Part 2 Dangerous Reunions

Ravager Blitzfire

Present Time…

The train was just pulling into Griffonstone Station when we heard the sounds of warfare. Bullets were being sprayed in the distance and a strange shrieking yell could be heard. I assumed the yells were coming from the enemy, but there was no enemy I'd ever heard that sounded like that.

"I didn't even know the trains still ran in the Broncston Wastes," I told to Capper as I hopped off.

He grabbed a rail's edge and swung around it before jumping to land beside me, saying, "It was smooth ridin' all the way through though, amiright?"

"I don't know, but I think we better go see what's up," I nodded to my tomfriend.

We rushed to the sound of gunfire, coming over a crest on the road to overlook a small military outpost consisting of 5 large green tents, a radio tower with station and a Minute Hoof flag, similar to the one at Sanctuary but bearing a different crest to represent Minute Hooves Scout and Patrol. This was the command outpost that was under attack by very strange looking Mire Lurks.

"Whoo boy, I've seen these little fellas before. They're nasty, and best to stay clear if you can avoid it." Capper was twirling one paw pad through the air to make his point as he pointed and counted out the remaining enemies. My EFS counted 3 alive and I saw a bunch more bodies everywhere else.

Raising my revolver, I shot at one and took it down in almost the blink of an eye. I took good care of this weapon. "What are they?" I inquired.

"To put it simply, a nasty mutated specimen of the Mire family. They're spawned from a Behemoth version of the Lurk, called Lurker Queen. If there's one close to here, I recommend seeking medical help asap." Capper snickered at me. I loved his laid back sense of humor.

He fired up his orb powers and for a second I thought I saw a smiling purple kitty face but it was gone the moment he tossed his blue styled magic at another Lurker. It splashed on it but didn't appear to do much damage. I had stocked up on apple grenades before leaving so I plucked one from my belt, "How about we give this a try."

Capper lifted a paw, "Careful not to—" it was too late, as I had already plucked the stem and tossed one at the nearest enemy. "—hit any friendlies there…" he slowly lowered his paw, but I had been paying attention. If OJ was here I was going to make damn sure he stayed alive in this battle.

Using my EFS, I located and identified friendly bogies. There was Orange Juice and my heart almost stopped. He hadn't seen us yet, but I had seen him. I looked over to Capper, who was now using orange exploding orbs and I knew for a fact I could see Cheshire every time he did. Capper didn't seem to notice my distress at seeing OJ.

Finally, the battle abruptly ended. By the time we had shown up there hadn't been many Lurkers left anyway and I felt relieved we could push it out of the way. I knew adrenaline and tensions would still be high, but at least Capper and I could finally reveal our position. I lifted my hoof and accessed my modified version of the Pip-Buck I'd received from the Power Armor all those moons ago; tuning into the Minute Free Radio and connecting to the Command Outpost.

"Come in Griffonstone Station, come in Griffonstone." I started. "This is Ravager Blitzfire and Capper Dapperpaws, sent from Sanctuary. Your request for backup was read loud and clear. We're on our way down." I buzzed out and I saw ponies down the hill noticing us up here at the station platform.

"We read you loud and clear Blitzfire and Dapperpaws," came a high pitched male voice. "You are safe to venture on down here." there was a slight laugh as the radio cut out again.

"Please do remind me to update him on my name. I so prefer Capper," he slid his paw through the air as he said 'so.' He had kind of a sly look on his face. Now that his aura had died down, I could no longer see Cheshire. That had been strange to say the least. I wondered what Cheshire whispered to my tomfriend when I couldn't see or hear.

"BLITZY!" came a loud immediately recognizable voice as we approached the camp. OJ was jumping up and down, anxiously anticipating our arrival now that he'd been made aware. He made to jump toward me, possibly to give me a hug, but the Guardian—Oh, the Guardian, I was internally rolling my eyes, no way I wouldn't recognize that blue earth pony son of a bitch anywhere!—stopped OJ from proceeding with an extended foreleg. "Blitzy, Blitzy, Blitzy!" OJ could not stop bouncing.

There was a younger kid, about 8 or so years old, peering out from behind a black colored pony with a long horn and dark purple eyes. Beside that pony was a blue and white striped guy, earth pony; and a light blue pegasus ghoul. She must've been wearing a wig because there was no way her actual hair looked that good; it was short and poofy, kinda like Pumpkin Spices but not as long. Then there was the crew, and Press wasn't kidding when he said battalion.

I recognized a few members of their party, there was the earth brown stallion named Cherry Blossom, the white mare named Lily Bloom, I definitely remembered Pumpkin Spice and the Guardian; or rather Buck, then there was the Colonel, whom I wasn't sure I remembered or not. I saw another, gray, pony emerge from a tent and to me he was labeled as raider red on my EFS, my eyes widened for a split second and I raised my weapon before a cream-colored pony with wine red hair jumped forward and spoke up, "Wait, wait! He's with us, that's Combat Zone!" I lowered my weapon and trained my eyes on OJ, biting my lip.

"Isn't he a raider?" I asked the group but could not stop staring at Orange Juice. Those perfect orange curves, his beautifully styled turquoise mane; courtesy of Pumpkin Spice. And who could forget his silly yet lovable mismatched eyes; left turquoise to match his mane and the right orange, matching his fur.

The same pony spoke up and I turned my attention to his apple colored eyes, "He was, yeah, but not any more so you don't gotta worry one bit!" he looked to be around the same age as OJ, though a bit shorter, and as I sized him up I noticed he was wearing a flat cap, combat boots and spiked anklets on his two forehooves. He also appeared to be protecting Orange Juice, which made no sense.

"Who are you?" I narrowed my eyes, speaking slowly.

"Chess says that's a good question," Capper whispered to me so only I could hear.

Orange spoke up almost at once, "He's my Wonderbolt!" he was smiling a big smile.

Wonder "bolt" continued, "Well, my full name is Wonderful but you can call me Wonder if you want. I like to wander and wonder." he winked.

"It's pretty wonderful," said Pumpkin Spice in her shrill tones.

"What she said." Wonder laughed then put one hoof around OJ's shoulders and nuzzled him. I felt my pulse quicken but decided to shrug it off.

"What are you all doing here? This isn't Bittsberg." I stated.

Guardian removed his helmet, "It sure isn't, and I have to say it's actually pretty nice to see you, Blitz, considering…" he was avoiding eye contact now.

"Nice…?" I bit my lip again.

Capper noticed my discomfort and rubbed my shoulders. I saw OJ notice that. "You two got history or something?" he asked us.

"You could say that," said Buck and I said, "Or something," at the same time.

"He's soo over it!" her head did that weird twisty thing before going back to its normal resting place, "Right ol' Buck?" she giggled.

"I hate when you call me that and yes, that's right. Besides we have more pressing matters."

Cherry was just walking up, a helmet in hoof, "Well get used to it old stallion, kuz it ain't changin'." he said gruffly.

The Colonel was close behind Cherry, her white fur glistening in the sunlight and her long red mane flowing elegantly behind her and curling over one shoulder to rest on her chest. Her cutie mark was blazoned proud on her flank and it was especially noticeable in the way she carried herself. Some sort of coat of arms with many branches and curving arrows coming out of the circular center. "The Guardian is right of course! We do have more pressing issues at hoof. As you can see we just one a very hard fought battle but the war is not over!"

"What do you need help with?" I asked the pair.

"It really depends who you ask," Buck scuffed a gauntleted hoof through the dirt.

"That it does!" the shadow colored pony who looked rather important and dignified stood to full attention and saluted, "Major Shadow Brighton, Minute Hoof Patrol #187, reporting, and if Press sent you then you must be just as important as this small battalion here." his voice was low and cool. It sent chills down my spine.

"He really is!" OJ was nodding frantically.

The white and blue striped pony was returning from speaking on the radio and went over and brushed the 8 year old on his head, scuffing up his mane. "Daddy!" said the kid in protest, "You're embarrassing me in front of the new pony. Uh-er-um, and the kitty cat guy."

"Kitty-cat guy, I love it! I'm a catlord kiddo!" Capper burst into hysterics. "And dontcha forget it."

"I won't sir!" he saluted.

Shadow continued introductions, "Meet Dime, my son, and Cardkeeper," Card saluted, "My coltfriend and captain on this unit."

Cardkeeper jumped to full attention so fast it wasn't even funny, "Nice to meetcha! Captain almost Lieutenant Ace of Hearts at your full service and attention. Oh and um, Minute Hoof Scout and communications officer #186." he dropped his salute but remained at attention, chest puffed out further than it should be.

"And, um, I, um, I'm Private Flower. Skye, um, Flower…" said a quiet mare's voice, the sky blue pegasus was talking but it was hard to hear.

"Speak up, no need ta be shy now!" Capper encouraged her.

She stood to full attention then, "I'm Private Flower, sir! Minute Hoof Patrol #185, sir!" she saluted and did not drop it.

"Alright now, alright! No need for all that now," Capper waved her down.

"At ease, I guess," I told them. Everypony at attention dropped to their relaxed states. "We're not ranking officers so the formalities weren't really necessary."

"Formalities are always necessary," said Shadow.

Card smiled and spoke up energetically, his whole body vibrating, "And technically you are, I just got off the radio with Sanctuary. Press gave you two the clearance level of Majors." Card gave a cute little salute again.

"Now that we've got introductions out of the way, I'd like to take everypony, nonessential excluded, into the wartent for debriefing." Shadow waved us on. We all followed but I watched OJ, Dime and Pumpkin stay behind to play with a puppy outside. Combat went back to the male shelter tent grumbling about being woken from a nap. Everyone heading into the war-room included myself, Capper, Buck, Ashe Erza and Shadow. Everypony else had other things to do on base. Cherry and Sky were busily reorganizing munitions in the back of the tent but they weren't part of the conversation at the table.

"So can I ask again, what are you guys doing all the way out here?" I was staring down the Guardian, "and who in tartarus is that…that colt with OJ?"

"Don't fret over it!" Capper patted me on the back and my heart jumped. I couldn't believe I forgot about Capper!

"Not to worry, that's just his coltfriend, they've been together almost a year now," Erza said it like it was nothing, and to her it probably was. But to me, it was starting to feel like everything.

"You guys let some young prick enter OJ's personal life like that?" why was I feeling so Faust-damn protective over the little colt? He had been taking care of himself for a whole year now!

"He's not just some prick…" Guardian said slowly. He whispered something I most definitely heard to Erza, "I'm starting to remember why I don't like him."

"Fine, whatever," I spat, "just please somepony tell me why you're all here in the Broncston Wastes."

"For one, they're here to help us reclaim the Castle. Which I gathered was why you're here too?" Shadow was trying to regain control of the conversation.

He failed. "Circle of Ash reemerged," Buck said grimly.

"WHAT?" My ears perked up and I was at full attention. I felt a cold sweat build on my forehead.

"Who's this Circle of Ash fella?" asked Capper.

"We don't fully know," came the response from Ashe. "We believe he is some ancient entity, or at least far older than any of us, but we don't know."

"All we know," sighed Buck, "is that somepony entered Bittsberg borders and for the first time in about 2 months the peace was disrupted. We nearly lost another battle to Circle, whom we thought was dead, and now we're dealing with ashlings sprouting up everywhere. Trade is going to halt unless the Minute Hooves agree to send more troops our way."

"Which we will if you guys would just—" Shadow started again.

I held up a hoof to shut him up and he gave me a pissed off look. "That doesn't fully explain why you guys are here."

"We believe whoever reawakened Circle came and went from Bittsberg quite recently," Erza announced. "Specifically two ponies of whom we did not recognize at one of our trading posts in the city. We got reports of suspicious activity but nothing was confirmed or denied by anypony."

"Largely because their actions didn't warrant suspicion," groaned Buck.

"I think any stranger's actions warrant suspicion! I am Colonel and Cheif of Security for a reason!" Erza was exasperated. It sounded like this wasn't the first time they'd had this argument.

"Yes, yes, and if you guys help us reclaim the Castle you'll get plenty of troops to help you take down the ashlings," Shadow interjected. He was seething.

I rolled my eyes, "But why have you come here?" I snapped.

"Oh! That one is easy." Buck shook his head then gave a calm smile, "the two ponies left the way they came, through the East Gate City outpost into Bittsberg. They returned to Broncston, so they must be from Broncston. We intend to follow up on the Colonel's suspicions to hopefully," he shot her a look, "prove her wrong."

"Or to most certainly prove me right!" she proclaimed with one hoof pointedly in the air.

"Well, I can tell you right now that those two ponies are from Broncston and one's the mayor of Double Diamond City," Capper stated. "He wouldn't do anypony any amount of harm." he was grinning.

"That's all well and good, but can we talk about the Castle, now?!" Shadow slammed his hooves on the table. Everypony went completely silent. "I'm sorry, but the voices are too Faust-damn loud and if you ponies don't shut the buck up and let me talk I'm gonna blow a fuse."

"Everything okay in here?" Cardkeeper poked his head through the flap. "Babe?" he locked eyes with Shadow. "Your shades again?"

"Yes."

"Oh my, I am so very sorry," Erza said in a soothing tone.

I cocked my head, confused, "Shades?"

"I prefer not to talk about it," Shadow was quiet.

"It's a touchy topic," Card said and ducked out again.

Buck was opening a folder and spreading some maps out on the table, "Back to our pressing issues! At the moment we have no contact with the Castle. We need to get over there as soon as possible and speak with Colonel Raven Shaw to find out how best to defeat the Lurker Queen."

"As you all saw, the body count for her Lurker minions was quite high so her armies are vast," Erza informed us.

"Not too vast," said Skye from the back, speaking up for once. "I never saw a male, so I assume her resources for reproduction are limited."

"Resources," Capper stuck his tongue out, "what a way to label it!" that forced me to smile, as I tried not to laugh.

"I see you two are close," said Shadow, eyeing us with a slightly estranged look on his face.

"He's my coltfriend," said Capper and simultaneously I said, "He's my tomfriend." we both said "Jinx!" Wow, are we really that in sync? I was staring at my tomfriend incredulously.

"At any matter, we need to proceed to the Castle," Shadow said. "I can only send one officer with you and we need soldiers here so I leave it up to you to decide who goes and who stays. I need Skye here to tend to a few things so I'll be deploying Card."

"I shall remain," said Erza, "this outpost is far too crucial."

Guardian heaved a huge sigh, "I imagine the Puppydog will want to accompany Blitz to the castle so it looks like the two of us are leaving with you. It's up to Combat and Pumpkin if they want to go because their status isn't technically active military. Cherry should stay here and help pone the station, as well as Lily but Wonder should go as a field medic."

"He's really quite hoofy with those bangles of his," Erza beamed.

"Any advantage we can get," I said, imagining she meant the spikes were good for hoof-to-hoof combat.

"I imagine Combat won't be coming if he's sleeping," I voiced my thoughts aloud.

"I'll be coming!" Pumpkin was right in my face, appearing out of nowhere. How she moved so fast was beyond me but it was perturbing. "Where OJ goes, I go!" she turned to the group, now on the other side of the table. Strange. "And who's your friend, kitty-catlord?" she asked Capper.

"It's starting to get weird how everypony can see him all of a sudden." Capper scratched his chin.

"Oh, I can't see him! But I know where he is!" Pumpkin was excited. Capper for once was at a loss for words.

"I always feel the same way, don't worry," I reassured him quietly. "Though I could see him when your white aura flared up during battle earlier." I finished.

"Nothing is quiet around me!" Pumpkin bounced onto the table then off it and out the door. "I'm off to fetch OJ and Wonder!

Orange Juice

The seven of us trudged up the road, and I could see the Castle looming in the distance. It had been a long while since I'd traveled with Blitzy by my side, and I had to admit it seemed nice. Though he was a bit reserved around me and I didn't know why he tried to avoid me. Wonder tried to reassure me it was fine, but at the same time, he tried to keep me away from the tan vested, combat-ready treasure hunter. I liked treasure, why couldn't I like the hunter too?

I watched as he talked to the tall catlord figure, noticing the big pointy orangish brownish ears, the cat's fully green glowy eyes with slitted pupils, the way he always stood poised and his strong stride. That guy held himself with a lot more confidence than I did and I wished I had half as much. I puffed out my chest and walked with a march to my step, trying to mimic it. I headbutted my coltfriend's ass in the process.

"Whoa, watch it OJ! What are you up to back there?" Wonder turned his head to look at me. I cantered up to him, keeping pace now.

"I'm copycatting that guy."

"Copycat," snickered Pumpkin.

"He just looks soo cool!" I beamed.

"I bet he does. He's got a nice red trenchcoat, huh?" Wonder looked back at the guy.

"Why is he with Blitzy?" I whined, my voice tapering.

"Now now, no whining mister," Pumpkin shushed me.

Wonder slowed down, letting the three of us fall behind the group a little. "That's Blitzfire's new tomfriend."

"Tomfriend?" I cocked my head, having never heard that word.

"It's another word for coltfriend," Wonder explained.

Capper called back to us, "It's because I'm a cool-cat and not a pony. Tom means boy!"

"Ohhh…That doesn't really help me feel better." I was chewing my lip and going crosseyed.

"I would imagine it wouldn't, and don't stare at the sky like that, you'll hurt your eyes," said Wonder.

"Oh. Yeah!" I uncrossed my eyes and stopped thinking too hard about it. "You guys wanna play a game instead?"

"Actually, we're here!" Guardian called. The time for games was over…

(Footnote: So things are gonna be kinda tense at first, reintroducing OJ into Blitz's storyline. But not to worry, OJ is too lighthearted a character and the main main plot isn't coming up until after the Castle. This is gonna be a hardfought battle, but just you wait for what's to come! I hope you guys are also liking Shadow, Card and Sky Flower. I borrowed them from my original Apacolyptic Equestria book Shades and Tales but changed some things about them to fit this universe. Let me know what you think, feel free to leave a review!)

Brohoof! /)