//------------------------------// // Chapter 33: Reunion // Story: The Tale Of A Lost Wolf // by Solaris Night //------------------------------// "And that's when we learned that it was actually Green who was responsible for our little predicament. And while I know he had good intentions in mind, I just wanna beat him to a pulp." Trider said, as he performed a roundhouse kick. His foot connected with the tree and it shook intensly. All of the apples immediatelly fell to the buckets that were placed beneath and the Kanisar looked at his work with a proud smile. "Ah'd be surprised if ya weren't. It sounds like that this Green guy was causin' ya all forms of trouble." Applejack agreed as she too kicked a tree. Just like with Trider, the apples fell into the buckets below and once it stopped she picked two of them and carried them towards the wagon. "You don't know thehalf of it. I never could figure that guy out. He's like a riddle wrapped inside an enigma." He too placed some of the buckets inside the wagon, before he went to fetch the rest. "But if I had to describe him in one sentence, I'd say he's the type that likes to mess with people." "Kinda like ya?" the mare quipped and smirked. Trider gave her a sour look, before he sighed. "But in all honesty, he's a solid guy and quite reliable. I'd always go to him if there was any trouble." Trider finished. The two then worked in silence, not speaking a word to one another. Every once in a while, Applejack would let her eyes wonder towards the Kanisar, but she would soon focus back on her work. She hasn't seen him in three months and she almost forgot how nice it was when it was just the two of them, working alone and talking like so. She looked back at him again and she began to remember all the things that happened since he arrived. How their first meeting went, how they began to spend their time together, all the fights they had been through, Trider's defeat in the Crystal Empire and his recovery, the time when he finally completely opened up himself to them. As she continued to reminiscence, she began to realize how much Trider had changed since his arrival. When she first met him she thought he was just this alien that lived on violence and didn't care about anyone but himself. But as time went on she slowly came to a realization that there was more to him than that. Sure he was violent, but that was mostly because of the environment he grew up in, but he was also kind when he wanted to be. And as long as it wasn't anything personal, he was honest to the bone. He didn't care if his words were hurtful or inappropriate, he always spoke his mind. But she really admired about him was the will to protect those that he held dear. He was willing to lay his life on the line, if it meant that those he loved would be safe. And although lots of things changed with Trider, there were still things that remained the same. Like his hatred for sleeves. Even now as the summer slowly turned into autumn and the air began to get colder, he refused to wear anything with sleeves. It was something she always found amusing and she didn't mind his obssesion, since she could watch his felxing muscles even at this time of year. As she continued to think about the Kanisar, her mind began to remember things that made her heart beat faster and her cheeks turn red. When he carried her back home when she exhausted herself, the time when he saved her from the hydra, the sound of his heartbeat every time they would hug. The kiss. The more she thought about him the more her fantasy ran wild. Just as her imagination started to get juicy she was brought out of her daydreaming. "Hey AJ?" Trider called out. The mare shook her head and looked towards him and saw he was now standing right in front of her with a worried expression. "Hua? Um, y-yeah?" she mumbled, gathering her thoughts so she could recall if he said anything. "Are you feeling alright? I've been calling you for a while now." he asked and scanned her face with his gaze. "You haven't been overworking yourself again, have you?" "No! Ah'm feelin' fine. Thanks fer askin'." she assured him and was about to walk away, but was stopped when he grabbed her hand. "Yeah, no. Your face is all red and you're sweating a lot, I think you're not being honest with me AJ." he said. "And ah'm tellin' ya ah'm fine." she argued and tried to break away from his grip. "I'll be the judge of that." Trider reburted. With a small yank he pulled her closer. The two were now standing right next to each other and it made Applejack blush even harder. "W-what are ya-?" She didn't get to finish as Trider brought his head closer and touched her forehead with his own. Applejack's eyes widened as their faces were now only inches away from one another. She could feel his breath on her lips and cheeks, and it somehow made her feel relaxed. "It doesn't seem you have a fever." he said and pulled away. Applejack continued to stare at him, while she felt relief and slight aggravation. "Still, I think it would be best if we finish for today, what do you say?" It took a couple of seconds for Applejack to react. "A-ah think so too." she stuttered and grabbed the handle of a bucket. "Let's go." They loaded up the remainder of the apples and then they left. Along the way they chatted some more, but the mare couldn't help but feel that something was wrong. "Trider?" she called out his name, stopping him in the middle of his sentence. He looked at her to see what she wanted. "Is something the matter?" Trider cocked his head. "No, why do you ask?" "Cause ya've been actin' strange ever since ya came back." Applejack said. "Lately you've been spendin' a lot of time with us." "What? You don't enjoy my company?" Trider said in a dramatic tone. "Applejack I cannot believe what my ears are hearing. How could you hurt me so?" "No, no that's not what ah meant, ah was just sayin'-" she stopped when she saw how hard Trider was trying to supress his laughter. "Oh, ha, ha. Ya've got me." she said in disdain. "But in all seriousness, it's really nice that ya're willin' to hang out with us, but usually ya only spend a part of the day not the entire day." "And not only that, but ya normally skedaddle as soon as we start doin' something that's not in yer interest." she pointed out. "But yesterday ya helped Rarity shop for the whole day and ya didn't complain. Well much at least. And the day before that ya went to Fluttershy's just to have tea time with her." "Man, was I really acting so out of character?" Trider asked, as he scratched his head. "Yer darn tootin'." Applejack exclaimed with a stomp of her leg. "And I know that ya wouldn't act like that unless ya had a good enough reason. Usually it would be for some sort of joke or prank, but even the way yer actin' is strange, so I'm certain ya have somethin' on your mind." She gave him a soft look and Trider couldn't help but sink into her emerald eyes. "Won't ya tell me what's wrong?" Trider was at a loss for words. He knew that Applejack was someone who could tell if a person was lying or not, but he didn't expect her to be so observant. He pondered if he should tell her, but in the end he chose not to. "Sorry AJ, but it's really nothing. I'm just a little tired from helping everyone." he lied. Applejack could tell immediatelly that wasn't being honest, but knowing him she knew that no matter how much she prodded she wouldn't get him to open up. "Fine." she sighed and hung her head in defeat. "But do know that ah'll always be here to listen to ya if somethin' troubles ya." Trider smiled at her offer and nodded his head. "I know. And that is one of the many reasons why you're my friend AJ." As soon as their conversation finished they arrived at the barn and soon afterwards they parted ways. The mare looked after his disappearing form, unable to shake the feeling that something wasn't right. "Have you ever thought about growing something else beside apples. I mean doesn't it get boooring growing the same thing every year?" Applejack immediatelly turned around when she heard someone speak and her expression quickly turned sour when she saw who it was. "What do ya want Discord?" she asked with a venomous tone. "My, my. Such a cold reception." the draconequus mused as he took a bite out of an apple. "You know on second thought, maybe you should stick to apples. These things are bombs." As soon as he said that he tossed the half eaten apple outside and it exploded. "Ah'll ask again, what do ya want Discord?" the mare repeated herself. "Ugh fine." Discord sighed and leaned in closer to Applejack. "I was just in the neighbourhood when I saw you and Trider hanging out. At first I thought I would join you, but then I chose not to seeing as how lovey-dovey you two were being." "We weren't bein' lovey-dovey. It was just two friends spendin' quality time together." Discord raised a brow and shot her a skeptical look. "Suuure. And I'm Celestia's maid." he said and began to float. "It is kinda ironic though, you are the Element of Honesty, yet you keep lying to yourself." "Excuse me?" Applejack said and shot him a dirty glare. "Nothing, nothing." he said, lifting his arms in defense. "But seriously anypony who would see the two of you would think you're a couple. I certainly got that impression." Applejack began to think about what Discord said, but she couldn't help but still worry about Trider's recent behaviour. She looked at Discord, thinking it might be a far fetch. "Discord?" she called his name, to which he simply turned his head, telling her he was paying attention. "Do ya know what's goin' on with Trider, why he's been actin' so strange fer these past few days?" Discord grinned, showing off his teeth and his one loose fang. "Oh my, what is this? Applejack are you asking me for help?" The mare glared at him, but eventually she sighed. "Yes." she grumbled under her breath. At her answer Discord took out a camera and hugged the mare. "Oh this one has to go into the scrapbook." he said, before pushing the button. The sudden flash temporarily blinded Applejack and once she could see again she saw Discord putting the picture into a large book. "I think I shall label this as 'The day when Applejack asked me, Discord, for help.'" he said and scribbled in the tome. Once he was done he teleported it back to where it was before and then he focused back on the mare. "As for your question, if I had to bet I think it probably had to do something with his transfer." "Transfer?" "Oh, didn't you know?" he said in a surprised tone. "Once somepony becomes a Guard they are obligated to serve for at least ten years in one of designated outposts." "Is that it? That doesn't sound so bad." the mare said in slight relief. "You do realise that Ponyville isn't registered as an outpost, right?" Discord said as he slithered behind the mare, placing his head on one of her shoulders. "And the only one that is closest is in Canterlot." Applejack was stunned and her eyes were open wide. "W-what?" she stuttered. "So that means he's gonna leave us?" "Indeed. For ten years." Discord affirmed. Applejack's legs began to shake and she was close to collapsing. "B-but still he can come visit us whenever he's free, right?" she said in hope. "Yes, for about a month in one year." the draconequus said as he looked through some documents. "But if we happen to go to war you'll probably not see him at all." "One month?!" she exclaimed. "Th-that can't..." she trailed off as she sat down on the floor. "We both know what Trider is like. He prefers to carry the weigth on his own shoulders, so that others don't have to be burdened by it." Discord said, as he sat down next to the mare. "He might have thought that if he didn't say anything he and you wouldn't be as hurt, if he told you about it." Applejack, still stricken with the news, mulled over his words. "That's just plain stupid. So he just wanted to be quiet and only say goodbye in the end. That is if he wanted to say farewell." "Didn't I say it, that's just how Trider is. If you'd look stupid in a dictionary you'd find the picture of Celestia, but if you looked the word idiot you'd find his wolf mug." Discord said. "I don't think he meant anything bad, it's just how he copes with hard situations." "I guess you're right." Applejack agreed. "Now only one question remains. What are you going to do?" Applejack thought hard and eventually only one thing came to her mind. "We're gonna give a farewell he deserves." she said and got up. "Thank you Discord." A sudden flash blinded her again and when her eyes readjusted she saw that the draconequues was once again placing a photo inside his scrapbook. "And this one will be titled 'Applejack thanks me for a job well done'. Two in one day, if I get another one I'll get a bingo." he said to no one in particular. Applejack just shook her head and left. She was determined and she knew what had to be done. But why did her chest hurt so much. The more she thought about it the more the pain intensified. Then out of nowhere the conversation she had with Discord sprang into her mind. "I guess I really do love him, huh?" she thought. Meanwhile in the barn, Discord watched as the mare quickly left the premise and he smiled wickedly. "I can't wait to see how all of this plays out. Especially when they come." He then snapped his fingers and was gone in a flash of light. *** Later that day, Trider was making his way through the town and towards the library. "Seriously Twi? Who in their right minds would need this much quills and parchments?" he grumbled under his breath. In his right hand he carried the bag that contained the materials the lavender mare had asked him to buy, while in his other was a box filled with doughnuts, that he picked up at Sugarcube Corner. Soon he arrived at the door of his home and he grasped the handle. He entered immediatelly and as soon as he stepped through he was bombarded with confetti and streamers. Numerous ponies jumped out of their hiding spaces and yelled. "SURPRISE!!!" Trider's reaction however wasn't what they'd expected. The Kanisar dropped the box and bag and shot a blast of Ki at the opposite wall, narrowly missing a stallion's head. Both sides looked at each other in surprise and for a few moments neither said or did anything. "Are you trying to get yourselves killed?!" Trider exclaimed, as he tried to steady his heartbeat. The ponies too calmed down at his outburst and the six mare plus Spike stepped forward. "Heh, sorry about that." Pinkie apologized. "I thought you'd like being surprised." "I'm not mad or anything, just try to think next time you want to surprise a person who has the power to obliterate people." Trider reassured her. Once he was completely calm he looked around and saw that a lot of ponies from the town were here and that the room was neatly decorated. "What's the occasion anyway?" he asked. "Duh, it's your farewell party." the pink mare answered. At first he tried to figure out what they were talking about until it dawned on him. "How did you find out?" he asked flabergasted. "Discord told me and ah told the girls." Applejack explained. "And when they found out we decided to throw ya this party, since we probably won't see ya for a very long time." Trider was at a loss for words. He kept looking at his friends and the party they prepared for him. "You didn't have to do this." he said keeping his head low. "All of this. Why would you do this?" "Because you're our friend." this time Twilight spoke. "We care very much for you and we know that you didn't want us to worry, so that's why you kept quiet. But did you think that that would be better. To just up and leave without telling us? No it wouldn't have been. It would just be worse." Trider didn't know how to respond. He lept staring at the girls, until a smile stretched across his face. "Yeah, guess you're right." he admitted. "Sorry for keeping it to myself and I'm sorry for being such a dumb idiot." The mares and Spike looked at him with sympathy. "Now how about we stop all this moping and get this party rocking, like we're supposed to?" At that everyone cheered and the music started playing and very soon everyone was completely engrossed in the celebration. The party continued late in the night and everyone was having a good time. "Trider?" The Kanisar stopped drinking his cider to address the one who called him. When he looked over his shoulder he saw it was Applejack. "Can I have a talk with you?" she asked, before she looked at the ponies around them. "In private?" "Sure thing." he replied and got out of his seat. "Don't be waiting too long guys, I'll be right back." he said to others, before he left and followed the mare. The two left the main room and headed upstairs. Once Applejack was sure they were alone she looked back at Trider. "So, what did you want to talk about AJ?" he asked. She gave him a sheepish look, as she took a deep breath. "It's alright. Yer alone and nopony is 'round. You can do this, just as you practised." she cheered herself. But all the confidence she had built up immediatelly shattered when she looked at him. She tried to utter a sentence, but it was for naught. "C'mon just tell him how you feel." "Aj? Are OK?" he asked in concern. His worried expression lifted some of the anxiety from her shoulders and she took another deep breath. "Here goes nothin'." she thought, before speaking. "Listen, yer probably gonna leave anytime soon aren't 'cha? And we ain't gonna see each other for a very long time. So I wanted to tell you something before you left." She paused to take a deep breath, before she continued. "Trider, when ah first met ya, ah didn't like ya, but ah was willin' to give ya a chance. And over time, the more we spent time together, the more ah came to see ya as a friend. But recently there has been this fellin' that ah've had. At first ah didn't know what it was and ah simply disregarded it. But after a lot of talkin' ah've some to a realisation of what it was." The two looked into in each others eyes and she could see how confusion slowly encased his face, while Trider saw a look of determination and want from her. "AJ, what are you-?" He was cut off when she pressed a finger to his lips. "Can you be quiet for now, please?" she pleaded and he nodded. She removed her finger and once again took another deep breath, gathreing her courage to say the next few words. "Trider ah-" She was interrupted when a powerful flash of light exploded from downstairs, which was followed by the music stopping abruptly and everyone gasping. Afterwards everything was silent with the exception of a few ponies talking to one another. "What the fuck is going on down there?" Trider wondered and walked over to the stairs. "Sorry AJ, can we finish our talk later?" "Uh, yeah sure." she replied in a slight daze. The two quickly made their way downstairs and the sight before them surprised them. In the middle of the room stood three figures, all of which the two were familiar with. "Celly, Lulu?" Trider said and jumped over the railing, down onto the floor. When they heard their names called the two sisters turned to the Kanisar, as did the third member of the party. "Rose?" "hey, long time no see Trider." the mare said and gave him a happy smile. "What are you guys doing here?" he asked. "We are here to talk about your future as a Royal Guard, Trider." Celestia said in a graceful tone. "However we were not expecting so many ponies to be present." "I apologize Princess, we threw a party for Trider and we were not expecting you to come." Twilight apologized with a nod. "No need to apologize Twilight." Celestia assured, lifting her head with her hand. "But I will have to ask everypony, with the exception of Twilight, her friends, Spike and Trider to leave, please." Without a word everyone left the library and the party was officially over. When the last pony left, everyone huddled closer together so that they could converse better. "Much better." the elder sister sighed. "Now then onto business. But before that." she said and looked at Trider. "Celly? Lulu? Since when have you started calling us like that?" "Dunno." he shrugged. "It just sort of came and I stuck with it. And I don't care what you say, I'm calling you that from now on." "Very well. Although I don't dislike it. In fact I think that it's perfect." she replied and giggled lightly. Then her expression became serious again. "Now then, before we veer of the subject, let's talk about your duty as a Royal Guard." "I know, I know." Trider sighed and scratched his head. "I guess it really is time then." "Trider." Twilight said and when he turned he saw all of his friends and the tears that welled in his eyes. "I just wanted to say, we're going to miss you." "Me too." They then hugged each other and the others joined in as well. "Pardon us, but is something wrong with Trider?" Luna asked, interrupting their embrace. "No, we're just saying goodbye." Spike explained. The two sisters and Rose looked at each other in confusion. "We can see that, but why?" "Well, he has to transfer to an outpost doesn't he? And the nearest outpost is in Canterlot, right?" Rainbow asked. Instead of answering their questions, the two princesses now had even more. "That would be correct, but that is not the case in this matter." Celestia said. Her statement threw the others into confusion as well. "Did you not receive my letter?" "What letter?" Twilight asked. All of a sudden Discord appeared in front of them in a flash of light. He held a cup of what they presumed was tea. "Oh hello." he greeted, before taking a sip. "Am I interrupting something?" "Yes in fact." Twilight scorned him. "Good." he said and summoned a recliner. "Don't mind me, just continue what you were doing." The other looked at him in annoyance and the spirit of chaos reveled in it. "Oh yeah, before it slips my mind." he said and pulled out an envelop. "It seems the mailmare got the mail mixed up and she delivered one of yours to my place." he said and handed it over to her. "Oh and I took the courtesy to look into it, like any good samaritan would." "Well at least we know what happened to the letter." the lavender mare grumbled and yanked the letter from Discord's grasp. "What did you write to me about anyway?" "Since we're already here, I presume it would be better if I just told you." Celestia said and levitated the envelop toward her. "As you're probably already aware Twilight has recently become a princess." she said to which everyone nodded. "Due to her new position me and my sister have had to make a choice. Either have Twilight come back to Canterlot, where she would be safe from any danger." "Or create a brand new outpost here in Ponyville. One which will serve under Princess Twilight Sparkle's command." Luna finished. The group couldn't believe what they were hearing. "Wait does that mean...?" "Yes. Trider can reamin here if he signs up for the job." Rose confirmed their hopes. In unison they all yelled out and went into a group hug. "Yes, yes, yes, yes." Twilight chanted rapidly, making small jumps in place. Eventually Trider broke free from the hug and went over to Celestia. "Celly, you're not so bad after all." he said and grinned. Celestia returned his smile, before she spoke. "You have Luna to thank for that. Although she wanted you to come to Canterlot, she was much more determined for you to stay with your friends." "Lulu." Trider said and faced the other sister. "I could just kiss you." Luna blushed furiously. "D-do not dare. E-even if you're a close friend I do not want you to do such an act." she yelled, stammering in between words. "Jezz, chillax, it's just an expression." Trider replied, rubbing his ears. "O-oh. Yes I was aware of that." the lunar princess said, her blush even redder than before. "This is great." Trider said joyfully. "But why are you here?" he asked, looking at Rose. "That is what we came here to talk about. Ponyville has already been signed up as an outpost, but in order for an outpost to operate it requires a minimum of five guards, one of which needs to be of Captain rank or higher." Celestia explained. "Wait, so does that mean that-?" "Correct." Rose said and gave a mock salute. "I am Rose Blade Captain of the Unicorn Division of the Solar Guard." Everyone stared at her in awe and she almost basked in the attention she was getting. "Wow." Trider uttered. "That' awesome, great job Rose." "Thank you." she thanked with a bow. "And I'm not the only one that has advanced. Dynamism also became a Corporal." "Really?" Trider said in astonishment. "Man you guys sure have improved in these past few months. How is the twerp doing anyway?" "You can ask her yourself once she comes." "Wait, she's coming here?" Trider asked. "Of course. We need at least five members remember. You, me and Dynamism make three and she is fetching the other guys as we speak." Rose explained. "Great. So the gang's back together. Plus a few new guys." Trider said in a merry tone. "They are not as new as you think they are." Luna chipped in. "What do you mean?" Trider asked, confused. "Me and my sister have decided that it would be best if you worked with somepony you had worked with before, so we decided to call in all of the members of your team while you were in the academy." Luna told him. "Really?" Trider said even more excited than before. "Wait, everyone?" His mood suddenly turned grim and he looked at Luna. "What do you mean by exactly everyone?" "As in everypony who were part of the team, you and the other three members." Luna explained. "You mean that lunatic will also be coming here?" Trider yelled, sweat starting to pour his face. "I-indeed." "Why? Tell me why Luna? What did I ever do to you?" He grabbed her shoulders and shook her back and forth. "I told Celestia about him and she said it would be better if the whole team was here, as well as stating it would benefit you to better your current relationship with him." the lunar princess elaborated. Trider immediatelly released her and glared at Celestia. "You!" he said, pointing a finger at her. "I take back every good thing I said about you." "I hope that will teach you how your actions impact those around you and yourself." she said with a smile that seemd innocent to the rest, but Trider saw the true wickedness behind it. "You damn bitch!" he thought and tightened his fists. "What are you guys talking about?" Rainbow asked the question which was on everyone's mind. "No time to explain." Trider said in a frightened tone. He ran over to Twilight and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Twi, I want you to teleport me as far away from here as you possibly can." "Wha- why?" she asked, her confusion growing with each second. "Don't ask quewstions woman, just do it before he-" He was interrupted when the doors to the library opened and in walked Dynamism. "Hi everypony, sorry I'm late I got kind of lost on my way here." she apologized and walked in. Right behind her was Ace, who looked around in slight fright. "Dynamism." everyone said and went in to greet their friend. The mare was assaulted with greetings and congratulations with her promotion. "Dyna it's great to see you again." "Spike, it's good to see you as we-we-" she trailed off as her eyes went over the drake's body. Her eyes were open and drool ran down her chin as she took in the dragon's new body. "Dyna, are you alright?" Spike asked, waving a hand in front of her. The mare didn't respond, instead she grabbed his arms and ran her hands across his muscles. "So big." she whispered. Suddenly she became aware that everyone was looking at her. She released Spike's arm and blushed. "Eh-heh, sorry about that. Just surprised how much you've changed." she lied, but Trider and Rose knew better. "How did you become like this?" "Long story, I'll tell all about it later." Spike said. "Excuse me." Ace said and nudged Rarity. When the mare turned around she shrieked in fright and levitated a few pillows at him. "Get away, get away, get away." she said rapidly. As Ace was being bombarded with soft ammunition, Trider grabbed Rarity and stopped her. "Rares chill, you're gonna hurt the guy." he said to her, trying to calm her down. "B-but he's a Diamond Dog." she said with a shaky voice. "Half Diamond Dog. Take a better look." The fashionista reluctantly turned around and saw that Trider was speaking the truth. "This is Ace Quickpaw. He was the team leader back at the academy." "H-hi." Ace greeted with a small wave of his hand. "Oh I am so very sorry." Rarity began to apologize. "I didn't know you were Trider's friend. If I'd known I wouldn't have-" "It's fine. No harm done." Ace assured her. "But I've never seen such a reaction. Did something happen in the past or...?" "A couple of incidents. In one she was foalnapped by the D-Dogs and the other her sister was almost enslaved by them." Pinkie explained. Ace's ears fell and he looked at her apologetically. "I'm so sorry. I didn't-" "No, no." Rarity stopped him. "It's not your fault and you're so much more civilzed than those ruffians." she said and smiled. "Hey." Applejack raised her voice so she could be heard. "Weren't there supposed to be three of ya? Where are the other two?" "They decided to check out some of the nearby pubs. They should be coming soon." Dynamism said and looked at the clock on the wall. "Great, that means I still ahve time." Trider said and quickly grabbed Twilight again. "Do it now before it's too-" "Trider my love I have arrived." "Too late." Suddenly the front door was blown open and in ran pink haired stallion. Everyone looked at him in surprise, with the exception of Trider who could only stare in terror. Once Whip's eyes landed on the Kanisar, a smile stretched all across his face, threatening to tear it in two. "There you are." he said and leapt at him. "I have retu-" Out of instinct Trider quickly turned around and kicked the stallion into a wall, embedding him deep into it. Everyone stared at him in shock. "Trider, what did you do?" Twilight said in horror. "AJ give me your rope so I can tie this fucker." Trider said hurriedly and extended his arm. "Wha? Why? Trider what's gotten into ya?" "Give me the damn rope, before-" "Triiider." Whip called out from the wall. Everyone's attention shifted to the stallion and they saw he was now standing in the room, his clothes torn i some places and blood seeping down his face. "Ever since I was told I would be coming here I've been waiting for our reunion. I've only imagined what it would be like." He took slow steps and with each his entire body shook. "But this, This is even better than I could've dreamed of." Suddenly he ripped his shirt off and lunged at Trider again. "Come and hold me mi amore." This time Trider dodged his assault and began to ran away from him. "Fuck off you maso freak!" he yelled. "Your cold shoulder makes me even more excited. Oh Trider you know exactly how to treat a stallion." "Fuck youuu!" The two continued to chase one another around the house, while others watched in shock, confusion and amusement. "The Tartarus is going on?" Dynamism asked what was on everyone's mind. "Just the usual." a new voice said. Everyone turned around and saw Frost standing in the doorway, looking at the scene with an unamused expression. "This is usual? How is this as usual?" Twilight said as she returned her attention back to the two men. "Well you see, Whip is kind of... Special." he paused to think of how to describe the stallion. "Special how?" Applejack asked with reluctance. "He's gay and a major masochist." Frost chipped in. "And he has had his eyes on Trider since day one. And you probably already know how Trider's like and the two together is an explosive combination." The group stared at the mare flabergasted. "Seriously?" Rainbow asked. "Uh-huh. Though it's usually much more tame than this." The two were still in a chase and were now knocking over various objects. "All right I've had enough." Twilight said and encased the two in her magic and levitated them over to her. "Oh thank you Twi." Trider said in absolute relief, while Whip stared daggers at her. "Excuse me we were in the middle of something." Whip said with disdain. "That's enough from both of you." she said and released trider while still keeping Whip suspended. "Excuse me Mr.?" "Whip Lash." "Whip Lash, but I'll have to ask you to refrain from assaulting Trider from now on." she said, to which Whip scoffed. "And you are?" At his question the mare extended her wings and took on a more royal tone. "I'm Twilight Sparkle. Princess Twilight Sparkle." Whip didn't react to her introduction, but he did acknowledge her title. "So you're the one we're going to be working for. I see." He then realxed his body and Twilight decided to let him down, much to Trider's chargrin. "My apologies your majesty, I shall do as you order." He then leaned in closer to her and whispered in her ear. "But don't think you can take my Trider away from me." With that he walked away, but he stopped when he noticed Spike. "Well, well, well. What do we have here?" he said as he approached the drake. But his advancement was stopped when Twilight stepped in front of him. "And here is my warning to you." she said and stared daggers at him. "Spike is my little brother. Touch one scale on his body and I will make sure that that masochism of yours will be removed for good." The two continued to stare at one another, until Whip sighed. "Fine, I can agree to that. At least I still have my Trider." he said with a dreamy smile. Twilight watched him as he approached Frost and Ace and once she was sure he was away enough she sighed. "I don't like that guy." she muttered. "Now then I think this will be enough for today." Celestia stated. "Tomorrow you already start your work, but until a proper station is built you won't have to do any official work, so you can just watch the perimeter for now." "Yes ma'am." they saluted. The two sisters stepped together, but before they teleported Celestia remembered something. "Oh yes, it almost slipped my mind. Since no barracks have yet been built and none of the guards have a booked a place to sleep, can I ask of you to accomodate until further notice." "Oh sure, we'll be more than happy. Right girls?" Twilight said and looked at her friends. They all nodded in agreement. "Then I call dibs on the library." Whip called out. "Oh hell no!" Trider said immediatelly. "If he's coming here I'm moving out. Pronto." "No need to worry Trider. Since me and Dynamism have stayed here before, we'll continue to do so." Rose said and gripped Trider's shoulder. "So you don't have to worry while you sleep." she said and winked. Trider gave her a thankful smile, while Whip looked like he wanted to strangle her. "Ah can take two more with me." Applejack said. "I'm sure granny and Big Mac will be more than happy to welcome some of you." "Who's Big Mac?" Whip asked with interest. "He's mah big brother." Applejack said with unsure tone. Whip pondered for a moment before he smiled. "I guess I can let this one slide." he said and shot Rose a dirty glare. "I'll be glad to be your guest Miss Jack." "Poor Mac. Well better him than me." Trider thought. "Don't worry. I'll come as well and make sure he's kept on a short leash." Frost said and gave Applejack a comforting smile. "Thanks." the cow-mare thanked. "That leaves Ace." Trider said. "Who wants to take him in." "Oh, oh, oh. Me, me, me." Pinkie said, as she jumped up and down, waving her hands. "I can totally convince Ms. and Mr. Cake to let him live there." "It's settled then." Twilight said and sighed. "Rose and Dynamism will live together with me like before. Whip and Frost go to Applejack's and Ace will stay with Pinkie." "Yay roomie." Pinkie said and hugged the dog-pony, suffocating him in her rack. "I guess that's that." Celestia said with a nod. "We'll be taking our leave then. I expect all of you to give it your all. Farewell." she said and the two sisters teleported back to Canterlot. "Well I guess we should head home as well." Rainbow yawned. "See you guys tomorrow." With that said she left the room and others followed soon. But before Applejack could leave Trider called after her. "Hey AJ." she stopped and looked at him. "What did you want to tell me before?" Applejack was caught off guard and she didn't know how to respond. "Don't worry." she said and smiled. "It was nothin' important." With that said she left and for some reason she felt uneasy.