Chapter 2

Sorry it's taken me so long to get this chapter to you. I've had a few minor setbacks, but I think I can get back to writing pretty regularly now. Maybe if I have the time and moxy, I can get a chapter out every couple of days or so. I hope you all enjoy this volume, and I look forward to seeing your feedback as we approach the end of this year-long anthology of Drake's life. So please enjoy the latest installment of the story, and don't forget to review, everypony.

I paused a moment before stepping onto the train. I couldn't help but reflect on the moment. It still felt a little strange, going back to Ponyville after all this time. Celestia was right, Ponyville, my first criminal case, had changed my life so dramatically. If not for that town and the psychopathic killer I had to stop, I wouldn't have met Dashie and set the stage for the rest of my life. Still, the dark memories of that little episode had admittedly stuck with me over the last few years, and made me a little hesitant about going back and facing down those demons. I had seen evil. Pure evil. Evil and madness, and I didn't know how I was going to court those recollections. I sighed and noticed Rainbow Dash and Budder standing in the car, staring at me, waiting on me to join them.

"Ticket, sir?" The conductor stated. I handed him the ticket Princess Celestia had sent via messenger that morning. The older stallion punched the ticket before returning it to me. "Have a nice trip, sir." He said. I habitually straightened my saber and cavalry hat, the same light gray slouch hat I had worn almost every day since I was stationed at the fort, and boarded the train. I took a seat beside Dashie, my sister sprawling out in the vacant seat in front of us. I glanced out the window as the train let out a long wailing whistle and began to move.

"Hey...you alright, Drake?" Dash asked curiously, probably seeing my expression.

"Hm? Yeah, sweetheart...just..." I lay back in the seat. "Ain't been back there since...you know?"

"It's cool." She stated. "I know how you have to feel. It was kinda weird for me when I went back the first time. It'll be chill though."

"You think so?" I asked instinctively.

"Yeah. I'll be there, right? And Budder...and you know the girls have been wanting to see you for like...forever now."

"I know..." I muttered. "I think I'm just over-thinking it or something. You know how I am..."

Yeaaahhhh..." My marefriend answered, rolling her magenta eyes. "We both know how you can be..." I grinned a bit, then chuckled.

"Yeah bub, it'll be fine." Budder added, looking over the back of her seat at me. "I'm actually kinda looking forward to getting there. Scootaloo is gonna be there, right?"

"Yep." Dash answered. "If you want, she can stay with us when we get there..."

"Yes!" My sister answered immediately.

"Well...yeah..." Budder replied bashfully. "I've kinda been wanting to see her for a long time now..."

"I'm glad you two became such good friends so fast." I nodded. "You know...she's an orphan...kinda like us, sis."

"I know, bubby." My sister said softly. "And she needs somepony to take care of her...like we did."

"You're a good pony, sis." I smiled. "I'm proud of you." Budder grinned sheepishly and literally slid back down into her seat. I shrugged and took out the latest issue of swords and Spears monthly, and settled in for the train ride.

The trip to Ponyville took about three hours, most of which I spent engrossed in my magazine and chatting with Rainbow Dash about her friends and how everyone was doing since I had seen them last. I found out that Twilight Sparkle was now a princess and an alicorn. Given my lack of encyclopedic knowledge of magical stuff, I didn't even bother asking how that happened. Applejack was doing well, still running the farm, and even though her young sister Apple Bloom was still a patient of the psychiatric hospital, she was up for review in a few months. If she were proven rehabilitated and mentally sound, she would be released. I couldn't help but wonder how things would be for the family should the young killer return home after playing her part in the murders of so many of her family's friends and neighbors.

At last, the colorful train slowed as it neared the Ponyville station. Even though it had been over five years, the strangest sense of deja vu hit me as I stood and made my way to the door of the passenger car. It was made worse when I stepped off of the train onto the platform and like before, had a couple of ponies give me strange looks, no doubt because they were (once again) surprised to see a military officer in their town. Dashie saw my sour look, and responded with her normal blend of laissez faire and savoir faire.

"At least you won't have a hot filly crashing into you this time." She grinned, nudging me.

"I dunno..." I said slyly. "Looking back, I kinda liked it. Maybe it'll happen again."

"Over my dead body!" Dash shot back. "Oh crap...I didn't mean..."

"Mm...it's alright..." I sighed. "Not the best turn-of-phrase though, sweetie. Well...we're here. Let's find our quarters and commence this...operation meet and greet..."

"Alright. We're supposed to stay with Twilight, and she's probably expecting us." Dashie stated.

"Well in case I forgot how to find the big tree with the library inside..." I said, "Lead the way, sweetheart."

So ends chapter two. It's easy to see that Drake is feeling a bit uncomfortable about being back in Ponyville. I will try to have chapter three written out and posted sometime tonight or tomorrow afternoon, all depending on my mood and whether or not inspiration strikes me or not. Until then, thanks for reading. -Drake