'Before we begin this next chapter, I feel I must give you due warning: Everything from this point on involves events that occur quite recently. To be perfectly honest, I am writing them more-or-less as they happen, so don't expect any of my usual comments between the lines. Now that's out of the way, let us begin with the tale of our family's big move to the Everfree Forest, following our original mansion's destruction at the hooves of Black Knight Paladin. I call this chapter simply...'
Chapter Fourteen: A New Beginning
After a month or so of construction, the new mansion was complete. The brothers, their mares, and their fellow dons (with the notable exception of Zugzwang) had gathered for a celebratory tour.
"Thank you all for coming." Grimoire smiled, as they all stood in the foyer. "After everything that's happened, it warms my heart to be surrounded by such good friends."
"No prob, Grim." Crowe grinned. "We heard about that mess with Black Knight."
"Too bad about your old place." Zebediah added. "It was a great little house."
"Kinda drafty, if you ask me." Kamikaze snorted. "But this place looks... adequate."
"Mau fer kaga." Kong declared. "Sre torb viki."
Kong's newest translator, a pale green Unicorn with a red mane, brown eyes, and a speaker Cutie mark, stepped forward.
"Mr. Barrel wishes to express his admiration for you all." He stated. "He knows it cannot have been easy to 'out' yourselves like that."
"Well, the fate of Equestria, and maybe even the world, was at stake." Murray shrugged. "That kind of thing is really bad for business."
"Not to mention we had a personal stake in all that." Salt added. "One of Black Knight's flunkies was the stallion who killed Anarchy."
"Whoa, really?" Crowe gaped. "Twitch?"
"Yep." Vinnie nodded. "In the middle of all that mess, we finally managed to get our hooves on him."
"What did you do with him?" Zebediah asked.
"Let's just say we put him away." Lars declared.
"Yeah, some place where he won't be causing any problems." Sonny added.
"What, you didn't kill him?" Kamikaze snorted. "Gettin' soft, are we?"
"Believe me, we wanted to." Grimoire said darkly. "But we decided on giving him a fate worse than death."
"It was my idea, actually." Caboose said proudly.
"A great idea, if you ask me." Daring smiled.
"Suit yourselves." Kamikaze sneered. "If it were me, I'd have sliced that jerk Twitch to ribbons."
"That's pretty much your answer to everything, isn't it?" Crowe frowned.
"And your point is?" Kamikaze shrugged.
"Anyway, let's begin the tour." Grimoire smiled.
"An excellent idea, my love." Zecora declared. "Let us start with the ground floor, then go above."
"Ger tok falma." Kong said suddenly.
"One moment, please." The translator told them. Lighting up his horn, he brought in a small cart from outside. "Mr. Barrel gets tired easily."
"I'll bet he does." Berry snorted, glancing at Kong's massive gut.
Kong struggled into the cart, then nodded to his translator.
"We're all set." The translator smiled.
The group started moving through the mansion, though Slot seemed to be lagging behind.
"Come on Slot, hurry it up." Vinyl urged. "I don't wanna miss anything!"
"Yeah, yeah..." Slot muttered, as he sped up slightly.
"As you can see, we had the builders try and make this new mansion as similar to the original as possible." Lars declared. "Note the faux-Roaman architecture."
"Nice." Crowe nodded. "Must've cost a pretty penny."
"Oh, we spared no expense." Grimoire declared. "This place isn't just a home, it's a homage to our ancestral abode."
"Oh, that is beautiful, right there." Zebediah gushed. "You're a beautiful stallion, my friend."
"Suck-up." Vinny said under his breath.
After looking through the ground floor, the group went up to the upper floor (the translator having to use every ounce of his magic to get Kong up the stairs). As they continued their tour, Slot suddenly noticed something.
"Wait a sec." He frowned. "Where are all the bedrooms? Instead of like, six bedrooms, there are only studies and washrooms and everything. Seriously, what up?"
"Well, we don't really need so many rooms." Grimoire declared.
"Yeah." Sonny nodded. "Grim and Zecora may be living here, but the rest of us are moving in with our gals, those of us who haven't already, that is."
"And I, for one, can't wait." Bon-Bon nuzzled him.
"It's part of our little sabbatical, remember?" Lars pointed out.
"Yeah, about that." Crowe chimed in. "Exactly how long is this 'sabbatical' going to last?"
"You've already been practically out of commission for the past couple of weeks." Zebediah pointed out. "Rumors are flying around about you guys throwing in the towel."
"If they are, I call dibs on Bitaly." Kamikaze smirked.
"Gla bef tuk." Kong growled.
"Mr Barrel says 'no dibs'." The translator declared.
"There's no need for concern." Grimoire declared. "We're still going to be active. Just... not as much as before. And we'll still be having our regular meetings."
"Oh, joy." Kamikaze scowled.
"Glad to hear it." Crowe smiled. "It'd be a shame to lose such fine mafiosoes. The world needs crooks like you guys."
"Oh, go on." Murray said humbly.
Slot scowled, still focusing on the lack of rooms. Vinyl looked on in concern.
After the tour was complete, the brothers bid farewell to their guests.
"Well, this was a ton of fun." Crowe admitted. "Good luck, guys... with everything."
"Thanks, Crowe." Grimoire smiled.
"Maybe you could give me the name of your builders?" Zebediah asked. "They did great work here, and I've been looking to spruce up the old homestead."
"It's 'Hammer & Saw Architects'." Salt told him. "34th street in south Roame. Tell 'em we sent you."
"Jeez, I cannot wait to get home." Kamikaze groaned. "No offense, but I've got better things to do than spend time in some backwoods countryside. Time I got back to civilisation..."
"Always a pleasure having you, Kami..." Sonny said sarcastically.
"Fee fau sinka gava." Kong declared.
"Mr Barrel... would like..." The translator wheezed, exhausted from dragging his boss everywhere. "...Would like to thank you again... for inviting him to..."
"You okay, pal?" Murray asked. "You don't look so good..."
"I'm fine..." The translator insisted. "I just need to catch my-agh!"
The stallion clutched his chest, and collapsed.
"Whoa!" Vinny yelped.
"Is he-?" Lyra gaped.
Redheart placed a hoof on the stallion's neck, checking for a pulse.
"He's dead." She diagnosed. "Of chronic exhaustion."
"Ho-hoh!" Kamikaze snorted. "Another one bites the dust, huh, Kong?"
Kong rolled his eyes irritably.
After bidding farewell to their guests, the brothers decided to stay the night, so they could hammer out how they were going to conduct business from then on.
"...It'll be tricky, conducting business from over here in Ponyville..." Sonny admitted.
"No kidding." Slot nodded. "And with our..." He stroked Redheart's pregnant belly. "...other commitments, we can't just go over to Bitaly willy-nilly."
"We're definitely going to have to appoint a few intermediaries." Lars declared. "Some of our most trusted operatives, like Big Guns, Carapace, and Gregory, for example."
"You think they'll be able to handle the responsibility?" Salt asked.
"They've never let us down in the past." Murray declared.
"Besides, it's better than nopony." Vinny pointed out.
"I'm sure they'll be able to handle things if we're unable to." Grimoire nodded.
"What do you think, Slot?" Caboose asked.
"Whatever." Slot huffed. "I think I'm gonna turn in. It's been a long day. That bed in the spare room better be comfy..."
Vinyl followed Slot out into the hall.
"You sure you're okay, Slot?" She asked.
"I'm fine." Slot huffed.
"It doesn't sound like you're fine." Vinyl observed.
"It's nothing, okay?" Slot growled, before catching himself. "I just... need a little alone time. Think you can give me that?"
"Okay, sure." Vinyl sighed. "But I'm here if you need me."
"I know." Slot gave her a half-hearted nuzzle. "See you tomorrow, babe."
"Yeah, see ya..." Vinyl sighed, as Slot walked away.
The next morning, everypony was eating breakfast. Slot was the last to arrive.
"Morning, Slot." Grimoire acknowledged him.
"Early start for you today, huh?" Murray playfully chided him. "Normally, we're lucky to see you up before noon."
"Knock it off, Murray." Slot scowled. "I'm not in the mood."
"Ooohhh." Vinny snorted. "Who rattled your cage?"
"I said I'm not in the mood." Slot growled.
"Lay off him, guys." Grimoire urged.
"Okay, whatever." Vinny shrugged.
"Let's talk about that coffer of money we brought with us." Salt declared. "I, for one, want to make sure we all get a fair share."
"Some of us need that money more than others." Vinny pointed out. "We don't all have cushy jobs running restaurants and working as teachers at some fancy school."
"Maybe, but we'll need it to buy some new homes for ourselves." Sonny countered.
"If you're passing out money, can I have some?" Caboose asked.
"No." Lars shook his head.
"But why?" Caboose pouted.
"Because you don't need it." Murray pointed out. "You've already got a life, and a well-paid job of your own."
"And your point is?" Caboose asked.
"If anypony shouldn't be getting that much money, it oughta be Slot." Vinny sneered. "He'd probably just gamble it away, like he did with that stash we picked up in Las Pegasus a few years back."
"Again with that." Slot growled. "Don't you idiots see there's more important things to worry about than money?"
"Seriously?" Salt scoffed. "What's poor little Slot worried about?"
"Everything, okay?!" Slot suddenly yelled.
"Say what?" Sonny asked.
"Unlike you guys, I don't want to move to Ponyville!" Slot bellowed. "Or live with some mare!"
"What?!" Vinyl gasped, shocked. "I-I thought-"
"No offense, babe." Slot apologized. "I love being with you, but... this place isn't my home. I can't live here, and nopony can make me!"
"Listen to you." Lars said contemptuously. "Throwing a tantrum like a spoiled child."
"Oh, yeah." Slot spat. "Is it really 'throwing a tantrum' if I'm the only one the least bit upset about how all our lives just took a massive detour? I was happy in Bitaly! Happy in our family home! But now it's gone, and my life is ruined!"
"You think you're the only one upset about this?" Grimoire asked. "We all are!"
"Even me, and I don't even live with you guys anymore!" Caboose added.
"But we're all coping." Grimoire continued. "I suggest you do the same, but I will not stand for you making a scene during the first use of my new kitchen."
"...Fine." Slot snarled, turning and leaving the kitchen.
"Slot!" Vinyl yelled.
"Let him go." May told her. "It's not like he's open to reason right now..."
"Honestly, he's the last of us I figured would lose it like that." Murray added.
"Ah, he's just pitching another fit." Salt shrugged. "Give him some time, and he'll cool off."
"He always does." Sonny added.
"I hope you're right..." Vinyl frowned.
"Of course we are." Vinny smirked. "We're his brothers, aren't we?"
"Just give him a little space." Sonny told Vinyl earnestly. "Slot's temper flares easily, but it always simmers down eventually."
"If you say so..." Vinyl sighed.
However, it turned out it wasn't as simple as that. Slot spent all day avoiding everypony. The next day, when they were all preparing to leave, Vinyl suddenly rushed into the foyer, distraught.
"Guys, there's trouble!" She yelled. "Slot, he... he..."
"He what?" Daring asked. "Come on, girl, out with it!"
"He's gone!" Vinyl yelled. "I was looking in the spare room, and I found this." She brought out a piece of paper.
"What th-?" Grimoire frowned, examining the writing. "'Dear guys, I can't take this any more. I'm going home.'"
"Oh, jeez." Murray shook his head. "You don't think he's..."
"No doubt." Salt nodded.
"He's done some stupid things before, but-" Lars said despairingly.
"He must be drunk." Vinny scowled.
"We'd better go get him." Sonny sighed.
"Oh, yeah!" Caboose cheered. "Road trip!"
"Sorry ladies, but we have a mess to sort out." Grimoire sighed.
"Sorry, May." Murray declared. "I know you wanted us to go back to Ponyville together..."
"It's alright, Murray." May smiled supportively. "I understand."
"We all do." Redheart grinned. "Family matters are important. We'll be fine, trust me."
"I always do." Salt declared.
"Don't be gone too long, though." Lyra told Lars.
"I won't." Lars smiled.
"You neither." Bon-Bon told Sonny. "I got this new recipe I'm dying for us to try together."
"Can't wait." Sonny chuckled.
"I'll keep a bottle held back for when you return." Berry told Vinny.
"Thanks, babe." Vinny grinned.
"Here, you go, running off again." Daring mock-chided Caboose. "I don't why I put up with this."
"Because you love me." Caboose kissed her.
"Oh yeah, that's right." Daring chuckled.
"Safe travels, my darling." Zecora told Grimoire. "I shall wait diligently for the doorbell to ring."
"Love you too, 'Cora." Grimoire kissed her.
"Just bring Slot back, okay?" Vinyl asked. "I miss that big lug."
"Oh, we will." Murray said confidently.
"Even if we have to drag him back here." Salt added.
"Napoleons... away!" Caboose yelled. Everypony stared at him. "...No? Just trying it on..."
One carriage ride later, the brothers landed in Roam.
"So, how are we going to find Slot?" Murray asked.
"Good question." Grimoire admitted. "We'll check in at the police station, ask Anous if his boys have seen anything."
"Good idea." Sonny smiled. "Since we got that pardon, it shouldn't be too much trouble to just go in and ask."
The brothers rushed over to the station.
"We'd like to see Sergeant Anous, please." Grimoire announced.
"Wish granted." Anous announced as he entered the room. He was getting on in years; he had a prominent gut, a heavily-lined face, and gray streaks in his mane. "Funny, I was about to drop you boys a line. I just got word that somepony's been spotted skulking around the ruins of your mansion."
"Really?" Salt asked.
"You don't think it's-" Lars started.
"Rubble thieves?" Caboose growled. "Lousy scum, trying to take some of our remaining pieces of mansion..."
"I was thinking more along the lines of Slot." Lars sighed.
"Thanks for the tip, Anous." Grimoire smiled. "We'll take it from here."
"Don't mention it." Anous nodded. "Good to see you again."
"Okay boys, let's move!" Caboose declared. "If we're fast, we can get to Slot and stop those rubble robbers!"
Pausing only to roll their eyes, the brothers set off to the site of their former home, only stopping once they were outside the ruins of their mansion.
"Oh, jeez..." Vinny frowned. "It's worse than I remember..."
"I suppose we didn't really have time to let it sink in before." Lars shrugged. "What with our injuries, and the fate of Equestria hanging in the balance."
"Hey, look!" Sonny pointed. "There he is!"
Not too far away, Slot sat in the charred remains of what was once the family room, swigging his way through a bottle of wine.
The brothers rushed over.
"There you are!" Caboose smiled. "You've had us worried sick!"
"Whatever." Slot belched.
"What is that swill you're drinking?" Vinny grimaced. "A Napoleon has no business sullying his lips with that garbage!"
"Forget the drink." Grimoire frowned. "Slot, what exactly do you think you're doing here?"
"Just leave me alone." Slot groaned.
"No can do, little bro." Salt declared. "We're family, remember?"
"Which means we're not going anywhere until you tell us what's up." Murray smiled.
"...Okay, fine." Slot sighed. "It's just... well... this!" He gestured all around them.
"The sky?" Caboose frowned.
"No, the mansion!" Slot yelled. "We lost our home, guys! The place we all grew up in!"
"We're aware of that." Lars frowned. "And we're moving on from it."
"And that's another thing." Slot frowned. "Everything's been changing ever since. You guys are all going your separate ways. How can we be a family when we're all living so far apart?"
"We'll manage." Sonny shrugged. "Most families do."
"Look, I... I don't if I can." Slot sighed. "I just handle the idea of not being close to where pop's ashes were scattered, and how I'll never get to wake up with my bros again..."
"Huh, didn't think you cared about that sort of thing." Murray remarked.
"Well I do, okay?" Slot yelled. "But that's not all. What if I can't fit in with this 'new life' thing? You know how I am. I stick out more than any of you, even Caboose. And if things go wrong, I won't have my brothers or anypony I know to turn to."
"I understand what you're feeling, Slot." Grimoire comforted him. "It can be a little overwhelming, making your own way in the world."
"It is." Slot sighed.
"But you know something?" Grimoire smiled. "While we may not be living under the same roof any more, we will always be there for each other, and we'll always make to visit each other, because love knows no distance."
"Okay, now you're starting to sound like a pansy." Slot chuckled lightly.
"And don't forget, you'll have Vinyl by your side." Grimoire continued. "And I'm sure that in time, you'll find others to call friends, and new interests to pursue. And before you know it, Vinyl's home will feel like your home too."
"You really think so?" Slot frowned.
"I know so." Grimoire said proudly. "Because you are Manslaughter Napoleon. You've never given up on anything before, so why start now?"
"I've been a real idiot, haven't I?" Slot grimaced.
"Not any more than usual." Lars joked.
"But we can't really blame you." Vinny sighed, glancing around the ruins of their former home. "We spent most of our lives here, and now it's gone."
"Yeah, those were some good times..." Murray reminisced.
It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again
The past...
The twelve-year-old Murray was performing his target practice in the back yard. He scored two bullseyes in a row.
"Booyah!" He whooped.
A quiet applause sounded from behind him. Murray turned to see Anarchy.
"Nice shooting, bro." Anarchy declared.
"Ah, it was nothing." Murray smiled.
"Don't ever say that." Anarchy told him. "That talent of yours is what makes you you. Don't ever take it for granted, you hear?"
"Okay, sure." Murray shrugged.
"Want a shooting match?" Anarchy asked. "I'm not as good as you, but I can give it my best... shot."
"I hope you shoot better than you joke, bro." Murray snickered.
"Just wait and see..." Anarchy chuckled.
The present...
"I see what you're getting at." Salt smiled. "Even the smallest of things seem like such happy memories."
Damn, who knew?
All the planes we flew
Good things we've been through
That I'll be standing right here talking to you
About another path
I know we loved to hit the road and laugh
But something told me that it wouldn't last
Had to switch up
Look at things different see the bigger picture
Those were the days
Hard work forever pays
Now I see you in a better place
The past...
A teenage Salt was in the gym, working on the punching bag. He had been punching it for an almost an hour, and was covered in sweat as a result. As he paused to take a breath, Bonnie came in.
"I brought you some cookies, dear." Bonnie smiled, carrying a plate full of them.
"Cookies?" Salt snorted. Seriously, mom? I'm working out here!"
"I remember you used to love these when your were little." Bonnie gushed. "And I'm sure it won't affect your precious regiment if you have just one..."
"Okay, fine." Salt shrugged. "Just one."
Salt grabbed one cookie, and took a bite.
"Mmm." He grinned. "Tastes as good as I remember. You've still got it, mom."
"Thanks, sweetheart." Bonnie chuckled. "Now you can get back to beating up that bag. I'll leave you a few cookies, just in case you want more."
"Thanks, mom." Salt smiled, as Bonnie set down the plate and left the room.
The present...
"Good old mom." Salt chuckled.
"Yeah..." Lars smiled. "But dad was no slouch in the parental support area, either..."
How could we not talk about family when family's all that we got?
Everything I went through you were standing there by my side
And now you gonna be with me for the last ride
The past...
In Clyde's study, Lars had just finished completing the year's taxes.
"And... done." He declared, handing the finished papers over to Clyde.
"I don't know what I'd do without you, son." Clyde smiled, as he looked over the papers. "You crunch numbers like nopony I've ever known."
"Well, it isn't exactly top marksmanship, or knowing how to beat ponies up..." Lars said modestly.
"We all have our parts to play in this family." Clyde told him. "And you play yours well, son."
"Thanks, dad." Lars beamed.
The present...
"We sure did have some great times here." Sonny chuckled. "Especially when we were together..."
It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again
The past...
The family (pre-Caboose) sat in the dining room. Sonny emerged from the kitchen, carrying a glorious-looking cake.
"Ta-daaa!" He declared. "Double chocolate gateau, anypony?"
"Whoa." Slot gaped. "You made this?"
"Don't sound so surprised." Slot frowned, as he cut up the cake. "Okay, dig in, everypony!"
The family all started eating the cake.
"Oh, wow." Bonnie smiled. "You've outdone yourself, Sonny!"
"This is the tastiest thing I've ever put in my mouth." Anarchy grinned.
"Your best work yet." Grimoire agreed.
"A triumph." Lars agreed.
"Awesome!" Vinny grinned.
"Eh, not bad." Slot shrugged.
"Nice job, son." Clyde agreed.
"Thanks, everypony." Sonny gushed.
The present...
"Yeah, I made my first batch of wine here..." Vinny grinned.
First you both go out your way
And the vibe is feeling strong
And what's small turn to a friendship
A friendship turn into a bond
And that bond will never be broken
And the love will never get lost
And when brotherhood come first
Then the line will never be crossed
Established it on our own
When that line had to be drawn
And that line is what we reach
So remember me when I'm gone
The past...
After spending two days in the cellar, Vinny emerged with a bottle of wine.
"Here it is, guys!" He smiled. "Who wants to try it?"
The brothers looked at each other warily.
"Come on?" Vinny pleaded. "Anypony?"
"I'll try it." Grimoire stepped forward.
"That's the ticket." Vinny smiled, pouring Grimoire a glass. Grimoire downed the liquid. "Well?"
"It's... delicious." Grimoire declared.
"Wait, really?" Slot frowned. "Let me try!"
"And me!" Sonny added.
"Relax, guys, there's plenty for everypony." Vinny chuckled.
The present...
"Yeah, that was some great wine." Vinny chuckled.
"Okay, my turn for a flashback!" Caboose yelled.
How could we not talk about family when family's all that we got?
Everything I went through you were standing there by my side
And now you gonna be with me for the last ride
The past...
The ten-year-old Caboose stood at the top of the main staircase, carrying a long tray, the front doors wide open.
"Cowabunga!" He whooped, sliding down the stairs on the tray.
Caboose slid down on the floor and skidded through the door. The tray struck a rock, and he was sent flying into a bush.
"Master Caboose, are you alright?" The gardener asked.
"Alright? I'm awesome!" Caboose cheered. "I wanna do that again!"
The present...
"Seriously?" Slot frowned. "That's your favorite memory about this place?"
"Hey, it was a great ride." Caboose chuckled. “And besides, I also have this other memory!”
The past...
The brothers and their mares were all gathered together. The mares had just come to terms with the Napoleons revealing their criminal lives to them, and Daring had just dropped another bombshell
"Caboose, you're going to be a father." Daring declared.
As the brothers and mares showed their surprise and joy at the news, Caboose's mind starting to go into overload at the implications of Daring's words.
'Me, a dad?' He thought. 'That means being at the birth, providing for the foal, playing with it, changing diapers, birthday parties taking it to school, its first Nightmare Night, being there for graduation, marriage, being a grandfather...'
Caboose's brain started racing over all the possibilities.
'So many milestones...' He thought. 'All for my little bundle of joy. I'll be there for all of them... This is the greatest thing that's ever happened to me!'
"YEAH!" Caboose bellowed, raising his hooves to the air. "I'm going to be a dad! Woo-hoo! Alright! Oh, yeah! Whoot, whoot! Yay! Yay! Yay! I'm so hap-"
Caboose suddenly keeled over.
"Caboose.exe has encountered an error. Processing." He said, the monotone returning.
"Is he alright?" May asked Daring.
"He'll be fine." Daring smiled. "He just needs time to reboot."
The present...
"Oh, yeah." Vinny smirked. "I remember that."
"You were conked out all night!" Sonny nodded.
"It was the best time being conked out of my life." Caboose sighed happily.
"Well, I got plenty of great memories too." Slot declared. "And not quite as crazy..."
So let the light guide your way, yeah
Hold every memory as you go
And every road you take will always lead you home, home
The past...
The family were throwing a Slot a birthday party. The colt was in hismid-teens.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!" The family cheered.
"Thanks, guys." Slot smiled. "This is great."
"It's your special day, little bro." Murray ruffled his mane. "You deserve it."
"Wait, there's somepony missing." Grimoire realized. "Where's..."
From out of nowhere, the five-year-old Caboose raced into the room, leaping on Slot's back.
"Happy birthday, big bro!" Caboose hugged Slot's neck. "I love you!"
"Yeah, thanks, squirt." Slot smiled. "Now could you ease up on the hug? You're choking me!"
"With love!" Caboose cheered.
"Seriously..." Slot started to gag. "I can't breathe..."
The present...
"Yes, the best memories are ones you share with those you love." Grimoire chuckled. "I remember this one night..."
It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again
When I see you again
When I see you again
The past...
It was night in Bitaly. Grimoire was working on some documents when Sandy entered.
"Hi, Sandy." Grimoire sat up. "What's up?"
"A certain filly wants to say goodnight." Sandy smiled.
Dusty raced into the room, jumping into her father's arms.
"Night, daddy!" She giggled.
"Good night, my precious girl..." Grimoire kissed her on the forehead.
"Okay, little miss." Sandy chuckled. "You've said 'goodnight', now it's time for bed."
"Okay, mommy." Dusty yawned, climbing out of Grimoire's arms.
Grimoire watched them leave with a broad smile on his face.
The present...
"Such happy memories..." Grimoire sighed. "But we don't need a building to keep them alive, as long as we hold on to them in our hearts."
"Ready to go, Slot?" Murray asked.
"...Yeah." Slot nodded. "I think I am."
"This old place really did hold a lot of memories." Salt smiled.
"And a lot of special ponies." Lars added. "Anarchy..."
"Dad..." Murray grinned.
"And Sandy." Grimoire finished. "This was their home, too. And in their honor, we'll keep its memory alive just like we do theirs."
"We sure will." Caboose smiled.
"Come on, guys." Slot declared. "Let's go find our new homes."
"That's the spirit, bro." Vinny patted Slot on the back.
The brother departed from the ruins of their former home, their future in sight.
After returning to their new mansion, they packed for their new lives. They then travelled to the Ponyville train station, where they would bid farewell to Caboose, Sonny, Lars, and Vinny.
"You guys take care of yourselves, okay?" Salt urged.
"You know it." Vinny grinned.
"New horizons await us." Lars declared. "Though apprehensive, I know in my heart that this is the most apropos way to go."
"You took the words right out of my word." Caboose smiled.
"Bye, guys." Sonny smiled sadly.
"Good luck to you all." Grimoire declared.
"Come and visit soon." Murray told them.
"Sooner than soon." Slot added.
"Of course." Sonny chuckled. "We're family, aren't we?"
All too soon, the train arrived, and the four brothers departed for Canterlot. The others left the train station, and kept walking until they reached a crossroad.
"Guess this is it." Slot sighed. "See ya around, guys."
"Good luck." Murray sighed.
"Happy trails." Salt added.
"Don't forget, we'll always be family, no matter how far apart we are." Grimoire smiled.
As the four parted ways, Slot glanced back trying hard not to cry.
"You'll always be with me." He sniffed. "No matter how far apart we are, you'll always be in my heart."
Over time, the brothers settled into their new lives. Murray made a good showing of being May's bodyguard.
At one point, May was holding a press conference.
"...And that is all I have to say on the matter." May declared. "Any further questions?"
"Yes, madam mayor, if you would..." One stallion stepped forward.
Murray suddenly tackled him.
"Murray!" May yelled.
"He was brandishing a weapon!" Murray declared.
"You mean that pen?" May frowned.
The disgruntled stallion held aloft his pen.
"Whoops." Murray cringed.
Salt, when he wasn't training ponies to fight, was looking after the pregnant Redheart.
"Feel that kicking." He grinned, as he placed his hoof on her stomach. "This little guy's gonna be a real fighter."
"Or girl." Redheart pointed out.
"Or girl." Salt agreed, “But let’s not get him confused.”
"Of course not." Redheart chuckled. "It'd be bad for her."
"Oh, stop." Salt nudged her playfully.
In Canterlot, the other four brothers were doing well. They would often meet in the Blazin' Blues bar (which Vinny part-owned) to talk about things.
"So, how's the restaurant going?" Vinny asked.
"Just peachy." Sonny chuckled. "Bon-Bon's been giving me lots of great ideas."
"What can I say? We make a great team." Bon-Bon smiled.
"So do we." Lyra nuzzled Lars. "Our research into humans is really coming along."
"We've made some quite interesting discoveries." Lars declared.
"Found anything out about the rubble thieves?" Caboose asked.
"The what?" Daring frowned.
"It's a long story." Lars sighed.
"How about another round of drinks, honey?" Berry asked.
"Coming right up, babe." Vinny smiled.
Even Slot found his way, working as a roady for Vinyl's tours. One night, they sat in Vinyl's tour bus together.
"I'll admit, I was worried." Slot announced. "But this really wasn't as bad as I thought it was. I love my new life."
"Glad to hear it." Vinyl nuzzled him. "Nothing makes me happier than seeing my guy happy."
"And I love you, gorgeous." Slot grinned. "Can't believe I almost passed up spending every day with you..."
"We all do crazy things sometimes." Vinyl pointed out. "Good thing we've got family to point us in the right direction."
"Oh, yeah." Slot nodded. "And right now, I'm thinking we direct each other to bed."
"You read my mind." Vinyl chuckled.
'And that was the story of our family going more or less our separate ways. Though we're still dedicated to our organisation, we have other things to occupy our minds, like our beloved mares. The loss of our family home hit us all hard, especially Slot. But we all learned that it's not a house that makes a home, or a family. Home is where you're happy, and it's the bonds between us that make us a family. Those bonds will link me and my brothers together for as long as we live, and beyond.'
In the present, Grimoire finished writing up the chapter in his new study. As he lowered his quill, he looked over to one of the few items to have survived the destruction of the old mansion; A photograph of himself, his brothers, Sandy and a five-year-old Dusty.
"Ah, memories." He smiled, a tear dropping from his eye. "I'll never forget the good times we had in that old place, not as long as I have reminders like this..."