Twilight stared at the letter in front of her.
Dear BBBFF,
Sorry I don't write more often, royal duties can be a real pain sometimes. I hope you and Cadence are managing well in the Crystal Empire. I myself am finally starting to get used to the idea that I'm a princess, and I finished mapping out all the rooms in my castle. It would be great if you and Cadence could visit, with all the secret passageways and slides we could have a big game of hide-and-seek tag like we did when we were kids.
Unfortunately, inviting you over isn't the only reason I'm writing this letter. I also have some bad news. Nothing bad happened to me or my friends, but I uncovered a lie in history. A lie about Laughing Light. The truth is, she never existed. She was created to cover up the real war hero of the Changeling War: Cackling Lightning.
Cackling Lightning was not a shield mage, she was a highly skilled Electromancer. At some point in the war changelings killed everypony she cared about, and she was consumed with a lust for revenge. She went on numerous killing sprees against the changelings (usually with some military backup) and that's why there were so few pony casualties. Eventually she openly admitted that she was simply addicted to killing changelings because the second she stopped killing was the second she'd have to acknowledge what she'd become. She apparently committed suicide shortly after the war.
Despite her bloodlust Cackling Lightning was still considered the war hero who was the reason so many soldiers got to come home. It was thought that she would inspire ponies to develop similar methods of resolving conflict, i.e. killing. Laughing Light was created to inspire ponies to work towards peaceful means of resolving conflict. Something I believe you do exceedingly well.
I'm telling you all of this because I'm planning on publishing the information I've found about Cackling Lightning. I can't allow a historical lie of this scale to continue existing in good conscience. I thought I could break it to you a little easier than if you'd just read about it in the news.
I'm sorry about your hero Shining Armor, but I do believe that you've become a great stallion by being inspired by her.
I'm here in Ponyville if you need to talk.
With love and apologies,
Twilight
It was her fourth draft, and it was no better than her first. She'd left out the fact that Celestia was the one lying about it, the lie itself was already causing enough drama. But that didn't change the fact that telling her brother that his hero was a lie was going to hurt him, and a lot of other ponies once she published War on Changelings.
Twilight sighed, and looked out a window. The sun was setting.
The letter's not going to get any better no matter how many times you rewrite it, you've stalled for long enough.
Twilight took a deep breath, then placed the letter in an envelop and brought it to her mailbox.
Please be alright Shining
She placed the letter in the mailbox then trotted inside to prepare for bed.
Celestia was sitting in her room, not reading the novel she had open in front of her. It was rather frustrating, she needed to get her mind off things after the awful day she had. Twilight and Luna pledging their support to Brawler was just the tip of the iceberg. After Luna returned she'd avoided Celestia all day, only appearing at dinner because of tradition. Even then, all of Celestia's attempts to make conversation were either met with curt, conversation ending answers, or silence. The last time Luna acted like this was in the weeks before she had given into Nightmare Moon. Celestia was confident that her sister wouldn't fall into darkness again, but Luna's behavior dredged up a lot of painful memories and Celestia couldn't help but feel that she was losing her all over again.
Celestia grit her teeth.
Gods damn you, Brawler.
He was endangering her precious subjects, corrupting her former student and her friends, robbing away her sister, and worst of all, dragging three innocent fillies into darkness. This was EXACTLY why Celestia locked Fighters away in the first place, to prevent them from turning her kingdom into a land pointless violence.
Gods damn every Fighter who had the gall to live here, and claim that they had a place in a kingdom of peace.
Celestia set her book down, her mind was too occupied for reading, and walked to her balcony. She looked up at the night sky, Luna had once again done a beautiful job. The stars twinkled like diamonds and the moon glowed with a silver hue. During Nightmare Moon's banishment Celestia had had to take charge of the night sky, and she could never come close to Luna's work. She gazed at her sister's beautiful moon, and the accusation rang through her head once more.
BY BETRAYING EVERYTHING WE EVER STOOD FOR!
Celestia shuddered. Had she truly fallen away from the virtues of harmony? Her treatment of Fighters was more than harsh after all.
They forced my hoof. Threats to my subjects must be dealt with. If it is possible to show adversaries the way of harmony then every effort should be made to do so. I have tried to guide Fighters to harmony but they brush me off and continue their barbaric ways. Hurting the ponies around them in the process.
These self-reassurances calmed the doubts in her mind, but did not expel them. Celestia sighed, and trotted back to her bed. She still had a kingdom to run, and sleep deprivation wouldn't help her quell the nagging doubts in her mind. So with a sigh, Celestia laid down on her bed, and drifted into an uneasy sleep.
Scootaloo felt something shaking her awake.
"Go away," she mumbled as she rolled away.
"Ah come on Scoot, I come back a day early and thats the thanks I get?"
"Ace?" Scootaloo rolled back toward the voice and cracked her eyes open. Sure enough, her foster father, Ace Contract, was standing beside her bed. Ace was a tan earth pony with a dark blue mane and tail. His Cutie Mark was a piece of parchment with squiggles and a miniaturized official wax seal at the bottom. He currently didn't have any cloths on, which meant he was planning to stay for at least a few days.
Scootaloo sat up, then groaned in pain.
"Scoot? What's wrong?" asked Ace.
"Nothing," Scootaloo grunted, she reached back and rubbed the base of her wings. "Just sore. Did a lot of wing exercise yesterday."
Ace furrowed his brow.
"Look Scoot, don't push yourself too hard, okay? I know you must be frustrated that you can't fly yet but, don't hurt yourself."
"Or the foster care center'll sue you?" joked Scootaloo.
Ace smiled.
"No, because I do care about you. Besides, you really think they'd stand a chance against Quill?" he asked.
"Nope." Scootaloo got out of bed and stretched, trying to sooth her sore muscles. Then she gave Ace a hug.
"I missed you Ace."
Ace returned the hug.
"Missed you too kid."
They separated.
"Now go brush those teeth before Quill can chew you out," said Ace.
"Alright, alright."
They exited Scootaloo's room. Ace went downstairs to help prepare breakfast, and Scootaloo went to brush her teeth. When she finished she trotted downstairs as well. When she got to the kitchen she saw Qualified Quill standing in the entrance, waiting for her. Qualified Quill was a light purple unicorn with a dark green mane and tail. Her Cutie Mark was a black quill with an official looking document behind it. She always wore her business glasses despite having perfect vision, but she was wearing nothing else so she was apparently planning to stay for awhile too.
Scootaloo reach the bottom of the stairs and gave her a hug.
"Good to see you Quill."
Quill hesitated, then returned the hug.
"It's good to see you as well Scootaloo."
They separated. Quill's hoof was tapping, it always did that when she was nervous.
"Quill, what's wrong?" asked Scootaloo.
"Scootaloo dear, why are there chicken breasts in the fridge?"
Scootaloo's eyes widened. Brawler had put them there yesterday, and taught her how to cook them. He instructed her to have one every evening with her normal supper. She would eat one during lunch with her friends while he trained them during the day.
But how was she supposed to tell her foster parents that she was training to be a Fighter?
Today's not off to a good start.
Applebloom also woke up sore, but not nearly as bad as Scootaloo had. She had done push ups before she'd gone to bed, Brawler may have said that they were done after he finished testing them, but Applebloom wanted to get stronger as soon as she could. It was a strange feeling, she'd always wanted to get stronger, but before it was so she could help out on the farm more. Now, after seeing Brawler's fights, she wanted to beat him. She couldn't exactly pin down why, but she wanted to be the strongest Fighter in the world. She knew it would be years before she even came close to beating Brawler, but the desire was still there. But again, for the life of her she couldn't figure out why.
I'll ask Brawler 'bout it this afternoon.
He had given them the morning off so they could recover. Scootaloo was the only one who really needed it, but after watching her stunt yesterday Applebloom didn't blame her. She grabbed her ribbon from her bedside tale, tied it into her hair bow, then trotted out her room and down the stairs.
She saw Big Mac getting himself a snack in the kitchen.
"Mornin' Mac," she said.
He turned, and swallowed whatever he'd been chewing.
"Mornin' Applebloom."
"How come nopony woke me up this mornin'?"
"AJ thought ya outta get used ta yer new routine with Brawler before ya add yer chores ta the mix."
"Oh, okay, but I'm still helpin' out when I get the chance."
"Sounds good ta me."
Applebloom trotted over to the fridge, opened it, and started looking for breakfast. On the bottom shelf there were the chicken breasts Brawler had given her to eat at home. Applebloom stared at them for awhile. Despite her initial apprehension for eating meat, once she tried it she thought it tasted quite good. Not as good as any apple recipes, but still pretty good. Her eyes wandered to the second half of the chicken she'd eaten last night.
Brawler said I had to eat meat twice a day.
She reached in and grabbed the half of a chicken breast.
He didn't say I couldn't have one for breakfast.
She held the meat in her mouth and closed the fridge door. Still biting the cold chicken, she got a frying pan cooking oil, salt and pepper. She poured the oil into the pan, added a little salt and pepper, then tossed in the chicken breast. She turned on the fryer to low heat, then sat down to wait.
"Why the hay are ya doin' this?" asked Big Mac.
Applebloom turned.
"I'm jus' makin' mahself breakfast."
"Not that! Well, Ah guess that's part of it. You're eatin' meat fer breakfast, an' this afternoon you're gonna hang out with an ex-prisoner so he can teach ya the skills he used ta get locked up in the first place. Why?"
Applebloom sighed, she'd thought they were past this.
"Why are ya so against Fighters? Ma apparently thought they were great enough ta name you after one," she pointed out.
Big Mac sighed.
"That ain't the main issue. The whole fightin' thing," he shook his head. "Ah still dunno how ta feel about it. Mah problem is Brawler, he got himself arrested when he was jus' a few years older than ya. 'Scuse me if Ah find it concernin' when ya start pickin' up his habits," he said, gesturing to the chicken.
"Sis said she an' her friends blasted 'im with the Harmony Beam or whatever they call it, an' the only thing it did was sober him up," said Applebloom.
"Preparin' ta meet Equestria's greatest heroes by gettin' drunk, that don't exactly say anythin' positive 'bout his character," said Big Mac.
"That ain't the point, the point is that the elements a harmony couldn't find any evil in 'im ta purify. What more do ya want? A Princess's seal of approval? Oh wait, Twilight was the one who had ta get permission fer Brawler ta teach us, and Luna made him an official member of the Royal Guard, so we got two."
Big Mac stared at her, then shook his head and trotted away.
Applebloom sighed and turned back to the stove.
That could've gone better.
Sweetie Belle woke up with a headache, or more accurately, a hornache. She had spent the previous evening practicing her newfound magic. Rarity had been busy with an order, and she hadn't thought to go to Twilight to borrow any spellbooks, so she had just practiced her levitation. Now levitation may have been a simple spell, but using any spell at all expanded a unicorn's magic reserves, and as a unicorn filly learning how to be a Fighter, Sweetie Belle needed every ounce of magic she could get.
Still,
She rubbed her forehead.
Levitating five things at once and holding them until my reserves depleted might have been a bit too much.
She climbed out of bed, brushed her mane and tail until Rarity would deem them as 'acceptable', then trotted downstairs. She was staying with Rarity while their parents were on a long vacation (again). Sweetie Belle didn't mind, she'd stayed with Rarity in her boutique pretty much every time their parents went away, and it happened so often that it felt like Carousel Boutique was a second home to her.
Besides, I only live a few blocks away when Mom and Dad are home, so it's pretty hard to get homesick.
She reached the bottom of the stairs and trotted into the kitchen.
"Good morning Sweetie Belle," said Rarity. The alabaster unicorn was at the stove, preparing herself some french toast. She levitated a piece up for Sweetie Belle to see.
"Do you want some or would you prefer something else?" she asked.
"Do we have whipped cream?" asked Sweetie Belle.
"And some strawberries as well, dear," said Rarity.
Sweetie Belle's mouth watered.
"I'll have all three of those please!" she said.
"Very well, it'll be ready in a few minutes," with that Rarity returned her attention to the stove.
Sweetie Belle trotted to the dining room and took a seat. Silverware was already on the table, in front of two chairs.
Oh right, I can actually use silverware now.
While technically a pegasus or earth pony could pick up a fork or a knife, the small size of the utensils made them hard to hold, so it was more trouble than it was worth. Most ponies either ate with their hooves or plunging their head directly into the food. Unicorns and alicorns, with their telekinesis, were the exception.
Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes, and focused on her fork. A light green aura surrounded it almost instantly and she lifted it to eye-level.
It's a lot easier to control than that weight.
She twirled it around, then lifted her fork as well.
But that weight was five pounds, after that these feel like nothing.
Right when she was about to put them down, Rarity trotted in levitating their breakfast.
"Very impressive Sweetie," she said, placing Sweetie Belle's french toast, whipped cream and strawberries in front of her.
"When I started using magic I could only hold one utensil at a time." Rarity's french toast was covered with a healthy serving of syrup and a few banana slices. She placed it beside Sweetie Belle's plate then sat down next to her.
"Wouldn't that make using them really hard?" asked Sweetie Belle.
"Indeed, it took almost a whole day of practicing to get it right, and by then my magic was strong enough to hold two things at once," said Rarity.
They chuckled.
"Well go on, dig in," said Rarity.
Sweetie Belle was more than happy to comply. She used her utensils to eat, and while doing so was slower than just diving right in, it was cleaner.
Plus I can use my fork to make sure I get a slice of strawberry with every bite.
She cut another piece, lifted it to her mouth, began chewing, then paused.
She quickly swallowed then turned to Rarity.
"Hey sis? Not that I'm complaining, but why'd you make french toast this morning? Doesn't it take like, an hour?" asked Sweetie Belle.
"Just over half an hour darling," corrected Rarity.
"That's still a long time to for breakfast," said Sweetie Belle.
"It's not that much trouble Sweetie Belle, just a little celebration for learning magic so quickly," said Rarity, she blew some air out of her mouth and tapped her hoof. "Who would've thought Brawler'd be the one to teach you magic?"
"He didn't believe it either," said Sweetie Belle. "When I told him I couldn't do magic yet he facehooved and groaned. Then he walked me through meditation."
"Meditation?"
"He said a pony needed to meditate to feel the magic inside them. After that manipulating it was easy."
"Hmm, I wish I'd known that when I was a filly. I mostly learned through trial and error. Though I suppose I did occasionally need to take some calming breaths before I could get my magic working. Ah, never mind, this morning is supposed to be about you, not me."
"It's fine," said Sweetie Belle, taking another bite of french toast. "I'm never sure what to talk about on 'mornings that are about me' anyway."
"Well," Rarity looked down, then sighed and looked back up. "Would you mind if I asked why you want to become a Fighter? It's more than just you trying for a different Cutie Mark, correct?" she asked.
Sweetie Belle set her silverware down and tapped her hoof. She wasn't entirely sure she could explain it.
"Well, I'm not sure where to start. When I saw Brawler and Rainbow Dash's fight something just, drew me in. It was like watching some kind of brutal dance, with two ponies working against each other rather than with each other. Rainbow Dash sticking with over the top speed and finesse, and Brawler switching between defensive calculating and quick brutality. I could tell Brawler had the edge but I knew Rainbow Dash would give him trouble. And during the fight there was this feeling in my chest, a kind of primal thrill, and I could tell everypony could feel it, with Rainbow Dash and Brawler being the source of it. That thrill," Sweetie Belle shuddered. "It was scary, but really exciting at the same time. I want to know what it's like to be in the center of that thrill, and I want to know what it feels like to win."
Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity. Her eyes had widened a bit. Sweetie Belle rubbed the back of her head.
"Aheh, sorry."
"No, no! Don't apologize," said Rarity. "You're clearly very passionate about this, that's not something to be ashamed of."
"Even I'm passionate about fighting?"
Rarity sighed.
"I won't pretend that that doesn't trouble me just a bit, but you're my sister. What kind of big sister would I be if I kept you from following your dreams?" she asked.
Sweetie Belle smiled.
"Thanks Rarity."
"Of course Sweetie Belle."
They returned to their breakfast, occasionally making conversation but not nearly as meaningful as the first one. When they finished Sweetie Belle helped Rarity put the dishes away.
This is going to be a good day.
Just before noon, Scootaloo began leading Ace and Quill to the dojo. Quill gave Scootaloo a close look, she still looked nervous. Quill sighed, she and Ace weren't mad that Scootaloo had started eating meat. They weren't even mad about her training to be a Fighter. The two of them had taken many business trips to the Griffon and Minotaur Kingdoms, and as a result they had been exposed to more aggressive cultures. They had eaten meat during business meetings, and attended a Martial Arts Tournaments when business partners offered tickets as gifts. It had taken some getting used to, but now she and Ace had very few problems with Fighters.
What's concerning is that this, Brawler, is an ex-con. I know since he's a Fighter he might have been treated unfairly, but better safe than sorry.
As they made their way to the dojo they met up with Scootaloo's friends. They greeted each other, then continued to the dojo. As they approached the one story building they could hear strange noises coming from inside.
Thud. CONG! Smack. Trombone solo. Ting. Thud.
"What in the world?" asked Quill.
"I think he's sparring with Pinkie again," said Sweetie Belle.
"How'd ya figure that?" asked Applebloom.
"Who else would play a trombone solo in the middle of a fight?" asked Sweetie Belle.
Before anypony could answer an explosion of noise came from the dojo. A red stallion was launched out of the door and landed on his back, right in front of them.
He chuckled, then stood up.
"Gonna take more than that Pinks!" he shouted. He spread his wings and launched himself back into the building.
Quill blinked.
"So, I take it that was Brawler?" asked Ace.
"Oh, yeah," said Scootaloo.
"We should probably wait until they finish before we go in," said Sweetie Belle. "The only way to get to the seating area would be through the two of them."
"We'll wait out here," said Quill, sitting down.
After a few minutes, the various wacky noises (varying from a pie slap, to what sounded like an accordion being smashed over the top of somepony's head) and thuds stopped. The five of them waited for a few moments to see if they'd start up again, then trotted inside.
Brawler was helping a pink mare Quill recognized as Pinkie back onto her hooves.
"Not to shabby Pinks," he said. "You better step up your game Dashie, or Pinks'll beat me before you even get close."
Quill looked past Bralwer and Pinkie and saw Rainbow Dash sitting against the far wall. The cyan pegasus scoffed.
"Yeah right Brawly-boy, let's not forget I managed to knock you on your ass in both our dojo fights so far," she said.
"But I managed to knock him out of the building!" said Pinkie.
"With a cannon! Anypony can knock a pony back with a freaking cannon!" protested Rainbow Dash, she looked like she wanted to say more, but at that moment she glanced up and spotted all the ponies at the door.
"Oh hey, Brawler, you're students are here" she said. "Along with Squirt's foster parents."
"Squirt's foster parents? I thought Scoot was your sister," said Brawler.
"She is, just not by blood," said Rainbow Dash.
Brawler shrugged then turned to the door. He looked Ace and Quill over, Quill examined him right back.
Well he certainly looks like an ex-con, but Rainbow Dash seems to be friends with him.
Before Quill could ponder further Ace stepped forward and extended his hoof.
"Name's Ace Contract, pleasure to meet you," he said.
Quill sighed.
Always rushing in without a second thought.
Brawler walked up to Ace and shook his hoof.
"Mine's Brawler, but I'm pretty sure Scoot already told you that," he said.
Scootaloo gulped. Brawler let go of Ace's hoof and rolled his eyes.
"Scootaloo, why the hell would I be mad at you for telling your foster parents about me? You probably had to explain a few things when they found chicken breasts in the fridge," he said.
"Indeed she did," said Quill, she stepped forward and offered her hoof. "Qualified Quill, pleased to make your acquaintance."
Brawler raised an eyebrow, then shook her hoof.
"You practice that line in the mirror?" he asked as they set their hooves down.
Quill's eyes narrowed and Ace chuckled.
"She used to, but she's so good at it these days that it's second nature to her," he said.
"Please understand Brawler, we have no qualms with Scootaloo training to be a Fighter," said Quill. "But given your history you'll have to forgive me for being a bit cautious."
"You mean how he's been in prison?" asked Rainbow Dash. "Well he also fought Tirek while me and my friends were down."
"How'd you know about that?" asked Brawler.
"Ran into your Lunar Guard this morning, he told me all about it," she explained.
"Wait, wait, wait, you fought Tirek!?!" exclaimed Quill.
"The being that sucked out all the magic in Equestria? Including all four Princesses?!" asked Ace.
Brawler rolled his eyes.
"Yes, and he knocked me out of the sky like a bug after a minute," he said.
"Giving us enough time to unlock our Harmony Forms and send that meanie-pants back to Tartarus! Without you we would've been defeated! So like it or not Brawly, you're a hero too!" said Pinkie.
She pulled a cord that Quill swore wasn't there a second ago, and confetti fell from the ceiling, along with a banner that said 'Hooray for Brawler the Hero!'. Brawler sighed, then chuckled.
"You said it, not me," he said.
"Well, um, I suppose thanks are in order," said Quill.
"Don't bother, I've had enough of that," said Brawler. "But back up a second, you two are okay with me training Scootaloo?"
"So we aren't going to address the fact that you fought what was basically a god and survived?" asked Ace.
Brawler groaned.
"I fought Tirek, I got my ass handed to me, can we move on?"
"Sorry, it's just," Ace shook his head. "Wow."
"Well, if you really want to move on, we're here to make sure we would be alright with Scootaloo hanging out with you," said Quill. She had slipped into her business mode, address the facts, and the problem, let Ace handle the emotions.
"As stated before, we have no problem with Scootaloo becoming a Fighter. We have done business in the Griffon and Minotaur Kingdoms and as a result we have been exposed to more violence than the average Equestrian citizen. While I personally don't exactly approve of Scootaloo learning to fight I know that someone being a Fighter doesn't make them a bad person."
"Person?" asked Brawler.
"Term used when more than one species may be referred to," explained Quill.
"Ah," Brawler paused. "You really don't have a problem with this?" he asked.
"It was a bit surprising when we found out what Scoot was doing, but yeah we got nothin' against it," said Ace. "One time while we were on a trip in the Griffon Kingdom we met with a Fighter. He was the son of one of the guys we were making a deal with, and he dropped in for a visit at this sweet restaurant in-."
"Tangent," said Quill.
"Sorry, anyway he was a nice guy. A bit of a ladies bird, but not too bad," said Ace.
"So you're just worried about my other influence on Scoot?" asked Brawler.
"No offense intended but you are an ex-con, and you pushed Scootaloo too hard yesterday," said Quill.
"I told you I'm fine!" protested Scootaloo.
"You were in PAIN this morning Scoot," said Ace. "I know training can't be easy, but when you push her until she's in pain just getting out of bed? You've gone too far."
"It shouldn't happen again," said Brawler. "She had to prove to herself that she wasn't weak."
"She told us about the death hover, and how it affected her. Now, we're grateful that you've given her more confidence, but if she comes home in pain everyday we will put a stop to this," said Quill.
"There will be days where she's hurting, but I would never make her do something just to hurt her," said Brawler.
"Good," said Quill.
"Anything else?"
"Eh, just a few questions. What style are you gonna teach her?" asked Ace.
Brawler shrugged.
"Not sure, I'm a boxer, but not every Fighter has the same style. So I'm gonna teach them how to fight and do my best to find a style that suits them," said Brawler.
Ace nodded.
"Okay, okay. Boxing huh? Ever see a match?" he asked.
"I was born a year before it was banned, so no," Brawler sighed. "Damn shame, I'd have given my wings to see a match."
Rainbow Dash shuddered.
"Brawly-boy, do me a favor and don't say stuff like that. I know it's just an expression but it gives me the willies every time I hear it."
"Sorry Dashie. Now uh, if we're done I kinda wanna get training started," said Brawler.
"We gonna learn how ta throw some punches today?" asked Applebloom.
"Maybe, maybe not, we'll see. But first," Brawler looked at Quill and Ace. Quill nodded.
"I think all of our concerns have been addressed. Thank you for your time," she said.
Ace chuckled.
"He's not a CEO Quill, you can drop the act. But yeah we're done, have fun Scoot," said Ace as he turned for the door.
"Thanks, see you guys later!" said Scootaloo.
"I better get going too," said Rainbow Dash. "There's a shower over Sweet Apple Acres scheduled in about ten minutes. Later!" With that she flew out the door.
"I gotta get going too, my break's just about over," said Pinkie. She gave Brawler a quick hug, then bounced out of the room.
"See ya!" she called.
Brawler blinked, then chuckled.
Quill smiled, said goodbye to Scootaloo, then followed Ace out of the dojo. They walked for a few minutes then Ace paused.
"Hey Quill?" he asked. "Didn't Post Haste say something about some agent saying her client was some retired boxer looking to travel around Equestria?"
"I think I heard something along those lines, something about needing destination ideas," said Quill.
They looked at each other, then smiled.
"How soon can we get a letter to the agent?" asked Ace, speed walking back toward home.
"We're talking about Post Haste dear, it's in his name," said Quill, following close behind.
They shared a chuckle, and Quill's smile didn't falter the whole way back to their home.
I know I don't always show how much I care Scootaloo, but I think this'll be a good present.