.”

She gave a nod. “Yeah, sorry about that. I’ve had lots of work to do down at the club. The new bouncer I got is a scumfuck. I think he might be taking from the till when I’m not looking.”

Grunting, Riot swung his hind legs over the edge of the bed. “Once I get the go ahead from Redheart, I’ll swing by and see what I can do.” His back arched, popping in several places.

The mare smiled at him, brushing a bit of wetness from her side. “It’s been crazy snowy recently. It’s beautiful outside, take a look!” She said, throwing open the curtains, allowing sunlight to stream through the frosty windows, showing a beautiful scene of snow covered trees.

Riot nodded a bit, standing up and trotting next to Vinyl. “Looks real nice...” His eyes closed for a moment. “You think we could go for a walk? Even just a quick one?” He was nearly desperate for some time away from the sterile hell he was trapped in, and a bit of time with Vinyl might actually help him in more ways than one.

Vinyl nodded. “I’ll see if Redflanks will let you off your leash for a bit.” She said, giving him a pat on the shoulder. He grunted in thanks, using his magic to clean up some of the books. The mare returned quickly, a smile on her face. “She said you are allowed to go out for half an hour. Come on, lets go grab something from sugarcube corner real quick.”

“Alright, as long as I don’t have to run a marathon.” Riot started trotting along with the mare.

“So, what’s happened for you recently?” He smiled a bit as he trotted out the sliding front doors.

She brushed her mane back, smiling warmly at him. “The club had really taken off in the first month or two after you left. Oh, and Wild being out of town? Get this, he’s training to become a cook. A cook! We’re going to set up a kitchen at the club, and he’ll cook for us.”

Riot let out a coughing laugh. “W-What!? He’s going to cook?” The buck laughed heavily as he walked. “My last memory of his cooking involved one of our trenches exploding.”

The mare shook her head. “No, Riot. He’s gotten really good at cooking bar food. He did some for Kepler, Berry and I a few months back and it got me thinking. With all the extra cash we’re getting from the place getting more patrons, we can get some kitchen stuff, and then we can get even more money than just from drinks!”

He held up a hoof, letting her know his standing on it. “I’m fine with that, but I’ll believe he’s improved when there isn’t any colemane burner shrapnel in my half-cooked food.” They trotted down the road, sharing a laugh. The door to Sugarcube corner clicked open and they trotted inside.

“Hello Dearies!” Mrs. Cake said, smiling widely. “It’s good to see you back on your hooves, Mr. Venture.”

“You can just call me Riot Ms. Cake, everypony else does.” He grimaced slightly as Vinyl pressed against his side.

The blue mare nodded, and continued to smile. “Alright. What would you two like?”

Riot shrugged, looking at Vinyl. “I don’t have any bits on me, this is more of a talky-date thing.”

“Date? Hehe, I didn’t know we were on a date.” Vinyl said, fluttering her eyelashes. “Two hot chocolates, and a chocolate-chip muffin. Do you want anything, Riot?”

He blinked a bit, realizing his own words. “No uh...Yeah, I’m good.” He pushed a weak smile as he pointed at the usual corner booth.

Vinyl nodded to him, and slid the bits across the counter. “Okay then, I’ll be right there” He nodded, then trotted over to the booth. He sat down with a thud, then laid his head down on the table. The mares started to chat, but he didn’t hear it. Vinyl was still smiling widely, and Mrs. Cake was looking happy. She gave Vinyl a quick hug, and sent her off with the delicious treats.

Riot watched as the mare sat down before him with the drinks and muffin. “Thanks Scratch, I needed the fresh air.” His head was still down on the table, so he couldn’t really see what face she was making.

The mare patted him on the head, and took a bite of her muffin, sighing with pleasure at the tasty treat passing her lips. “No problem, big guy. I missed you, you know.”

“Yeah...Been getting a lot of that...” He brought his head up, and looked at the mare. “It only feels like I’ve been in the hospital for four or five days...Everything still hurts.”

She rubbed his hoof with her own. “I’m sorry, I really am....” She sipped her hot chocolate, and poked him. “Go on, have a drink.”

He nodded, taking the drink in his hooves. He smirked a bit, taking a deeper sip. Riot placed the glass down and looked back up at Vinyl. “Has Hunter come and seen you?” Riot placed a hoof down on the table and sighed.

Vinyl giggled, and drank from her hot chocolate again. “Oh yes, it was so adorable!...I gave him my best advice!”

“Wait, he’s....What.” Riot was struck with an eerie revelation. “I.. out....Wha....”

The mare smiled, taking another bite of food. “Hehe, he was so cute. All blushy when he asked me.”

Riot was still floored by the revelation. “I gave him tips....And he goes to you. Fuck.” His face was now buried in his hooves.

She giggled, patting his hoof. “It’s alright,I won’t get him into trouble. Well, not before I give him tips on what to do in bed.” The mare said, whispering the last bit in her ear.

The stallions chest spasmed as he made a half assed attempt to lunge at her. “I hate you. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate you.”

“Aww, don’t be like that. I know you love me.” She gave him a playful kiss on the forehead. His expression softened, but only by so much. His hooves curled back towards himself, but he didn’t say anything. “Come on, big guy. It’s alright. It’s just puppy love.” She said, still smiling as she took another sip.

Riot sat back up, looking out the window. “Yea, thanks for the drink lass.”

“Are you alright?” Vinyl asked, brow furrowing slightly.

His eyes followed the orange mare and her rainbow coloured companion as they approach the store. “I’d like to be. But I’m in an abusive relationship with life. It keeps beating the crap out of me, and I’m too much of a coward to leave.”

Vinyl followed his eyes, and looked out at the pair of element bearers. She breathed out a curse, before placing her hoof over Riots. “It’s okay, they’re actually really sorry about what happened. Everypony was horrified at what happened. Especially with Fluttershy, but I think she’s been hardest on herself over it all.”

“So that’s the yellow bitches name? Heh, that’s a stupid name.” He grinned a bit, but it was a failed cover for a toothy snarl. While everypony else was over the whole deal, it was still brutally fresh in his mind. She had pretty much tied him down for execution by her coltfriend. The only reason he was alive was because she didn’t have the guts to drive nails through his hooves.

She gave his hoof another pat, noticing the look of malice in his eye. “Listen, I’ll get them to leave you alone, okay?”

Riot sighed heavily, turning back to his drink. “Just ignore them, hopefully they’ve got more than two brain cells to rub together between the two of them.”

Vinyl went to say something, but the chime of the door interrupted her. Rainbow Dash and Applejack trotted in, going straight for the counter. Dash leaned against the side, looking at Applejack. “I hate this AJ, this whole thing happened last year! I shouldn’t have to apologize to some asshole for a year old thing that he caused.”

The orange mare looked at her friend. “Now that ain’t fair, Dash. He was out for a whole year, can you imagine how bad that would be? Not to mention what actually happened to him last year, with you making him break most of his ribs an’ nearly killin’ him.” Applejack bumped the mare’s side with her hoof.

Rainbow Dash looked shocked, almost betrayed. “AJ! You say that like it was all me! You were there too, and you were pretty keen on that pitchfork.” The mare waved her hooves through the air as she floated. “He had a gun! We all did what we had to.”

Applejack looked at the floor. “Ah know Ah did. But Ah also know that what Ah did was wrong. Even if he did hurt mah brother.” She put her hat over her heart. “Ah swore that Ah wouldn’t hold it against him, and Ah won’t.”

Dash snorted hotly. “He’s probably still an asshole.”

Riot scowled hotly at the back of the mares head; wishing his eyes would bore hot little holes in the back of her head and turn her pathetic brain into cupcake mix. He huffed angrily, focusing entirely on his drink.

Vinyl put a hoof on his. “Just ignore her, she’s a bitch to everypony.” Applejack’s eyes widened slightly with recognition, seeing Riot, but she stayed quiet.

Riot made eye contact with the farmer pony, letting his extreme dislike for her and her friends seep through. He didn’t say anything, but he made it obvious he wasn’t impressed. Rainbow Dash on the other hoof, did not stay silent.

“What kind of name is Riot anyways? The name of a troublemaker thats what! I mean, we’re peaceful, he’s just some muscled unicorn who thinks he’s better than everypony else.” She rolled her eyes as she spoke. “The army didn’t even do anything at Hoofington, it was all the Wonderbolts!”

Riots muscles twitched violently as he smothered the burning desire to beat the mares head against the counter. The farm ponies expression became one of worry as the trained killer who sat merely four metres away bristled with barely contained rage.

“Dash. Shut the fuck up for five minutes.” Applejack said. “Come on, lets get outta here, these ponies are just tryen’ ta eat.”

Rainbow sneered at the farmer. “What, are you gonna make me? And I came here to eat too! I want my snack AJ, and we need to get Pinkie.” She leaned in a bit closer to the orange pony. “So you can shut the fuck up.”

Applejack led her away from the general direction of Riot, mouthing ‘sorry’ to him. The rest of their conversation was inaudible. Vinyl shook her head, finishing her drink. Riots mood was thoroughly ruined at this point. “I shouldn’t have left my bloody room today. I should have left this whole damn town.” He fumed at his surroundings.

“Don’t be like that, Riot. Dash is a loudmouth. Nopony else thinks that, not even Fluttershy. In fact, she was mortified at herself and her Ex. She didn’t even leave her house until last february.”

“I don’t care.”

Vinyl swallowed. “P-please don’t leave.....”

He sat back, slumping a bit. “I can’t. I have to stay in this shitty backwater almost indefinitely.”

“Why is that?” The mare asked, cocking her head to the side.

His muzzle contorted, showing his disdain for the subject. “Stuck here as long as Aurora wants dual custody. I can’t leave, not without giving her full custody.” He growled in anger. “That, and I’m stuck here as long as Redheart’s runnin’ care for me.”

She nodded, seeming apathetic towards him. “Well, not indefinitely.....Hunter gets to choose in a few years.”

“I hate this place.” He watched the two mares argue in the corner. Eventually a pink mare trotted from the back and trotted over to the two. The three started arguing, but in a less heated manner. “I hate it, and it’s going to be my grave.” He scowled, seeing the town more as a trench than a home.

Vinyl exhaled. “Stop being so dramatic. You’re starting to sound like Princess Luna.” Riot finished his drink, then placed the cup to the side. He rubbed his eyes, feeling run down and old. He breathed out slowly, trying to calm himself. The trio in the corner had finished arguing, but it seemed like Rainbow had realized that he was sitting there, and he had heard everything. “I mean, you’re still in your prime! Look at yourself, you’re still amazing, you’ve got your whole life ahead of you.”

The prismatic mare went pale as she found herself locked by his murderous gaze. Mentally, he promised that if he had his way, she’d regret every living moment. If the hot blush from Rainbow did anything for him, he didn’t show it. The rainbow mare blitzed out of the store, leaving the other mares in her wake. He rolled his shoulders, the fierce frown never leaving his muzzle “Right.”

Vinyl sighed. “Come on, lets get you back to the hospital. Redflanks will have my head if I return you late.”

He exhaled, then went to stand up. “Yeah, it’s not like I can run away anymore.” He looked at the DJ, then softened his features. “Let’s get moving.”

She smiled, and they trotted out into the snow, the stuff starting to fall from the sky again. “Wow, looks like it’s not gonna let up. Maybe Hunter will get the day off and get to come see you tomorrow. Tell him to swing by around five for lessons, kay?”

He nodded slowly. “Yeah, will do.” Vinyls smirk died down a bit, but she didn’t say anything. The pair trotted in silence through the snow. Eventually the hospital came into view, and Riot stopped in his tracks.

“What are you doing, Riot?” She asked, cocking her head.

His head hung down a bit. It felt as though everything was trying to drive him down into the snow. “Vinyl...”

“What’s wrong? Oh no...Are you hurt?” She asked, crouching down to make sure he was okay.

“No, not really...” He looked at the mare, not bothering to try and front any fake emotions. He looked over at a bench and motioned to it. Riot didn’t wait for the mare to say anything, he just trotted over and plopped down.

She swallowed, and sat next to him. “What’s wrong, Riot?”

“She’s right you know... I made a huge mistake, and now I’m paying for it.”

“So? Everypony has.” Vinyl looked out into the snowy day.

He shook his head slowly, looking over the snow. His mind was trying its best to hold back the images of blood, shells and bodies marring the view. “I’ve made some bad ones.”

Vinyl rubbed his back with a hoof. “Don’t talk like that Tiger.”

His breath fogged up in the air, almost looking like gunsmoke in his minds eye. “I wanted to find a nice place to live. You know, raise my son, be with my wife. Be a good pony.” His eyes went up to look at the beautiful sky. “Thing is, I’m not a good pony. Never will be. I-”

The mare sighed, cutting him off with a hoof. “Alright, Riot. I’ve let you keep up this ‘woe is me’ shit for too long.” She stood up a bit on the bench. “Celestia damn it, you are the strongest pony I know, stop fucking beating yourself up for something you did under orders. You saved innocent ponies from having to see and do what you’ve seen and done, that alone makes you a good pony. I swear to Celestia, if you ever say you aren’t a good pony again, I’m bringing out the ballgag and the spanking stick.”

His mood turned foul as he turned to the mare. “I want to be a good pony, that’s all I’ve ever wanted since I got here!” He held a hoof up to the side of his head. “I’m fucked up! I can’t stop seeing what I did, Celestia will never let me forget! I can’t be normal and good while I watch my best friend get his head blown off by some fucking traitor with an itchy trigger.” His eyes were brimming with tears, but none fell.

Vinyl brought him into a loose hug, and nuzzled his neck. “It’s okay, Riot. I’m here for you. You’re a good pony, strong, and brave, and protective......You’re the perfect stallion.”

Riot started chuckling, but his laughing started to break down. “Perfect...Fuckin...Lies...” He pressed his hooves into his face, trying to stem the pain. His chest heaved heavily as he tried to push out his memories. For a moment Riot thought about bashing his own head in, but he knew it wouldn’t solve anything.

The mare sighed again. “Alright, come on, lets get you inside.” She said, pulling him to his hooves.

He shook his head, wanting nothing more than to roll over and die. He did start trudging along with Vinyl, but he couldn’t harden his features anymore. After a short bit, he was nearing the point where he wouldn’t dare set hoof in a public place.

Vinyl put a hoof over his shoulder, and nuzzled his neck. “It’s alright....”

He stopped, wiping his face with a hoof. “It’s not....It’s really...Really...Not.” His haunches plopped down in the snow, causing it to crunch under him.

The mare sat next to him, and kissed his muzzle. “I know, I know.....But I’ll be here for you.” He didn’t say anything, only whimpering weakly as he hugged the mare. Riots eyes clenched as he tried to keep his composure. She kissed him again, pulling him tighter. Riot wrapped his hooves around Vinyl, hoping the pain would fade. The mare pulled back a bit. “Riot....I’ve waited for you so long.....I-I love you so much....”

His mind was too floored at the moment to realize the impact of her statement. Riot groaned loudly, trying to stand as Vinyl hugged him tightly. “I...Celestia, everything hurts...” He wanted to push her away, but he couldn’t drive himself to it. He just wanted to die.

Vinyl was oblivious to his pain, mostly due to her own emotions. She lifted his face up, and kissed him again, hoping he would say something that confirmed his love for her. When it didn’t come, the mare stood, and trotted inside to get help. He didn’t hear what she said, but the next thing he knew, he was being carried telekinetically to a gurney, and was being wheeled down the white hall. Riot kept his eyes closed throughout, he just hoping he could slip into unconsciousness.
_____________________________________________________________________

A few hours later, and one verbal beating from Redheart down, Riot was back in his bed. He was trying his best to sleep, despite the streams of brilliant sun streaking through his window.

A knock came from the door. It was Vinyl again, looking guilty. “Listen Riot, you can throw me out in a second....I came to say sorry....I s-shouldn’t have kissed you when you were weak like that....It was wrong of me...”

Riot didn’t roll over, but he didn’t shoo her away. “It’s alright Vinyl...I understand.”

“A-and telling you h-how I felt....I-I should have waited for a better time....”

“It doesn’t make sense.” He rolled over, looking at the mare. “Why?”

She swallowed, sitting down on his bed. “B-because you’re amazing.....You’re strong....and brave....and chivalrous.....and gorgeous....”

“And prone to psychotic breakdowns, violent tendencies, flashbacks, and a serious lack of personal faith.” He sat up in the bed as the mare balked. “Dangerous, and well trained.” He added, looking at the mare, but his eyes weren’t filled with anger or love. They were filled with sadness.

Vinyl laid down next to him, sighing sadly. “I don’t care about any of those things, Riot. You’re a good pony.....And I love you, Riot....I love you so much....”

His eyes clenched shut. “Just.... Just stop.” Aurora had said the same thing, just look at how that turned out. This would only end in pain, especially if she continued with her usual ways. “I can’t do this right now... I’m sorry.”

She swallowed, and stood up. “A-alright...I-I’ll see you s-soon, okay?”

He nodded slowly, turning over once again so his back was still to the mare. “Yeah....”

The mare inhaled, and sniffled, trotting out of the room. She managed to keep her tears of rejection inside until she’d at least left the lobby. Riot thought about trying to read or pick up his note pad and music book. The thought was immediately dispelled, and he soon found himself drifting off to sleep.

At some point during the afternoon, one of the nurses had come in and left food, but he had no desire to fight with the bricks. Eventually, Nurse Redheart came in to check on him.

The mare trotted in, tapping some of the machines he wasn’t hooked up to anymore. “Evening, Mr. Venture. How are you feeling after your little trot about town?”

He didn’t roll over, still staring out the window at the now deep snow. “Not great.”

“What’s wrong, Riot?”

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing.” He exhaled loudly, trying to think of something else that he could say.

“Maybe you should go to sleep then, things will be better in the morning.”

He nodded slowly, watching as a pair of fillies frolicked through the snow. “Yeah....I think you’re right.” He wanted to ask for a sleep aid, but he knew it wouldn’t help, not in the slightest.

Redheart placed a hoof on his shoulder, and gave it a short rub. “I’m sorry this had to happen, Riot. You don’t deserve it.”

“Mumbles didn’t deserve to die, and the pilots in my helo didn’t deserve what the wehrmacht did to them. The universe is cruel and sadistic, what’s fair rarely matters.” Riot breathed out; getting tired of hearing ponies say that exact line to him over and over again. It appeared as though there was two camps of thought when it came to him. Death, or pity.

Redheart shook her head sadly as she got to her hooves, and trotted out of the room. Riot rolled over and stared up at the ceiling. A faint smirk crossed his features for a moment. “They washed the ceiling.”
__________________________________________________________________

Chapter Ten

One Week Later

Riot rolled his shoulders as he sat up in bed, his hooves searching for something in the dark. He cursed quietly as the notepad was knocked to the floor. “Dammit, why do my ribs hurt so badly? Shit...”

The stallion winced again, the pain in his chest coming to a middle. He had woken up in the dead of the night after a particularly bad nightmare.

The light in the hall flicked on, causing the stallion to grimace. He stuffed the pain back under, the last thing he needed was babying. Nurse Redheart ducked into the room, carrying a small brown bag. He cursed under his breath. “I don’t think I’m very hungry for hospital food Red.”

She smiled at him, then pulled out a fresh sandwich from the bag. “Oh, then I suppose I can just keep all of it then.” She said with a sly smirk.

Riots eyes went wide in surprise. “But...But that’s not hospital food...” The mare in the doorway smiled coyly, nipping at the edge of a sandwich. Riot whimpered as he reached for it, but Redheart pulled it away, munching with cruelty. “Pwease?” He offered his best puppy dog eyes to her.

The mare chuckled, but continued eating. Seeing his obvious devastation, she sighed, and produced a second bag. She tossed the thing to him, and sat down to finish her food. Riot smiled, grabbing the bag with a hoof. He pulled out the sandwich and started scarfing it down. “Thanks.” He mumbled through the food.

Redheart shot him a smile; she yawned before rubbing her eyes. She didn’t look very good, the bags under her eyes looking more akin to bruises at this point. “Good news, Riot.” She said, looking to the grey pony. “You’ll be released in a few days.”

He grinned widely, finishing his sandwich. “Great! Not that I won’t miss our usual workouts, but it’ll be nice to sleep in my own bed.” He sat up, then saw how haggard she looked. “Are you alright?”

The mare yawned again, laying her head on the arm of one of the chairs. “I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” The mare let out a long breath, and got to her hooves. “I’ll see you tomorrow, get some sleep, you need the rest.”

He shook his head, patting the bed. “Come here for a sec.”

Redheart reluctantly made her way over to Riot, and sat down on the side of his bed. “Yes, Riot? What do you need?”

He put a hoof on hers; speaking quietly. “Lie down, you need the rest. I don’t take up that much room.” He smiled wryly at her. “Come on, I know exhaustion when I see it.”

Redheart lifted a hoof to argue, but a jaw popping yawn interrupted her and confirmed Riots words. She sighed, getting up onto the hard bed. The mare laid on her side, sighing in contentment. “M-Maybe just for a moment.....I could use a bit of a rest.” She said, snuggling deeper into the mattress, yawning again. Riot nodded, laying down next to her. He yawned as well, his hooves on the mattress, and not the mare.

The breath of the pony next to him slowed nearly instantly, and she was fast asleep in moments; pushing back into his warmth in her sleep, sighing contentedly, murmuring in her slumber. Riot laid a reassuring hoof on her side, then closed his eyes.
__________________________________________________________________________

The morning sun punched through the thin hospital curtains with ease. Celestia was pouring it on heavy today. Riot yawned, stretching out. His hooves bumped the still sleeping form of Redheart, but she didn’t wake up. He didn’t hear anything from the hallway, and from looking at the clock, he figured out why. It was nearly six, most of the nurses would either be taking catnaps or out getting food. He laid down next to the mare, breathing in her weak scent of lavender and cherry. She was the only nurse to take a real interest in him, once his condition had stabilized the doctors had apparently all but abandoned him.

Redhearts eyes fluttered open, and she groaned as the sunlight poured onto her face. She yawned, and rolled over. As she saw the hoof laying on her side, and who that hoof was connected to, she squealed, pulling back, falling from the bed. Her rump impacted the floor, and her mouth was open.

“I-I...Oh no.....I can lose my license for this!” She said, holding her hooves to her head.

Riot sat up, worry etched on his face. “You didn’t do anything, well, we didn’t do anything. You passed out the second your rump hit the mattress.” He leaned down , offering her a hoof up. “You alright?”

She ignored his hoof, lowering her face to the ground. “That doesn’t change the fact that I spent the night in bed with my patient!” Her pristine hooves lay over her face. Her mane, usually done up in her trademark bun, had unravelled during sleep, and her soft mane rolled down her neck.

He sat up, then moved so he was sitting on the floor with her. Riot placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Hey, it’s alright. You needed sleep, better you get it than get hurt, or worse, make a mistake with another patient.”

Redheart let out a breath, and then fished her elastic band from the bed sheets. “I guess you’re right.....Listen, I’ve got to go start my shift.....Thanks....” The mare smiled weakly at him, before quickly looking away as a blush worked its way on her cheeks. She got to her hooves, and quickly cantered out of the room without another word.

Riot nodded, then stood up. He leaned up against the mattress before rubbing his face. “Celestia, why is everypony in this town wound up so badly?” He shook his head, then stood up fully. He had managed to find a few bits in his coat pocket, so he had enough for a lunch. At least from the cafeteria.

His trip to the small cafeteria was quick, and rather painless. The physical therapy had worked wonders on his muscles. He wasn’t quite back up to his normally toned form, but he was getting there. The hospital food definitely wasn’t helping. He was thinking exactly this when he looked down at the brown pile of baked beans heaped on his tray. “I actually paid for this?” He frowned, then grabbed a small carton of milk from the line.

On his way back to find a seat, he noticed a semi-familiar face sitting alone at one of the tables. It was the mint unicorn, the one with the mare friend. She didn’t look very happy, but if the bandage on her head stated anything, it was because she didn’t want to be there. Riot sighed, then trotted over to the table, sitting down in front of her.”

She looked up at Riot. “Oh....Hi there.....” The mare said, wincing as she held a hoof to her forehead, just under her horn.

He smiled weakly at her, then poked at his meal “Not exactly food, now is it?”

The minty mare looked down at the smile pile of not-green greens, and sighed. “Yeah, you could say that. I should get Bonbon to bring me in some treats from the shop.” She said, leaning back in her seat, levitating a small forkful of her food into her mouth.

Riot popped open his carton of milk and sipped thoughtfully. “You and her still together? Last I saw of you guys was that one night at the club. You weren’t feeling too well, if memory serves.”

The mare nodded slowly before looking at him again. “That’s where I remember you!” She said, eyes going wide. “You were the bouncer at The Horseshoe!”

Nodding, Riot turned to his slices of toast. “Yeah, emphasis on ‘were’.”

“Yeah....I’d totally forgotten about what had happened last year.....What happened to you, anyway? Get canned?” She asked, looking up at him.

“Injury related leave.” He nipped at the toast, then started fighting with the brick.

She looked at him, raising an eyebrow. “Wait....Were you in here all this time?!” The mare asked, eyes widening more.

Riot nodded, then tore off a hefty chunk of the bread. “Yeah, been here for a bit.” He started gnawing on the smaller piece, trying to make it edible.

The mare laid her hoof on one of his, and smiled warmly at him. “My name is Lyra....I had a bit of an accident with a cart about a week back, but I’ll be leaving in a few days...Do you think you’ll come back to the club after you get released? The new bouncer is a bit.....sheisty.” She said, looking at her so-called meal.

Riot nodded. ‘Yeah, I ran into a bit of... Trouble. I need to get things figured out for the moment, then I’ll prolly be back at work, if only to make sure Vinyl doesn’t lose the club.”

The mare nodded rapidly. “The Horseshoe has been doing....Fine...Since you were gone, but a lot of ponies miss you, you really brought new life to the club.”

He laughed lightly, smiling at the mare. “Now that’s a sentence I never thought I’d ever hear uttered.”

Lyra chuckled, and stood. “Well....I’m full.” She said with a wince, deftly tossing her food in the trash. “I’ll see you around, huh?”

Riot nodded, still smiling at the mare. “Yeah, see you around Lyra. Tell...Bonbon was It? That I said hi.”

Lyra brightened, trotting away. “I’ll be sure to!”

He smiled up until the mare disappeared from sight. He then stabbed the food several times with his fork in a vain attempt to try and pound it into an edible paste. He gave up and dumped it into the trash. Riot cursed under his breath, boredom was the enemy and he was losing horribly. “Another day, another day, another day.” He repeated to himself for a moment, before giving up.

The stallion trotted towards his room, hoping and praying that somepony would stop him and talk to him, that something interesting would happen. He didn’t even see Redheart on his walk back. Finally, Riot reached the room and closed the door behind himself. Sighing, he climbed onto the bed and rolled over. He laid there for Celestia knows how long, staring intently at the wall. Still, nothing happened. He was supposed to be happy. He was getting released soon, he could go home.

Home. He didn’t have much of a home anymore. Aurora had taken pretty much everything from the house, and he suspected she had taken a vast majority of his bits. He could only hope that she used them to support Hunter. Of course, that didn’t change anything. He was still in a holding pattern at the hospital, just sleeping his days away. The time had come for him, where he couldn’t do that anymore; he had to make something of his life. If the lines on his muzzle were anything to indicate, he had already lost an unacceptable amount of said life.

Riot rolled back over onto his back, so that he was staring up at the ceiling. His thoughts went from current events, to his own family. What had happened to Kepler? She hadn’t come to see him in the hospital, but then again he couldn’t blame her. What about Gizmo? Or, Enfield, as he now preferred to be called. He was still probably out in the same town as Mom and Dad. Mom and Dad. Were they still alive? Riots face contorted. Gavlin Steel , his step-father, had been having health problems as of late, or at least he had been. His mother... Well that was a completely different can of worms. Riot sighed heavily, hating not knowing what was going on, even just inside the tiny town he lived in now. The only thing he was sure of, was that there was one thousand, four hundred and seventy two bumps in the ceiling.

A few hours past by, and Riot found himself at a loss. For once, he actually wished for somepony to do something stupid, to spur him into action. All of the physical rehabilitation with Redheart had helped heal him, but he still needed regular exercise. He needed action. Riot rolled over in bed, his limbs aching to just get up and move.

There was a knock at the door, and it crashed open like a popgun. A grey blur passed from the door to his bunk, and suddenly he was covered with pony. A red-yellow mane obscured his vision, his face being peppered with kisses, all the while being strangled with a hug. The mane pulled back, and he was looking into the excited face of Kepler Steel.

Riot blinked, silently cursing himself for his earlier thoughts. “Kep?”

“You are alive! I knew that no pesky coma could keep you down!” She said, hugging him again. He looked to the side, and saw Wild, looking sheepish. The red pegasus gave Riot a small wave, and grinned.

Riot sat up on the edge of the bed, smiling at them sadly. “I didn’t think you guys would come by.”

Kepler hopped to the floor, muzzle still shining with her pearly whites. Wild smiled, trotting forward a step to put a hoof around the grey mare. “Of course we did, who do you think we are?” The pegasus asked, cocking an eyebrow.

Riot shrugged weakly. He felt weak, and tired. “I’ve been up for almost three weeks now, they’re letting me out soon.” He smiled at them. “I’m glad you guys showed though.”

The mare was biting her lip, shuffling from hoof to hoof, obviously excited. “We were out of town while Wild was at cooking school, we got back yesterday, we just finished unpacking. She brushed a hoof through her mane, and Riot caught a flutter of deep red from her ear.

Riot nodded, rubbing his face with a hoof. “Good for you Wild, never figured you for a cook.” After a few moment, he started to noticed the looks the pair shared. “Are you two...Together?”

Wild’s wing fluttered, and he coughed, looking to the side. “Y-yeah..” He said, obviously either afraid, or nervous, but probably both, even with Riot mostly incapacitated.

“And?”

“And what, Ashie?” Kepler chimed in, cocking her head at the stallion.

“There’s something else. I can tell.” He was slouched a bit, playing the part of the sick, weak old stallion. Only half that was true.

Wild swallowed, watching his own hooves as Kepler’s smile only widened, and she turned her head away from Riot, pulling a bit of her mane to the side, revealing a red feather perched next to her ear. “Just this!” She said giddily.

Riot sighed, chuckling a bit. His eyes fell to the floor for a moment.

I-it’s velvet, all batponies shed it when we grow up. We’re supposed to save it, give it to somepony special...

He raised his head after suppressing tears. “I’m happy for you two, I really am.”

Wild looked up, one eye squeezed shut, leaning back slightly, as if Riot was an explosive. His other eye opened, and he looked to Riot incredulously. “Really? Y-You are? You’re not going to murder me?”

He grunted, nodding slowly. “Yeah, yeah I am...So long as she isn’t pregnant already.” The red stallion swallowed again, and looked to the side, blushing, as Kepler giggled, laying a hoof on her belly. Riot swore, throwing his hooves into the air. “For the love of fuck, it’s called a condom you fuckwit!” The red stallion whinnied in terror as he started backpedalling.

Kepler broke into laughter. “Just playing with you, big guy.” She put a hoof on his shoulder, and winked.

Riot groaned, flopping back onto the bed. “Could you grab me a water or something?” Wild nodded rapidly, happy for any respite from the situation. He took off down the hall in search of somewhere he could either purchase of pilfer a bottle of water. Riot placed a hoof on his chest, grunting quietly in pain.

The other pony in the room was instantly at his side, looking concerned. “Are you alright? Is there something wrong?”

Riot nodded. “I’m fine, Nurse Redheart says I’ll have chest pain for a couple more years, or something like that.”

Kepler let out a sigh of relief, and Wild appeared, with a bottle of water clutched in his remaining wing. He passed it to the stallion, who took it in his magic, unscrewing the top and pouring a mouthful of the cool liquid into his mouth. “Thanks.” Riot coughed a bit, then placed the bottle down on the table next to him.

The sound of hooves approaching the room echoed in his ears, and for once Riot hoped that they were coming for him. “So, how have things been at the Horseshoe-” His sentence died in his throat as Aurora trotted in.

The batpony froze in her tracks, a bundle of papers laying on her back. She slowly looked around the room at each of their faces, and make a weak. “Hello.”

Riot shut his eyes, knowing that a fair amount of pain awaited him. “Hello Aurora.”

She slowly trotted inside, seating herself on the far side of Riot, placing the sheaf of papers on the bedside table. “C-Custody papers....” The mare said, swallowing. Kepler snorted angrily as Riot duly picked up the pen and quickly read through them.

He looked them over, then scratched a mark on the bottom. “Dual custody. One hundred bits a month in support. He spends weekends with me... I suppose this is the best I can get.” Riot looked up at the dark mare for a moment.

Aurora smiled weakly; it was the better than what she would have asked for. “Yes...I could give you mondays...” She nodded as he signed, then took the papers, shrinking under the looks of the other ponies in the room. She took a few steps toward the door, before galloping out, wings fluttering in fear.

Riot groaned, rolling over so his back was to the other ponies in the room.

Forever and always

“Could you guys give me a minute?”

Kepler held a hoof up towards him, but Wild intercepted, simply shaking his head. The mare let out a sigh, before nodding. The pair trotting out quietly. The door slid shut silently, apart from the tiny click to the latch catching. The normally imperceptible noise seemed to reverberate in the silent room. Riots features contorted in pain and anguish. The rebounding realization that life as he knew it had come grinding to a halt, and it would never, ever come back to him. He had just signed away his son, and soon enough Aurora would come by with divorce papers...

He choked down a sob, making it sound more like an animalistic growl. His life wasn’t supposed to be like this, all he wanted to do was come home and live happily ever after with his family. Of course, life has it’s own little surprises. The stallion put his hooves over his face, the desire to pound them into his own features filled him for a moment.

He finally managed to cap the anger as the a conversation reached him. It sounded like Redheart was talking to Kepler and Wild. He didn’t want to hear it, he just wanted to throw himself out the window and hit the ground running. That wouldn’t happen though, and he wouldn’t get his peace. The door opened, and Redheart trotted in.

“Mr. Venture, you have visitors.”

He saw the apologetic faces of Wild and Kepler from over the nurse’s shoulder, and nodded. “I noticed.” The nurse smiled, then approached his bedside.

“I’m just going to check the machinery, then I’ll be out of your mane.”

He nodded solemnly, trying to sit up. “Thanks, Redheart.”

The mare looked over the perpetually beeping machines, and smiled to Riot. “It’s good to see them back to see you. They were... Cooking, I think it was? I wouldn’t think that that womanizer would be able to make toast for himself, let alone gourmet.

Riot chuckled wetly, pushing out a smile. “You-you should have seen him in the foxhole, he was an unholy terror with a colemane stove.”

“Huh...” Redheart said, looking at the door. “Looks like he’s moved on from the army, apparently he’s supposed to start cooking at The Horseshoe. That will be nice, having a pony there to do the cooking so ponies don’t go hungry after the doors close.”

He nodded, laying down on the bed. The pair at the door motioned that they were leaving, but Riot only gave them a nod in return. As they retreated, he sighed loudly, hoping Redheart wouldn’t ask too many questions.

There was a short burst of conversation from outside, and a small colt trotted in, grinning. “Hi, Dad! Auntie Kepler and Uncle Wild are back in town!” Hunter said with a smile, putting his hooves on the stallion’s bedside.

Riot smiled weakly at the colt, then picked Hunter up and sat him on his lap. “So, how’s my boy?”

The small unicorn looked into his father’s face, and his face fell. “Well....Vinyl said I should take Sweetie to the movies, but... I haven’t asked yet.”

Riot shook his head. “You know, I’m here if you need me kid.” Riot smiled as best he could. “What’s the worst that could happen from asking?”

Hunter rolled his eyes at his father. “I guess. But asking out Sweetie.....I don’t know, Dad. She’s like a sister to me or something. It might be weird.” He said, swallowing.

Riot rolled his eyes, looking at the smirking nurse. “Help me out here?”

Redheart chuckled. “You have the same eye roll. Both of your muzzles do the same little scrunch.” She said, giggling. “Other than that, I’m not totally sure, Hunter. But I think you should try it anyway, who knows what could come of it?”

Hunter nodded slowly, then snuggled into Riots chest. “I missed you daddy...”

Riot closed his eyes, embracing the colt tightly. “I missed you too buddy...But I’ve uh..I’ve got some news for you.”

The young colt raised an eyebrow, looking to his father. “What is it, Dad?.....What kind of news? You aren’t dying, are you?” He asked, fearfully.

The older stallion pulled back a bit, sharing a look with the nurse. “N-no,no. I just finished working over some paperwork with your mother. Guess what buddy, you get to see me all weekend long!” He pushed out a broad, fake smile.

Hunter smiled, and nuzzled his father. “J-Just on weekends?” He asked, looking into his father's blue-grey eyes. Redheart winced, listening in on the conversation felt... Wrong.

Riot nodded weakly. “Yeah, it’s all I’m allowed. Or at least what your mother will let slide.”

The small colt nodded slowly. “It’s better than nothing......I’ve been reading some books on things like this...At least Rarity’s been helping me read them. Apparently in a few years, I’ll be able to choose for myself who I want to live with.” He said with a wide smile.

Riot smiled at the colt, nuzzling him weakly. “That’s..That’s awesome buddy, I’m glad someone knows what’s going on.”

Hunter nuzzled the stallion back, sighing; looking at his father with eyes much older than he should have. “I know it’s hard for you, Dad. You don’t always have to be the strong one, you know.” He said, wiping a bit of wetness from Riot’s muzzle.

“I think you’ve been talking with Vinyl too much.” Riot chuckled, embracing the colt tightly.

Snuggling into the hug, Hunter sighed. “I’m sorry dad, but I have to go. Lots of homework today.” Hunter pushed off, then hopped off the bed.

“Oh...Alright.” Riot forced out a smile. “I’ll get to see you tomorrow right?”

Hunter shrugged. “I hope so dad, but it depends on what chores mum’s gonna give me.” He waved happily, then trotted towards the door. “Bye dad.”

Riot lifted up his hoof to wave, but it fell short. “Bye...”

He sat there for a moment, staring at the door as it hung ajar. Nurse Redheart had slipped out at some point during the conversation, but he couldn’t remember when. The stallion sighed sadly, looking out his window at the failing winter light. It didn’t feel that late in the day, but he just chalked that up to shorter days. About twenty minutes later, Nurse Coldheart trotted in with a half cooked meal and a small drink. She didn’t say anything; just placing the food on the table and quickly retreating to whence she came.

Riot sat up on the edge of his bed, but didn’t reach for the food. He wasn’t really that hungry, and he wasn’t desperate enough to try and wrestle with the stuff on the plate. He was torn between wanting somepony to talk to, and being alone with his thoughts. His thoughts had gone to Vinyl, but the entire deal with her was muddled and confusing. She probably hated him. He had shot her down harshly.

Sighing, Riot laid back onto the bed. After a short bout of staring up at the ceiling, he rolled over and stared out the window at the now descending snow flakes. He had to admit, Luna had done a stellar job with the night sky.

Chapter Eleven

Riot turned over in his hospital bed for the thousandth time. The stallion couldn’t help himself; he was getting released tomorrow. He was kind of like a foal on Hearths Warming Eve, he just couldn’t sleep. The stallion sighed, rolling over onto his back so he could stare at the ceiling. He had somehow managed to count every stain and bump in the ceiling during his stay. The ceiling was made of stucco and there was one thousand four hundred and seventy two bumps in his Celestia forsaken ceiling.

He shook his head, try to distract himself from the thoughts of insanity. Thankfully, the sound of light hoofsteps in the hall brought his heart and hopes skyward. Nurse Redheart’s creamy coat passed by the door, but didn’t stop. His hopes fell like a lead balloon.

“Huh.”

Now, it wasn’t as if she was his personal nurse or anything, but they had become... Friends of a sort. She would come in and talk every now and then, and bring edible food; when she did this, he wouldn’t fuck about or curse the very foundation of the building. Riot had hoped that she would come see him on his last night, but it would make sense if she had more important things to do.

The hospital was always quiet at this time, like the whole world had fallen asleep. Not even the low breathing of other patients or beeping from the machines penetrated the walls. The stallion cast a glowering look to the machine in the corner that he was no longer connected to. He looked over the piles of his things, which had thankfully been packed up into a duffel bag a few hours prior. Quite literally, the only thing he was waiting for was the head doctor’s word and his clothes.

Riot huffed, missing his bomber jacket profusely. That jacket had seen him through the worst of times, and it wounded him to not have it now.

Redheart’s smiling face appeared in the doorway. She shot him a look of pride, and disappeared back down the hall.

The grey stallion lounging on the bed stood, and trotted over to the window, looking outside at the winter wonderland. It was like the whole world was covered by a great white blanket, two feet thick. He saw a few weatherponies flitting about in the near darkness. He saw the mailmare Derpy, who he’d met just a few.......No....That was over a year ago. Riot sighed, shaking his head slowly.

He scrunched his nose, scowling at his predicament. The thought of going outside crossed his mind, but the lack of jacket reminded him that outside was bad. He frowned, then trotted towards the door and the semi dark hallway. Sticking his head out, he scanned about for Redheart.

The mare was just finishing up the hall, shutting the last door. She turned about, and saw Riot. She smiled, and quietly made her way over.

“Excited?” She asked, after she’d closed the door behind them with a dull click.

He smirked, nodding a bit. “Yeah, can’t sleep.” Riot glanced at the window. “You free for the moment?”

She nodded, yawning as she took a seat on his bed. “Just finished my rounds. Normally they’d have an orderly do it, but they’re off on Hearths Warming leave.”

Riot smiled wider. “Come on, let’s get my jacket and go outside. It’s still dark, so there’s not many folks around.” He silently begged her, he didn’t want to spend another minute in that forsaken room.

The mare shifted slightly, but nodded slowly, a sly smile appearing. She stood, and brought Riot along, opening the door to the hall. She gave a quick look around, then trotted down it, the grey stallion directly behind her. The lobby was mostly empty, save for the receptionist. Redheart motioned for Riot to stand for a moment, before disappearing into a side room. After a few moment, the mare reappeared with his jacket in tow.

She walked back to Riot, and returned it, bringing him back down the hall towards the side door. Riot smiled softly as he slid it on, it’s warm embrace something he had missed. Welcome to the 35th kid. At one point the staff had tried to clean it, but they couldn’t get the musk of battle and Riot off it. He shrugged his shoulders, taking the lead. “Come on, I think I remember where a bench is.”

Redheart slowed down to let Riot lead and trotted along next to him; sighing in contentment, but then shivering at the blast of freezing air that rushed in from the opened door. She paused for a moment.

“I’ll be right back, I need to get my winter clothes on.” She said, walking off. Riot closed the door, and waited patiently for her return. The mare reappeared after a few minutes, dressed in thick socks up to her haunches, a pair of pink earmuffs, and a light blue jacket.

Riot raised his eyebrows, but he quickly shook it off. He probably looked like an idiot, jittering about. He wrapped a hoof around Redheart, causing her to suck in a breath of surprise. “It’s nice to get outside without any guards chasing my ass down.”

She blushed at the contact, but nodded, giggling. The pair of them trotted out into the darkness of the early morning, the sun just starting to peek over the horizon. Snow was just starting to fall in little flakes.

Riot sighed happily, looking about as he took a deep breath. “Damn. Barely notice the chest pain now.” He bumped his flank against hers. “Guess I can thank the one capable nurse in the whole town for taking care of me for a year and a bit.”

The white mare blushed again, and looked up to him. “It definitely wasn’t all us, you’ve got a remarkably resilient body, Riot.” She laid a hoof on his back, and gave it a stroke. “It’s amazing.”

“Well, you know what they say about old age and treachery.” He smirked at her as they sat down on the bench. He wiped off the bench quickly before she sat down; in hopes that her flanks wouldn’t get soaked down.

She smiled at his kindness, and took a seat. She sighed happily, even with the cold air enveloping them. “It’s going to be a good day, I can feel it.” The mare said, smiling at Riot.

He hung a hoof over the back of the bench. “I hope so, I don’t really want to come back here if I don’t have to.”

“You’ll be released in a few hours.” Redheart said with a smile; a small sigh escaped her as she pushed closer to him to escape the cold. He didn’t respond, only allowing her to snuggle into his warmth. He yawned, moving back and forth a bit as he fought to find a comfortable spot.

The mare’s body was remarkably warm; pressing against his flank with hers, and resting her head on his shoulder. “Happy Hearth’s Warming, Riot.” She said, giving him a tentative kiss on the cheek.

Riot felt his hind hooves curl at the peck, but her words worried him. “What’s the date?” He fought desperately to hide the blush on his cheeks.

She smiled cautiously. “It’s the twentieth, but I probably won’t get to see you between now and then.....So I decided to give you your gift a little early.”

The stallion smiled, tilting his head back. “Aw, no need for that. You know I’d come visit!” Riot smirked, nudging her. “This means I have to give you something, doesn’t it?”

Redheart smiled, looking up at the stallion. “I guess so.....”

He scrunched his nose, muttering to himself quietly. “What to get...For...Mare...”

She looked up at him, and leaned forward, whispering in his ear. “I can give you a hint.” The white nurse said, her hot breath rolling over his fur.

Somewhere out there, there’s a bullet with your name on it. You’ll never know when it’ll find you, but it’ll find you eventually.

Riot blinked, looking at the mare next to him. “Wait....I got it!” He started rifling through his jacket, in search of something.

Redheart seemed to kind of sink into her seat, pouting slightly at the missed hint that had sailed clear over his head. “What is it, Riot?” She asked, trying in vain to see the large stallion's other side.

He laughed in triumph, pulling out an odd little trinket. It was a large rifle cartridge, with an engraving on it. “Here, you should keep this. It’s a bullet with my name on it; considering you helped me dodge a few, I figure it’s a proper gift.” He smiled widely, pressing it into the mares hoof.

The mare raised an eyebrow before smiling down at it. She took it in her hooves, and slid around her slender neck, closing the clasp. “It’s... Definitely not what I expected, Riot.” She said, holding the small thing up with her hoof.

Riots eyes went over the polished brass, then to the mare. “It’s yours now, treat it with care.” He chuckled lightly. “I don’t want to meet that one any time soon.”

Redheart nodded slowly, and looked up, seeing the light from the sun just beginning to spill over the horizon, turning the gathering mist to a golden curtain. She sighed happily, snuggling deeper into the warm buck at her side. He felt her swallow, and she looked up. “Riot, can I ask you something?”

Uh oh.

“Yeah, shoot.” Riot looked up at the sky, enjoying the sunrise.

Redheart fidgeted next to him, causing the stallion to worry internally even more. “Do you... Do you think we could ever be more than friends?”

Riot paused for a moment; his worried thoughts showing their mark on his muzzle. “I... I hope so. I can’t be anything more to anypony right now. I’ve just got so much shit coming at me I can’t tell up from down anymore.” He let out a pained sigh. “I’m sorry, I’m just... I’m not fit for this kind thing.”

Redheart nodded slowly, looking down at the snowy ground, marred only by their hoofprints. “N-No, it’s my fault....I knew what you were going through....I shouldn’t have sprung this on you like I did...” She said, swallowing.

Riot shrugged. “It’s alright, maybe once things calm down and I get everything figured out, we can give a relationship a try.”

The mare brightened, and put her hooves around him. “Thank you....But please don’t just say that for pity’s sake.” She said, closing her eyes.

He flinched at the last thought. “It’s just...Having to deal with my...EX. And trying to piece my life back together and...Fuckin’ everything. I couldn’t bring you into that. I couldn’t bring anypony into that situation. Hell, I don’t want to be in it...” He huffed, blowing a breath puff through the frigid air.

She nodded, pulling him deeper into the embrace. “You’ll be fine, Riot. You’re a strong pony.” Redheart looked out to the rising sun. “We should get you back inside before the doctors find another empty bed.”

“Heh...Not like they’d notice.” He pushed up, then offered a hoof to her. “Come on, I bet the cook’s trying to make cocoa...I don’t want to be near the cafeteria when that shit hits the fan.”

The mare giggled, and took his hoof, getting to hers. She followed the stallion, their hooves crunching in the pristine snow.
_________________________________________________________________________

A few hours later, Riot was trotting out the front door a new, well, newish stallion. His duffel sat heavy on his side, it’s contents intact despite everything. He shook his head, dispersing the bit of snow that had landed in his mane. Huffing quietly, he started off towards...Home. Wherever that would be from now on.

He looked back for just a moment, and saw the smiling face of Nurse Redheart, waving from the second floor. The grey stallion gave her a quick salute and a smile; trotting off down the shovelled walk towards the main road.

Riot looked about, smiling at the ponies who trod about the streets in their winter clothes. The stallion shook his jacket pocket, and was pleasantly surprised when the jingle of bits met his ears. His smile now wide, he started off towards Sugarcube Corner.

After a bit of walking, he arrived at the cafe with little in the way of problems. He hadn’t seen anyone he knew, and the cafe was thankfully empty, except for Mr. Cake. Riot waved once at the stallion, before stopping at the counter.

“Mr. Venture!” The stallion called happily. “It’s good to see you up on your hooves again. Here, breakfast is on me. Congratulations.” He said, smiling widely at the grey stallion.

Riot shrugged, nodding to the buck. “I won’t order anything big then. Bagel and a coffee, if you will.”

Mr. Cake nodded. “Right away.” Mr. Cake disappeared back into the shop, and Riot leaned against the counter, waiting for him to return. The stallion was back in a few minutes, some freshly-brewed coffee and a pair of bagels sitting on a plate. “Here you are, Mr. Riot. Enjoy!”

Riot smiled, taking the plate in his mouth. His magic brought out the five bits he had in his jacket and tossed them in the tip jar. “Shanks!” Riot mumbled through the ceramic plate. He trotted over to his booth and sat down, fully intent on sucking back real food for the first time in a long time.

The relatively plain meal was heaven to the unicorn’s taste buds; having nothing but hospital food did that to a pony. The bagels mounted no resistance to his chomping jaws, the bread disappearing into his maw in record time. The stallion yawned, but still felt electric, like he was hooked up to a million volts. He wanted to do something, gallop mostly, but he wanted to do....Anything. And he could now, that was the best part.

The doorbell chimed, and his mood evaporated instantly. Yellowquiet was there.

Oh, OH. I remember you! Your coltfriend put me in a coma!. You pinned me down! Riot held his breath for a moment before releasing. It’s alright, she’s not responsible for this clusterfuck. Just ignore her, and it’ll clear itself.

Riot closed his eyes and took a deep, relaxing breath. He started sipping his coffee, keeping the timid yellow pegasus in his periphery.

She did see him however, but she instantly froze; slowly backing out, her hooves making no sound at all. As soon as she was clear of the door, her wings flared, and she was gone.

Riot huffed quietly, taking a large swig of his coffee. See? That wasn’t so-

“Oh Fluttershy darling! We were just going to get some breakfast! Come on, I’ll buy.”

FUCK. FUCKITY. FUCK.

He looked up, and managed to share a mirror of the yellow mare’s thoughts as she was pulled in by Twilight and Rarity. oddly enough, she looked more terrified than he believed possible. But then again, it was her turn to be hospitalized for a year.

Just play it real cool, let’s hope that purplesmart and the dress making seductress have enough brain cells to rub together to know to keep her away from me.

They did as he thought they would. As soon as they saw him, they went rigid; ordering breakfast quickly, and opting to head upstairs to eat with Pinkie, instead of sharing the small front room with Riot.

The aforementioned stallion let out a sigh of relief, and left the building. Just as the door closed, he felt multiple pairs of eyes watching him from the upper floor. He ignored the feeling of bristling fur and shrugged it off, also ignoring the nearly mute cries of protest from Rarity.

He turned down a semi-familiar street, then continued forward. His humble little home came into view. As did the for sale sign. His jaw dropped a fraction of an inch as he closed the distance. Snorting angrily, Riot cantered up to the house. He stopped short, taking the time to rip the sign out of the ground and incinerate it with his magic. “For sale over my dead fucking corpse you frigid bitch!” He stomped the ashes for good measure.

Shaking his head, Riot trotted up to the door and stuck his key in. Miraculously, it still worked; clicking the lock open with nigh but a jiggle. Riot trotted in, looking at the threadbare home. He sighed sadly, then trotted to the small workshop that adjoined the main building. Once inside, he pulled up a small grate, then yanked out a medium sized lock box. Stuffing the box into his duffel, he pulled up the last of the holes contents. A deed. To HIS home. She had taken everything, even his gun safe was gone.

Riot growled savagely. He wouldn’t be playing nice after this little show from Aurora.

His thoughts of revenge were interrupted by a knock on the door. Riot stuffed the deed in his pocket, then trotted slowly to the door. He cracked it open an inch. “Hello?”

Vinyls trademark purple sunglasses bobbed into view.

“Hey! I knew I’d find you here. I came looking for you back at the hospital, but they said you’d been released.” She smiled down at the stallion, and pulled her glasses off, holding them in her magic.

Riot pushed out a smile, still barely containing his rage. “Hey Scratch, I thought I saw somepony sneaking about behind me.” He opened the door a bit more.

The white mare pushed inside and yawned. “Mornin’, Riot!” She said, shaking her legs to remove the now from her thick, light-blue winter socks, and long black boots.

He looked around at the nearly empty room. “Yeah, mornin. You can take a seat on the...Couch. Yeah, that’s all I got.”

She chuckled, entering the soft beige room. She sat on the couch that occupied the room. She snuggled up on it, shivering. The heating hadn’t been running for months, the place was absolutely arctic.

Riot closed the door, then turned back to the room. He barely noticed the cold due to his longer fur and heavy jacket. “So, what’s new in your world?”

“Not much, Wild and Kepler got back! I sunk a few bits into getting a small kitchen set up, and that red pegasus has been really churning stuff out. It’s damn good, too. It’s bringing in a lot more customers. I’ve even got enough cash to start renovations!” She said, wiggling her sock-clad hooves happily.

He managed an almost happy smile. “That’s great! Now all you need to do is get rid of your bouncer.” He cracked his neck. “I thought up a couple ideas while in traction.”

She chuckled before waving her hoof. “I dropped that douche last week. Kepler’s taken over your job for a while. She’s damn good at it, too. She’s even more ferocious than you are.”

Riot sighed. “Aww man....I wanted to pummel his sorry ass and boot him out the door.” The stallion shrugged. “Oh well, at least he’s gone.”

She nodded rapidly. “Yeah, the club’s been doing great. It’ll be doing even better with the both of you working! I even got the heater fixed!” Vinyl said, clopping her hooves together.

Sitting down on the beaten sofa, Riot grunted in slight pain. “Yeah, It’ll be nice to have something to do finally.”

The mare smiled at him, and put her hooves on his chest. “Yeah, your pecs are feeling a little flat. You could use a bit of a workout beating on drunken fools.”

He grunted, looking away. “It’s not my fault the hospital only has treadmills.”

Vinyl chuckled, and prodded his flank. “Yup, still just as tight.”

Rolling his eyes, Riot poked a bit of pudge that was poking out from where she sat. “And it looks like I should drag you along with me. Maybe Wild cooking all the time isn’t such a hot idea eh?”

The mare flushed, and poked his chest. “Hey, it’s sexy on me. It all goes right down here.” She said, giving her rear a slap.

“Right, right. Not that a good run wouldn’t tighten them up a tad.” He did his best to suppress the shit eating smirk, but he failed.

“Hey! They’re plenty tight! Feel!” The scorned mare said, turning slightly in place.

“Maybe after the first date.” He poked her again, doing his best to keep himself on top of the conversation. Despite everything, it was helping him keep his mind off the cold, empty house.

She smirked. “Sounds good to me, Tiger.” The mare said turning back to him.

Did I just set myself up for that?

He relaxed a bit, his eyes looking over the mantle. “Yeah...”

“Is something wrong?” She asked, seeing his distraction.

“It’s nothing, just...Trying to figure some things out.” He hoofed the couch.

The mare nuzzled up to him, placing his head on her shoulder. “Come on, you can tell me, momma Vinyl is here.”

“Try waking up a year in the future, your wife’s gone, the house is empty and up for sale... Your kid’s grown up without you....Again.” He huffed silently, watching as the mist floated up and away. “It’s frustrating. This town is frustrating. I... I don’t know.”

I want to kill somepony.

She nodded, stroking his mane with one hoof. “I can’t begin to understand what you’re feeling right now, but you have to think about the good things. Like your wonderful sister, your great friends, your son who still loves you.....New beginnings.” She smiled happily at her own words.

“Yeah, Redheart’s practically climbing on top of me...” He sighed. “I just hope I can still fit into everything. The first attempt didn’t go so well.”

“Wait wait wait, Redheart’s climbing on you? That bitch!” Vinyl huffed angrily, smacking the seat. “I called dibs dammit!”

Riot shook his head at the mares antics. “Vinyl...”

She giggled awkwardly, looking apologetic. “Heh, sorry. I get jealous. Getting to spend all that time with you as a captive audience...” The mare rubbed her hooves together. “Think of the possibilities....”

Riot rolled his eyes. “So, when can I start work again?”

Vinyl looked up, broken out of her reverie. “Well....Whenever, actually. You’ll always have a place at The Horseshoe. Kepler was only acting as the bouncer temporarily, Berry’s been teaching her how to bartend. She’ll be helping Berry out with serving drinks, with the new load of serving food; Berry would have too much on her hooves by herself.”

He nodded, trying to convince himself that working with Kepler wouldn’t end with him shooting himself in the mouth. “Alright, I’ll...I’ll swing by in a few, once I get settled.” He looked around the empty house. “Yeah. That’s the plan.”

The white mare nodded, looking around at the nearly-empty house. “Are you going to stay living here? It seems kinda big just for two ponies.” She said, sitting up slightly in her seat.

“I work with what I’ve got Vinyl.” He stood, stretching his legs. “I’m gonna check if I’ve still got running water.”

Vinyl nodded, shivering slightly, wrapping her socked hooves around herself. “Yeah, you must be yearning for a shower in your own house.”

Riot nodded solemnly, then trotted into the bathroom. He cracked the taps, only to hear the pipes clatter and roar. He backed away slightly as the whole house seemed to shake. “I think hot water’s out of the question!”

“Aww, and here I was, hoping for a hot, steamy shower with a hunky grey stallion.” He heard the mare say, her silky voice no longer coming from the living room.

Riot tensed up as felt a pair of hooves wrapped around his flanks. “Vinyl...”

He heard a mareish giggle, and her hooves drifted lower. “What’s wrong, Riot?”

“It’s-” His breath caught in his throat as she pressed a hoof into his cutie mark. He didn’t want to snap at her, but he didn’t really want her to keep going with this.

The mare removed her hooves, and sighed. “I don’t get you.” She said, pouting.

He turned, shaking his head in confusion. ‘What do you mean?”

She shook her head back. “I really don’t get you, you just don’t like mares, I don’t get it. I mean, you have mares throwing themselves at your hooves, and you don’t bat an eyelash.”

He lifted a hoof to say something, then let it fall back down. “It’s just....I don’t like it. It feels wrong.” Riot sighed, rolling his hoof. “I was never good with mares, so this all is just way out of my league.”

Vinyl swallowed as she lifted an eyebrow. “Then why don’t you just go with it? There’s a hundred stallions out there who would kill for your position.”

“Well, what do you want from me?” He eyed her with annoyance. “Do you want me sticking my dick in everything that lifts its bloody tail at me?” Riot snorted hotly.

The mare threw her hooves up. “I don’t know! I just want you to act like a normal stallion! It’s like you don’t even understand sexuality anymore. I mean, it’s been over a year, any other stallion would have exploded by now!”

He growled, trotting out of the enclosed space of the bathroom. “You have to remember that it doesn’t feel like a year to me; sure, not fucking very often sucks, but I can deal with it.” He looked at her. “I don’t see the problem! I’m trying to figure shit out before I start swinging my dick around!”

Vinyl shrugged dismissively. “I dunno, every other stallion would have jumped at the chances you’ve had, yet you let them pass you by. You’re an odd creature, Riot.” She said, patting his shoulder. “Anyway, I’ve got to get home, I need a nap.”

The stallions eye twitched as he watched the mare start to trot away. “So, what? You just come in and rile me up, then fuck off? Is that how it’s going to work from now on?”

Vinyl held a hoof up as she stopped at the door. “All I came here to do was say hi, and let you know what’s what. I didn’t come here to make you angry, and I’m sorry. I’ll see you at work, alright?”

He rubbed his eyes before nodding solemnly. “Yeah. See you then.”

The mare gave him one last sad look before trotting out the door into the wintery morning. Riot could hear each of the crunches of her hooves in the snow get quieter, and quieter, until he was alone again. In a burst of unbridled rage, he yelled out, kicking the couch over.

“This.... FUCKING... HOUSE!”

Riot shook his head in anger, then trotted into the kitchen. The cupboards crashed open, then were torn from the walls. The crashes were quickly followed by more enraged yelling. After a moment of furiously destroying anything and everything left in the house, Riot found himself sitting on his ass in the living room, staring at a now destroyed home. The couch had been flipped and thrown, and the only picture that was left had been flung with all of the stallions might against the wall. Riot muttered angrily, looking at his hooves. Each room was the same now. Baren. Empty. Lifeless. For sale.

The stallion looked down at his hooves, his vision beginning to blur. A drop of wetness hit his hoof, and then another, and then another. Riot brought his hoof up, and looked down at the rolling droplet with disbelief. He shook his head, stuffing the feelings roughly back down.

“So this is it then?”

Riot looked up in shock, then recoiled at the sudden appearance of a familiar yellow stallion. “Fuck! Dammit Mumbles, don’t fuckin do that to me.” Riot shook his head, then looked at the smaller unicorn as he sat on the edge of the overturned couch.

“This is what became of Captain Riot? A broken stallion sitting in the ruins of his own house?” The yellow stallion wasn’t smiling like he normally was, he was looking down at Riot, looking right through him.

Riot flicked a hoof at the other unicorn. “Fuck you. I’m not broken.” Riot jerked as he watched the masked version of himself leaning against the wall, not ten paces from him. “You.” Riot pointed at the pony with his hoof. “I killed you.”

The stallion laughed, shaking his head as he walked up next to Mumbles. “Yeah, sure.’ He held up his hooves for a moment. “You killed me. Congrats you big asshole.”

Mumbles nickered, pushing past the other Riot. “So you’re not broken. Maybe not physically. But mentally, emotionally.....Yup, you’re definitely not in the ‘I’m not broken’ club.” Mumbles said, giving the larger stallion a pat on the shoulder.

Masked Riot chuckled, lifting his hoof. “Agreed. Fuck, he’s imagining the pair of us and yelling at empty space.”

Riot brushed the hoof off angrily as he stood. “Don’t you patronize me you dead bastards. I’m doing the best I can.”

Mumbles was no longer at that side, he was looking at Riot with a raised eyebrow. “That may be so, but sometimes that’s not good enough. I tried my best too, and look where I am. Doing your best isn’t always enough, life loves throwing it’s little curve balls. Or big ones, like a pair of 7.62’s to the face.”

“Or a shiv to the throat!” Shiv laughed, pointing at the massive scar that wrapped under his throat. “That was fun. Heh, fucker.”

Riot huffed angrily, staring at the pair of stallions. He pointed his hoof at Mumbles. “Stop playing with my head! You’re a dead stallion buried three metres down!” Riot’s head snapped over to Shiv. “And you! Fuck you! You’re making me see this shit!

The stallion shrugged, the mask contorting in a uncaring frown. “For once, no.” The mask twisted into a smile. “You’re going crazy.” Shiv wrapped a hoof around Mumbles’ shoulder and drew the lemon stallion in. “You’re going crazy; crazy enough to have full fledged conversations with your dead best friend!”

Mumbles pushed away from Shiv and approached Riot. “Listen, it doesn’t matter what you think about us. But the point still stands. You can’t go back to doing what you did before. You need to do something; something else, something new.”

Riot cursed loudly before moving towards the kitchen. “So, so what!? What do you want me to do? I can’t go back to the military, they won’t touch me with a forty foot pole! The only job anypony would give me in this shit hole is at a fucking club! A CLUB!” His hoof lashed out against one of the overturned chairs. “I HATE CLUBS!” He turned on the pair of stallions following behind him. “I’ve hit rock bottom in this shitty little backwater, what the FUCK, do you think I can do!?”

Mumbles shrugged. “Dunno, I’m just a figment of your imagination. I think you should try opening up to somepony. Just act like me a little more, be nice to everypony you meet, not even for a reason, make friends, find something you like to do and do it. Find something solid and use it as a building point. Like that mare you met, Miss Redheart, she’s kind, has a stable job, and is apparently okay at dealing with anything you can throw at her.”

“That’s fuckin stupid.” Shiv circled around Riot; pulling a painfully familiar flask from his jacket. “You don’t need to open up to anypony. You’ve got us!” The stallion laughed before taking a pull off the flask. “Seriously though, do you really want to open up like that? They’ll shred you. You’re better off moving on.” Shiv offered the flask to Riot, his mask oddly comforting. Riot stared at the flask for a moment before grabbing it. He pulled the top off and finished it off as quickly as possible. Shiv smiled, and accepted the flask back from Riot.

As he moved out of the kitchen, the pair of stallions occasionally flitted around Riot’s vision to stay within his line of sight, not allowing the grey stallion to disregard them.

Said stallion grunted unhappily. “So, let me get this straight. You two have gone and gotten lonely sitting in my head, so now the dead stallion and a failed god are telling me how to live my life? You want me to go and make cutesy friends with the ponies in this Celestia forsaken town!? You want me to go play fucking patty-motherfuckin-cake with the ponies who put me in a coma for a year!?” He straightened up, eye twitching dangerously. “That’s a wonderful idea!”

Shiv held his hooves up. ‘I never said any a’ that shite. All I’m sayin, is you need to get your aggression out on someponies face.” He smiled aggressively. “Let’s go find that Buck fucker and pull his tongue out through his throat. Or better yet! his nuts, so we can use them as a punching bag!”

Mumbles shrugged again as his counterpart rambled on. “Hey man, if you want to live like a cold husk, be my guest. But acting like nothing but a machine is just proving those ponies right.”

“How so?” Riot took a step towards the lemon stallion. “And just how the fuck am I proving them right!? I’m trying to live my damn life, and they all want to stick their damn hooves in it and fuck it around!”

“The ponies who wanted you dead thought you were a soulless machine that only was around to do one thing; kill. I know that’s crazy, but hey, fear makes ponies a bit nuts sometimes.” Mumbles rested against the wall as Shiv wandered about muttering to himself.

Riot snorted angrily. “Celestias flaming ovaries, this is about me not humping Vinyl isn’t it?”

Shiv laughed, pulling up a pack of smokes from his jacket. “Hey colt-scout, if you wanna be celebate for fuckin ever, count me out.” The stallion jabbed one of the burning sticks at Riot. “You need to get laid! Kill something! Get drunk as fuck!” He laughed as he pulled up bits of imagery to advertise his side.

Riot growled, before booting over the couch Shiv was sitting on, sending the stallion tumbling. “Fuck the both of you! I’m tired of this place! Of the stupid bastards who think they understand what I need more than I do! I just got out of a relationship, I don’t need some bitch fucking with my heart!” He jabbed a hoof in Mumbles’ direction. “You don’t get to criticize me on how to live you dead fuck!” He pointed at Shiv next. “And you can’t say shit! If you were so smart, you wouldn’t be stuck in my head!"

Mumbles shook his head. “Of course not. I just want you to be happy, big guy. You need to let some ponies in some time. You’ve been keeping everypony at leg’s length. Go see your friends, have a good time tonight. They love you, and they always will.”

Riot wasn’t having any of it. “I’ve made plenty of friends in this hell hole. I just don’t want to go around fucking everything that moves! That apparently makes me the bad guy!” He waved a hoof about the house. “This is what happens when I let ponies in!” Riot jabbed his hoof towards Shiv. “This is what happens when I try to survive!” He then pointed a hoof at Mumbles. “This is what happens when I care!” Riot shook his head, trying to move away from the dead stallions.

Riot looked up for a moment, and saw Mumbles leaning against the wall directly next to him as Shiv stood behind. Mumbles took lead, rolling his hoof as he spoke. “Of course it doesn’t make you a bad pony. Vinyl just wanted to see some life in you, wanted you to actually act like a pony, instead of a mannequin with a frowny face drawn on it.”

Riot deemed not to answer, instead trotting to the front door, his duffel bag in tow. Mumbles shook his head sadly before disappearing. Shiv snorted, taking his leave from the waking world as well. Riot huffed angrily as they faded from his vision; He wrenched the door open and started out. He stopped dead in his tracks; a tall white pony before him. “Holy Celestia...” He back pedaled rapidly into the empty home as the alicorn took a step in, then surveyed the damage.

The princess shook her head, looking at him sadly. “I apologize that I was not able to visit you earlier my little pony, but I had much to attend to in the capitol, and things began to pile up.”

Riot merely nodded, his bag now a stress ball pressed up against his chest.

Celestia looked around the room for a moment, before frowning. “What happened in here, Ashfall Venture? Were you robbed?” She asked, before her horn began to glow. “Please, allow me to assist you.” The alicorn said, effortlessly placing all the furniture in it’s rightful place.

Riot sighed, his rapidly beating heart finally slowing. “The only robbery here was legal. I assume Aurora either sold or took a vast majority of my-our...Things.”

The pristine princess continued to frown. “I do not dabble in the lower court system, but do not think that that would be legal, you were incapacitated, and while the one holding the deed is out of order, nothing can be done to, or with the house.”

He shrugged weakly, still holding the bag. “I’m sorry Princess Celestia, but I’m sure you came here with more important business than me, or my sorry state of affairs...” He looked around absentmindedly, knowing full well that his home would never be fit for royalty or nobles.

She chuckled lightly. “Do not think yourself of low importance, Ashfall, I did come to see that all was well with you. What happened those months ago was a travesty, and I offer my most sincere apologies.” The matriarch gave him a short curtsy. The princess of Equestria just curtsied to him.... What? He lifted a worried eyebrow at her, not knowing what to expect.

Riot nodded slowly, before wheezing into his hoof. “Well...Thanks? I suppose. I mean, an apology from you was the last thing I ever expected, I was content just to try and forget about the whole deal...” He looked at his hooves. “It still feels like a lot of the other ponies don’t like me though, or think I’m some kind of...” He let his sentence trail off before starting again. “I’m sorry Princess, small problems in a big world.”

The alicorn shook her head slowly, smiling warmly at him. He felt like a small pony again, something he’d not felt in a long while; under her motherly gaze. “Please, Ashfall, speak all that is on your mind, I am untethered by my duties for the time being.”

He let out a worried breath, but in the back of his mind he felt as if somepony else was watching. He cringed a bit, hoping it wasn’t who he thought it was. “I don’t want to be a monster, or a killer. I did what I had to do.” He sat down on the now righted couch. “I just wanted to come home and pretend to be normal.” He shook his head. “Life has a sick sense of humor.”

Celestia let out a slow breath, frowning again. “Life doesn’t always like being one way or another, you just have to accept what comes, and make what you can of the consequences. I understand your sadness.”

He nodded. “Yeah. I’m trying my best to get things straightened out, and a lot of ponies are trying to help me. The downside is they all have a certain idea on how it should look when they're finished, and none of them agree on the final image.”

The alicorn nodded. “I most definitely know what that is like. I have a lot of ponies to take care of in this world, and not all of them are in agreement in the way our beautiful land is supposed to be. I have to take the will of the ponies into any of my decisions. Remember, you can never make everypony happy every time, you have to do what’s good for the majority of ponies, and I have to choose what direction is best for all of us. You must choose what you want your life to be like. What do you want, Ashfall? What is your final goal?”

“I want my son to have a better life than I did. Than my father did.” He closed his eyes, completely sure of this goal. “I don’t care about what those other ponies think, as long as he doesn’t suffer for my decisions.”

Celestia smiled, nodding again. “That is something truly worthy to strive for. Now, how do you think you can do that? What will you do to make that happen?”

“I...” Riot halted for a moment, contemplating his next words. “I have to be there for him. It may only be on weekends, but I’ll be there.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “You didn’t come alone, did you princess?” His words were soft and uncharacteristic, even for him.

The matriarch shook her head slowly. “I did not. I brought the element bearers, but I have told them to keep from entering the house, in case you did not want to speak to them, even with my persuasion. They would like to speak to you, if you would let them.”

The stallion exhaled slowly. “The sign did say open house....Or, it did...” He looked at his hooves sheepishly. “I may have incinerated the ‘For Sale’ sign.”

Celestia chuckled. “That may be slightly illegal, but I will let it go, given the circumstances.” She looked out the window, and tossed her head ever so slightly. Six ponies trotted inside, some looking at Riot sympathetically, and some guiltily. The stallion held onto his duffel bag as if for safety. He eyed each one of the mares before looking back at Celestia.

“This..This is an apology right? Not a lynching?”

Celestia rolled her one visible eye slightly. “Of course it’s an apology, at least from most of them.”

There was a small nod from Twilight, who took a step forward. “I’m sorry that I was incapable of helping you, Mr. Venture, or stopping my friends.” The small mare sighed.

He shrugged weakly, still clutching the bag for all he was worth. They wouldn’t take that from him. “Thanks...”’

Rarity stepped forward next. “I had hoped that I could have talked some sense into my friends, after meeting you and your family, but I couldn’t....I”m so sorry, Riot, from the bottom of my heart. If you ever need a place to stay, you’ll find one at Carousel Boutique.”

And get raped or something? Riiiiight. “Thanks Rarity.”

The white mare smiled warmly, and took a step back.

Applejack was next up. “Ah’m real sorry ‘bout what I did, Mr. Venture. Tryin’ ta run ya’ll outta town was right shameful. Ah know ah’ll never really make it up to ya, but to give ya’ll a little nudge in the right direction, you’ll have a permanent, lifetime discount from Sweet Apple Acres, cross mah heart.” The orange mare said, putting her hat over her chest, closing her eyes.

He nodded, slowly straightening out. The threat of being exiled or beaten to a pulp was coming to a close. “Thank you, but it’s not necessary. I wasn’t exactly popular in your eyes, it’s not your fault.”

“No matter what mah dispersition on ya, running ya’ll outta town was takin’ it way too far. Anything I can give ya’ll is a pittance, compared to what happened to ya.”

He smiled weakly at her, nodding curtly. The Princess was overwatching the entire thing, causing him to tense up every time one of the mares stepped forward.

“Am I making you uncomfortable, Mr. Venture? I will leave, if I’m causing any discomfort.” The alicorn said, looking down at him.

He looked at her and blinked, shock passing over his features. “No! No no, It’s just...I feel naked, pretty much. The first time I saw you in the flesh, I was in full military dress, and you were wishing us the best.” He looked vacantly at the floor for a moment. “I had a lot more friends back then.”

Celestia smiled sadly, and crossed the room with uncanny grace, placing a massive, yet still dainty and gentle hoof on his shoulder. “I’m genuinely sorry about the loss of your friends in such a pointless conflict. I never wanted to have to ever put any of my wonderful ponies in that kind of setting.....Nopony should ever have to go to war....” The mare sighed, looking off out the window.

He looked up at the gathering of ponies in front of him. He quickly looked back down, not wanting them to see the hurt in all its glory. “I miss my friends.” He shook his head. “All I’ve got left is my son. If you all could just act like I’m just another stallion, that would be fine.” He smiled weakly at them, hoping they’d agree.

Each and every one of them smiled warmly at him, nodding slowly. All except the small, butter-yellow pegasus in the corner and the rainbow mare who floated near the door. Riot looked at Fluttershy; her and Rainbow Dash. They were the ones who had done this to him. One had almost killed him, the other had held him down. They had taken another year away from the time he had with his son. “I don’t want any more fights. But I won’t grovel for acceptance either.”

Fluttershy’s look was one of horror, and sadness. She squeaked at his gaze, hiding behind one wing. “ I-I d-didn’t kn-know...” She sniffled, a nearly inaudible sound.

Riot sighed, looking at his own hooves, he knew she saw the blood too. He spoke softly and quietly. “I don’t want to be a monster, I just want to be a good dad.”

“ I-I...I d-didn’t know y-y-you were a daddy... I tried to... I tried to stop Buck, I r-really did....” The butter yellow pegasus said, looking up at him with her massive teal eyes, brimming with tears.

“He made his choice, and so did you.” Riot sighed, placing a hoof down. “I don’t want to fight you. If you want we can just pretend that...That none of this happened. We can try from the beginning.” He offered a weak smile and a hoof to the mare.

The mare nodded slowly, a tear sliding down her cute face. She cautiously made her way over to him, like a small animal, before putting her hoof out, and shaking his.

Pinkie ruined the moment by cheering, galloping over to the two ponies, and wrapping them in a group hug. “Yay! Ashie and Fluttershy are all better now!”

Both Riot and Fluttershy blanched at the sudden contact, and the horrible closeness to each other. Pinkie didn’t receive the nonverbal message, continuing to hug the two to herself, her marshmallowy hooves curled around them both. Riot looked pleadingly at Twilight, then at the Princess. “Pinkie...I think maybe you should-”

Pinkie giggled, and let go, though not after giving Riot an affectionate nuzzle. “You’ll always be welcome at Sugarcube Corner!”

“I thought I already was?” He cocked an eyebrow at the possibly cocaine powered mare.

Pinkie shrugged. “Well...Yeah....But that’s something you’re supposed to say!” The mare giggled again, and bounced back to her friends.

Riot failed to suppress a smile. “If you say so Pinkie.”

Wonderful. All that’s left is the cyan one...Rainbow Dash. The Me-hating Rainbow Tomahawk.

Rainbow let out a breath, looking up at Riot. “Listen.....I know I went a little bit crazy last year....Just a little.....I’m...I’m...sorry.” She said, looking off to the side, mumbling the last word so it was almost inaudible.

Twilight groaned, fwapping her friends rear with her tail. “Rainbow Dash.” The cyan pony groaned, and mumbled the same word again, a bit louder. Applejack rolled her eyes as Twilight huffed in disapproval. Riot could only shake his head as Dash’s pride was beaten to a pulp.

“I’m.....I’m sorry, damn it.” Rainbow let out a breath, and refused to meet Riot’s eyes, like a scorned child.

He let out a breath, then nodded. “Good enough for me. But, just so we’re clear, if you take away any more of the time I’ve got left with my son, your wings won’t be able to carry you fast enough.” He smiled, clapping Dash on the shoulder.

The mare gulped, and smiled weakly. “M-message received.”

The princess smiled happily as the ponies said their bits and made up. His words to Dash had worried her, but in his position, who could say she would do differently? Riot rubbed the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable at the amount attention. The Sun goddess shook her head, happy for the uneventful conclusion to this horrid affair. “Well girls, I must be off. I have duties to attend to. Twilight, I hope to see a letter from you about this tonight.”

Twilight nodded, and smiled at her mentor. “Goodbye, your majesty.” Each of the ponies echoed her, and she left the house. There was a sound like a gunshot, and Celestia was gone, the air feeling charged with electricity from her teleportation.

Riot had flinched visibly from the sudden sound, but seemed to have regained his composure before anypony but Twilight had seen the look of animalistic fear.

She raised an eyebrow, but didn’t comment, instead giving a short wave. “Well, I’m sure we all have things to do. I hope to see you around town, Mr. Venture.” The lavender unicorn said, lowering her head slightly in respect.

He nodded curtly, standing to hold the door open for them. “Well, it was....It was really awkward, but it had to happen sooner or later. I’ll see you around Twilight. I think I’ve got some books that need returning anyways.”

She nodded to him. “Come on, girls, lets get out of his mane.” The six ponies trotted out, saying their goodbyes, until he was left in a slightly-warmer, yet still empty house. Riot exhaled, sliding down the wall with a hoof to his chest. Eventually, the heavy beatings slowed to the point that he didn’t want to dive behind the couch and scream for back-up.

Riot shook his head slowly, then pushed off the cold floor. He waited twenty minutes, until he was sure that they were out of sight of his home. He then opened the door and stepped out into the chilly afternoon. Riot closed the door behind himself, locking it as a precaution.

He started off towards the town, wondering if the motel he had stayed at last year was still open.
______________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Twelve

Riot laid back on the rickety motel bed, trying his best to ignore the weak creaking of the bed. His duffel was set down on the floor, and his hooves went up to his face to rub his eyes. The buck sighed, staring up at the ceiling. He could hear a young couple a few rooms over; they were arguing loudly, but he couldn’t make out what they were saying. Whatever they were saying, it definitely wasn’t happy.

A shiver ran down Riots spine, causing him to look around for a moment. Shiv was perched on the dresser, just like he had been for the past hour. “I’m bored. Let’s go cause a fight or something.” Riot rolled over, opening his bag with his magic. A small, ragged photo floated up, and was left on his hooves. “Come on Riot!” Riot ran a hoof over the picture before closing his eyes. Shiv glared at him before rolling his eyes. “You fuckin’ suck.”

After a minute or so, he placed the picture on the nightstand and kicked back, looking at the slowly spreading case of black mold on the ceiling. There was a knock at the door.

Riot grunted unhappily, sitting up on the edge of the bed. “Who is it?” No answer. Snorting unhappily, the stallion stood up and trotted to the door. He cracked it open, poking his muzzle out the door. “Who is it?” He repeated.

“Dad? Is that you?” Hunter looked up at the grey muzzle poking through the door. Riot blinked, then pulled back, opening the door completely.

Riot kneeled down, wrapping his hooves around the colt and embracing him tightly. “Hunter! Celestia I missed you lad...”

The young colt smiled warmly. “I’m so glad I found you.....” Hunter said, nuzzling into the larger stallion’s chest.

Riot closed his eyes, hugging Hunter as tightly as he could. “How...How did you find me? I just checked in.” Not that he was complaining.

“Well....Miss Vinyl told me that you were home when I came to see her, but you weren't there. You weren’t at Vinyl’s, so I thought you would go to a hotel or something.” The young stallion hugged his father around the neck.

Riot grinned happily, ruffling the colts shaggy mane. “That’s my boy! I swear, you’ll make a fine detective.” He stood up, carrying the colt on his back. “Come on, I’ll show you my humble abode.”

Hunter beamed at the praise, seemingly unaware of the older stallion as he struggled with the added weight. Hunter had gotten a lot heavier, he was in another growth spurt. “Celestia kid, you’re getting heavy!” Riot picked the colt up in his magic and plopped him down on the bouncy bed. Hunter giggled as he bounced over backwards.

Hunter looked down at his foreleg, and smiled. “Mmhmm! Check it out!” He flexed, and the muscles bulged out slightly. Riot smiled broadly, but in the back of his mind he couldn’t help but sigh.

Riot rolled his eyes, poking at the forehoof. “Damn kid, you’re making me look bad!” He chuckled happily, sitting down on the edge of the bed. Hunter hugged his forehoof as he set it down; the colt held on tightly, nuzzling into the fur. Riot smiled softly down at his son. “I missed you Hunter.”

“I missed you too, Dad.....I can’t wait to live with you again!” The young stallion closed his eyes, sighing happily.

“I need a home for that...” Riot sighed unhappily, then glanced at the clock. “Does your momma know where you are?”

He felt the colt swallow, and Hunter looked away. “M-maybe.....”

Riot groaned, falling back on the bed. “You need to tell her these things Hunter, I know you’re not happy with her and all, but she’s still your Mother and she still loves you.”

Hunter let out a breath, and rolled his eyes. “I....I know.....I just missed you so much.”

Riot nodded, not wanting to drive the young stallion away. He had already lost so much time. “Alright, we’ll keep this as our little secret. But...I need to go to work in a few here.”

The little stallion sighed. “Oh....Alright.....Can I come with you? I can wash dishes for Uncle Sunny!”

“I...I’m not sure buddy...It’s not a great place for young colts to hang out.”

Hunter nodded slowly. “Okay Dad.....Have a good night. I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”

Riot placed a hoof on Hunters shoulder. “I didn’t say you couldn’t come. I just want you to stay with your uncle at all times, all right?” The small pony’s eyes lit up, and he got to his hooves, starting to bounce on the bed. His hooves didn’t leave the fabric, he was just electric with excitement. Riot chuckled happily, getting to his hooves. “Come on champ, let’s go mess up Vinyls mane.”

Hunter laughed, and saluted. “Yes sir!” The small pony hopped off the bed, and left into the hallway. Riot followed him out, taking one last longing glance at the picture on the nightstand before locking the door behind himself.
_______________________________________________________________________

The pair quickly arrived at the Horseshoe, and they were early for the most part. Riot nudged the door open, ushering the colt inside. “Come on Hunter, let’s find your uncle.”

Hunter’s eyes were wide, excitedly taking in the sights of the dark stairwell as he made his way down. “Wooowwww.” He said, looking around at the large room.

Riot only grinned, walking through the empty club. He swore that he saw a blur of blue and white up in the DJ booth, but other than that he couldn’t see anypony. It was quiet. Too quiet.

A pink blur passed Riot’s peripheral and he stiffened immediately. “Oh no.....” He said to himself. “Oh Celestia n-”

“SURPRISE!!!!!”

Pinkie appeared from behind one of the couches, Vinyl popped out from the DJ booth, Berry and Kepler from the bar, and Wild fell from the rafters, crunching into a heap on the floor. The red pegasus made a noise like a deflating balloon, and weakly squeaked: ”Surprise....”.

Riot would have been laughing if not for the literal fucking canon that had gone off, showering him with confectionary and confetti. Of course, to him it wasn’t confetti, it was dirt, blood and gore. Riot yelped in terror, falling back on his haunches.

Riot looked to his left, motioning for the buck to move up. The new buck trotted up, not keeping his head down. “Trap. Two feet to the left, tripwire's under a rock.” The private blanched, then nodded his head, levitating out a pair of wire snips.

The pale blue buck crept towards the trap, then brought his snips towards the wire. The stallion disarmed the line, and pulled the disabled mine out. He turned, holding it up as he smiled.

BANGBOOOOOM
Riot yelled out in pain as he was flung against a fallen tree; dirt, blood, guts and uniform raining down around him.

Pinkie’s smile deflated a bit, but she counted it to surprise. She flicked a little lever, and a banner unfolded on the far wall. It said ‘Welcome Back Riot!’ in massive black letters, haphazardly painted, with many hoof prints over it in the same paint.

Riots breathing slowed down, and the world slowly returned to normality. He wiped his brow with a hoof, forcing a chuckle. “W-wow...”

Kepler giggled from the bar, hopping over the wooden planks, embracing her older brother. “I’m so happy you’re back!”

He smiled awkwardly, hugging her back. “T-thanks...”

Vinyl left her DJ booth as well, sporting a wide smile. “Sorry about before, I was supposed to go get you and bring you back here.”

Riot got back up on slightly shaky hooves, trying to readjust himself. “Yeah, sorry about that.” He looked down at Hunter, who was in the process of poking the mangled corpse that was Wildman. “I brought Hunter in today. Thought he could work in the kitchen with Wild, washing dishes and the like.”

Vinyl smiled at the small pony. “Works for me, big guy.” She patted Hunter on the shoulder, and Wild twitched again, like a crushed bug.

Hunter grinned happily at the pearl mare. “Awesome! Come on Uncle Sunny!” Hunter grabbed the scruff of the stallions neck, and started dragging him slowly across the floor. The low squeal of smooth floors meeting lazy flesh brought a cringe to Riots face.

Berry smiled warmly from behind the bar, and grabbed Riot a bottle of water. “Here you go big guy.” She held it out to him.

The stallion shook his head as his eyes fell on a bottle of whiskey that sat on the shelf behind her. “I need a strong drink.” Berry cocked an eyebrow at him, along with anypony who was within ear shot. She then shrugged before passing the bottle over.

Riot took the bottle in his hooves, eyeing it for a moment. “You know...I just realized that I haven’t had a solid drink in almost two years...”

Except for those little swigs from that hidden flask. Liar. Shiv chuckled in the back of his head.

The mulberry mare waved a hoof as she pulled out a small bottle of a rainbow coloured liquid. “Before you drink that, let me make you something.” She popped the top off of the bottle, and put a single drop in the familiar concoction. “Have at it, big guy, this could put down a buffalo chieftain.”

The stallion shrugged, knocking back the drink. His lips curled as the sour mix split his gut in two. “Sweet mother- How the fuck can anypony enjoy something like- Oh.” The sudden sensation of flying and hitting the floor simultaneously crashed through his mind, all while sitting still. “Huh.”

Berry chuckled. “You two might want to take a few steps back, this could get bad.” She said to Kepler and Vinyl. Riot blinked, then got up.

“Well, please tell me there won’t be anymore loud explosions...Please?” Riot looked pleadingly at the pink mare who was fast approaching.

Pinkie giggled. “Nope! It’s just time for fun!”

He breathed a sigh of relief, choosing to ignore the indignant look of curiosity from Berry. The mare poked at him, then ran her hoof down his side. “How are you still standing?”

Shrugging, he poked her in the belly, eliciting a squeak of surprise from the mare. “First you must learn to center your feng-shui.”

“Feng shui? Isn’t that like....Where you put things in a room?” The mulberry bartender asked, raising an eyebrow.

He waved a hoof about, dismissing her claim. “That’s not important! The trick is to just not let the alcohol touch any fleshy parts of your insides.” Berry blinked, her mind incapable of comprehending such retardation. He grinned, messing her mane up. “I’ll tell you later lass.”

She didn’t look at him, still thinking, trying to understand while her mane was now covering her eyes, staring at the wall. Vinyl prodded her, and giggled as she swayed. “I think you broke her.”

Riot rolled his eyes, looking at Vinyl. “If this is one of those ploys to get me to kiss her on the pretense of waking her up, I ain’t falling for it.”

Vinyl shrugged. “Dunno....Let’s see if it works.” She leaned over the bar, her lips connecting with the mare’s, her tongue visibly passing between them into the slackened jaw of the bartender.

Riot tried to drag his eyes away, but failed. He was happy that Kepler had slipped out to check on Wildman, and Pinkie was too busy being, well, Pinkie. Berry blinked, quickly realizing the situation she was in.

The mulberry mare’s eyes shot open, but before she could pull back, Vinyl wrapped a hoof around the back of her head, stopping her retreat short, pushing her muzzle deeper into the earth pony’s, winking at Riot.

“Hey Dad, what do you think the special should b-” A small door opened next to the bar, and Hunter had just begun to trot out when he saw the two mares at the bar. The young colt’s horn sparked for a moment, and he stiffened, cheeks glowing hotly.

Riot slowly lifted a hoof, covering the colts eyes. “Vinyl...” For once, Shiv was completely silent as well.

Hunter ducked just enough to avoid his father’s hoof, but the display ended at Riot’s words. Berry pulled back, blushing just as hotly as the young stallion. Vinyl giggled, leaning back against the bar. Her eyes focused on something behind both of the stallions. Wild’s single wing had embedded itself in the door jam, and he was currently trying to free the stiffened object from the doorframe.

Shiv growled happily as he paced back and forth as he filled Riots head with images of what he could do to the mares. I want them. Make it happen.

Riot coughed lightly, smiling apologetically at Berry, who was still completely screwed over from the whole ordeal. “I think we should uh...Maybe get ready for opening?”

Vinyl perked up before poking Riot in the ribs with a hoof. “I have a friend coming by, could you let her in?” The stallion nodded, causing Vinyl to smile broadly. “Great! I promise I’ll make it up to you~”

Riot nodded quickly, and Vinyl smiled even wider. Kepler bounced out of the kitchen, completely unaware of the entire ordeal. She bumped Riots shoulder as she came up beside him. “Well big brother, you ready to bounce together?”

He rolled his eyes, nudging the door open. “Sure am.”

“Oh don’t be such a sour puss. I’ve done great this last week.” The grey mare stepped outside, and leaned against the brick wall. He nodded, taking up his usual spot.

“Sure, I don’t doubt that.” He smiled at her, motioning towards the first customers. “They usually show up this quick?”

“Mmhmm...I guess I got as lucky as you did with the genetic lottery. Stallions are really flocking. And stallions mean mares.”

He grunted, noticing the mark up in stallions. “Just don’t go humping away in the bathroom.” He nodded to the first group, a trio of loud bucks trotted forward.

Kepler chuckled. “Howdy boys, you have a good night, huh?” She said, giving one a playful thwap on the rear with her tail.

One of the stallions grinned widely, taking in a deep, unapologetic look at her rear. “Why don’t you come in with us Sweet Cheeks? We can show you a good time.”

Riot growled hotly, resisting the urge to take a step forward. “Pay the fee and get inside.”

The smaller stallion shrunk back, ducking his head as he entered, muttering something Riot didn’t quite catch as he entered the club. His friends followed suit, and Kepler rolled her eyes. “Don’t be like that, Riot. I joke around with those stallions all the time.”

He sighed, rubbing his eyes. “Kep, there’s such a thing as ‘professionalism’.” He looked at her apologetically. “And you’re my sister.”

“Oh I guess. You don’t have to be so uptight about it, Ashie. I’m with Wild, and I’m staying with him.” The mare leaned against the wall again, sighing.

He went to say something, but stopped himself as the next group slid around the corner.

It was a orange-maned mare, Lyra, and Bon Bon. The mint mare gave Riot a wave, and galloped up to him. “I’m glad to see you out of the hospital!” She said, smiling widely as she gave him a quick hug.

He hugged Lyra back. “Glad to be out. Good to see you Lyra, you too Bon Bon.”

Bon Bon smiled warmly at him. “Lyra told me about you, apparently you’re quite the stallion. We’ll see you tonight.” She said, reining in her mare, and bringing her other friend with her down the steps.

He nodded to the new mare, who blushed profusely and quickened her step. The clink of bits brought his hoof up to hold the door for them. “After you ladies.”

They nodded, eager to be out of the cold weather. When Riot looked up, he saw small flakes of snow beginning to fall, adding to the thick white sheet over the town.The buck smiled, an actual, genuine smile. He had always liked the snow.

Kepler shivered, and her horn glowed, bringing two white and red stocking caps, with a white ball and a bell on the end. She put one over her own head, and one over Riot’s. He looked up at the white puff ball, which was now dangling in his face. He blew at it, trying to make it go away, but every breath only lifted it up and brought it back down. Riot scowled a bit, slouching as the ball swayed in his vision.

Kepler giggled, playing with the little bell like a cat, batting it with a hoof. “Hearth’s Warming is in a few days, Vinyl was talking about hosting the party right here.” She said, letting a few more ponies in.

Riot sighed, now realizing he couldn't defeat the hat. “Sounds nice.” He nodded to a couple ponies he didn’t recognize, allowing entry once he heard the bits hit the bottom of the box.

Parties. Woo.

A few quiet moments passed, where Kepler was too busy talking to patrons or focused on her hat to say anything to him. Riot quietly wondered how Hunter was doing. He looked at the long line in front of himself and cocked his head towards Kepler. “You may as well head inside, keep an eye on the ponies there.”

Kepler nodded. “Don’t go beating up the clientele, now.” She said, grinning, bumping her older brother with her flank. “Just call if you need anything.”

He nodded, looking at the line. “Only if they deserve it Kep.” The grey mare nodded, trotting inside and closing the door behind herself. Riot let out a breath, rolling his shoulders to get comfortable.

The next few groups were simple, they paid and went in. The next pony on the other hoof was.... Ill suited for the club, to say the least. The dark grey mare looked about, adjusting her purple bow tie.

She looked up at the large stallion, and then the door, sighing. “Good evening. This is The Horseshoe, yes?” The mare asked, her voice melodious and thick with a Trottingham accent.

Riot nodded. “Yup.” He looked at her again. She most definitely wasn’t the type for going to nightclubs. “Are you looking for somepony in particular? Or are you just looking to head inside?”

The mare let the shadow of a blush pass over her features, and she bobbed slightly on her hooves, trying to warm herself up. “I’m looking for Vinyl. You wouldn’t know where she is, would you?”

He nodded, opening the door for her. “She’s in the DJ booth, but you may have to wait for a bit, sounds like she’s in the middle of a set.” He motioned her in. “Go on, Vinyl’d have me head if I charged one of her respectable looking friends admission.”

The mare’s blush increased. “Thank you, kind sir. But the price is no matter.” She nodded her head, and dropped a few bits into the tin. “Have a good night.” She said, trotting inside.

“Merry Hearths Warming.” He watched as the door closed behind her and her insatiably shaped flanks. He gave her head a shake, then promptly had to explain to a white stallion why he wasn’t going to let him in for free.

An hour passed, and the line had all but disappeared inside. Riot let out a breath, watching as the puff of air floated away. He shuffled a bit, getting whatever snow had landed on himself off. Riot turned towards the door and trotted in, locking it behind himself. Of course, ponies could still get out, but nopony could get in easily.

The large stallion trotted down the steps and into the club proper. He glanced over at the bar, to where an oddly familiar drink was being prepared for a misled stallion. The blue pony was about to slug back a Stalliongrad special.

The blue stallion looked down at the beverage clutched in his magic, and slowly licked his lips, bringing it towards his muzzle. He took a mouthful, and looked down at the beverage. He frowned for a moment, before falling face first into the bar. The pony’s friends laughed, poking him in jest. Only when he fell out of his seat and onto the floor did one of them clue in to take him to the bathroom immediately.

Riot let out a chuckle, trotting up to the bar. “Set me up with a shot of Stalliongrad, Berry.”

The mare giggled at the smaller stallion, then nodded to Riot, getting started on the liver melting mixture, while simultaneously doling out drinks to mares and stallions, the bottles sliding perfectly down or up the bar.

In a moment, Riot had his shotglass in hoof, and the drink was already gone. The remains of the blue ponies friends gave him a shit eating smirk, waiting for him to bounce his face off the bar. When he didn’t, they all looked at him in reverence.

Riot just smirked, trotting away. He clutched the bottle of beer he’d pilfered from the bar; eventually knocked on the DJ booth door.

The off white DJ came bouncing out, plucking the beer from his grasp. He rolled his eyes, looking about for her fancy friend. “That friend of yours came by, looked real fancy. Wore a purple bow?”

Her crimson eyes widened, and she gleefully looked into the crowd. “‘Tavi? Where!? Oh my Celestia it’s been like....Forever since I’ve seen her!”

He squinted in the pulsating dark, looking for- There she was! Riot started trotting towards one of the booths, where the mare was sitting, trying to ignore a drunken patron who was getting a little too frisky.

She was glaring at the brown stallion, who’d just laid his hoof on her flank when Riot showed up, staring down at the smaller pony.

“Wudda you want, Asshole? I’m making my move, fuck off.” The drunken buck said, sneering at Riot.

“I believe the lady wants you gone.” He towered over the tiny drunken foal. He cocked his head to the side, motioning towards the door. “And I think you’ve had one too many.”

The stallion let out a dismissive breath, and turned away from Riot, back to the elegant mare, and leaning in to kiss her on the muzzle, pulling the protesting mare in by the back of her head. He was halted immediately as a hoof wrapped around his neck, pulling him back as all the air in his lungs was forced out by a shot to the kidney.

The buck quickly twitched out of consciousness; then was hauled out back and dumped into the trash. Riot wiped his hooves together, then trotted back inside. He was quickly waved down by Vinyl, who was sitting with the mare.

He walked over, standing by the couch. “Sorry about that, we usually don’t let folks get that out of hoof.”

The elegant mare nodded slowly. “It’s quite alright, though I must thank you for your expedient removal of that ruffian.” She said with a huff, taking a sip from the wine glass gripped gently between her forehooves.

Riot shrugged, looking about. “It was my pleasure.”

Do they even have wine here?

Vinyl rolled her eyes. “Geez, just go and fuck already!” She wrapped a hoof around the darker mare. “Come on Tavi! He’s cute...” Vinyl gave Riot a lecherous look.

The mare’s face blazed with an embarrassed blush, pulling away from Vinyl’s hoof. “Pardon me if I do not.....Familiarize myself....With every stallion in town, as you do.” She said, turning up her nose at the DJ.

Riot chuckled, adding in on the rebuttal. “Yeah, Vinyl here t’ain’t very good with the distance thing.” He rolled his eyes, only slightly realizing his Emerald isles accent had made an appearance.

The earth pony looked up to Riot. “I recognize that accent!” She said, momentarily letting her aristocratic shell fall away. “You come from the Emerald Isles!” The mare said. “That’s not far from where I come from.”

The stallion sat down, looking around continually. “Yeah, me ma and step-pa are still in Cork.” He leaned back against the couch. “What about you? Where’s the spot you hail from?”

Vinyl just sat and stared at the ponies, both aspects of the two completely unknown to her.

“Trottingham! I lived just across the channel! I spent a lot of time in Cork.” She said. “I’m so glad to be speaking to somepony I actually have common ground with, even one so......Scruffy.”

He leaned forward, offering a hoof to her. “Names Iron Venture, what about you lass?”

She smiled. “Octavia, it’s good to meet you, Mr. Venture.” The mare sipped from her wine daintily before setting it down, and giving him a hoofshake. “It’s not often I get to speak to ponies from that part of the world. Especially in a place so....” She looked off to the side, and winced at the beginnings of a bar brawl in the corner. “....Quaint?”

Riot chuckled, looking around at the club. “Trust me, I didn’t think I’d end up here after the army.” He smiled lightly as Kepler broke up the fight.

Octavia looked up in surprise. “You were military? I should have guessed, given your physique, not to mention your....” She motioned to one of his many old scars along his visible hide.

The stallion rubbed his neck. “Yeah, I was career military, but uh... After Hoofington I was given an honorarable discharge due to medical reasons. I think that was hoofed over to almost forty percent of field commanders.” He mulled the thought over for a moment, completely oblivious to the grey mare sneaking up behind him.

Riot was alerted to something being off as Octavia blinked, and her focus turned to something behind him. He looked, and saw his younger sister creeping up on him. The mare giggled, and bumped Riot with her flank. “Shmoozing it up with the fancy mare, huh? I guess this proves it, earth ponies are your thing.”

“Nah, just talkin’ with Ms. Tavia about the home island.” He motioned towards Kepler. “This is m’ sister, Kepler Steele. And before you ask, no, we’re not twins. I’m four years older than she is, she just looks like me.”

Octavia smiled, and put out her hoof, which Kepler happily returned. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Steele. Your brother is quite the interesting pony.” She said, looking to the scarred stallion.

Kepler nickered, hoofing the stallion playfully rough. “He always gets the attention.” She wrapped her hooves around his shoulders and started shaking Riot violently. “And he never answers m’ damn letters!”

Vinyl giggled, and patted Octavia on the shoulder. “See, Octy. I got along fine, even without you holding my hoof every step of the way.” She said, looking to her friends with a giant grin.

The grey mare looked away as the pair of siblings started throttling each other, tossing various obscenities back and forth. “Well, to be fair, one can get quite far by shaking flank and selling booze.” She chuckled, placing a hoof on the couch. “I’m joking, I’m glad you’re doing fine.”

Vinyl giggled again. “You’re just jealous you don’t have any flank to shake, ‘Tavi.” She said, giving the grey pony a swift smack on the rear.

The mares eyes went wide, and she squeaked out at the impact, before covering her mouth with a hoof. Her blush was apparent, even in the dark. Vinyl let out a guffawing laugh, drawing the attention of the two still bickering siblings. Octavia sputtered out a response, but luckily Riot came to the rescue.

“Now Vinyl, I’m pretty sure she’s got quite the flank there.” He cleared his throat. “It’s not all about sheer mass and bounce. It’s also about refined qualities.” He pointed at the grey flanks sporting the purple treble clef. “Now, see the curvature? That shows that she takes care of herself, but the slight bit of bounce there shows that she still indulges every now and then.” He smirked to himself as Vinyl huffed over her lack of flank refinement.

Where did that come from?

Octavias blush had spread nearly to her chest, and her ears were on fire. “W-was that a compliment?”

Riot shrugged. “Take it however you want lass, I’m more than a little buzzed.”

Vinyl let out a breath, and cocked her ass slightly towards Riot. “Are you crazy? Look at this flank! Look at it!” She said, wrapping her tail around the back of his head, pulling him closer.

Riot smirked, knowing that his next bit of wording would only frustrate her further. It was payback time. “What? This tiny thing?” He poked it with a hoof as she held his head close to the cushiony rear.

Vinyl growled, sitting down on his muzzle, pinning him to the couch. The ponies eyes went wide and he flailed about as her ass clamped his face into the couch cushion. She giggled, and planted herself deeper, squashing the stallion. “Now, who has the best, and most sexiest flank in all of Equestria?” She asked, looking back at the pinned Riot, still struggling weakly against her plush butt.

Octavia coughed, blushing more as the scene unfolded in front of her. She scooted about on the couch, trying to find something else to focus on. “I-it’s alright Vinyl, your flank is the best.”

Riot mumbled through the fur and plot, pointing his hoof in a random direction. “Her.” His hoof had fallen on a lamp.

“Oh yeah, tough guy?” She said, narrowing her eyes at the pinned stallion. The mare rose up a few inches, making the buck feel like he’d at least gotten a bit of a breather, before slamming herself back down. Riot yelped,his hind leg twitching as he was still unable to escape. He huffed, poking her plot; speaking a muffled, ‘you’.

She nodded. “Good boy.” And raised her flank, allowing the stallion to raise his head back up, blinking slowly, taking large gulps of air. She gave her rear a little shake. It was truly magnificent, like two bouncy pillows attached at the flank.

Octavia stood, smirking slightly. She placed a hoof on Vinyls shoulder. “I do believe your set is coming to an end.” Vinyls eyes widened, and she cursed loudly. The white mare bolted away, bouncing up the shorts steps to her little booth.

Riot sneezed loudly, shaking his head as he did so. “I think she tweaked my nose...”

The gray mare across from him chuckled lightly, sipping from her drink again. “Vinyl has always been......Defensive....Of her assets.” She said, blushing.

He nodded, quickly downing the rest of his nearly forgotten drink. “Yeah. She’s quick aggressive when it comes to stallions and her nethers.”

Octavia looked down, swirling her drink in her hooves, a sly smirk on her face. “You know, behind Vinyl’s bravado and boasting, she’s actually quite.....Insecure....She always strove to make ponies like her. She had trouble making friends when she was younger, foals can be quite cruel to one another, especially if one has such a striking difference as her crimson eyes.”

“Agreed.” Riot rubbed his temple with a hoof. “I don’t know Octavia...She’s been quite...Adamant about getting together with me. She’s a great pony, really, but I don’t know if we’d be good for each other. I’m uh… Not exactly great with relationships.” Riot pursed his lips for a moment as he thought his own words over. ‘That, and I’ve seen how she acts around a lot of the other stallions, I don’t want to be used and tossed, again.”

The gray mare sighed, swirling her drink again. “You can never be sure, Mr. Riot. I guess she just sees her advances as the best way to get together with somepony. She seems to really like you, Mr. Riot, and she wants to show it the only way she can.” She said, leaning back. “She can be....Unstable....At times.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Yup. Volatile reactions and all that sod.” He sighed. “I don’t like being tossed to the side. The military did it to me too many times for it to be anywhere near fine for a mare to do it.” Riot rubbed his eyes. “But like you said. Can’t be sure.”

Octavia smiled, nodding. “I believe I will go and order some food, try out the cuisine.”

Riot shrugged, pointing at the bar. “Stay away from the quiche.” The grey mare nodded, bowing her thanks as she walked off. Riot did however notice the additional sway in her step. Maybe being a flank judge was in his best interest after all.

Standing, Riot quickly scanned the club, looking for trouble makers. Finding none, he quickly made his way to the new kitchen to check on Hunter. Once the thumping club was behind him, Riot trotted through the doors.

Wildman was busy working away at a vegi-wing that had somehow managed to become embedded in the roof. Hunter was watching happily, laughing every time Wildman cursed or tipped. Riot snuck up behind the colt, then pounced, blowing a loud raspberry into Hunters neck.

The colt squealed, limbs flailing about as Riot tickled him. Once he was nearly in tears, Riot let go, laughing as he hugged the small grey colt. “How’s my Hunter doing?” He asked, tussling the colts mane.

Hunter beamed, bouncing about the kitchen. “It’s great Dad! Thank you so much for bringing me! Uncle Sunny is showing me how to make food!” He smiled just as the ladder clattered to the ground. Riot looked up at the stallion who was now hanging from the wing by his teeth. Wild waved absently as he gnawed on the crunchy bit of food.

Riot smirked, holding his hoof around Hunters slightly broader shoulders. “Think you like working here?”

Hunter nodded happily. “Yep! I get good food and Uncle said I even get my own bits!”

“Great, then you’ll get to avoid the painstaking work of job hunting!” Riot chuckled, patting Hunter on the shoulder. “Sounds like things are slowing down out there. Might want to get ready for a bunch of food orders.” He stood up, then helped Wildman down with his magic. The red stallion huffed, looking up at the food stuff. Riot merely shook his head and trotted back out.

Once back out into the club, Riot was faced by a now throbbing group of drunken ponies, each too hammered to know that they couldn’t dance. At all. He rubbed his face, not wanting to have to drag them out individually. It was then that he spotted Lyra.

He smiled, happy that she was enjoy- His line of thought was cut off as she swayed, hitting the floor face first. Riot winced in sympathy, then started trotting over. Either she was going to be trampled, or she was going to puke all over the dance floor. Vinyl’d have his nuts if either happened.

Riot trotted over, pushing a few ponies out of the way as he moved forward. He kneeled down next to the mare; happy that she was still breathing, Riot lifted her up and tossed her over his shoulder.

Trotting up to bathroom, Riot brought her into a stall and sat her down next to it. The mare moaned in pain, slumping over the toilet. Riot sighed, running a hoof down her mane in an attempt to comfort her. Lyra belched, then puked loudly.

Riot sighed, holding her mane back. An off white mare trotted in, looking around. When she saw the two, she deflated. “Again?”

“Again.”

Bon Bon groaned in anger, trotting over to take his place. “Thanks for taking care of her. I didn’t even notice you take her.”

He shrugged, stepping back. “Didn’t want to see her get hurt.” He trotted to the sink, washing his hooves quickly. He could still smell Lyras heavy perfume on them, but he decided a solid shower would deal with that.

With the situation dealt with, he trotted back out, returning to the bar. Once he was there Berry passed him a beer. “Way to go Hero.” She whipped him with a bar towel as she smirked.

The top of the beer cracked open, and the bottles contents were quickly slugged back to eradicate the foul taste in his mouth. “Yeah. Super Bouncer, here to hold you over the toilet. Hurrah.” He tossed the empty bottle into the recycling bin. “Hur-fucking-rah.”

Berry smiled, placing her elbows on the bar and leaning on them as she braced her face with her hooves. “So. How’s your niiight been?”

The sudden change in her demeanor worried him. “Fiiine. Whyyyyy?”

She smiled coyly, running her hooves over the rim of a glass as a few ponies left the dancefloor and trotted out the door, either alone or with the opposite sex. Something felt off. Something was wrong.

He stepped off the bar and back onto the flat floor. Riot cocked his head to the side, only to have Berry grab his ears and hold him still as somepony jumped onto his back. Vinyl let out a triumphant giggle into his ear as she slapped his flank, earning a whinny of surprise. “Forward my trusty stead!” He couldn’t see what she was doing, but he knew she was going to pay dearly. A quick cuff to the flank sent him forward, and earned a round of laughter from the club patrons.

He circled around a few times, silently wondering if he should be happy for the exercise, or angry for the embarrassment. Riot figured he’d find out later. Vinyl waved to the ponies as the set finally came to a halt. “Alright everypony! Thanks for coming out tonight, and I hope to see you all tomorrow!” She laughed, holding her front hooves in the air as the ponies laughed, cheering her on as they filed out slowly.

Riot nickered, cocking his head to look at the mare who was still perched on his back. “Happy now?”

Vinyl cracked an evil grin, then laid down, snuggling into his back. “You’re comfy...I’ma sleep here.” At that, she started making fake snoring sounds, acting as if she were asleep. Riot groaned, now trotting towards the bar as the last of the patrons filed out. He tried to shake her off, but only managed in getting her to tighten her grip.

The barmare giggled, taking out a drink for herself. “Looks comfy Scratchy, can I come up?”

Riot deadpanned as Vinyl smirked. He pointed a hoof at her accusingly. “This is your fault dammit.”

She nodded, smiling still. “Mhmm! And I know there’s room for two up here!”

Vinyl sat up, laughing loudly as Kepler trotted into the kitchen. Vinyl slapped Riots flank again, motioning for Berry to come over. Riot growled, but quickly submitted as the mare took grip of his horn.

The weight of the two mares was...Uncomfortable. Thankfully, the most weight between them was Vinyls fat ass. Shiv chuckled.

The white mare smacked his ass as he thought outloud. “Hey! It’s not fat! It’s shapely you big jerk!”

Riot frowned at Shiv’s words coming out of his own mouth. He started searching for a place he could easily dump the pair of mares without actually hurting them. Despite everything, he had to admit it was actually kind of funny. Hunter bounced about visibly through the kitchen doors, talking to Kepler and Wildman. Kepler said something he couldn’t hear, then smiled widely as she chased Hunter out of the kitchen.

The colt ran away screaming happily as his Aunt chased him across the club dance floor. Riot watched them, chuckling as Hunter deftly avoided her by hurling cushions at her face. Kepler caught one square in the jaw and went down hard, skidding across the floor. Hunter ran forward a bit, then stopped. He giggled, not wanting to get any closer to the mare.

“You can’t fool me auntie!” No movement from Kepler. Hunters smile sagged a bit. “Auntie?” He trotted forward cautiously, then poked her with a hoof. “Auntie Kep?”

The mare pounced, roaring as the colt screamed. She tackled him, tickling the poor colt mercilessly as she pinned him down. Hunter screamed again, but it was quickly overtaken my fits of laughter.

Riot laughed, shaking his head. Berry had hopped off his back, finding that there actually wasn’t any room up there for her. Vinyl...Vinyl was too busy actually snoring away to notice anything. Berry leaned against him, giggling into her hoof. “Your kid’s awesome Riot, can we keep him?”

He snorted, shaking his head. “He’s mine, I called dibs.” The mare pouted. “Buut!” Her smile lifted. “He definitely likes working here, I’ll see what I can do about getting him in on the weekends as a dish cleaner. It’ll be good for him.” Riot smiled, watching as Kepler finally released Hunter after a certain amount of Uncles, pleases and ‘auntie Kepler is awesomes’.

Wildman had all but collapsed onto one of the couches; completely wiped from the nights work. Berry yawned, looking at a small watch. “Welp, I best be going. See you tomorrow Hun.” She kissed Riots cheek, earning the ghost of a smile.

He nodded to her, absent-mindedly looking around for Vinyls friend Octavia. “Yeah, see you around lass.”

Berry waved her goodbyes, then trotted out the door and into the dark. Riot settled for a soft smile, then trotted over to the couch that Wildman and Kepler were sharing as Hunter galloped up to Riot.

“Dadadad! I made twenty whole bits today!” He held up the coins, pride shining on every part of his face.

Riot laughed, nuzzling the colt. “That’s awesome Hunter! But did you get any tips?”

The colts eyes went wide, and he quickly searched his body. He came up empty, and slightly sad. “N-no...Is that a bad thing?”

Riot placed a hoof over Hunters ear, smiling broadly before cocking his head. “You need to try and look harder little buddy!” He pulled a coin out from behind Hunters ear, then hoofed it to him. “That’s twenty one bits! Good haul!”

Hunter gasped as the coin was pulled out. “How’d you do that!? That’s so cool!”

Riot and Kepler chuckled, sharing a quick knowing glance. “Family secret. I’ll tell you when you’re ready little guy.” Riot tousled Hunters mane, then looked at Kepler and the comatose Wildman. “I’m gonna get Vinyl to bed. Could you watch Hunter? I’ll be back in like five minutes.”

Kepler smirked, looking at the white pony on his back, who was busy snoring up a storm. “Sure. But you owe me big guy!”

Rolling his eyes, Riot nodded. “Fine. One Clover family hoof massage. But JUST. ONE.” He held up the hoof, clopping it on the floor once. “Got it?”

She nodded happily, picking up Hunter in her magic. “Sure! Hurry back lover colt!”

Riot nodded, then looked at Hunter. “I’ll be back in five Hunter, then I’ll take you home.”

The colt looked displeased at the last part of the statement, but nodded anyways. “‘Kay Dad....”

Riot breathed out, then nodded at the group. He about-faced, then started trotting towards the doors that led to the kitchen and the rest of Vinyls home. Once past the double doors, everything seemed quieter somehow. By the time he reached the stairs Vinyl had wrapped a pair of demure hooves around his neck as she nuzzled into his coat.

Climbing up the stairs, Riot easily found the single bedroom, just across from the small bathroom. He nudged the door open with his muzzle. He quickly reached the messy bed, then lifted Vinyl up with his magic. She stirred in her sleep, but didn’t wake up. Riot sighed as he placed her down on the mattress just as he finished adjusting the sheet. Vinyl curled up, shivering slightly. Riot grabbed the blanket with his teeth before pulling it over her form.

The mare sighed, snuggling into the mattress. Riot placed a hoof on her side as he sat near the edge of the bed. He rubbed her side gently, then kissed her forehead. “Sleep well little one...” He stood up, pacing towards the door. He stopped at the threshold, barely looking over his shoulder. “Good bye.”

Riot trotted down the stairs, only now noticing the sleeping form of Octavia on one of the couches. He shrugged, believing that Vinyl would only disapprove because she wasn’t in her bed.

He treaded back into the club, then waved to Hunter. The colt quickly hopped up, leaving Kepler and Wildman on the couch they had fallen asleep on. “Come on Hunter, let’s get you home. It’s past your bedtime.”

“Aww dad...I hate the new bedtime mom set up...” Hunter scuffed his hoof on the floor as they approached the door.

Riot sighed, holding the door open for Hunter. “I know buddy...How’s this sound, when you’re over at my place, you can stay up with me as long as you want, as long as it isn’t a school night.” The colt smiled, nuzzling against Riots hoof before yawning. Riot chuckled, picking him up in his magic and depositing his son on his back. He trotted up the stairs and out into the dark.

Riot looked around the empty street, then started off towards Auroras new home. He was thankful that Hunter had given him an address when he was still in the hospital, and that he still remembered it.

Something fluttered to the ground behind him about a block later, and managed to stop his heart dead.

“Put him down Ashfall.”

Riot turned around, beholding a very, very angry Aurora. Cheerilee trotted up behind her, scowling at the stallion.

Riot looked at Hunter, who was rubbing his eyes. “Momma? We were just-”

“Hunter T. Keliir-Venture! You will get down this instant and get your sorry butt over here this instant!” Aurora snapped at the colt, who shied away from the tongue lashing and the use of his full name.

“Don’t yell at Hunter Aurora! If you’re going to yell, aim it at me dammit!” Riot felt the colt tighten his grip on his mane.

The dark mare snorted angrily, treading closer to him. “Put him down you bastard! You’re not worthy of being called Father!”

He huffed, blocking her path to Hunter. “I’m keeping him safe Aurora! He came to me! He wanted to spend time with ME! Maybe if you spent more time with him, instead of your girlfriend he may actually respect YOU!”

Auroras features contorted in rage, and she slapped the slapped hard across the muzzle. “HOW DARE YOU! You cowardly fucker! I HOPE YOU BURN!”

Riot stood fast against Aurora. He felt Hunter crying into his mane, but he knew that If he didn’t let her take Hunter things would only degrade. The mare slapped him again, sending the sound reverberating down the empty street.

Riot scowled around his split lip. “Aurora, calm down. You’ve made Hunter cry dammit. Just lower your voice and I’ll-” She slapped him again, driving him back a step as she hovered in front of his face.

“I’ll do what I damn well please you creator damned bastard!” She raised a hoof to slap him again, only to have it caught and dragged down she that she was staring into Riot’s eyes. No, Shiv’s eyes. He threw her hoof away like it was diseased.

“STOP. I told you to calm down and stop scaring our son, and so help me Celestia, you will CALM. THE FUCK. DOWN.” The blood pumping through his veins made him feel light headed and angry. The desire to bury his hoof into her smug muzzle pressed against the back of his eyes.

The mare balked a bit at the fire in his eyes, but she maintained her scowl. “Hunter, get over here. I’m taking you away from this monster.” The colt only buried his muzzle further into Riots shoulder, crying openly. She stomped her hoof. “Hunter! You’ve got till the count of three!”

Riot turned himself so he could nuzzle Hunter. He spoke quietly, trying to calm the shaking colt. “It’s alright Hunter, be strong, be strong for me.”

“One!”

The colt looked up at him, blinking away tears. He sniffed sadly, then hugged the stallion neck tightly. “I love you dad...”

“Two!”

Hunter slowly climbed down from Riots back, but didn’t leave him. Instead he clung to the bucks leg for dear life. “I changed my mind momma! I don’t wanna go!”

“THREE!” Aurora yelled out as Riot hung his head, tears streaking his own cheeks. He didn’t see Cheerilee try and dissuade the mare, and he didn’t see Aurora roughly push her away. Aurora grabbed Hunter by the nape of his neck, lifting him up as he balled. Riot scowled, but didn’t say anything as the trio disappeared into the dark.

He sat there for a moment, doing his best to suppress the desire to chase them down. By the time Riot opened his eyes, the trio had long since disappeared.

Riot sighed heavily, slowly dragging himself up. He changed direction for the motel, hoping that he had remembered his key.
__________________________________________________________________________

Riot nudged his motel door open, walking in blindly through the dark. The stallion flicked on the nightstand light, but didn’t kick back or strip down. He merely sat there, staring into the floor.

He took a breath, but smelled something off... He looked over, only to see a still slightly fresh Cupcake, with a small note attached.

He picked up the note and unfolded it.

Sorry for scaring you earlier, can we still be friends? PP

He chuckled, placing the note back on the stand. Riot eyed the confectionary weakly. “Sure Pinkie...I’ll always be your friend...” He coughed wetly, then tossed his now heavy jacket into the corner. He realized that he had left his duffel at Vinyls, but figured he could get it in the morning.

He was too beat to get up anymore. His split lip had finally stopped bleeding, but blood still stained his chin and beard. He would definitely be bruised tomorrow.

Chapter Thirteen

The mud squelched loudly under Riot’s boots, splashing the muck up onto his nearly ruined fatigues. The stallion grunted, readjusting his heavy rig. The assault rig set-up dug into his side, and the feed belts ripped at his fur when he fired.

He had a million things to complain about in the humid, sickly stink of the jungle, but he stayed silent. Nopony in the squad complained, mostly because they would only complain about the same thing, and it would give away their position.

Riot cast a look over his shoulder at the squad behind him. The six other ponies slogged through the mud with him, each looking irate and dangerous. All but one pony of course. Mumbles trudged through the mud, head bobbing side to side as he listened to a beat only he could hear. His machine gun bounced to and fro as he walked, along with the open front of his fatigues. The muddy red bandana on his head was a joke; one that both he and Riot would poke fun at.

The large unicorn chuckled despite himself, taking his eyes off the trail for a second as he held a hoof up. “Hold up. Two minute break. Get some water in you and check your gear. This humidity isn’t doing any of us any good.”

The squad breathed a sigh of relief, standing easy as they fanned out.

Mumbles trotted up, pulling out a small map. Riot nodded, sitting down on a fallen tree. He adjusted his patrol cap, letting the weight of the rig rest on the soggy wood. The yellow stallion plopped down next to him, holding the map up in his magic.

A yellow hoof pointed at a point on the map. “I think we’re here sir. The target should be around here.” He slid his hoof across a short span of paper, which translated to about four clicks.

Riot nodded, pointing at another spot. “If he kept his sense of direction, he’ll be about here. If not we could be here for awhile.” Riot scanned the map as Mumbles nodded. He pointed at a squiggly line. “What’s this mark? Ridge or valley?”

“Ridge sir.”

They both shared a huff of annoyance. “Fuckin’ hills.”

Somepony coughed from the squad, causing Riot to look up. The other six were standing ready, weapons checked and double checked. The grey stallion smiled through the mask of sweat and muck. He quickly checked the chambers and the linked sight of his assault rig, then stood up. “Everypony on me. Lightning and Glass, you guys are on the rear. Everypony keep your eyes sharp and your ears sharper.”

The group nodded, and quickly fell in behind the Captain.

The trek through the jungle took what seemed like forever, and the journey was fraught with peril and deep mud holes. They eventually found their way to the ridge, and from there they had full view of the small valley and clearing.

The clearing seemed almost alive with activity, all focused on a solitary burning wreckage of a new Royal Equestrian Jet. Riot hadn’t seen much of the new jets, and only knew that they were a recent invention. What every soldier on the ground knew though, was that they were a bigger target to hit with flak, and the pegasi pilots in them often died.

Riot sighed, then pulled out a small monocular. He scanned the clearing for trouble. When his sights fell on the scavengers, his heart fell into his stomach. “Wehrmacht SS Hyenas.” He spat at the word.

Mumbles sidled up next to him, taking in the view with his own set of binoculars. “Wehrmacht? Didn’t we crush them years ago?”

“Guess this is where the SS slunk off to. Explains why the Jungle Dogs got so aggressive so quick.”

Something moved at the edge of the field, drawing his attention. Riot motioned for his squad to hug the ground. He squinted, focusing past the groups of guards and piles of salvaged tech. A bright pink pony was being led away in cuffs; no doubt to one of the SS’s nightmare camps. The pilot stumbled, obviously injured. One of the guards kicked the pony savagely.

Riot put away his monocular and motioned for a bush to move. The bush moved up to his side, and the heavily camouflaged face of Trueshot met his. “Sir?”

“Cover fire on the valley on my signal, Cherry’s got your back. Tango squad, move up.” He stood up, running low down the ridgeline trail. Mumbles quickly followed behind him as the rest of the squad broke off.

He could hear the screams for help and mercy.

Riot finally got to the valley floor and immediately hit the ground running. He came to a sliding stop behind a large tree, motioning to Mumbles as he peaked around the trees edge. The hyenas had come to taking turns kicking the downed buck- scratch that. The mare screamed out as one of the larger hyenas booted her savagely in the stomach.

His features hardened, and he made eye contact with the rest of the squad. They all motioned with their enfields and nodded. He breathed out, before taking the firing bit into his mouth. There wasn’t much room for his shotguns with a friendly right there. He looked up at the ridge line and waited for the glint of the snipers scope to become visible. He nodded, running a hoof across his neck.

CRACKBANG

The largest hyenas head snapped to the side as a large chunk of his forehead passed through the back of his skull. A spray of blood went up as the hyenas back arched; his body falling back overtop of the mare. A burst of fire rang out, carving down the other two dogs. The scavengers dove for cover, and swiftly started returning fire.

Riot stood, galloping into the edge of the clearing with a low profile. He had faith that Trueshot would kill anything before it put him down.Shots whizzed over top of him, both friendly and hostile. Riot finished his gallop to the downed pilot and easily wrenched the body off her with his magic and hooves. As he finally reached the mare, he threw up a low shield, protecting the both of them from incoming fire. After a few moments of sustained fire, the hyenas pulled back from the clearing; their scrap left behind.

The mare clutched at his uniform much like the remains of her flight suit clutched to her form. He pulled her up, carrying her out of the clearing. “Mumbles! Comp B on the fuel tank of the jet!” A clump of the high explosives went from Riots vest to Mumbles’ hooves.

The yellow stallion nodded, running past with the clump of explosives. Riot turned his head back towards the tree line, ordering the squad back towards himself as the scavengers started to regroup. After a few seconds of running, they heard a crump, then a loud explosion as the remaining jet fuel went off, destroying what was left of the twisted monstrosity that had once been a flying machine.

Riot breathed a sigh of relief, slowing down at a small clearing. He set the pilot down onto a patch of ground, then did a quick recount of his squad. “Where’s the Corporal?”

The squad shrugged, looking about just as the yellow stallion skidded into the clearing. He grinned sheepishly as he looked back at the valley behind them. “Forgot my helmet. Had to go back.”

The Captain shook his head, before looking at his radio pony. “Ping, radio command and tell them we’ve got the package, and are en-route to the evac.” The pony nodded, and started fiddling with the radio-set. Riot looked at the pilot, who was still clinging to his sweaty fatigues. “You alright?”

She coughed, and looked to the large grey unicorn. “I’m fine, just give me a real gun.” The mare tossed her E-16 rifle to the ground, and gave it a sharp kick. “The things they give pilots are toys.” The sharp kick, while not very strong, had still shattered the thing’s stock. The fact she had been allowed to keep it by the guards was testament to its reputation.

Riot chuckled, looking at Mumbles. The lemon unicorn pulled back a bit. “W-What?”

“I know you’ve got extras. Hoof em over.”

The stallion sighed, pulling out a collapsed carbine out of his pack. “It’s no fair, whenever there’s a carbine emergency, I never get to use them.” He passed the weapon to the pilot, who blinked, then grinned happily over the stamped steel receiver and solid wood stock.

She ran her face over the action of the rifle, giving it a gentle nuzzle. “It’s been too long since I’ve gotten to shoot a rifle made of good ol’ steel and wood.”

Riot nodded, ignoring Mumbles’ words. “Trueshot and Cherry should have been down here by now.” He frowned, looking up at the ridge.

A ponie came galloping through the forest; Cherry, who was cursing and swearing as she ran. Riot stood up, trotting to her. The mare shook her head, just as the shot rang out. “We’ve been compromised! RUN!”

Another shot rang out, and the ridgeline exploded.

Riot winced as he turned, waving his squad into action. “MOVE!”

Ignoring the exhaustion from the trek, and the heat of the jungle, the squad broke into a heavy gallop. Ignoring fallen trees and shrubbery, they weaved through the jungles tiny trails. Rifle cracks could be heard, and sprays of mud went up around them.

Riot squeezed his eyes shut as a mortar round came down near him. Shrapnel and mud sprayed out, cutting him and forcing him back. Riot hoped that they would either outrun the hyenas, or reach the evac point.

Another mortar round came down, closer to them this time, but still not bringing anypony down. He could hear baying in the distance, and more gunfire. Riot stole a glance over his shoulder, taking quick note of the squad.

After a few more minutes of frantic running and being shelled, the squad burst into a clearing, which had been marked for extraction. Riot smacked his magical beacon, and prayed that the air force was actually listening. “Dig in!”

Riot dove into a ditch, readying his assault rig as the others dove down next to him. A pair of dogs burst through the tree line, and were quickly mowed down by rifle fire. The rest of the dogs dug down at the treeline, more than happy to sling slugs back at them. Riots rig barked back, riddling the thick trees with steel core slugs. Despite their best efforts, the hyenas were firmly entrenched within the trees.

That was what Fireball was there for. He pulled the trigger of his flamethrower, arcing the shot upwards. The magically propelled gout of death landed in the trees, instantly setting them ablaze. The stallion aimed a bit further down, then squeezed off a burst, dousing the front-most hyenas.

Their howls of pain were quickly overcome by the sound of rotating blades coming over the jungle roof. A pair of pegasi driven helicopters blew past, quickly circling around to allow their gunners to open fire. Riot spat out the trigger of his rig, then looked to Mumbles as he neared the end of his belt.

“Feeding!”

The yellow stallion barely nodded, keeping his eyes on the treeline as Riot pulled out a fresh box of ammunition from his friends vest.

“Dry!”

“Reloading!”

The hueys touched down, their door gunners spewing rounds into the forest. Riot slapped the top of the machine gun, then tapped the back of the yellow bucks helmet. Mumbles nodded, pulling back the charging handle and biting down again. The E-60 Barked back to life, spitting death into the forest.

Riot pointed to the Hueys. “Everypony onboard! NOW!”

The squad quickly obliged, moving one by one as the others covered the retreat. Riot patted the pink pegasi on the shoulder as Mumbles stood up, firing as he sat down on the running boards of the helicopter. The mare looked up from her sights, then nodded. He saw out of the corner of his eye, a pony shaped bush booking it out of the treeline and into one of the helicopters.

The two galloped the short distance, practically jumping into the helicopter. Riot stuck his head out the door, quickly scanning the ditch. He patted the pilots shoulder. “WE’RE CLEAR!” He had to scream over the noise the machine made so he could be heard by the helmet wearing pilot.

The helicopter lurched into the air, and it’s twin quickly followed. The door gunners continued their fire, just up until the clearing was no longer in sight.

Riot let out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. His eyes went around the helicopters interior, taking note of the three other ponies he shared it with, other than the gunner. He had Fireball, Ping, and Kratonis. He chuckled, patting Fireball on the shoulder as he sat down next to him and clipped on his drop harness. “Hell of a day huh?”

The stallion was about to answer as a glowing streak reached out and swatted the helicopter out of the air. Riot yelled out as he was lifted out of his seat by the G force; the only thing holding him in was his drop harness, which clung to the helicopters roof. Somepony screamed just as the machine plowed through the forest canopy and into the wet ground below.

Black.

That’s all he could see, was black. Black…..but he could hear gunfire.

“Captain!”

Riot groaned in pain, his hooves pulling at what he hoped was his lanyard. The thing gave out with a loud metallic Ping, allowing the rest of his hanging body to fall into the black mud. Riot lifted his face out of the muddy water and gave his head a shake. “Sound....Sound off!”

“I am here Comrade Captain!” Kratonis pulled the helicopters twisted door open, then offered a hoof to the muddy grey stallion. Riot took it, letting the monster pony pull him out. Rifles rounds pinged off the helo’s shell.

Riot coughed; giving his head a shake to dislodge more mud. “Get me a weapon, we gotta hold out till our boys circle around”

Kratonis shook his head. “We have been surrounded. Our comrades have fled.”.The stallion clapped Riot on his shoulder. “I am glad you survived comrade captain! It would be a shame to lose your life in such a weak way. Now we may die together in glorious battle!”

The captain nodded, pulling one of the rifles from his twisted rig. “Welp, let’s get going. We’ve got a reputation to uphold.”

“Of course Captain. It was an honour.”

Riot pulled himself out of the wreckage, and up behind the hastily erected barricade. Fireball’s head was missing the top half, and one of the pilots lay dead several metres away. Muzzle flashes spiked up from the trees, and Riot responded in kind. Ping screamed in pain as a stray round buried itself into his flank.

Pings radio crackled to life, and REA chatter filled its speakers. Riot dove for the radio, roughly jerking the wounded Ping in the process. “Command, this is Captain Riot with the 31st Rangers! I request immediate medevac on my position! We are surrounded and have wounded! I repeat, we require immediate-”

“Captain, we already know about your situation. Unfortunately, we can not call off the Wonderbolts at this point. The napalm strike is a go. May Celestia protect you.” Riots muzzle jerked at the operator's words. He wanted to rip into the smug little bastard; tear him to pieces; shit on his grave. He would have, if the radio hadn’t been shot out from under him. The captain cursed loudly, before firing off the last of his rifles ammo into the trees.

A small cylinder bounced up and over their cover, promptly exploding into a bright flash of light; blinding the remaining defenders. Riot roared in defiance, kicking out at the paws he felt wrapping around him, constricting his movements. After a few moments of struggling, a rifle butt was introduced to his muzzle, and the world went black again.

Riot came too moments later; his hooves tied beneath him and a null ring slipped over his horn. His chest heaved, his breath being stolen by a savage kick to the stomach.

“Dirty pony!” The hyena snarled as it booted Riot again.

“HALT!” A commanding voice sounded out, causing the soldier to stop his attack, and for Riot to open his eyes.

A large hyena, dressed in the regalia of a SS Overseer stepped forward. Riots eyes flitted about, gauging the situation.

Kratonis and Ping were still living, at the least. They both were bound how Riot assumed he was.

The overseer walked up to one of the hyena soldiers, who quickly saluted. “Mein Aufseher Dietz! We have captured these REA soldiers, what are your orders?”

The hyena narrowed his eyes for a moment, before smiling. “Why, it’s so nice of you to ask Unteroffizier Franzlich. Why, we’ll kill those too weak to survive, and send the survivors to Verdammung for the good doctor!” The hyena smiled broadly, showing off his teeth.

The hyena stepped forward, but in the background, jet engines filled the valley. Riot’s captors cocked their heads, and watched as a trio of sky blue jets dropped their payload off in the distance. The Wonderbolts had not only missed their mark by kilometres, they had just damned Riot and his squad to a Wehrmacht labour camp.

Dietz merely shook his head, and drew his pistol. He walked up to one of the helo gunners, who was nodding in and out of consciousness. “Too veak.” BLAM He trotted forward, focusing on Ping, who was shaking like a leaf due to blood loss. “Too small.” BLAM Riot clenched his teeth together, the snarling voice in his head demanding revenge. The overseer looked over at Riot and smiled. “What? Are you angered by your loses?” The commander leaned in, his demented grin exposing his fangs. “You are going to die at mien doctors paws little pony.”

Riot shuddered, his muzzle contorting at his fiery rage. ”I’m gonna rip your guts out and hang you from the trees you filthy mongrel.” The paws on Riots skull kept him down though, despite his words. Shiv’s familiar voice filled his mind.

We’ll get what we want. You’re going to have to listen to me though.

Riot scowled.

The overseer’s eyes widened, and one of the guards rifle butted Riot in the cheek; splitting one of his molars down the center. Dietz stood tall, a smug look crossing his muzzle. “Take them to Verdammung.The doctor will be overjoyed to have new subjects.”.”

_______________________________________________________________________

Flashes of a blazing fire flooded his mind; scenes of Verdammung filling his waking mind. It ended with Dietz gripping his ratty fatigues, his guts spilling into the cold mud as Riot twisted the knife with rage.

Riot cracked his eyes open, then promptly rolled over to avoid the glaring sun. He let out a groan as the motel bed creaked under him.

Funny, he could swear that he could still smell the sweat and fire, the fuel and death. He snorted, quickly losing the smells. The stallion groaned again, getting up slowly and walking to the bathroom. He trotted in, closing the small mirror as he cracked open the taps and splashed water on his face.

Riot looked up at the mirror, and almost managed a smile. He didn’t look half bad for a stallion who had nightmares every night. Riot sighed, rubbing his cheek. He hadn’t gotten to see Hunter last weekend, the poor colt had gotten sick, and Aurora apparently had taken out a restraining order against him. Riot shook his head again, trotting back out into the room.

He was glad that Hearth's Warming was nearly there, she wouldn’t be able to keep the colt away from him long with such a big holiday looming. That and he had Vinyls party, which might have been tonight or tomorrow, he couldn’t remember which.

He peeked out the window, but pulled back as he stared into a wall of snow. He had been snowed in. “Dammit...” Turning towards his Duffel, Riot pulled out his boots and winter clothes. After a moment, he was completely dressed and ready. A hard push on the door didn’t open it, but after a few minutes of digging with his magic, Riot was free of the black mold prison.

Trotting out onto the street, Riot looked about, considering his options. A new restaurant had opened during his time in the hospital, but he hadn’t tried it yet. The thought of warm soup seemed like a great idea with the current temperature. With that in mind, he set off towards the new place.

Riot trotted down the snow strewn streets, listening to his steps crunch softly into the fresh snow. He looked around, hoping to see somepony he knew. He didn’t see anypony. Letting out a quiet sigh, he finally spotted the sign for the restaurant. He played a small tune in his own head, whistling complacently.

He pushed his way through the snow crowded door, and into the store. Stamping his hooves into the doormat, He looked at the waitress, who smiled kindly back at him. “Table for one sir?”

Riot nodded, looking around. He stopped, quickly holding up a hoof. “I’m joining her, actually. She’s family.”

The waitress looked over at the grey mare, whose muzzle was hidden under a paper. She smiled again, grabbing a menu with her wing. “Follow me please.” He nodded, following her to the booth. They both noticed the fact that the grey mare was sleeping soundly under the paper.

Riot chuckled, taking the menu from the waitress as he held a hoof to his lips. He sat down in the booth near silently. He slowly pulled the paper off Keplers face and smirked. Looking at the waitress, he smirked. “One ice water and two coffees.”

She grimaced, then nodded, quickly returning with his order. Riot took the water, lifting it up slowly. He let a single drip hit Keplers horn.

“WAAUHZZAAT!!?!?!?” She bolted up, perching herself on the top of the booths seat. “WHAZZAFUCKMAN!?!?”

Riot clutched his gut, belly laughing loudly. The waitress covered her mouth to suppress a giggle as the grey unicorn mare let out a low squeal of contempt. “You! You...You-”

“Me! Yes me.” Riot smirked, pushing a coffee towards the sleep deprived mare.

She glared at him, but slowly got down from the seat. “You’re...A dick.” She wrapped a hoof around the coffee and took a sip, murmuring happily afterwards. “But a nice dick.”

He shrugged, taking another sip of his coffee. “I try Kep.” He coughed roughly, still laughing. Shaking his head, he took another sip. “So what’s up? You wouldn’t leave your bed just to pass out here.”

Taking a deep swig of the coffee, Kepler laid her head down on the newspaper. “Sunny was...Up. All night last night. I didn’t get a wink of sleep, and he wanted to try new recipes this morning...I...I had to get away.” She shuddered. “Paprika and Kiwi’s DON’T work together...”

Riot cringed in sympathy. “I knew the cook thing would only go so far before he went mad scientist on us. You want an omelet?” She nodded slowly, face still buried in the newspaper. He waved over the waitress, and quickly made his order. She smiled, fluttering away.

Riot peeked at the newspaper, or at least what he could see around Keplers fiery mane. Nothing sparked his interest, so he made idle time poking fun at Kepler. Much to his younger sisters relief, the food was quick to show up.

Kepler sat up, looking groggily at the food, then promptly levitated the plate in front of her mouth and just shoveled the whole thing back. Riot smiled, taking bites out of his food as she burped, letting her head bounce off the table again.

“So. Is the party thing tonight?”

Kepler groaned unhappily. “Tonight....Fuck.” her face plunged back down to the table, bouncing as it hit.

The stallion smirked, finishing off the last bit of food. He sighed, patting Kepler on the head. “Would you like a place to sleep?” The solemn nod was all he needed. The spare motel key was placed into her hoof. “Room four.”

“Thanks Ashie...I needs sleeps...” She looked up at him, smiling as he got up. “You want me to pay for breakfast?”

Riot shook his head. “No no, I got it.” He placed a few bits onto the table as a tip. “Go on, get some sleep.” Kepler nodded, getting up slowly from the booth. She quickly hugged Riot, snuggling into his shoulder.

“Thanks Ashie...You’re the bestest brother evers.” She yawned widely, then stumbled towards the door.

Shaking his head as the grey mare past through the door, Riot trotted up to the counter. The waitress fluttered over, smiling still. “Wow, you guys eat fast! That’ll be eleven bits please.”

He nodded, passing the bits out of his jacket pocket. “Yeah, the three of us fought over a lot of food, it comes with the territory.”

She giggled happily, wings fluttering. “Oh trust me, I know.” She nodded to him, smile still on her lips. Riot said his goodbye and trotted out the front door.

Once out onto the maine street, Riot found himself at a loss. He didn’t exactly have much planned for that day, but the night was probably going to be chock full of party related doom. Riot sighed, deciding to take a walk down main street to clear his head.
_____________________________________________________________________________

His walk proved....surprisingly uneventful. It seemed like most ponies were huddled up around a warm fire or coffee, while he was out trudging through the snow looking for purpose. Riot huffed, looking about lazily. He could see the top of Vinyls home, and the hospital. The mere thought of returning to that horrible, sterile place sent a shiver up his spine.

Of course, he could always just pop in and see Redheart....

For once, he was actually torn between mares. He could go see Vinyl, but she could be busy doing her own thing, or be out with some other stallion. Of course, she was still very neurotic. Redheart was more likely to be there, but much less likely to be free. That and she was sane. Normal.

Riot stood there for a moment, pondering his options. He sighed quietly, trotting towards the hospital. Worst come to worst, he could always just invite Redheart to the party.

After a short walk, Riot came to a halt outside the front doors of the hospital. He steeled himself, then walked inside. The doors swished to the side, and a warm gust of air hit his muzzle. He snorted, stomping his hooves on the mat, ridding them of the clumps of snow that clung to him.

The receptionist looked up from her gossip magazine, but didn’t say anything as Riot trotted up. “Hey, is Nurse Redheart in today?”

She nodded, then swung her rolling chair over to the intercom. “Nurse Redheart to the front desk, Nurse Redheart to the front desk.” She let go of the intercom mic, then went back to her magazine.

Riot frowned inwardly. Despite everything he missed the intern that had run the desk when he was there. She at least smiled.

A few minutes passed with him standing there, waiting. He checked the clock on the wall, then shook his head. The urge to light a cigarette struck him, but he managed to push it off. In part, he supposed he should be thankful for the coma. He probably wouldn’t have been able to quit otherwise.

Sighing, Riot looked at the receptionist, who was muzzle deep in her magazine. It was like she had fooled herself into thinking that she could taste the drama. He chuckled at the thought, then tapped the desk. “Which way to the break room? She’s prolly sleeping.”

The mare grunted in annoyance, then pointed her hoof off to the right. “Over there, third door on the left hoof side.”

He nodded his hollow thanks, then started towards the room. He easily reached the room, then cracked open the door. Riot scanned the room, finding it empty. He was just about to leave when the sound of soft snoring drew his attention. He opened the door, then trotted in.

Riot looked around the room, still not seeing anypony. The linen closet snored again, bringing a small smile to his lips. Riot trotted up to it, opening the doors quietly.

Redheart lay inside, curled up into a snoozing ball. He sighed, putting a hoof on her shoulder. He gave her a soft shake; practically whispering as he spoke. “Hey, Redheart.”

She snapped awake, the back of her head smacking the side of the closet with a yelp. “Whaddayouwant...” She said, holding her head with her hooves, without looking at him yet.

He cringed, putting a hoof on her head. “Sorry Red, I was just looking for you. You alright?”

She looked over at him, opening her eyes. “Riot! It’s you! I wasn’t expecting you. I uh....I’ve been really busy lately....Not enough sleep.” The mare wasn’t lying, there were deep bags under her eyes, and she could barely stay standing without swaying.

“I...I can tell.” He sat her down on one of the couches. “I was just coming by to invite you to Vinyls Hearth Warming party, but if you’re too tired...”

The white mare smiled at him, steadying herself with a hoof. “I.....That really does sound fun. But I have no idea if I have to be working. I do want to come, I really do.” She frowned, looking to the grey stallion, rubbing her eyes of sleep.

Riot nodded. “Course, we’re starting around two hours after the club usually opens. Don’t think we’re actually ‘open’ today.” He mimed air quotes to punctuate his sentence. “I think It’s invite only.” He smiled at her, then looked over at the coffee machine. “Would you like me to make you some coffee?”

She sighed. “That thing’s been broken for years.” The mare tried to stand, but crashed back to her rear with an ‘oof’. “I doubt I’ll be able to come, the doctors have me all tied up.”

“Well, to be honest...I don’t really want to go alone.” Riot shrugged lightly, trotting over to the machine. “We could...I don’t know, maybe get dinner after? Or I could just walk you home or something.” He pulled the machine outwards, and started looking over the casing.

The exhausted mare bit her lip, making slow circles in the couch with her hoof. “Well.......I dunno.....I mean, you’re a nice stallion and all, but....” She said, looking off the side, a frown forming on her features. “Doctor Mirian sent me a message a few days ago, he want’s me to start a behavioural report on you. I wasn’t supposed to tell you, but I fi-figure I’d get better cooperation from you this way.”

Riot frowned, but didn’t say anything. There was a loud ‘click’ and the machine came to life. “Somepony unplugged it.” Riot chuckled, pulling out the old filter, replacing it with a new one and fresh grinds. “There! Works like a charm.”

She blinked, staring at the stallion. “Y-you p-plugged it in!? That’s it!? I’ve been sitting in this office for four years dying of exhaustion because somepony unplugged the coffeemaker?!” The mare growled, standing, and trying to flip over her desk, only managing to fall on her ass.

Riot chuckled louder, trotting over to the floored mare. “The wire may have been pulled out a bit.” He wrapped his hooves around her waist, lifting her back up to the couch. “Maybe you should take the day off and get some rest?”

She sighed again. “I...I can’t...I have work to do, I need to work. Patients to help....Money to....” She yawned, weakening in his hooves. The mare shook her head wildly to wake herself up. “P-ponies to make, ponies to.....Money to....S-save.” She fell dead asleep in Riot’s embrace, her head falling peacefully back to the couch.

“Those ponies will still be there tomorrow.” He laid her down on the couch; bringing over a blanket with his magic from the linen closet. He draped it over the mare, tucking it under her. Riot looked down at her; placing a hoof on her side. “I’ll see you later. Sleep well.” He smiled as she murmured in her sleep, the weight of the day finally taking her away.

Riot stood, walking to the door as the coffee machine bubbled and churned away in the corner. He didn’t say anything to the receptionist on his way out, and he didn’t speak to anypony else in the hospital.

He had a lot of thinking to do.
_____________________________________________________________________

“Behavioural report! FEH! That ‘doctor’ sounds like one of those wehrmacht ‘scientists’ conducting one of their damn experiments.” He spat as he walked up the stairs to his room.

Riot treaded up to his motel room, jingling his spare set of keys. He finally reached room four. The key slid into the lock, and the door creaked open. Riot trotted inside, stomping his hooves clean onto the mat. He looked up at the bed, fully expecting Kepler to be passed out on top of it.

The bed was made.

He cocked his head to the side, walking up to the night stand. His other key sat there, next to the small picture that was still propped up against the lamp. He grabbed the key, easily sliding it onto the keychain.

He plopped down onto the bed, wondering if an afternoon nap would make the party easier to deal with.

The thought of just sleeping the day away made him scowl. He had done enough of that in the hospital, and his military mind hated the very thought of wasting the day. His eyes fluttered, and his mind threatened to do a multitude of horrible things if he were to fall asleep.

Sleep came quickly to the large stallion.

Chapter Fourteen

“Come on Riot, we need to go.”

The hooves pulled at him, but his own stayed planted firmly on the tarmac. The heavy transport carriage was sitting idle on the concrete, it’s ten pegasi crew having just finished fueling up. Mumbles gave him another tug, looking between the grey stallion and the carriage.

“Come on man, I don’t think she’s coming.”

Riot shook his head. “She...She said she’d be here, I...I gave her the right address right!?” His features grew more worried as he paced about. It felt like somepony was watching him intently, but he chalked that up to some of the other soldiers.

The lemony unicorn nickered in frustration, then sat down on his large military duffel. Mumbles looked at the charred wreckage that was once Dublin and shook his head. “Riot....Come on, we’re leaving. If she hasn’t come yet, she isn’t coming.” The yellow stallion put a hoof on Riot’s shoulder.

Riots shoulders slumped as he nodded. “Yeah...You’re prolly...probably right.” He sucked in a breath, then stood straight. He smirked at the lemon stallion. “I was probably just a convenient fuck for her anyways.” He snorted angrily, slinging his own duffel over his shoulder. “Let’s go Corporal.”

Mumbles nodded solemnly, following the taller stallion towards the loading ramp. Their hooves had just hit the cold bite of the steel.

“Riot! Riot wait!” The grey stallion heard a frenzied voice accompanied by the flapping of wings. Aurora was speeding through the air towards Riot like a fuzzy grey missile.

His eyes went wide, and he dropped the duffel like a hated burden. “Aurora!” He galloped forward across the pavement to meet her.

The mare’s slitted eyes went wide with happiness as she streaked towards Riot; not decreasing her speed. She struck Riot in the chest with a tackling hug, wrapping her dainty hooves around his neck, kissing at his face.

Riot hugged her tightly, stroking the back of her head with a hoof as he stammered. “I-I thought...I thought you weren’t coming!”

“I-I’m so sorry......I got the time wrong...I’m so stupid...” She said, nuzzling the stallion’s chest. “I thought I’d miss you for sure....”

Laughing, Riot pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. “I..I actually wanted to show you something, but I don’t think we’ll have enough time...” He stole a glance at Mumbles, who could only shrug and look at the nearly empty craft.
Aurora frowned, looking at Riot. “I-I’m sorry.....I wanted to get here earlier, please don’t be mad at me....” She said giving his muzzle a kiss. “How long do you have?”

He cast a solid look over his shoulder, butcould only gauge off of the lack of serviceponies and the flight crew fucking about. “I’d say we’ve got...Five minutes? Tops?” He frowned a bit, then hugged her tightly again. “And I’m not angry...I was just... Yeah.”

She nodded slowly. “Well....What did you want me to see?” The bat mare looked around nervously, and leaned into the stallion’s ear. “I have something to tell you, too....”

The unicorn smiled weakly, shuffling his hooves about like a grade schooler at his first dance. “It’s...Not something I can show, more like...Here, just listen.”

The mare nodded rapidly. “W-what is it?” She asked nervously, as if she was a filly talking to a teacher, or a principal.

He cleared his throat, then looked around nervously. “Uh... Y’en mel’ir ne’k she’vol beu’tea.” He smiled broadly, but it faded slightly. “I butchered it didn’t I?”

She giggled, holding a hoof over her mouth to hold in the rest of the giggles. “N-no, o-f c-c-course no-” She was cut of by her own laughter, giggles leaving her mouth. “I-I’m very f-flattered.....” She said, once she got control. “Really, I’m happy you tried....”

His shoulders slumped. “I butchered it.”

“It’s alright, I got the gist of it...” She said, kissing him on the lips. When the broke apart, The mare swallowed, looking from side to side, and leaned into his ear to whisper into it. “Ash......I-I’m pregnant.....”

Riots eyes went wide, and his hooves gripped her shoulders tightly. “A-are you...Are you sure?” He blinked rapidly, but stayed focused on her. She didn’t speak, but after a few moments, nodded once, her expression seemingly unsure of being either joyful, or sad. His chest quivered in anticipation. “P-please say yes...”

“Y-yes, I’m sure....” She said, looking away. “W-we d-d-don’t need t-t-to keep i-it if you d-don’t w-w-want it....” The mare said, stuttering in a mixture of fear and nervousness.

His head shook rapidly as he drew her in. “Nonononono, I-I....” Exhaled roughly, then smiled at her. “I would give anything to have a little filly with you Aurora.”

She brightened, it was like every cell in her body turned a light on. “Really? You mean it? W-we can keep her?” She asked, bouncing on her hooves.

He nodded ecstatically. “Of course!” He hugged her, kissing her as she squeed. “I...I just don’t know how we’re gonna make this work though, I don’t even know where you live, or how we would...” Riots face became muddled in confusion and sadness.

The mare frowned slightly. “W-well.....W-where do you live? I-I could stay in that town until you get home....”

Riots features grew sadder as she spoke. “Well...I don’t really have much of a home right now. I just go where the army needs me, they provide a place to sleep.” He sighed, rubbing his temple with a hoof. “Maybe you should go back to your home, just give me an address.” He stood up straight, placing a sure hoof on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll be with you when she’s born.”

Aurora gave out a short whine of sadness. “I-I....L-Lost my house in the flames.....I’ve been living in one of the shelters....”

Riots mouth move up and down, but no words formed within it. He whined quietly, looking at the tarmac. “I...Maybe...” He raised his hoof, but promptly dropped it. “I...” He sighed heavily, hugging the mare to his chest; holding her tightly.

She hugged him back, closing her eyes tightly. “Unless you’ve got some sort of shrinking spell so you can take me with you.....I think I have to leave....I swear, I’ll get a job, and at least an apartment before our little darling gets to be too much to manage...” She said, running a hoof over her stomach.

Riot nodded slowly, sniffing at the cold. “I could...Leave some money, to help you get started.” He dug through his duffel, and produced a small envelope. “That’s...That’s my hazard pay.” He pressed it into her hoof. “Take it...Please.”

A tear left her eye as she looked down at the bit of paper. “Y-you’re giving me this...J-just like that? W-what if I was just c-conning you, and ran off with your money?”

He shrugged sadly, looking back at the ponies who were filing into the massive carriage. “Well...I’d just be another dumb grunt then, wouldn’t I?” He smiled weakly, before looking at his hooves. “Even if you are just doing this for the money...I’ll...” He swallowed around the lump in his throat. “I’ll know… I won’t forget what I felt.” Riot clamped his lips together as he wiped his eyes.

The mare fully burst into tears, but smiled through them as she wrapping her hooves around his neck, giving wet, teary kisses to the stallion. “Thank you, oh thank you.......I’ll be right here waiting for you when you get home....”

Riot sniffed loudly as he grinned like an idiot. “I sure hope so!” He forced a laugh as he kissed her again. “And please, whatever you do, don’t hook up with anypony whose name has ‘Spyder’ in it. Please?” He forced another laugh, but it came out as a wet chuckle.

“I won’t ‘hook up’ with anypony you silly stallion!” She said, giggling through her tears as she kissed him again. Mumbles tapped his hoof on the floor, but was still smiling, his eyes glistening as tears threatened to fall. “I-It looks like you have to leave now.....I-I love you...” Aurra nuzzled into his neck, which wasn’t covered by armour or uniform.

Riot nuzzled her back as he embraced her as tightly as he could. “I love you too Aurora...I-”

Mumbles tapped him on the shoulder. “Come on Boss, time to wake up.”

Riot blinked, looking back at the stallion. “What?”

“Time to wake up.”
________________________________________________________________________

Riot sat up on his squeaky mattress, groaning angrily as he rubbed his eyes. He looked over at the shoddy little alarm clock, but quickly swore and got up. “Gon’ be fuckin’ late...”

He cursed loudly, trotting into the bathroom to quickly freshen up before he went out the door. After an impromptu five minutes of TLC, Riot had only accomplished splashing water on his face and sticking a toothbrush in his mouth. He scrubbed rapidly, staring at his visage in the mirror.

The stallion staring back at him was looking better, he’d been sleeping more, and his ‘episodes’ had been few, far between, and short. He smiled at the face in the mirror, and left the bathroom quickly to prepare for the night.

He glanced at the clock, then quickly threw on his flight jacket as he cantered for the door. His room key jingled in his pocket, and the poke from his personal defence knives sheath comforted him as he walked away from the motel.
___________________________________________________________________

The walk to Vinyls was short and uneventful, thankfully. He approached the club door and knocked.

Vinyl opened it, a absurdly-ugly christmas sweater hugging her furred form. “Hey, Tiger, you made it!” She said, giving him a quick hug.

He wrapped a hoof around her shoulder, giving her slight frame a squeeze before nodding. “Yeah, nearly slept in.” He chuckled. “First time in years I’ve been able to say that. Hah.”

She giggled. “Come on! A few ponies are here already, but you aren’t late.” The mare said, turning to head up the stairs. Riot noticed she was wearing a tiny red and green thong tucked under her sweater. The thong was stretched taut around her wide flanks and housed a little white fluff ball.

Teeth bit against his inner cheeks as his eyes stared for a moment, but he managed to avert his gaze in time to look her in the eyes as she looked back at him. Riot smirked, nodding slightly. “I haven’t missed anything important eh?”

“Not quite yet....” She said, giving her rear a little wiggle. She knew he had looked, and was probably looking now, what stallion could resist that view? The mare acted as if she didn’t realize his gaze, sweeping her flank from side to side as she went up the stairs, her cheeks jiggling slightly around the thin fabric.

Riot nodded, following her up to her home. He could hear the music playing and conversations, but he couldn’t tell who was talking or what was playing.

She opened up the door to reveal what looked like all of ponyville in the midst of semi-drunken revelry; either chatting, eating, or dancing.

Riot stopped dead in his tracks, staring at the thick crowd of ponies. “How in Tartarus did you fit this many ponies into your house!?”

“Well.....You could say I’m good with getting big things in small places.....” The mare said, flicking her tail once or twice.

He rolled his eyes, trying to keep his mind on the amount of alcohol he was going to down to make it through the night. “No shit.” He looked around for somepony he could talk to, but the only thing he could make out in the crowd was Vinyls ass. He huffed in defeat, following her to what looked like the remains of the prefab bar.

The mare giggled, stopping in place so the large stallion’s face ended up between her cheeks. She put on a look of mock disgust, looking back at him. “What do you think you’re doing, you disgusting stallion?! Putting your face in my asscheeks, you dirty colt!”

Riot was too focused on the little white ball that had gotten stuck to his nose when Vinyl had pulled her maneuver. He was practically cross eyed as he tried to snort it off. He gave his head a shake, then nickered as the ball stayed put. “I think your butt ball’s stuck...”

The mare snorted, looking back at him. “What, no reaction to having your face in the best ass in equestria?!” She asked, giving it another wiggle, right in front of his eyes.

He shivered involuntarily. “Sorry, brain full of butt fluff.” He snorted again, but to no avail. Vinyl laughed, before pulling the ball off his muzzle. She wrapped her forehooves around his shoulders, and started swaying with the music. “Are we dancing? Fuck I haven’t danced since...Years.” Riot nodded quickly. “Years.”

“I guess you could call it that...”She giggled, curling her hooves around his neck as she drew herself in closer.

Riot suddenly clued in at what she was doing, and he felt like a very, very stupid pony. You’re being seduced you git!

That such a bad thing?

Need alcohol. Now.

Riot smiled weakly, separating himself from her as gently as possible. “I’m gonna grab a drink, alright?” Vinyl whined, letting her flank fall to the floor as she looked back to the retreating stallion. She frowned, and sat behind the bar, propping up her head with a hoof.

Knowing that the good stuff would be all gone from the topside bar, Riot was headed towards the downstairs bar. As he trotted, someone knocked on the front door. Riot sighed, and made his way towards it. He finally reached the door after some skillful ducking and weaving through the crowd. Riot popped open the door, sticking his head outside. “He-”

“Hey buddy!” His shoulder was slapped by a small pony, who was jittering off his hooves. “Heard the sick party, just wanted to head inside!” The pony grinned like a madstallion; a dangerous one at that.

Come on Ash, we finally went to a party after seven years, don’t let this shithead ruin it!

Riot frowned. “Invitation?”

The stallion frowned back. “I don’t need no stinkin invitation pal!” He poked Riot in the chest as he spoke. “Don’t you know who I am!?”

Riot stood at his full height, looking down on the possibly drugged out stallion. “No, and I don’t want to know. Now piss off. If I see you trying to get in I’ll break your legs off and shove them up your ass.”

Mr. Druggy stallion scowled, cursing loudly at Riot. “Fuck you pal! Fuckin hearths warming parties are shit anyways!!” The tweaking pony spat at the ground around Riots hooves, then stormed off. Riot stood in the doorway, watching the pony disappear into the night.

Riot let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding. After a moment, he closed the door and returned to his original plan.

Trotting downstairs, Riot ran face first into Berry. The stallion lost his hoof hold on the smooth stairs, and the pair went tumbling down to the bottom. Riot let out a wheezing moan as they came to a stop. Berry coughed as she sat up on the stallions stomach.

The pair stared at each other for a moment, before breaking into a laughing fit. Berry wiped her eye before smirking at Riot. “I could get used to the position.”

Riot snorted. “In your dreams Berry.”

“So you’re ‘getting drink’s’ huh?” The pair looked up to the top of the steps at Vinyl, who was positively livid.

Berry scrambled to her hooves, surprising Riot with her swiftness. “Vinyl! I was just down here grabbing more drinks, and I bumped into Riot on the stairs.”

“Whatever.” Vinyl snapped, before turning about and trotting away.

“Shit.” Berry rubbed her face. “She’s pissed….”

Riot cocked an eyebrow at her. “Yeah, what was that all about?”

The mare waved a hoof at him. “Sorry, I gotta get these drink up stairs.” At that, she scampered back upstairs, leaving Riot confused and winded. Getting to his hooves; Riots muzzle scrunched in thought.

Shiv popped up from behind the bar with a bottle of hard alcohol and smiled. Or at least, his mask contorted in such a way Riot could swear he was smiling more. “I know we ain’t big on Mule drinks, but Tequila never hurt anypony right?”

Riot sighed before shrugging. “Eh, fuck it. It ain’t a party till the mules show up.” Shiv gave a little ‘hoorah’ and poured a pair of shots for the both of them.

The masked stallion lifted his shot glass and spoke. “To schizophrenia, spousal abandonment, and poor life choices!” Riot laughed, and downed his shot glass.

“Which are you Shiv?” Riot asked, before sucking back the second.

“It ain’t schizophrenia, you’re too dull to imagine me.” Riot smirked, taking the bottle in his telekinesis. The four shots of tequila sat comfortably in his stomach. Shiv looked about at the empty club. “Why don’t you go ask fat ass if you can open up the club, its tighter than Luna’s plothole up there.”

“Well, let’s take this party upstairs then, I’ve spent way too much time drinking in the dark with you.” Riot said, before trotting towards the stairs, barely a stumble in his his step. Popping up through the door, Riot strode into the pony filled room. Kepler was trotting about with a tray full of food. Riot held up a hoof, getting her attention.

Kepler weaved her way towards her older sibling, a smile on her muzzle until she saw the bottle of tequila. “Ash? Are you-”

“Drinking tequila? Yeah, it sucks but it’ll do.” Riot smirked, before gesturing towards the club door. “We should get everyone to move downstairs to get some more room. For activities.”

Kepler gave him a look of uncertainty, before nodding. “Alright Ash, I’ll get everyone moving downstairs.”

The taller pony shook his head. “Nah, I got this.” He turned away from his sister and yelled. “HEY! GO DOWNSTAIRS!”

To Keplers amazement, the crowd did as he ordered, moving down to the club in short order. Nearly every pony that had shown up went down to the club, leaving just Riot, Berry, and Wild in the apartment. Riot looked about, amazed at the near instant transition. “Damn, just think of the activities...”

Wild stuck his head in from the kitchen. “Where did everyone go? Did Riot tell a joke or something?”

The stallion snorted at the jab, then shook his head. “Nah, figured it work better if all the ponies were downstairs in the club. Make it easier to operate and all that jazz.” He glanced over Wilds shoulder. “Kepler’s eating all of your pie.”

Wild turned around, and cried out, galloping back into the kitchen. Kepler was pushed out, her rear being swatted with a broom. “Out out out! I won’t have you eating all the pie before it gets to the guests! I’m supposed to be the one who eats your pie, anyway.” He said, smirking with his last sentence.

The mare smiled, swatting him with her tail. “If I can’t have your pie, you can’t have mine.” She stuck her nose in the air and trotted towards the basement door. She smirked at Riot, eyes filled with satisfaction.

Wild let out a breath, and huffed. “Fine then, be that way. Somepony isn’t getting any of her special ‘horn massages’.” He said, crossing his hooves.

Riots muzzle contorted in stifled anger, and he took a pull off the bottle in his magic. Wilds head popped up at the sight of the bottle. “Is Riot drinking?” His eyes went wide. “Is he drinking tequila!?”

Kepler cocked an eyebrow as she nuzzled against the red stallion. “Yeah? What of it?”

Wildman waved his hooves at her erratically. “Tequila Riot’s a lunatic!” At the mention of his name and a neurotic disorder, Riot threw a pile of empty paper plates at the stallion.

“Either I drink this and enjoy myself sergeant, or I pull your nuts out through your throat for making quips about what you do to my baby sisters nether regions.” Riot snarled at the red stallion, who shrunk immediately.

“Y-yessir!” Wild did a sloppy little salute, before scampering back into the kitchen. After giving Riot a displeased look, Kepler followed her significant other.

Riot smiled to himself, before taking another drink.

He felt better already.

As Berry followed the group downstairs, Riot found himself alone again. Shiv trotted out from behind Riot and whistled. “Man, you’ve turned driving ponies away into an art form.”

“Shut up Shiv.”

“Oh-ho, tequila-tough stallion over here, watch out everypony!”

Riot snorted, and went to shoot a slur back at the unicorn as Vinyl trotted into the main room. “Riot, are you talking to yourself?”

The stallions head snapped back, locking onto her. “Oh, uhh, no! I was just thinking out loud about how this drink is made in a little villa just outside Lendisa.” He smiled broadly at the mare, who glared at him heatedly.

Vinyl stared him down for a moment, and soon found her glare matched by the stallion. “Whatever. If you need anything I’ll be trying to salvage my night.” The mare turned away from him, and started down into the club.

Shiv chuckled. “Hoo, she’s pissed with you boyo!” Riot deemed a reply beneath him, instead taking another drink from the bottle. The other stallion frowned for a moment. “I’m all for binge drinking, but don’t over do it alright? I don’t want a Detrot repeat.”

Riot snarled at the mentioning. “I won that fight didn’t I? So you can fuck off!”

“That was just at the bar! I’m talking about what happened with those military police officers and the police wagon that ‘magically’ caught on fire! And that was all after you pulled that one bookie apart for Kepler.”

“You told me to do it!”

Shiv smiled, holding his hooves up. “I’m a sucker for a good bloody fight. What can I say? You were always so willing to oblige me.”

Music started downstairs, drawing Riots attention away from Shiv. “I suppose I should go join them.” He waited a moment, but no answer came. “Shiv?” Riot turned his head, but couldn’t spot the other stallion. “Hmm.” As he started towards the door, Vinyl came up through it, stopping Riot for a moment. Riot smiled at her. “Hey Vinyl, how’s-”

“Riot, shut up.” The mare started towards the kitchen, but Riot moved to block her.

“Woah, hey hold up.” Riot held a hoof up in front of her. Vinyl stopped for a moment, giving him a fiercely hateful look. “Vinyl what bug crawled up your ass? You’re acting like-”

“Like a grey ashole whose done nothing but cause me pain ever since he showed up in my life?” She snarled at him. The venom in her words cut deeply, even through the alcoholic haze.

Riot blinked, pulling back ever so slightly in his stance. “What?”

Vinyl snorted. “You heard me! I’ve done a lot of thinking, and I realised something about you.” She steadied her breathing before continuing. “I should have never hired you. You’re a mess! You’ve got more problems than this place has leaks! You’re dangerous, and every time I think that there’s a good pony beneath all that soldier, you go and break my heart!” Vinyl steadied herself. “You’re a parasite.”

Riot stood there for a moment, his features locked in place. Kepler and Wild watched from the kitchen, listening in silence. The white mare let out a breath. “I’m going back down for a few to check on everypony. When I come back up, I don’t want to see you here.” Riot didn’t dare voice an answer, instead only giving a short nod that almost looked like a mane flick. The mare turned away, leaving Riot to his thoughts. Kepler and Wild stepped out, the pair stealing a look at the frozen stallion; after a moment, they too followed after Vinyl.

S̴̤o҉͉u̴͓̭͎̻n̲̮̟̭̜̼d͉̣͔͟s̥̰͠ ̞̤͈̀l̜̰̪͇͝i͙̦ḵ͓͉̪̲e̯ ͇̮͠M̺̖o͏͖t̠͈͚h̫̼̪̯̀ͅe҉̲̜r̪.

Riot twitched at the thought, his fur standing up on edge. He took a long chug from the bottle still in his magic.

“You’re a fucking parasite, just like your father.” He mimicked the thought in a gravelly tone, his lips narrowing to a sneer. “Completely useless, send ‘em to the front!” He stomped the floor roughly, just to feel the tingling sensation. “Shoulda fuckin-”

A rapid knock from the door drew his ire. The stallion treaded towards the door, fulling intending to keep going, despite whoever was at the door. Riot stopped at the door before opening it. Shaking his head in an attempt to rid himself of his dark thoughts, Riot opened the door. His thought process came to a grinding halt when that somepony at the door slapped the side of his head with a wood bat.

Riot stumbled back, his eyes going wide as his thoughts were scrambled like eggs. A trio of stallion trotted in, wearing balaclavas. The lead one, with the baseball bat spoke, and he immediately recognized the voice of the shady stallion from before.

“This is the fucker I told you boys about.”

“Let’s give him a lesson.”

The music downstairs changed as the first pony charged.

Time slowed to a crawl; Riot could feel Shivs hooves on the side of his head. “G͔i͔͎͙̞̳͇̳͢v̪̹͍̬̦͡e̢̯̯͙ ̤̟͍ṃ̤͕̜̖̞e͏̼͚͍͔̩̠̤ ̡̭̗̰̪̲c̖͙̱͇͍o͈̥̘̻̯̬̙n̥̠̮̥̙̬̞t̮̪̗r̬͙̱͍ò̳͎̖l̺̻͉.”

Riot shuddered, ducking his head just in time to avoid a heavy swing. “NO!” He snarled loudly, his horn blazing brightly. A kinetic blast ripped away from it, blowing one of the stallions off his hooves. The pony who had charged him bucked, catching the soldier in the side. Riot let out a displeased howl, before turning on the other pony. Ducking his head, Riot threw a hard left hook, catching the stallion square in the jaw.

A baseball bat slammed into his flank, eliciting another howl. Riot’s knife came out in an instant, slashing across one of his assailants cheeks. The razor sharp SOG blade passed through the ponies cheek, and cut off a bit of his tongue. Said pony screamed in pain, his hooves going to his face as he tried in vain to staunch the bleeding.

The lead stallion swung at Riot again with the bat, but the hunk of wood was parried by Riots blade and magic. “You piece of shit! I’ll bash your skull in!” The stallion swore at Riot again, taking another hard swing for the unicorns head. Riot weaved out from under the swing, allowing a lamp to take his place. He couldn’t dodge the strong buck from one of the others, which caught him across the jaw.

Riot barred his bloody teeth at the other pony, but his eyes locked onto the other one who had pulled a switchblade from his hoodie. Riot smiled as he set himself into a low stance. The switchblade wielder charged. Catching the ponies knife in his magic, Riot shifted his weight, allowing the pony to run into him. Introducing the ponies leg joint to his hoof was easy, and the pony sagged with a cry. Taking advantage of the moment, Riot wrenched the blade from the pony, and plunged it into the stallions underbelly past the blades hilt. With a heave and kinetic kick, the pony went flying against the wall, taking a hunk of drywall down. The stallion landed on a small table, crushing the thing under his weight

The lead stallion balked, holding his bat as a shield. “Who the fuck are you!?”

“Riot.” He snarled, taking an aggressive step towards the bat wielder. The pony screamed, taking a wild swing. Riot caught the bat with his magic, and ripped it from the other ponies grip. Bringing the bat around, he caught the other pony; the one he had slashed earlier; across the mouth, sending teeth and blood across the living room. Riot dropped the bat, and started towards the final stallion.

The pony roared, charging Riot.

Downstairs, Vinyl swirled her drink, staring sadly into it. Berry tried to give her an apologetic smile, but failed. “I know you’re angry Vinyl, but he didn’t deserve that.”

Vinyl sighed, before shrugging. “It’s been said now. No going back.” A heavy thud sounded out from upstairs, causing a bit of dust to fall from the ceiling. Vinyl swore loudly, standing up. “That bastards destroying my house!” She charged towards the stairs, fully intent on showing that big stupid asshole what anger was.

As she slammed the door open, all the anger in her system was replaced by horror. Her home had been ruined, but her eyes were locked on the pair of ponies in the center of her home.

Riot sat on top of another pony, his hooves pistoning up and down onto the ponies head. Tiny dollops of blood flew every which way with each blow. The other pony wasn’t going anywhere, not with the knife in his foreleg pinning him to the floor. Riot smiled broadly, showing way too many teeth for somepony sane. Sickening crunches and an odd noise accompanied every blow, filling the house and Vinyl ears.

Riot was laughing. Every time his hoof came down, it was accompanied by a barely audible “HAH. HAH. HAH. HAH. HAH!”

Berry must have followed her up, because a mareish scream sounded out from behind her. “SOMEPONY CALL THE POLICE!!”

The scream broke Vinyl out of her mental slump. Taking a tentative step forward; Vinyl tried to swallow the lump in her throat. “R-Riot… What did you do?”

The stallion looked up at her, then back down at his handiwork. A small smile broke out on his drunk muzzle. “Dealing with a home invasion.” He pulled a four inch sliver of exploded baseball bat from his shoulder and tossed it to the side.

Vinyl shook her head, still in shock. “I… Faust…. Riot, I don’t know what to say-”

“How ‘bout thank you?” Riot cocked his head, a dangerous sneer spreading across his muzzle. “I mean, who would have stopped them? The one winged coward who left his commander for dead? The mare who threw away a large portion of her life with a needle hanging out of her leg? I don’t fucking think so! It was a PARASITE.” He ran his tongue over his bloody teeth, his eyes locked onto the mare.

By now, Vinyl had been joined by Wild and Kepler, who stood behind her, leary of the imposing scene in front of them. Kepler took a step forward. As she started to speak, Riot pulled his knife free from the pony and floor boards; wiping it clean on the other ponies fur. “Ash, put the knife down and think about what you’re doing, think-”

Riot snorted loudly, not even looking at the mare. “Don’t you fucking preach to me about thought! I risked my career to pull your ass out of the frying pan! You fucking begged me! And you know what was stupid? I fucking listened! I went AWOL to help your strung out ass, and you promptly stole everything from me! And then you went to FUCKING MA.” He snarled at her.

Kepler pulled back, her eyes growing wet from the venom in his voice. “Ash… I’m not like that anymore… I said I was sorry! I didn’t-” She sniffed, no longer able to look at him. Her eyes went to Wild, who looked between her and her older brother with a mixed looked of confusion, anger, and betrayal.

“You didn’t fucking think. You’re a fuckin junkie!” Riot stood, despite his hind leg protesting in pain.

“Cap, you need to calm down man, the cops are gonna get here, and they’re gonna see all this, and the knife, and-”

A still bloody knife whizzed through the air, embedding itself in the drywall near Wild. “Shut up you gorram coward!” Riot spat a glob of blood onto the floor. “I almost got my head cut off cause you wanted to be a hero. And you left me behind! YOU LEFT ME FOR DEAD!” Riot fumed, all his emotions and past aggressions coming to a head. He took a step forward, and everypony in front of him took an involuntary step back. He was a battered and blood spattered madstallion who had bloodshot eyes and bits of wood poking out from his left side, why wouldn’t they take one step back?

“POLICE! GET ON THE FLOOR!”

Riot whirled around, coming face to face with the squad of officers who had stormed the home. His bloodshot eyes narrowed, and he took a combative stance. Unfortunately for Riot, The officers had drawn tasers.

A trio of taser lines streaked out, striking Riot in the chest and neck. His muscles spasmed uncontrollably; Riots body shuddered as he took another unsteady step forward, his teeth grit in a predatory snarl.

Another pair of lines streaked out, and the world went black for the large unicorn. He wasn’t conscious for the baton beating.

FILE NAME: 00021-22107-IV

Name: Iron Venture
Birth Name: Ashfall Venture
Nickname: Riot
Age: 43
Place of Birth: Cork, Emerald Isles
Sex: Male
Species: Unicorn
Mane: Blonde/ Red
Tail: Blonde/ Red
Eyes: Blue
Height: 175cm
Weight: 100.75 kg
Cutie Mark: Grey shield w/ red crosshairs

REA SIN: 00021-22107-IV
Mainframe Access Code:
4S2S1Z42009187875B47390200000D5FEUN1837104410001U1CCC03FAF13130T107F3FCC004CB2

___________________________________----______________________________________

Joined with the 31st Airborne Ranger Corp, 3rd battalion
Was transferred to the 221st Mobile Infantry, Easy Company, 1st Battalion after Kai-Fong.

Joined army when he was 15, lied about his age to a recruiter. Left home in hopes of a better life, as he reportedly never got along well with his mother. Has two younger siblings, who are twins; Enfield Steele and Kepler Steele.

Riots father, Gavlin Venture, died when he was 14. His younger siblings, Enfield and Kepler, were 10 at the time. Riots mother remarried when he was 22. His new father, Clover Steele, tried his best to maintain good relations with the eldest sibling of the Venture family. Both Kepler and Enfield adopted the Steele name. Relations with the family are tense, as per report.

Confirmed Kills: 257

Riot has served in over 6 Campaigns, and an unknown amount of 'black' operations. For simplicities sake, I will give you both the date, and the Captains age when he went into said campaign. For a time frame Ma’am, your return took place roughly one month before the end of the War for Hoofington.

Campaigns

Korski Rail incident: (DETAILS EXPUNGED) 1972, Age 15
The plains of Westrock: (Minotaur/Griffon) 1977, Age 20
Dublins Night of flames: (Griffon) 1980-1981, Age 23-24
Kai-Fong: (Jungle Dog)1982, Age 24
Operation Viper Pit: (Black Op, details undisclosed) 1982, Age 24
Trotsovo: (Insurrectionist/ Diamond Dogs) 1986, Age 28
Forest of Al-saddle Laraigne: (Zebra separatist/Griffon) 1988, Age 30
Moon Cult uprising: (Black Op, insurrectionist) 1993-1994, Age 35-36
Border incident 3DK9: (Black Op, Zebra ultranationalist)1997, Age 39
Operation Fell Hoof: (Black Op, details undisclosed)1997, Age 39
The war for Hoofington: (Zebra Ultra’s/ D. Dog Mercs/ Griffon mercs)1997-2000, Age 39-42

Medals:

1 Bronze Stars: It may be awarded for acts of heroism, acts of merit, or meritorious service in a combat zone. When awarded for acts of heroism, the medal is awarded with the "V" device.

1 Silver Star: The third highest military decoration for valor that can be awarded to any pony serving in any capacity with the Equestrian Armed forces. The medal is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of Equestria.

Silver Cross of Bravery: for valor beyond the call of duty

Lance of Equestria: For the killing of a HVT with the kill order on their heads.

4 Purple Hearts: Wounded in combat

Cross of valour: The Cross of Valour is a decoration that is, within the Equestrian system of honours, the second highest award (superseded only by the Victoria Cross), the highest honour available for Equestrian civilians, and the highest of the three Equestrian Bravery Decorations. Created in 1972, the medallion is presented to individuals, both Equestrians and foreigners, living and deceased, who have performed acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril and grants recipients the ability to use the post-nominal letters CV.

Order of the Celestial Shield: For the rescue of a wounded comrade in life threatening conditions; placing life and limb on the line for a comrade in need.

Victorian Cross: The Victoria Cross is awarded for "the most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty, in the presence of the enemy"
___________________________________________-----_________________________________________

After being detained regarding the murder of Corporal Skyrunner at his hooves, The captain was held at the military hospital of 'Happy Acres' (REDACTED, ACCESS LEVEL 7 REQUIRED) Until evidence was brought forward regarding his innocence regarding the matter.
Declared unfit for combat after the murder of Skyrunner’ and the death of the vast majority of his company. Seen as mentally unfit for duty by a small tribunal, Riot was sent off with nothing but the clothes on his back and an honourable discharge. The Captain bears numerous wounds and scars, both mental and physical. Unfortunately, his initial temperance towards civilians has been strained at best, due to the detachment of war for civilians. For the most part Ma’am, many civilians don’t even know that Equestria’s gone to war let alone felt the direct repercussions.

Riot fell through the cracks of the over-burdened Equestrian veteran care program, despite his advanced condition and dangerous background. His presence was made known by the Ponyville anti-veteran movement, and subsequently Princess Celestia's direct confrontation with the group.

Riot has been given cursory support from the new veteran group based in Canterlot, but seems to be improving beyond all healthy expectations.

Permission to reinstate his rank, in case Haven Hammer becomes a reality.

In my personal opinion Ma’am, the captain is the kind of pony we want in our corner, not our enemies. If he were to be set against us somehow, the consequences could be disastrous. On that note, he may be a liability, and possibly dangerous to those around him, due to his advanced ‘condition’.

Chapter Fifteen

”Oh Celestia… I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die… Please, Celestia, Faust, Anybody! Don’t let me die...”

Riot awoke with a start, his entire body feeling like it was electrified. He blinked rapidly, before rubbing his eyes. “Fuckin Westrock…” Riot looked up through his tequila hangover, and pulled back. His eyes were met by a concrete wall, and a singular cell door. “Oooooh shit.”

Shiv patted the stallion on the shoulder. “Well isn’t this fitting, considering what you did last night.”

Hazy memory of the night prior spilled into his mind; the stallion couldn’t help but wince at his own stupidity. “I should've just stayed at home. I think… I think I mighta killed those guys.”

The other stallion rolled his eyes. “Seriously? You’ve killed less deserving folks than them, and they’re the ones you feel sorry about? That’s fucked up, even for you.”

Riot snarled, taking a swing at the stallion. His hoof passed through the air. “Piss off you gorram
arsehole, I outta stick you back into the depths for this! You made me do this shit.”

“I didn’t do anything, it was all you Ashfall. I just feed, you’re the one who treats me to a buffet.”

Keeping his mouth shut; Riot stood, heading towards the cell door. As he peered out through the bars, he could see a police officer heading his way. Riot backed away, sitting down on the hard bench. The officer stopped at his cell, peeking in through the bars.

“Iron Venture?” Riot nodded, and the officer stepped away. After a minute, his cell door swung open. “Your bail’s been posted.”

Riot cocked an eyebrow as he stood up. “Who paid it? And… Don’t you guys need to hold me, questions and all that?”

The officer held a flat look. “You need to be processed, please follow me.”

Sighing quietly, Riot nodded, and followed the officer to processing. Another officer slid a stack of paperwork at him. “Please fill these out to the best of your abilities sir.”

This was going to take a while.
________________________________________________________

After about an hour or so, Riot finished filling out his paperwork, and had his hoof prints taken and filled. One of the officers stood in front of a large monitor as a stack of paper chunked through the printer. The officer grabbed it, and started reading. After a moment, he baulked and motioned over the other officer.

Before Riot could see what had printed, a small mare trotted up to him. “Excuse me, sir? Judge Hardnose will see you now. If you would follow me please?”

Riot nodded, and followed the mare quietly. She led him to a small room where two other ponies sat. One of them turned around and he automatically regretted the tequila.

“Captain.”

“Redheart?” Riot blinked, ensuring that in his haze he didn’t have the wrong pony. The mare nodded, beckoning for him to sit. He did so but stayed leery of everything. “Redheart, what’s going on? Did you post my bail?”

The white mare smiled at him, before turning her head away. “I didn’t, actually. It was government funds from Doctor Miriam.” Riot started to say something, put Redheart cut him off with a hoof. “On two conditions.”

The Judge cleared his throat drawing the pairs attention. “Okay, so. Mr. Venture, I’m going to be honest with you.” The judge shuffled his papers before looking at the larger stallion. “Last night on the 24th of December, you were assaulted by three stallions with ill intentions. You went beyond defending yourself and now two of those stallions are in critical condition.”

Riot furrowed his brow. “What about the third?”

“He’s dead.” The judge stared at Riot. The stallion simply nodded and the judge continued. “Under normal circumstance, I’d have you jailed and placed in a psych ward. But fortunately for you, the stallions you… defended yourself from were three of Ponyville’s Most Wanted. Dealing with them saved the officers here a lot of trouble.”

“And?” Redheart piped up, giving the judge a peculiar look.

The judge sighed and turned another stack of papers to Riot. “A powerful pony has requested you be placed under Miss Redheart supervision and undertake psychiatric evaluation at the new Canterlot Veterans Hospital. If you sign these papers you will circumvent any jail time. But, keep in mind that if you decide to try and avoid your new duties, you will be arrested prosecuted, and jailed for third degree murder. Am I clear?”

“Crystal.” Riot grabbed a pen and quickly scanned the documents. He finished and quickly filled out the proper spaces. “I think I got it.” He passed the papers to the judge who hoofed them off to the bailiff.

“Good.” The judge nodded. “Now please leave.”

Redheart stood, and Riot followed suite. She motioned towards the door. As they trotted out of the police station Redhearts professional look quickly degraded to a pissed off animal. “Just what the hell were you thinking!?” She hissed, catching him only somewhat off balance.

“I defended myself!” He shot back.

The mare gave him a heated look. “I asked Vinyl what happened, and she told me what you’d been doing before the whole blood bath.” Redheart shot him another glare as they walked. “Have you seriously lost your mind?”

Riot opted out of answering immediately, his mind wandering back to the night before. “Yeah…”

Redheart blinked, not expecting that answer. “Well I suppose it’s good that you’re going to get a psych eval.” The mare shook her head. “You dodged a bullet here, but you’ve still got to deal with your friends.” Redheart stopped him, a concerned look flashing across her muzzle for a moment before disappearing. “For your mental health do not, I repeat do NOT go back to the Horseshoe.”

“Right.” Riot closed his eyes for a moment. “Like Vinyl’d even let me through the door.”

Nodding, Redheart passed him a slip of paper. “Hold onto this, it’s very important.” She ran a hoof through her uniform mane. “Are you still staying at the motel?”

“Yeah?” Riot cocked an eyebrow.

“Good. You’ll be getting a call later today.” Redheart smiled weakly at him for a moment. “Happy Hearths Warming Riot.” She said before turning around and walking away.

Wait.

Hearths Warming.

Hunter.

FUCK.

Riot facehoofed, groaning inwardly. He had to go see Hunter, and he didn’t have much of a present for the colt. First off, nopony would be open today; second, what would he get for Hunter?

The problem had no immediate proper solution so he’d just have to come up with one on the fly.
________________________________________________________________

Riot finally stood outside the home of Cheerilee and Aurora, his hooves planted firmly on the ground. He took a long breath to steady his nerves, then knocked on the door. He focused, quietly practicing looking happy for holiday purposes. The throbbing in his head didn’t help matters at all.

There was a set of hoofsteps, and the door was opened by none other than the pony that Riot had come to see. “Daddy!” The colt threw his hooves around Riot’s neck, nuzzling into his fur.

“Oh thank Celestia, I’m glad it was you who opened the door Hunter.” Riot hugged Hunter back, then stole a look into the still dark house. “Is your Ma still asleep? That’s...Odd. Especially on Hearths Warming.”

The young colt looked up to him, smile still wide on his features. “Well, Momma went back to bed after we opened our presents. She was really tired from me waking her up so early, I guess.” He said, shrugging.

Riot rolled his eyes, knowing the probable answer behind her being missing in action. “That’s alright Hunter, I don’t really think she’d want to see me anyways.” Riot looked about for a second. “So, I’ve got good news and bad news.”

Hunter just kept on smiling, looking as if absolutely nothing Riot could say could make him feel down. “What is it, dad?”

“Alright, first off, your present.” Riot dug through his jacket, ignoring the dog tags that were still in there along with the shrapnel. “I don’t have much military stuff left, and I didn’t know what to get you, so this will have to do.” He passed a bag to Hunter, one which jingled with roughly forty bits. “I know its not much, but I thats the best I can do at the moment.”

The colt pulled himself into his father again, digging his muzzle into the grey stallions neck. “You didn’t need to get me anything, I’m just happy to see you today.”

Riot shook his head. “Nonsense, it’s Hearths Warming. You get a present.” Now, for the bad news.” Riot rubbed the back of his head. “I have to start seeing a pony about some problems I’ve been having lately; so I may have to go out of town every now and then.”

Hunter’s face fell, but not by much. “T-that’s alright, Dad. If you have to be away sometimes to make yourself better, then that’s okay.” The young colt said, hugging his father tightly.

“Thank you Hunter.” Riot hugged the colt tightly. “I’m so proud of the stallion you’re becoming.” He straightened up, looking down at the colt. “Now, do you think any of the stores are open? And if so, would my little stallion want to go and get some hot chocolate?”

Hunter looked back into the house. “I dunno dad.....If mom wakes up and I’m not here you’ll get into trouble again....” The young stallion frowned.

Riot sighed, nodding solemnly. “I understand champ...And I bet she wasn’t too happy with you either.” Riot straightened up, then tousled the colts mane. “Have an awesome Hearths Warming Hunter. I love you with all my heart.”

The colt sat, and nodded slowly. “You too, dad.” He gave his father one more nuzzle, then went to close the door. Riot held up a hoof, stopping his son.

“Hunter...Could you go get your mother for me?”

I’m sooooo going to regret this....

Hunter nodded, a look of trepidation on his face. “Sure dad, I’ll see if I can get her up.” The colt quickly trotted away, deeper into the dark house. Riot could hear a quick conversation from the upstairs window, then a flustered sigh.

A pair of deep grey hooves came into view, then the rest of the mare appeared as Aurora fluttered down from the top of the stairs. She stopped at the bottom, looking at Riot as he stood in Cheerilees doorway. He waved weakly.

Aurora sighed; closing her eyes before trotting to the door. She opened them, looking up at him. “Good morning Ash.”

Riot managed an easy smile; he had forgotten how beautiful she was in the morning. “Happy Hearths Warming Aurora.”

She let out a breath, then forced out a holiday smile. “Happy Hearths Warming. What do you want?”

His smile died instantly. It was obvious she didn’t want to even see him. “I...I just wanted to say hello. See how you were doing.”

Aurora nodded, her hoof rubbing a rut into the bridge of her nose. “And? Is that all?”

Riots hopes and thoughts deflated faster than a flaming airship. “N-...Yeah. Yeah that’s it. I was hoping maybe we could talk, or sit down, or something. But I can see that you’re tired....” He let out a breath. “I’ll get out of your mane.”

Aurora sighed sadly, then put a hoof on Riots shoulder as he turned to leave. “Ash, look… I’m sorry it had to end this way.” She rolled her hoof for a moment. “ I had to sell the house because you were in the hospital, and we were having problems with money.” She looked away, letting her hoof drop.

Riot nodded; staring at the snow around his hooves and the interior of the home. “I understand Aurora. I...I may have to go out of town in a bit. Could you look after Hunter while I’m gone?”

Nodding quickly, Aurora moved to close the door. “I’m going to visit my parents, I’ll just take Hunter with me.” The door clicked closed in front of him. Not a single question as to when he was leaving or why. Just a closed door. Riot grunted in indignation, turning away from the building.

He trotted through the snow filled streets of Ponyville, barely hearing the sounds of joy and revelry coming from inside other ponies homes. Riot hugged his jacket for warmth. As he walked through the streets towards the motel, he noticed one stores ‘open’ sign being lit up. He cocked his head, looking at the flowery sign above the window.

“You are just full of shitty ideas today. Seriously. You’ve been topping the charts today.” Shiv smirked at him.

If only to spite the other stallion, Riot trotted towards the door, a couple jingling bits reminding him he was still worth something.

The door swung open, and was swiftly followed by the sound of a jingling bell. Riot glanced about the flower shop as he trotted in, looking for something he could afford.

Flowers.

Flowers everywhere.

They hung from the ceiling, the walls, and the counters. They sprung from every point in the store; to the point that he couldn’t figure out where the clerk was, even after she said ‘be there in a second’.

Riot somehow managed to find the counter, then proceeded to wait. After a few moments a mare walked out, bits of stem caught in her mane. She smiled at Riot, then cleared her throat. “Hello, and welcome to ‘The Flower Sisters Shoppe'!’” She smiled happily, despite working a holiday.

He managed a weak smile as he looked about. “Hi. I’m uh...looking for something I can afford.” He levitated out the meagre bag of bits as he looked about. He finally sighed in defeat, then looked back at the mare. “I’m trying to find something nice for somepony I pissed off...”

The mare behind the counter gave him a small smile. “O-oh… How bad is it? Is it a pregnancy? Another mare? Another Stallion?”

Riot blinked at the sudden onslaught of questions, barely being able to understand where she was coming from. “Well uh… I may have made an idiot out of myself during her hearths warming party.” Riot pursed his lips for a moment. “I feel really bad about what I did, and I want to make it up to her.”

The flower mare sighed in an even happier tone, which put Riot on edge. “That’s so romantic! She must really be somepony special for you to go so far out of your way!” She snuggled herself with a hug, then looked back at the wall. “May I suggest the fire lilies? They’ll keep her heart warm, even when you aren’t there!”

Ignoring her words of romance, Riot started digging through the bag of bits. “Sounds good. How much do I owe you?”

“Five bits!” Came floating out from the back of the store. Riot looked up, and the flower mare had disappeared.

“For the bouquet? That’s not that bad-”

“Five a flower hun!”

Riot cringed a bit, looking down at his coin bag. “Shit. I’ll just get one then.” He mentally cursed himself for not grabbing more bits from his emergency stash, and for not getting Hunter something tangible for Hearths Warming.

The mare trotted out, a beautifully wrapped flower clutched loosely in her mouth to avoid damage. She placed it in a pretty little box, then passed the package to Riot. “Here you go, five bits please.”

He slid over the money, then took his purchase. “Thanks...Happy Hearths Warming.”

She watched him trot through the door, her eyes following his flanks. “Have a nice day sir.”

Once Riot was back out on the streets, he focused on reaching Vinyl without any problems. The tightly wrapped box swayed in his magic as it floated next to him. The streets were still practically empty, and the revelry was gearing up to become the drunken sort. He sighed as his combat boots crunched through the snow.

The smell of an oil fire drifted into his nostrils, but Riot shook it away. It was easy to forget the snow was just snow, and the it wasn’t mixed up with ash and death. Riot shivered, not from the cold, but from the sinking feeling in his chest.

Vinyls little home came into view, and Riot slowed his pace as he thought his course of action through. He stood a few doors down, his eyes straying between the flower box and the door.

He started wondering and thinking as his hooves sank through the snow. Riot didn’t notice the few ponies who had come outside, despite the fact a few noticed him.

“Riot!”

Lost in his own thoughts, Riot didn’t notice the voice

“Riot!” His head went up; was someone calling him? A hoof slapped his shoulder, jarring him out of his fog. Berry stood next to him, looking slightly miffed. “Riot, I swear to Celestia! I was calling your name and chasing you for the better part of the block!”

Riot blinked, looking the huffing mare over. His mind was blank, failing to pull all but the simplest of responses out. All but one. “Hows the liver?”

Berry huffed angrily, pushing Riot into his motel room. “Of all the things you could be saying for yourself, you choose that!?” She sighed, shaking her head. “It’s fine.”

The stallion nodded, shifting his weight to take the load off his front hooves. “So…”

“You shouldn’t be here.”

Riots ears folded down as she confirmed what Shiv had been repeating in his ear during the walk here.

Berry sighed sadly, trotting up next to him. “After you… Left. Vinyl just broke down. She’s locked herself in her room since, and hasn’t come out.” Berry rubbed the bridge of her nose.

He looked down at his hooves as the image struck him. “Did anypony get hurt? I wasn’t really there.”

The mulberry mare shook her head. “No. It was all over when the cops showed up.” Berry threw her hooves up in the air in defeat. “I don’t know anymore. Vinyls retreated into her room, Kepler and Wild were fighting like crazy because of what you said, and I’ve got a destroyed home I need to clean.”

Riot nodded, taking in the story. “Well, for what it’s worth I’m sorry I put you all through that. I…” Riot thought for a moment. “I have to go through a psychological evaluation and social reconditioning. Apparently some bigwig doctor’s gonna be heading it up.” He sighed. “If I fight it at any step, I’m off to a eight by eight prison cell for fifteen years.”

Berry stared at him in shock for a moment before shaking her head. “You know, I’m not even surprised.” She glanced at the box he held in his magic. “What’s that?”

He paused for a moment before answering. “It’s a gift for Vinyl. An apology, if she’d have it.”

The bartender blinked, then looked down at the box. “Are you-”

“Do you think she’d let me?” Riot asked honestly.

Berry seemed to think for a moment. “...Maybe. You could give it a shot at least. She deserves that much.”

They both stood there for a moment, either lost in the implications, or trying to avoid them entirely. Just as Berry started to trot away, Riot followed. She gave him a supportive smile as they approached the house.

The door swung wide open revealing the aftermath of the home invasion. All the furniture had all either been destroyed or moved to the side. A massive divet marked one wall with its lack of drywall and another marked a faint blood stain. Riot closed his eyes for a moment, before continuing. Berry led him up to Vinyls door, then backed up.

“Good luck.”

Riot sucked in a breath before knocking.

Several seconds passed before he went to knock again; the door creaked open at his touch. Riot paused, and looked over his shoulder. Berry was gone, and he was starting to worry.

“Uh… Hello?” Riot stuck his head in through the door. Vinyls room was dark, darker than it should have been midday. Riot took a tentative step inside. “Vinyl?”

CRACK!

Riot let out a muffled howl of pain as something slammed into his nose; sending him back a few paces as he clutched at his now bleeding muzzle. “HWAT THA FACK!?!?” He sputtered out past his now broken nose.

Vinyl stepped out of the darkness, a small speaker clutched in her magic. “YOU PIECE OF SHIT!” Vinyl brought the speaker down again, and the stallion let out a pained cry as he continued to back-pedal. “GET OUT!” She swung at him again, but missed.

Dropping the nicely wrapped box, Riot cut his losses and followed her instruction. Stumbling past a faintly surprised Berry; Riot was out the door in a second.
______________________________________________________________________________

After the trainwreck at Vinyls, Riot stumbled back to the motel, bleeding heavily and more than a little pissed off. He fumbled with his keys, before pressing open the door.

Trotting in, Riot shed his bloodied coat and shirt; slowly making his way to the bathroom. Once there, he took one look in the mirror and swore loudly.

“Tha’ fuckin… BITCH.” He pressed a hoof against his nose and pushed. It gave way with a sharp ‘crack’ and a spurt of blood. Riot spat into the sink and cracked the taps. After a couple splashes of water, he looked up. The entire front of his muzzle was coated in blood which stained his fur and beard. Quite a bit of it had stained his chest too. Riot growled angrily as he drove a hoof into the mirror.

The phone in his room started with a ring, drawing his ire. The stallion treaded forward hotly, fully intent on releasing his frustrations on the caller. He stopped before answering.

“Yeah. I’m here.” He snapped quickly.

The pony on the other end breathed into the receiver. A deep, yet undeniably intelligent stallion started to speak. “Is this the residence of one, Captain Iron Venture?”

Riot squeezed his eyes shut. “Yeah. That’s me. It’s not a residence, it’s a fuckin motel. And don’t call me captain.”

The caller let out a light chuckle. “I always refer to ponies in uniform by their rank. No matter what their status is.” Riot rolled his eyes. “Regardless, I’m Dr. Stuart. I’m heading a newly created team of scientists and doctors here in Canterlot.”

Riot laid back entirely his body giving out as he hit the bed. “Good for you. I’m afraid I don’t have any scout badges to hoof out at the moment though.”

Dr. Stuart grunted, taking a drink over the phone. “My team has been ordered by the princess to help with the rehabilitation and recovery of our ponies in uniform. I have been asked directly by Princess Celestia herself, to take your case.”

The realization hit Riot. He was going back to the hospital. “Oh. Boy. I’m thrilled. I really am Dr. Stuart. I just LOVE hospitals. Especially ones reminding me that I could be nothing but a torso stump and a head.” Riot grimaced, rolling his eyes as he rubbed the bridge of his broken nose.

The doctor only laughed in return. “I’m glad you’ve still got your fighting spirit Captain. Listen up, I deal with mental trauma, not physical. I’m the doctor who just spent four days trying to get a hold of your sorry ass, and I’m the doctor who's going to fix you, whether you like it or not.”

The sudden change in tone took Riot by surprise. He cracked a smile; This might not be so bad. “Alright, Doctor. What do you want and where do I go.”

Riot could practically see the stallions smile from over the phone. “Your cooperation, first off.”

“I’m under court order for that one. Keep the list rolling Doc.”

“Second, I need you to come down to the Royal Lunar Veterans Hospital. There’s only so much I can do over the phone Captain. I can have a chariot sent immediately and have Nurse Redheart advised of the situation.” Riot sat there for a moment, letting the idea sink in fully. The uncomfortable pause caused the doctor to tap the receiver. “Hello? Captain Venture?”

Riot blinked, then scrambled to reassure his grip on the phone. “Yeah, yeah I’m here. Let me call my son and get some things together. Gimme five and send your fly colts.”

The doctor let out a breath. “Of course Captain, I’ll see you soon. The chariot will be instructed to land near the Ponyville library. Do you know where that is?”

He nodded, levitating some things into his duffel bag. “Yeah, I know it.”

“Good!” The line suddenly went dead, leaving Riot to scramble and put his things together.

Three olive drab shirts that read ‘REA’, two unmarked grey ones. Two pairs of camouflaged combats. One pair of beaten combat boots and gaiters. One heavy flight jacket, one REA beret with his rank. He glanced over at the little picture of his unit that sat on his night stand still. Hunters picture was taped over the edge, so he would always be there. Riot trampled over, grabbing the picture and stuffing it in his coat pocket, and it was quickly followed by his notebook. Riots final item was his wallet. The thing was pretty dilapidated looking, only having around twenty or so bits left. He dropped it into his inside pocket, then zipped up the duffel.

Finding all his worldly possessions stowed away, Riot picked up the phone again, and started dialling the number that was scribbled down into his notepad by a foal.

One ring.

Two rings.

Come on Hunter....

Three rings.

“Hello?”

Riot let his breath out; a small smile breaking out on his lips. “Hey Hunter, it’s your dad.”

Chapter Fifteen / D

Marigold had just finished compiling everything into a well organized pile; ranging from her first run in with the mad stallion, to her newest information. She was just about to take a lunch break when the phone in her room rang. The mare stood up, and pranced into her room. She picked up the device and flopped onto the bed.

"Hello! Marigold here."

"Hey Mari. You uh... You sound happy." It was Melody, and from the tone of her voice, she had bad news.

Usineighn shrugged of the toning, assuming the other mare had never heard her this happy before. "Yep! I've got everything ready, I'll be calling a meeting with the tribunal today! I finally have that bastard Mel!" She clopped her hooves, the grin never leaving her face.

There was an uncomfortable pause from the other end. "Mari, I hope you're sitting down."

The mare sat up, her smile fading a bit. "Why?"

"They let your ghost out. They called self defence, and somepony posted his bail. I'm sorry."

Usineighn sat there in stunned silence; her lips moving to say something, but no words were formed. She wavered; her hooves shook as they cradled the device against her head. "W-what? How? H-he murdered them!"

She could hear Melody sigh on the other end. "It was a home invasion, and your ghost stopped them. Only one died."

Anger flared in Usineighn, and she smashed her lamp of the night stand with a hoof. "FUCK!" She screamed as another thing was flung away with her magic. She threw her spread and sheets from the bed, eventually resorting to overturning the whole set-up. She cursed Faust, Celestia, Luna, and every god-like entity in between for her foul luck.

As the minutes ticked by, and her unprofessional rage simmered down, she picked up the phone with a shaky hoof. "A-are you still there Melody?"

"Yeah... Yeah I'm here. And I've got a bit of news for you. He's not in the clear yet."

taking several deep breaths, Usineighn nodded, grabbing a pen and some paper from her destroyed mess of a room. "Okay. Give it to me."

The mare on the other end could be heard shuffling papers. "Your ghost was released on supposed strict conditions. I don't know the conditions, but what I do know, is that he's coming to Canterlot, and soon."

Her pen tapped wildly against the pad of paper as her mind raced to draw lines between the dots. "Where... Where would- I got it, he'll probably end up at that new veterans hospital! I'll pull some strings with the doctors there, I'll get the answers I need."

Melody's line grew static-y for a moment. "-Done all I can from my end. You owe me Mari."

Usineighn nodded, even though the other mare couldn't see her. "Like I said before, when I crack this case wide open, you'll reap the benefits with me. You made this possible Melo-"

"Marigold, I want bits. Now. This goose chase over this black-ops ghost has had me sweating from day one. I want compensation."

"W-what about justice? We're bringing in a dangerous criminal, you should be proud!" Usineighn shook her head, a deep, disbelieving frown spreading across her muzzle.

Melody sighed. "Mari, we've been friends for years, but you've almost driven me into the ground with this one. Either cough up the bits, or I report that you've got stolen government property."

Usineighns mouth opened and closed as she tried in vain to wrap her mind around what she was hearing. Blinking back tears, she held up the receiver again. "O-okay... Okay. I'll get you the bits as soon as I can, alright? Just... Please Mel, don't... Don't do this..."

"I have to. As much as I value our friendship, I need to eat. I'll be expecting the bits by the end of the week."

Dropping the phone down onto its cradle, Usineighn wiped her eyes with the back of a fore-leg. She punched the bottom of her overturned bed, before flopping down to the floor.

Chapter Sixteen

I’m God. Your God. At least, I’m the only God listening right now.

Riot stood in front of the library; his duffel chafing his shoulder ever so slightly under his flight jacket. His face was stoic, but his heart beat like a war drum. He could see the chariot approaching in the distance. As he waited, Riot pondered over whether or not the military helicopters would be used for civilian purposes, or anything that didn’t require it to have magic rocket pods, flares, or door gunners.

His line of thought was broken as the library door creaked open, and the sound of hooves crunching through the snow reached his ears. Riot cocked his head just as the chariot began its descent.

Twilight smiled warily at him as she trotted through the snow; coming to a halt next to the larger, grey stallion. “It’s a beautiful day for a chariot ride isn’t it Mr. Venture?”

“Yeah. You catching a ride to Canterlot too?” Riot switched his duffel over to his other shoulder so he could see the small purple unicorn better. “Prolly shoulda’ guessed.”

His words caused Twilights ears to perk. “You’re going to Canterlot? Celestia said that there would be a chariot coming by for somepony in town, and that I could catch a ride with them. I didn’t think you of all ponies would be on the chariot.”

Riot shrugged, and started his explanation, but was quickly cut off as the craft and its pilots came to a skidding halt on the snow. The lead stallion looked over at the two. “Mr. Venture?”

The grey stallion nodded; tossing his bag into the hold. “Yeah, that’s me.”

The royal guard motioned towards the chariot. “Get on, we’re burning daylight.”

Twilight blinked, then stepped forward. “Princess Celestia told me-”

The guard cut her off. “We were ordered to retrieve you as well Ms. Sparkle. Please get on board.”

Twilight sighed at the lack of tact on the guards behalf, then trudged on and sat across from Riot. The chariot lurched into the air as they sat down, and started towards Canterlot post haste.

The flight went over a vast majority of land, but the guards, and the ponies who sat within, were silent. Riot kept to himself, fiddling away with his duffle. Twilight, who was struck by the awkwardness of the flight rubbed her fore hoof as she searched for a topic to break the horrid silence with.

“So, um...How’s your wife? I heard that you were married.” She offered a smile, hoping he would help make the flight less awkward.

Riot glanced up for a moment. “She left me.” His eyes went back down to the notepad, and he scrunched his nose up as a rocket streaked up and struck the chariot, killing them all instantly.

No. No, that won’t happen. You’re a civilian. Retired. You won’t get shot at ever again. Get used to it. Riot closed his eyes for a moment before pulling out his notepad in hopes of possibly finishing half the sketches he had..

Twilight bit her lip, mentally berating herself for not knowing. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t know!” He shrugged his shoulders as he sat; his pencil scratching across the notepad. Twilight cringed a bit, then lifted her hoof in trepidation. “Can I see what you’re doing?”

The mares hoof lowered slightly, and her smile died bit by bit as silence reigned. She started cursing herself internally, wishing she hadn’t made the whole ride so unbearable. Riot glanced down at his notepad, before sighing. “Fine. Just, try not to laugh alright?” He passed the canvas bound book to Twilight, who snatched it up in an instant.

Twilight nodded; smiling eagerly as she pulled the strap open. She quickly dove into the notepad, devouring it page by page. Within the first few pages, she stopped and cocked her head. “Did you draw these?” She turned the notepad about, showing a pencil sketch of a Paladin tank. Riot nodded his head, and Twilight quickly turned the book back around. “It’s been so long since I read a picture book!” She giggled a bit, then went back to reading.

Riot on the other hoof, wasn’t so pleased with his situation. Without his journal to keep him occupied, he now had to either find complete interest in the floor and his hooves, or he would be forced to acknowledge how high up he was. Riot swallowed, then shook his head a bit.

No drop harness, no clips, no fucking roof… One fuck up and these turkeys will watch me plummet. Oh joy.

Risking a glance over his shoulder, Riot breathed a sigh of relief; Canterlot was within view and approaching fast. Just as they neared the mountain capital, an additional flight of pegasi guards met their chariot. The lead guard exchanged a word with the patrol leader, who quickly nodded and led his group off.

Odd. You would think that they would just let a royal chariot through, especially one being towed by royal guards.

Riot ran a hoof through his mane, then shook his head as they neared the castle runway. “I hate politics.”

Twilight perked up, and finally noticed the presence of Canterlot. “Oh! We’re here!” She smiled again, then turned to the next page of Riots journal. Her smile became one of curiosity. “Is...Is this me?” She held up the book, showing the sketch of herself.

Riot glanced up, casually grabbing the journal with his magic then stuffed it in his jacket. “Yup. Come on kid, might wanna buckle up.” Riot steadied his grip on the side just as they finished circling the runway before landing.

The purple unicorn cocked her head, and started to ask why just as the chariot clanged against the ground. The jolt of impact sent her up, then straight back down with a resounding ‘thud’. Twilight rubbed her flank with a hoof, scowling slightly. One of the pegasi guards who had unbuckled turned to the pair. “Sorry about the rough landing Ms.Sparkle, but Celestia requires your immediate attendance.”

Twilight blinked, then got to her hooves. “Well I better get going then!” She picked up her things; tossing her emblazoned saddlebags over her back. Just as she hopped off the chariot, she turned her head to look at Riot. “I’ll see you soon, have a nice day. Oh, and happy Hearth’s Warming!” Twilight smiled curtly, then disappeared in a flash as she teleported away.

As Riot hopped off the chariot, he quickly found himself eerily out of place. The stallion glanced around as his paradrop duffle dug into his shoulder. He was surrounded by royal pegasi guard, who were all either stark white or off grey. Despite everything, Riot felt a certain amount of animosity from them as he started towards the edge of the landing strip. As the realization that he didn’t know where he was going, Riot was stopped by a semi familiar voice.

“Captain Venture in the flesh.” Riot cocked his head, catching a glimpse of the owner of the voice.

“Dr. Stuart?” Riot turned towards the burgundy earth pony stallion.

The stallion nodded. “Yup, now come on; these flyturks don’t take kindly to other branches of the military on their air strip.” Dr. Stuart motioned away from the airfield; Riot quickly fell in step beside the large stallion.

The pair trotted off the field and towards canterlot proper, but Riot couldn’t help but notice the burgeoning guard presence. The Doctor picked up on his curiosities. “We’ve been having...difficulties, as of late. The extra guards are only here to keep the populace calm.”

Riot cocked an eyebrow; glancing over at the doctor. “Difficulties? It can’t be that bad if they haven’t started issuing the rifles out.” Riot mulled his own thought over, then spoke again. “What’s up with that? I thought we were gearing up to outfit every guard with new arms and armour. At least, we were when I was still here.”

Doctor Stuart chuckled as they approached a vibrant market place. “Outcry from the nobles. They think that firearms will make Canterlot ugly somehow, more dangerous.”

The burgundy earth pony and the grey unicorn snorted in unison. “Idiots.”

Riot sighed, ignoring a bump from some aristocratic snob in the market. “Soddin’ idiots. They’ll kick and scream that they hate violence and guns right up to when they throw fresh foals onto bayonets for oil.” He spat; readjusting his bag to the other shoulder.

The earth pony next to him chuckled mirthfully; shaking his head a he led Riot through the streets. “That they will. We’re close to the hospital now, I assume this little walk hasn’t tired you out has it?” Dr. Stuart eyed Riot carefully.

The unicorn smirked, then shook his head. “Nah, I’m fit as a fiddle. Might have a couple extra holes and a few missing strings, but I still work.”

Doctor Stuart nodded, then motioned towards an impressive looking building. “There she is; the Royal Lunar Veterans hospital. Princess Luna is the reason this place exists, if the name wasn’t a dead give away.”

Riot looked over the large group of structures, which seemed to dwarf most others around it. “Looks impressive.” Riot glanced over the large concrete walls, and wondered if the complex was built like a bomb shelter.

“Impressive is the least of what it is Captain. Please, follow me.” Doctor Stuart trotted ahead, leaving Riot behind a few steps. The grey stallion picked up the pace, quickly closing the distance.
___________________________________________________________________

The doors of the hospital slid open as the pair drew near, drawing a low whistle from Riot and a smirk from the doctor. They continued into the foyer, where Dr. Stuart about faced.

“Captain Riot, Welcome to FoB Lima Victor.”

Riots eyes widened a bit, and a faint smile crossed his muzzle. Past the foyer, and beyond an onlookers eye, was what looked like the fire bases he had grown up working in. “It...”

“Feels like home?” Doctor Stuart was joined by a nurse, who wore military fatigues. “Yes, we tried to get it as close to ‘hell hole’ as possible, while leaving out the ‘hell’ and the ‘hole’.”

Riot nodded, trotting forward and past the doctor and nurse. “Yeah...Yeah, I think you got it about right.” A lemon yellow stallion passed through a doorway at the edge of Riot’s vision just as the doctor began to speak to his nurse.

Stuart snorted, drawing Riot’s attention away from the hallway. “Corporal Holtz just needs another round of physical therapy. His horn will work, he just has to want it to.” The nurse nodded, then cantered off. Stuart trotted up to Riot, then cleared his throat. “I need to check on some ponies, would you be alright on your own for a few minutes? Just stay on the first floor, I don’t want to have to chase after you.”

Riot could only nod, his eyes focusing on where Mumbles had walked through. “Sure doc...I’ll get busy right away.” Doctor Stuart trotted in front of Riot; quickly taking a few notes, before Riot glanced back over to him. The doctor nodded, waving a hoof towards the inside of the hospital.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Riots hooves clopped over the clean tiles, but the sound was barely audible to him at this point. As Riot approached the door Mumbles had disappeared through, he heard talking on the other side. The tall unicorn sucked in a breath; feeling his heart pound heavily in his chest.

Why the hell am I here? This is nothing. I bet it’s just a nurse and some fucked up soldier...

Riot steeled himself, then pushed open the door. He stuck his head in, and all thought ground to a halt. He was staring at a dead pony.

A deep blue mare in a wheelchair looked over at intruder, but before Riot could think straight, she had wheeled over and smacked him on the shoulder. “Captain Riot! You bloody mick, you have my dogtags!”

Crumpet’s Trottingham accent filled Riots ears, kickstarting his brain. He blinked, then stare at the wheelchair bound mare. “I thought you were fuckin’ dead...”

She smirked, rolling her golden eyes. “Uh-huh, that’s why you and Mumbles never visited? Bullshit. Where is that lemony fire-brand anyways? I figure he’s here with you?” She smiled broadly, but as she watched Riots surprised expression turn to one of sorrow, she immediately understood. “He didn’t make it...Did he?”

Riot sighed, nodding as he did so. “No. I think he’s buried here actually. I don’t really know...”

Crumpets pulled back a bit. “You didn’t go to the burial?”

He shook his head. “I...I was in the hospital....”

The mare sighed sadly, shaking her head slowly. “It’s alright Captain. We all make mistakes, and we all have our wounds.” She placed a hoof on Riots slumped shoulder. “That’s why you’re here isn’t it? You’re the special case that Doc Stuart wanted me to help on.”

She was so sure. Somehow, she knew more about Riot than he did. The stallion did the only thing he could at the moment. He simply shrugged and nodded. “I guess.”

One of the soldiers sitting in a plush chair lifted a hoof. “Ma’am, aren’t you gonna introduce your friend here?” The olive coloured stallion smiled weakly, his eyes covered by a roll of fresh gauze.

Crumpets smirked up at Riot; who could only grimace at the idea. She placed a hoof on his shoulder, motioning to the group. “This is my old captain, he’s the one who made sure I made it through the Aventine Forest alive.” The group nodded politely; smiles beginning to grow on their faces. Crumpets nodded at Riot, then leaned in a bit closer. “Come on Cap, tell ‘em your name.”

Riot cleared his throat. “Ahem...I uh...Hi. I’m Iron Venture. Retired.”

The group welcomed him, and an extra chair was brought out. Crumpets gave his rear a smack, goading him forward and toward the seat. Riot slumped down into the chair; not sure whether to make a lame excuse to try and slip out, or to actually sit down and weather this...Support group.

“Thank all of you for coming.” The mare said, clearing her throat. The warm smile on her features fell slightly. “I know that some of you aren’t feeling well today, but I ask that you please bear with me.” She smiled softly, receiving a few nods in return.

Riot let out a long breath; this was most definitely not what he wanted to be doing. He wanted to get up and trot out the front door; this whole place made him feel out of place, dysfunctional, broken.

A peach coloured mare turned to Crumpets, and started saying something that Riot couldn’t quite make out. He decided to ignore them for the moment, and occupy his time with ‘guess the career ender’.

There was the olive stallion from before, with the bandaged eyes. Probably either some kind of explosive, or a run in with incendiaries. The peach mare was missing a leg, but seemed to have some kind of prosthetic in its place. Definite IED. A large brown earth pony across from Riot had bandages strapped across his chest, and every time the stallion would breath, Riot could hear a tiny little hitch. Shitty sniper was the cause for that one.

There were a few that weren’t so obvious. Like the yellow mare, who couldn’t sit still; who couldn’t seem to calm down no matter what. PTSD, like he had. Maybe got stuck in a foxhole full of the dead. There was another stallion, he was a kind of purpley grey. The pegasus stared off into the distance, not taking notice of anything around him. PTSD again, sole survivor, more than likely.

During his observations, Crumpets had asked him a question. Not getting an answer, she prodded his shoulder. Riot blinked, then looked over at the wheelchair bound mare. “Sorry, I was off on my own for a second there.”

Crumpets smiled sadly; nodding knowingly. “That’s alright Riot. What I was asking, was if you would like to tell us about yourself.” She snickered a bit at Riots reaction, and quickly cut him off before he could speak.”It’s so the rest of the group can get to know you better. We’ll do that same in return.”

Riot knew he’d be asked these questions eventually; he just hadn’t expected them to be asked here. And by a dead pony no less.

What kind of things do you like doing?

’Oh well I like being self destructive and snarky. I also enjoy long walks through hell, and my wife has left me.’

Riot sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Alright. You win.” He looked up at the group; most of which was focused on him; those that could at least. “I was a Captain with the royal equestrian army. Second Battalion.” He took another breath before continuing. “I uh...I have a son, who is growing up very quickly. His name is Hunter.”

Someone in the group raised a hoof, then asked a question. “Do you have a wife?”

The question was one that Riot had wanted to avoid in its entirety. Riot glanced at the floor, his hooves pressed together as if he were a school foal. “No. Not anymore. She... She...”

His thoughts were halted when Crumpets placed a hoof on his shoulder. “It’s alright, we understand. Maybe you want to talk about what you do for a living now?”

Riot nodded, taking notice of the supportive smiles. This is weird...
“Well, before Hearths Warming Eve, I worked as a bouncer for a small club. It was an alright job; the DJ was a little... neurotic, with her advances and all that.”

A few ponies in the crowd chuckled. The large earth pony with the bandaged chest raised a hoof. “What made you want to work at a club?” He paused as he regained control of his ragged voice. “You don’t seem like much of a club goer.”

It was Riots turn to chuckle, but Crumpets was the one to speak next. “Yeah, Rocker’s got a point there Cap’. You hated clubs, couldn’t stand being near them. What in Equestria make you want to work at one?”

Riot scrunched up his muzzle, shooting a pointed look at the deep blue mare in the wheelchair. “I needed the money. The paper work for my...Pension; hadn’t come through. Not yet anyways. It was one of the few jobs open that I figured I could handle....That and I may have burned a few bridges, so some of the others weren’t exactly open to me.”

The green stallion with the bandaged eyes raised his hoof. “What happened?”

His question caught Riot off guard, but considering the his company Riot should have expected it. “I uh...I had a flashback, in a park. I was...I was defending some shit hole hill in Hoofington.” He sighed heavily. “I attacked some innocent pony, who could have easily been my wife, or my son, or my friend… All cause I wigged out for a second.”

A hoof laid down on his shoulder. Riot looked over to see Crumpets smiling, and the rest of the group smiling. It wasn’t really a happy smile; more like one of those ‘suck it up, we’re in the same boat’ kind of smiles. Riot shook his head slowly before speaking. “That’s part of the reason why I’m here.”
________________________________________________________________________

As Riot outlined his attempts at normality, the group listened. As he talked about the attack at the library, they grew angry, but remained supportive. As he spoke of rehabilitation, they understood.

They understood.

That was one of the things he had missed so much while he was in Ponyville. Nopony there understood what had happened to him, nor what he was going through. They couldn’t. Hell, even Wild didn’t know the whole deal, and Riot’s reasons against a heart-to-heart with him were many and varied.

That wasn’t the case here. These ponies had been there with him, they had survived the same hardships. They understood.
____________________________________________

Somewhere during the talk, Dr. Stuart had come into the room, but he didn’t stop the discussion. He just stood there, watching Riot open up. As the blind stallion started talking about his similiar situation with Riot, the doctor got the attention of Crumpets.

The blue mare wheeled over, nodding to the doctor. She spoke in a hushed tone, so as to not interrupt anypony. “Hello Miria.”

Dr Stuart nodded to her, still looking at Riot. “Is he really opening up that easily? I figured somepony like him would be harder to crack than a Z-100 tank.”

Crumpets giggled lightly, shaking her head. “Oh no, he’s a big softy.” She cast a glance over her shoulder at the stallion, just as he started discussing recreational works. “I hope we can help him.”

The doctor nodded. “As do I.” He breathed out for a moment. “Any word on the last shipment?”

The mare nodded quickly. “Yup, it’s already locked up and hidden away.”

Dr Stuart smiled broadly. “Good work Sergeant. The Nobles are really pushing to bring that new bill through, and I think Celestia may be forced to sign.”

They both sighed, shaking their heads. Riot had just finished his story, and was now chatting with several other soldiers. Crumpets smiled again as she watched him. The doctor smirked, bumping her on the shoulder. “Something there Sergeant? A little...Trench crush perhaps?”

Watching the blue mare turn red caused the doctor to break out into an amused chuckle. Crumpets huffed. “You’re just jealous...”

Dr Stuart simply shrugged. “I wouldn’t think too far into it Crumpets.”

The mare huffed again, rolling her eyes. “Well, let’s just finish up with this bit. We need to show Riot around the rest of our nice little compound.” She looked away for a moment, then shook her head.

Dr. Stuart nodded in agreement. “Could you show him around please? I need to finalize some things with Heavy Brass.”

Crumpets nodded, then shooed the burgundy buck out the door. She turned back to the group of ponies, who were exchanging stories and explaining injuries.

“I remember, this one time....Where was that...” The green pegasus with the bandaged eyes was the one who was talking now. “We had to escort these heavy bombers up the Trottze river, onto the target, and back home.” He smiled broadly. “It was an easy mission, we didn’t run into any resistance at all!” The stallions demeanor dropped dramatically. “Until we hit the dam...”

The sound of Crumpets wheeling over brought some attention away from the green stallion, but not much. Riot sat back in his chair; his eyes on Crumpets. He kept his voice low out of respect. “What’s up?”

She sighed, then smiled at him. “Nothing out of the ordinary; Doctor Stuart is a very… Busy, stallion. He runs almost everything in the compound. Of course, he hoofs a lot of smaller things over to ponies like myself, but he has the final say on everything. Like me being the one to finish showing you around.” She finished with a smile. “We can head out whenever you want.”

Riot nodded, then glanced over at the pegasus, who was currently flailing his hooves around to show the different directions of the attackers and himself, despite the fact he couldn’t see where his hooves were. Riot smirked. “Once he’s done; it’s an interesting story.”

The pegasus mimicked a machinegun, while shaking his hooves back and forth. “And then the fucker burst into flames! H-he did this kinda pirouet, and smashed into my bomber! Then the bomber exploded!” The stallion sat down quietly, now fully aware of how loud he had gotten. “That’s how I lost my eyes, the bomber blew up and I got hit with shrapnel.”

The group nodded, then clapped for him. Riot stood, nodding to Crumpets. The chairbound mare clopped her hooves together, then addressed the group. “Great work guys, I’m very proud of the progress we’ve made today! The day is yours guys, so get out there and have fun. Happy Hearths Warming everypony!” She smiled at everyone; hugging the few who couldn’t see the smile.

Once the other soldiers had filed out, Crumpets let out a sigh of relief. “Alright then, let’s get you acquainted with the neighborhood.” She pushed open the door, then motioned for Riot to follow.
__________________________________________________________________________

“So Crumpets, how did you end up here of all places?” Riot looked about at the surroundings; feeling oddly at ease with the whole setting.

The mare did her best to shrug. “Well after I lost the use of my legs, I spent a lot of time in traction. You know, learning how to get around with two legs and a pair of wheels. Mostly learning how to be a functioning pony again.” Crumpets sighed sadly as they rounded a corner. “That part was the hardest.”

Riot nodded, knowing full well what she meant. “So, what all’s in this place? It looked pretty big from the outside.”

Crumpets giggled a bit. “Bit of an understatement that. The building you’re in right now is Lima Victor Proper. This is where veterans go for healing. On the east side of the compound we have the Barracks. Those individual units house around two hundred ponies, both veterans and medical staff; of course, that’s not including those who are propped up in the LVP. We have a small pool for calisthenics, and a few other amenities, like a track, and a basketball court.”

Riot let out a low whistle as they exited out into the courtyard. “All of this, completely detached from the civilians on the outside...I have to admit, I’m impressed.” Looking around, Riot started noticing how easily defensible the whole complex was. “I’m getting the feeling that healing and housing aren’t your only objectives, hmm?”

The mares wheels rattled over the smooth stone of the walkway; a few ponies skirted to the side, saying their hellos to the Sergeant. Crumpets nodded her head as they walked. “You could say that; Luna was in charge of the entire project. Turns out she’s leaning more towards tangible defenses, instead of harmony and love.”

He nodded in agreement. “Sounds like the kind of princess I could get behind. Wonder what brought on the sudden desire for more defenses though...” Riot started mulling the thought over, but Crumpets hoofed the answer over in a jiff.

“Don’t act like you don’t know! The Changelings nearly fucked us last year, it was only through blind luck and miracles that the city’s still standing.

Riot stopped dead in his track. “Wait wait, what!? Canterlot was actually ATTACKED!? How?”

Crumpets merely shrugged. “Their leader snuck in, and they came down hard during the royal wedding. Guard Captain Shining Armour somehow managed to use some kind of weird love magic to blast the Changeling Queen and her horde out into the distance.”

Riot could only shake his head in dismay. “Fucking royal guard, they couldn’t keep a tank safe at a pacifist convention.”

The mare chuckled in agreement, then nudged him towards a smaller building. “Come on, I think it’s time we found Mumbles.” The lack of reaction from Riot caused the mare to turn around. Riot had stopped dead in his track, the look of dread on his face. Crumpets smile fell, and she wheeled over to him. “You alright Captain? We don’t have to if-”

Riot held up a hoof, interrupting her. It fell back down, and Riot closed his eyes as he spoke. “No. No, I’ve hidden from it for long enough...Let’s do it.” Crumpets looked him over, then nodded. She motioned towards the small administration building and started wheeling herself along.

The pair trotted through the heavy double doors, drawing a sidelong glance from the receptionist. “Can I help you two?”

Crumpets wheeled up to the desk and placed her front hooves on top. “We need to find a friend.”

The stallion behind the desk nodded, and started pulling a large folder out of the desks holder. “Anypony in particular?”

Riot closed his eyes. “Corporal Flaky Mulberry. Deceased.”

The receptionist nodded, and pulled out a different binder. “Let’s see here...’M’...’M’...Aha! Mulberry, Flaky; killed in action due to friendly fire, buried at Memorial field, Canterlot. Plot number Two-Oh-Seven.” He looked up and smiled. “Does that help?”

Crumpets nodded. “Yes, thank you Sven.” She turned to Riot; who seemed distant. “Come on Captain, Memorial field isn’t too far.” Riot nodded; turning around towards the door.

As the pair exited the small building, the receptionist went back to work, filing and sorting various folders and binders.
___________________________________________________________________

The pair moved through the field, counting down the plot numbers. Crumpets rolled up to the plain grave; making sure her wheels didn’t mar the grass before it. Riot trotted up next to her, but didn’t say anything. The mare glanced over at the stallion seated next to her; pain crossing her features.

Riot kneeled down before the stone; his hooves scraping away some moss that had grown there. Some of the stuff wouldn’t fall away, gaining his ire. Riot started scraping a bit harder, determination crossing his features. Crumpets lifted a hoof, but it fell away as Riot grunted in anger.

“You....Sonuva...Bitch...” Each word was punctuated by a hoof scraping loudly across the granite headstone.

Crumpets placed a hoof on Riots shoulder, causing him to stop his attack on the offending green. He didn’t however look up at her, or even look away from his hooves. “Riot, I’m sorry, I thought this would-” The tall unicorn sniffed quietly; a stained hoof moving upwards to wipe his eyes. It fell away prematurely as his chest started convulsing. Riot screwed his eyes shut as pain wracked his chest while he wept silently.

The mare next to him placed a hoof around his broad shoulders; a simple attempt at supporting him. “I’m sorry.”
___________________________________________________________________

An Hour later.

Riot sat in a plush chair in front of Dr Stuarts desk. The burgundy stallion finished some of his paperwork, then set aside his drink. “So, Captain Venture. I’m going to get you to quickly outline some of the problems you’re having, mentally, physically, and socially. Once we’ve got these problems in the open, we can start the healing process.”

The unicorn nodded to the earth pony doctor. Riot sighed quietly as he leaned back. “Where should I start?”

Doctor Stuart merely shrugged. “Where ever works for you.”

Riot nodded as the doctor pulled out a fresh pile of paper and a new pen. Riot started rubbing the bridge of his nose while he spoke. “Chest pains, permanent brain and lung damage. Hallucinations, phantom pains.” Riot waited for a moment while the doctor wrote. Once he got a rolling hoof in return, Riot started speaking again. “Everything that was in the PTSD pamphlet I got from Ponyville general, Violent tendencies.” He took a breath. “I have dreams, whenever I sleep. Of when I was in the army. They come as if they had just happened the day before.” Riot scowled. “Everytime I close my eyes I see my friends dying.” Riot scrunched up his muzzle. “Sometimes I feel almost like I’m depressed; disconnected maybe. I hear-” Riot paused, and decidedly left that little bit out.

Once he was sure that Riot was finished, Doctor Stuart set his pen down and looked over what he had written. “My my, quite the laundry list of problems we have here...” The doctor set the papers down and looked up at Riot. “Well, I can offer you two choices. Option A; you come in as often as possible, maybe even move into the barracks if you can. We house you and keep you fed, and you help us heal you.” The doctor took a sip of his drink. “Option B; You say no to option A, and I get ten trench fighters to kick your flank till you agree to option A.”

Despite everything, Riot chuckled. “Well, I could use the exercise.” Doctor Stuart chuckled with him; slowly shaking his head. Riot sighed in defeat, with a small smile on his face. “Option A it is Doc. I can stay in Canterlot for a few days while the ex finishes up with her folks, and the bar I work at gets fixed up. Once those two things are done, I can probably work out coming here on weekdays every so often. The commute isn’t so far that I can’t do it on my own.”

The doctor smiled broadly. “Wonderful! I’ll have one of the corporals open up a room for you.” The doctor motioned to the duffel that was slung over Riots frame. “I assume these are your things?” A nod from Riot answered his question with ease. “Very well, Once you get settled in, Crumpets will give you your schedule and be your confidant.” The earth pony stood from his seat, and offered a hoof to Riot. The unicorn took it, and shook it while the doctor spoke. “Welcome back Captain.”

Chapter Seventeen

Riot yawned widely, his hooves stretching out in separate directions as light from outside beamed into his small room. The tall stallion sat up; rubbing his eyes with the back of a hoof.
The past few days had been kind to Riot; he had found himself growing more and more accustomed to how a normal life was supposed to feel. He had Crumpets and the other veterans to thank for that.

In a way, that was what was going to make today a hard day. Today was the day he left for Ponyville. Riot sighed quietly as water washed over his hooves, then his face. The faucet didn’t even dribble it was so new. As Riot shook his hooves dry, a knock came from his door.

“Riot? It’s Crumpets.” She was speaking softly, as if to not disturb him if he was still asleep. The mare opened the door anyway, giving the wheels of her chair a roll to get herself inside. “Howdy, ‘Cap!” She said, cheerfully.

The stallion straightened up, and faced the mare. “Hey there Hot Wheels, fancy seeing you in this neighbourhood.” He cracked a smirk, and wrapped a hoof around the mare. “Good to see you Lily.”

Crumpets raised an eyebrow. “Somepony’s friendly. What, did the docs start giving you viagra?” She asked with a chuckle, giving him a playful swat with a forehoof.

Riot rolled his eyes as he levitated a few things into his bag. “Nah, I don’t think I need that swill just yet.” He chuckled lightly. “I’m actually heading back to Ponyville for a few days;I’m going to try and follow the steps of that program you gave me.” He ended the sentence with a huff, then shrugged. “Step one, make amends.”

The chairbound mare gave him a warm smile. “Good for you Cap... It was great having you back, old man.” She said with a chuckle, before leaning up to peck him on the cheek. The mare gave him a smirk, then started rolling herself out of the room without another word.

Riot’s eyes opened fully at the light kiss, but he didn’t say anything edge wise. He watched the chair-bound mare roll out into the hall, then out of his sight. Riot let out a chuckle before finishing his packing.

“Captain Riot to Dr Stuarts office, Captain Riot to Dr Stuarts office.”

The intercom blared through the mood in the room like a belligerent drunk at a movie theatre. Riot sighed in defeat as he hefted his duffel over his shoulder.

Riot shook his head as he entered the hallway; he made a quiet little quip at his own circumstance for his own amusement. “No rest for the wicked, eh?”

“Sergeant Crumpets to Dr Stuarts office, Sergeant Crumpets to Dr Stuarts office.”

Riot looked up for a moment, and after a moment his mind started wandering over the implications. Further up the hall, Riot could see Crumpets wheeling towards the elevator.

Riot rolled his eyes yet again, and cantered to catch up to the mare as she rolled down the hallway. “Come on hotrod, wait up! Hold the door!” Riot broke into a gallop.

The mare gave him a coy, devilish smile as she turned around in the metal container. She placed a hoof over her mouth to mock surprise as the door slid closed just as Riot reached it. “Ooops!”

The older stallion let out a displeased nicker as he caught the start of her giggle. His gaze went to the stairs, and his knees gave a preliminary protest. “Fuck me…”
_________________________________________________________________

After several minutes, Riot finally reached Dr. Stuarts office. He wiped a bit of sweat from his brow and readjusted his clothes. Riot let out a breath, then lifted his hoof to knock on the door.

As his hooves knocked against the wood, they heard papers being shuffled away. “Come in.”

Crumpets opened the door, and shit Riot a smirk. “What took you so long Cap’? Take the long way down?”

Riot shot her a edgy smile that bordered on dangerous. “Oh yeah, just decided to stretch my legs.” The mare pouted at the sting, but decided against responding.

The doctor simply motioned towards the chair in front of his desk. “Have a seat Captain.”

Riot eased down into the plush chair, his knees groaning once again in protest. Wouldn’t be long before they went on strike. “I- Ach. I assume you brought me here over the housing issue we discussed yesterday?” Riot asked as he started to relax a bit.

The pony behind the desk nodded with a small smile on his features. “Yes, things are already underway to have it in your name by the time you arrive tonight.” He places a large bag on the table. “This is a gift from the princess herself to you, to purchase furnishings and commodities for yourself and your son.

Riot balked at the size of the bag. “I don’t think I’ll need that many bits. How much can a mattress cost?” Riot shook his head. “I’ll take half, I don’t feel comfortable taking that much. Use it on a pizza party for the troops or something.”

Crumpets rolled her eyes. “Take the bits, ‘Cap. It’s a gift. From the princesses.” She said, hoofing him in the shoulder. She reached for the bag, and placed it in his lap. “Get Hunter something special for Hearth’s Warming.”

Riots nose scrunched up. “I already got him something nice, and I’m a horrible pony, so I regift a lot of things.” He smirked lightly. “Do I really have to be the pony to tell all of those soldiers they can’t have free pizza?”

The mare sighed. “You could never take a gift.” She said to herself, leaning back in her chair.

Doctor Stuart smiled. “I’m sure the rest of the troops will be very happy.” He took the bag back from Riot, and removed a number of bits from it. Riot could feel it was a bit heavier than just half, but he let it slide anyway.

Riot smiled happily, nodding to the doctor. “It just seems wasteful for just one stallion.” He glanced up at the clock. “You wouldn’t happen to know when the next bus leaves eh?” He plopped the duffel onto the ground. “I wouldn’t mind spending a bit of time here in Canterlot.”

The burgundy stallion took a look at the clock as well. “You have about an hour, enough time to go out for a while before you have to leave.” He said, smiling at Riot. “I’m happy to see the vast improvements you’ve gone through, lately. Lets hope things stay as quiet as they have been.”

The unicorn nodded in agreement. “I think the worst of it’s come and gone.” Riot glanced over at Crumpets, who seemed to be lost in thought. “Maybe the Sergeant can escort me around the city, seeing how she’s kept me in line for the most part as it is.”

The mare smiled. “Sound good to me, ‘Cap! I know a few places.” She looked to the doctor. “Thanks ‘Doc, I’ll see you soon.” She said, deftly turning her chair around. “Come on, Riot! Time’s a wastin.”

Just as the stallion stood up, Doctor Stuart lifted up a hoof. “Oh, Captain. One more thing.” Riot turned and nodded at the other stallion, who held up a parcel. “Wouldn’t it be a shame if you didn’t know where your own house was?”

Riot rolled his eyes and grabbed the parcel with his magic. “Thanks Miria, I’ll see you next week.” Crumpets cleared her throat; having held the door open the entire time. The doctor waved them off, and quickly returned to his work.

The mare gleefully rolled herself down the hall, going slowly enough for Riot to keep pace with a slow canter. “So, what do you want to do, ‘Cap? Well, aside from a marathon, or maybe swimming.”

Trotting through the main foyer, Riot scratched the back of his head. “Not sure, maybe we should do lunch?” He paused for a moment to wave at the receptionist and hold the door open for Crumpets.

“That could be nice.” She said with a smile. “I know a place, come on, if you think you can keep up!” Crumpets really put on the speed, her chair clickity-clacking down the cobblestones of the Canterlot street.

“Is that a challenge I hear? You already made me run down the stairs.” Riot cantered up next to her, easily keeping pace. “Maybe we should do the swimming after all.” The stallion did his best to ignore most of the ponies around him as he chased after the rocket mare.

She looked at him for a moment. “You’re pretty cocky, huh?” Before pointing ahead. They were headed for a steeply-inclined hill, where the wheels of her chair would easily beat out his hooves. “Seeya at the bottom!” She said, speeding up already as they began to reach the incline.

Riot huffed at the sudden change of favours. “No fair!” He started galloping after her, even though there was no chance of keeping up. In the back of his mind, Riot hoped that the bottom would be just as smooth, and that Crumpets would be safe.

The mare rocketed down the hill, the incline gradually settling down, her speed keeping up. Thankfully there were few ponies, and the ones that were there had the common sense to get out of the way of the speeding chair.

As the blue rocket finally slowed to a stop, Riot came up next to her, huffing and sweating heavily. “Fucking… Shit...You planned this...Didn’t you?” At her laugh, he assumed the answer. “Right. Are we nearly there?”

“Mmhmm! Just down the street.” She said, smiling, and pointing towards a brick building. The mare wasn’t even winded. “Best sandwiches in Canterlot.”

Riot rolled his eyes. “They’d better be, I didn’t sign up for a bloody marathon.” The mare giggled happily, then started wheeling towards the small shop. The stallion sighed in defeat, and quickly followed up behind the mare. “Seriously… I’m getting too old for this shit.”

As they entered the small shop, a lithe unicorn mare on roller skates skidded to a stop in front of them. “Well hi there! Table for two?” She held a clipboard and a bundle of menus with her magic. Riot nodded, and the mare sped away towards their table, depositing two menus. She smiled broadly, and backed up a bit so Crumpets could hop over into the booth. “Can I get you two anything to drink?”

“Coffee for me.” Riot turned the cover of his menu over, and started browsing the edible options.

Crumpets wiggled a bit, trying to get comfortable. “I think I’ll have the sweet tea.” The green unicorn nodded again, and wheeled away, leaving the two to their thoughts.

Riot hemmed and hawed over the menu, not entirely sure as to what he wanted. Within a minute Crumpets had already set her menu aside and was tapping the table impatiently. Riot cocked an eyebrow, but didn’t look up. The blue earth pony groaned in annoyance. “Celestia, why do you always take so looooong?”

He glanced up from his menu for a moment. “Not the kind of thing I thought you would complain about; I always figured that lasting longer was wanted.”

Crumpets flushed at the innuendo, and quickly busied herself twirling a lock of her dark mane around her hoof. “Th-that’s not what I meant....”

As the waitress rolled up, Riot shot Crumpets a smug grin. “I know.”

The sound of skidding plastic wheels interrupted any rebuttal the Trottingham mare had formed. “Here’s your drinks! Coffee for the Sir, sweet tea for the madame!” The unicorn smiled brightly. “Can I take your order now?”

Riot nodded quickly. “Yeah, I’ll have the lily sandwich, with extra sauce.”

Crumpets picked up her menu again and flipped through. “Uhh....Daffodils for me please.”

The waitress nodded, writing down the orders. “Awesome! I’ll be back soon with your food.” She stuffed the notepad in her pocket, but didn’t speed off. She bit her lip, then turned back to the pair. “I’m sorry if I’m being rude, but I’m just so curious!” Riot and Crumpets shared a look of trepidation. “I just wanted to know why you’re in a wheelchair. What happened?”

The blue mare rolled her eyes as she looked back over to Riot. “War happened.” Her eyes fell to the chair, and the waitress nodded quickly, speeding away on quick apologies and the promise of food. Crumpets sighed sadly as she set her head down on her hooves. “Bloody civvies…” She shook her head in disbelief. “I get this shit every time… The looks, the questions, the curious foals…” Crumpets rubbed the bridge of her nose with the edge of her hoof.

Riot frowned and got up, switching sides so he was next to her. Placing a gentle hoof over her slumped shoulders; he couldn’t help but see a bit of himself sitting there, all depressed and covered in self-loathing. Riot gave her a supportive squeeze. “I’m here Crumpets, if you need-” His sentence was cut off as Crumpets wrapped her hooves around him; burying her muzzle into his chest.

They sat there for a moment, quiet as could be, until Crumpets broke the silence with a ragged breath. “I’m alright now...Thanks Riot.” She straightened up; wiping her eyes with the back of her hoof. She forced a small smile, and turned to face Riot. “I’m sorry about that...It’s just...”

Riot placed a hoof on hers. “Sometimes the memories catch up to you.” He let out a smile. “Maybe you should come up with a kickass story about how you saved the whole platoon from certain destruction. You know, just for the civvies.”

Crumpets let out a choked giggle, and gave the stallion a shot to the chest. “You ass...” She placed a tentative hoof on his. “Thank you.” She nuzzled him lightly, just as the waitress rolled up with their food.

The plates were set down with gentle ease, as well as a pair of small chocolate cakes. The waitress flushed a bit. “I’m sorry for asking about the wheelchair, so I brought cakes.” She smiled sheepishly, and quickly retreated from whence she came as Riot switched back over to his side of the table.

The pair shared a quick chuckle, then looked over their food. Without much to say conversation wise, they dug in. As he chewed, Riot couldn’t help but brood slightly over his future. The mare across from him noticed the near pained look on his face as he scrunched up his muzzle while he ate. Crumpets set down her sandwich and braced her head on her hoof. “Something wrong Cap’?”

Riot shook his head as he finished chewing. He held up a hoof for a moment as he cleared his throat. “Nah, just thinking.”

Crumpets pursed her lips together into a smug grin as she spoke. “I’ll believe it when I see it.” The stallion shot her a look as he took another bite of the sandwich. Seeing the disdain in his eyes, Crumpets held up a hoof in defence as she giggled. “What?”

The bunch of napkins next to Riot flew at her as if they had been fired out if a shotgun. Before they hit her, the paper projectile blew open, and the starch white projectiles fluttered into Crumpets’ face as she recoiled with a yelp of surprise. It was Riots turn to laugh as the napkins floated to the ground harmlessly. As the mare shot him a look of half assed malice, Riot simply shrugged his shoulders before taking a sip of his coffee. “What?”

Before the blue pony could mount her counter attack, the waitress rolled up with a pot of coffee balanced in her magic. “Anypony need a refill?” As she scanned the pair, the unicorn couldn’t help but notice the sheer amount of napkins strewn about. “And more napkins?” She asked timidly.

Crumpets threw her hooves in the air, in a frail attempt to save her self. “Don’t rearm him!”

Riot broke out into a loud laugh that shook his entire frame. He slowly shook his head as his eyes went up to the horribly confused waitress. Laughing as he spoke, Riot barely got the words out. “Ju-just a refill, please.” The waitress nodded quickly; filling his cup before she skated off. The mare across from him let out a content sigh as the rest of her food disappeared from existence. The stallion glanced up as he poured a pair of sugar packets into the cup. He managed a small smile, then went back to his coffee.

The mare cocked an eyebrow; her Trottingham accent coming through as she spoke. “What was that look for?” As Riot opened his mouth to speak, he was cut off by a loud beep. He blinked, then looked over at the mare, who seemed at the very least, quite miffed at the little device she brought up. “Damn. Doc needs to see me.” She sighed unhappily as she stuffed the pager into a small pocket in her combats.

Riot nodded as he stood up; stretching lazily before offering a helping hoof to Crumpets. The mare took it, if not just for the contact, rather than the help. He glanced over at the half empty coffee mug; a curious look crossing his muzzle for half a moment.

For a moment, he could almost swear he heard somepony else speaking to him. Riot glanced about, but only saw Crumpets, and the waitress, who seemed busy having their bill printed out.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...

Riot picked his head up and looked around. He was sure he had heard something that time. His eyes wandered about, looking for anything, or anyone, who could be saying something. He trotted up next to Crumpets and tapped her shoulder. “Did you say something?”

Crumpets looked up at him in confusion. “No, don’t think so.” She smiled at him, and gestured towards the till. “Come on, we-”
I shall fear no evil...

Riot blinked; raising his hoof to rub his eyes. “We should pay the bill and get going.”

IFor the shadow is mine.

The mare smirked at him. “That’s what I just said you copycat.” Crumpets poked him in the ribs playfully. “Doc’s waiting for me big guy, think you can carry the bill?” He nodded absent mindedly, which drew a small smile from her. Crumpets leaned forward, pecking the stallion on the cheek. “Keep in touch all right?”

Riot nodded again, but this time he was paying attention. “Of course, I’ll prolly be back next week as it is.” He smiled lightly. “Go on, get outta’ here ya scamp.” He shooed the mare off with a hoof, but certain thoughts still lingered in his mind.

As Crumpets wheeled out the door, the waitress rolled up, her eyes flitting to and fro. She came to a stop in front of the stallion and produced a small slip of paper. “Your bill sir.” Riot glanced over at her, then back to his half empty coffee and uneaten cake. She sucked in a bit of breath before speaking. “You uh...You don’t have to pay right away sir! You can finish your food, I just assumed-”

Riot held up his hoof, silencing the mare. He sighed slowly as he sat down and started digging out enough bits. Hoofing the proper amount over, plus a bit more, Riot asked politely: “Could you get me a quick refill?”
___________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Seventeen / E

Observation Talisman Echo-661, transcript #177

Transcript request submitted: 2000/10/18 at 0837 Zulu
Request approved: 2000/10/19 at 0546 Tango
RE: Observation Talisman Echo-661, transcript #177 RE: Captain Iron “Riot” Venture and Doctor Usineighn

Transcript of interview between Doctor Usineighn and Sergeant Moon Dancer, A.K.A. “Sled” Dated 2000/09/05

-Begin transcript-

(Shuffling papers.) Damn these ponies….I thought the military thrived on punctuality…..ugh, twenty minutes late…..(impatient tapping on desk.) I swear if that half-breed is not here in another five minutes, I will bury him right alongside “Captain” Venture. (Disgusted sigh.)
That is it! I’m through waiting for some enlisted swine! He will- (Sound of door opening, closing.)

Sorry Doc got held up in…..traffic.

You were two blocks away.

What can I say? It’s a crazy town……street vendors and nut-jobs runnin’ amuck in the streets,
it’s absolute chaos out there.

(Exasperated sigh.) I see. Well, at least you are here…..albeit nearly thirty minutes late, have a seat. Now, do you know why you are here Sergeant?

I’m assuming it has something to do with Hoofington.

You would be partially correct in that assumption Sergeant. You see, I am looking for very specific information about a very specific pony but, we shall get to that in due time.

Alright, whatever you say Doc…..CO says I have to be here, better than standing watch in the brig anyways….

Indeed. So, you are originally from Canterlot correct?

That’d be correct, can’t really stand the place though, too damn crowded.

And both of your parents along with your youngest sister still reside in Canterlot?
Yes ma’am.

Your twin is also in the REA?

Yes ma’am, stationed in Appaloosa currently.

It says here that you are currently single with no children?

Yes ma’am, (low chuckle) not from a lack of trying on my part though…..I just haven’t found the right mare to settle down with yet, and that’s correct, no foals...that I know of.

I see. So, let us get down to it shall we? (rustling papers) You were present for nearly the entirety of the “fighting” near Hoofington?

If by “fighting” you mean the three-year-war we were slogging through over there, then yes.

Interesting, and during this time you were primarily assigned to the 221st Airborne’s 2nd Battalion, E company, under Captain Venture?

Yes ma’am, Captain Riot was one of the best damn stallions I’ve ever served under.

(Derisive snort.) Right, of course…..now, seeing as how you were fighting those striped rebels, did your…..colourful heritage cause you any undue hardship?

My what? I’m not sure I see what you’re getting at Doc…..

Well, your mother being a zebra of course.

I don’t see what this has to do wi-

It was such a shock when your father went and actually married her, as I recall it caused quite the scandal for your father….cost him his tenure at the university did it not? And let us not forget about your sisters. Your youngest sister, Shadow, seems to have gotten the best lot in life of the three of you. Why, one would be hard pressed to tell that she had an ounce of stripe in her. Your twin though, poor filly…..what was her name? (shuffling paper, inaudible muttering) Ah, here it is, Grace. One might say it would be very easy indeed for somepony to mistake her for a zebra….in fact, has she not had a difficult time with her own military career, primarily because she looks more like one of those cretins than an actual pony? I think I even remember reading something about her assaulting fellow serviceponies….landing her in the forsaken backwater of Appaloosa. Oh, and we simply cannot forget th-

Let me stop you right there. You’re trottin’ through a minefield here Doc, if you’re not careful……well, let’s just say that bad things happen to ponies that run about all willy-nilly like in a minefield. How about we just keep my family out of this, alright?

(Quiet snort.) Why of course Sergeant, I have the tendency to get a little off topic sometimes….. (Chuckle) So, you served with E Company nearly the entire time, your last three months with Easy Company spent as Captain Venture’s radio operator?

That’d be correct.

How would you characterize the Captains behavior during your time as his radio operator?

Insanely heroic, I saw that stallion doing things that few, if any, commissioned ponies would even contemplate, let alone do. And here we had our CO running out into enemy fire dragging PFC’s back to our lines…..simply amazing.

(What appears to be the sound of grinding teeth.) Yes, very heroic, I am sure…….So you are saying that not once did Captain Venture display any conduct unbecoming a commissioned officer? No outbursts? Ludicrous orders? Abnormal mood-swings?

(Laughter) Oh man Doc….are you serious? Most of us had been out there for three years or more, of course everypony had their bad moments…..but it was because of ponies like Captain Riot that some of us made it through at all.

I see. Just a couple more questions for you Sergeant…. (Shuffling papers.) You were Captain Ventures radio operator for just over three months before suddenly being transferred, why is that? Did you say or do something that offended the good Captain?

Not at all Doc, what happened was simple really….I got myself promoted, and let’s just say that there are not a whole lot of Sergeants acting as RO’s. The rest was simple logistics; Dog Company needed NCO’s….so that’s where they sent me. They replaced my ass with some turkey named Skyrunner…..

Simple logistics you say? Hmm, very well, moving on. It says here that D and E companies were the only two companies that did not retreat alongside the rest of the REA forces when the order to withdraw was given, and that during the “intense” fighting that ensued, your commanding officer was killed by enemy fire and you took command of the “besieged” company.

Doc, I’m not hearing a question so far…...

In good time Sergeant. So, after surviving hours of “brutal” combat, you managed to lead the six other survivors back to friendly lines. To recognize your feats of heroism, you were granted a commission to the rank of captain along with some silly medal, and you were on track to become the permanent commanding officer for D Company.

If you could get to the point sometime today Doc…I have shit to do….and you tone is starting to grate…..

Of course, very busy, I am sure…....My question is this: after being hoofed a commission, to the rank of captain no less, something that somepony with your……familial difficulties, would be hard pressed to ever achieve through normal means…..you just hoof it back, flat out refuse it……why is that?

Oh that’s easy Doc…..I didn’t deserve it, I don’t deserve a commission just because I was the highest ranking pony to walk away from that hell-hole…..while over two-hundred good ponies never got to leave that place at all. That’s why.

I….do not understand….

(Laughter) I know you don’t Doc, ponies like you usually don’t understand, probably never will either. See you later Doc, hopefully you find something better to do with your time than messing with ponies that have enough weighing them down already.

Wait! You have yet to hear my offer Sergeant.

Offer? Funny, seemed like you just wanted to talk shit on the sacrifices of ponies much better than you, and dig up some dirt on Captain Riot…..

Oh not at all Sergeant! I have nothing but the utmost respect for those that have fought for Equestria, of course. Please, return to your seat.

I think I’d rather stand if it’s all the same to you…..

Very well, as you wish. Now, as I was saying, I do have quite the attractive offer for you. If you were to provide me with the, oh what was the quaint term you used? Ah yes, if you were to provide me with the “dirt” on Captain Venture, I could insure that you were given an immediate transfer to any posting of your choosing, and an immediate promotion to Second Lieutenant. Now how does that sound Sergeant? Would that be worth telling me the truth about an unstable pony that is surely only a tiny step away from injuring or even killing innocent ponies? Especially since you seem so eager to be away from Canterlot? I might even be able to do something for Grace…...perhaps a less stressful posting? Say one of our Co-op platoons we have with the stripes? I am sure she would fit right in. All you have to do is give me information on a vicious murderer.

(Low laughter, possibly cracking vertebrae) Oh man Doc…..if it wouldn’t land me right into the brig that I’m guarding, I’d beat you senseless right now.

Wh-what!? Well I hardly think there is call for-

Shut up. You want the truth about Captain Riot? Guess what, I’ve already told you the truth. (contempt filled laugh) If you want somepony that’s going to lie for you, you’re gonna have to find somepony else. You can keep your transfer, and your gorram promotion, I didn’t want it from the REA, I sure as heck don’t want it from you. (Hoofsteps, door opens) Oh, by the way Doc…..you might want to watch who you’re disparaging the Captain in front of, most ponies that know him would have beat your skull in by now….Just a friendly warning….have a fantastic day Doc, it’s been fun. (door slams)

Dammit! (Glass breaking, heavy breathing.) That….that little! Gah! Faust Dammit! Of course he would not give me anything of use! Of course not! (ripping paper) (Sound of Usineighn audibly trying to calm herself) I'm tired of waiting... I've waited for years! I'm not letting this slip through my hooves. I'll... I'll just have to go see the stallion himself. It doesn't matter if 'Doctor' Mirian has refused my entry and requests... (Laughter) Maybe, if I give him enough rope, the good captain will do me a favour and hang himself.

-End transcript-

Chapter Eighteen

Riots haunches dug into the thin cushion of the bus’ seat, and he was continually reminded by every bump and pothole of how much he despised public transport. The bus was only about half full with ponies returning from Canterlot; families and other such folk rode alongside the scarred stallion.

The smell of unwashed pony pervaded the air, coupled with the stink of an old engine, made the air rank, and nearly burned in his nostrils. At least he didn’t have to sit next to one of the other ponies, especially one with foals. In a way, the trip was almost a walk down memory lane; with all its glory and terror. Every now and then Riot would find himself wishing he was riding in the back of one of his companies armoured personnel carriers.

“Smelled better too.” Riot thought out loud.

The squat thatched roof buildings of ponyville came into view, and the bus slowly came up on the bus stop. There were a few friendly faces waiting there, Wildman, smirk still eternally etched on his face; his twin sister Kepler at his hoof. Most surprisingly, Vinyl was there; looking sheepish. The bus rolled forward, slowly coming to a halt on the dirt road. The driver flicked on the intercom, stating the location. Riot paid him no mind; instead lifting his duffel up and over his back. The doors rattled open, and a few ponies filed off, including Riot.

The stallion’s hooves hit dirt, but before he could look about for his friends, he was hit with a flying hug tackle from Kepler.

When they came to a rest in the dirt, Kepler was sitting atop him, her head cocked to the side. “And then the smile was gone.” She said with a giggle, bopping him on the nose.

Riot looked up at her from his place on the ground as the bus started rolling away. “Well I suppose I should be thankful you didn’t push me under the bus.” He broke out into a smile. “And hello to you too, you crazy lunatic.”

She giggled again, rolling off of him.

“Well, good thing I like crazy.” The red pegasus behind her said, giving the tall unicorn a ruffle of her mane, nearly dislodging the long red feather perched behind her ear. The pegasus gave Riot a smile. “Afternoon, big guy. Back from the land of poshness and tea?”

Riot stood up, stretching his tensed muscles. “For the record, the tea sucked.” Riot clapped Wild on the shoulder. “You been taking good care of my sister right? I don’t have to chase you with a sharp stick?” Riot spoke with a smile. He kept Vinyl in his periphery, hoping she wouldn’t assault him with sharp objects akin to what he was threatening Wild with.

“Of course! Do you take me as a stallion of low repute?” He asked, Kepler leaning in to peck him on the cheek. The red pegasus leans in, looking from side to side with his eyes. “And if I didn’t, there’d be nothing left of me. She’s bigger than I am.”

The stark white mare in Riot’s peripheral vision didn’t move, staying silent, sat a little bit away from the group, apparently not wanting to break up the moment.

Riot smiled again, nodding. “Good to hear.” He looked over at Vinyl, smile still there. “So, hows the club?” Oooooh please don’t pull a gun….

She smiles sheepishly, looking down. “I-it’s fine, Riot. W-we’re making good money now that we’ve got a functional kitchen, and with Kepler keeping the scumfucks out...”

He nodded, taking the information in stride. “Sounds good. Now, does anypony know where 45471 Crestfall Street is?” Riot rolled his shoulders; readjusting the weight on his back.

Vinyl was the only one who raised a hoof. “I-I do, I could give you directions....” She said, shuffling from hoof to hoof. Riot looked over at her, a small hint of ironic humour tugging at the corner of his mouth. He nodded his head in a way to say ‘Lead on.’ She nodded, giving Kepler and Wildman a short wave. “See you guys at work!” Vinyl said, smiling weakly at the slightly-awkward situation. Riot fell in step behind her, his hooves throwing up little tufts of snow that split the cold winter air. The mare was sweating slightly, even without wearing the clothing that Riot was. He suspected it was more being in close proximity to Riot again, than Celestia’s sun beating down on the both of them, despite it being winter.

Riot kept his mouth shut through the walk; a choice that seemed to suit Vinyl perfectly. Mentally Riot rolled a number of situations through his head, weighing each one and its possible consequences over and over, until Vinyl broke his train of thought by stopping in front of him. “We’re uh...Here.” Riot looked up, taking in the small house.

He pursed his lips and nodded. It wasn’t much, but it was his. Riot smiled at Vinyl, nodding his thanks before speaking. “Thanks for that, really had no idea where even the street might have been.”

She nodded, looking up at the stallion’s eyes for the first time. “It’s nice to see you, Riot.” She said with a small smile, giving a little bit of electric blue mane a little puff of air to get it out of her face.

Riot looked away from his new home, to the mare before him. A small smile broke out on his lips. “It was nice to see you too Vinyl….” He shut his mouth for a moment as he pieced together a sentence he could use. “Listen-”

Vinyl perked up, trepidation showing on her muzzle.

The stallion shook his head and slouched. “I’m sorry.”

The mare across from him blinked; turning her body to face him completely. “Come again?”

Riot sighed heavily. “I just wanted to say, I’m sorry. For everything. You were one of the only ponies in this town willing to give me a break, and I made life hell for you.” Riot rubbed the bridge of his nose as Vinyl responded.

“Y-you’re sorry?”

“Yeah.” He nodded.

Vinyl stood there for a moment, before pulling off her trademark glasses. “Riot, Big guy… I don’t know what to say.”

Riot shrugged. “You don’t have to say anything. I’d understand no matter the outcome. I’ve been a gobshite, and I haven’t treated you how I should have.” The mare looked away from him. Riot closed his eyes, awaiting her verdict.

A happy laugh made him open his eyes again in surprise. “Haha-” Vinyl laughed lightly as she shook her head. “-Ha...Wow dude, you’re… You’re something else.” She stared up at him with her vibrant red eyes. “Just when I think I’ve got you figured out, you pull this. You always gotta surprise me!” She laughed again, and Riot couldn’t help but smile a bit.

He kept the small smile on his muzzle as he spoke. “Maybe I can make up for being such an asshole.”

Vinyl laughed before rolling her eyes. “Really? Maybe you should take me on a nice date.”

Riot huffed. “Sure, why not?.”

Vinyl squinted at the large stallion, as if she wasn’t quite sure he was serious. “Like, really really? You’re not messing with me are you?”

The stallion shook his head. “No, I figure I’ve given you a hard enough time. Besides, you’re fun to be around. As hard as that is for me to come to terms with.” Riot shook his head after a moment.

Her smile instantly cranked up to an eleven. “Awesome! How about you come by my place in an hour or two? Give me a chance to freshen up before you inflict this-” she gestures at her slightly disheveled appearance. “-on polite society.”

“Alright, we’ll go scare the Cakes, then go get drinks at the Horseshoe..” Riot smiled down at Vinyl.

The stark white unicorn nodded, flipping her sunglasses up again for a moment before she leaned in, wrapping her hooves around his back.”Drinks? You trying to get me drunk and take advantage of an innocent young mare?” She smiles as she pulls away. “Seriously though, I’m glad there’s no hard feelings, big guy.”

“The stallion rolled his eyes, before wrapping his hooves around the back of her neck, hugging the now surprised mare tightly. “Don’t sweat it Whitey, we’re both far from perfect.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Whitey? I’ve never heard that one before. ‘Hornhead, Sunglasses, Hotflanks, Bitch, Slut, Hey You’. But not Whitey.”

He chuckled lightly, digging out his key. “How ‘bout I call you friend?” He let the statement hang there for a moment.

The mare smiled, letting her shades fall back into place over her eyes. “Sounds good to me, Scars.” She said, giving him a playful swat on the rear with her electric blue tail. “We’ll work on changing it to ‘marefriend’ tonight!”

“Hah! I knew you hadn’t changed!” He pushed the door open with his shoulder. “Now go on, git! Before I get you back.” He gave her a playful grin that most definitely would get him in trouble.

She purred, giving him another swat on the rear, before hopping just out of grabbing range. “Try me, old buck.”

“You know I would, but I think I’ve gotten enough cardio today, if I started chasing your flanks around I’d just die tired..” The smell of carpet cleaner and windex filled the house, stinging his eyes. Riot tossed his Duffel in through the door, but stayed outside. He glanced at the mare behind him, having expected a response by now.

Vinyl smirked at him, before noticing his discomfort, then the smell. “Holy crap man! Did somepony die in there or something?”

Riot frowned as he backed up a bit more. “I think that may be a distinct possibility.”

Vinyl looked at him over her sunglasses for a moment. “This is pretty hardcore dude.” She let out a laugh. “My on and off coltfriend lives in a dead ponies house.”

He nodded, already knowing full well how badly things could go. “Yeah I know, but for the record we never dated, so-Wait, did we date? I’m not sure if any of the stuff we did constitutes...” He slid a hoof down his muzzle. “Fuck I’m bad at this. I’m bad at ponies. Can I get a do-over?”

She giggled again. “Sure, if you really need it, big guy. And no, we haven’t really dated yet, but if it helps, you were the second nicest stallion I’ve even been with.” She gave him a wide smile.

Riot looked at her. “That’s kinda sad.... Figured I’d be higher on the scale than that, but then again...I can be an asshole at times.” He shrugged, not sure as to where to go.

“Higher than number two?” She rolled her eyes. “Somepony thinks highly of themselves.” The unicorn gave him a playful smile. “Wild is a very nice stallion....So accommodating to a mare’s tastes, no matter how.....Fun.” She said with a wink.

“He takes it in the ass, doesn’t he?” The look on Vinyl’s face answered Riot. The stallion, clopped his hoof on the ground. “I fuckin knew it! That little fuckin wanker!” Riot shook his head, then closed the door behind himself. He looked out at the afternoon sun as Vinyl started giggling.

“Wanker....Silly pony.” She said, giving him a boop on the nose. “There’s nothing to be jealous of, big guy....” She nuzzled his neck happily, her horn rubbing the underside of his chin.

“Jealous!? That little sod fucked all the bananas! How the fuck am I supposed to get my potassium in the trenches when somepony’s gone and stuffed all the bananas in their ass!?” Riot started towards the center of town. “I’ma beat that chuckle fuck’s ass when I find his sorry flank.”

The stark white mare let out a cry of laughter, falling down onto her back, rolling about in hysterics on Riot’s doorstep. Through her cackling laughter he managed to catch a few words. “H-he’d p-probably th-thank you!” She said, before more bouts of laughter went through her.

Riots horn started to glow, and Vinyl found herself floating next to Riot as he trotted angrily down the street. He muttered under his breath while Vinyl Laughed. “I’ma beat a motherfucker with another motherfucker...”

She gave herself a little push, flipping herself back over in his telekinetic grip, floating next to his head. “Where’re we headed, big guy?” She asked, cocking her head.

He shrugged. “I dunno, my house smells like chemicals, so I’m gonna wait a bit before subjecting myself to that. I guess It’s up to you.”

Vinyl nodded, still floating about. “How about you make good on that coffee you owe me? Oh, wait. I still need to clean up. Take me to the Horseshoe, faithful steed!”

Riot sputtered at his subjugation as a transit system. ”Right, let’s see if I can worm my way out of this, and not be a dirtbag.”

She mock-swam through the air, doing the backstroke through the summer air. “I don’t think there’s a way out of this one, big guy. You’re gonna end up a dirtbag if you try, probably. I’m calculating about a 21.333 chance of not being a scumbag, repeating of course.” The mare booped his nose again, laughing lightly.

Riot swatted her flank with a hoof as they neared the Horseshoe. “Never tell me the odds!”

She squealed, poking his side with her horn. “Ah! Careful with my beautiful butt!” She said, waving her hooves about.

When the building came in to view, Riot merely snorted. “Which door you want to go through Whitey?” He glanced at the mare, who was floating in his telekinetic field. He entertained the idea of dropping her, but didn’t.

Still upside down, she pointed with a forehoof, chuckling for some reason. “My back door.” Riot nodded, pushing forward and through the door. The club was still dark, with streams of light coming in through cracks in the blackout curtains.

Riot looked at the bar longingly. “Now, what kind of-” A knocking at the metal door behind them interrupted his thinking. Riot glanced over at Vinyl and cocked an eyebrow.

“It might be Kepler and Wild, I’ll get it.” She went to get to her hooves, but found herself not moving, her legs rotating, but her hooves not hitting the floor. Riot set Vinyl down, allowing her to answer the door while he grabbed a bottle of whiskey. He focused on the bottle, his magic pulling the cork off without much of a hassle. The stallion sniffed at it; ignoring the voices he heard behind him. Riot assumed it was Wild and Kepler, like Vinyl had said.

As he went to pour himself a drink, a mare’s voice sent all attempts at peace and a good night hurtling down the drain at warp speed.

“Ashfall?” Riots head snapped to the side, his eyes locked on the dusky face of Aurora. He sputtered out a few syllables, then took a long pull of the bottle, his eyes never leaving the mare. Aurora cringed a bit, hiding behind her mane.

Riot planted the bottle on the bar with a loud ‘clunk’. He wiped his mouth; eyes still wide. “Aurora.” He swallowed again; throat dry. “Hi.”

The mare smiled weakly at him. “H-hi...I...I wanted to talk to you.”

Riot nodded his head, his eyes shooting down to the bottle, then around the club in search of Vinyl. The white mare was nowhere to be found. Understandable, considering this ‘talk’ had a fair chance of going Cherneighbyl. Riot clamped his features down and focused on Aurora. “Yeah. Is Hunter alright?”

Aurora nodded as she placed her hooves on the bar. “I...I need to ask you for a favour. For Hunter.” She swallowed. “Cheer....Cherrilee left me. Kicked me and Hunter out.” Riot smothered a shit eating grin like it was a rented step foal. He rolled his hoof, signalling her to continue. “We’ve been staying at the motel for three days, but... But I got laid off a week ago...We’re out of money...” She sniffed a bit; obviously on the verge of tears.

Riot rubbed the arch of his nose. “You want money?”

She shook her head. “I...I know the government gave you a new house... Could-”

Riot cut her off as he held his hoof up. “Woah, hold on there. You want to move in with me? After...After everything that you’ve done?”

“I wasn’t the only one who fucked up our relationship!” She snapped at him, before withdrawing. “I know you hate me... You have every right to. But please-” She looked up at Riot with pleading eyes; on the brink of tears. “Take Hunter in; I’ll sleep on the street if I have to...” She sniffed loudly. “I-I just want my baby to be safe...”

The mare didn’t look up as Riot ran a coarse hoof down his face; grunting slowly as if in pain. Aurora wiped her eyes with the edge of her hoof, just as Riot started writing something down on a bit of scrap paper. Aurora pulled back in surprise when the paper was placed in front of her, and a spare key was practically tossed at her. “There’s the address and my spare key.” Riot hung his head, staring at the rough graining of the bar.

Aurora grabbed the key and the address and placed them in her small bag. She smiled broadly a Riot, her pretty face still marred by tears; like it had been when he had come home. “Thank you! Thank you so much Ashfall, I’ll make it up to you somehow!” She stood up, looking hesitant for a moment. She then hugged the stallion across the bar as tightly as she could. “Beu’n ne, ne’k se mae’dranach.”

Riot waved her off; not watching as the batpony dashed out the door. He grasped the bottle of whiskey in his hoof and stared at it, just as Vinyl trotted up. The mare blew a lock of vibrant blue mane out of her face before smirking at him in disbelief. “That looked painful.” Riot merely groaned as he took a pull off the bottle. Vinyl giggled, before taking the bottle away from him so she could have a sip. She stopped with the bottle near her lips. “You still owe me a fancy date, and slash or a massage.”

Whiskey was promptly spat up across the bar by Vinyl when Riot cried out in defeat; sounding like the cross of a wounded walrus and small woodland creature. Vinyl braced herself against the bar, laughing at the stallion’s predicament. Said stallion flopped onto the ground; hooves flailing in different directions.

Vinyl wiped her chin; giggles still escaping her every now and then. Riots voice floated up past the bar and into her ears. “Kill me.”

The mare shook her head, and started trotting around the bar. “Later.” She said with a smirk as she sat on his stomach. “Now, about that massage~”
__________________________________________________________________________

Riot stood outside the small Ponyville hospital; staring at the front door as several thoughts floated about his skull. Vinyl had parted ways with him several minutes ago as he explained his legal obligation to check in with the nurse, under the condition he’d come back and actually take her out. The sliding glass doors of the small hospital slid open before him, and the receptionist shot a happy smile in his direction.

“Hello and welcome to Ponyville General; how can I help you?”

Riot sighed heavily before resting a hoof on the desk. “Yeah, is Nurse Redheart in?”

The mare perked up, then shook her head. “No, she took the day off.”

The stallion’s expression dropped even further. Before the receptionist could ask anything else, he raised a hoof. “Thanks for the info.” At that, Riot about faced, and trotted back out into the street. Vinyl was nowhere in sight; probably having found something better to do. Like planning what to do to him next, Riot mused lightly.

Riot sighed once again, and started towards Redhearts small home.
___________________________________________________________________________

Standing at the door, Riot ran a hoof through his mane. Giving his head a shake, the stallion sucked in a breath and knocked.

There was the sound of somepony moving on the other side of the wood, and muffled speech. “Seafoam I can’t believe you’re ear-.” The pearly white earth pony’s smile remained as she opened the door, but it seemed strained. “How can I help you?”

Riot merely shrugged. “Just dropped by to check in with you. Shoot the shit maybe if you’re not busy.”

She nodded rapidly. “I was just waiting for a friend, but I have some time. I’ve been telling her all about you!” She said, smiling widely. “Come on in, I’ll get you some Apple Family cider.”

Riot sat down on her garish couch, and waited quietly for his drink. The desire to just get up and leave crossed his mind several times, and he had to quash it vigorously each time.

She didn’t see his mental battle taking it’s toll on his facial features, she was busy mucking about in the kitchen, saying something about somepony Riot had never met. “-and then she had the audacity to tell me that I was in the wrong! Some ponies.” She said, as Riot’s focus shifted back to the earth pony mare, who was just coming back with a pair of glasses of cool cider. Riot smiled his thanks, taking the glass in his magic. As Redheart sat down next to him, she scrunched her nose ever so slightly. “You smell like alcohol and cleaning supplies.”

Not some of the worst things I’ve ever smelled like… Riot thought sheepishly.

Riot grunted, taking a long drink of the cider. When he was done, the glass was placed on the table. “Had a surprise run in with Aurora while I was visiting with Vinyl... I fell back on an old habit.”

The mare frowned, taking another whiff, before crinkling her nose cutely. “Whiskey? In the middle of the day?” She asks, raising an eyebrow, taking a seat next to him, glass sitting on the coffee table.

“I...May have been an alcoholic before I was dropped on my head from four stories up.” Riot reached for his drink again, but suddenly stopped, seemingly thinking better of it. “I may as well cut to the chase. Those government Docs from Canterlot finally dragged my ass out there. Been there the whole weekend, so that’s why I haven’t checked in.”

The mare smiled. “Good. That means you’re no longer in my care. You fall under Canterlots jurisdiction now. Did your meeting with Aurora go well?”

Riot twitched at a phantom pain. “She’s… Moving into my new home. I’m not taking her back, If that’s what you’re thinking.” Riot slumped backwards, holding a hoof over his nose. “In my mind, I’m only giving Hunter a home. But no matter how much I hate her, I can’t let Aurora live on the street.” He sighed, finding solace in the ceiling.

The mare nodded slowly, lowering her eyebrow. “Okay… At least it’ll be nice to spend time with your son again, right?”

“Yeah, It’ll be nice to tuck him into bed again.” Riot smiled lightly from the memory.

“Well, as long as you don’t have any relapses’ your ex can’t-” Her sentence was cut off by a loud knocking. Redheart pulled away, and trotted to the door, opening it. “Oh! Hello, Seafoam!” She said, smile still on her features.

The pony at the door was a purplish mare, with a pink and purple mane. She threw her hooves around Redheart’s neck. “Hey Reddie!” She said with a laugh, and the pearly mare hugged her back.

“Mr. Venture, this is Seafoam.” Redheart said, gesturing toward the pinkish unicorn. “She used to work as an orderly at the hospital, we happened to meet up during the graveyard shift, we’ve been friends ever since.

Riot nodded quickly, then offered her a hoof. “Names Iron Venture, but everypony calls me Riot.”

The unicorn nodded, meeting his hoof with hers, smiling widely. “Nice to meet you, um...Riot.” She said. She took a look at his jacket, and the small patch on the shoulder. “Wait....” She said, looking at his face, and then back to his jacket. “You…. You’re name is… Venture? Iron?” She asked, eyes going wide.

He cocked an eyebrow, not entirely sure as to what she was getting at. “Yeeees? I think I’m the only one.” Riot shrugged. “What-” The mare tackled him to the ground with a fangirlish ‘squee’, a spray of words leaving her lips, composed of mostly praises and saying that ‘they’ll never believe me’. Riots eyes quickly went between the mare who had tackled him to the ground and Redheart. Riot cleared his throat loudly. “Uh...Hi.”

She sat, perched on his chest, looking down at him with a massive smile. Redheart seemed totally starved for words, standing to the side. “Y-you’re really Captain Venture? Oh my gosh my mum told me all about you!” She said. “You served in three campaigns against the Griffon empire, two against the Diamond Dogs, and you’ve been awarded the bronze star, silver star, the silver cross for bravery, and one of the few non-posthumous awardees of The Lance of Equestria. Not to mention having four purple hearts over a single military career!”

Riot blinked, then nodded. “Yeah, that’s me alright. You forgot the Victorian Cross though.” He smirked a bit before speaking again. “Mind hopping off me for a moment? Some of my ribs aren’t where they should be anymore.”

The mare hopped off of his chest, rapidly apologizing. “S-so sorry, I-I just don’t usually get to meet living legends like yourself....” She says, smiling.

The stallion let out a loud laugh as he pulled himself to his hooves. “Living legend? Really? I doubt that.” He smirked before stepping back. “Were you two planning on going somewhere or?” He looked at Redheart for an answer.

Redheart took a step back. “S-Seafoam, I didn’t know you knew this much about Riot....I told you about him, and you.....Ohhhh, I used ‘Riot’ instead of what you would have recognized....” She realized. “Well, not usually, but we could, if you wanted to.” The pearly mare said, looking to Riot.

The stallion simply shrugged. “I just wanted to know if I was intruding.” He scratched the back of his head with a hoof. “I mean, if you’re alright with me being here.”

The pearly mare simply nodded. “I’ll go get some more cider.” She looked over at Seafoam and motioned towards the couch. “Have a seat you two.”
Riot nodded, taking the lead over to the small couch while Redheart practically skipped out into the kitchen. Seafoam sat down near him, her eyes never leaving him. Riot grasped his glass with a hoof and quickly slugged back the remains of the cider. He heard Seafoam let out a breath.

“What was it like?”

Riot cocked an eyebrow. “What was what like?”

She stared at him in foallike wonder. “Being a hero and killing the enemies of Equestria?” She practically vibrated in her seat as she continued. “I mean, going to war is so romantic! The stallions are all so tough and amazing, their chivalry is unbelievable.” She smiled, awaiting his reply.

Riot stared at her blankly; silently wishing he had his flask. He closed his eyes as images of-

The bayonets sleek edge ripping through the soft underside of the soldiers jaw, the kick of the shotgun as its 00 buckshot cleared everything from the throat up. Shells are still raining down, kicking up mud, blood, and guts. Riots hooves sank into the mud, but he carries on, passing soldiers that are buried deep. He finds footing on a dinged helmet sunk into the mud. He passes a screaming buck, barely past the age of consent.

Riot frowned, keeping his eyes closed. “It was...Horrible.” He sneered at the ground. “Don’t let anypony tell you otherwise; war is a meatgrinder that tears good ponies up and spits out the ones unlucky enough to live.”

It was then that Redheart trotted in with a small tray of fruit slices and a jug of cider. She chimed in merrily, oblivious to the grim tone that had fallen over the room. “I’ve got mango and orange slices, help yourselves. “

The pinkish unicorn forced a smile up at Redheart and grabbed a few slices, as well as a glass of cider. Riot simply held up a hoof as he spoke. “Not hungry.” Redheart frowned a bit, then sat down next to Riot.

Seafoam wasn’t going to be so easily deterred though. “I know war is bad, and that ponies die.” She huffed. “I mean, my dad talked about it all the time! He-”

“He wasn’t stationed on the front lines, was he?” Riot rubbed a stray tuft of fur on his hoof while he spoke. Redheart picked up on his tone, and that the whole conversation needed to be derailed.

Before she had a chance to though, Seafoam spoke. “Well, no. He served in the supply Corp, my mom was in the Air Corp. They did bombing runs over the Jungles of Kai-fong.” She smiled proudly. “She told me about the captain who trekked his whole squad through ten kilometers of dense jungle to pull her out of the wreck of a jet and save her from a Dog ambush.” Seafoam was practically vibrating at this point. “You saved her life! Twice! My Momma met my Pa when She was taken to the base nearby.” The mares smile never faltered. “I never thought I’d get to meet you face to face! You’re the reason I’m alive!”

I want to be angry at her… I want to scream at her for her naivety. But, I can’t. Not after telling me that. Riot cracked an odd smile as he thought back. Riot chuckled lightly. “Glad she got out of there...That was....Shit, that was a long time ago. Lemme think here...” He started muttering several numbers and places.

Seafoam piped up as Riot did some math in his head. “Nineteen years, Nine months!” She giggled happily. “It was my birthday last week.”

“Fuck I’m old…”

A quick shove of the shoulder drew his attention to Redheart, who chastised him with a hoof. “You’re not that old. I think your numbers are a little off. Because you met Aurora on your first real mission, and you said after, she was pregnant with Hunter. If that was so, he’d be as old as Seafoam!” Redheart smirked from her victory. Her smirk quickly disappeared as Riot frowned sadly.

“Never said she was pregnant with Hunter.” He pushed a smile and focused on the food tray. “These look really good Red, you get them in town?”

The mare nodded quickly, happy that the conversation was over. “Yes, once every three weeks or so a trader comes into town with assorted fruits. I got lucky with the mangos.”

Riot managed a weak smile, then grabbed a hoofful of mango slices. “Lucky me, mangos are my favourite.” Redheart simply smiled, her cheek going red from the tension in the air.

Riot was the one who made the first move. Standing up in one smooth motion; he nodded to Redheart. “Alright, I’ll keep you posted if anything serious happens. Until then, I suppose this is goodbye.” Riot glanced over at Seafoam and smiled. “It was nice meeting you Seafoam. I’m glad something good came out of Kai-Fong.”

The mare nodded rapidly. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’m sure my mom would love to thank you herself!”

“I’m sure she would. Anyways, I’m off. See you later Ms. Heart.” Riot trotted towards the door, and slipped outside before things got any worse.
_________________________________________________________________________

A few minutes later, Riot had collapsed onto Vinyls couch, and said mare had sprawled out on top of him. “Hehe, so, how was the Nurse?”

Riot groaned. “I can’t think of an analogue for it. It was that bad.”

Vinyl winced. “Ouch.”

Nodding, Riot rested his head back down. “Been thinking.”

“Oh? Good thoughts?” Vinyl turned her body so she was resting half on Riot. She looked down at him and smiled weakly before breathing out.

The stallion rolled his eyes; resting a hoof behind her head. “I think they’re good thoughts. I think... I think I’m getting better. I know I was only at FoB Canterlot for a few days, but... I think just knowing that I’ve got more than a hoofful of ponies in my corner has helped me calm down a bit.” Vinyl simply smiled at his statement, allowing Riot to continue. “It not me against the world anymore. I can be a better pony. I AM a better pony.”

Vinyl smiled lightly as she grabbed his hoof and dragged him upwards. “Come on, let’s get going. You still owe me that date big guy.”

Riot managed a chuckle at her giddiness. “Alright, alright. Suppose I can’t worm my way out of this one.”

Vinyl grinned mischievously, tugging on his hoof again. “Not a chance!”
______________________________________________________________________

The pair trotted across ponyville, drawing more than a few odd looks as they joked about and generally caused a ruckus. The familiar gingerbread bakery house rose up in the distance, marking their destination. Vinyl trotted ahead, shaking her rear as she raced to reach the door first.

Opening the door, she ushered Riot in. “Come on big guy, hurry that flank up!”

“Right, right. Give my old ass a second.” Passing through the door, Riot failed to suppress a surprised yelp as Vinyl gave him a playful smack across the rear.

The commotion from the entrance drew out Pinkie Pie, who peeked around the corner with barely withstandable curiosity. At the sight of Vinyl and Riot, she bolted out and bear hugged the already surprised stallion. “MR.RIOT!” She squealed happily before belting off a machinegun sentence.

“I’msohappyyoucamebacktoponyvilleIdidn’tgettosaygoodbyeandIwassadbecauseTwilightsaidyouweregoingtogetyourheadfixedandIwasscaredforyoubutyou’rebackandnowI’mhappyagain!”

Riot blinked as his brain strained to process the onslaught of information. Having suffered a catastrophic failure across the board, his back-up process’ went with a stock response as he blinked unevenly. “Hey Pinkie, how are you?”

Vinyl stared at the party pony for a few moments. “Pinkie, are you on coffee again?”

The nuclear powered mare beamed with energy. “Four days without sleep, I’m going for the Guineighs World Record!”

In Vinyl’s peripheral, she could see Riot shudder and mumbles something akin to ‘Celestia have mercy.’

Vinyl glanced over at Riot. “I’m pretty sure Celestia has abandoned this place entirely…..” She murmured.

With an audible ‘pop’, Riot snapped back into reality. He smiled softly down at the pink pony, who was currently jackhammering up and down as she belted off her plan to stay awake for another 96 hours. The stallion pressed his hoof against the top of her head, and let it sit there. Within moments, the mare stopped, her ears flicking back and forth as her eyes fluttered.

“W-...” Pinkie blinked again, before coming too. She smiled sheepishly. “Heh… Sorry, can I get you ponies something?”

Riot nodded. “Yeah, I’ll take a coffee and… Oh I don’t know, surprise me with a pastry. Vinyl?” He looked over at the white mare, who was still staring at him as if he had grown a second head and started chanting to pagan gods.

“Uh…..a bagel, with cream cheese...and an orange juice.” she peered closely at Pinkie. “Maybe a side of sleep for you…..you kind of look like you might keel over at any moment.”

Pinkie nodded slowly, before stumbling off into the kitchen. Riot shook his head, and raised a hoof towards one of the many empty booths. “After you.” He smiled happily at Vinyl.

Vinyl stared after the pink pony as she staggered off, brow furrowed in concern. “She must have been dropped as a child…...still, gotta love a pony that can party like her!” she turned and headed toward the nearest empty booth, swaying her hips to a tune only she could hear. She slid into the booth and began tapping a beat on the table.

Riot slid into the seat opposite and made himself comfortable as he listened to Vinyl’s hooves tap away at the table. After a few minutes, Mr. Cake came out with the order. He cocked an eyebrow at the pair, but otherwise kept quiet. “Alright Mr. Venture, Vinyl. Here’s your food and drinks.” He smirked a little at his own thoughts, but kept them to himself. “Just pay at the till when you’re ready.”

Nodding to the stallion, Riot readied his coffee. Once the gangly stallion had left, Riot leaned over the table at Vinyl. “I think he was judging us.”

Vinyl gasped in mock terror. “Whatever shall we do!? Our social life shall be doomed if he has indeed passed judgement upon us!” She declared melodramatically.

Riot chuckled as he finished stirring his coffee. “Me’thinks it doesn’t matter either way.” He sipped at his drink, before pulling back and giving the cup an odd look. “Mother fuck. That’s goddamn good coffee.”

Vinyl smirked at Riot. “It’s the cocaine, makes everything taste better.” She chuckles at the big stallion. “So, does him judging us not matter because we don’t care? Or because neither of us have much of a social life outside of the Horseshoe?”

Having lifted up his hoof to argue, Riot let it drift back down. “I have a social life…” He pouted for a moment before smirking. “I think it doesn’t matter either way. As long as we’re happy, who gives a shit?”

Vinyl shrugged. “As long as I’ve got my club, and a few good friends to tip a bottle with, I’m set.”

Riot lifted his cup and smiled. “Hooah.”
__________________________________________________________________________

The sky had grown dark after a brilliant display of vibrant oranges and reds as Celestia laid her sun to rest. Lunas moon crested soon after, settling Equestria into its calm night. Riot nudged open the now unlocked door to Vinyls home. Trotting in quietly, he waited as Vinyl came in behind him.

Vinyl strutted in behind Riot, humming to herself and doing a little impromptu dance as she passed him. She stopped and looked over her shoulder at the grey stallion, a broad smile on her face. “Huh...we totally just went on a normal date…..like normal ponies…and nothing exploded!” She pumped her hoof in the air and launched into another little improvised dance routine.

Riot couldn’t help but laugh out loud at her antics. “Expecting a different outcome?”

She tapped her chin with a hoof for a moment. “Honestly, yes” She grinned at the large unicorn.

Plopping down on her couch unceremoniously. The stallion grunted as he stretched; his limbs popping and snapping with their accompanying squeak of enjoyment.
Vinyl winced at the sounds issuing from Riot’s joints. “Well that sounds healthy….” A devilish grin spread across her face slowly as she stared at the stallion spread out on her couch.

Riot waved a chipped hoof. “Picture ‘o health.” He shuffled, finally finding a comfortable spot. Looking up, he saw her devilish look. “Whyyyy do I feel worried?”

Vinyl’s grin only widened, pure mischief dancing in her eyes. “Geronimo!” She screamed as she charged the couch, jumping the last several feet with her hooves outstretched.

The outstretched stallion barely had a moment to react as the mare flew towards him. He could have rolled, tucked, braced, or gone limp. He didn’t do any of those things. The best he managed was a stilted squawk that turned into a pained wheeze as the mare landed on him.

Said mare laughed maniacally as she “pinned” the stallion to the couch, a wide, happy grin still spread across her face. “Gotcha.” She said softly, booping the big stallion on the nose.

After letting out a pained wheeze, Riot started to smile softly back at her. A tiny glint in his eyes betrayed his intentions.

Vinyl playfully batted at Riot’s ear, still grinning like an idiot. “I think there’s some naughty thoughts bouncing around in that head of yours……” She leaned down, putting her muzzle a mere inch from Riot’s nose. “And I’d really like to find out what they are.”

“Really now?” Riot peered a bit closer, his hooves running down her sides. He still smiling up at the mare who was practically pressing against him.

“Yeah, really.” She darted forward and kissed the stallion on the nose. The simple peck drew a wider smile from the stallion; his hooves snaking around her back and up to her neck. Pulling the mare in as gently as possible; Riot’s muzzle pressed against hers and their eyes met.

Vinyl’s body melted against Riot’s as she returned the kiss, her hooves coming around and pulling his face toward hers. Vinyl broke the kiss, cocking her head to the side. “Funny, I don’t hear any perverse thoughts yet…..” She ran her hooves along the sides of his face, tracing the various scars she found there, smiling softly at the grey stallion.

“Give it time.” He readjusted, and gave her flank a well meaning swat.

Vinyl’s eyes widen as his hoof makes contact with her ample derriere. “Ooookay, apparently I will be shown these perverse thoughts.” she wiggles her lower half against Riot. “So what else you got tiger?”

“You’ve got no idea darlin~”

______________________________________________________________________________
Vinyl groaned slightly as she removed herself from Riot. She winced as her body protested. She felt good, but it had most definitely come at a price. Looking down at the sleeping stallion on her couch, she was struck with an odd realisation. For the first time since meeting Riot, he seemed at peace. She looked up at the clock on the wall and saw the time. Cursing at herself quietly, Vinyl prodded the stallion gently. “Riot, wake up. Shouldn’t you be tucking your son into bed soon?” She reached over and poked the stallion carefully once more, trying to rouse him.

Riot cracked an eye, then a light smile. “Hey Darlin’, something up?”

She pointed at the clock. “The time maybe? Don’t you have somewhere to be right now?”

Looking upwards, Riot scowled. “Balls. I have to go tuck Hunter in.” He groaned in protest as he sat up and rolled onto his hooves. Giving himself a shake; he smiled at Vinyl. “Thanks for having me.” He locked muzzles with her for a brief moment before pulling away. “Would it be alright if I slipped back in when I’m done?”

The mare smiled coyly. “Sure, you can come snuggle up to me in bed.”

Riot nodded, a happy grin overcoming is features. “Sounds like a plan.” He nodded, and started towards the door. “See you soon!”

___________________________________________________________________________

Riot jiggled his key around the lock, and somehow managed to get the sticky lock to turn over. The door cracked open, and he trotted in. The stallion looked to his left, and took solace knowing his duffel hadn’t been disturbed. He kicked off his boots and hung up the flight jacket. Riot took a deep breath, and started into the main room. Aurora looked up from the small couch that sat in the center. A set of familiar combat armour bounded into the living room, skidding to a halt just long enough so the helmet could be cocked back.

“DAD!” Hunter bounded over; armour jingling and clanking as he skidded over the wood flooring. Riot kneeled down, catching the heavily armour colt in his hooves.

“Hey there kiddo, you look like you’re ready for patrol!” Riot edged the helmet upwards with his hoof so he could see Hunters face. The colt was positively beaming.

“I can fit in it now Dad! Your army stuff fits! Kind of...” Aurora chuckled squeakily from her place on the couch; her wings spread for comfort. Hunter hugged Riot tightly before speaking. “Dad, can you teach me how to march like a soldier pony?”

Riot smiled down at the colt, ignoring the mare on the couch for the most part. “Sure, but you need to know how to stand at attention first.”

The colt bounded out of his grip and practically pranced into the center of the living room. “Show me show me show me!” Hunter smiled happily, then added. “Please dad?”

Rolling his eyes and shrugging his shoulder, Riot nodded his head. “Well, since you said please... I guess I can show you.” The resounding cry of joy brought an even larger smile to his face. “Alright kiddo, first off you gotta stand with you hooves together like this.” Riot placed his hooves close together, and watched as Hunter did the same. “Now, suck in your gut, and straighten your back.” He watched as Hunter took a deep breath and tried to do so. Riot chuckled again, this time using his hooves to straighten out the colts posture. “Great. Now, head up a bit, looking straight forward.”

Riot placed his front hooves on the couch, and started sliding it towards the wall, with the now startled Aurora riding on top of it. Riot trotted back to the center with Hunter and continued his lesson. “Now, right hoof up like this- good, good. Now, step like so.”
______________________________________________________________________

The now armourless Hunter was being carried on Riots back to the only bed in the house. Riot nudged open the door of the room and trotted in, Aurora at his heels. Setting the bone tired colt down on the plain bed, Riot kneeled down next to him.

Hunter smiled happily; moving up to nuzzle his father. “Thank you for teaching me, Dad. I love you.”

Letting out a breath, Riot hugged Hunter as tightly as he dared. “I love you too little guy. Time to go to bed though, you need to have a good sleep so you can have a full day tomorrow.”

The colt nodded, his eyes drifting between Riot and Aurora. “Will you be there when I wake up Dad?”

Riot nodded. “Of course. I plan on being there as often as possible.” He stood, letting Aurora finish tucking the colt in. In a short amount of time, after saying ‘good night’ and ‘I love you’ Riot and Aurora stood outside the colt’s room.

Aurora sighed as she rested her head on the door, as if listening to what was on the other side. “Thank you Ash. I don’t know what I would have done without your help.”

He merely shrugged. “It was nothing. You needed a home and-”

The mare lifted off the door and shook her head. “No, it wasn’t nothing. There was a point where...If it was you, I would have said no.” She wiped her eyes, which were red and glossy. “I’m sorry for what I did. I-I know...I know I hurt you, and Hunter. I’m so, so sorry.”

Riot rubbed the bridge of his nose. Inside his head, he wondered what to say. It all came down to a simple sentence. “It’s alright. I forgive you.”

As he trotted away, Aurora rested her head on the door again. “I know....Thank you.”

Trotting through the hall and back to his duffel, Riot grabbed what he needed from the olive drab bag and stuffed said items in his flight jacket. He made a mental note to be back by six at the latest. Without a word to the wise, he slipped out the door and back towards Vinyls.

After a few minutes, he arrived at his destination. Spending a scant minute at her door, Riot fished the spare key out from under the fake rock by her front door.

Entering the dark house, Riot made sure to lock the door behind himself. Stealthily working towards the small staircase, Riot ascended towards Vinyls room. He entered as quietly as possible, seeing her lithe form resting on the small bed. Pulling off what he had on, Riot climbed in behind the mare, who cooed at his arrival. Riot wrapped his hooves around Vinyl, just as she snuggled into his chest.

“G’night Vinyl.”

“Night Riot…”

Chapter Nineteen

The past days of the week had been abnormally... Normal, for Riot. He spent the days shooting the breeze with the various ponies of Ponyville, reading, and making his new uniform inspection worthy. Of course, there wouldn't be an inspection, but the routine gave him some comfort in its familiarity. Most of his nights were occupied between watching over the patrons of the Horseshoe, and carrying an exhausted Vinyl to bed; he would often spend the night with her, which made the mare unexplainably happy. He would then subsequently wake up early enough to wander home to make Hunter breakfast, and take the colt to school.

As it turned out, working with a former comrade and his ex-junkie sister wasn’t as much of a pain in his ass as he’d thought. In fact, they made his job easier. The fresh food brought in a fairly cleaner crowd, and having an extra set of eyes watching his back was always a good thing. It gave him enough free time to relax. He could spend time with whomever he wanted. He could do what he pleased. The sheer ideal of actual freedom did wonders for his disposition. Of course, that kind of thing would be put on hold while he went back to Canterlot.

Riot finished buffing his combat boots; letting the last one thump unceremoniously onto the hardwood floor next to its identical siblings. The stallion let out a breath as he looked around the sparsely decorated home. Aurora had brought some things out of storage, and had dispersed them how she saw fit. Naturally, Riot rearranged EVERYTHING while she was out, much to her chagrin. Initially, sleeping arrangements had been difficult, seeing how there was only two bedrooms. Riot had suggested that Aurora could use the bedroom that wasn't occupied by Hunter when he was gone, but when he was there, she could sleep on the couch. Aurora didn't argue against his suggestion.

Relaxing on the couch as he stared out the window, and at the clock; Riot found himself without anything to do. He had some books he could read, but the mood hadn't struck him. Taking a second glance at the clock, Riot swore. He hadn't actually been paying attention to the time when he looked, so much to his surprise it was almost 2:30. So if he didn't hurry, he would be late to pick up Hunter from school.

Riot slipped on a pair of beaten boots; the ones he had been wearing for the duration of his time in Ponyville and his tour in Hoofington. Without ceremony, Riot slipped out the door and headed towards Ponyville elementary.

The walk was short and uneventful; a few ponies waved in his direction; he waved back with a smile and a nod. Soon enough, the bell tower of the school came into view. Riot trotted towards the bench that he had pretty much claimed as his. Any other parents looking for a good seat either had to put up with his broad shoulders and smoldering demeanor or find somewhere else to be.

As soon as his rump hit wood, the bell went off and a torrent of happy foals burst out the doors. Riot sighed lightly and forced himself up. He could see Hunter inside, but the colt seemed to be talking to Cheerilee. Riot grimaced visibly. His history with Cheerilee made any run-in tense at best. The talk seemed like it may take a turn for the long drawn, so Riot chose to bite the bullet, metaphorically. Trotting up to the doors, he could see a number of colts and fillies still trying to stow their things and get away. One of which was Sweetie Belle, whom Riot gave a small wave. In return he got an ear to ear grin and an over enthusiastic two-hoofed wave. Smothering a chuckle, Riot crossed the threshold and started towards the teachers desk, where Hunter was talking with Cheerilee.

The cheery mare looked up; her smile faltering noticeably, but she managed a small smile. Riot gave her a simple nod as he tapped Hunter on the shoulder. The colt whirled around and immediately clamped onto Riots foreleg.

“Dad!”

Riot hugged Hunter with his other hoof. “Hey champ, you ready to go?”

Hunter shook his head, then looked at Cheerilee. “Miss Cheerilee actually wanted to talk to you Dad.”

The stallion cocked an eyebrow as he looked up at the teacher, who nodded in confirmation. “I wanted to ask you for a favour, Mr. Venture.” Cheerilee smiled down at Hunter. “Could you go help Sweetie with her bag Hunter? It looks like she's having troubles. The colt nodded quickly before cantering off, muttering something about 'girly muscles'.

Riot leaned against one of the sturdy desks and focused on the teacher. “Good favour or?”

Cheerilee sighed, before taking a sneaky swig from a flask that had been hidden under her desk. “Tomorrow, is show and tell.” The mare straightened her posture. “Except the children are to bring a parent, and explain what that parent does for work.” Cheerilee smiled weakly at Riot. “You see my dilemma with little Hunter, yes? Aurora is...”

“She drives ponies to drink. I know.” Riot chuckled at the thought. “Yeah, and I read you loud and clear. What time do I show up?”

Cheerilee let out an audible sigh of relief. “You have no idea how heavy a weight that is off my chest.” The mare leaned forward, and slipped Riot a piece of paper. “That has all the information you need. And thanks for this, I owe you.”

“Yeah, you do.” Riot cracked an evil grin. “But we'll discuss that later. See you tomorrow.” Riot turned his attention to Hunter, just in time to see Sweetie plant a quick kiss on the colts cheek and bolt out the door after her friends. Riot smiled wryly and simply shook his head as the shocked Hunter turned towards him. “Ready to go Hunter?”

“Y-yeah dad.”

The pair exited the building with post haste, their heading set for home. Every so often Riot would catch Hunter stopping to rub his cheek. Eventually, Hunter spoke. “Hey Dad?”

Riot lifted an eyebrow as he glanced at Hunter. “Yeah Champ?”

“Did you feel weird whenever you were around Mom?”

The question caught Riot off guard. He had been expecting something like it, but not so blunt. He rolled his eyes; Hunter was his colt after all. “What do you mean by weird?” Riot hoped to avoid the birds and bees talk, at least for another few years.

“My tummy feels weird whenever I'm near Sweetie. I think I'm sick.” Hunter spoke quietly, with his face towards the ground.

Riot merely laughed. “Yeah, yeah I had butterflies in my gut too buddy.”

Hunter perked up at the statement. “Really?”

The stallion nodded. “Yup. Hard to see it now, but I think I fell in love with your Momma the second I got a good look at her. I think she felt the same, but you'd have to ask her.”

The colt seemed to become even more worried at his statement. “Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“I think I'm in love with Sweetie.”

Without a second thought, Riot changed course from home to Sugar Cube Corner. “It's time for a celebratory snack then, don't you think?”

The mention of food brought Hunters mood up through the figurative roof. “Yeah!” Hunter smiled broadly as he hurried to match the pace of his father. “Do you think she loves me back Dad?” Hunter smiled up at Riot.

The stallion pursed his lips, mulling the thought about in his head. “You know Hunter... I had the same thought when I realized the same thing about Aurora. I was so worried that she didn't like me. I was also scared that if I told her anything, she'd hate me.”

Hunter frowned at the idea of his father being scared of anything, let alone his mother's opinion. He stated as much. “But you're not scared of anything dad!”

Riot laughed lightly at his son’s words. “I'm not, but back then, I was.” He ruffled the colts mane. “But I took the chance. And I got you to show for it.” He smiled again, but this time it felt heavy; more real, almost.

Before Hunter had a chance to say anything, he was interrupted by the appearance of Sugar Cube Corner. The pair trotted through the door, only to be greeted by Pinkie Pie. The mare bounced out from the kitchen to the register. She smiled happily at Riot and Hunter as they approached. “Hiya!” She practically yelled. “What can I get you two on this super duper day?” She smiled broadly, but Riot could pick up on hints of something else.

Riot glanced into the glass case to his side and mulled the thought over. “Kid'll order first, I'm still thinking.”

Hunter was quick on the draw though; probably having already thought of what he wanted on the way. “I'll have a chocolate-mint cone please, Pinkie!” Hunter seemed to draw off the general energy of the mare.

Pinkie nodded happily, jotting down the order. “What about you Mr. Iron?”

Riot glanced up, then back down to the case. “Double whatever he ordered, I'm stumped.” The mare shrugged, seemingly stuffing whatever normal reaction she would have used down. Something was definitely different. Riot placed a few bits on the counter and she took them, then promptly disappeared.

Riot stood by the counter as Hunter wandered about, looking at various cakes and confectionery related things. Pinkie tottered out, two cones balanced in a tray with holes in it. Something definitely was different. “Your hair's straighter than usual Pinkie, new look?” Riot asked to the side.

The mare simply sighed, seeing that Hunter wasn't watching. “No...Not really. Just been kind of down lately. Everypony's been super busy, so I'm kind of alone.”

Ah, she's depressed.

Riot gave her a sympathetic smile. “Well, if you want, feel free to come by the Horseshoe tonight. I'll make sure you've got somepony to talk to.”

Pinkie brightened considerably, her hair actually becoming noticeably poofier. “Really? You-”

Riot nodded as he levitated the cones. “Yup, no questions Pinks. Just head over when you get the chance and let them know I sent you. Oh, and you may want to try and keep the straight mane, it's a nice look for you. Maybe a little long for my tastes, but hey.” He nodded his thanks for the cones, and left behind a beaming pink pony, who seemed very, very interested in her mane and a pair of scissors that sat behind the counter.

As the pair trotted out the door, Riot stepped out of the way as a familiar purple unicorn sped past him; she was too focused on the scroll that levitated in front of her to even notice his presence, let alone the door that she most likely would have run into. Riot didn’t pay much heed to Twilight, figuring she would pop up sooner or later.

Hunter had made it about two blocks before his cone was devoured completely. The colt burped loudly, then glanced up at Riot. “So I'm actually normal? I'm not a weirdo for liking fillies?”

Riot hoofed his half eaten cone over to Hunter. “You're far from ordinary kiddo, you're something special. But as far as mares and fillies go, you're in the clear.”

The colt went to work on the new cone, but his thoughts obviously laid somewhere else. “When are you going Dad?”

The question caught Riot on the blindside. Not so much the question itself, but the tone in which Hunter asked it. Riot furrowed his brow as he continued forward. “Saturday morning. I'll say goodbye before I leave buddy, you don't need to worry about that.” Riot fronted a loose smile as he ruffled Hunters mane. “I'll be back Monday.”

Hunter nodded quietly as he finished off the cone. “So, you're coming to show and tell tomorrow? Miss Cheerilee gave you the paper.”

The stallion nodded, his gaze drifting around the market. He spotted the Apple Family stand and waved to the orange mare running it. Applejack waved back, but quickly turned her attention to Applebloom, who had apparently jumped some poor stallion and was practically shoving the sale pitch down his throat. Riot chuckled, just before receiving a poke in the side. He glanced back down to Hunter and nodded. “Yup. I'll be there. Anything you want to bring?”

Nodding frantically, Hunter galloped to pass his father. The colt started trotting backwards while he spoke. “I wanna bring your helmet and your medals! The others will be soooooo jealous! Oh Oh! And your armour!” Hunter smiled broadly as Riot mulled the idea over.

“Yeah, I think we can do that.” Riot levitated up the slip of paper. “Says something about a report on your chosen parent.” Riot looked at Hunter as the colt waited by the house door. “Looks like you'll have to do some writing tonight kiddo.”

Much to his surprise, Hunter shook his head. “Nope! I already knew I wanted to bring you, so I wrote up the report a couple days ago.” Hunter smirked in victory. “I remembered everything that you told me about the army, and I found the list of places you went on your armour!”
He had to admit, Hunter had done his homework. That meant he was the only one who wasn't prepared. Riot pushed the door open with his shoulder and leaned to the side as Hunter bolted to his room. Riot could hear the heavy trunk being slid across the floor, and the clasps coming undone. His smile died slightly as Aurora peaked around the corner, but Riot managed to smile and nod at her. The mare pushed out an uneasy smile of her own as she ducked into Hunters room. Sucking in a breath, Riot followed her. He arrived just in time to see Aurora launch a surprise snuggle attack on the colt.

Hunter was caught off guard; having his fore hooves lifted up enough so his mothers hooves could clamp onto him. Knowing full well what was about to happen, Hunter let out a squeal of protest, which quickly broke down into high pitched laughter. Aurora had him in some kind of motherly full nelson, in which she had to poor colt at her mercy.

“AaahahaAHAH!” Hunter kicked and thrashed as Aurora blew a raspberry on his neck. “D-DADDY! HE-hahAHAH-HELP!”

Riot stood at the door, his weight pressed against the door frame. He smiled happily, but his gaze was vacant. He sighed as he watched Aurora hug Hunter tightly. The mare let out a squeaky giggle of her own as she released Hunter from her grip. “So, how was my baby’s day?”

Hunter scrambled to be free of her grip; still fearful of another assault. He soon cracked a smile and started relaying the news of the day. “Miss Cheerilee is having a special show and tell tomorrow, Dad's coming in to help me with my pres...Presen...”

“Presentation, Hunter.” Riot trotted in, lending his aid with the stubborn trunk. Hunter smiled his thanks as he flipped the clasps open.

Aurora lifted an eyebrow at the news. “Oh? A special show and tell? About what?”

Riot left Hunter to his task; choosing instead to answer Auroras question. “Cheerilee is having the class do a small presentation about one of their parents; from what I can tell. Hunter is showing the class my military gear and apparently already has his report already set up.”

The mares eyebrows went further up, and soon she realized the implications. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief and smiled at Riot. Motioning for the door, Aurora got up and left the room. Riot was quick to follow, leaving Hunter to his work. Once they were in the kitchen, Aurora turned to face Riot. “Thanks for taking my spot there. Things would have gotten awkward if you hadn't. I...” Aurora frowned for a moment. “I don't want to make things hard for Hunter because of my mistakes.”

Riot nodded as he leaned against the fridge. “Things will never be easy for any of us, all we can do is make the best of things.”

His anecdote earned an wistful smile from Aurora. “I missed your little bits of wisdom.” She glanced up at Riot with her bleary blue eyes. Riot felt a familiar tug at his heart, but he managed to hold it down. “I wish I could go back in time and fix what I did.... I was so stupid....” She hung her head in shame as her chest convulsed..

The stallion sighed as he pushed off the fridge. It wouldn't do if Hunter came in to see his mother crying. Aurora sucked in a surprised gasp as Riot wrapped a forehoof around her, dragging her into a hug. For a moment, she stood there, not sure as to what to do. Without much of a second thought, Aurora wrapped her hooves around Riots neck; burying her face in his shoulder. Riot rested his chin on her head; taking in the unique scent of her mane. It brought back memories, many of which hurt. Aurora let out a breath, breaking her hold of Riot; while Riot did the same.

The pair stood there for a moment, unsure as to where to go from there. Before things got awkward, Riot spoke up. “So Hunter's in love.”

Aurora smiled sweetly as she looked back towards the colts room. “Really? With who?”

“Sweetie Belle, Rarity's younger sister?” Riot sat down at the table, his hooves resting in his lap. “Asked me if he was weird for liking mares like that.” At Auroras tinkling giggle, Riot cracked a smile. “I had the same reaction. Managed to calm him down and explain that these feelings are completely normal.” And that, that was how I felt when I first saw you. Riot frowned inwardly at the thought, but kept it to himself.

“Well, I suppose we'll have to start keeping an eye on those two. They are reaching that age.” Aurora smiled as she took a seat at the small kitchen table, a cup of coffee before her. From Riots best guess, she had been drinking it when they came in. Nodding his response, Riot started trotting to Hunters room, but he found himself stopped by Aurora. “I...What are you doing tonight Ash?”

“Spending the night with Vinyl.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

At that, Riot trotted out of the kitchen, leaving Aurora behind. He meandered into Hunters room to find the colt struggling with his old set of Mk II B. armour. He could still see the rent plates on the shoulder and neck. Much to his surprise, Hunter managed to stand up and hold the weight of the armour up fairly well. Smiling his approval, Riot sat on the edge of Hunters bed. “You know buddy, if it's too heavy for you I can pull some of the ballistic plates.”

“I can handle it dad! See?” Hunter shuffled forward, only to fall on his face from the weight. Glaring up at the chuckling stallion, Hunter huffed quietly. “Maybe just one or two....”

Trotting over, Riot started pulling open some of the carry panels of the armour. In theory, the idea of ballistic plates supported by high density steel worked like a charm with heavy fabric for the joints. Unfortunately, that was only in theory. The end product was around fifteen kilos dry, and when it was wet... Well needless to say, quite a few soldiers drowned when falling into puddles. The thought of it brought a blank frown to Riots face.

Hooves digging deep into the mud, finding purchase on buried bodies and helmets. Legs burning like an inferno. Can't stop. Sink like a stone if you stop. Find 'safe' ground, on the turret of a heavy tank that sits half a meter under the muck.

“Dad?”

Forcing his eyes to focus, Riot shook his head. “Sorry kiddo, got distracted.”

Hunter smiled happily as he strutted around the room in the now considerably lighter armour. “This is way better Dad!” The colt hugged Riot tightly. “Thanks!” Hunter tromped over to the trunk. “I can't wait to see the look on Featherweight’s face! He's gonna be soooo jealous!” Hunter pulled out the heavy ammo can that now housed Riots medals.

Riots thoughts went to Seafoam, Redheart’s Friend. She had called him a hero. Did a box full of stamped metal and fancy ribbon warrant that? Maybe. Maybe to somepony who hadn't been there. Shrugging off the thought, Riot craned his neck to see what Hunter was bringing. Needless to say, it was just about everything in the box.

Hunter plopped a small stack of papers onto the now closed trunk. A few things sat on his bed, but those were the things he wasn't bringing. Riot managed a quick glance at the report.

'My Dad, My Hero' By Hunter T. Venture.

Riot chuckled lightly at the title, just as Hunter snatched the papers away. “No looking! It's a surprise!” Hunter smiled broadly as he stuffed the papers into his backpack. Riot cocked his head, looking at the pack.

“Is that my old ruck?”

Hunter shuffled his hooves guiltily. “Yeah...It was in the trunk, so I thought it was okay to use it... You're not angry, are you Dad?”

Shaking his head, Riot gave his son a smile. “Of course not, I'm glad the old girl's getting some use. Just...” Riot grabbed the ruck, his hooves working a small hidden pocket. Smothering a sly grin, he saw that the pictures were still there. “Hey Hunter, look over there!” The colt whirled around, just in time to miss the dirty photos of his mother get stuffed into Riots pants pocket.

“What? What is it Dad?” Hunter looked about, then at Riot; who simply shrugged.

“Sorry, thought I saw Sweetie through the window. Guess I was wrong.” The sad groan from Hunter almost made Riot feel bad. Almost. But with the little extra prize in his pocket, his mood was high.

Maybe I should get Vinyl to do some posing... A sly grin spread over his features. “Hey Hunter, you didn't happen to find an old camera in my trunk did you?”
______________________________________________________________________________

Night was beginning to creep across Ponyville, and many ponies were on their way home. Riot couldn’t hear anything from the Horseshoe. He frowned ever so slightly; usually Vinyl had started her warm up sets by now. Riot shook his head, and mentally ran through his plan.

Let's see here... Tomorrow, wake up early enough to walk with Hunter to his school, have the little presentation, then wander off to the bus station. It was a simple plan, and that was why he liked it.

Of course, there was always a bump awaiting Riots plans.

Knocking lightly on Vinyls door, nopony answered. He grunted, trying the handle. He jiggled it several times before noticing the note taped to the door.

'The Horseshoe is closed for the weekend.’

Underneath was a second, smaller note.

‘Riot, You know where the key is.'

“Huh.” Riot kicked over a small fake rock, revealing the door key. Sliding the key into the lock, Riot pushed his way into the small apartment that sat above the club. He could hear the shower, meaning it was Vinyl who was taking it. Nopony else would be here if they were closed. After locking the door behind himself, Riot quickly checked the other rooms to make sure that he wouldn't walk in on one of her visitors. Once the house was clear, Riot brought out his little beaten camera.

The door to the bathroom was pushed open silently, and Riot found himself treated to the exact sight he had been hoping for.

Vinyl was humming a jaunty, bumpy little tune as she ran a hoof through her mane, making sure that the lather had been evenly distributed. She smiled as she enjoyed the warm water. Her train of thought was brought to a crashing halt as a bright flash filled the bathroom. Squeaking in terror, Vinyl slipped, falling onto her flank as water cascaded down from the shower head. The mare grabbed a towel and pressed it against her chest in a vain attempt to cover herself. She looked up to see a smirking Riot standing in the door, a small camera being set up for the next picture.

“Sorry Vin, forgot I had the flash on.”

Riot ducked just in time to avoid a flying bottle of body lather. “You ass!”

Peeking back in, Riot hoped to smooth things over with the soaked mare. He quickly found a pair of soaked hooves wrapped around his head, and he was pulled into a deep kiss. Vinyl pressed herself into the clothed stallion. “Now you're wet. Jerk.” She laughed, just before kissing his cheek.

Having avoided being pelted with personal care products, Riot shared her laugh. “Room for one more?”

Vinyl purred at the notion; beckoning with her head. “Hurry up then, before the water gets cold.” She blew a kiss at the stallion, then pulled the shower curtain closed. Riot practically tripped over himself as he pulled his combat boots off, along with his pants and light grey undershirt.
______________________________________________________________________________

Vinyl snuggled into Riots chest; her still-damp mane sticking to the couch and his fore hoof. She let out a satisfied sigh as she relaxed even further. The mare cracked an eye open and let out a mare-ish giggle. “You smell like strawberries.”

Riot frowned and twisted slightly so he could smell his fur. He shrugged, now playing circles in Vinyls belly fur. “Worth it.”

Sharing a laugh with Riot, Vinyl twisted in his grip so she could look Riot in the eyes. “So, when are you leaving tomorrow?”

“Not sure, after Hunter presentation for sure. Maybe around three or four.” Riot nipped at her neck, earning a smile of protest. “Why do you ask?”

The mare grinned slyly. “Oh, nothing..... Just was wondering when I should join you
at the bus station.” She nipped Riot back on the nose. “I got some time off this weekend, so I figured I'd get a look at this hospital for myself. Make sure the ponies there are treating my stallion right!” Riot lifted a hoof to protest, but Vinyl cut him off. “If it gets too weird, or something happens back here I'll be gone in a flash. I've got it all figured out.” She planted a kiss on his nose as if to seal the deal.

Riot mulled the idea around in his head, taking the unusual setting into mind. Eventually, he nodded. “Yeah, that'll be nice. Having you with me, I mean.”

“You bet that grey flank of yours it will be!” Vinyl laughed happily at his agreement. She then swung her hind leg over his stomach. The mare now straddled him as she leaned in to kiss his neck and shoulder. She spoke in a low voice, one filled with sultry tones. “Any place we need to be tonight?”

“No Ma'am.”

Vinyl smiled happily as she placed both hooves on his chest. “Good. Now-” The mare let out a cute gasp Riot placed both hooves on her hips, bringing her down from her high place. Her hooves tightened around the back of his neck as she bit into the shaggy fur on his shoulder. “Mmfff...”

Riot nipped the tip of her ears as he ran the edge of his hoof over her cutie mark. “We ain't goin' nowhere, cause I've got plans for you.” He smirked evilly as the mare let out another satisfied moan.

Vinyl pushed herself into his chest as the couch groaned in protest. “Aurora was an idiot to leave you.... But I'm glad you're mine.” She hugged Riot tightly, a sultry purr escaping her.
____________________________________________________________________________-

Rise and shine you sorry sacks of shit! Welcome to boot camp! From now on for the rest of your pitiful lives, you useless wastes of air will be awake and ready for inspection at oh-six-hundred! Do you maggots read me!?

SIR YES SIR!

Riots eyes fluttered open, just as Celestia was considering raising the sun. He yawned widely; jaw popping back into place as he sat up. Vinyl mumbled quietly in her sleep, drawing Riots attention. He smiled softly as he pushed a small strand of mane away from her face. The mare’s eye cracked open, revealing her vibrant red eyes. She let out a groan of protest and rolled over, stuffing her muzzle into the pillow. “By Celestia’s butt… What time is it?

Chuckling as he lifted himself up, Riot stretched his taunt limbs. “Zero Six Hundred.” The odd crack and pop sounded out within the small abode, along with the usual accompanying grunt from Riot. After a few moments of ensuring his bits were in the right place, Riot cantered over into Vinyls kitchen. Soon after, her coffee percolator was bubbling away quietly.

Soon enough, Riot was trotting back into the living room with two steaming cups of coffee in his wake. Plopping down next to Vinyl’s comatose form, Riot placed her cup on the coffee table. As he sipped at his, he could see the mare beginning to stir. Both of her eyes were clamped shut, but she couldn't ignore the smell of fresh coffee for long.

Sure enough, Vinyl let out a defeated whine as she pulled her legs over the edge of the couch. Grabbing the cup, she took a tentative sip. A satisfied sigh left her, and one of her eyes cracked open. “How do you do it?” She grumbled out, half asleep.

Riot cocked an eyebrow as he slurped his coffee back. “Do what?”

“Wake up at six on the dot without an alarm, and proceed to make the best coffee ever. It's not natural. You’re some kind of freak.” Vinyl slumped against his shoulder as she struggled to keep her cup at her lips. As if to answer a silent problem, Riot plopped a bendy straw into her drink and cocked it towards her. Vinyl took it immediately, grunting her thanks. She broke contact with the straw long enough to speak. “You're a robot. A crazy, sexy, misunderstood, robot.” She snuggled into his shoulder as she went back to sipping her warm drink.

Riot chuckled lightly at her ruminations as he finished off his drink with one last gulp. “That's unfair, I only have a couple metal pins in me. You can call me a robot when I've got a skull plate and some sci-fi shit poking out of my chest.”

Vinyl shrugged as she placed her cup on the table. “Fair enough. Do I really have to get up?” She whined. “I’ve never seen this godsforsaken hour…”

The stallion shrugged. “I don't think so, but I need to get home so I can get ready for Hunters school thing.”

“Mmm...Tell me how it went will ya?”

Riot nodded as he stood. “Will do Vin. Now-” He planted a kiss on Vinyls lips, leaving her practically fluttering about in her post-sleep stupor. “Be safe Whitey.”

“Mmm...Think I'm gonna go to sleep again...Sleep good.” Vinyl flopped to the side without Riot to support her deadweight.

Slipping out the door, Riot made sure to lock the door behind himself and to slip the key under the mat. The stallion turned about, gazing out at the new dawn. He started trotting towards home, where he assumed both Hunter, and Aurora would still be asleep. The walk went as expected; nothing of note. Nopony was up at this time, save for a few odd-balls like himself. Soon enough, his manilla coloured, government issue home came into view. It was a far-cry from his old home, but it served its purpose.

A small set of keys came jingling out of his coat pocket; quickly finding themselves jammed into the door lock. The door clicked open after two tries, and Riot trotted into the quiet house.

And so was his routine during a good portion of the week. He would slip in through the door, head for the kitchen, and start breakfast for Hunter. If he had time, it would be puff pie and hay bacon, but if he was running late, the most he could make was pancakes and chopped hay bits. Today felt like a day that required a full stomach.

Half-way through his cooking, Riot could hear someponies door click open. To his satisfaction, Hunter came wandering into the kitchen, rubbing his bright green eyes. “D-dad? What time is it?”

“Early.” Riot smiled as he brought a piece of hay-bacon near Hunters nostrils. The colts features sprang to life, and he chomped the floating food stuff out of the air. Riot smirked, turning back to the stove. “Is it good enough Hunter?” All he got was a swift nod as the colt hopped up onto his seat by the table. “I'll take that as a yes then.”

Plopping a full plate in front of Hunter, Riot was treated to the sight of a complete and utter massacre of innocent foods. The colt’s appetite was voracious to say the least. Riot kept that to himself though, as he divvied up a fair portion for his own craving. He also made sure to leave enough for Aurora. Sitting across from Hunter, the pair sank into quiet chomps and bites.

After every bit of food had disappeared from their plates, Hunter belched loudly, then covered his mouth. “M'sorry Dad....”

Riot shrugged as he belched even louder. “Don't sweat it bud.”

As Hunter started giggling in response, Aurora sauntered into the room, her eyes on the pair of stallions at the table. “I swear, it's like I'm living with a pack of dogs.”

“You'd like that, wouldn't you?” Riot shot her a look as she went to get her breakfast. The look he got in return more than justified the jab in his mind.

“I think I would, may get a bit more manners from them.” Aurora lifted her nose in the air as she placed her plate on the table.

Riot huffed indignantly as he picked up both his and Hunters empty plates and deposited them in the sink. After a moment, he trotted over to Hunter and rested a hoof on the colts shoulder. “Well Hunter, it's around seven now, want to head out?”

The colt pondered the thought for as he sat there, his eyes flitting between Riot and Aurora. Eventually, He nodded his head and hopped off the seat. “Sure Dad, I'll get my bag.”

The stallion smiled and nodded, then, as if a bolt of energy hit him, he turned his attention back to Hunter. “What time do you start presenting?”

The colt pulled back a bit from his fathers energetic question. “A-a little after eight.”

Riot clopped his hooves together as a broad grin spread over his features. “Good, now hold tight for a few. I've got a surprise of my own.” At that, Riot practically pranced out of the kitchen, leaving a curious Hunter and a fearful Aurora.

Hunter hopped off his chair and cantered off into his room to grab his bag and get the trunk ready for his father to haul. The colt trotted back into the hall, the trunk being levitated a few inches off the ground. Hunter plopped the heavy thing down on the ground and waited for Riot. After a few long minutes, Aurora joined Hunter, equally curious.

Shortly after, they could hear the tell tale sound of Riots old combat boots tromping through the hall towards them. Strange, considering that his ragged boots were sitting at the door, a small layer of mud still clinging to the thick treads.

Aurora looked up as the sound stopped a few paces before them. She looked up, and gasped through the hoof over her mouth. Riot stood at the end of the hallway, dressed in full parade regale. His boots shone like the morning sun, despite being jet black. His uniform was pressed to perfection, without a single crease or stain to be seen. His beret was positioned perfectly, and his beard had been trimmed. Of course, in Auroras eyes, he wasn't the forty-something stallion that she roomed with; no, he was the twenty five year old rough cut upstart giving her his love while they stood on a tarmac as the rain poured down.

“Not bad for an old Hell Hound, eh?”

His voice shook the mare out of her stupor. Aurora choked on her response as she pressed her hoof deeper into her mouth. Hunter on the other hoof...

“WOW!! Dad, you look so cool!” Hunter galloped about the tall stallion. “You look like the ponies in the royal guard posters!” Hunter squee'd quietly to himself as he looked up at his mother. “Doesn't he look awesome Mom?”

Aurora hiccuped as she stuffed her tears down deep. She nodded quickly as she ran a hoof over the edges of her eyes. “Yes, Hunter. He does look...” She smiled shakily. “He's quite the stallion.”

Seeing her pain, Riot felt conflicted. Taking a short breath, Riot stepped toward the door. “Well buddy, let's get you to school, hmm?” Hunter nodded quickly, his backpack already slung over his shoulder as he bounded out the door. Riot trotted after him, but stopped short of the shaking mare. He let out a long breath as she tried in vain to hide her tears. “Doesn't feel so great, does it?”

The mare let out a single sob as her attempts of stuffing her feelings down failed miserably. Aurora found herself surprised when Riot gave her a supportive squeeze of the shoulder. She sucked in a ragged breath and spoke to Riot as quietly as she could. “What happened to us Ash?”

Riot rolled his jaw in an attempt to answer her question to himself. “Life happened. We changed.” He sighed quietly as his hoof fell away from her. “I'm headed to Canterlot after Hunters presentation. Take some time to yourself to think about things.”

Aurora nodded as she spoke. “I'm glad you're my friend Ash.”

To me, coming from you... Friend is a four letter word.

Riot merely nodded as he trotted out the door with the trunk in tow.
___________________________________________________________________________-

Hunter trotted next to Riot with his head held higher than usual. The colt smiled brightly as Riot trotted next to him, the heavy green hooflocker floating behind them slightly. A few more ponies were out at this time, but each took notice of the spit polished soldier marching through their little town. Riot noticed a few whispering to themselves. Normally, it would make him feel angry and self-conscious; but just this once, he felt empowered by it. The township of Ponyville had been conquered by a lone soldier and his indomitable will to go the distance.

Soon, the bell tower of the school came into view. Hunter stopped dead in his tracks; the lines of doubt and regret filling his youthful face. “D-dad...”

Riot trotted up next to the colt and glanced down at him. “What's up buddy?”

“What if they don't like my presentation?”

“Fuck ‘em.”

“Dad!” Hunter pulled back from the use of rough language.

Riot sighed as he placed the trunk on the ground and crouched down by the colt. “Listen Hunter, you know what I did when I was in the field and I started to doubt myself?”

The colt looked up at Riot with eyes filled with wonder. “What?”

“When things looked their worst, and I thought I was going to die, I told myself that no matter what, I wouldn't die lying down. I told myself that whatever I sacrificed was for you.” Riot sighed quietly. “What I'm trying to say, is that no matter what anypony else said or did, you were the only thing I fought for. It didn't matter what happened, I made you my rock.” Riot gave the surprised colt a strong hug.

Hunter nodded in understanding. “I think I get it dad... I'm not supposed to care about what other ponies do or think, so long as the ponies that are important to me, are with me.”

Riot stood again, giving his uniform a quick dust off. He smiled proudly down at the colt. “Exactly Hunter. You'll be quite the stallion when you grow up.” Riot chuckled to himself as he ruffled the colts mane. “Come on champ, let's knock the roof off this dump.”

The pair approached the door, and Riot could see a few of the foals and their chosen parent/ older sibling. Immediately, He spotted Rarity with Sweetie Belle. The younger of the Belle sisters waved happily at them, While Rarity simply stared at the oncoming pair with wide eyes. Hunter gave his father an eager grin and galloped forward. Inwardly, Riot swore.

Hunter and Sweetie were neck deep in a light speed conversation. Rarity had her eyes set on the stallion carrying the box. “My, that looks like a heavy load Mr. Venture.” Rarity batted her eyelashes at him. “But you do look very dashing today.”

Riot nodded at her as he rested the trunk on the ground. “Yeah, figured I wouldn't get a better chance than this to give the new uniform some air.”

Rarity nodded in agreement. “Yes, I have to say, you look...” She rolled her hoof. “Younger.” She smiled up at him.

The stallion merely shrugged as the bell rung loudly. “I got that from the ex too.” He lifted up the trunk and motioned towards the door with his head just as Hunter bounded towards him.

“Come on Dad! School’s starting!”

The novelty was not lost on either of the older ponies as they both chuckled and followed the steady stream of foals and older ponies. At some point, Rarity broke off to talk to somepony else, leaving Riot alone for the most part. Cheerilee nodded at him, her smile honest and kind. As the foals took their seats, Cheerilee spoke.

“Thank you everypony, for coming today.” She smiled over the fairly large crowd. “I'm glad to see such a great turnout this year.” Cheerilee trotted to the front and brought out a sheet of paper. “Would anypony like to go first?” She held up a pen and the paper.

Riot could see Hunter getting up in a hurry as he attempted to reach the sheet first. Despite his best efforts, he was cut off by a pink foal with a little tiara. The filly stuck her tongue out at Hunter as she scrawled her name on the sheet. A few other foals slipped in when Hunter cast a glance over his shoulder at Riot.

The stallion groaned under his breath as the chances of his early escape slid down the drain. The heavily muscled pony next to him let out a chuckle. “First time show and tell huh?”

Riot nodded as he leaned against a spot on the wall. “Yeah.” He cocked his head towards the larger stallion. “I’m Riot, Hunters Dad.”

The other pony offered his hoof and Riot shook it. The other stallion smirked, his eyes going back up to the front as an obviously well off stallion started talking about fiscal quarters. “I’m Snowflake. Featherweights older brother.”

Nodding his head, Riot scanned the room slowly. “You come to these often?”

“When I can. Say, Hunter’s been coming to this school for about two years now-”

“Yup.” Riot cut the other pony off, already sensing the line of questions.

“-And I was wondering why I’ve only seen you now.” Snowflake glanced at the taller stallion. “I mean, I would have remembered you if you had.” He looked over Riot, gauging him fully.

Riot frowned , having already berated himself about it enough. “I was on duty for the most part, and I spent a fair amount of time in the hospital. Trust me, I wanted to be here...”

Snowflake nodded, seeming to understand. “That’s alright, me and Feather never knew our father all that well.” The pony chuckled. “And he was still at home.”

The frown on Riots muzzle increased. “I try my best. That’s all I really can do now.”

A jovial laugh brought Riot out of his thoughts. Looking over at Snowflake, he couldn’t help but chuckle himself. Snowflake shook his head as he smiled. “You, I like you. You’re alright.”

Riot smirked in kind. “Like I said, I try my best.”

___________________________________________________________________

Several long presentations later.

Riots head bobbed up and down as he fought to stay conscious during an explanation of different dress types from Rarity, but he was robbed of any chance at a nap by a light tapping on his forehoof. Glancing down, he smiled lightly. “Hey Buddy, what’s up?”

Hunter smiled back. “We’re up next Dad, so get ready. Rarity is almost done!”

A hoof bumped Riots shoulder. Snowflake grinned at the older stallion. “Good luck buddy.”

The Belle sisters finished their presentation, trotting back down the aisle of desks, Rarity smiling daintily as the eyes of most of the elder males were on her. Cheerilee smiled, looking out at the stallions and mares at the back of the class.

“I think we have just enough time for one more, so if Hunter could come up with his father?” She said brightly.

Hunter bit his lip nervously, before getting to his hooves, and slowly making his way up to the front. “O-okay Miss Cheerilee.” The colt trotted up to the front, a wad of loose-leaf paper held shakily in his magic. Riot pushed off of his spot on the wall; lifting the trunk as well as he trotted up to the front. He gave Hunter a nod of support as he placed the trunk on the ground.

The young stallion smiled anxiously out at his classmates, and cleared his throat. “I decided to do my presentation on my favourite pony in the whole world, my dad, Iron. He is a soldier. Not a lot of ponies do that, at least not any more...” He says, frowning a little, before catching himself. “He’s seen a lot of bad things, but him and his friends have kept equestria safe for us. From the griffons, with their huuuuge claws, and wings, and even dragons!” He said. At this, the class gasped, and there were a few mutters. “He’s gotten pretty hurt sometimes...” He says, before hopping up on a stool. “But he’s still managed to keep going, and always come home to me.”

Hunter hopped off the small stool he had been standing on, and went for the trunk. Popping the latches, the colt levitated out a hoofful of medals and Riots helmet. The colt held up the medals one by one. “My dad was given a whole ton of medals from the princesses because he’s really brave!” He held up one of Riots Silver Stars. “This one is called a Silver Star; it’s the third highest award in aaalll of Equestria! It’s awarded for gal....gall...”

“Gallantry.” Riot smiled at Hunter and the class. “The medal Hunter’s holding right now, I got during my first campaign. That was on the Plains of Westrock.” Hunter nodded eagerly, holding up another one. Riot frowned slightly at the Lance of Equestria, and motioned for Hunter to grab another one.

Hunter cocked his head for a moment, before grabbing the one next to it instead. “This one is the Order of the Celestial Shield. He got it for rescuing another pony when in extreme danger. He saved my uncle Sunshine.” He said. The class sniggered a bit at the name, and Hunter glared. “Hey! Uncle Sunny went through almost as much as he did!” The class quieted down, and Hunter gave a nod of approval to the class.

Riot held back a laugh of his own. Wild did have a silly name. “Hunter, think the class would want to try on your helmet and armour?”

The clamour that arose was nearly deafening. Nearly the whole class, aside from two particular fillies were trying to crowd up to the front of the room. Cheerilee tried to restore order, but it was nearly impossible.

“Alright kids, one at a time!” Riot closed the trunk until the foals calmed down to the point that he could manipulate them. “Alright Hunter, It’s your show.” Riot looked up, and found himself surprised that a couple of the older ponies had come to the front as well, and were standing in line looking sheepish.

Hunter smiled brightly at the fact that so many ponies were waiting to try it. He began passing out little bits of memorabilia to try and calm down some of the rowdier folks, making sure that they were being handled properly as the armor and helmet made it down the line. Cheerilee was smiling, nodding slowly as the young colt kept order. She wrote something on her clipboard with the pencil in her mouth.

One of the ponies lifted up a hoof. “Did you see much action?”

Riot nodded. “I’ve seen a lot. Most of my career was spent on a base, at least a third of it. Another third was on tour. The rest was spent on call.” The pony nodded, his curiosity sated.

A small filly with a mess of a red mane jumped up and down as she waited for the armour. “Did you make loth of friendths?”

The stallion chuckled, hiding his frown. “Yes, I met a lot of great ponies in the military. I’m still friends with a number of them. I miss them.”

She cocks her head. “You mith them? Where are they?”

Riot sighs. “Somewhere better.” The filly makes an ‘o’ face as she looks down.

Snowflake stepped forward, hoof raised briefly. “I was wondering what your thoughts were on the use of Magical Weapons of Mass Destruction in armed conflict? I mean, wouldn’t you consider them morally ambiguous at best? Seeing as how they are primarily intended for civilian population centers.”

Blinking, Riot scratched his beard in thought. After a moment of everypony staring at him, he finally spoke. “First off, we haven’t used a MWMD in over seventy years. As per that, if they hadn’t been used, the cost in lives would have actually gone up, both military and civilian. The use of such weapons aren’t taken lightly, which is why there’s countless overrides for such an event.” He pauses. “I don’t think this is the kind of discussion for the classroom however. If you want, we can talk later, and discuss it.” Riot nods to the stallion, who smiles, and nods in kind.

Everyponies attention is brought up to Cheerilee, who had clopped her hooves together. “Sorry fillies and gentlecolts, but that’s all the time we have for today. Please say thank you to Hunter and Mr. Venture.” The magenta mare said, looking to the ponies. After a groan of disappointment from those who hadn’t gotten to try on the armor, they did say ‘thank you’ and Hunter returned to his seat, giving his father a hug, before beginning to retrieve the bits of military paraphernalia from the crowd.

After tucking everything back into the trunk, Hunter returned to his seat. Riot picked up Hunters trunk and returned to his spot just as Cheerilee started speaking. “Thank you all for coming out today, and for those of you who didn’t get to present, please come back Monday. Now, everypony have a very nice weekend.” She placed her clipboard down on her desk as foals and ponies filed out.

Hunter started putting his work into his pack, but then ran up to Cheerilees desk; planting his report on it. The mare smiled happily at the colt as he turned and went back to packing. The colt trotted back to his desk with a massive smile on his face, throwing his backpack on with a short burst of telekinesis. “How do you think we did, Dad?” He asked the large grey stallion

“I think we did pretty well. That, and your presentation wasn’t putting ponies to sleep.” Riot chuckled at the thought, just as Sweetie and Rarity passed by. The filly seemed quite upset about something.

Rarity cough politely into her hoof to draw the pairs attention. “Excuse me, but Sweetie-”

“I didn’t get to try on any of your cool stuff Hunter!” Sweetie sniffed back a tear.

As Riot lifted a hoof to respond, Hunter pulled the rug out from under him. “That’s alright Sweetie, you can come over and try on all of it!” The colt put out his best smile as he looked up at Riot. “Right Dad?”

Riot nodded his head. “Sure, I don’t see why not. As long as Rarity’s alright with it of course.”

The white mare smiled a bit. “Well, I don’t think you’d wear it for the fashionable qualities, but it is rather....Cool...To use the common term. Of course you can go, Sweetie.” She says, patting the filly on the head.

Both foals grinned eagerly as they walked ahead of the adults. Riot chuckled to himself. “Personally, I was a fan of the mark three winter wear.”

Rarity shook her head playfully at waved off the larger stallion. “Have a good evening, Mister Venture, I would like to hear some of your stories of gallantry some day, and your rather well formed opinion on the morality of equine kind.” She says, a small whimsical sigh leaving her lips at the talk of gallantry.

Riot nodded. “I’ll bring a flashlight for dramatic effect.” The stallion shook his head. “I’ll see you later Rarity, take it easy.”

She returned his nod with one of her own, and she trotted daintily down the dirt road toward her boutique, leaving Riot with the two foals. Sweetie apparently couldn’t wait, and was now wobbling about, the helmet too big for her, covering her eyes. She leaned on Hunter so he could help her find her way, and the young stallion looked to Riot, a blush on his cheeks.

He was gonna have to keep an eye on those two. Or rather, Aurora would have to. A coy grin spread across his muzzle as he realized that he wouldn’t have to deal with any of the problems. A quick glance at his watch told him he had to meet Vinyl fairly soon. Letting out a breath, Riot caught up to the pair of foals. “Alright Kiddo, I’m gonna have to leave pretty soon so I can get to the bus on time.”

“Aww... Do you have to Dad?” Hunter pouted a bit as they approached the door.

Riot nodded as he took out his little cluster of keys and started rifling through them. “F’raid so lad.” He sighed quietly as his key slid into the lock and the door swung open near-silently. Hunter simply nodded as he led Sweetie into the house. Feeling guilty over his earlier thoughts, Riot stepped inside, bringing the trunk with him.

A flop of bluey-purple mane from the kitchen door saw Aurora staring at the ground for a moment before ducking back into her hide-away. Hunter cocked his head towards his father. “You can just put the trunk in my room Dad, I’m gonna go bug mum. Come on Sweetie, let’s get some food.” The little filly nodded quickly as she followed close behind.

As he placed the heavy load down on the floor, Riot could hear voices in the kitchen. Biting his lip, Riot trotted into his room and started changing out of his uniform into something a bit less constrictive. By the time he had started stripping down, Aurora ducked into the room. She closed the door quietly behind herself and turned to face the stallion.

“So you’re going today?” She looked away as he changed.

“Yeah. It’s Friday.” Riot pushed his uniform into the corner; he’d deal with it later. “I have responsibilities in Canterlot.”

Aurora frowned as she stared at her hooves. Shaking her head, she approached the stallion. “You have responsibilities here. couldn’t you just stay for a bit longer?”

Riot set his jaw as he exhaled. “If I’m ever going to heal... If I’m ever going to get better, they’re the ones who’ll help me.” He turned, facing Aurora. “I need to get better, for Hunters sake.”

The mare nodded. Without warning, she clamped her hooves around the back of Riots neck as she hugged him tightly. Riots eyes went wide, but when the lack of choking or knives in the spine became apparent, he wrapped a hoof around Aurora and hugged her back. For a moment, all was quiet.

Letting his hoof drop, Riot stepped away. “I need to finish packing my things.”

Aurora nodded quickly as she turned away. “I’ll go check on Hunter and Sweetie, see if they need a snack.”

Watching Aurora trot out of the room, Riot went back to packing; doing his best to ignore the wet patch of fur on his shoulder.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Riot stood at the doorway, his beaten boots hugging the sides of his hooves like they were supposed to. His duffel was slung across his shoulder.

Hunter pulled away from the leg he had clamped onto. “You’re coming back, right dad?”

Riot chuckled as he ruffled the colts mane. “Of course, I’ll only be gone for a couple days, I promise.” He smiled broadly as he turned towards the door. “Hunter, keep an eye on these two.” He motioned towards Sweetie and Aurora.

The colt saluted quickly. “Yessir!”

Smiling as the door closed behind him, Riot was left to his own devices as he started towards the bus stop and Vinyl.
__________________________________________________________________________

As Riot approached the covered stop, he could already see the white flanks and vibrant blue hair of a certain somepony. Moving his approach off to the side, Riot snuck up on Vinyl with ease. She was wearing her mane down and had clad herself in a grey hoodie. Vinyl let out a loud sigh as she leaned back against the bus stop. Her moment of boredom was shattered as a pair of hooves wrapped around her waist and somepony held her from behind. Vinyl let out a stifled scream as she pulled away from the hooves and hit the dirt.

Her terror was quickly replaced by embarrassment as the culprit started laughing his ass off. The mare whirled around and glowered at Riot. “You! You...You-”

“Sexy beast?”

“BASTARD!”

Riots laughing increased, and Vinyl couldn’t help but be infected by it. Giggling to herself, she trotted over to the grey stallion who was half over the benches back. “You scared the colour off me!” She swatted his ear for emphasis.

“You just looked so bored, I had to bring some action into your life!” His statement gained him another swat. Riot pulled back to save his stinging ears. Plopping his duffel down next to the bench, he took a seat next to Vinyl, who snuggled into him almost immediately.

“I missed you this morning.”

Riot cocked an eyebrow. “Oh? I made coffee, and you drank it.”

Huffing her indignation, Vinyl placed her head on his lap. “It got cold when you left. It’s not my fault you’re a furnace.”

“Oh, so first I’m a robot, and now I’m a furnace? Why can’t I be a pony?” Riot rubbed the spot behind Vinyls ear, earning a coo of approval.

“You are a- Ooooh right there.....You are a pony; my big robot furnace pony.” Vinyl stretched out next to him on the bench

Riot shrugged as he continued the ear rub. “I suppose I can live with that.” He smiled lightly as he looked up at the horizon. “I think that’s our bus.”
______________________________________________________________________________

The bus ride was uneventful, and much of it was spent staring out the window at the countryside. Coming into Canterlot however, was more interesting than usual.

Riot gazed about as the bus approached its stop. Not much had changed, but there did seem to be a certain tension in the air. As he got off the bus, Riot caught a guardscolt pushing a pony away out of the corner of his eye.

A small frown crossed his muzzle just as Vinyl stepped down next to him. “Well Tiger?” She smiled innocently at him, and Riot couldn’t help but smile a bit.

“Alright, let’s get going. The hospital is just over this way.” He grabbed her hoof and pulled her out of the way just as a cart full of goods rolled past. “Keep an eye open alright?” He spoke with a grin.

Vinyl nodded quickly. “Sorry, I’ve only been here a few times to visit Octy… I should visit her!” Vinyl clops her hooves together. “Oh man, she’ll be super stoked to see me!”

Riot shrugged as he crossed the street. “All the same, folks here are a bit more.... Eh, you’ll get what I mean when we get closer to the noble district. Maybe We’ll run into her up there.”

The mare cantered up next to Riot as a pair of identical mares plied their flowery wares to anypony who got close. Vinyl did her best to stay at Riots side as he weaved through the crowd like a pro. “You spend a lot of time in cities like this Tiger?”

Riot yelled something over the crowd, but Vinyl didn’t hear it. She let out a surprised squeak as he pulled her down a side alley. “Like I was saying; yes. My folks owned a small flat near the center of Cork. At the time, Cork was one of the biggest cities in Equestria, being the only town between the far flung towns like Dublin and Stalliongrad. It was the only stop on the way of Canterlot, so by default it got big, fast. we had trade coming in from all directions at all times.”

The mare smiled as Riot spoke. “Sounds like a fun place to be. What was your home like?”

She could see Riot scowl, but her concentration was broken when somepony bumped into her from behind. She turned, just in time to see a wiry looking stallion with a door for a cutie mark look up and apologize profusely. “Shit, sorry bud, didn’t see you there!” The green stallion smiled as he started walking away before Vinyl could speak. “Wow, what an ass-”

Riot grabbed the other stallion by the back of the neck and threw him to the ground like he was a ragdoll. He pressed a hoof against the other stallions chest and kept his other one pulled back as if waiting to strike “Give it back.”

The green stallion whinnied in terror. “What are you talking about you maniac!? Get off me before I call the guard!!”

Riot pulled the stallion closer. “Give it back or I get angry.” He snarled, his pupils narrowing. The smaller stallion gulped loudly as he nodded. Vinyl thought she saw the glint of metal, but it had to be her mind playing tricks on her.

“Okay! Please, for the love of Celestia just don’t hurt me! It’s in my bag!” Riot stuck a hoof into the stallions saddle bags and pulled out a pouch of bits.

It was then that Vinyl found her voice. “Riot what are you doing!? You can’t rob this guy!” She placed a hoof on his shoulder, just as Riot levitated up the bag of bits.

The bag had her cutie mark embroidered into it.

Vinyl blinked, then took the bag and pulled her hoof from Riots shoulder. The grey stallion stood up and glared down at the green pony. “Find another line of work. Or I’ll find you.” The other stallion nodded rapidly as he bounced up and galloped away.

Riot rolled his shoulders and lifted his duffel back over his head and around his neck. As Vinyl pieced together what had happened, he beckoned her forward as if nothing had happened. “Come on Vin, we’ve got a bit of a walk still.”

Silence reigned over the pair as they exited the small alleyway and continued out past the market quarter. Vinyl had shifted her bits bag over to an inside pocket. She was still unsure as to what she had seen. In the distance, they both could see the tall structure of the hospital over the smaller medium income homes and small businesses.

Vinyl sighed and bumped Riots side with hers. “You okay?”

He glanced over at her with a cocked eyebrow. “Hmm?”

“You... You didn’t look okay back there.”

Riot frowned as he turned his head back to the front. “I’m fine.”

Vinyl simply nodded and leaned against him as they walked, but her mind was muddied by a worrisome thought.
______________________________________________________________________________

The pair trotted through the front doors, and were greeted with organized chaos. Doctors and orderlies cantered about, each with a mission in mind. What surprised Riot was how clean everything was. He saw several fatigue wearing patients cleaning, alongside the janitor crew.

As he approached the front desk, Riot was intercepted by Doctor Stuart. “Captain! Good to see you made it!” the doctor trotted over and smiled at the pair. “And you brought a friend? Interesting.”

Riot nodded, and placed a hoof on Vinyl shoulder. “Yeah, this is Vinyl Scratch. She’s managed to keep me sane, more or less. Scratch, this is Doctor Stuart.”

Vinyl smiled at the doctor, but was quick to fill in the extra bits. “We’re also dating, remember?”

“Right, knew I was forgetting something!” Riot smirked at her.

Before their banter could continue, Doctor Stuart cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to leave so soon, but we have a very important pony coming by to inspect the facility, so I have to get all of my paperwork sorted.” The doctor shuffled through a pile of papers on the front desk, before he lifted his head. A thought seemed to cross his mind in an instant. “Actually, Miss Scratch, I would like to talk to you for a moment.” He smiled at Riot. “Don’t worry Captain, I’ll send her your way once my question is answered, for the moment, I believe Sergeant Crumpets has some papers you need to fill out ASAP.” With that, the doctor about-faced, and trotted behind the reception desk to grab a sheet of paper and pen.

Riot simply shrugged and gave Vinyl a quick kiss. “You behave alright? I’ll be back in a moment.” He gave her a smile of support as he started trotting away..

Vinyl sighed, accepting the fact they couldn’t be together 24/7. As Riot cantered away, She turned to face Doctor Stuart. The stallion motioned towards a small table and a pair of chairs. “I just need to ask you some quick questions about Riot and his condition.”

“His condition?”

Doctor Stuart nickered as they sat down. “Surely you know about post-traumatic stress disorder?”

The realization hit Vinyl in an instant. “Yeah… What’d you wanna know?”

Mirian closed his eyes and rolled his hoof for a moment. “I need.... To know whether or not his condition is decaying when away from the facility.”

Vinyl smirked and shook her head. “I’m keeping him on the straight and narrow, he been doing great! Well except-” She bit her lip as she remembered the incident from earlier.

“Except what Miss Scratch?”

She sighed sadly. “Today, in the market. A pickpocket got my coin purse and was making off with it. Riot got a hoof on him before I even realized what was going on.”

“I see.” Stuart scribbled onto the sheet of paper. “Can you tell me anything else?”

Vinyl frowned. “Riot... I don’t know, but it looked like he would have killed the other pony if I hadn’t been there. I think he...I think he had a knife. I’m not sure though.”

Doctor Stuart frowned as well. “I see. Is there anything else going on with him?”

Vinyl shook her head. “Not that I could tell you. He smiles a lot more now.” She smiled as well, enjoying the thought. “But... He worries me sometimes...”

The doctor cocked an eyebrow. “Oh? Do tell.” He scribbled another line into the pad.
______________________________________________________________________________

Riot trotted into Crumpets small office; nearly having to duck through the door. The mare sat behind her desk, a stack of papers in front of her. She looked up at the intrusion. Her eyes went wide for a split second, then she was back to normal. “Hey Cap’, the Doc send you?”

Nodding, Riot leaned against one of the counters in the office. “Yeah, what’s up with all the cleaning and paperwork?”

Crumpets frowned as she looked back down at her workload. “Don’t pretend like you don’t know; your new uniform came with a notice.”

“A notice?”

The mare looked up at Riot in surprise and fear. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

Riot shook his head. “No, really. What notice?”

“Shit!” Crumpets’ head bounced off the stack of papers on her desk. “You were supposed to have your uniform ready for inspection! Princess Luna’s due in a matter of minutes!” The mare groaned into her papers.

Riot let out a snort. “Well, I suppose it’s a good thing that I got my uniform ready for inspection anyway and brought it along.”

Her head shot up; smiles all around. “Really!? Oh thank Celestia!” She let out a sigh of relief. “That’s one thing off my plate.” The mare frowned sadly. “Now I just need to deal with this...”

“Deal with what?” Riot straightened out a bit.

Crumpets tried to force a smile, but failed miserably. “Some of the soldiers here aren’t doing so good... “ Crumpets let out a breath. “We’ve had a rash of suicides lately.”

Riot closed his eyes, saddened by the news. “How many?”

“Twelve.”

Grimacing, Riot shook his head. “Damn shame… If you need any help, just let me know. I’ll do what I can.” Riot stepped away and back in front of the desk. “So, the Doc said you had some papers for me to sign?”

She nodded slowly, a couple papers being slid across the desk by her hoof. “Yes, could you just quickly sign...” She sucked in a breath and steadied herself. “Here, here, and here.”

“Okay, and what are these for?” Riot glanced over the forms as he scribbled a hasty signature. “There’s a lot of small print.”

Crumpets shrugged as she took his signed forms and stuffed them into a pile. “Just some paperwork that we didn’t have time to do last week. Thanks Cap’.” She manage a sad smile as the captain retreated from her small office. “I’ll see you later, okay?”

Riot nodded, and trotted through the door. He exited out into the hall, and started toward Mirian Stuarts office. As he approached the door, he could hear voices coming from within. While Riot knew that Vinyl was talking with the Doctor, he felt the niggling need to hear it for himself. Leaning against the wall next to the door, Riot strained his ears to hear the pair on the other side of the door.

First was a muffled mares voice. “-times I worry that he might do something crazy and violent-” Riot blinked, then scowled. Maybe he shouldn’t have listened in after all.

Before Riot could decide whether he should leave, the doctors words brought his attention to the forefront. “What I need to know Miss Scratch, is if he could be a danger to anypony else if the worst were to happen.”

There was a momentary pause. “Normally, I’d say hell no, but.... But I don’t really know. He kind of just lost it at the christmas party. I don’t even think he knew what he was doing… What scares me more, is the thought that he did.”

Not wanting to hear another word, Riot pushed off the wall soundlessly and started down the hall. He suddenly had a lot to think about.

Barely a minute later, Vinyl came trotting down the hall towards Riot as he sat on a little bench, writing in his little notepad. The mare suppressed an amused giggle at how disproportionate Riot was compared to everything around him. Her hoof steps seemed have no affect on his attention though, as he barely glanced her way when she stopped in front of him. Vinyl peered at him, then sat down next to him and rested her head on his shoulder.

Normally, that alone would have elicited a reaction from him, but his muzzle was scrunched up in concentration. As he jotted down a few barely legible notes, he glanced at her and closed his notepad. “Ready?”

She smiled at him and nodded. “Yup! So do you have a place where you stay in town or-”

“I stay in the compound.”

His abruptness caused her to frown a bit. “You stay in the hospital? Why?”

Riot sighed and looked over at the mare with a weak smile. “Compound, not hospital.” The stallion stood, and motioned towards one of the sets of heavy double doors that lined the hallway. Vinyl trotted after Riot, curious as to what he meant. The stallion pushed a pair of doors open, revealing a fairly large, open courtyard.

Riot led Vinyl across the grounds, towards the building that was marked as ‘Barracks’ on the little sign posts that were stuck in the ground every now and then. The mare looked about, clearly surprised at the place. “This....This place is huge...” Vinyl looked about, taking in everything. “And in Canterlot of all places... It’s not like there’s a ton of space here.”

The stallion merely shrugged as he nudged open a door and waved out a pair of uniformed ponies. Vinyl smiled at them as they passed, but couldn’t help but let her eyes linger. The place was starting to feel more like the Wonderbolt training camp she had visited in a field trip many years ago.

“You coming?”

Shaken from her thoughts, Vinyl looked up at the grey stallion as he stood in the doorway. Nodding her head, Vinyl followed Riot to his room.

Once inside, Riot tossed his duffel onto the bed and started kicking off his beaten old boots. Vinyl looked around the small room, taking in her surroundings. “Wow, this is actually kind of nice Riot.” She smiled at him.

The stallion simply smiled as he sat down on the bed. “Yeah, Officers get some pretty nice digs.” He let out a sigh and started pulling off his few bits of clothing.

Vinyl cocked an eyebrow at him, seeing as how he only took off his clothes for.... Activities. “What are you doing?” She asked as the niggling burn of a blush worked its way up her cheeks. Riot shrugged as he kicked off his cammies. Vinyl coughed lightly as she set her own small bag down onto the bed and trotted over, just as he pulled on a pair of crisp uniform pants. The mare let out a barely audible whine as she sat down next to him. “What’s up Riot? You seem...”

Riot looked at her as he sat there in nothing but the pants that he had just pulled on. “Seem like what?”

The mare snuggled up against him; her hooves wrapping around his stomach. “You seem sad...”

He frowned sadly for a moment, before replacing it with a soft smile. “As long as I’ve got you, I’m good to go.” He stuffed dark thoughts down deep, bottling them tight.

Vinyl smiled happily as she kissed his cheek. “You big softy... You’re a special stallion. My special stallion.” She rested her head on his lap for a moment, the thought running through her head.

Riot pulled on his uniform top over a clean grey undershirt. After a moment, he hopped off the bed and onto his hooves. “Could you watch my back while I tuck my shirt in? The mirror in here sucks.”

The mare smiled coyly. “You want me to look at your butt? Sure thing tiger!”
______________________________________________________________________________

After a few minutes of work, Riot stood once again in full parade regale. Though, he wasn’t sure exactly what he was supposed to do, or why he had to wear anything nice. Shrugging off the questions, Riot tilted his head in the mirror and adjusted his beret and pin. “There. How do I look?” He looked at Vinyl for an answer.

She bit her lower lip as she spoke. “Damn.”

Riot chuckled lightly. “Thanks, let’s hope that Princess Luna thinks the same.” He shook his head at the thought and started towards the bed just as the intercom crackled to life.

”All Personnel, prepare for inspection. All officers please report to the main lobby poste haste.”

He sighed to himself as he turned towards the door, and Vinyl hopped off the bed. The mare cantered up next to him. “Mind if I come and watch?”

Riot shrugged, then nodded. “Sure, though you will prolly want to stay out of the way, before they find something for you to do.” He winked at her, just before pecking her lightly on the lips.

As the pair exited into the hall, they were surrounded by various service ponies who trotted to and fro as they all got ready for inspection in the main courtyard. Riot threaded his way through the crowd with Vinyl in tow.

Coming up to the main building, Riot took a deep breath in, and let it out slowly. Vinyl placed a supportive hoof on his side as she smiled at him. “Go get em’ Tiger.”
________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Twenty

Riot stood shoulder to shoulder with several other officers; all while waiting and watching as the few higher ups of the hospital ran around trying to ensure that everything was in order. Just as it started to seem that they would have a few moments before the princesses’s arrival, a pair of lunar guards trotted through the front doors. The pair glanced around for a moment, before nodding in unison.

With quick movements, the pair pulled open the pair of heavy doors, and none other than Princess Luna trotted through.

“Atten Hut!”

The sound of twenty or so pairs of combat booted hooves stamping into the floor as the line of officers went to attention was nearly deafening in the small space. The princess held a neutral face as she trotted to the front of the line. Riot kept his form stock straight and his eyes forward, but he could see Dr. Stuart trot up to Luna and salute out of his peripheral.

“Princess Luna, the compound is ready for your inspection.”

The tall midnight alicorn nodded, and started trotting down the line, staring at each officer individually. She seemed to rush her inspection; only marginally scanning the ponies. She passed over Riot without a second glance. At the end, she looked at Dr Stuart and spoke with a hushed tone.

“Doctor Stuart, are our ponies ready?”

The doctor held up a hoof for a moment and turned to face the officers. “Officers, stand easy! You’re all dismissed.” As the officers stood easy and started filing out to where they needed to be, Riot couldn’t help but watch the doctor and Princess Luna, as they walked down a hall and talked together. He could only pick up bits of the conversation as heavy boots filed past him.

“We may be out of time Mirian-”

The doctor seemed to adopt a grim face. “You mean...”

“I fear-” Vinyl trotted up next to Riot, but stayed quiet when he held up a hoof. “-plans have been discovered.”

Riot frowned, and focused on Vinyl when the pair of night guard trotted past him. He could still hear Luna over them though. “The inspection and our talk with Captain Riot will have to be quick, I’m still trying to hide- -from Celestia. She would never- -HavenHammer.”

The word ‘HavenHammer’ and the mention of his name caused Riot to cock a worried eyebrow, but before he could eavesdrop more, Vinyl placed a hoof on his chest. “Come on, we haven’t finished unpacking.” She smiled happily, oblivious to what he had heard.

The stallion shook his head. “Just hold on for a moment. I need some answers.” Vinyl pulled back, looking worried and fearful.

The mare nodded, letting her grip on his hoof fall loose. “I’ll be here Tiger.”

Letting out a calming breath, Riot trotted forward, towards the lunar diarch and Doctor Mirian. As he grew closer, a pair of lunar guard slipped out of the shadows and blocked his path. Riot stopped, and spoke loudly enough to be heard by the pair.

“I need to speak with our Majesty and the good doctor.”

The guard shook his head. “I’m sorry sir, but-” He paused abruptly when a midnight blue hoof rested on his shoulder. The guard looked up, then immediately bowed his head in respect. Riot quickly followed suite.

Princess Luna regarded Riot with even eyes, even when the tall stallion bowed. “You may stand, Captain Venture.”

Standing to his full height, Riots eyes flicked over both the princess and the doctor. The world seemed strangely quiet. Riot cleared his throat. “Princess Luna, you honour me. I mean no disrespect, but I came here looking for answers. And I feel as though both yourself and Mirian here have them, and have abstained from telling me.”

The lunar diarch smiled coyly as the doctor slouched a bit. Luna lifted a hoof, pointing towards Mirians office. “We wished to speak with you, Captain. If you would please follow us, we shall attempt to make our motives clearer.” Riot nodded quickly, and followed the pair into the now small office. Princess Luna turned towards Mirian and Riot, a small smile crossing her lips. “We may speak freely here. Nopony will hear us without my consent.”

Riot cocked his head, giving the alicorn a steady gaze. “Without your consent eh? So that conversation in the hallway was just to get my attention quietly then.”

The alicorn nodded once. “Exactly that.”

Riot chuckled. “Smart.” He shook his head, his features flattening. “Alright, I need answers. To be honest, I shouldn’t be here, and I want to know why I am.”

A small amused huff escaped Mirian. “Straight to the point as per usual. Captain, you’re here because we need somepony with your specific set of skill and experience. We’re on the cusp of a new age, and it’s threatening to rip Equestria apart. We face a threats from within and without.”

Luna pulled out a small folder from a dimensional pocket. She placed it on the desk, allowing its contents to sort themselves. “This hospital is much, much more than a simple civil service building. It will serve as aBastion, command bunker, armoury, and barracks for our ponies. It will also serve as a home base for the special until I’ve created..”

“All under the guise of being a charity hospital.” Riot cracked a grin.

Mirian nodded, pointing at a picture. “Canterlot is a city of beauty, and socialites. It is not meant for war, or siege. It’s defence depends solely on the ponies within, and the past has shown that they are not infallible. This bastion is meant to solve that problem.”

Rubbing his nose with a hoof, Riot nodded again. “Okay, that much I can understand, and sympathise. There’s two things that I don’t understand though. One, why reinstate me of all ponies, and why am I your go-to?”

The doctor rolled a hoof, trying to find the appropriate words; fortunately, Luna found them for him. “You’re one of the last ponies we could find. The others are dead, or worse. Out of your covert operations unit alone, there’s you, and one other pony who has survived.” She frowned. “Simply put, we need a pony who isn’t afraid to save a nation with whatever tactic necessary, and you’re one of the few who fit that bill.”

Riot sighed, nodding. “What about the elements?”

“The elements protect us from evil, but they do nothing against civil agitators and dictators.” Luna simply stared at him as she spoke, watching his movements and reactions.

The stallion slumped into one of the chairs, his hoof pressing into the bridge of his nose. “You need a cleaner.” He huffed quietly. “I don’t do that kind of work anymore. I certainly don’t want to do it again either.”

Mirian huffed in return. “You’re not being hired as an assassin Riot. We need you here because not only can we keep you safe, but you can keep other ponies safe, along with Equestria itself.”

Riot frowned. “What if I say no?”

The doctor shot a flat glare at him. “I’ve been keeping a certain Usineighn away from you and your family. Maybe her demands to interrogate you should be let through.”

Riot grimaced. “Alright, fine. If you’ll keep that witch away from me and my family, I’ll be your honey badger.”

Princess Luna smiled, and brought out another document. “This is a royal pardon, for any and all crimes committed. If you agree, I shall sign it, and you will be an innocent pony again. After that, we’ll discuss the duties of your new position as Chief of Security.” She smiled softly. “Of course, that will have to wait. I’m keeping this facilites true purpose a secret from Celestia, as she would immediately disapprove of ‘using our wounded as a shield’.” She nickered disapprovingly before muttering something quietly.

Letting out a humoured chuckle, Riot slowly lifted from the chair. “A wounded rat fights the hardest.” He closed his eyes before speaking. “I’ll join on one extra condition.”

Mirian smirked, and rolled his hoof. “Go on.”

“I want a scholarship fund for my son. A big one. Give him a future.” Riot leveled his gaze with the pair.

Her interest piqued, Luna turned her head towards the stallion. “I believe the royal treasury could handle that. He’ll have access to any school of thought he could desire.”

Riot smiled, his eyes falling. “Thank you Princess. I’ll do my best to help you and Equestria. If I’m still breathing, I’m your pony.”

The princess’s smile flattened as she straightened up. “Kneel before me, Iron Venture.” The stallion did so, his eyes remaining closed. “Do you solemnly swear, to uphold all that is good within Equestria, and fight for freedom, and justice for the average pony?”

“I, Iron Venture, do solemnly swear, to uphold all that is good within Equestria, and fight for freedom, and justice for the average pony.”

Luna’s eyes began to glow, the temperature of the office dropping several degrees as she rested a hoof on Riots shoulder. He felt a static shock spread through his system; a sharp pain lancing inside his head. He kept his pain silent however. The princess removed her hoof from his shoulder, and the air in the room became warm again. “You may rise, Iron Venture.”

Mirian snorted, rolling his eyes. “Captain, you’re dismissed.”

Riot nodded, and opened the door with his magic. “I’ll just be unpacking some of my things. If either of you need me, just look for the mare with the electric blue mane, she’ll be stuck on me half the time.” He nodded to Mirian, and bowed his head to Luna. “I won’t let you down ma’am.” At that, he ducked out of the office, and waved down Vinyl. His head pounded, feeling like somepony had crammed a knife between the lobes.

The mare smiled. “A personal sit in with Princess Luna? It must have been an honour…” Vinyl nuzzled the stallion. “Come on, you can tell me all about it when we unpack.”

As he reached for the handle, red lights filled the lobby and surrounding hallways. Riot stopped dead in his tracks. He looked up, seeing the emergency lights spinning away, just as a low klaxon sounded.

In the distance, there was a deep Ka-rump, akin to explosive ordnance going off in a tight space.

YES.

Riot blinked. “No. No, this isn’t-”

The intercom system cut him off with a loud crackle. “ALL HOOVE ALL HOOVES, PREPARE FOR LOCKDOWN STATE, CANTERLOT IS UNDER ATTACK!” Riot whirled around to see heavy ballistic riot shutters rattle down over every window.

Vinyl hugged against his side. “Riot? What’s going on?” Her voice shook with fear. A dozen or so ponies scrambled in one direction, passing a pair of stallions in light flak with a heavy machine gun in tow. Riot blinked, his muzzle twitching erratically. Dr Stuart galloped up to him after shouting orders. The doctor shook Riot roughly.

“Captain!”

Riot shuddered, and his attention snapped to the shorter stallion. “What do you need me to do?”

The doctor managed a weak smile. “We’re under lockdown, Canterlot is under attack. Please, come with me, it’s time to earn your keep.”

Riot looked over at Vinyl, who was still clamped firmly to his side. “Come on, let’s go!”

The pair followed the doctor down a hall, but stopped abruptly as the doctor came to a skidding halt before heavy doors. A group of soldiers; all bandaged and toting obvious wounds galloped out, clad in armour and packing rifles and ammunition.

“Lock down all the entrances! I want rifles in every fire point! Like we trained ponies!” A grizzled sergeant barked out his order, before giving a hasty salute to the doctor and Riot. “Gentleman! The compound is in lockdown as per plan Echo, all entrances are locked and scanner talismans are running at one hundred percent! roughly eighty percent of combat capable ponies are armed and armoured, and civilians have been moved to the vault.” The stallion saluted again, just as the building shook. “I have to go! Good luck and Faust speed!”

Doctor Stuart turned to Riot as the sergeant galloped past. “Captain! I know we didn’t get any of this in writing, but I NEED to know... Are you ready to bear arms again in defence of your country? Your Capital?”

Riot looked over at Vinyl, then back at the doctor. He nodded once, his features set in stone. “Yes.”

The doctor frowned sadly. “Good.” He pushed open the pair of doors. ‘Get yourself kitted out! I can take Miss Scratch to the vault!”

Scratch shook her head quickly and squeezed Riot tightly. “Please Riot! Don’t go!” She blinked away tears while she spoke. Weapons fire filled the building for a moment, then died down to random shots.

Riot closed his eyes and swore quietly under his breath. When he opened his eyes, he took Vinyls hooves in his. “Vinyl, please... I need to know that you’re safe. I can’t let you get hurt.” He clenched his jaw for a moment before speaking again. “But I need to help the ponies out there. I can’t not do anything. This is who I am.” Riot hugged the mare tightly against his chest; kissing her forehead lightly. “I love you.”

Vinyl hugged him as tightly as she could, her tears staining his cleanly pressed uniform. “I... I love you too Riot....”

Riot broke the hug; kissing Vinyl as if it were the last thing he would ever do as a pony. “My name is Ashfall. Ashfall Venture. I am a soldier.” Riot smiled weakly as Doctor Stuart took Vinyl by the hoof and led her away. Riot wiped his cheek with a hoof, then followed after a small group of soldiers. His hooves carried him into a large room, and he slowed to a stop soon after entering.

The room was an armoury fit to arm a battalion.

Princess Luna of all ponies stood by one of the armour racks, a large set of combat armour being slung over her by her own magic, and her guards. “AND THEY ATTACK NOW OF ALL TIMES! WHEN THE NOBLES DEMAND AN ARMISTICE! FOOLS! IDIOTS!” She fumed, her voice echoing off the thick concrete. She shuddered, her rage manifesting as best it could. The princess turned, locking onto the stallion. “Captain Riot, our castle is under attack. You must gather a squad and head there, post haste! I fear this bastion may not be enough if we fail there.” She shook her head. “GUARDS! PREPARE FOR BATTLE!” The guards gathered around her, assuming combat stances. The alicorns horn lit up, and the entire group flashed away before Riots eyes. The stallion lowered his hoof, and turned to the task at hoof.

Riot stood for a split second, transfixed by the racks upon racks of harnesses and various firearms that would attach to them. Box upon box of ammunition sat stack nearby, along with racks of armour.

Riot went to work immediately.

A surprisingly light plate carrier that incorporated hard ceramic plate, supporting hardened steel overlays with kevlar covers and bindings went over Riots uniform. It was followed by a bandoleer of special shotgun ammunition and several large drum magazines . The last bit of gear was a shiny new drum fed automatic shotgun with a spiffy looking bayonet; three concussion grenades, and three magic laced HE grenades. A flak helmet and a pair of tinted goggles completed the ensemble after a redistribution of his personal effects.

“Rarity, eat your heart out.” Riot managed a grim smirk as he galloped out if the armoury and past several other ponies who were outfitting themselves. The armed and armoured stallion galloped towards the main lobby, where the machine gun crews were chattering away at targets that Riot couldn’t see. What he could see however, was the civilians who were desperately trying to make it up the steps to the door as black carapaced attackers zipped by overhead. Cursing loudly, Riot galloped out the door and up to the small group. As tracers rounds snapped by overhead, Riot tromped down the steps as fast as he could. Seeing a wounded stallion being supported by a younger colt and an older mare, Riot threw up a light blue shield around them and lifted the stallion onto his back.

“Come on! Inside! GO!” Riot hefted the stallion and pushed the other two forward, despite their best intentions. As he passed through the doors, Riot felt a round punch through his shield and smack into his side, causing him to wheeze form the impact. He galloped past the sandbag emplacements that had been hastily erected and placed the coughing stallion on the ground. Before Riot could think for a moment, a pair of ponies clad in armour and white helmets practically jumped on the stallion, dragging him back to the relative safety of one of the offset rooms. The other two ponies who had been with him were quick to follow.

“HELP! OH CELESTIA! DON’T SHOOT US!”

Riot lifted his head in time to see another group headed towards the doors. Just as they passed through, there was a flash of light, and two of the ponies were pushed back. The window gunners swiveled, and sprayed the pair liberally. Riots jaw dropped for a moment as the frontmost pony was blown to pieces under the heavy fire. Riot was about to jump on the crews, when the survivors fur shed away, leaving black carapace and hate filled eyes. The surviving changeling collapsed under the fire, his body blowing to pieces under the assault.

“Captain!”

Riot turned his gaze towards the voice. It was Doctor Stuart, clad in ballistic plate, just as he was. “Captain Riot, I’m glad I found you again!”

The armoured stallion nickered. “I need a squad of ponies to hit Canterlot Castle!”

Dr. Stuart ducked behind a wall, just as a trio of shots punched through one of the riot shutters. “I already have a squad of volunteers!! The royal guard were disarmed earlier today, so the princesses have only themselves for protection, and the national guard are an hour out!”

Riot swore. “Fuck! What are we waiting for then?!”

“Follow me! We’re heading for the back entrance!” The doctor spun around, and started galloping away. Riot spat, and quickly followed. They passed fire port after fire port; various injured soldiers firing out, while doctors and nurses took care of any who were injured. For as many ponies who spat angry death out of the armoured slits, there were just as many, if not more ammunition runners. Ponies who galloped by with bandoleer over bandolier of ammunition and heavy cartridges ducked around the corners, their hooves clattering across the linoleum.

Riot weaved past a gun crew who were manning a M2 machine gun. There was a loud KA-RUMP, and the wall cracked in several places. “Take out that changeling! He’s got our number!” Riot shook off the layers of dust that had fallen on him from the roofing just as the crew focused their fire. The doctor was well ahead of him, motioning for him to follow.

Galloping to catch up, Riot found himself out in the courtyard. To his surprise, the courtyard was bathed in flickering multi-coloured light. Looking over, Riot saw several unicorns huddled in a sandbagged foxhole, and a radio like machine that they were all pumping magic into. The machines light had the entire compound surrounded by a shield that could, and did, repel any and all attacks made on it. A pair of anti-air guns were positioned around in the event of a failure. Riot tore his attention away from the group of shielders, and to the eleven or so armed soldiers who stood at the ready. As Riot galloped up, he could see that the unit contained ponies from seemingly every branch of the equestrian military, and they all, more or less, had been patients at the hospital. To his relief, he saw several Mareines in the group. The unit snapped to attention as he approached, a fast salute going up before he could order them to stand easy.

“Stand easy! Doc, gimme a sitrep!”

The doctor pointed at a pair of thick steel doors that were being protected by a pair of heavy machine guns. “Take that gate out into the market district!, from there you’ll move up through the noble quarter and into the royal grounds! It’s imperative that the princesses be kept from harm! Civilians are secondary!” The doctor saluted. “I need to stay here and make sure that we stay secure! Any civilians or royal guardsponies you find, send here!” At that, the doctor about faced and galloped away.

Riot shut his eyes and let out a slow breath. “ALRIGHT! Saddle up Hell Hounds!!” He cantered up to the gate, his goggles sliding down over his eyes.“You lads know your objectives! Everypony, eyes on and safeties off!!”

The sound of twelve sets of rifles, machine guns, and shotguns being racked and chambered filled his ears. Riot cracked a smile, and point a hoof towards the gate. “Move it! We don’t stop until these bastards are DEAD!” Things seemed to be going well as they charged past the gate.

That is, until they left the compound and the safety of the shield.

As they entered contested ground, multiple rifle shots sounded out, and the dirt around them kicked up. “Take cover!” Riot roared as the gate machine guns opened fire on the attackers.

A flight of changelings surfaced above them, intent of taking down the group as they traversed the market. They weren’t expecting the returning fire from the twelve armed soldiers. Riots squad had their weapons pointed over the edges of the stalls and overturned carts, and were firing on any carapaced flyer that got too close for comfort.

The air was thick with smoke and dust, obscuring everyponies vision. Taking the brief chance, Riot looked out over the sprawling mountain city. Many of the once proud buildings were aflame, and several looked as though they had been bombed. Riot wondered if the changelings had ordnance, but found his questions answered when a trio of changeling dive bombers plowed through a four story building and plugged the street before his squad.

“OBJECTIVE BRAVO ECHO, TWO MIKES!”

“GET FIRE ON THOSE BUGS!”

Riot turned his shotgun towards the insectoid invaders, his eyes narrowing as the trigger pulled. The shotgun belched its atonal music as it ripped into the changelings; sundering chitten and flesh with ease. Flicking out his bayonet, Riot ran one of the survivors through, and threw it roughly to the ground. “KEEP MOVING!” He roared over the din of gunfire and droning wings.

The Captain hadn’t even crossed the street when another trio of dive bombing squads crashed down; one of which plowed through a tall clock tower. A thunderous crack filled the air, and the tower gave way. The heavy construct plummeted downwards, and smashed into the space between Riot and his squad. The ground buckled, and the stallion found himself tumbling downwards into the black.
____________________________________________________________________________
GET. UP.

“Ho-holy shit! Captain! Hold on, I’ll g-get this thing o-off you!” Riot groaned as if a great weight were being lifted off his chest. Light streamed in, causing the stallion to cover his face with a hoof.

Somepony shook his shoulder. “Captain! Are y-you alright?”

You won’t steal this from me by being weak! Get up!
Riot rolled over, ignoring the biting pain of broken glass in his flank as he got to his hooves. “I’m fine... Gimme a sitrep.” The pony before him was eerily quiet. Riot growled in return. “Sitrep. NOW.”

“S-sir… We took four casualties, and some of the squad got split off from us. We expect to regroup with them shortly, sir.”

Riot grunted in acknowledgement. “At least it isn’t winter.” He straightened up, using his magic to brush the broken shards of glass from his coat and pluck the remainders from his flesh. He let out a breath as he looked about. Beyond himself, there was only the one other armoured form crouched inside the broken maintenance tunnel where they apparently had fallen. Riot looked over at the pony whom had pulled the bit of wreckage away. “Name and rank soldier.”

The pony blinked, and stumbled over his own words. “Co-corporal May, S-sir!” The stallion- no, the colt saluted. May looked barely over eighteen.

“What unit did you serve with before May?”

“23rd Artillery, Sir!”

Riot cocked an eyebrow. “Artillery?”

“I volunt-teered for this mission sir. W-we all did.”

The captain nodded, taking in the information as best he could. Thirty percent casualties.... “Where are the others?”

Corporal May perked up. “Sergeant Poll has us holding here for the moment while we patch ourselves up. I came down looking for any stray gear. Lucky I found you, we don’t know what to do...”

Riot nodded as he stretched out his limbs and checked his gear. “Lead me too ‘em. We’ve got a mission to complete.”

“Sir!”

Corporal May led Riot up a small maintenance shaft, and through the remains of a broken record studio. Riot couldn’t help but think that Vinyl would have been more than at home in a place like this. As he let out a muted sigh, Riot saw a flash of yellow out of the corner of his eye. Turning his head, he found nothing but destroyed merchandise. The corporal led him forward, up to the second floor. “Passcode Victory!”

“Come on up Corporal!”

The Corporal nodded at Riot, then pushed forward. Riot trotted after him, and found the squad huddled down in the remains of a recording studio. The other three soldiers looked up, and immediately scrambled to salute. Riot scowled and motioned for them to get down. “Never salute an officer in the field, unless you want them dead.” He pointed at the windows. “Snipers look for that.”

“Snipers sir? Do you think the changelings would do that?” One of the soldiers spoke; a burnt orange mare.

Riot chuckled. “It’s what I would do.” He shook his head slowly before sitting down amongst the squad survivors. “Alright lads, who does what and what do we have.”

A gruff looking stallion with a rifle battlesaddle held up his hoof. “Sergeant Poll, Royal Rifles. Looks like I’m your XO sir.”

The orange mare held up her hoof and she rocked slowly back and forth, a SMAW launcher cradled gently in her hooves. “Private Bitterleek. Demolitions.”

The teal pegasi peering out the window spoke as she ducked back. “Private first class Dust. Recon.”

Corporal May smiled weakly. “You already know me sir.”

Riot nodded slowly, glancing over equipment. “Alright, for those of you who don’t know, I’m Captain Venture. 221st Mobile Infantry, ex-special forces.” He took off his helmet for a moment and pushed out a small dent with his magic. “Now, Sergeant, come over here and chat for a moment. The rest of you, as you were.”

The sergeant clambered over, his ears perking at every shot and blast. “Sir.”

Riot nodded to the other stallion as he pulled out a small tourists map of canterlot. “Now, the hospital is about here.” Riot scribbled on the map with a pencil. “We made it about a click and a half before the tower fell” Another scribble. “That means we’re...” The sergeant pointed his hoof at the map.

“Here sir. The Newline Market is only a couple blocks east.” Sergeant Poll sat back down, his rifle hugging his side tightly.

Riot looked over the map for a moment, then drew out a path. “Alright, squad, gather ‘round.”
As the other ponies gathered around, Riot laid the map down, allowing them all a good look. “We, are here. Objective Castle Echo is here. We’ll travel up through the merchant quarter, and enter on the west side. The royal guard barracks is on the other side if memory serves, so we should be able to move around any serious fighting. Our original plan to move through the noble quarter is shot to hell, seeing as we don’t have the ponies to push that far ahead.”

Private Bitterleek held up her hoof. “Sir, what do we do when we get to the princesses?”

“We protect them with our lives.” Riots answer caused the mares jaw to clamp shut audibly. “No matter the cost.” Riot glanced over Bitterleeks gear again. “Where’s your rifle?”

Bitterleek frowned. “I lost it when the tower came down...” Riot unclipped his service pistol and passed it gingerly to her. Riot brought his trench gun to bear and checked the load. The mare looked over the pistol, but simply nodded. “Thank you sir.”

Riot cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders. “You kids ready to roll?”

The sergeant nodded; looking over the survivors. “Yes sir.”
______________________________________________________________________________

A helmeted head peered around the corner, taking in the street and its surrounding buildings. A grey hoof waved, and four ponies sped across the street. They were quickly followed by the last figure. The sounds of the invasion filled the air, amongst other things. The squad ran into civilians intermittently, and they always pointed them towards the hospitals direction.

Riot leaned against the alley wall, sweat clinging to his fur and armour. He let out a breath and peered around the corner. Somepony screamed in terror.

Down the street, one of Riots Mareines galloped toward them, with a group of armed changelings in tow. A shot rang out, and the soldier went down hard. Riot held his hoof up. “Everypony down!” Peeking back over, he saw a massive horde of the creatures further down the street; and the market, which had apparently become their staging area. The group of changelings started working on the screaming pony, tearing his armour off in sections as they pinned him to the ground.

“Sir, we have to help him!” Private Dust stared at Riot with high hopes in his answer.

The stallion kept a neutral face as he spoke. “There’s too many of them to take quietly, or safely. If we fire on them, we give ourselves away to the main force.” Riot closed his eyes for a moment. “Cross the street, one at a time. While they’re distracted.”

His squad obviously had a disliking for his plan, but they stayed quiet. Private Dust mumbled something under her breath, but followed the order. Quickly and quietly, just as before, they crossed the street with the changeling none the wiser as they slowly tortured the screaming mareine to death.
_________________________________________________________________________

Moving cautiously through the streets, Riot did his best to keep his bearings with the castle in the distance. Despite the rumblings in the distance and the fighting all around them, they could easily tell that the fight wasn’t going well for equine kind. It was a miracle that the squad hadn’t been spotted by the flitting forms that filled the sky. As they passed the edge of the market district; Riot could could see the castle grounds growing closer. They had a few high society homes to pass, then they were would be at the objective.

The sound of wing beats filled the air, and Riot jabbed a hoof towards a blown out shop. “Move!” He ordered, scampering off the cobblestone. The rest of the squad was ahead of him, and thankfully, they were protected from sight within the shop as a squad of changelings dropped a royal guardsmare into the cobble. The mare yelled, kicking at the changelings. Riot scanned the area, gauging the distance they had put between themselves and the main horde. “Poll, Dust, rifles on them. I’ll hit em, you take care of the stragglers.”

The pair nodded, bringing their rifles to bear. Dust muttered something under her breath as she checked the sights on her rifle. When she looked back, she could just barely make out the spear like form of an ovipositor sliding out of its abdomen. Dust recoiled, and hissed towards Riot. “Sir! It’s an Ovi! We-” She looked over, and to her surprise, the stallion wasn’t there.”

Squirming and fighting as best she could, the royal guardsmares eyes went wide in terror as the ovipositor slid out, and leveled itself with her chest. She sucked in her last breath, and clamped her eyes shut. When the killing blow didn’t come, she cracked an eye open. Just in time to see a stallion appear seemingly out of thin air, and the breeding changelings chest get vaporized by an automatic shotgun. Rifle shots cracked out, the rounds taking down more changelings. The stallions shotgun roared again, and all of her attackers lay dead on the cobble. The mare sucked in a ragged breath as her adrenaline coursed through her veins. Before she could protest, she was dragged back to an empty shop.

Riot looked over the mare, before looking back out at the street. May scooted forward, his hooves shaking lightly. “I-I have first aid training, I’ll take a look at those for you.” He lifted up a ragged looking first aid kit, and started going over the shaking guardsmares wounds. During the downtime, Riot reloaded the drum on his shotgun, and Poll slid up to speak to his squad leader.

“Sir, permission to speak freely.”

Riot wiped a bit of blood from his goggles before speaking. “Go ahead Poll.”

The stallion nodded, reloading his rifle. “Sir, I think if we cut down through the back alleys, we’ll save ourselves time and ammo. The main streets are just too dangerous.” He looks back at the squad. “It’s your call though. We’d save more civilians this way.”

“We’ll take the back alleys, but we need to pick up the pace. Time is wasting.” Riot turned to the squad. “Saddle up ponies we’re out of here.” He glanced over at the still shaking mare. “Can you make it to the veteran hospital on your own?” When the mare nodded, he managed a smile. “Good. Keep low, and don’t pick fights you can’t win. Stay away from the market district.” The mare nodded, saluting quickly before galloping away. “Okay, let’s move it ponies.

_____________________________________________________________________________

As they came to a halt at the end of another back alley street, Riot called for a halt. “Hold up, Poll, check that street there.” Riot glanced about, but one shop in particular caught his attention. In one of the upper windows, a yellow figure had just ducked down, out of sight. Riot scrunched up his muzzle. “We’ll take cover in that shop over there.”

Sergeant Poll looked back from the pair of binoculars that Dust had lent him. “Sir?”

Riot held up his hoof. “Just trust me. Poll, is the street clear?”

The stallion nodded, hoofing the binoculars back to Dust. “Yes sir.”

Riot nodded. “Good, Dust, you first, then if we don’t get shot at, Corporal May goes with Bitterleek.” Riot rolled his shoulders. “Sergeant, you’re with me.”

Private Dust let out a long breath as she tightened the straps on her helmet. “I’m gonna get shot.” She bolted out past the corner of the building, and in through the broken shop window across the street. After a moment, the mare popped back into view and waved. The coast was clear.

Riot held his breath as May and Bitterleek ran across the street. He felt his heart stop for a moment as May hit the ground and skittered across the cobblestone. Riot ground his teeth in anger. To his surprise, the small stallion scrambled up after a second and dove through the window.

“He stumbled... He fuckin’ stumbled.” Riot shook his head as he got the wave. “Ready Sergeant?”

The stallion didn’t answer.

Riot turned to face the younger pony. “Poll, what’s the holdup?” Poll didn’t answer, instead he stared blankly out at the sky. Riot shook the stallion roughly. “Poll!” Riot slapped the pony across the muzzle, finally registering a response.

Sergeant Poll nodded; dragging his eyes away from the sky. “Sir.”

Riot scowled inwardly. “Alright, on the count of three. Three, two, one, Now!” Riot bolted from his cover, just as Poll did the same. Riots hooves covered the distance in what seemed to be a second. The old cobblestone was so worn it was practically flat. Turning his attention to the stallion who had lagged in his running, Riot called out.

“Poll, hurry it-”

KRAK

The sergeant jerked mid stride, his face frozen in pain as he hit the ground and slid to a stop. The spray of the bullet spattered the ground as the round tore through his neck. The stallion convulsed on the cobblestone, his hooves outstretched towards the four ponies huddled in the shop. Private Dust screamed his name, and made a move to run out and grab the stallion. Riots hooves wrapped around her; putting an end to her attempt. The mare thrashed against him as she tried to get to the downed pony.

“Let me go you piece of shit!” She fought roughly against Riots hold.

“If you go out there, you’re both dead!” Riot tightened his grip as Poll tried to crawl towards them. Dust was sobbing as Riot held her in place.

“NO! FUCKING LET ME GO! POLL!!” She held out her hoof to the stallion who laid on the road, no longer moving or breathing as he leaked out onto the cobblestone. She collapsed against Riot, her hooves beating weakly against his armoured hooves. “You...You fucking piece of shit...” Dust pulled away from Riot, falling to the ground. She pounded a hoof against the ground. “I...”

Riot stood up, and did his best to avoid looking at the bloody corpse and the sobbing mare. He didn’t say anything as Bitterleek laid a supportive hoof on her shoulder, or when Dust clamped her into a hug. Riot looked about the buildings interior, only seeing a wrecked storefront and a small staircase leading up.

Something hit the floor upstairs.
Riot readied his shotgun, and stalked towards the stairwell. His eyes narrowed as he passed the first corner; the barrel of his trench gun raising to compensate for the stairs. Moving as silently as he could, Riot tredded up the stairwell and onto the second floor. His ears perked at the sound of voices coming from down the hall.

“-elp us, we-”

“You will stay here! That’s an order soldier!”

“Shush both of you! We’ll all die if-”

“Gentlecolts, I shall investigate the noise.”

“You’ll stay put dammit!”

“Military police asshole. I don’t take orders from you.”

Riot frowned, unsure as to what he was about to walk in on. Trotting forward, he raised his shotgun and pressed forward. One of the hall doors swung open, and Riot swung the barrel of his weapon over to meet the new threat. A dapper looking stallion stood in the door, a shocked expression frozen on his face as he found himself muzzle to muzzle with twelve gauge death. The stallions monocle fell away, and he fought for words.

Riot lowered his shotgun and motioned for the civilian to move out of the way. The stallion bowed, and backed up into the room. A royal guardspony panicked as Riot entered, lifting a menacing looking pistol up to Riots head.

“Stay right there!”The stallion took a shaky step forward. His expression set flat, Riot turned to face the stallion, who shook in his tarnished golden armour. The guard took a step closer, his voice raising. “Stay the-” The guards words died in his throat as he finally took notice of the shotgun that was now level with his chin.

“Sit down.”

The guardscolt dropped the pistol, and sat down against the wall. Riot kicked the pistol away and looked about the room. A tough looking earth pony holding an M240G smirked, and went back to trying to change out the melted barrel in his gun. He kept working for a moment, before his head snapped up. “Riot!?”

Said stallion perked up at his name being called. An honest smile spread across his face when he recognized the earth pony as none other than Sled.

“Sled! You’re alive!” Riot laughed clopping the stallion on the shoulder. “Shit, I was worried you’d taken a desk job!” Riot cocked his head as the rest of his squad trotted in through the door, each one taking in the room. He chuckled mirthfully, his happiness draining away quickly. He noticed that Dust wasn’t among the group. He motioned to May to go back downstairs, and thankfully, the stallion understood.

The large Earth Pony stepped forward slowly, staring at Riot in disbelief. “Captain Venture? I thought you retired…what the heck are you doing in Canterlot? I thought you were through with the city life?”

Riot chuckled, his eyes darting out to the window. “I’m on a secret mission to save Equestria. Wanna help?” He smirked, looking back over towards Sled and the civilians. “It’ll be like that time in Fell Hoof.”

Sled grinned at the Riot. “Fell Hoof? So you mean that we’re all likely to die in a most horrible fashion?” The stallion chuckled, shaking his head. “Sure, got nothing better to do sir. Just let me get this barrel switched out.”

“Sounds good Sergeant, talk with my squad here when you have the chance.” He turned, counting heads.

“Mr. Riot, what brings you to our quaint city?”

Riots attention was drawn to a grey mare with a light purple bow-tie. He smiled weakly. “Hey Octavia, fancy meeting you here.” He chuckled lightly. “Like I said to Sled here, secret mission to save Equestria.”

Octavia chuckled as well, then shrugged. “Oh I imagined such.”

One of the civilians stood up from the huddled group. “Are...Are you the rescue team?” When Riot shook his head, the mare sank back down to the floor. “We’re...We’re doomed...”

Octavia turned to face the stallion who had spoken. “Shush now, Riot is one of the best at his job. And his job is protecting ponies. Isn’t that right, Captain?” She smiled at him, before trotting back over to where she had been sitting.

Thanks for the vote of confidence Octavia.

The royal guard member stood up; looking perturbed. Riot looked back at the group he had found, and couldn’t help but shake his head. “How many of you have military training?”

Out of the ten or so ponies whom he had found, only two lifted their hooves. Sled lifted his hoof for a moment, as did the stallion in the suit with the monocle. The guardscolt refused to answer. Riot cursed under his breath. “Alright, listen up. We’re headed for the castle to try and support the princesses.” Taking a breath, Riot leaned against the wall as he spoke. “Anyone who is either unwilling or unable to fight will be directed to our safezone near the merchant quarter.”

The guardscolt stood up, veins on his forehead and neck bulging dramatically. “YOU LISTEN HERE! I’M THE RANKING OFFICER HERE! I ISSUE THE ORDERS, AND MY ORDER IS TO STAY PUT!” The stallion shook with anger, his eyes locked onto Riot.

Riot paused, his eyes growing unfocused for a split second, before he grabbed the stallion by the collar; slamming him into the wall. A surprised yell sounded out from the civilians, and the stallion. Riot drew close, snarling at the pony. “You’re not the ranking officer here anymore! I won’t let your cowardice kill anypony!” Riots horn lit up, and tore the bars from the guards collar, before pushing him down.

The guardscolt shifted in his spot, but quickly halted his actions when Riot plugged his shotgun against Skies head. “Not a fucking muscle.” He regarded the surprised ponies before him. “This is Do or Die. I won’t think less of anypony here who decides to fall back.”

Sled finally slapped the new barrel into place on his 240. “Not a chance I’d miss this shit sir. I’m with you until the end, as always.”

The unicorn held his hoof up and cleared his throat. “I may not be a stallion of uniform, but I have received formal officer training. My name is Fancy Pants, and I would be honoured to follow you into battle, captain.”

Riot nodded, and tossed the pins at Sled. “Congrats on the promotion Second Lieutenant.” Looking over at Fancy Pants, Riot spoke again. “Welcome to the 221st, Conscript Fancy Pants. Survive this and you may become a soldier yet.” He looked over at Bitterleek and motioned towards the stairwell. “Get the others up here. Now, I need a sitrep and I needed it ten minutes ago.”

Sled nodded, his eyes locked on the bars in his hoof. “Well, at least they’re not captains bars this time…” He shook his head before looking at Riot, never once looking toward the guardscolt on the floor. “It was a blitzkrieg sir, they either hit the guard’s main armory first, or they had ponies inside before this kicked off. Granted this is all an educated guess, but all that I’ve seen these critters using is our own damn ordnance against us. The palace guards had nothing more than ceremonial spears to hold them back with...it was a slaughter...those brave bastards held their ground though, to the last it looked like.” He slowly began pinning the gold bars to his collar, wincing as each bar snapped into place. “It looks like a majority of their initial assault was focused on the palace, but they’ve spread all over the city since then, leaving a relatively small force to hold the palace gates, with their main staging areas being located to the south and east.” He frowned, looking towards the window. “If that gorram sniper wasn’t out there, we could just keep moving along these back alleys and come at the palace from the west side.”

Nodding, Riot peeked out the window and down the street. “You know where that sniper is?”

Fancy Pants nodded. “As a matter of fact, yes.”

Riot smiled darkly. “Good.” He turned, taking in the group. “How many civilians are here?”

Octavia perked up, looking over the other ponies, who had stayed quiet for the most part. “Six or so Riot. I don’t know how we’re going to get them out of here though, or to the safe zone you mentioned earlier.”

Admittedly, Riot didn’t know either. He hadn’t been anticipating such heavy losses, and he hadn’t expected having groups of civilians that needed escort back the way he came with less than the optimal amount of soldiers at his command. Riot rubbed the bridge of his nose with a hoof. He could split his forces, sending the civilians and a good portion of his troops to the hospital, or he could leave the civilians to their own devices. Leaving the objective behind wasn’t an option.

“Riot?” Octavia stared at him, silently begging for an answer.

Riot let out a breath. “I need a volunteer.”

Bitterleek held up her hoof as she stood next to a despondent Dust. “Sir, I’m your pony.”

Smiling, Riot nodded to her. His smile disappeared when he regarded the guardscolt. “Get up.”

The stallion snorted, and slowly got to his hooves. “What.” He snarled.

“I’m giving you one chance. The Private here is your squad leader. You will follow her orders to the letter, and you will give your life in necessary to protect these civilians. If you don’t.” Riot leaned in a bit closer, and kept his voice low. “I will find you, and I will correct the mistake. Do I make myself clear?” His voice quaked, as if something were pushing it.

The guard sneered, his gaze dropping. “Yes sir.”

Riot nodded, and pressed the guards pistol into back to him. “Good.” He turned, regarding Octavia. “Vinyl’s in the vault beneath our safety zone. She’ll be happy to see you safe.”

The mare smiled happily; surprise in her eyes. “She’s here? Oh dear…” Octavia trailed off, looking out the window as Riot regarded Fancy Pants.

“Conscript Pants. Show me where that Sniper is. The rest of you, wait till it’s clear before moving.”
__________________________________________________________________________

Riot led his three pony squad forward through the buildings, doing his best to avoid the main street. Private Dust, Conscript Pants, and Second Lieutenant Sled followed closely behind him. Edging forward, Riot finally spotted the sniper's roost.

Letting out a breath, Riot looked down to where Polls body sat. Looking back, he motioned for the other three ponies to come up. Once they were within earshot, he spoke. “Stay here and make sure that bastard doesn’t bail out.” His eyes went back to Polls collapsed body, then to Dust. She grimaced as she looked away from him, then nodded. Focusing on the building and the wrought iron fence that would surely get in his way if he didn’t do things exactly right, Riot tensed.

He’s going to paaaaay.

Bolting out from cover, Riot sped towards the building.

KRAK

The shot ricocheted off the ground next to Riot, kicking up clumps of rock and dirt. With a loud grunt, Riot plowed through the door shoulder first. The door broke off its hinges; the wood and metal clattering loudly on the floor. Upstairs, Riot could hear the sniper scrambling for the window, before a succession of shots sent it back in.

Moving towards the stairs, Riot brought his shotgun up and moved as silently as he could.

BRATA-TAT-TATATATAT

As he set hoof on the third step, a wild burst of low calibre rounds sprayed through the stairwell, sending him down.

Click

Hugging the stairs for cover, Riot heard the deadbuck’s click coming from the SMG, and a resounding thud as the sniper burst out of his roost. Bolting , Riot bounded upwards three steps at a time. The sniper was galloping down the hall, towards a side window in the building. It turned its head towards him and sneered.

Riot retorted with his shotgun.

BRA-KOOM

The 00 buckshot burst out of the shotguns barrel and covered the distance faster than Riot ever could have hoped to. Tearing the carapace away and blowing the flesh below into fat chunks, the changeling hit the floor and bounced. It screeched in pain as it tried to pump its pellet riddled wings and kick with the leg that hung unnaturally by sinew and scrap muscle.

Collapsing to the floor, the creature back pedaled as Riot drew closer.

The sound of Riot tossing the weapon to the ground caused the changeling to look up in pained surprise, then in terror.

Pressing his hoof onto the changelings forehead, he forced its head back, and plunged his knife into its chest. Pulling out the 8” blade, he stabbed again, and again, and again, until the creature could only gurgle out its breaths. Riot huffed in anger, his bayonet sticky with gore. letting the changelings head go, he watched as it fell to the floor, bleeding and sputtering out its breaths. Whipping the blade off on the changelings tattered wings; Riot wrapped the bloody wreck in his magic and started towards the sniper roost.

Riot growled, his lips pulling back in a sneer. ”Come here you little SHIT.”
__________________________________________________________________________

Fancy Pants did his best to stay low, lest he earn the wrath of the many changelings that flitted through the air overhead. Running a hoof through his now dirty mane, he looked over at Second Lieutenant Sled.

“Worried Lieutenant?”

Sled pursed his lips in thought. “It’s too damn quiet, maybe there was more than just a sniper up there. I should go take a look and see if he’s ok-”

CRAAASH

The sound of shattering glass drew both their attentions back to the building that Riot had charged into just in time to see a carapaced figure plunge down and land flat on the wrought iron fence; impaling itself with such force that its throat tore open and its head lolled back like a broken toy as thick viscous blood spurted out.

Looking upwards in abject horror, they saw the captain standing in a smashed out bay window.

“It’s clear! I’ll scout ahead, the rest of you, through that alley!” He called out to them before disappearing.

Fancy Pants looked over at Sled and tried to force a smile. “I... I do believe he’s done this before.”

To which Sled nodded. “You have no idea…” The black and white stallion muttered quietly.

As they cantered towards the alleyway, Dust broke off from the group long enough to spit on the mangled corpse.
________________________________________________________________________

Treading carefully through the broken shells of several expensive condos, Riot did his best to scan for hostiles, before they could find his squad. Most of the buildings had suffered damage from dive bombers and gunfire. Passing through every empty home caused a feeling of unease to settle on the air. All those homes… Just… empty. Not even any bodies.

Riot shook his head, ignoring the creeping concern in the back of his mind.

Passing over a pile of broken glass, Riot heard something that caused him to freeze solid. He swiveled his ears, trying to catch the noise again.

There it was.

It was somepony… Crying? They had to be close. Riot frowned, and stalked closer to the noise, his weapon at the ready.
______________________________________________________________________

Doctor Usineighn cried out again in agony as she tried in vain to free her hind leg from the fallen debris. As she pulled, there was a sickening pop, and she collapsed, howling in agony.

“Oh… F-Faust… Please, send help!” She sobbed, the dust caking on with her tears. As she attempted to push at the debris again with shaky hooves, she froze. The feeling of another being in the room caused her mane to stand on end, even through the pain.

”Doctor Usineighn MP, PhD.”

The mare looked up in surprise, before recoiling in fear. “I-Iron Venture…” She gasped in pain, her blood slowly pooling around her leg. “Please… Please, you have to help me…” She begged; her limbs shaking violently.

The stallion regarded her coldly, his eyes flickering in the low light. Riot closed his eyes, shutting out the argument in his head. “And why should I do that? So you can hound me? Interrogate me? Threaten my family?” He glared at her, causing her to shrink.

“Please… I was just doing my job!” She sobbed again, before looking back at the rubble.

“So was I.” Riot growled. He closed his eyes for a minute. When he opened, the room had gained two in its population.

Mumbles crouched next to the mare, looking over the wound and the rubble. “This is bad Riot. I doubt we’d be able to lift this. The leg will probably have to come off.”

”I’ve got a better idea.” Shiv slid up beside Riot, and brought his attention back to Usineighn. ”Savour this. She threatened everything we had, and now she’s begging for mercy.” Shiv smiled broadly, showing off his rows of razor sharp teeth. ”She deserves to suffer~”

The lemony stallion stood, shaking his head. “No, no she doesn’t. Riot, helping her makes you the better pony! What would you want Hunter to do?”

Riot shook his head, before covering his eyes. “Just shut up for a moment. Let me think.” Shiv and Mumbles ignored him; getting in each others muzzles.

Shaking like a bleeding leaf, Usineighn cried out. “PLEASE! You have to-”

“EVERYPONY SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Riot roared as Mumbles and Shiv started arguing with each other. The moment he yelled, they both clammed up. Riot shook his head as he shuddered in anger. “Just shut the fuck up! I need to think! I need to-” He stopped mid sentence.

Usineighn lay in a puddle of her own blood; half her head missing. A twelve gauge shell sat in the now growing pool of blood. Riot backed up, his mouth moving up and down, despite the lack words being spoken.

Nicely done

Riot shook his head, and cantered to the next building, eager to leave the scene behind.
_______________________________________________________________________

The squad had nearly jumped out of their coats when Riot had appeared next to them in a small shop overlooking the castle gardens. Thankfully, none of them fired on him, or alerted the changelings. With the castle in reach, Riot called for a short break to plan out their attack.

Huddled in a ritzy building that bordered the edge of the gardens, all that stood between them and the castle was a large gate and roughly ten changeling soldiers. From their vantage, Riot could see that the battle was most definitely NOT going in favour for the equine side. Long shafts of smoke filled the air, and one could easily hear the magical blasts coming from within the castle over the standard explosives used in the city.

It had only been eighty minutes since the invasion had started.

Riot stretched his limbs as he leaned against the wall. He had emptied the shotgun, and was now was loading in an alternating load of 00 buckshot and solid slugs. Sled had his M240G cradled against his body like it was his child.

Riot rubbed his ear, before snapping towards the window. He seemed to relax a bit, but not by much.

Sled furrowed his brow; watching the older stallion fidget. “Sir? You alright?”

Riot nodded. “I’m fine! Just… Think that sniper blew out one of my ear drums...” He stopped his sentence after a blur of grey and red passed by his vision and out the window. “Can it.” Turning, he peeked out the window.

Twenty or so castle staff and royal guards ponies had been rounded up and paraded out front of the gardens. A changeling with a megaphone fluttered above them.

“TO ANY PONIES WATCHING. DO NOT RESIST. TO RESIST, IS TO DIE.”

At the end of his short speech, the civilians were forced to stop before the castle wall.

Riot growled savagely. “TAKE THEM DOWN.”

Several changelings with cylindric backpacks trotted up as the ponies were herded into a tight group, then penned in by hazy green magic. Riot scowled and scrambled for his PSG-1, just as the flamethrowers opened up on the group before anypony could react. The ponies on the receiving end screamed in horror and terror as the flames licked over them, burning away fur and melting flesh away like cheap plastic.

Riot let out a enraged roar and sighted up the first of the flamethrowers.

KRAK-KRAKKRAKKRAKKRAK-Click Firing until he was dry, Riot tossed the rifle to the side as he snorted in rage. He pulled out his shotgun and dove from the window.

Sled and the rest of the team scrambled into firing positions; opening up on anything that moved. The flamethrowers had exploded, turning their operators and squad members into flaming pyrs. The changelings tried to focus fire on the small shop, but any who poked out of cover were quickly given more unnatural holes.

Crossing the street in a moment, Riot dove on the survivors. One of the surviving changelings ducked out of cover to fire at the building, but only received a face full of steel for his efforts. Riot twisted his shoulders, sending the changeling down so he could blow its face off with a burst of buckshot. With a savage roar, he leveled the weapon on the survivors and held down the trigger.

The survivors jerked and twisted as they were ripped apart, but one lucky bug managed to break away as his comrades were shredded.

One of the changelings had broken into a full run in an effort to presumably warn others. Riot took notice of the megaphone that dangled off a lanyard. With his shotgun raised, Riot fired.

The slug sailed true, and buried itself deep into the changelings back, sending it down and skidding across the once clean castle grounds. As the changeling screamed and pain and crawled forward on its front hooves, Riot brought his weapon up, and then smashed it down on the bugs face. He brought it back up, then down; again, and again, and again. He finally stopped when the Changelings skull caved inwards.

As the rest of his squad regrouped on him, Riot racked the slide on the shotgun after loading his last magazine in. Turning his head to them, they balked for a moment. Riot growled out his order. “Secure the princesses at any cost.”

Turning his back on them, Riot broke into a gallop towards the western castle doors.
______________________________________________________________________________

The castle was in complete disarray; various ab-hoc defences were blown apart, and blood stained many of the walls and expensive pieces of art work. Seldom they would come across several guard bodies, all of which were savaged in the worst ways possible. each sight would cause Riot to scowl even further. His squad reacted uniquely, but the captain hardly even noticed their presence at that point.

They often ran across solitary changelings, or small patrols. Riot ensured that they were taken down quickly, and savagely.

Bringing his bayonet down into the bugs throat, Riot twisted to the side, sending it down into the marble floor. He gave it a kick for good measure.

Sled watched Riot, a knowing look on his face. “Sir...maybe you should hold up for a minute? Catch your breath?”

Riot shook his head, before wiping a bit of blood off his muzzle. “I’m fine Sled. we need to keep moving.”

Sled shook his head as he walked up to Riot. “You’re not fine...don’t try and tell me you are, I’m one of the few ponies you can’t lie to.” He put his hoof on the stallion’s shoulder. “You can stay here if you’d like Captain, provide rear guard...you’ve done enough for Equestria…” He leaned in for the last bit, whispering so that only Riot could hear him.

Riot turned his head towards the other stallion, his eyes boring holes into Sleds. He leaned in close, his whisper barely covering a snarl. “I will NOT fall back, we don’t stop ‘til it’s over.” He turned away, and trotted ahead. The rest of the squad cantered up, giving Sled a worried look.

As they approached another set of doors, the sound of magical battle grew louder and louder. Riot steeled himself as they came up to a large pair of ornate doors, and another set of dead bodies. Turning to his squad, Riot set his jaw.

A Thousand years…

“Ready up.”

A thousand years trapped because of THEM.

Fancy Pants stared at him for a moment before swallowing. He looked over his unarmoured form and frowned. “Excuse me dear sir, but I fear I am... ill suited for combat.”

“Feed ammo for Sled. Stay down.” Riot breathed outwards and straightened his back. “Steel yourselves. It’s about to get nasty.”

With a burst of adrenaline, Riot pushed the door open, and entered the throne room.

Flashes of light periodically lit up the massive room, and one could easily pick out the reason why. A tall changeling was firing bolts of energy at a heavy shield, which was being held up by none other than Twilight and Celestia. Riot could see Princess Luna blasting at Changeling soldiers. One could also see that the battle was going poorly.

“CHRYSALIS! YOU STAND NO CHANCE AGAINST THE POWER OF HARMONY!” Somepony yelled out as Riot sent his squad into cover behind a fallen pillar. He watched as Twilight repulsed shot after shot while the rest of the elements stood behind her.

The changeling who had been identified as Chrysalis cackled with glee. “And what makes you say that worm? Your elements have failed! Your princesses have fallen!” She laughed loudly as her soldiers started surrounding the shield. “Canterlot is mine! REVENGE IS MINE!”

Riot looked over at Sled and Fancy Pants as they finished setting up the machine gun. His sneer turned upright; becoming uncanny and incredibly unnerving. “Kill em’ all.”

I will finally have my revenge.

The blurry yellow figment frowned and shook its head. It was soon replaced by Shiv, who grinned manically.

“I’m sorry.”

Sled turned his head and looked at the captain. “Sir?”

Riot bounded over the fallen pillar and broke into a dead run for the tall changeling as he roared.

“FIRE!!”

Sled’s machine chattered to life, spraying hot death over the changeling soldiers, while Dusts grenades blew clumps of them to pieces. The changeling queen severed her attention from gloating to eradicating the new attackers.

Riots hooves pounded over the smooth stone floor as he charged the twisted queen with his bayonet. He fired twice; the buckshot flattening against her armour, and the solid slug being deflected by a directional shield. The queen span toward him, her eyes glowing along with a strange red amulet that hung off her neck. Riot roared his defiance as her horn flashed, and a magical bolt slammed into his head. The impact caused the stallion to lose traction, while the sheer force sent him into a pirouette straight to the ground.

NO.

The smell of burning meat filled the air as smoke rose from the captains head. Chrysalis chuckled out loud as the ponies behind the shield cried out in horror. Celestia closed her eyes for a moment as she recognized the grey stallion who now lay dead and charred on the throne room floor.

Chrysalis cast her gaze at the other ponies, and with a flash of her horn, Dust was blown through one of the stained glass windows, while Fancy Pants and Sled were knocked out of the room by an ethereal sledgehammer.

I REFUSE TO LOSE TO THE LIKES OF HER.

Chrysalis laugh to herself as she gazed into Celestias saddened eyes. “You see? Even the heroic cannot stand before me. All of your defences are mine to toy with.” She chuckled ruefully. “A pathetic display Celestia. I expected better.”

”FOUL KNAVE! YOUR KIND ARE NAUGHT BUT AN INSECT TO BE CRUSHED BENEATH OUR HOOVES.”

Princess Luna’s bellowing only caused Chrysalis to laugh harder. She went so far as to wipe a tear from her smooth face. “Yell all you want princess, for it was you who damned your ponies! We found your plans, and we turned them against you!” She cackled at her own joke as her magical assault began to force Twilight to her knees.

Everything hurt.

GET UP! I COMMAND YOU! GET THE FUCK UP!
Riot grunted silently as he forced his eye open. The other wouldn’t respond at all, and all he could smell was burning flesh. The twisted queen stood barely three meters away. He lazily looked over at his trench gun, but if the twisted barrel were any indication, he wouldn’t be using it. Forcing himself to his knees, Riot coughed out a globule of deep crimson blood. Everything felt like it was broken or breaking, and something warm and gel-like was running down the left side of his face.

“I.. I can’t…”

Shiv roared in his face. NO! YOU WILL GET UP, AND YOU WILL FINISH THIS!

Riot sputtered blood as he spoke. “I’m... I’m sorry Shiv…”

The uncanny stallion stopped yelling, his smile flattening. If you won’t finish this-

Riots features jerked, his body cracking unnaturally. His muscles tensed, and thickened to the likes of braided steel cable. His wounds snapped shut, and his teeth groaned as they jutted outwards like knives. ”I’ll finish it myself.” Wisps of blood curled up around Shivs body, and it consumed them readily. The uncanny stallion smiled broadly again, finally having a chance to stretch his hooves after twenty eight years of being locked inside Riots head after their initial bargain.

Looking up, Shiv caught Celestias gaze. The royal alicorn shut her eyes, unable to look at him or the destruction around him. Breathing out, Shiv pushed himself up, and the bayonet floated to his side. With a unnatural snarling roar, he charged the changeling queen.

Chrysalis turned to look at the sudden movement to her side, but before she could cast a spell, or redirect her shield, the snarling stallion was upon her, and a knife was being crammed into her chest. “TWENTY EIGHT YEARS!” He roared, his voice echoing across the royal hall. “I WON’T LET YOU RUIN TWENTY EIGHT YEARS OF PLANNING AND TRAINING!” The stallion roared as he ripped one of her limbs from her body with his bare hooves. Chrysalis attempted to scream for her subjects, but was halted when Shiv ripped her throat out with his razor sharp teeth.

Throwing the now lifeless body of the changeling queen to the ground, Shiv shuddered as he stood.

The royal shield dropped, and the princesses approached, with the elements in tow. Luna smiled grimly. “Captain Venture, we knew you were the right pony for-”

The stallion looked back over at them, causing the group to stop in its tracks. Shiv laughed a wheezing, sickly laugh, before turning to them completely, showing the extent of the damage done to him.

Celestia held a hoof before Luna. “That is not Captain Riot.”

Hovering above the rest of the group, Rainbow Dash jabbed a hoof at the stallion. “Then who is it?”

The princesses nodded, and took another step closer. Celestia narrowed her eyes slightly. “Yes creature, what are you, and why have you taken my pony?”

Shiv snarled, glaring at both princesses with all of his soul consuming hatred. ”MY NAME, IS CHIVALROUS BLADE.”

Celestia frowned. “I don’t know you Chivalrous, please answer my-”

“YOU BETRAYED ME; TRAPPED MY SOUL INSIDE A MASK FOR A THOUSAND YEARS! THE ONLY REASON I’M STILL NOT THERE IS BECAUSE YOU SENT SOME SCARED FOAL WHO COULDN’T EVEN READ TO A MEAT GRINDER!” Shiv snarled, causing the group to back up, as Riots old squad took up positions behind him. ”He isn’t your pony anymore Celestia. He hasn’t been yours for twenty eight years. I SAVED HIS LIFE, I GAVE HIM PURPOSE!”

Luna stepped forward, rage etched on her features. “What do you desire demon? Speak, or we’ll destroy you completely.” She stomped a hoof, adding weight to her statement.

The stallion shuddered again, his sneer turning into another smile. ”I WANT REVENGE.”

Celestias eyes began to glow, as did the elements of harmony. “Release our subject Chivalrous, or suffer the consequences.”

Shiv made a move to attack, but was cut short by a pained spasm. Shiv snarled something inequine, but was cut short by Riots voice. “Celestia! I-I’m sorry-” Riot gasped in pain, his blood beginning to leak again. “I’m trying to-” He shuddered, and Shiv returned. ”I’LL SHOW YOU HOW IT FEELS TO BE TWISTED BY THE OLD ONES!” He launched at Celestia, his horn sparking with dark magic. The princess tried to block him, but her magic proved useless against him. Luna and Sled yelled out, each unable to stop the horror before them.

As Shivs bayonet came down, a blindingly bright beam struck him in the chest. The stallion screamed loudly, before disappearing.

The Elements of Harmony slowly lowered to the ground, their eyes discontinuing the glow. They each looked around, pleased that they’d rid a friend of such a malignant beast. When they looked back over, they were shocked to see nothing but dead changelings and royal guards.

Twilight approached her mentor, who seemed visibly shaken. “Celestia? Are you alright?” She looked over at the squad of military ponies who starred forward in mute shock. “Where did he go?”

Celestia shook her head. “I don’t believe I am able to answer either of those questions in one conversation my dear Twilight.”

The purple mare shook her head. “What was that?”

The princess closed her eyes, before looking out at her city. “An old scar come back to haunt me…”

As the reinforcements from the national guard arrived on the scene, Luna trotted over to the spot where Shiv had stood. “May Faust watch over you, Ashfall Venture. And may you defeat your inner demon.” She closed her eyes, and her horn flared. “We’ll keep our end of the bargain.”

Reach for the Stars

As the engines rumbled to life; shaking the entirety of the craft, one of its occupants pulled out an odd token. The clean cut stallion watched as the dog tags twirled about in the predawn light.

"Firing primary thrusters in ten, nine, eight,"

The stallion smiled, closing his eyes as the dog tags spun. "Keep me safe dad." He tucked them back into one of the pockets in his heavy suit, and checked over his instrument panel. "All systems green!"

"Four, Three, Two, One!"

The craft lurched, the sudden exponential increase in thrust cramming its occupants down into their seats. The power increased, sending the craft hurtling off the launch pad as a control tower full of ponies watched in satisfaction, their mission partially complete. The shuttle roared out past the stratosphere; a massive cone of flame burning behind it as it went through the magically enhanced fuel carried them past the bonds of Equis.

The clean cut grey unicorn flicked a switch with his magic, releasing the now spent thrusters. "Thrusters One and Two reading empty and clear. We're flying clean now captain."

A small green pegasus mare smiled, going through her own checklist. "Thank you Mr. Venture, carry on."

Hunter nodded, and went back to his checklist.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

The shuttle floated easily through space, it's Goliath-Sparkle drive pushing it gently towards its location. One of the crew members floated over, grabbing a small hoof-set radio. "Lunar Prime, this is Spomano Six. We're twenty minutes out with your fresh supplies and crew. Hope you've got a welcome wagon laid out."

There was a brief pause, where Hunter rolled his eyes, before going back to his duties.

"Roger that Spomano Six, if you hurry, you might get to see some of the new artefacts be brought up by the archaeologists."

The Cosmonaught with the radio chuckled. "If it's another soda can, I'm telling the royalty."

Hunter shook his head; looking over at his captain. "Ma'am? We're seven minutes out from Lunar Primes landing run. All systems are nominal, and I've got green across the board."

The mare smiled happily. "That's good Mr. Venture. Here's hoping it stays like that." She turned her head for a moment; flicking over a switch that engaged the autopilot. "So, you're going to be Lunar Primes new lead maintenance pony, hey?"

The unicorn smiled, nodding his answer. "Yes ma'am. I'm looking forward to it too. The colony is growing pretty quickly, and someponies gotta keep it from flying apart."

Nodding, the captain relaxed her shoulders, watching the autopilot steer them closer. "Good on you. Personally, I couldn't stand being anywhere close to those ruins. I mean, Nightmare Moon herself apparently built them during her exile. That's enough to creep me right out. I don't know how those diggers can stand it, or you for that matter."

"My dad once told me to never be afraid of what I don't understand."

The mare cocked her head towards him. "He said that?"

Hunter nodded. "Yeah." He glanced over his equipment one more time as the colony landing pad came into view. "He always had an answer for me."

"Is he waiting for you on Equis?" She looked over the stallion.

He shook his head. "No. He's with me right now." At the odd look from his Captain, the baticorn chuckled, pulling out the dogtags.

The mare closed her eyes, and nodded in understanding. "You miss him much?"

"Of course. I miss him every day. But he died when I was young, so I've had time to get over it." Hunter smiled. "I was originally going to join the armed forces, but I remembered him always wanting me to do better than he did."

"And now you're here, on a multi-million bit spacecraft." The mare chuckled. "I'd think any father would be proud of that."

Hunter smiled, stowing the tags. "Definitely, he-"

DANGER! DANGER! GSD SYSTEMS CRITICAL

The automated warning blared as the emergency light doused the cabin in muted red. Hunter swirled in his chain, running his eyes along the ever expanding list of warnings and system alerts. "GSD is overheating! One of the plugs must have popped!" He yelled over the dim of the cabin. "Shutting it down!" He gripped a large lever and pulled it firmly down.

The shuttle shuddered violently, before the warnings stopped completely. Smoke began to fill the cabin.

Captain Winters calm stood up, and popped open a small hatch on the craft. "Gasmasks on ponies, everyone stay together and figure this out. Comet, try and get Lunar Prime on the horn, tell them we've had a small inconvenience. Hunter, you're with me."

Hunter nodded, a small fire extinguisher floating next to him. "Right behind you."

The pair floated through the corridor of the small craft, and towards the GSD containment unit. The smoke was becoming worrisome, but not too dangerous. Hunter pressed the door control, sealing off the bridge as the pilot tried to limp them to port.

"Ma'am, hold on for a moment. Don't open the door." Hunter floated next to Winters, who'd just about opened the door. "I want to preform a visual first." He floated up, looking through the thick bulkhead window. "I'm not seeing any fires, or hull breaches. Computer says it's clear as well. Okay, let's head in."

The mare nodded, and pressed the bulkhead door open. The pair floated over towards the now still magic drive. It's shielding had collapsed, leaving it exposed. A large red plug was half ejected from its moorings, and a trio of flashing red lights spoke of additional damage done when it ejected.

"This might be a problem." Hunter pulled the plug out, grimacing lightly as only half of it came out intact. "Yup."

Winters nodded as she flipped through several breakers and contingency equipment. "ETA?"

"Indefinite. We don't have the machinery to fix this, or the unicorn." He slid a protective cover back. "We're lucky the shielding held as well as it did, or we'd be staring at a big hole in our ship."

"Heh, well, at least we're almost at Lunar Prime, they'll have the equipment to get us flying again. May as well cut it off and use the secondary for now."

Nodding, Hunter closed the primary hatch that led to the GSD's internal components. "Roger that. Stand clear while I disconnect her."

The mare floated back a bit, just before the airlock. Hunter pulled down another lever, and disconnected a large bundle of wires. "Okay, now all I have to do is shut off the fuel valve, and start the secondary."

"Do you have it under control Mr. Venture?" Winters asked.

Hunter looked up. "Yes ma'am. Done it a hundred times."

She nodded, a look of trepidation crossing her muzzle. "I need to return to the bridge. Finish your work and return as soon as possible."

As the airlock closed behind her, Hunter let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Okay... Let's get this done."
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hunter floated through the corridor of the shuttle with his bag of tools trailing behind him on a lanyard. As he neared the bridge, he could hear Captain Winters speaking into the radio.

"Lunar Prime, come in, this is Spomano Six, we've suffered damage to our GSD, and we may have external damage to our shuttle. Please respond."

"Say again Spomano, we're having difficulty- Ẉ̡̭̙͕̬̰͔͓̼̇͒̚͠Q̰̥̦ͬͪ̂ͪ̊́́y͂̓̾̏̈̉̾ͦͭ͏̷̨̜d̠͗̏̍̊͢h̦̟̞̠̙̞̊̓̈́͒͆u̻̯̲̝̿̿̿̒̾ͣͤ͂n̰̜͈͎̰̯̬̅ͣͪ͑́ͩ͟ù̩͚̹̤͚̙g͙̱̭̤̟̲͐ͅh̖̳ͬͪ͆n̴͉̱̞̣̿́͡w̞̟̯̟̒͐͛̔̀͑̈́̚͡k͍̰̪̼͖͍̰̿ͦ̏ͥͤ͌͛ͫ̽j͈͇̠̅͛̾̽̒ͫ̄̚͝ͅň̴͚̗̤͈̱̄̍̌ͬ͆s̳̞͓̜̠̲͌̂͛̽̀̽̀̆ṵ̶͍͕͖̀̀̾́͞w̛̹̼̠̼̳ͯ̿ͨu͓̤̙͙̹̭̯̮̔͒̿͗d̗̥̗̣̖ͧ́̑͌͝͡ - Problem on our end. Small- ṱ̨͇̻̀͌̀r̙̄ͪ̾ͤ͢͠͡y̸̵̬̭̺͙̗̓̾ͥͩ̑́ư͆̿ͥ͡҉̪̮j̷̮̞͙͕̩͈͉̪͈̍ͥ̎̉y̵͉ͭͪ̈ͭ͘ͅt̷̥̝̻̼̫̂͋ͩ̆͌̓ͅy̵͔̗̼͚̎̈́ͥ̃t̮̣̻ͫͩͥ͒̉͘-shower inbound. Please- e̖̲̩̪̳̾r̰̤̠̺̽͑͑̓t̗͎͙͕̬͆ͣ̈́͝f̸̖͖̘̗̄̄̉ͩͫ̀ͅy͋ͦ̐̑̍ͬ͊ù̩͚̹̤͚̙g͙̱̭̤̟̲͐ͅh̖̳ͬͪ͆ - dock."

"Say again Lunar Prime, you're breaking up. Please repeat."

"I said- -teor shower inbound, stay out of grid 2-E-5 through 3."

Winters shook her head, looking displeased. "Comet, where are we?"

The stallion looked over the navigation map. "We- Oh. We're currently passing through grid location 2-E-4. We should be clear of any showers if we maintain this speed. Do you think they're having problems on their end?" The stallion looked over at the rest of the crew; one of his eyebrows cocked for good measure.

"I don't think, I know." The Captain simply spoke, her eyes glued on the monitors.

Hunter floated in the airlock, watching the scene play out. He spoke up once Winters was finished for a moment. "Ma'am. GSD is offline and disconnected. Secondary engine is reading green across the board. Should be enough to bring us into port."

Winters nodded, running a hoof over her forehead. "Good job Mr. Venture. Now if only you could fix Lunar Prime's technical glitches."

"Ma'am!" The pilot called out. "Starboard thrusters just stopped responding! We're listing badly!" He quickly scanned the readouts. "We're coming in too hot, we have to pull out."

Hunter shook his head. "Secondary doesn't have enough power for that, especially with half our thrusters down. I'll see if I can't get them working."

Winters closed her eyes in thought for a split second. "Belay that action Mr. Venture. Everypony, strap in and hold onto something. Mr. Fields, do your best to swing us the right way around. We don't have time to abort; if we tried, that shower would tear us apart. Comet, get Prime on the horn."

The stallion nodded. "Yes Captain."

Winters took the radio on her hoof as she sat down in her chair. "Lunar Prime, this is Spomano Six. We're coming in hot and we can't pull out. Have emergency crews standing by and fire suppression teams ready." She placed the radio down, and pulled her harness down tight. "Brace yourselves ponies."

Hunter strapped himself in, and took a deep breath. He could only watch as the shielded landing pad grew bigger and bigger in the view screen.

"Adjust our angle by fourteen degrees Mr. Fields."

"Negative Captain, sixteen degrees."

"Brace for impact."

Hunter drew in a breath, before going limp. He closed his eyes, just as the rivets on the landing pad become incredibly clear.

Author's Note

Did you like that? I hope you did, because this is just a taste of the upcoming sequel to last years tepid hit, Another Life. Reach for the Stars sets the stage for a terrifying journey through the lunar city; built by the fever mad Nightmare Moon during her thousand year imprisonment. The city is filled with disturbing secrets and malicious entities that should have stayed buried; our unwitting hero's only allies will be the hysteric survivors, himself, and a pony he thought long dead.

Little does he know; that pony may still be dead.

Disclaimer!

Alrighty Kids, Here's the situation. After reading through the story a few times, I came to a painful realisation. It kind of sucks. Now, instead of whining about it like some kind of weak man-foal, I'm gonna do something about it!

By the time you see this disclaimer, I'll have finished the overhaul and edit.
Now, the reason why I'm doing this, is because certain characters are quite out of character, and more than a few scenes need to be changed to help with flow. In addition, I will be adding in characters, and removing irrelevant things. I'm gonna start connecting all the loose ends and make this thing I made into something great.

So, since by now it's done, I hope you enjoy the fruits of my labour, the new and improved, If I Knew You in Another Life.

Chapter Fourteen / C

A day and a half later

Doctor Usineighn rolled her shoulders as she finished her run around the track; her body protesting lightly at the burn. She gave her head a shake, before grabbing her water bottle in her magic. She was about to start her second run when a blue hued earth pony galloped up.

"Doctor Usineighn?" He asked, digging through his satchel.

The mare paused, giving the stallion her full attention. "Yes officer. You have something for me?"

He nodded, pulling out a sealed folder. "Yes, sent from officer Melody Pierce. Your eyes only."

Taking the folder in her magic, Usineighn cracked the seal on it, and started skimming through the pictures. She recoiled in horror as the broken forms of three stallions became the focus in the picture. "Faust..." She cursed quietly as she flipped through them. When she reached the last picture; a mug shot of an unconscious Iron Venture, who looked like he'd been thrown through a trash compactor.

"I... T-thank you officer. Dismissed..." She rubbed her muzzle, staring at the picture.

She had him.

A small smile started to spread across her muzzle. It had taken her years. YEARS. He'd finally slipped up; fucked up so bad nopony could protect him. She could finally swoop down on him like the phoenix of justice she was! Marigold shivered, the thought of it making her grin ear to ear.

The mare practically pranced all the way back home.

Bursting through the door to her single bedroom apartment, she galloped to her living room/office. Her horn flared, and her entire collection of documents floated up, completely organized. She hummed a happy tune, slotting the pictures in where they belonged. As she went to put the folder down, she noticed several pieces of paper that hadn't been there before.

"What the..." She pulled the documents out, and her smile faded slightly.

It was a copy of Ventures profile, but... It had the stamp of the Lunar Guard, and there wasn't a single spot of black on it. It also seemed like there was notes on it, and they were clear enough that this document and it's supplements weren't meant for her eyes.

The mare smiled again, and started taking in as much of the information as she could, especially the parts she didn't recognize.

She paused; her name was mentioned several times within some of the supplements. Marigold sighed. It would all be over soon, and she could finally put this ridiculous case to rest.