WARNING!
This Fan fiction was written for the ADULT FANS of My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. While this is not a Porn or Clop fiction, certain themes, scenes and storylines may not be suitable for a younger audience. Reader discretion is advised.
Written as a result of the NUMEROUS Requests of a reviewer I hope you enjoy.
Happy Anniversary
Rarity and Apple Jack tumbled through the Mirror into the basement of the house in Oaksville. Groaning and rolling over; they both stared at the ceiling collecting their wits.
"Did you have to push me through?" Rarity whispered with annoyance, as she transformed into a human.
"There was a guard coming." Apple Jack hissed, as she followed suit.
"Still, you could have just told me a guard was coming." Rarity replied curtly, "Not sent me stumbling to Earth."
"Will you calm down," Apple replied in a hushed tone, rolling her eyes, "We didn't get spotted leaving, that was the point!"
Sitting up, Rarity whispered, "I am still quite annoyed with Twilight over this whole affair."
"Why are we whispering?" Apple jack asked confused.
"Because we just spent the last hour sneaking through Canterlot Castle," Rarity replied in her normal speaking voice, as she stood up, "You know, instead of doing what we planned tonight."
Apple Jack gave her lover a sympathetic look, "I know Sugar Cube, but you know Twilight wouldn't have asked us if she had any other choice."
"But still, on our one year anniversary," Rarity said, as her eyes moistened slightly, "and I made us such beautiful dresses for the occasion."
"We can still go out when we get back." Apple Jack said attempting to comfort her.
"But it won't be our anniversary then," Rarity replied, wiping her eyes, "I could just strangle Princess Luna for putting us in this situation."
"Speaking of Luna, we'd better get a move on." Apple Jack said urgently.
"Well, with any luck we'll find her upstairs." Rarity said, regaining her lady like composure.
"As if we've ever been that lucky this side of the mirror," Apple Jack said pessimistically.
"Well, we'd better get started just the same." Rarity sighed.
The two of them walked upstairs into the kitchen. Apple Jack reached over and flipped a switch. When the lights turned on she said, "Looks like the power is still working
"The Anti Monster Agency has been using it off and on as a base of operations so they've been keeping up with the bills." Rarity commented distantly.
Apple Jack nodded, "I know." Seeing her lover's troubled expression she asked, "You Alright over there, Sugar Cube?"
"Yes," Rarity said, shaking her head to snap out of her thoughts, "Just a few memories coming back."
"It seems a world away, doesn't it?" Apple Jack smiled weakly, "Even though it was only a few months ago."
"Indeed," Rarity smiled, "This is where you finally told every pony you loved me. "
Apple Jack blushed slightly, and bringing them back to the matter at hand she said, "Well, Luna isn't here. Now what do we do?"
"If she isn't here, where do we look for her?" Rarity said thinking, "She's been gone for weeks and Earth isn't exactly a small place."
"Well Pinkie might know, and Twilight suggested if Luna wasn't here we start there." Apple Jack said, "Plus, it'd being rude not to at least stop in and say hi while we're in town."
"She's probably with Stew." Rarity said cheerfully, "did we ever get his number?"
"Once, I wrote it down somewhere, but couldn't tell you where it is now." Apple Jack
Rarity snatched a note pad sitting on the counter, and began leafing through it. Watching her, Apple Jack asked, "Is it there?"
"No," Rarity said, sitting it down.
"How are we going to find it then?" Apple Jack asked.
Rarity's eyes widened, "I think I know. Once when Rainbow Dash and I went grocery shopping Pinkie asked us to drop her off at his house. I am pretty sure I remember where it is in Oakville Proper."
"Well what are we waiting for!" Apple Jack exclaimed as they rushed to the door.
"One slight problem, Darling." Rarity said, as they walked out onto the front porch. She pointed to the empty driveway, "No van."
"Consarnit!" Apple Jack grumbled, "How are we going to get to there if we don't have a vehicle? It's not like there is one just lying around."
Rarity looked uneasy for a moment and then with a broad awkward smile that informed Apple Jack she was about to suggest something she wasn't going to like, she announced, "I might know where to find one."
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"I can't believe you talked me into this!" Apple Jack exclaimed as they walked down the narrow back road to Hydia's farm.
"I distinctly remember seeing a brown car parked out front of her house." Rarity replied, "If we're lucky, it's still there."
"This is crazy, Rarity."Apple Jack replied in a flustered voice, "Stealing a Witch's car and all. I must be out of my mind doing this!"
"Oh don't be silly," Rarity said dismissively, "The Witch Is gone. It's not stealing, it's salvage."
"I'm telling you this is a bad idea." Apple Jack grumbled.
"Well do you have a better one?" Rarity asked with annoyance.
"If I had a better one we wouldn't be doing this." Apple Jack retorted heatedly, "But that doesn't mean this plan of yours isn't as insane as Pinkie Pie on a sugar high."
Silence fell over them when they came to the vast field that lay before Hydia's farm. Pausing for a moment, they stood in quiet reflection about the horrific events that had happened there.
Glancing over, Rarity nervously eyed the remaining hay bales scattered about the tall uncut grass with the old rusty tractor, still frozen in time. The image of the young man who had died defending her sprang to mind, his final scream returning like a ghostly phantom. She closed her eyes, trying to push the memory of his lifeless eyes away. Standing there, she silently thanked from for his sacrifice, without which, she wouldn't be here now. And she didn't even know his name.
"You okay, Sugar Cube?" Apple Jack asked.
"I'm Fine," she lied, "let's just hurry and get what we came for."
They walked down the gravel drive way to Hydia's home without saying a word. Only the hooting of an owl and the sounds of other creatures in woods pierced through the heavy blanket of quiet as the crunch of the gravel with every step they took brought more unease with it. When they arrived, they saw much of the place was still the same. The house, the ruined barn with its destroyed roof, all sat like a gruesome memorial to what had transpired when they had been there last.
It was then, Rarity noticed the yellow tape surrounding the barn, "Police line, do not cross." She said, reading the black words aloud, "Looks like the human authorities took an interest in this after all."
"I remember hearing something about that from Twii," Apple Jack replied, "How they found several human and animal skeletons under the barn. Turns out Hydia had been killing folks for years and using their bits for her magic and stuff."
Rarity shivered, "What a lovely thought." She remarked sarcastically
"Well, there's the car," Apple Jack said pointing to an old brown ford station wagon parked out front, "Let's get it and get the hay out of here."
Walking over to the house, they approached Hydia's car with pensive expressions. Reaching over, Apple Jack opened the driver side door, "Looks like the keys are in the ignition. So now that we have the car, which one of us is going to drive this thing?"
"I hadn't gotten that far." Rarity replied, "Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy usually handled that when we were here before."
"Well they're back in Equestria right now," Apple Jack pointed out, "I reckon I could give it a try. Gus started teaching me before…"As Apple Jack stopped mid sentence, and seeing this, Rarity gave her an affection squeeze on her shoulder. Taking her hand briefly, the farm pony said, "I'm okay, Sugar Cube. We best be getting on our way."
Both of them got into the vehicle, and with a deep breath Apple Jack turned the key. Madonna's like a prayer blared from the radio, causing both of them to jump as the engine rumbled to life with a black puff of smoke erupting from the exhaust pipe.
"I'll say one thing for the humans, they certainly have gift for music." Rarity said whimsically as she turned the radio down.
"Tell me about it," Apple Jack laughed, as she moved the shifter into position, "One listen to Trace Akins and I was hooked. I brought some of the country music from here back to Equestria and Big Macintosh listens to it so much, Granny Smith was about ready to strangle him."When she pressed down on the gas pedal, the tires spun in the gravel as car rushed backwards smashing into the side of an old dilapidated shed. Regaining her presence of mind, Apple Jack winced, "Oops."
Glancing back at the small weather worn structure, Rarity said, "Don't worry, Darling, given the state this property is currently in I doubt any pony will notice."
Meanwhile, as they drove away, in the dark, rotting interior of the shed, a broken crate lay on the ground. Disturbed from their decades long slumber a pair of red eyes opened as their owner awoke and slithered into the darkness in search of what had disturbed it.
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Apple Jack struggled as she drove down the main road, the engine groaning and rattling in protest as she tried to go faster.
"Are you sure you're doing this right?" Rarity asked.
"I don't know! This consarn contraption is being a royal pain in the flank!" Apple Jack said frustrated, "I don't understand it, Rainbow Dash and Flutter shy made it look so easy!"
"I'll see if there is a manual tucked away," Rarity opened the glove box and her eyes widened.
"What is it?" Apple Jack asked.
The Fashionista pulled out a long barreled Smith & Wesson Model 29 revolver.
"Blan sakes!" Apple Jack exclaimed.
"It would appear that Hydia had more than magic up her sleeve," Rarity commented, holding the gun pinched between her two fingers with a disgusted expression, "Could she have picked a tackier weapon?"
"Just be careful with that thing," Apple Jack cautioned. Just then, a pair of blue flashing lights appeared behind them, "Horse Apples!"
"Wonder what they want?" Rarity asked, setting the gun down on the dashboard.
"I don't know," Apple Jack said, pulling over to the side, "Just keep calm and let me do all the talking."
"Are you sure, Darling?" Rarity asked, eyeing the deputy Sherriff as he walked up to them, "I mean, I love you, but you aren't very good at lying and we can't very well tell him the truth."
Rolling her green eyes, Apple Jack said, "Just let me handle this, okay?"
Rarity raised her hands in concession, 'Fine."
A tall, older man with salt and pepper hair, dressed in the brown uniform and a Stetson Hat walked up to the driver's side window. Pointing his flash light into the car, he said in an official dispassionate voice, "License and registration, please."
Apple Jack chuckled awkwardly,"License, umm, well," She struggled, with an uncomfortable laugh, "I seem to have forgotten it."
"Well, do you have some other form of ID with you?" The Deputy asked.
"Umm," Apple Jack thought for a moment, "No, sorry."
The Deputy frowned, "How about a social security number?"
"Social security number?" Apple Jack asked confused.
The Deputy pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment and then said, "How about a name? Do you have that much?"
"Oh sure, my name is Apple Jack." The Farm pony replied.
"As in the liquor?" the Deputy asked with displeasure, "Are you trying to be funny, ma'am?"
"No sir," Apple Jack replied nervously.
"Have you been drinking?" he asked suspiciously.
"Other than a few ciders before I left, no sir." Apple Jack replied, followed with another awkward chuckle.
The Deputy then flashed his light over onto the dash and his eyes widened when he saw the revolver, "Good lord! that's a big gun!" he exclaimed.
"Yes indeed-ie," Apple Jack replied nervously as she started to sweat.
"Al right, Ms. Jack, you want to explain to me what you are doing, driving twenty miles under the speed limit, with dead tags, dead inspection, busted rear bumper, busted rear lights no license and a large gun on your dashboard?"
"Ummm," Apple Jack began, as she started to stutter "Well, you see, it's very easy to explain…" Apple Jack paused for a moment, desperately trying to think of an easy explanation.
"I'm waiting," The Deputy said suspiciously, adding to her nervousness.
Coming to the Rescue, Rarity flashed her prettiest smile and said, "I am sure an experienced law enforcement officer such as yourself is fully aware that it is legal to own firearms in this country."
"You are correct Ma'am." The deputy said, as a smile crept across his face, "But you have to see it from my point of view. Your friend is driving erratically, with no license and there is a gun on the dash board."
"I apologize for that," Rarity replied politely, "We were just taking this vehicle for a test drive and the owner insisted with leave our licenses with her."
The deputy weighed over what she was saying for a moment and then said, "Okay that sounds plausible, but you still have to identify yourself."
"Certainly, my name is Rarity and this here is my friend Apple Jack. " Rarity batted her lashes in such a way that made her eyes twinkle, rendering most Stallions speechless, "May I have the pleasure of your name, sir?"
"It's Jack," the deputy replied swooning, before quickly adding in a professional voice, "Deputy Jack Nelson."
Flashing a flirtatious smile, Rarity said, "I am sure a big strong handsome law enforcement professional like you can plainly see that we are hardly hardened criminals."
"Yes of course, Ms. Rarity," The deputy replied.
"Now the reason why we were driving erratically is because we are having some difficulty with the operation of this vehicle." Rarity continued on, "Is there any way you could help us?"
The Deputy looked down at the steering column and said, "Well, that's easy enough to solve. You have it in second gear. You need to put it in drive for it to go faster."
"Drive, you mean the one marked D?" Rarity asked.
"Yes Ma'am." The Deputy replied.
"Thank you ever so much for your help," Rarity said warmly, "It's nice to see there are still good handsome men in uniform willing to help two ladies in distress."
"No problem, Ms. Rarity," The Deputy replied, tipping his hat to her, "You ladies drive safe now."
"Of course," Rarity replied, "Thank you, Deputy."
"How's you do that?" Apple Jack asked with amazement as she pulled away.
Rarity flashed her knowing smile, "What can I say, Darling? It's a gift."
As they drove away, with a contented smile, the Deputy turned and walked towards his squad car. As he opened the driver's side door to get in, heard something moving in the darkness. Turning towards the sound, his eyes went wide and he screamed in terror shortly before a pair of grotesque red eyes flashed in the darkness. His scream was silenced as the eerie cry of a rooster rang through darkness.
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After several scary noises from the engine, blaring angry horns and a few near death experiences, Apple Jack and Rarity made it to Oaksville proper, It was well on its way to becoming a city having evolved passed its beginnings as a small town within the last century. Moving off the highway onto the main road, Rarity stared out the window with awe, marveling at the tall buildings and bright neon lights. Passing by a department store, she swooned in her seat as she glimpsed the most gorgeous blue dress on display in the window.
"We simply must come back when there isn't some crisis occurring," Rarity said.
Apple Jack laughed, "Wait till you see the mall."
"They have malls!?" Rarity asked excitedly.
"Yep," Apple Jack replied, "And believe me, you haven't been to a mall, until you've been to a human mall."
Rarity's face brightened as she asked like an excited child, "Can we, Darling? Once we get this problem solved of course."
Enjoying her excitement, Apple Jack said, "You betcha."
Rarity let loose an overjoyed squeal and then slid over in the seat, snuggling up to her lover. Apple Jack wrapped her arm over the Fashionista's shoulders, pulling her close for the rest of the ride.
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Early in the morning, as the door bell rang, Pinkie Pie chased Stew's three year old daughter, Tasha, through the house. Both of them giggled as Pinkie easily closed the distance between them.
"Silly Filly," Pinkie scolded playfully, scooping her up."You know you're not allowed to open the front door."
"But I'm a big girl." The Toddler protested.
"Still, it's not safe." Pinkie replied firmly.
"Okay, Pinkie," Tasha agreed, as she looked down with a slight pout.
The pouty expression vanished when Pinkie began tickling her. After setting the toddler down, she turned the small knob and her eyes widened when she saw Rarity and Apple Jack standing on the front porch.
"Oh my God!" Pinkie exclaimed, leaping forward and hugging them so tight their eyes bulged, "I am so glad to see you!"
"You too, Darling, it's been far too long." Rarity replied, and seeing Tasha hiding behind Pinkie, she bent down and smiled, "And who is this pretty little one?"
"Oh this is Stew's daughter, Tasha." Pinkie replied, and looking down at her she said, "Wanna say hello to my friends Rarity and Apple Jack?"
With a fearful expression, the toddler closed her eyes, burying her face against Pinkie's leg.
"I'm sorry about that," Pinkie apologized, "She doesn't talk much since her momma left a year ago."
"That's okay, Sugar Cube." Apple Jack replied, "I went through the something like after my folks passed. It took me awhile before I could say anything to any pony."
"So, what brings you gals to Earth?" Pinkie asked, "Not that I'm unhappy to see you."
"You think we might talk in private?" Apple Jack asked.
"Sure!" Pinkie Pie replied, "Baby! Come down and see who just showed up."
The sound of heavy footsteps came down the stairs. Reaching the final step, Stew paused and his brown eyes widened, "Oh laud!" Running his hand over his bald head and down his face, he said, "Please tell me there ain't no evil ass witch running lose again."
"No, nothing like that," Pinkie looked back at her friends, "right?"
"Nope." Apple Jack replied.
"Alright then," Stew replied suspiciously, "Cause I am still having nightmares about that shit."
"I was wondering if you could take Tasha for a bit so the girls and I can catch up?" Pinkie asked
"No problem," He replied, "Come on Thin Mint, I think there's power puff girl's marathon on."
As they walked away, Rarity smiled at the little girl and said, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Darling."
The toddler glanced back at her for a moment as if she was going to speak but then turned following her father into the living room.
"Follow me." Pinkie said cheerfully.
She led them down the stairs to a finished basement. The floors were wooden, with furnishings covered in zebra stripes surrounding a wooden coffee table where Pinkie's large pink hookah rested. Off to the side there was a fully stocked bar. A large entertainment center sat on the other side of the room, with a large flat screen T.V complete with game consuls and every version of Madden there was. Covering the walls were sports posters of foot ball and basket ball players as a shelf nearby held several athletic trophies won by Stew and his siblings when they were younger. Above them was a picture, with Stew in the back ground behind an older couple dwarfed by his size, showing off the large family he came from. Under it sat an old worn King James Bible next to a small framed picture of Black Jesus.
Looking the place over, Rarity said, "What a lovely home you have."
"Why thank you," Pinkie Pie replied graciously, "It was Stews' parents. They moved to Florida when his pop retired and they rent it out to him." Walking over to the bar, Pinkie Pie took out a large wooden box. Pulling out a large bag of Marijuana, she asked, "So, you girls feel like smoking?"
Rarity and Apple Jack exchanged looks, and then Apple Jack shrugged and said, "Sure, why not."
As they took seats on the couches, Pinkie Pie took out her small pink bowl, and after packing it offered it to Apple Jack first who took a large drag, and coughing hard, passed it to Rarity.
"So," Pinkie Pie began, "What brings you girls back to Earth?"
"Welp," Apple Jack began, as Rarity exhaled a long cloud of smoke, "Things have been a might crazy since we went back. Celestia seems to be a little off her rocker."
"What do you mean," Pinkie Pie asked concerned.
"Well, she reactivated the super secret monster agency and made them a public organization. She also greatly expanded their budget and authority now that we have established permanent contact with Earth." Rarity replied, as Pinkie took her turn.
"Monster agency?" Pinkie Pie asked hoarsely as she puffed out a long cloud of smoke, "Why would she need to do that?"
"She's been a might anxious since our adventure here." Apple jack replied, "So she reactivated them to make sure something like that doesn't happen again."
I don't get it," Pinkie Pie said confused, "I mean yeah, Hydia was pretty evil but most of the humans I have met are good. I mean, they may be different and weird in some ways, but they aren't monsters. In fact, behind his rough tough gangster exterior my Stewie is a big old snuggly wuggly teddy bear."
"I guess what happened with Hydia has her a bit spooked." Apple Jack shrugged, "But that isn't the end of it. She appointed this Zealous Shield as its director and he's about as nice as a timber wolf, as warm as a blizzard and about as crafty as a rattle snake. But he has a real talent for getting his way and he doesn't like humans one bit."
"What about Luna?" Pinkie asked, "She got through to the Princess Celestia before, right?"
"That's the problem," Rarity replied, "A few weeks ago; Luna disappeared through the mirrors and hasn't been back since. We have no idea where she went. Without her there is no one else that can get Celestia to see reason."
"Wow, sounds like there is a real mess back home." Pinkie Pie wilted, "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Yes indeedy," Apple Jack replied, "Twii is doing all she can to keep things under control, but she asked us to come here and see if we can find Luna. Our hope is she can come back and talk some sense into her sister before shit really hits the fan."
"Apple Jack!" Rarity gasped horrified.
"Sorry," The Farm pony winced sheepishly, "Something I picked up from Gus."
"Well don't worry!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, leaping to her feet, "As Equestria's official ambassador to Earth, I will make it my solemn duty to help you find Princess Luna! And I know my Stewie will help!"
"Woman!" Stew bellowed from upstairs, "What crazy bull shit are you getting me mixed up in!?"
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A short while later, they were all gathered around a large table in the kitchen polishing off some left over Chinese food as Pinkie Pie brought Stew up to speed.
"So what your saying is, this Princess Luna just ran off?" Stew asked.
"We're not sure that was the case," Rarity replied, "But she's missing."
"Baby," Pinkie began, "is there anything you can do to help find her?"
"I don't know," Stew said thinking, "Earth is a big damn planet and with those mirrors she could be anywhere."
"I don't know about that." Apple Jack replied, "There are only a few points of entry, one being the house in Oaksville, which is where we came through."
"Still, with her being gone a couple of weeks she could be in Canada by now." Stew countered, "Don't you all have magic to find her with?"
"We've tried that," Rarity replied, "But she seems to be masking her trail."
"Maybe your brother Kevin could help?" Pinkie Pie suggested.
"No!" Stew said firmly.
"Baby, please," Pinkie Pie begged, "He could run a search or something to find out if anyone has seen her?"
"I said no." Stew said flatly, "I am not asking for that traitor for anything!"
Pinkie Pie's face fell into a pout, as she stuck out her lower lip.
"Woman, I have spoken!" Stew said defiantly, crossing his arms to emphasize his point.
Intensifying her expression, Pinkie whimpered slightly.
Finally, Stew let loose a long annoyed sigh, "I'll text him." He conceded begrudgingly. Getting up from the table, he began muttering to himself as he walked out of the room, "I'm just minding my own business and then damn ponies show up cause their princess up and runs off and now I got to text my traitor brother. And I thought white girls were a pain in the ass!"
Hearing his rant, Rarity winced, "I hope we didn't get you into trouble."
"Oh he's fine," Pinkie Pie replied, with a dismissive wave, "He just needs a little time to calm down."
"You sure?" Apple Jack asked, "We don't want to getcha into mess, or nothing."
Pinkie smirked mischievously, "Don't worry, if all else fails I got ways of chilling him out later."
At that, all three ponies cackled like hens.
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A few hours later just as the sun was beginning to set, a silver Chevrolet Impala pulled into the small driveway of Stew's small town house. In the driver's seat was a tall man, with an athletic build, dressed in a white shirt and tie. He had a short conservative haircut and small neatly trimmed mustache on his upper lip. He had a serious face and dark eyes which he scanned the house with, assessing it carefully. Getting out of the car, he adjusted the shoulder strap of his pistol, and taking out a suit coat put it on straightening it carefully.
"Kevin's here!" Pinkie announced cheerfully.
"Great!" Stew replied sarcastically, "Is the weed hidden?"
Pinkie rolled her eyes and said, "Duh…"
There was a knock on the door, and answering it, Stew said, "Sup."
"Hello, Stewart," Kevin replied civilly, as he came inside, "You look well."
"You too," Stew replied, matching his tone perfectly.
Looking over at Pinkie, Kevin said, "I take it this is the new girlfriend?" and when Stew nodded, he said, "She's a lot better than the last one."
"Awww," Pinkie blushed, "You're sweet."
"So, given you never contact me I am assuming the situation is dire," Kevin said, almost officially, "However, I must warn you if you're in trouble with the law again there is little I can do to help you."
"What makes you think I have issues with Five'O?" Stew asked defensively.
"Are you serious?" Kevin replied as if answering a stupid question.
"Even if I did have issues with the cops, what makes you think I would call you?" Stew asked angrily.
"Well, you wouldn't have issues with the department if you stopped selling weed." Kevin said matter of fact, "What happens if I look through our parent's home? What am I going to find here, Stewart?"
"What makes you think there is shit to find?" Stew retorted sharply
Kevin narrowed his eyes, "I can have a dog here in twenty minutes." He threatened.
"Oh, you gonna to bust me again, big brother?" Stew asked angrily, puffing his chest.
"Stew, you had half an ounce of pot on you and you weren't listening to mom or pop." Kevin began, "I am sorry if I refused to enable you."
"Enable my ass!" Stew roared, "You've just gotten uppity since you became a cop!"
"I'm a detective, thank you." Kevin corrected him coldly.
"Traitor is more like it." Stew growled.
"Boys please!" Pinkie interjected, "You're brothers after all."
The two men stood silently for a moment, glaring at each other. Finally, Kevin broke the silence, "Sorry, I just got off of a long tour." And wiping his face, he asked, "What is it you needed?"
"We were wondering if you could help us track down a friend of ours." Rarity said, joining the conversation.
"Have you reported her missing?" Kevin asked professionally.
"Well not exactly," Rarity replied.
"Well, Ma'am, with all due respect, proper procedure is to report your friend missing to the department after they have been gone for a minimum of twenty four hours." Kevin explained.
"Well, our situation is a bit tricky." Apple Jack said jumping in.
"Tricky?" Kevin asked, raising an eyebrow, "How so? Is she in danger?"
"We aren't sure," Pinkie replied, "we know she was in Oaksville a few weeks ago, but after that we have no idea."
"This may be a delicate question, but is there any reason to believe she is in danger or involved in something criminal?" Kevin asked, "And understand, if I am going to help you, I need to know."
"No, nothing like that," Apple Jack replied.
Kevin pinched the bridge of his nose thinking, and said, "Sounds to me like you need a private investigator more than a police officer."
"See, I told you he wouldn't help." Stew said smugly.
"I didn't say that, now did I, Stewart?" His brother retorted defensively, "Now, why don't we sit down and talk this through and I'll see what can do."
"I'll put some coffee on." Pinkie announced.
"That would be wonderful, thank you." Kevin replied graciously.
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As the five of them sipped hot mugs of coffee; Kevin listened to an edited version of the events that had lead up to Luna's disappearance. When they had finished, he thought for a few minutes and asked, "And you have no idea why she came to Oaksville in the first place?"
"No idea whatsoever," Rarity replied.
"is there any other information you can give me to go on here?" he asked, "I mean, other than her name, her arrival in Oaksville and your connection to Stewart, I don't have much to go on here."
"Like what?" Pinkie asked.
"Well for starters, where did she come from?" Kevin asked.
The three ponies exchanged looks, and then Apple Jack said, "From a long ways from here."
"A long ways," Kevin said, raising an eyebrow, "can you be more specific here?"
"I wish we could," Rarity said with regret, "But believe me the answer would be even more difficult to explain than what we have all told you."
"That's not very helpful." Kevin replied.
"We're sorry," Apple jack replied.
"You said she arrived at a house on the outskirts of town?" Kevin asked.
"Yes," Rarity replied, "The same place where we arrived."
"Did you notice anything that might give us some idea where she was heading?" Kevin asked.
Apple Jack and Rarity sat thinking for a moment, and then Rarity's eyes flashed with realization, "I did see a note written about and Auto Dealership in Texas by the phone. I would have grabbed it, but I didn't think anything of it."
Kevin smiled, "I think that's a good place to start."
Just than Tasha came into the room, dressed in pink pajamas, rubbing one of her with a tiny eyes as she clutched a teddy bear in her other arm.
"Whatcha doing out of bed, Thin Mint?" Stew asked.
"I wanted to say hi to Uncle Kevin," The toddler replied as she came over to the table.
The moment his niece said his name, Kevin's serious exterior melted into a warm happy smile. Picking her up and setting her on his lap, he asked, "how's my favorite niece doing?'
"Fine," she replied sleepily.
"You know your Aunt Daphne misses you, as do your cousins Darnel and Martha." He said.
"I miss them too," Tasha said.
"Alright, Thin Mint," Stew began in a fatherly tone, "It's past your bedtime. Say good night to Uncle Kevin."
Hugging him with her tiny arms, she said, "Good Night, Uncle Kevin."
"Come on," Pinkie said, picking her up gently, "I'll tuck you in."
As she was being carried away, she looked over at Rarity and said, "You have pretty hair."
Kevin and Stew both exchanged a wide eyed look of surprise.
"Why thank you, Darling." Rarity replied graciously, "You have gorgeous hair too. If your father doesn't mind, maybe I could help you do yours up really pretty some time?"
"Can I, Daddy?" She asked excitedly.
"Most definitely," He said overjoyed, "Good Night, Baby girl."
"Good night, Daddy." She replied.
As Pinkie carried her off, Stew sat dumbfounded and seeing this, Apple Jack asked, "You okay?"
"I don't know what you ponies do, but she's talked more since Pinkie and you girls have been around than a year ago after my bitch of an ex up and left." Stew said.
"Ponies?" Kevin asked.
"It's a club we belong too." Rarity said quickly,
"Alright," Kevin began, returning to the matter at hand, "given what you told me I think the best thing to do is go back to that house and get that note. Also, while there, we should look around for anything else that might give us a clue to where you friend went."
"So you're willing to help?" Stew asked surprised.
"Stewart, I know you and I don't see eye to eye, but as mom always said, family comes first. And if these women have helped Tasha then we owe them." Kevin said plainly, "I'll take tomorrow off and we'll head over there in the morning."
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Bright and Early, the Ponies, Stewart and his brother pulled into the driveway of the house in Oakville. Kevin and Stew sat in the front seats of Kevin's Impala and the three ponies sat in the back. Apple Jack cringed when she saw the state of the lawn as well as a few other things neglected in her absence. Leaning on her shoulder, Rarity, never one for early mornings, slept peacefully like an adorable little filly.
"Sugar Cube," Apple Jack said gently, "Sugar Cube, wake up we're here."
Rarity muttered something about taffeta drapes, and then buried her face into her lover's shoulder.
"Rarity!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed loudly, jabbing her with her finger rapidly, "Wakey Wakey!"
"What!? What is it?" Rarity shot up wide eyed in a panic, "Did Sweetie belle set the kitchen on fire again!?"
"We're here." Pinkie replied gently.
Rarity glared as Apple Jack covered her mouth to keep from laughing.
Getting out of the car as Rarity stretched and yawned, Apple Jack asked, "What in the hay happened to this place? I thought the Princesses hired a new caretaker."
"Your guess is as good as mine." Rarity shrugged.
"It's not that bad," Pinkie laid down on the ground to get an eye level view of the grass, "I mean the lawn was mowed a few weeks ago or so."
Raising his eyebrow at this, Kevin suggested, "Maybe we should go inside and have a look."
Walking up the front step, Apple jack groaned.
"What is it, Darling?" Rarity asked.
"I forgot, we don't have our keys anymore and I locked the door when we left." She replied.
"That does complicate things." Rarity sighed.
"Hold on I got this." Stew said, taking out his driver's license. He slid it between the door knob and the frame, a moment later it swung open.
Kevin shook his head, "Some things never change."
"What?" Stew said defensively, "It's their house."
Kevin just shook his head in reply.
Wordlessly, they all walked inside. Other than a bit of dust, the house was in good condition. Looking over at the kitchen counter, Rarity picked up the note pad she had looked over when she had arrived. It had the name Denton Auto written on it along with a number and an extension. "This is what I was talking about," Rarity said, holding out to Stew's brother, who began leafing through the pages,
"Seems like whomever this belongs to was looking for someone named Sunset Shimmer." He replied, and taking out his cell phone began punching a number.
"What are you doing?" Pinkie Pie asked.
Raising his finger for a second, Kevin greeted warmly, "Hello, my name is Detective Kevin Maxwell, with whom I am I speaking." He paused, "Pleasure to speak with you Miss Shimmer. I have some friends here who were concerned about you and asked me to make some inquiries." He paused, and with casual chuckle he said "No, no one by the name of Celestia, Luna or Sweetie drops. They claim to know you, Apple Jack and Rarity?" he nodded to the two of them, "Yes, they are standing right here." And with that he offered his cell phone to Rarity.
"Hello," She greeted.
"Rarity," Sunset Shimmer replied with warm excitement, "It's good to hear from you. How long has it been? Years at least!"
"It's nice to hear from you too, Darling." Rarity replied confused, 'but it hasn't been that long, only a few months."
"This isn't Rarity from Canterlot High?" Sunset Shimmer asked.
"No, this is Rarity from Equestria," after a pregnant pause, Rarity continued on, "Anyway, the reason why we tracked you down is because we're looking for Princess Luna. Do you happen to know where she is?"
"I have no idea." Sunset Shimmer replied evasively.
"Are you sure about that, Darling?" Rarity asked not even attempting to hide the suspicion in her voice.
"Sorry, can't help you," Sunset Shimmer replied.
Feeling she was lying, Rarity asked, "Do you have any idea why she would have come here."
"No," Sunset Shimmer replied, "Anyway, I'm at work so I have to go." And with that she hung up abruptly.
"Does she know where Luna is?" Apple Jack asked.
"She claims not to, but I am sure she is lying." Rarity replied, and catching sight of Kevin picking up the portable house phone, she asked, "What are you doing?"
"Just trust me." He replied, and hitting redial, put the phone on speaker,
"This is Neil, unless he owes you money," a friendly voice greeted cheerfully with a poor attempt at humor. They heard Luna's voice in the background and he said, "I don't know, their calling from the house though." There was a pause as they heard conversation in the back ground and finally Neil said with annoyance, "Hold on, Lu, I'll ask. Who am I speaking to?"
"Rarity, Apple Jack and Pinkie Pie," Pinkie replied.
"Hey!" Neil exclaimed, as someone in the background snatched the phone.
"Girls!" Luna exclaimed, "What are you doing in Oaksville?!"
"Looking for you," Apple Jack replied with annoyance, "Things have been kind of crazy in Equestria since you've up and vanished so Twilight sent here to look for you."
"Listen, I know things are difficult, but I need you to listen to me. There is a very sensitive matter that I am dealing with. One that will require my absence for awhile," Luna replied.
"Does this matter have to do with Sunset Shimmer?" Rarity asked.
"I can't talk about it." Luna said firmly, "Just tell Twilight and Cadance to do the best they can until I return. I'll contact them when able."
"Let me see if I understand this," Apple jack began frustrated, "Zealous Shield is turning Equestria upside down. Without you, your sister is letting him do it and you think whatever this is, is MORE important?!"
"It is precisely because of Zealous Shield that I am asking you to do this for me." Luna replied desperately, "I know this is hard to understand, but I need you girls to trust me. Go back to Equestria and try to hold things together there. I will contact Twilight soon, I promise."
With that she hung up.
Rarity groaned, "This is just so frustrating! We come all the way here, on our one year anniversary and accomplish nothing!"
"I know, Sugarcube." Apple Jack said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "but we at least had to try."
"Wait!' Pinkie perked up, "Did you say it was your one year anniversary!"
"Yes," Rarity replied, "Or rather it was yesterday. We had to cancel our plans to come on this wild goose chase."
"Say no more!" Pinkie pie replied, "Because tonight we're going to party!"
"We really should be getting back to Equestria like Luna said." Apple Jack replied.
"Oh come on, just one more day." Pinkie pleaded, 'We could hit the club, and you guys could head out tomorrow.'
"What could be the harm?" Rarity asked, matching her expression.
Apple Jack hesitated, but the puppy eyes of both Pinkie and Rarity melted her resistance, "Okay, I'm in."
"I know my Stew's in, how about you Kevin?" Pinkie asked.
Just as he was about answer, his cell phone rang, "Detective Maxwell," His eyes went wide, "When? Alright, I have to drop my brother and his friends back off at their home, but I'll be right there."
As he hung up, Stew asked, "What's going on?"
"Turns out there have been some odd disappearances in the area one of which was a local deputy sheriff," Kevin explained, "Sorry, I'd love to go but now I have a case."
"Do you think Daphne would mind babysitting Thin Mint?" Stew asked.
"I'll have to call her, but I don't think that would be a problem," Kevin replied.
"Thanks, bro." Stew replied.
"Anytime," Kevin then checked the time on his phone, "Anyway, we'd better get moving. From the sounds of things, I'm in for a long night."
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Stew stood looking into the full mirror in the master bedroom of his home as he put on black tie. He was dressed in black slacks and vest with a purple dress shirt. The black suit coat he would wear hanging neatly in the closet with a pair of shined dress shoes on a shelf above it. As he got ready, his expression was sour as he went over the events of the day in his mind. As much as he loved Pinkie, she had this ability to drive him crazy while being absolutely adorable at the same time. She made him want to be a better person, but also made him want to put his head through a wall. He couldn't explain or understand it, but she had him wrapped around her little finger and worst of all she knew it.
The shower in the bathroom stopped just as he finished and Pinkie came out, wrapped in a towel. Her wet hair dripping from the shower all over the wooden floor filling him with renewed irritation as he knew in a moment she would toss it right on the bed as she always did without a second thought. This would leave a big wet spot, something that drove a neatness nut like him crazy.
"Wow," she commented, "You look good."
Maintaining his grumpy expression and keeping his face fixed on the mirror, Stew shrugged with a grunt.
Seeing this, Pinkie said, "Baby, is something wrong?"
"No," he said coldly, which always meant yes.
"I know this hasn't exactly been the best day for you," she said apologetically, "But you've been super sweet about it."
He shrugged again, "Just life dating a pony."
"Oh don't be like that." She said, wilting slightly, "I know you're frustrated, but at least no evil witches have shown up."
"It's still early." He grumbled.
"Awww please, Baby." A playful expression came over her face, 'You know I am planning to make it up to you later."
His grumpiness fading slightly, his eyes moved slightly in her direction, "Oh yeah?"
"Mhmm," she replied in a teasing manner, "And believe me, you've been so wonderful, I am going to reward you big time when we get home tonight."
"Since I've been so sweet and wonderful, any chance I could get a preview, Boo?" He asked hopefully.
Pinkie giggled, "Of course, silly," as she let her towel fall to the floor. Walking over to him, with a broad mischievous grin she pushed him back into a seat on the bed. After pulling her wet hair back over her shoulder, she fell to her knees and slid down the zipper to his slacks
A moment later Stew's face brightened with a huge joyful grin, as he gasped with happy shock and amazement,"Pinkie, you can always make me smile."
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Kevin Maxwell was baffled as he stared at the statue of Deputy Jack Nelson, staring back at him, his face frozen in a perpetual expression of surprise and terror. Nearby, deputies of the Oak county sheriff's department combed the abandoned squad car and the nearby woods. Their Supervisor Lieutenant Cox a short, portly man with a thick mustache and dark eyes stood by hoping that the detective could shed some light on what had happened.
"And all the others were found this way?" Kevin asked.
"Yep," Cox replied, "We found a road crew this morning, all replaced by statues and Oaksville PD found two more, homeless man and a Parking enforcement officer in the Oakville town limits. I've never seen anything like it. I mean, I've seen kidnappings, I've seen murders, but who hauls along heavy statues of his vics and leaves them at the scene?"
"Your guess is as good as mine," Kevin replied, 'I'm still confused about the chicken feathers and the tracks. It also looks like an anaconda slid through here."
"It sounds like we have a grade-A psycho on our hands." Cox commented grimly.
"Sir!" one of the Deputies called out, "We have the footage from the dash cam up."
Walking over, the two men stood starring down at the patrol car's laptop screen.
The traffic stop with Rarity and Apple Jack began to play. After they drove away, as the video continued, Kevin's eyes widened as he said in a slow astonished voice, "Oh—my-God."
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Oaksville Proper's resident club the Magic Hat was alive and kicking that night, with the thump of the base being heard clear out into the parking lot. A long line of eager club goers stretched across and around the old red bricked building ready for a night of partying hard. It was old, having been a warehouse in the town's earlier days, and had gone through several reincarnations over the decades until becoming a night spot for those looking for something other than a game of pool and a cold beer.
After Stew's black Cadillac parked in its usual spot, the four of them got out and began walking towards the entrance. Pinkie was wearing a black and purple club dress to match stew's colors, as Rarity followed wearing a simple black gown. Apple Jack on the other hand turned heads, wearing a gorgeous low cut green dress that ran high showing off her strong muscular legs. For the first time she could remember, she was wearing makeup voluntarily and her blonde hair and been styled up in gorgeous golden rings.
"You okay, Darling?" Rarity asked.
"I just wish people would quit staring," She muttered, glaring at the crowed, 'I don't look that silly."
"They're not staring at you because you look silly," Pinkie said.
"Oh yeah?" Apple Jack asked with annoyance, "Then why is everybody gawking?"
"They're staring at you because you look hot!" Pinkie exclaimed.
"Mmhmm." Stew said in agreement, "Mighty fine."
Apple Jack blushed furiously.
Seeing this, Rarity took her arm and whispered, "They're' right, you know. I can't wait till later tonight."
Her blushing intensifying, the Farm pony managed a quiet, "Hush, you."
Standing below a large florescent purple top hat sign above the entrance, the stood the bouncer. A large black man, with long dreads whose size and stature could put a grizzly bear to shame. He wore an expensive suit a modernized version of a Victorian top hat to match the club's theme. Upon seeing them, he flashed Stew a broad grin and yelled, "My Brother!" as the two men exchanged a hand shake followed by a fist bump.
"How's life treating you, Daemon?" Stew asked.
"I'm blessed man." Daemon replied, and looking over he said, "Pinkie, you're still around?"
"Are you kidding?" Pinkie began enthusiastically, "I love my Stewie bear!"
Stew looked down with a sheepish expression.
Daemon laughed heartily and then asked, "Man, what is that six months? You haven't had anything that steady since your baby's momma."
"What can I say man, you hold onto quality and let the trash be on its way." Stew replied, and turning back he said "Anyway, let me introduce her girls, Rarity and Apple Jack."
"Nice to meet you," Daemon said graciously, "and welcome to the Magic Hat, any friend of Stew's is a friend of mine and an honored guest of the establishment."
"So how much is the cover?" Stew asked, taking out his wallet.
"Man, get out of here with that shit." Daemon said, rolling his eyes as he lifted the rope to let them in, "Maybe later when y'all are finished here we can hang out and smoke a blunt?"
"Sounds like a plan," Stew replied, "Anyway, ladies, shall we?"
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Kevin Maxwell flew down the street he grew up on, with no regard to the 25 mile per hour speed limit as several squad cars followed him lights and sirens blaring. His heart raced in his chest, as he hit send on his cell phone again, and yelled, "Damn it Stewart, answer!"
Pulling up to the house, he saw Hydia's brown station wagon parked in the street. As he noticed his brother's car was missing, he swore under his breath. Lieutenant Cox pulled up alongside him and rolling down his window, Kevin yelled, "They're not here!"
"Any idea where they went?" Cox asked.
"The Magic Hat!" Kevin replied quickly and pulling forward he yelled, 'follow me and call for more back up!"
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Around the back of the club a door opened as two of the dishwashers carried out a load of trash.
"Dude, I think it's going to happen tonight." One of them said confidently.
"Man, whatever, she's never going to fuck you." His companion replied smugly.
"Oh yeah?" the other replied, "Did you see the way she was all over me?"
"Dude, all I saw was her dropping off dishes." The other answered, "Trust me, ain't no way a girl like Felicia is gonna screw a scrub like you."
They both heard something moving behind a dumpster.
"Dude, what was that?" One asked uneasily
"I don't know man, probably a cat, or something."
The two men watched as something rose up in the darkness like a cobra about to strike.
"What the hell is that?" one of the gasped.
As two red eyes began to glow in the darkness, both men screamed briefly and then were silent. As their statues stood gaping with terror, a shaped moved past them slithering through the open back door door.
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As the group set down their first drinks, Stew said, "another round ladies?"
"Keep this up and we'll be staggering out of here." Rarity commented.
"That's the point!" Pinkie Pie replied, "Kids at her auntie and uncle's for the night, friends in town celebrating their anniversary and the cab company is on speed dial. It's time to get Hammer-fied!"
"You do realize that isn't a real word, right?" Apple Jack asked rhetorically.
Just then Isaac came over to the table, dressed in a black shirt and slacks with a red tie. Looking up Stew glared, "Oh look, the fuck nut who stole Monica."
"Sorry about that, man," Isaac replied humbly, "But to be honest, I did do you a favor. Besides, it didn't last long anyway. Now I am back with my girl where I am supposed to be."
"Well, what do you want?" Stew asked impatiently.
"It's been a while, Stew, can't we let this go?" Isaac asked.
Stew thought for a moment, and looking over at Pinkie he said, "I guess it worked out alright in the end."
"We cool?" Isaac asked.
Offering him has hand, Stew said, "We're cool."
As the two men shook hands, Taylor came running over. Just by the way she stood and the look on her face, both Rarity and Apple Jack could see a change come over her. She had let her blonde hair grow, now reaching past her shoulders, softening her appearance, as even her blue eyes seemed lighter. She wore a gorgeous blue dress; the kind of dress Rarity went gaga over.
"What's going on?" Taylor asked suspiciously.
"Just me and your boy squashing some shit," Stew replied casually, "It's cool."
"No it's not," Taylor said acidly.
"What?" Stew asked surprised.
"You heard me, you thug" Taylor began, not even trying to hide her dislike for him, "Isaac isn't selling and won't be ever again. He doesn't run with your crew and that is how I want it to stay. Frankly, I want us to have nothing to do with you, but as Isaac is a grown man there is little I can do to stop him. But I am not going to sit by the phone anymore at night waiting to find out if he's been arrested or shot. And I am warning you Stewart Maxwell, you may be a hard gangster, but mark my words you mess this up you are going to wish you never met me." She leaned down narrowing her eyes at him, in a way that in spite of her small size made look menacing, "We clear?"
"As crystal," Stew replied matching her expression, assuming a gangster like demeanor, "I'm actually thinking of getting out of it myself."
"I hope that works out for you." Taylor replied with cold apathy, snatching her boyfriend's hand.
As she pulled him away, Isaac said, "It was good to see you man."
"You too," Stew replied.
Watching her go, Pinkie noticed how sad and angry she looked.
"Where are you going, Darling?" Rarity asked.
"To make someone smile," Pinkie replied.
Catching sight of Taylor walking into the bathroom, Pinkie followed behind. Ignoring her as she sat down her purse on the sink, Isaac's girlfriend took out some eye liner and began to touch up her makeup.
"Hi." Pinkie greeted chipperly.
Taylor turned and glared, "What do you want?"
"To say I'm sorry." She replied, "I never realized how much of what we were doing affected you."
"Well you should have!" Taylor snapped, "Do you know how many nights I laid in bed alone crying, wondering if he was okay!? Wondering if the cops had finally busted him or if he was lying on a street corner bleeding out!? You have no idea how much of a living hell I was going through while you were out doing your 'thing'." Taylor raised her arms wiggling her fingers.
"I guess I didn't think about it," Pinkie admitted, "I mean, I'm not from around here and it was all new to me back then. I never considered how much it hurt you."
"So you didn't know screwing my boyfriend behind my back would hurt me?" Taylor asked with disbelief, "Are you that much of an airhead?!"
"He told you that!?' Pinkie gasped.
"No," Taylor replied contemptuously, "But I know what was going on. I mean come on, you're hot and naïve and he's a player. It's not all your fault," Taylor sighed, shaking her head, "Back then Isaac used to have a wandering eye and a black belt in sweet talk. I don't know how much of me hating you and Stew has to do with the drug dealing or that."
"If it makes you feel any better it never happened." Pinkie replied.
Taylor rolled her eyes, "Yeah right." She said sarcastically.
"It didn't because I know how it feels," Pinkie began as her curly hair went flat, "How humiliating it is, how it makes you feel worthless, like it's your fault. I could never do that to someone. You see I had a special some-boyfriend once. He and I had so much in common, made me feel special like we had this big connection. Then, he just disappears one day and I found out he was cheating on me the entire time, but truth be told deep down I knew. I knew that in reality, that despite all his sweet talk, I meant nothing more to him then just sex and something to show off at the party," Pinkie's blue eyes moistened, "I could never do that to another mare, not in a million, billion years. So yeah, nothing happened between me and him. You and I may not have been friends then and you may not like me but, I would never do that to you. I wouldn't do that to anyone."
A glimmer of trust began to appear in her eyes, as Taylor asked softly "No shit?"
"No shit." Pinkie said, with a nod of reassurance, "despite his sweet talk we were strictly business."
Turning back to the mirror, Taylor preened her bangs slightly and said, "Well, that whole period living with Sun was messed up. I'm prepared to leave it in the past if you are. "
"So friends?" Pinkie asked.
Closing a compact with a snap, Taylor smiled warmly, and shrugged, "Sure,"
Pinkie's hair exploded into its usual curl and she leapt forward with a huge grin to give her the biggest, most massive, gigantic super duper awesome hug ever!
"Whoa," Taylor grimaced awkwardly, putting her hands up to stop the party pony, "personal space."
Pinkie backed off, "Sorry."
"It's cool," Taylor replied, offering her a fist bump.
As Pinkie accepted it, her blue eyes widened, "uh oh."
"What is it?" Taylor asked.
"Twitch-a-twitch!" Pinkie exclaimed.
Suddenly the sound of shouts and screams came from the club's interior.
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The cooks, dishwashers and serving staff raced out of the back of the kitchen screaming as they ran through the club towards the exits.
Looking up, Stew asked, "is it a fire?'
"I don't smell smoke." Apple jack replied.
Suddenly, a balding middle aged cook came stumbling through the door way, his body turning to stone as it fell to the floor. A moment later a creature size of a massive jungle snake slithered onto the dance floor. It had a long scaly serpent's body, bat wings and a chicken's head. Rising up to reveal its great length and height, it threw its head into the air giving an ear splitting crowing like roar as it's eyes glowed like red coals.
As the rest of club goers and staff screamed, knocking over tables and chairs, trampling over one another wide eyed, and annunciating every word slowly, Stew roared, "WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT!?"
"It's a cockatrice!" Rarity gasped with horror.
"A cocka what?" Stew asked, drawing his pistol from his jacket as he tipped the table over to give them some cover.
"A monster from Equestria that can turn you to stone if you look it in the face," Apple Jack explained quickly as they all crouched behind it.
"Great." Stew said, rolling his eyes, "First an evil witch, now the chicken from hell."
The panicked crowd scattered as several more people were turned to stone, falling onto the dance floor as the creature slithered about in search of more victims.
"Pinkie!" Stew shouted desperately, "Pinkie! Where are you?!"
Isaac suddenly appeared with a gun in his hand, "She followed Taylor into the Bathroom."
"Then that thing is between us and them," Stew said bitterly,
"Not for long," Isaac said, raising his gun as he prepared to stand up.
"No wait!" Rarity said, stopping him, "You'll be turned to stone!"
Looking at her like she was nuts, he said, "Huh?"
"Just roll with it," Stew said tiredly, "trust me."
Heeding his advice, Isaac quickly took out his cell phone and raised it above the table.
"What are you doing?" Apple Jack asked.
After snapping a photo of the monster, he said, "Texting Taylor,"
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As Taylor and Pinkie stood in the bathroom listening to the commotion outside, Taylor's phone chimed and checking it her eyes widened. Showing the picture to Pinkie she asked, "Can that thing really turn us to stone?"
"Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh My God!" Pinkie starting screaming hysterically, rushing about the bathroom like a mad woman.
"Pinkie," Taylor called out to her, Pinkie…Pinkie….PINKIE!" Grabbing her by the arm, Isaac's girlfriend reached back and slapped her, "Get a grip!"
"Ouch!" Pinkie squeaked, and coming to her senses whimpered, "What did you do that for?"
"Can that thing really turn us to stone?" Taylor asked.
"Only if you look it in the eye," Pinkie replied tearfully as she rubbed her sore cheek, "That really hurt."
"Look, I am sorry, but I needed you to snap out of it." Taylor apologized as she pulled a small pink can of pepper spray from her purse.
"What are you doing?" Pinkie asked.
"Getting us out of this mess," Taylor replied firmly, "And to do that, I need you to have my back." She took her hand and squeezed it gently, "Can you do that?"
Her tears vanishing, forcing a smile Pinkie saluted and said, "Yes ma'am."
Taylor smiled, "That's better."
Isaac's girlfriend slowly opened the bathroom door, and seeing the hallway into the main room of the club was clear, she walked out with Pinkie following close behind. The sound of movement and hissing could be heard coming around the corner. Readying her small can, Taylor stood ready to meet the attack. Suddenly the chicken like head of the Cockatrice wrapped around the corner with a roar.
"Go to hell!" Taylor screamed, covering her eyes as she sprayed monster in the face.
The Cockatrice roared with pain, squealing as it retreated wriggling on the dance floor like some grotesque worm. A moment later, shots rang out as both Stew and Isaac opened fire. With one final crowing roar, the monster quickly retreated into the kitchen.
"The coast is clear!" Isaac exclaimed, "Let's get the hell out of here."
"We can't!" Rarity replied.
"Why the hell not?" Stew asked.
"We can't let a monster loose on Earth;" Apple Jack explained quickly, "Who knows what it'll do if we let it run around like a crazed timber-wolf on this planet."
"You're not seriously suggesting we go after that thing, are you?" Taylor asked with sharp disbelief.
After a moment of silence, Stew slipped another magazine into his gun, and with and said, "Let's do this thing."
The group slowly walked into the kitchen, wide eyed and ready at any moment to be turned to stone. The lights flickered on and off placing them between dark and light. The gas stoves were still on as a pan holding the remains of a burned burger sat sizzling away. A large deep fat fryer stood, hot oil moving and churning as an greasy basket hung over it waiting for use.
Almost walking into the statue of a line cook, Stew stopped dead in his tracks, "Whoa, this is some creepy shit."
"You okay?" Pinkie asked.
"No," Stew grumbled.
Pinkie wilted slightly as they continued on.
The thunderous clang of a group of pots falling, caused them all to jump, as something moved in the darkness.
"Girls, behind us!" Isaac ordered, as he and Stew pointed their guns.
The monster leapt at them, causing them all to scream, as both men got off a few shots before it disappeared.
"Where did it go?" Isaac asked.
As if in answer to his question, it fell down from the stove's main vent landing on Rarity knocking her to the ground. Holding her down, it turned its hideous face towards hers as its eyes began to glow red. Screaming hysterically, Rarity shoved up with her arms. An instinctive blue flash of magic from her hands sent the monster flying towards Stew. Bracing for the impact and with years of honed athletic skill he rolled with the impact and hurled it head first into the deep fat fryer causing an explosion of sizzling oil.
As everyone slowly regained their presence of mind they saw its body limply hanging from the side as its tail twitched slightly
"Is it over?" Taylor asked
Just then the monster's burned head erupted from the grease with a loud roar of pain and anger and both Stew and Isaac opened fire shattering it like an egg, Its long neck slowly slid down the side, its body curling lifelessly onto the floor.
Lowering the barrel of his gun, Isaac said, "Now it is." Tears from her eyes, Taylor wrapped her arms around him, burying her head in his chest. Rubbing her back, he said gently, "It's over now. You're safe."
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As they walked out of the kitchen, those who were turned to stone slowly began to change back. As they murmured and mulled about in confusion Kevin burst through the front door with several police officers and a full S.W.A.T team behind him.
Seeing Stew, relief swept over his face, "Stewart!" Kevin hugged his brother, "Thank God you're alright." Letting go he said, "What the hell happened here?"
Shaking his head, Stew chuckled and said, "Big Bro, you wouldn't believe me if I told you,"
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As ambulances looked over the club goers, Kevin stood talking on his cell phone as Rarity and Apple Jack sat on a nearby curb quietly waiting to find out their fates.
"Uh huh," Kevin said, "Okay, thanks." And hanging up he said, "Deputy Nelson has reappeared and confirms that you two had left before he was attacked."
"Reappeared?" Apple Jack asked confused.
"Given he was found in place of his statue along with several other victims that is what the department is choosing to call it." Kevin said tiredly, "And if this isn't the case, I really don't want to know."
"We understand, sir." Rarity replied.
Meanwhile as Stew stood by his car brooding, Pinkie walked up to him with a timid expression and asked, "I guess you're pretty mad at me?"
"Well, this hasn't been the best night if that is what you're asking." Stew replied with annoyance, "I swear you ponies attract trouble like sugar attracts flies."
"I'm sorry," Pinkie wilted, "I guess I'll pack my stuff and go back with the girls to Equestria."
Stew rolled his eyes, "and why are you going to go do a fool thing like that?'
"I thought you'd want me to." Pinkie replied.
"Boo, you may be a pain in the ass, but I still love you!" Stew replied,
"Really!" Pinkie said excitedly
"Yeah," Stew said with annoyance, "I'm just a little pissed off at the moment. I'll get past it, eventually"
"It's okay," Pinkie replied, and with a devious smile appearing on her face she kissed him on the cheek, and said, "After I reward you tonight, you'll be all better."
Taking her hand, he said, "That's cool, but I wanna do something first."
"What's that?" Pinkie asked.
"Swing by KFC," Stew smiled broadly "For some reason I'm feeling a strong craving for fried chicken."
Pinkie snorted as the two of them burst into hearty laughter.
"What's going on?" Isaac asked and he and Taylor, Apple Jack and Rarity walked over.
"Come on," Stew said cheerfully, 'I'll explain on the way."
THE END
Note to the readers, sorry it's been a while, but been VERY busy.
If you would like to see more aspects of this series developed, certain characters or expansion of different ploy lines please let me know either in a review or PM messages (The second one working better to be honest.) However, I will not do clop fiction. Sorry, I may be willing to go as high as PG-13 or even R in some instances, but for NC-17 you'll have to go elsewhere.