This story is a separate story that I've been working on, at the same time I'll be working on the next Star Fox installment! Stay tuned and enjoy this! And please don't complain its ponies, because it's not like the show. Enjoy!

Celestia paced around the throne room. Having received word that Chrysalis, the Changeling Queen, had sent yet again another threat to attack Equestria, it left the Princess feeling helpless. Discussing matters with her sister Luna, faithful student, Twilight Sparkle and Cadence, all were worried by the news. Not only had Chrysalis threatened to attack with her Changeling army once again, but she had obtained the Alicorn Amulet, despite it being contained within Canterlot grounds. "I cannot imagine the damage she can do not only with her own army, but with the Alicorn amulet in her possession."

"Dearest sister, is there not any way we can send our soldiers to fight them?" Luna suggested.

Celestia shook her head and explained that the Canterlot guard are outnumbered, and many are still recruits in training. Though the Canterlot guard were well armed and supplied with better weaponry as a response to failed attempts to defend Equestrian territory, a head on battle with a larger army would still be most likely a loss.

Cadence thought about it for a moment. She cared for the other Princesses well-being, and wanted to help as well. Thinking back to the times where the fate of Equestria was in the balance, she remembered how the fall of an Equestrian monarch could cause a chain reaction of unbalance and self-destruction. "What if we had sent someone to face the Queen head on? It sounds suicidal but think about it..."

Twilight did understand the idea behind it, but finding soldiers who are willing to take part in such a mission would usually be hesitant. She herself hesitated to help Cadance defend the crystal empire from destruction, since she wasn't prepared for such a task. Taking the risk however she did succeed in helping Cadence and her brother, Shining Armour, defend the empire from its former tyrannical leader, King Sombra. Even more so, was to find someone who was powerful enough to handle such a mission. Twilight suggested that a small group should participate.

Celestia agreed. If she still had the powers of the Elements, Celestia would have gone herself with Luna by her side. Her power has since limited itself since the Elements of Harmony are connected with Twilight and her friends. There were some soldiers in the Canterlot guard however that had extraordinary powers and abilities, and one of them in particular would be a perfect participant. There also was another pony... Well... At least she looked like one, which she would like to make contact with. "There are two ponies I can only recommend to you. One of them now resides in Ponyville; the other is part of the Equestrian Royal Guard." She turned to one of the guards. "Can you get me Lieutenant Erich Markza?"

The two guards were reluctant to respond. The Pegasus guard decided to answer the question. "I'm afraid he's not available for missions."

"Is he ill or recovering from serious wounds?" Luna asked.

The Unicorn guard shook his head. "Erich had been temporarily 'suspended' from the ranks. His behaviour had been reported to be... Inappropriate and vulgar."

Folding her arms, Twilight shook her head and sighed. Being faithful to Celestia, she volunteered herself. "I'll go get these two ponies. I might as well go with them to the Changeling caves."

The other three Princesses objected to the idea, especially Celestia. "Twilight, this is a mission that could mean death! I cannot let you go."

"Princess Celestia... I've trusted you as my teacher for a long time." She turned to her and continued. "As your faithful student... Please... Trust me." Princess Celestia had trusted her to do many things in the past, and Twilight was always able to impress her mentor. There were times where she made mistakes, but learning from them, Twilight eventually fulfilled the conditions to be a new Princess. Despite her high status among the many ponies of Equestria, she had a responsibility as well.

The Princess of the sun wanted to stop her, but instead she only nodded her head and allowed her to proceed. "Please, be careful my student."

"If I can save Equestria a couple of times, how hard can it be?"

Having learned that Erich was actually arrested and locked up in Military jail, Twilight was escorted to his cell. The jail was well designed and most inmates were under control. "So, why was Markza thrown in jail?" She asked one of the soldier ponies who escorted her.

One of them was a female Pegasus with a short, red mane and orange fur wielding a small carbine rifle. "Well, Lieutenant Markza is one of the best soldiers you can ask for. But, he's a little too soft."

The other escort soldier was a bulky earth pony with navy fur and a turquoise Mohawk mane and did not wield his weapon. "During a mission, Operation: Lifeboat, Markza and other soldiers were ordered to hold their ground against a rogue dragon. He however left his post when he saw a young filly walk into the crossfire."

"He saved the filly's life but a couple of men died covering for him. Had he not left his post, the kid would've died and the soldiers would've lived. It was a hard decision." The Pegasus explained. "But orders are orders, and if you don't follow, you're put under trial. Erich admitted to the situation, so they gave him a less harsh sentence. Couple of years."

Twilight acknowledged the story. Had she of been in Markza's shoes, she would've done the same and save the filly. It would be tough to lose some of your colleagues, or worse, your friends but it was a moral decision to save a young child's life. "Do you know Markza personally?"

"He used to be our squad leader. Us two and him were part of Onyx Squad. He kept us alive, but even though the decision he made that day got some of us killed, I still think he should've got a medal of honour."

Twilight nodded. "I see..." Curious about her escorts, she asked: "By the way, what are your names?"

The Pegasus pony turned and smiled. "Name's Bulleta." The name was actually tattooed on her left arm, with a bullet to emphasize the name. "This is Butch." The name suited his bulky appearance, but as Twilight looked into his Safire like eyes, they were almost peaceful. He may look intimidating and brutish but behind all that was just a nice guy.

After a while, they had reached his cell. With Bulleta's key card, she opened the cell. Entering first, Butch and Twilight followed in after her. "Lieutenant Markza." Bulleta addressed her former squad leader, saluting him as well.

Erichanory Markza was a medium build Unicorn pony, who had a shaggy navy and light blue mane and grey fur. "You do know that my rank is suspended, right Sergeant Bulleta?" He was playing with a Balisong/Butterfly Knife before closing it and handing it over to Butch, as to not seem a security risk. After all, this was a Military prison, full of many armed pony soldiers who were trained to shoot and kill any hostile.

"It's a force of habit." The Pegasus admitted to the Alicorn.

It wasn't long before the prisoner realised that a Princess had come to visit him. He stood straight and saluted. "It's a pleasure to meet you Princess Twilight Sparkle. I've heard a lot about you." The stories of Twilight and her friends are quite plentiful within the Military. Erich had always wanted to meet one of the Princesses in person, though as an honourable soldier, not a prisoner.

"I've heard a little bit about you. But even so little can make you seem a hero."

Erich shrugged. He was not really one to gripe anyone about his achievements. "I just do my job."

Twilight asked her escorts to hand her the Balisong, interested in its design. She had seen combat knives before, but this one was quite new to her. She opened it with both hands and then closed it after a few moments of examining it. The handle of the knife had a name engraved on it, and it was odd because she heard it before.

She ignored the name and continued. "I am here on behalf of Princess Celestia. She asks for your service again."

"Something special I'm guessing. It's rare to have a grunt like me called up by royalty." He commented.

The Alicorn handed the knife back to Erich, who took it back from her and demonstrated again how to flip and fan the knife. He closed it again and pocketed it. Twilight just continued. "You've heard of the Changeling invasion in Canterlot, haven't you?"

"I was one of the defenders at Pistachio street." Their forces were over run and forced to retreat. They were numerous but not exactly bullet proof. Luckily, Princess Cadance and Shining Armour saved them all.

"The changeling queen has returned. Princess Celestia is looking for someone who can stop her... But there needs to be the few to help bring this pony to the changeling caves." She explained.

"Why should I care? I'd probably get locked up again…" Erich responded harshly, disregarding the fact that Twilight was a royal. But actually, he was only playing it cold to get what he really wants: a taste of freedom. As much as he is given three meals a day and that he is able to take care of himself, there wasn't enough freedom for him. He couldn't do much within prison grounds. Erich wasn't even allowed to drink hard cider from Sweet Apple Acres, but then again, he still disobeyed this rule to have a few drinks smuggled in by the other prisoners.

Twilight grunted. She was becoming already intolerable to his presence, but she couldn't refuse Celestia's request. "We'll offer you money in addition to your freedom. We'll also have you put back in the Military under a clean slate."

Erich hummed to himself, pondering on the decision. He took the opportunity to negotiate the price, along with his rank upon bail. Though he wouldn't mind getting demoted, to be permanently be demoted would limit his opportunities. "What is your best offer? I'm not exactly cheap…" Money in Equestria was very valuable due to the surprising economic growth that just keeps growing. For the most part, he earned quite a lot of bits during his service but his jail time prevented him from profit.

Twilight was a little annoyed at his over-confident attitude. Despite this, she'd have to work with him… Within her coat pocket was a bag of gold bits. Producing it and handing it over to the soldier, she allowed him to preview to contents. "There's more of that."

"And my ranking? Will you make sure that the 'big boys' don't limit my chances of promotions."

Twilight sighed and nodded. She didn't know whether this would please Celestia or not, but regardless, what is done is done. "You have my word."

Erich only smiled. "This is nice. Okay. You have satisfied my asking price, I'm all yours." He stretched himself out and clicked his fingers. Whatever he was up against, he was ready for it. "I can already tell we'll be best of friends." He sarcastically said to the Alicorn.

The smaller Pegasus threw a full bag of equipment and clothing for Erich. "Suit up. I got your gear and everything."

The Alicorn and her two escorts exited the prison grounds, thanking the prison guards for opening the door for them. They waited for the unicorn, who was getting ready in the prison. Sparkle folded her arms and tapped her fingers against her left elbow. "Are you sure that he is the right person for the job?" The Princess asked with firm doubt in her tone of voice.

Butch nodded. "He's a little bit of an asshole. But you'll come to like him once you get to know him." He explained. But really, what he really meant was: 'He's a bastard but you'll stop noticing it eventually.' Despite the fact that Erich was smaller, he is actually strong as Butch himself. Military documents state that his body was born with some condensed muscles, and improved endurance. It is not known how this came to be, but for the most part, it's best not to ask.

Finally, Markza made it to the prison entrance/exit. Fully prepped in custom gear of Onyx squad, and wearing a spiked collar on his neck, he smiled at the others. He threw the empty bag to Butch who caught it with a single hand. "So… Let's get down to business."

The collar was interesting from Twilight's point of view. It was a black spiked collar, and the fact that he wore it with a long 'emo-like' hairstyle implies that he prefers the Gothic style. His hair was sorted as his fringe was light blue, the rest of his hair was navy and that his fringe was sided to cover his left eye (which Butch explained: "His right eye was his aiming eye."). His raspy accent and attitude however doesn't reflect his style however.

"So where's our next stop 'Two-Hands'?" Bulleta referred to Erich. Apparently he was notorious for akimbo firearm combat, though mostly impractical; he was reported to be able to take on small armies with just his two pistols within urban combat situations. It subsequently became his nickname within the forces. Butch had his nickname gained for his strength and large size, owing to why the others call him: "BFG". Bulleta's nickname owes to her gambling addiction to which she never tries to talk about: "Dice". They were all given nicknames for different reasons.

'Two-Hands' decided it was best to go to his place to arm up. Though he was put in prison, none of his items at home were confiscated by authorities. He had a large collection of personal trophy and bought arms during his time in the Military. Arms dealers were rare in Equestria, so he was even lucky to have illegal weapons under his household.

After some time, they arrived at Erich's home. It was actually not too far from the prison, but it was hidden within a forest, so that it'd be hard to find. Luckily, he had a set of keys for the house that he recovered from the prison storage. "Welcome to my place… Not really snazzy but its cosy." He allowed the others to enter. Butch and Bulleta were familiar with the small home, but Twilight was trying to adjust herself to it.

Erich took the empty bag from Butch. "I'll be right back."

Twilight followed the other two soldiers who entered the living room first. Butch then retrieved some cold bottles of hard cider from the fridge. "Drinks on the go for our next stop."

Bulleta took her bottle and opened it. "Forget that. I'm thirsty."

Sparkle took a seat on the sofa she saw. There wasn't much to do but look around the décor and furniture. His house was well decorated and had a nice bright colour palette of yellow, blue, green and so on. Most of his furniture seemed to be comfortable, but it was somewhat traditional in the sense using strong wood bases and such. There was however a lot of technological items and gadgets around, but most likely for entertainment or communication purposes.

What really interested her was a single picture frame that sat alone atop one of the drawers. Though there were other picture frames which were together on another drawer, this particular one was the only one that wasn't a group picture of soldiers. She stood and approached the picture to have a closer look at it. Taking a good look at it, she saw it was a younger Erich and a young mare in his arms. His style didn't really differ, but the smile on his face was wide, and so was the smile on the mare's face. She was a unicorn with dark grey fur with green long hair but with some bits of blonde.

There was a small note on the corner of the image: "Missing you so much. Wish you could rock my world…" The mare looked exactly like the one Celestia requested to find. Crystal, AKA the Rock Queen. She actually moved to Ponyville the other day, and she resides with Vinyl Scratch and Octavia. Like the other two, she is an expert musician of her type, being a Guitar player of all sorts.

Could it be that Erich knew Crystal?

When she heard footsteps, Twilight quickly walked away from the picture and looked around, so as to not look suspicious. Erichanory entered the room with a full, heavy bag. "So… Necessities?"

"Yep. Weapons." He took out one of the rifles and showed it to Sparkle. "Personal arms that I've collected through the years, they've served me well."

Twilight had never actually seen a real gun before. As much as she had seen them in films and read about them, she never saw a pony wield one. Celestia often finds discomfort in such an invention, but then again there was no choice to make when threats against Equestria had become more violent and of a larger scale. Modern weapons and technology for the Military had been implemented, and Shining Armour had become the main Central Commander.

As such, even Twilight had been held up with all sorts of work that keeps bouncing back at her. She does see her friends from time to time but not as much as she had hoped. There was that sense of hope however, that every task she completes brings her closer to bringing peace to the land.

The unicorn drew a small handgun and offered it to the Princess. At the sight of it, she hesitated. "The safety's on." He pointed out the safety lock.

The Princess cautiously took the weapon from Erich. It had some weight to it, but it wasn't heavy in the sense. If only there was a book to read about how to use a gun. "So… What do I do?" She needed some demonstration with her new weapon, but most likely she wouldn't need to use it. Surely her magic would be enough…

The unicorn soldier took the gun back and unloaded the magazine before pulling the slide back, ejecting a round. It was unloaded completely, and now safe to pull the trigger without worry. "This, in an M1911 .45 ACP handgun. Custom load of 9 rounds, with an effective range of 50m." He showed it in detail. "Now, I'm not gonna show you the WHOLE science of how to use or clean or disassemble a weapon. But I'll teach you the basics." After loading the gun with an empty magazine, he had Twilight hold it in hand.

"Okay…" She held on to the weapon firmly. "Just like this right?"

"Yes. There's a button here." He pointed out the button that ejects the magazine, near the trigger. "When you're out of bullets, you push that button and boop. Magazine comes out." He demonstrated the ejection of a magazine but he caught the empty magazine and showed it to Twilight. "See? Empty. You don't wanna hear clickity-click in the middle of a fight."

Twilight acknowledged and took note of what she saw.

"Now." He pulled the slide back and locked it to simulate a dry gun. "When you're completely out of rounds, it looks like this. Now you slide a new one back in." He slid the magazine in and then showed the slide lock. "Then depress the lock, and then…" He showed that the slide had slid forwards. "Ready to fire… You don't have to do this when there's a bullet in the chamber though."

"I see." The basic principles were there. She'll eventually learn more about it. The Princess did as she was taught and demonstrated her reloading ability.

"Now that you know how to reload a gun, let's teach you how to shoot a gun accurately."

Dice stood up from the sofa and quickly got involved. "I'll handle this part." She took the gun and waved it around. Setting her drink down, she pointed at the iron sights of the weapon. "See this and this?" When she saw Twilight nod, she continued. "This is your iron sights. You use this to align your aim with the target. But eventually you won't have to worry as much when you learn that point and shoot is faster." Aiming the empty gun at Butch, she pulled the trigger. The gun clicked. Handing the weapon back to Sparkle, she sat back down on the sofa.

The Princess pointed the gun at one of the portraits as a dummy target. She pulled the trigger after adjusting the sights to the portrait. Now she knew how to use a pistol…

Erich holstered his own custom long barrel M93R and used a button to lock it in place. "I have a few books on guns. The military provided us with them at training." He handed the books to Twilight, and along with it, a small bag full of M1911 magazines and a holster.

Twilight accepted and put on the gear and bagged the books for later. "It's time to go." She stated firmly. The other three allowed her to lead the way.

Taking a train ride to Ponyville, Erich was fast asleep whilst the other two soldiers were conversing with Twilight. For some reason, she found him to be an interesting person despite the 'mixed emotion' introduction. "Do you know why he joined the pony Military?"

Butch sipped some tea and nodded. "Yeah. He said he knew a girl and wanted to provide the extra money for her so that she can pursue her career. Apparently she had achieved her goal, but the military had caught up with him and they had little contact after that." He took another sip of his hot drink and set it down on the table in front of him. Though he knew the reasons, Erich never told anyone the name of the girl he helped.

They knew the look, but they never ask much about her since Erich wouldn't give an answer in the first place. "But for all I know, he's a real tough guy. All brawns but not always a lot of brains." In contrast, Butch seemed to think more than use his strength.

"He kicks ass. I'll tell you that. Runs in first, comes out last."

It made Markza seem heroic, but still his inappropriate attitude and behaviour can be unattractive. But at this point, she'll have to work with what she is given. However, she wondered how Crystal will be like when she meets her, and find out what made Crystal so important to the mission. Even more so is the fact that she has possible connections with Erich. Was this coincidence or was this intended?

Crystal was busy practicing her guitar playing skills. Specifically, she wanted to learn how to play the guitar to the best of her abilities. Though she is good with an electric guitar and standard acoustic guitar, she wanted to vary her skills and expand upon them. But there was a little bit of a problem… Her left hand was still injured and doesn't always work 100% when she needs to hit specific notes. She had this problem for a long time, and it really annoyed her very much. The only motivation she had was the imperative she always chants: "Practice every day… Every day…" It always helps to practice, but when you have a hand that is so unpredictable and becomes unresponsive at the worst of times; it is hard to keep to her words.

"Hey, stop forcing yourself to try and relax." Vinyl encouraged. She was more laid-back when it came to music, but nonetheless was good at it. She did feel like she stood out the crowd as she didn't play any string based instruments like Crystal or Octavia, but her expertise was in mixing and scratching records or putting industrial or dub step beats together. Despite that fact, she still tries to be encouraging and understanding to her dedicated friends.

Crystal took her advice and spun the guitar in hand before setting it aside. She sighed as she still felt lacklustre, even when her fans always believed she played like a musical Goddess. Rock Queen had a look at her hand, which was still scarred from a horrible past event. It doesn't hurt physically, but knowing that she'll never be able to play a guitar perfectly was painful itself.

The only way she can compensate when it comes to music is to make simple note sets that don't require intense use of her left hand. Though it is simplified, her right hand is able to pluck strings fast. "Do you ever think that I can play the guitar properly?"

"What are you talking about?" Vinyl never understood why Crystal ever doubted her abilities. For the past few months since she had moved in, both Octavia and her would listen to the black furred unicorn practice every day and night to the point of straining herself. Even then, it sounded great and the fact that she tries to push her limits is what makes Crystal the most dedicated music player of the three. "You're an amazing guitar player."

"I wish I could believe that… I really do." She sighed. There was nothing much to do, so she decided to just relax in her bed. Though Vinyl was in Crystal's bedroom, she was fine with the company. Vinyl and Octavia always had good things to talk about or at least anything to talk about.

"So have you heard the news?"

Crystal stretched her arms out before shaking her head. Unlike Vinyl and Octavia, she's not a fan of keeping up with the news that spreads fast in town. But then again she always gets it one way or the other. "What's the news this time?"

Vinyl was full of excitement as she kept bouncing on the bed. "You're not gonna believe this, but I finally got in on the DJ battle this Saturday!" Vinyl was an amazing DJ and always tried to get a spot at a 'DJ battle', where two DJ's face off. She really wants to show her skill but also to have fun with other popular DJ's of Equestria.

The black furred pony chuckled. "Keep it up." She encouraged.

Just as the black furred mare relaxed herself in bed again, she faintly heard knocking of the front door. Octavia was downstairs to answer to the said guest. It was just Spike visiting, but with a scroll in hand. Since Twilight's leaving, the dragon had taken over the library and surprisingly was skilled in magic himself, despite not being a pony, a unicorn to be specific. He receives letters directly from Twilight, asking about the town and all sorts or certain important requests. Octavia guessed it was the latter.

Spike had grown and matured very well, and was unlike the dragons that most others usually see. He was almost comparable to that of a late age teenager. "Hi Octavia. Is Crystal at home?"

"Yes, she is. Is there something wrong?" She asked curiously. Instead of a direct response, she was given the scrolled letter, to which it was signed by Twilight.

Spike explained that it was to Crystal, and it was urgent but he hadn't read it. Why else would it be for someone that Twilight doesn't know personally? Just as he was about to tell Octavia, Crystal had already swiped the scroll from her. Crystal hastily opened it and scan read it. It didn't take long for her to finish reading. "That's interesting." She scrolled up the letter and did not allow the others to see it. "This was important after all..."

"Is something wrong?" Octavia asked.

Being honest, she turned to the grey furred mare. "I'm going to need my 'guitar'..." It's been a while since she had used it... Her 'guitar' was a past she didn't really want to return to, but things have gone wrong once again. She moved to Equestria to escape from the horrors of her home, thereafter to Ponyville to live a relatively normal life.

But she can't... Not now... She has responsibility.

Octavia quickly went upstairs to retrieve the guitar case, and returned with the heavy case. "I never thought it would come to this again..."

"So the letter was important I guess?" Spike assumed.

Crystal clicked her fingers. "Tell Vinyl I won't be back for a while. Make sure she leaves my stuff alone." She lifted the heavy guitar case and walked off, leaving the other three.

Spike pulled his sleeves up. "I wonder what's going on."

"Erich. We're here." Butch put his hand on the sleeping soldier's shoulder. Erich instantaneously woke and drew his handgun at Butch, and looked around. The large colt assured him that they had arrived at Ponyville station and everything was fine.

Markza stood from his seat, putting away his sidearm and securing it. "I need coffee." He murmured as he exited the train. Running his hands through his hair, he then stretched himself out. It wasn't comfortable sleeping on a train like that, but better that than not sleeping at all. A good stretch did help to wake his body, but he still felt sleepy.

Just looking around the station and some of the houses in Ponyville brought back memories. This place used to be her home, but she moved back to Canterlot. She was born in Canterlot, moved to Ponyville, and returned to Canterlot again. "It's been a while..." She sighed; Twilight did miss this place very much. It looked as much as it did the last time she was here, and that was a good thing. She wondered if everyone she knew still lived around.

Putting the thought aside, she turned to the soldiers. Butch and Bulleta seemed to be in tip-top shape, in contrast to how sloppy Erich looked. He slouched, limped and yawned, the typical morning look for most. For a soldier, it was quite unprofessional. "Are you done messing around Markza? We have a mission to proceed with."

"Coffee first." He rudely responded, raising his hand to hush Twilight. "I'm hungry, I'm tired. I want coffee and breakfast."

The purple furred Princess grunted, but can only agree to his demands. After all, she was hungry too, and a little tired. Maybe breakfast would really help. "There is a cafe we can stop by. I'm sure we can have something to eat there."

Crystal had waited for a train to arrive at the train station, but eventually she got bored of waiting, and hungry. The nearest cafe was her favourite: "Sunny Side Up Cafe". She always loved a good breakfast, especially caramelised apple toast.

The waitress approached with a pen and notepad. When Crystal had a good look at her, she realised it was the young teenage Sweetie Belle. "Oh, Sweetie Belle! I didn't know you worked here."

Sweetie Belle shrugged with a smile. "It's part-time." She was still a blank flank, but at her age she'll need the extra bits to help fund the still on-going Cutie Mark Crusaders. She couldn't borrow money from Rarity forever. "So is there anything you'd like, Crystal?"

"Yes. Caramelised apple toast."

"That is an amazing dish." Sweetie Belle assured. "Is that all?"

Crystal nodded with a smile. "That'll be all, thank you Sweetie Belle."

The young mare slipped away into the kitchen to give the orders to the chef.

The door to the cafe opened again, and sounded the bell. Crystal didn't turn to see who it was, but rather she relax herself and close her eyes whilst she waited for the food. However, she was unaware that it was the group she was meant to be waiting for.

Sweetie Belle tended to the group, and was surprised to see Twilight. "Princess Twilight!" She gasped. "You're back!?"

"There doesn't have to be any formalities between us Sweetie Belle. We're only here for breakfast." She assured.

"O-Oh! Right! W-what would you l-like!?" She stammered.

The large colt, Butch, ordered first. "I'd like some breakfast muffins, buttered please. And a cup of tea to go with it." He was always a light eater, especially at breakfast.

Bulleta was second, but unlike Butch, she ate a lot. "I'll have the pan special." Consisting of 2 sunny side up eggs, baked beans, a slice of toast and fried poached mushrooms, she really was into her breakfast.

"Ah yes! And. What would you like sir?" She asked Erich.

Erich put down his menu. "I'll have a large cup of coffee and a bottle of vodka..."

Sweetie Belle was caught off guard with the order. She never heard of anyone ordering alcohol in the morning, especially when it was only 9AM. "S-sir. It's only breakfast time." She said.

"Really? Vodka?"

"Fine, and two slices of toast and scrambled eggs on the side."

Though Sweetie Belle found the order strange, she nonetheless had to note it down. She slipped away to the kitchen once again to pass orders.

Crystal found the voice familiar, and even more familiar was the man's notion to order alcohol first. Opening her eyes and turning to her side, she caught a glimpse of who was speaking. A grey furred navy haired colt... Whom she recognised.

Erich felt the stare and turned to where it came from. Now he was staring at the stare-ee. He knew her very well.

When the others realised that his attention was not with them, they turned to whom he was staring at.

"Erich..." Crystal said blankly.

"Crystal..." Erich responded in kind.