Settle Up Pt 3

"Thank you so much!"

Walt smiled and stroked Manami's head as she lay in his lap. "You're very welcome, Manami. I'm glad it makes you happy."

(("It's truly a pleasure, Manami.")) Friday said into her ear through the new earring access point he'd given her. He'd also given her glasses.

After the business up at the shrine and giving Sasha Friday access he'd decided it was time for some of the others as well. He hadn't given them to Baroness, Demona, Mystique or Pirotess but everyone else got earrings and either surface level or level one Friday access. He'd fitted most of them for glasses and even handed out a few mk32's as well.

He had saved Sayoko, Roberta and Manami for last though. It had been time for a talk.

"I wanted to talk to you three separately before we go through with this because there is something we need to discuss together," he said staring into the fireplace.

"Certainly Master Walter," sayoko said.

"We would be happy to hear what you have to say, Master Walter," Roberta said.

"You can talk to us about anything, Walt," Manami stated just happy to be spending time with him.

Walt sighed and turned to face them. This wouldn't be easy. "Before all of the rest I just want to tell you three that I'm very happy to have you here. Don't doubt that. You've been wonderful and you'll always have a place here if you wish it, for as long as you wish it."

Sayoko and Roberta nod sensing this was serious while Manami said, "Thank you. We're all happy to be here!"

Walt turned on the display and Friday started showing them commercials and clips explaining repathing technology. He watched it along with them until the end.

"Master..." Sayoko started. "Why would we need to see this?" Roberta asked.

Manami swallowed. "A-are you saying you want to mess with our brains?"

Walt looked up shocked. "What? No, not at all! Don't get the wrong idea. I don't want that for you three at all!" He sighed and sat down as they all breathed a sigh of relief. "I showed you all that because of this. Friday display the relevant information for them, please?"

(("Understood, Walt."))

The displays began showing them their own information and that the procedure had already been done to them.

"Someone already tampered with your minds before you were mine. Changed your allegiances Sayoko and Roberta and your affections Manami. These people were the former families you served and people you cared about before." Friday showed clips of the Lamperouge/Britannia family, the Lovelace family and Gentle Criminal.

"These are the people who treated you well. Cared for you. Took you into their confidences and made you a part of their lives. You were already repathed to have those allegiances and feelings switched you see. This week I've made an appointment for some specialists to see Raven and I want to help you all as well. Repathing is effectively permanent but these folks specialize in changing characters back to their base states, so it maybe possible. In doing so though you'd probably have to be completely "reset". You'd most likely forget everything-"

"No!" Manami jumped up and ran to Walter throwing her arms around him crying. "I don't want that! Please don't let them take my memories away from me! S-Send m-me away if y-you want b-but not that! Anything but that!"

Walt strokes her hair. "I'd never send you away, Manami. Never. You're my responsibility now, all of you, and I have to consider what would make you all happiest and be best for each of you." She shakes her head and keeps saying "no" over and over. Sayoko and Roberta look at each other for a long moment and nod then turn to Walter and bow. "We understand Master Walter and would also like to pass on your kind offer."

Walt sighed. "Ladies, please understand-"

"No," said Sayoko. "Forgive us but we want you to understand, Master Walter."

"You have been very kind, Master Walter," said Roberta. "Even if the things you have shown us are true, your kindness and generosity are also true. We are happy as things are now. Even if it could be undone I truly believe that in time we could also learn to enjoy serving you and your family... our family."

"My feelings are mine!" Manami cried. "And you're so wonderful! I don't want to lose this! Never ever! So if you're giving me a choice I say no! Please! Please don't take that away from me!"

Walt held her. "Alright," he said quietly. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt or worry any of you. I won't **** you in anyway and I'd never send you away. Never. I just wanted to give you the option because that was the right thing to do." Sayoko and Roberta step forward and also hold Walter and Manami. "We're family now. I promise to always try to do right by you. Always. I'll do my very best to be a person worthy of your feelings. I love you."

*Walt told me he loves me!* Manami thought ecstatic with her head in his lap. *I know what he meant but he definitely meant it and that's a place to start! It was worth it to be sad a bit earlier because it let us start this happiness! Penny and Neo and the others are right! I was right! He's the greatest! And I love him even MORE now!!!*

She was overjoyed laying there with her hero. Sayoko and Roberta were also close by thinking similar thoughts. How fortunate that they had a master who cared so deeply fir their happiness. What a strange but wonderful family to be a part of.

"And you know what to do?"

Everyone nodded at Walt from horseback. They'd had morning practice and a few of the new ladies had joined in. Now they were breaking up into groups of new riders with experienced riders. Sasha, Lydia and he would be leading a small group each. Sasha and Lydia both confirmed the easy trail that Walter had picked as well as that they had maps.

"I am to take my charges along the same trail as yours, my-er, Walter," Lydia said. "It's just the opposite direction. It mostly follows along the river so it is hard to miss and an easy trail. A nice easy ride and back."

"Mine is the biggest group but the easiest trail." Says Sasha. "Straight down the valley and back with the newbies and the ponies. Since I have Raven and Ilulu I also get two mules and four of the Mane Six. If they feel up to letting one of those two ride them, that's fine. If not, also fine and they can ride a mule instead. The important thing is to keep everyone safe and happy and get them riding experience."

Walt nodded. "That's absolutely correct. And Sasha that goes double for the ponies. They might be dealing with young and inexperienced riders later on so this is a small test but it's also just about getting them together outside doing activities for fun. I've been trying to go for walks with them around the base but those are often too short. I have the smallest group but also a fairly easy trail. We'll be following the river upstream. I could take more-"

"No!" Says Sasha and Lydia together.

"This is just fine," Lydia said. "I hope you all have a pleasant ride!"

"Yeah, Walt," said Sasha. "You, Penny, Willow, Manami, Apple Jack and Fluttershy have a good ride and just relax and enjoy yourselves!"

Walt chuckled. Everyone couldn't be any more obvious as they specifically put him and Penny together. It was sweet and honestly a nice way to start their "date" day together. He insisted on taking at least two inexperienced riders and two ponies. Fluttershy was the one having the hardest time and while AJ had her own difficulties she was the one bouncing back the strongest Walt thought. Willow and Manami had been very gentle with the ponies, probably because of their own troubled pasts, and so Walt chose them. He also still felt bad about making Manami cry earlier even unintentionally.

"Alright," he said. "Let's mount up and ride!"

"They seem to be having fun!"

Walt smiled at Willow. "They do." He turned back to look at Penny, Manami on AJ and Fluttershy just a little ahead. They were talking and laughing about something and all looked like they were having a good time. AJ and Fluttershy seemed to have really hit it off with the shy Manami and Walt didn't want to know the person who couldn't make friends with Penny. Fluttershy had a much happier look in her eyes and it made him happy to see it. "They're a wonderful bunch. I'm glad they're all getting along splendidly."

Willow nodded smiling. "They certainly are. They bonded over gushing about you earlier."

Walt blushed and nodded. She wasn't wrong. He had been one if the first subjects the foursome had discussed with each other at great length. "True but now they're being open with each other and enjoying themselves and each others company. That makes me happy!"

Willow nodded smiling too. "That's true. It's awfully nice thing you're doing for everyone."

Walt smiled. "Thank you, Willow. How are you holding up? Enjoying horseback riding a bit?"

Willow nodded and looked around. "I am! It's something new for me and a good experience. It's also nice just spending time outdoors like this with you... and everyone else as well! It's lovely here."

Walt reached over and took her hand giving it a squeeze. "I'm glad you are enjoying this Willow and that I can share it with you. It means a lot to me... have you been able to settle in alright?"

She blushed a little but smiled that rare relaxed and genuine smile that had been happening more and more. *It really looks good on her,* Walt thought.

"I find I am. It's different here... and I feel different being here. More like myself than I have in a longtime. Thank you, Walter." She squeezed his hand back and he grinned. *He's a genuine man who cares about me and my happiness. What a refreshing change,* she thought.

"I'm glad Willow. That makes me happy." He looked around them at the trees and the river the mountain and then back at her and into her eyes as he held her hand. "Having you here and being able to share this with you makes me very happy."

Willow felt her heart skip! That was one of the nicest things a man had said to her in a longtime... and so genuinely too! Nothing fake or insincere. He was just happy spending time with her.

She looked at their hands and then back up at him smiling. She was happy too and told him so. "It makes me happy too spending time and sharing it with you as well, Walt. Thank you."

Walt struck by just how lovely she was in that moment genuinely happy and at ease... with him. "You're very welcome, Willow. It's truly my pleasure!" He held her hand just a little tighter as they rode along talking, happy in each others company.

"Is that okay?"

Penny smiled at Fluttershy. "It most certainly is! That is Walter's magic! He makes others happy and opens their hearts! I am glad he is starting to work his magic for Willow. She was very unhappy in our world. She is a dear friends mother. Apparently she suffered a very unhappy marriage. Very unfortunate. I hope Walt can use his magic to make her happy like he does all of us!"

"See?" Said AJ. "I knew he was special! Big Hoss is a magic stud who makes mares happy and looks out fur his herd! That there jes' makes horse sense!" She nodded.

"No foalin'?" Fluttershy rolled her eyes a bit but laughed. She was having fun.

Manami blushed. "Actually... earlier he told me he loves me. H-He meant it differently than romanticly, but..."

Fluttershy looked at the shy but earnest young woman. "You mean...?"

"I do!" She looked at the grinning Penny. "I do! I need time... to get my courage up... but he's my hero! And a wonderful person and... I-I think... no! I know I love him! I-Is that okay?"

Penny smiled widely! "I think that is better than just "okay"! I think that is fantastic! I am so happy for you, Manami!" She reaches down to take her hand. "May I ask you to help me and the others in making him as happy as he makes us? That would be wonderful! That's what we've all agreed upon! To make him happy and share his love! Because then it becomes a happiness and love that grows!"

Manami blushes but seeing her open face full if kindness and honest joy and affection... "Yes! I need time to gather my courage a bit but that is what I want! To give him my heart and love! A-and if that is what's best for him... I will certainly try to do that and with all of you as well!"

"See," said AJ smiling. "Ah told ya so... a magic stud of happiness!"

The four of them nodded... and burst out in happy laughter and joy. He'd brought them together and that had made them happy too!

[Walter Stark Penny Polendina F.R.I.D.A.Y Neopolitan Pyrrha Nikos Blake Belladonna Kali Belladonna Sienna Khan Willow Schnee Glynda Goodwitch Ahnassi Lifts-Her-Tail Senko Sayoko Shinozaki Roberta Cisneros Haruna Sasha Blouse Ilulu Raven Manami Aiba also with Tsuyu Asui Haruhime Sanjouno The Baroness Demona Mystique Pirotess Lydia Aela the Huntress and Serana

Will Return In

Settle Up Pt 4

Coming Soon]