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Anon Bangs Cloudy Quartz | Drilling the Marble cave | "Go on, Anonymous. Take her." Cloudy's tone was beginning to build in menace.
The fear in Anon grew, paralyzing him further. What was he supposed to do? Why couldn't he remember? His instincts were screaming one thing - his fears screaming another... think, think! His heart raced.
"Here, you dolt. I'll help." Lime growled sliding in from his right and wrapping her hoof around the mid-part of his cock. Anon caught the mare blush slightly as she did so, her hoof clearly taking an extra squeeze or two to explore the rod of flesh in her grasp.
"B-big..." She whispered under her breath.
"Thank you, Lime." Cloudy nodded.
"Big... dumb animal doesn't even know what he's doing." Lime grunted, pressing her chest against Anon's back, reaching around from behind to point his cock in the correct direction. "I wouldn't let him hurt my baby-sister."
Anon could feel her heart thumping through her ribcage as she moved him closer to Marble, her hoof not able to fully wrap around him as she angled him downward, uncomfortably forcing his cock to angle downwards against the incredible stiffness of his blood-engorged sausage.
He could feel the heat radiating off of the little mare under him now, waves of warmth coming from the quivering docking port that Limestone was inexorably moving him against - her tight, little asshole. Until finally, perfectly... his tip kissed the center of her ring.
"Mmm!"
"Unm...!"
Human and pony alike groaned in pleasure.
Immediately, Anon could tell this was not the right hole from a biological standpoint. He'd done ponies in the ass before, sure... but this was... this was like trying to thread a firehose through a sewing needle. His cockhead was easily wider than the whole of her ponut-ring, let alone the tiny aperture at its center.
There was no way this was going to fit.
And yet, the insistent and subtle push of Limestone's body against his, his burning and unquenchable need to stuff his orgasm-ruined penis into something and most of all... his need to ensure that he met his mistress's every command, pushed his cockhead with increasing intensity against the little mare.
Marble squeaked and groaned in response, sinking deeper and deeper into the pile of cushions and eventually the top of the bed itself, as the pressure between cockhead and tailhole increased.
Anon groaned, even his blood-stuffed cockhead started to mash outward under the increasing pressure and the unyieldingly tight rosebud of Marble's ass. Her ponut squished and strained, the thick ring slowly thinning and unrolling as bit by bit of his tip ever so slightly started to spread her.
"F-f-fandango you're sister's tight..."
"Don't be such a little bitch, Anon." Lime hissed into his ear, nipping at his lobe.
Cloudy strode over to the three, observing from one side as human and pony pushed with all their might to slide into Marble's sweet bottom. Anon could see her eyes darting here and there, observing each little quiver and move, every coiled muscle, like a master conductor overseeing her orchestra.
"Mmm... mmaa...mama..." Marble whined, staring up at her mother plaintively.
"Good girl, Marble." Cloudy smiled warmly down at her, "you're trying very hard. I'm proud of you." The stately mare leaned down and planted a tender kiss on her daughter's forehead.
Almost as soon as the lips toughed, Anon felt the impossible squeezing vice-grip around his cock jump and clench, suddenly releasing just a fraction of the resistive force that was barring the barbarian cock from breaching the impenetrable wall of Marble's anus.
Cloudy's eyes flashed as she noticed the effect, she quickly shot a wry grin at Anon before turning her attention back to her youngest daughter.
"So." She planed another kiss on the forehead, eliciting another tremble. "Very." Another kiss, this time on her snout. "Proud..." With this last word, Cloudy slid her mouth down to meet her daughter's, opening her lips to plant a deep french kiss over her gasping muzzle.
Like a lightning bolt hat hit her, Marble's back went completely stiff, arching away from her platform of pillows. Her legs thrashed out wildly, her eyes shot open, showing those telltale, crazy pony-pupils: two heart-shaped purple symbols of wildly different sizes... and her puffy, exhausted pussy exploded. Flashing pink and grey like a strobe light, Marble's small pink clitoris winked in and out of her swollen lips like a whack-a-mole game gone haywire. Torrents of boiling, steamy clear spatter shot against Anon's lower belly, in gush after gush after gush.
Marble could only silently scream into her mother's mouth.
Anon could only marvel: this quiet filly knew how to orgasm.
That's when he slipped in.
Instantly, the elastic band of Marble's ponut slid over the wide, mushroom flare of Anon's cockhead, snugly grasping the underside and pulling more of his fat tip into he lava-hot anus... the heavy, pushing force of Anon and Marble quickly started to stuff the little pony... with inch after inch slickly grinding into her ass, until Anon's increasing girthiness finally prevented him from going any further.
Hot.
Tight.
He was only a quarter of the way into Marble's tailhole but the sensations of grasping, clenching heat from the mare's impossibly tight sphincter was unlike anything he had ever experienced - truly this was new ground, virgin territory, that he was breaking into...
And he wasn't going to last much longer. He'd already been pumped to an agonizing ruined orgasm by Marble's mom - his throbbing bell-end was so primed to pop he was shocked that he'd lasted through just the attempt to penetrate Marble's balloon knot. Now he was inside that raging furnace of quivering, clenching, squeezing, rock-strong muscle-having, flesh... If he thought his head was being smushed trying to push into Marble, it was nothing compared to the clenching power of her buttocks now that he was in her.
"Mmmwahh... Ohh.... f-fuck! FUCK! M-my f-f-fucking asshole!" Marble's mouth broke away from her mother's embrace, thrashing wildly. The half-insane mare swung her head crazily left and right, throwing her sweaty mane all over the place with intensity, her eyes rolling and googly, Anon had seen it before - ponies lost to the overwhelming waves of lust... it seemed that pony-mare's minds were not well-adapted to the levels of pleasure that he could give... they all seemed to go feral, bestial, primitive when they orgasmed on him.
But to see it happening in such a sweet, quiet, shy thing like Marble... and to hear the absolute stream of filth coming from her usually tight lips... that was something else.
"O-oh yyYESSS!" Her throaty growl echoed off of the bedroom walls, the volume, and intensity making it clear that her last concern was the fact that her sister, mother, and father could hear her losing her mind. "M-my f-f-fucking asshole is f-fucking b-burning... SHIT... it's so fucking hot! Anon, ANON, ANOOONNNggggggGHGHH!"
Her groan became another shudder and convulsion, her moan coming out as long and thick as the mare-cum that streaked from her clenching love-tunnel to splatter all over Anon's shaft.
Anon dug his fingers into Marble's hips, clenching like a sailor holding onto a life ring in the middle of a storm - terrified that he might be swept away in the turbulent and stormy sea... or in Anon's case, worried that he might loose his fat load.
"Y-YESH YESH YESH YESSSS!" Marble's groans rattled the windows. "Give it to me! Please!" The mare's hips bucked up and down off of the bed, bouncing the cock inside her tantalizingly - it was an impossible task to stuff any more of the massive human phallus inside of her tiny rear, but she was trying her heart out.
Sweat dripped from Anon's brow, every muscle in his body straining like mad to prevent himself from losing control of his restraint. He barely saw Cloudy pinning Marble's thrashing shoulders down, before sternly nodding at her other daughter.
But he did feel LImestone's whisper at his ear, her soft breath whispering into his ear canal. "Give it to her already, you wuss... you know you want to..."
Anon grunted, still resisting, before he felt Lime's gray hairs brush against his side, as she dipped her head down and around his left hip, extending her tongue and wrapping it around his exposed shaft, curling around it like a wet, pink, snake coiling around a fat salami.
"Oh... oh, f-funktown!" Anon moaned, feeling his hips start to buck involuntarily. The different heats between the two sister's two wet, coiling, powerful organs milking him at the same time... their two juices coating him in such exquisitely contrasting ways... it was all too much to handle: Limestone milking him to cum into her little sister's tailhole.
Then Lime's hoof came underneath his buttocks from behind, grabbing his taint and pressing upwards, massaging right underneath his balls, pressing those two swollen organs out of the way so that she could push against the sensitive flesh right over the top of his engorged prostate.
Anon's eye's briefly flashed down to the grey mare, seeing the mischievous triumph there. Sparkling eyes and a nasty grin conveyed what the dick-licking miscreant already knew: he was going to cum.
Buckets.
It was like she'd squeezed a swollen water balloon with the knot untied. Anon felt a pulse of explosive, thick, boiling semen racing from the mashed seminary gland, bulging up through the shaft being milked by LIme's tongue, bubble through the tight seal where Marble's ponut had managed to slide down to... then burst from his fat cockslit into Marble's ass.
"OH OH OH! YES YES... THANK YOU MM... MMMM... Mmmm.....mmmhmmmm...."
With each rhythmic pulse of heavy sperm spurting into her asshole, rope after rope of goopy manbatter splattering into her taboo, Marble's manic excitement began to cool, her heartbeat slowing as she melted into a pool of contentment like her body was absorbing the stud-juice through her rectum, a panacea to satisfy her burning needs as a mare.
Anon was in heaven, the relief and wash of pleasure at pumping spurt after spurt into the tight mare's ass beyond anything he could have hoped for. His tongue hung from his lips, and he had trouble focusing. He was so enraptured he barely felt his cock sliding out of the tight little gray asshole, sending it's final spurts up across Marble's winking marehood, through the valley of her diminutive teats, and across the muzzle of her still fellating older sister, in thick, heavy ropes of jelly-like ejaculate.
"Oh...Oh... shoot..." Anon groaned out, his last dribble slipping from him as weakly as his hands slipped from Marble's hips, before he fell backward onto his back in a sweaty pile, his heart throbbing in his ears, sweat pouring into his blinking eyes.
He only just heard Cloudy Quartz. "I can see you like his taste, Limestone."
"It's... hm... not bad."
"The way you're slurping it off yourself and licking it from your sister's tailhole would say otherwise."
"M-mom!"
"Leave her now, Limestone... Let me see to her and get her situated. If you want more... you'll just need to get it from the source."
"Oh, is it my turn then?" Even Lime's gruff voice couldn't hide the rising excitement there.
"Go on - I expect you'll need to prepare him first."
Anon saw Limestone's cum-covered face appear in his vision as he stared up at the ceiling. With a slurp, she cleaned the last sticky strand from her cheek, then smiled naughtily down at him.
"Oh, I'll prepare him all right." |
Anon Bangs Cloudy Quartz | Tasting some sour-Lime rock-candy | Anon slowly pushed himself up onto his elbows, his breath coming back to him one agonized puff after another - like he was a marathoner just starting to recover from completing a long run. Slowly, the blur of grey shapes and moving hair began to come into focus - and the dull sensation of his body began to sharpen.
Something wet, warm, and insistent was pressing against his length. Looking down his body, he saw the fierce emerald eyes of Limestone Pie, two orbs of deep green perched under her sharp silver hairline, staring straight at his half-erect cock... as she drew her tongue across his sloppy, cum-froth with long languid licks.
It was clear that she was enraptured with the taste of him... the way her eyes inspected his every fold and curve, looking for any missed splotches of ejaculate... then the way those same eyes ever-so-slightly rolled over in pleasure, savoring the flavors in her cheek before swallowing hungrily.
It made Anon's heartthrob heavily, preparing to send a fresh course of blood to his half-hard tool for the benefit of the enthralled little rock-mare.
Pump after pump of hot blood coursed into his dick, quickly re-expanding it, inflating it like a hot flesh balloon in Lime's hooves, until the tip began to bump against her wet snout.
She blinked, taking in the whole of the monstrous human cock, once again inflated to its full 8.5 inch length and considerable, firm thickness. It was cute, watching the usually edgy mare adorably size up the task in front of her, her eyes crossing over slightly as she tried to focus on the mammoth pole in front of her mouth opening slightly as if to gauge whether she would even be able to take all of Anon's size into her.
Anon couldn't help but throw in a jab.
"Wow Lime, you do know where that thing has been right?" Anon's sudden quip caught Lime's attention, and she followed the focus of the human's eyes as he glanced over at her little sister, still mewling in delighted post-orgasmic slumber, a steady trickle of human cum pouring from her slightly gaping tailhole. "I mean I knew you were a real sh-"
"Ahem." Cloudy Quartz's throat clear, along with a flash of her eyes from her position next to her semi-conscious youngest daughter preempted Anon's intended cursing.
It was like a thunderbolt striking the human... the cutting sharpness of that beautiful mother's blue eyes - it wasn't that he was afraid of her... it was something else. A mixture of respect and thrall... of obedience and caution... somehow she'd managed to tame him... and he didn't mind.
But he was still Anon - maybe he couldn't swear in her presence... but he could never stop trolling.
"Shh- I mean... I knew you had a potty-mouth, but I didn't realize you liked the taste."
Lime's eyes sparkled with fury, and she stood up, walking forward until her hooves were planted on either side of his head, staring down at him with anger. "What did you say, punk?"
"I said - I think you like the taste of your sister's butthole a little too much. Although I guess that would explain your breath."
"Hey! My breath is fine. " Her hooves pressed down into the bedspread on either side of the human's grinning face. "And in case you weren't paying attention, you moron, we took a potion that sterilizes everything down there and makes it smell like flowers."
"Yeah, but how could that work, really?" Anon needled. "No potion can make a butt that delicious."
Limestone's features darkened briefly, another course of anger rippling through her face... before it turned into a wicked, mischievous smile.
"You know what, Anon?" Lime smugly replied, "You're right."
"I am?" Anon asked with surprise, not expecting her to crumble so easily under his trolling.
"Yep - I don't think I'm ever going to be able to convince you just how effective Petunia's potion is..." She leaned back as she spoke, starting to slowly turn around.
"Y-yeah?" Anon asked, uncertain... the mare was standing over him now, but with her rear hooves now planted on either side of his head. Staring up, he was looking right at Lime's two teats - cute little average sized boobs wedged between her chiseled thighs... and those thighs were perfectly framing her plot.
Clearly displayed underneath her proudly flagged silver tail, Limestone's pussy was already a swollen, drooling mess of a slit - her purplish-grey labia fattened with arousal, which could barely contain the darker and wetter inner lips, which had squeezed their way out of her vulva. Unlike her sister - Lime sported a big, fat clitoris - nearly the size of an Equestrian bit, and one that seemed to hang out in space in a constant state of wink - seemed to, that is, until Lime let loose an actual wink. The fat purple clit-head made its large size known then - sliding out of the mare's pink interior, sending a gossamer strand of marecum shooting out as it did.
Just above that beautifully debauched cleft was Lime's asshole. Unlike her little-sister, Lime sported fairly plump and large ring of ponut muscle - as Anon watched, it quivered with strength and lewdness beneath her wagging dock. Her tail was swishing back and forth like an excited puppy dog.
"...yeah, I'm not gonna be able to convince you with my words, Anon." Limestone's tail hiked up even higher, and she started to bend her rear knees, carefully looking back over her shoulder to gauge her landing point, "...you're just gonna have to experience it yourself."
"Eeeep!" Anon's squeak was the last non-muffled thing to come out of his mouth, as the shadow of the muscular butt of Limestone Pie descended over him, moments before his entire face was buried in the sweaty, leaking, sexy flesh of Lime's plot.
Hot. Wet. Musky.
No oxygen, only moments to breathe when the mare would grind herself a little too far forward or backward, giving his nose or his mouth a chance to suck in air before they were buried once again in Lime's engorged genitalia.
It was rough and wild. She was using his face as a pillow - humping herself against his nose, his chin, his brow.
She was right, actually - the potion really did make her smell as fresh as flowers... her asshole, anyway. The butter-rich lemon-scent of her marehood couldn't be masked by her fragrant tailhole, as she drooled the equally musky nectar in sticky strands all over his chin and neck.
It was a strange mix of excitement and fear - the survival instinct kicking in when one of LIme's grinding humps would last a little too long - making Anon try to breathe in precious oxygen through an orifice currently embedded in her steamy plot, making his lungs burn and ache with need.
And he wasn't the only needy one.
"Mmmm, yeah... betcha like my ass, now, huh punk:?" Lime groaned, arching her back upward to push even more weight onto Anon's face.
Anon felt his nose slip into the slick, slippery confines of Lime's cunt - the sharp tip of his snoot embedding itself almost an inch into her body - incredibly, he could feel her marehood grasping and clenching at him. Wanting to take somewhat more of an active role beyond 'humpable pillow', Anon hooked his hands over Lime's hip bones, pulling her even harder into his own face...
Then he opened his mouth as wide as it would go, extending his tongue, to its utmost, reaching forward with it to tickle the upper bits of Lime's squishy vulva. The citrus-tang of her delectable nectar made his tastebuds burst with delight, as he explored the different bumps and folds of her secret lips - little nubs and ridges that he could only assume were the upper cleft of her vaginal opening, a much tinier hole that had to be her urethra, little nubs that could be Bartholin's glands... until finally, he found that fat throbbing bulb of pleasure.
"Oh... b-buck!" As soon as he made contact, only just able to touch the sensitive nub of nerve endings because his nose was still jammed in the lower part of Lime's cunt, the mare groaned from deep in her belly, slumping forward to give the human a better angle at her clitoris. "Yeah, that's it... right there... Lick it like a little puppy-dog!"
Anon obliged, lapping and teasing the thumb-tip sized clit - using his newfound reach to slip under her clitoral hood, delicately separating the throbbing purple clit-head from the prepuce of blood-fattened skin, sliding around the base, testing new areas that had likely never been touched before - buried so deep in such secret spots.
"MMMmmHNNGGGH!" Lime's grunt was louder and more insistent, and she once again back mashing her hips down and back into Anon's face, pushing off against the human's knees for even more leverage to really mash her drooling holes against his head - driving him down into an indentation on the now soaked bedspread.
It was all darkness and sensation for Anon.
With a tight, generously-sized, rock-hard pony asscheek on either side of his head... his mouth and nose buried in earth-pony cunt... and a sweaty, hot pony-ponut practically suction-cupped to his forehead... all he had was the sensations of touch, and the sound of a pounding heartbeat in his ears - whether it was his or Lime's, he couldn't tell. This had a tendency to heighten one's senses - losing sight and sound meant that taste, touch, and smell became so much more poignant.
He could feel, for instance, the wispy touch of hair tickling the tip of his throbbing, fully erect cock. Like a dancing, naughty paintbrush tickling at him. Sometimes it would be followed by a soft fur-cushioned thwap against a strangely featured surface... Anon correctly guessed that his massive pillar was millimeters from Limestone's face, just underneath her straight-edged brow, and every time the gasping mare humped particularly violently, she would bounce against his shaft.
Flexing his abdominal muscles, Anon managed to make his cock jerk and flex, playfully smacking it against the groaning mare again and again.
"MMnnngh... B-bucking annoying... th-thing..." Lime groaned.
A moment later, Anon felt the tip of his cock slip into something hot, wet, and slimy. Once he felt a swirling, inexperienced snake of muscle darting around his head, lapping eagerly at the pre coming out of his slit... he knew that Lime had taken him into his mouth.
He had to reward her for that.
Pursing his lips, Anon managed to catch the grumpy mare's clitoris during the course of one of its winking extensions, suckling on it like he was trying to draw a thick milkshake through a tiny straw. He could feel the resistance of the elastic tissue as it tried to pull the bulb back into its fleshy sanctuary - but he wasn't about to let it do that.
"MMMMMMNG!" A muffled groan came from Lime's chest, rumbling through Anon's own abdomen where she had pressed her fluffy chest in order to get more reach and thereby engulf more of his human manhood. Her tongue had stopped swirling and thrashing inexpertly around his head - a clear indication that she was being overwhelmed by sensation and was not able to continue focusing on her first fellatio.
Anon sucked harder, drawing more of the fat, quivering, clit-head into his mouth, keeping it trapped in a state of permanent extension - a never-ending wink of pure ecstasy, combined with a potent suckling suction and a darting, massaging, aggressive tongue.
Lime never stood a chance.
"MMNNGHHHHHh..... Mmmm.... Mm.....m..." The mare's gasping moans rumbled around Anon's dick, her exhortations coming in bursts that coincided with the powerful spasms of her orgasm. Each time she came, Anon felt her drawback and forth, her cunt milking at his nose insistently, the clit in his sucking lips going wild with tension and release.
And the spray.
It was almost like he was being waterboarded - thick, juicy, splattering splashes of sloshing marecum rushing across his face, a sticky natural lubricant that made it hard not to inhale the lime-scented aphrodisia directly into his respiratory system.
Spasm after spasm racked her - drained her - literally and figuratively - as the usually tense and ferocious mare emptied onto him. And still, he didn't release her - didn't let her clit go...
Not until she completely surrendered, the moment when she gave in totally, her muscles going atonal, her body relaxing and pooling over him like a bundle of melted bones and skin and fur... her head slumping on his cock supported only by the prodding of his cockhead against the roof of her mouth.
Only then did he finally stop sucking. But her clit had already given up - it remained extended, throbbing an exhausted, completely out of strength to retract and recuperate. Anon had managed to go from being completely dominated underneath this young mare, to conquering her. Lime had a lot to learn from her mother.
But now he was going to own her.
Scooping up a good tongue-ful of mare-juice with his tongue, Anon used his hands to shift the limp, pleasure-paralyzed rock farmer's bottom ever so slightly, repositioning his tongue so that he would have better access to a... lower part of her body.
Anon blinked his eyes clear of fluid, taking in the first light he'd seen for minutes as he stared at the pony plot mere inches from his eyes.
It was time to find out if Petunia's potion really did work as advertised.
Lime's delicious tailhole was right off his nose, a tight, but powerful ring of muscle that quivered and shook with the small aftershocks of Lime's powerful orgasm. He could just see the taboo bright pink of Limestone's insides when the rosebud would clench and unclench, hinting at what was within.
It certainly smelled amazing - like fresh spring flowers in a meadow, a blossom he might actually stop to sniff on a summer hike. But Anon was still suspicious - he'd never eaten... ass before.
But there was a first time for everything.
His tongue slid around the fat muscular ring, the strange texture of slick skin tantalizingly alien to him. The bud on his tongue was a living, breathing thing - quivering and twitching with Lime's heartbeat, reacting to his delicate encircling probe. Once he'd made one full circle, he slid his tongue up and over the ridge of her ponut, delicately tracing down one of the wrinkles of her dark-gray starfish... until he reached its center.
The flavor was neutral - a mixture of the petunia-like potion and the sweaty-musk from Lime's marehood, but the heat was something entirely different. Like a magma tube at the bottom of the ocean, the tight pinhole at the center of Lime's rosebud leaked pure, boiling heat.
Curling his tongue into a thinner shape, Anon plunged forward - poking into the mare's anus.
"MNNNFFF...." Lime's cock-gagged grunt rumbled through his organ as he pierced her.
The sphincter gripped and clenched on the invader, clearly unsure and unfamiliar with having objects going through it in the wrong direction, but the clean taste and exciting reactions his first probing dip elicited only inspired Anon to drive in even further.
Gripping Lime's buttocks with his hands even more fiercely, he pulled the solid mare as hard against his face as he could, trying to drive every bit of his available tongue into her rear. It wasn't easy - the powerful coiled muscles in her bottom were pushing against him, trying to expel his snaking, thrashing invader from her taboo garden... but with the help of his arms, he was able to persist.
"Mmllrkk... Gglllrkk...!" Strange choking, swallowing sounds were coming from his groin. Lime had accidentally ingested a good few inches of his behemoth when she'd likely meant to shout out in alarm at the sensation of human-tongue up her butt... Anon could feel the inexperienced mare's esophagus clenching and grasping around his fattened head.
He moved his tongue left and right, up and down... the puffy and muscular ring of flesh resisting his movements- it felt as if he were trying to punch and expand a hole in a marshmallow made out of dense taffy.
But damn was it fun to feel the mare's reaction to his movements. She couldn't help herself - grinding her ass into his tongue like an animal, as she moaned like a whorse around his cock - slobber splattering down into his lap and all over his balls.
The once fearsome Lime was like a toy in his hands... and on his tongue.
"MMM! MMMGN! Mmmmm...."
Anon felt her body shudder, felt her asshole clench down hard... a spill of juice splattering over his neck and collarbone as Lime's pussy gushed a fresh dollop of lubrication - clearly a desperate offering for a stallion-cock that wasn't actually penetrating her. The poor mare's body was in such a state of confusion - a needy and desperate piece of malfunctioning biological hardware.
Anon slid his right hand off of Lime's hip bone, carefully maneuvering it underneath her plot, casually tracing his fingers over her hardened nipples, like they belonged to him... before sliding his middle finger up and against the spot just under his chin, beneath where he was still tongue-fucking the mare's asshole... lining up the tip of his digit with her swollen vaginal opening.
Instantly, his finger was marinated in Lime's honey, still pouring from her in dripping strands. He didn't even need to push his finger in, either... Lime humped herself back onto the middle finger in the throes of her grinding and reckless abandon... his tip slid in easily.
It wasn't as tight as her ass but it was just as needy. Her greedy cunt-muscles swirled and milked at the new penetration, drawing more and more of his finger in with each of her plaintive backward thrusts... until he was at the second knuckle.
"MMfff! MFFF!" Lime's head began to bob faster on his length - slamming the fat head of Anon's penis against the narrow bottleneck of her throat. And that wasn't the only thing that had met impassable resistance...
Anon could feel his digit pressing against some strange, spongey barrier inside Lime. He'd fingered plenty of ponies over his years in Equestria - but this was something new... it could only be...
So she really wasn't kidding about being a virgin.
Anon grinned internally. There was something undeniably a bit sexy about being the furious mare's first, and he wanted to make sure her first fingerbang would be extremely memorable.
Sliding his digit deeper wasn't in the question now... but adding one or two more certainly was.
First his index joined his foundering finger, then on the very next stroke, his ring finger... And what had once been a somewhat tight but needy pussy, quickly became a strained, stretched, stuffed marehood. The swell of Lime's inner and outer labia with blood mashed Anon's digits together, as delicate inner pink skin stretched to accommodate the human's invasion.
Squeaking mewls were all that Lime could respond with at this point... any semblance of trying to speak through her cock-stuffed throat given up entirely to animalistic grunts. Her whole body was constantly trembling now, an excited rumble that sent the gray mare's sweat and juices flinging off of her as she wiggled and writhed on the first two inches of the human's fingers.
Her tail was wagging up a storm, too.
It was stuck way up in the air, of course, the wispy hairs flashing about like some elaborate feather duster - but it also waved from left to right, something whacking Anon's in the forehead, or providing him with a cool breeze as some modicum of relief from the hot, sticky, volcano of lust he was buried in.
On one particular thwack, something came back to Anon... something Pinkie had mentioned to him before she'd darted off like a banshee... her dock... remember her dock.
Anon brought his left hand from its perch, losing some of the purchase he held against Lime's butt, which let her thrashing and grinding become even more violent, as the mare bounced her ass with intensity against the human's face and fingers, painfully knocking into his nose and head. It was no easy task to grab hold of the mare, but he somehow managed, taking hold of her tail with his left hand, pinning the excited dock.
Anon composed himself - taking a brief moment to appreciate where he was: knuckle deep... tongue deep in Limestone Pie, a mare who had never had anything for him except a cruel word and a bitter send-off. But who was now a kitten in his grasp, her maidenhood literally at his fingertips, and her weak spot a heartbeat away.
Could he really do this to her?
Memories of the mare calling him a punk, pushing him into the mud, throwing rocks at him (though Pinkie claimed it was part of the traditional 'rockball' fight instead of snowball fights), and screaming bloody murder at him every time he looked at her big dumb boulder.
Yes he absolutely could.
In a coordinated movement, Anon pressed the fingers of his right hand deeper, and jammed his left thumb against the delicate patch of skin under Lime's tail.
He felt the delicately give of supple, spongy flesh as his digits took her virginity, and felt a powerful throbbing pulse from the bundle of nerves under Lime's tail.
Then he felt the rock-farming mare explode. ...
It was like she'd been hit with a cattle prod - each and every one of the gray muscles jerking to full tension in the same instant. With his tongue still buried deep in Lime's tailhole, for a brief moment Anon wondered if it was possible for a ponut to snip right through a tongue... or for a cunt-squeeze to crush three fingers. Earth-pony strength really was terrifying.
Lime's spine arched as well, her strong back tensing under her orgasm, the motion causing the mare to jerk her head off of Anon's dick, throwing her mane wildly back, leaving only a long thin strand of saliva connecting her gaping tongue-lolled mouth with Anon's thick cockhead. She'd thrown her head so far back Anon could almost see her eyes staring back at him for a moment - wild, heart-shaped pupils that sparkled and danced with lust-craze... another mare broken by Anon.
There was no controlling the mare's bottom anymore, which slammed up and down with impunity, humping itself like mad on his fingers. The human could feel the tremendous winks crushing his fingers in powerful convulsions, sending her fat-purple clit shooting in and out with copious gushes of mare-juice as it throbbed the lovebud against the back of his hand. Her asshole was doing much the same thing - pushing and pulling against the strange foreign invader inside of it, unsure whether it wanted more of Anon's tongue in it... or all of it...
And where Anon had heard some mares have loud, heavy, ceiling rumbling orgasms... he'd never heard one quite so... vocal.
"OH FUCK, FUCK, FUCK YES." Lime brayed, almost whinnying before her words began to cascade into one another. "YES, YES, YESYESYESGRABMYFUCKINGDOCK... ANON! ANON! NONNYNONNYNONNY YANK MY TAIL, RUB IT THERETHERETHERETHERE!"
Anon did as he was instructed, clenching the mare's dock and pressing his thumb deeper into the soft indent he'd found, which clearly was the 'crazy-mare on/off switch' for Limestone Pie.
"YOU'RESOFUCKINGGOODNONNY... I WANNA WANNA I WANNA IT SO BAAAAAD."
Disturbingly, Anon noticed that the mare's usually straightlaced and sharp hair was starting to get quite... curly, random... volumized... poofy.
The silver sheen took on a more colorful tint... was this the opposite of the 'sad Pinkamena Diane Pie effect'?
Still gushing in every way possible, Lime pronked up to all fours, pulling Anon up to his knees as she did so, jerking his tongue out of her butt, and his fingers out of her marehood, as the human desperately hung onto her dock for dear life.
Anon suddenly found himself on his knees, cock rock hard and ready to go, and right in front of him, with her now poofy and Pinkie-like tail clenched in his hand, was Limestone PIe: sticking her ass up in the air - presenting her needy, drooling marecunt to him.
She looked over her shoulder, fixing him in the eyes. Anon couldn't help but notice how much Lime looked like her younger, pinker sister in the midst of a cupcake-induced sugar rush. The farmer's eyes were giant wingding-style hearts, her face was plastered with a dopey-drooling ear-to-ear smile.
"A-A-anon..." Lime grinned, shaking with happiness. "I l-love to see you SMILE... while bucking me senseless!" She wiggled her ass in the air, with a ferocity and intensity that Anon would have deemed impossible for anyone without Pinkie's fourth-wall-breaking ability.
"Now..." Lime's eyes glazed over as she started to push backward, bringing the tip of Anon's swollen cock and her plump, drooling snatch close enough that Anon could feel the steam rising off of her, "...you're gonna gimme plow my rock fields with that big, yummy, human co-"
Anon felt a sharp sting in his left hand, making him wince and release the thrashing and crazy dock. A sharp strike, expertly delivered by Cloudy Quartz, just in time.
Almost as soon as he released his hand, the bizarre changes in Lime faded away. Right before his very eyes, Anon watched as the color that had been entering her coat and mane drained down to her hooves and faded, as her tail hair straightened and fell to the floor... her curly poofy bangs deflating and returning to their sharp bang-line, as if the force of gravity on Lime's hair had just increased ten-fold. The mare's bouncy, energetic twitches melted into exhausted nothingness, and the corners of her crazy smile dropped instantly, leaving her mouth a gasping, tongue-out mess as the mare collapsed to the bedspread, panting as hard as if she'd just finished a marathon...
About the only thing that stayed the same were Lime's eyes... still heart-shaped (though smaller_ irises that cavorted wildly under her sweaty brow.
"Mmnnno...no... f-fair mom..." Lime moaned, struggling to lift her exhausted head up from the faceplant she'd just done to look at her mother. "I... w-was... I w-wanted... Anon to be my...."
"Shh... shh..." Cloudy comforted, brushing her daughter's sweaty mane comfortingly. "He will, he will... don't worry."
"I... don't... w-wanna become a wizard." Lime gasped out, her eyelids drooping lazily, one more than the other.
"A wizard?" Cloudy craned her neck back, looking at her daughter with a wry grin. "Now you're being even more ridiculous than when you were getting all 'Pinkish'. Everypony knows that if you got magical powers from being untouched at thirty, you'd have a lot more alicorns running about. It's on old mare's tale, Lime."
But lime had already drifted into a stupor-filled, post-orgasmic sleep, not far from her baby-sister's nap in a similar nest of pillows.
Cloudy sighed, patting her eldest's head lovingly, before turning away from her and looking at Anon.
"I apologize for striking you, Anonymous... but I do believe we had an arrangement." Cloudy grinned. Turning toward the human slowly and with a creeping smile on her face. She reached up, taking her glasses carefully off of her face.
"You were quite right in pointing out to me that a head mare's responsibility to her herd is to go first." She placed the spectacles into an eyeglasses case, snapping the lid shut as she did so.
"And with such a wild, uncouth stud as you, and what you've done to my little girls..." Cloudy removed her collar and necklace, also placing them delicately on her nightstand as if she were preparing for nothing more than to go to sleep on a normal night.
Anon could only gulp with fear at the dominant older mare as she eyed him down.
"I can see that before I let you have my girls... it will be my job..." Cloudy pulled the hairpin from her mane, letting the whole of her tight and well-maintained bun explode out into the wild cacophony of green, tousled strands that Anon had seen when he'd shouted his pick-up line at her before. Her big blue eyes were filled with hunger - confidence - and passion... like a lion about to chow down on a wounded gazelle.
He was screwed.
"...my job... to break you." |
Anon Bangs Cloudy Quartz | The Clouds gather | Anon slunk backward, trying to keep his distance from the predatory, veteran rock-farming matriarch.
Cloudy was in her element, her body lithe and her movements smooth, one hoof stepping in front of the other, carefully measuring out her pace, like a tiger stalking through the jungle, hunting down an unsuspecting and foolish hunter that had wandered into her domain.
But she wasn't coming directly at him.
Instead, her circuitous path took her over to her sleeping youngest daughter.
"Marble, how are you doing?" Cloudy purred, tail flicking left and right like a cat.
Marble's eyes droopily blinked, one eye fluttering open more slowly than the other as she struggled to rouse from her contentedly deep sleep. "Mmm...m-mama?" Her cute and soft voice was so light and innocent Anon could feel his heart-melting.
"Shh, shh... hush, baby... mamma just needs to borrow a little something from you, then you can go back to sleep." Cloudy cooed, brushing her daughter's brow lovingly.
Anon still kept his distance. He could see the love in Cloudy's face for her child... but they way those sharp eyes darted over to him, ready to eat him alive... it sent shivers down his spine.
"That's it baby, momma will take care of everything."
Anon watched as Cloudy took one of her daughter's hind hooves with her left forehoof, using her new-found leverage to part her daughter's legs. He just barely caught a glimpse of Marble's shining-slick marehood before a flash of Cloudy's gray coat obscured his vision. With surprising agility, Cloudy repositioned herself, sliding her two legs around Marble's lower body, mounting her supine daughter in a scissor-straddle position.
From his viewpoint, Anon could only see Marble's thigh - he couldn't actually see the unique and rare vision of two marehood grinding and smushing against one another. But from Marble's groaning reaction he could definitely guess that was exactly what was happening just out of sight.
"Mmmmaammaa.... Mmmhmm..."
Cloudy grinned, down at her daughter, until the young mare shut her eyes and opened her mouth in worldless, satisfied sighs... then she turned to look right at her prey.
Anon gulped, those big blue eyes clearly sizing him up and gauging him to be an easy meal.
"Our new herd-mate really did a number on you, hm Marble?" Cloudy grinned, still staring at Anon. The human couldn't help but notice the matriarch's hips giving subtle grinding hip thrusts, pivoting her hips in powerful tilts as if she were actually fucking her daughter... as she ground their cunts together. He couldn't help but feel, especially with the way that Cloudy was staring him down as she slowly but methodically ground against her daughter, that she was imagining fucking him instead.
"That will do nicely, thank you, Marble." Cloudy sighed, carefully extricating herself from the groaning mare.
Again, Anon couldn't see Cloudy's marehood - only a long silvery strand of clear nectar connecting Marble's juicy swollen snatch to the hidden zone of forbidden delight underneath Cloudy's swishing tail. With confidence, Cloudy strode closer to the human. Anon felt his heartbeat rise, he even pulled his feet back from her instinctively - he'd never been so cowed by a mare or woman in his life. He could feel sweat beads popping out on his forehead - was this the moment? Was she going to take him now? No.
Almost casually, Cloudy trod past the human, over to her second daughter, Limestone - who was still lying prone in what could only be described as a pool of contented pony-flesh.
"And I haven't forgotten about you, my dear Limestone." Cloudy chuckled, as she also hooked one of her eldest daughters legs, easily pony-handling the pile of post-orgasmic limbs, muscle and fur, turning the mare onto her side and mounting her as well, this time from behind.
"M-mom?" Lime moaned out, eyes sparkling with dewy confusion.
"You did such a good job Limey." Cloudy cooed, patting her daughter's rump with her left hoof as she slid up against her. "I'm just going to borrow a bit of your honey, honey."
"Mmhm...m-mom...!" Lime moaned happily, twisting her muzzle back into the sheets.
This time Anon could see the barest hint of pony-pussy, as Cloudy wrapped a hoofful of her daughter's tail around her right hoof to give her leverage as she began to hump into Lime. He couldn't quite see the matriarch's pony-bits... but he could see Lime's swollen, puffy pussy-lips as they were massaged by her mother's own crotch.
Again, Cloudy fixed the human with her eyes, staring down at him with intense focus as the air of the bedroom was filled with the sounds of wet pussy slapping against wet pussy.
*ScHloRp* *ScHloRp* *ScHloRp*
Those big blue eyes never left his face, as she powerfucked her eldest daughter from behind.
*ScHloRp* *ScHloRp* *ScHloRp*
"M-m...mom!" Limestone squeaked, her tail straining and pulling against the hoof that had wrapped it up into a tight knot.
*ScHloRp* *ScHloRp* *ScHloRp*
"Shh, Limey." Cloudy cooed, eyes not leaving Anon nor her hips breaking their steady, grinding cadence. "Anonymous treated you so dastardly - taking advantage of your weak spot like that... though I suspect Pinkie might have had something to do with that."
*ScHloRp* *ScHloRp* *ScHloRp*
A few last grinds, and Limestone's left rear hoof began to kick out wildly pawing at the air in a sublimely cute way - an adorable reaction by the weakened pony to the orgasm drawn out of her by her mother.
"Mm... that's it, baby, your mother doesn't need any cheating weak spots to make you feel like the wonderful mare you are." Cloudy whispered, still staring down the human.
"M-m-mooooooommmmnnnnnngh.....!" Lime quivered and kicked under her mother's soft and methodical scissoring, jerking in small convulsions.
"That's it... good girl... good girl..." Cloudy smiled, patting her daughter's rump. Anon could see the sheets around the two Pies' union turning damper and damper with soaked mare-juices, could hear the trickling drips of splattering fluid, could just peek at the sparkling drips of splashing, hot honey around Lime's quivering cunt-lips... "Yes. Yes... that will do, quite well Limey."
Cloudy snorted out of her nostrils, releasing her quivering older daughter's leg and extricating herself delicately from the mare. The aftermath of her attention could clearly be seen - Limeston's pussy was winking wide and insistently once again - her fat inner lips steaming and soaked from the recent attention they'd just been given.
Anon's eyes couldn't linger long though, as the imposing little gray mare really was encroaching upon him now, a cock-sure confidence billowing behind those deep dark blue irises.
"B-b-be g-gentle..."
Cloudy snagged Anon's left ankle with her hoof, at first seeming to caress his foot lovingly... before she suddenly gripped him with ferocity, pulling in one fluid jerk that threw the human from the bed as if he weighed no more than one of the throw pillows near the headboard.
As he sailed through the air, Anon couldn't help but marvel at the mare's hidden strength. He'd heard of 'farmer-strength' before... obviously, pony 'farmer-strength' was a whole other level of intensity... and pony rock 'farmer-strength' was a notch above even that.
He landed with a small thump on the floor, soft enough that the wind was not driven from his lungs... but hard enough that he knew he could be manhandled (ponyhandled?) easily. He rolled back onto his elbows, just in time to see the shadow of a pony's head cast over his hands. He looked up.
Staring down at him was Cloudy, licking her lips before biting her lower muzzle.
"You've been such a naughty stallion, Anon." She grinned slowly shaking her head. "Accosting me and my daughters... chasing after my motherly tail, hoping that you could add me as one more notch on your bedpost... well, we have an old Pie family saying..."
Cloudy stepped off of the bed, gingerly, with great dignity. She put a hoof under the human's chin, lifting his nervous face up to look into her eyes.
"Be careful what you wish for... because you just might get it."
"I, Uh...-"
Anon's babbling response was instantly cut off by Cloudy's muzzle, which pressed forward and booped against his nose, sending a sparkle of stunning pain through his eyes. Before he could pull back, the mare's other forehoof had wrapped itself behind the back of the human's head, pulling him in tightly as she engulfed his mouth with hers.
Anon wasn't sure if he opened his mouth, or if Cloudy's ferociously strong tongue wrenched his jaw open - all he knew was that the mare's tongue was halfway down the back of his throat before he could even blink. Cloudy twisted her head sideways and increased the pressure on the back of his skull, almost painfully pulling their embrace tighter, thrusting her tongue deeper into his throat.
"Hnnggg!" Anon choked, as the thick pony tongue pressed against his tonsils, nearly choking his airway. It was stunning, shocking - he hadn't expected a... kiss. His hands curled in confusion and reaction. Should he reciprocate? Or just lie still?
He gently reached one of his hands up, intending to stroke CLoudy's cheek. The instant his fingertip brushed one of the soft tufts of fur near the mare's cheek, her blue eyes flashed with that dangerous sparkle again. The fat, writhing tongue pulled out of his throat just as quickly as it entered, leaving a wet, hot trail of mucous in its wake... and Cloudy broke their kiss.
Then she slapped him.
The hoof stung, leaving a rosy-red patch of skin in its wake. Painful, but nowhere near the strength that Anon now
knew the little mare possessed. If she had wanted to remove his jawbone with that blow, she could have. Still, it was shocking enough - reminding Anon of just how powerful Cloudy was.
He jerked back, scooching back to a seated position against the wall about a body length from the side of the bed, his knees in front of him defensively. He rubbed his cheek with his hand, looking at the mare with surprise and confusion on his face.
"Wh-wha-"
"Do not mistake my kiss for affection, Anon. I only allow such tenderness from my true love, Ignaceous."
Anon worked his tongue around in his mouth, the sensations of the older mare's potent kiss lingering there. "Th-then why the ki-"
"The kiss?" Cloud chuckled, shaking her head softly. She began to turn away from the human, facing the side of her master-bed, which stood about pony-chest height relative to her small size. "I told you I was a traditional mare, didn't I Anonymous?" She was now facing entirely away from him, her rump pointed at the human, with a small hop, she put her two forehooves onto the top of the mattress. "...and a traditional mare must certainly be kissed..."
Grinning over her shoulder, Cloudy lifted her tail up and out of the way, hiking it proudly above her lithe lower back.
"...before she is fucked."
Anon almost didn't dare to look. There was some part of him that was terrified to look away from those eyes - which might so suddenly flashback to their fiery fury. But there was an inexorable pull, a burning need of his own to look upon this beautiful MILF's plot.
The arched eyebrow from Cloudy was just the final icing on the cake giving him the confidence to look.
Her lovely, well-sheened dark green tail spilled out in a wonderful arc over the small of her lower back, held there proudly by her gray-furred dock, flagged up harshly in the air. A small patch of skin on the triangular tail root was an almost imperceptibly lighter shade of gray - almost a light pink from the flush of her tender skin under the thin coat of fur covering her privates.
Then there was her ponut. A gloriously -sized bud of muscle, colored dark dark charcoal, almost black against her fur. Not as big as Limestone's, nor as small and tight as Marble's... but pert and snug, all the same, proudly riding in between her two wonderfully firm buttocks, the delicate flesh of the tailhole-ring pressing into the muscular walls of her glutes.
A short path of dark skin under that rosebud - her taint, already sweaty and rosy with excitement - and he was staring at the mother of four's marehood. Her perfect marehood.
Dark charcoal lips, swollen with hot, excited blood pressed against one another, while still being fat enough to graze the encroaching sides of her thighs. A hot, steaming stream of cleary nectar slid down the ornately smooth labia - which was already coated with a slimy sheen of wetness, no doubt borrowed from both of her daughters.
The slickness was dripping off the end of Cloudy's pussy, the stream trickling down and over a heart-shaped nub of her clitoris, which was just large enough to peep from the fattened folds. Like a stone in a gentle brook just before a waterfall, Cloudy's honey slid down her furrow and slid off the end of the well-sized button, before falling to ground in drippy, strand-like patters.
The fall of the drops drew Anon's eye to the swell of her two teats, just below and in front of the beautiful, drooling mare-cunt. Age had not caused those bountiful orbs to lose any of their firmness - two decently-sized boobs, each capped by an engorged, dark nipple.
Anon swallowed at the thought of how those tits had nursed a generation of Equestria's finest rock farmers.
Apparently, his swallow didn't go unnoticed.
"Hmm...? Is that not enough of a show for you?" Cloudy coyly teased, as if she couldn't tell the flummoxing effect her flashing had induced in the human. "Well... how about this?"
As if the heavenly presentation of Cloudy's p[lot wasn't enough, a ripple coursed through the mare's backside, subtle muscles tensing in perfect harmony. Her ponut quivered and tightened, the two plump labial lips tensed and unfurled, revealing first a set of delicate, dark inner labia... then the boiling, steaming pink depths of Cloudy's tight cunt. The piece-de-resistance was her clit, which shot out from the self-induced wink, revealing just how fat and throbbing it truly was under its fold of flesh, like the hidden part of an iceberg beneath the waterline.
He could see right into her - the mesmerizing swirl of pink muscles coiling and sliding over one another in her snatch, the quivering dart of her clit... and the spatter of a dollop of clear cum onto the bedroom floor... before her muscle tension was released, and those tight, vise-like lips closed up again, hiding away those pink secrets.
"Now... if you've seen your fill..." Cloudy snorted, shaking her mane so that it fell more comfortably over the nape of her neck, before dipping her shoulders and sticking her ass as high into the air as it would go - parting her rear-hooves slightly to widen her stance. "...do your duty and mount me."
Anon did just that, stepping forward hesitantly to the little gray mare. Her buttocks were a good six inches below his hipline. He shuffled forward, nonetheless, not missing the fact that Cloudy's eyes were locked onto his cock. Despite his shock and fear at Cloudy's assertiveness, his manhood had not wilted. In fact, if anything his cock had betrayed him - swelling and pulsing to new engorgement levels that he had never experienced.
Even now he could see that his member's head was a cherry red, completely filled with hot human blood, a thick ketchup-like vein popping out of his 8.5-inch shaft... or was it even longer than usual? It was hard to make any sensible measurement, not as the whole thing quivered and bobbed with each pounding heartbeat as he approached the steely rump in front of him.
"You're quite large, at least." Cloudy murmured, still staring at his cock. It was more like she was talking to herself than actually paying him any compliment. The mare was chewing her lower lip as she eyed him, perhaps contemplating just how her small pony body would be able to accept such an intruder.
Anon grinned - Cloudy's reaction was the first chink in her armor that he'd managed to elicit.
The mare immediately noticed his face, and her features returned to one of cold stoicism. "Do not mistake me, Anon - having a great log between your hindlegs is nothing to be proud of - any animal can be well endowed, it takes a true gentlestud to know how to use his equipment."
As she said this, Cloudy shifted her bottom backward, finally making contact with Anon's legs - the hard muscles of her gluteus maximus coming to rest against the middle of Anon's thighs. Anon let his meaty pillar fall onto the Cloudy's back, falling with a dull thud along the curve of her lower spine. The mare's dock rubbed along the left side of his shaft, her tailhairs ticking his sticky skin. The whole of his heavy penis stretched up her back - coming to rest somewhere near the mother's mid-back.
Anon had to take a second to truly appreciate just how deep into the small rock-farmer his organ would penetrate. Certainly, it would seem that pony and man were not made to breed with one another - at least, no timid mare should attempt the daring feat.
Cloudy seemed to be thinking the same thing. Still looking over her shoulder at just how far the human's cock stretched across her back, she wriggled her hips slightly, grinding her asscheeks back against the human. The wiggle went through her body and into Anon's, making the pendulous cocklength weave and wriggle on her back like a fat boa constrictor, depositing a small trickle of pre in the musky coat-fur partway up her spine.
The stimulation against his glans was lovely - an initial invitation to partake in even more - Anon grunted, pushing back against the pony butt grinding into him. Instinctively, he slid a hand up to his shaft, pressing it down at the base to trap it more firmly against the tops of Cloudy's round buttcheeks, which provided his glans with more friction as his member waggled back and forth.
"What are you doing?" Cloudy's biting hiss scolded. "Stop, this instant." The mare's tail flicked with displeasure, slapping the human across his face with a light flick.
But Anon was on auto-pilot. The feel of pony flesh grinding against him felt so good - and he'd been so close to orgasming with Lime, only to be denied... if he could only get a little more stimulation... a liitte more friction... he could happily dump his load onto Cloudy's back! His other hand reached forward and took the mare's left asscheek in its grasp, firmly kneading it ass he used it for leverage to pull himself closer to Cloudy.
"I said... stop!"
Searing pain exploded through Anon's left foot, worse than the feel of any toe stubbed against a bedpost in the middle of the night. Anon looked down to see that Cloudy had delivered an expert hoofstomp to his instep with her rear hoof - quickly reminding the human of just how much power was hidden in those experienced sinews.
But it worked. Anon stopped.
Through gritted teeth he exhaled in pain, both hands jerking back to clench into fists, as he tried to breathe his way out of the smarting agony of his poor stomped toe.
"OooooooW!" He began to pull back away from the mare, in an effort to protect his other toes from similar hoofstomps. But almost immediately, he felt Cloudy's flagged tail curl around his back, trapping him from running away. It seemed that prehensile tails were a genetically inherited trait.
"I said stop. Not to leave." Cloudy sighed, her dock and tail holding strong against Anon's efforts to pull back. "You really are a simple, reckless animal, aren't you? If I hadn't intervened you would have wasted yourself on my back, like some stupid beast."
"M-my... f-f-fudging TOE!" Anon whined, coming back to his senses, no longer pulling against the mare.
"Oh please - I barely tapped it." Cloudy tsked, "But it seems even the simple instruction of mount me is too complex for you." Cloudy shook her head slowly.
"I was trying." Anon groaned, barely resisting the urge to kneel down and rub his aching foot.
"Obviously you're a bit... taller than I'm used to... and larger..." Cloudy muttered. "I think you'll have to go on your knees..." With a powerful jerk, Cloudy's tail pulled down on Anon's waist, forcing the human to kneel. He didn't want to dwell on the fact that Cloudy's tail had enough strength to overpower both of his legs.
Anon felt his cock dragged down as he fell to his knees, the briefest rush of burning hot, wet sensation sliding over his tip. It had happened in a flash, his cockhead sliding over Cloudy's asshole and pussy, leaving only the barest hint of a slick kiss behind... but it still sent shivers up his spine.
"Now you're too low..." Cloudy clucked.
She ground her ass backward into the human's hips, leaving a wet, sloppy press of marehood against the spot just under Anon's belly button. Like a juicy sponge being pressed against his lower-abdomen, Anon felt trickles of sticky marecum roll down into his groin as the mare pumped herself back onto him. Pinned between the mare's frighteningly powerful legs and her clasping tail, Anon let his hands fall to his sides as marebutt humped into him, demonstrating just how hard Cloudy could fuck him if she so chose. His fingernails dug into the sides of his own thighs, desperately trying to resist grabbing hold of Cloudy's tight asscheeks as he endured the sensation of being dry-humped by the mare. His cock bounced tantalizingly underneath her, wedged between the mare's teats as it prodded past Cloudy's belly button, leaving a small silver trail of pre-ejaculate in her thin belly-fur.
"Cl-cloudy..."
"Hmm? What's that? Are you ready to do your duty, finally?"
"Y-yes..." He groaned.
"Very well..." Cloudy lessened the backpressure she was putting into the human behind her, pulling forward ever so slightly, revealing her open, steaming, winking pony-snatch. "...then stop messing about."
Anon took himself into his hands, carefully aligning himself with the slick slit in front of him. He noted that both of them shuddered with delight as his red-hot cockhead touched tips with Cloudy's fat pink lovebud, her clitoris and his cockslit swapping juices as they ground against one another.
But she didn't let him linger, wriggling her ass and making his thick cock slide into the furrow of her plump outer lips. But he could not go further - even the impossibly slick inner lips of Cloudy's count, which were so smooth and juicy with natural lube that even a hoof should have slid in with ease, could not spread wide enough for the human's broad mushroom.
"Hnnnf.... F-f-fuck." The word slipped from Cloudy's lips, less than a whisper. But Anon still heard it - the first time he'd heard the rigid mare swear aloud. There was some measure of pride to take in that - that he'd drawn such invective from her, from the jamming of his giant knob against her unyielding slit.
His tip was bulging, flattening out like someone trying to push an overinflated party-balloon through the cardboard in a paper-towel roll... he just hoped he wouldn't pop. it seemed to be an impossible fit - somehow even tighter than her youngest daughter's little tailhole - Cloudy's lips strained and stretched, slowly growing wider and wider over his blunt mushroom tip, aided by the older mare's grunting groans and winking convulsions, each one causing her marehood to attempt to ingest, to inhale more of his human cock.
But still, he couldn't enter her.
It was quickly apparent that she would not be denied - her tail tightened around him and she began to push back with her legs. Anon noted with some distress that his rigidly hard cock appeared to be under quite a bit of tension - the stiff pole of inflated blood the only thing separating their two sets of hips from connecting - against all the force the powerful farm pony could muster...
It was starting to bend! |
Anon Bangs Cloudy Quartz | The Clouds thicken | "Cl-cl-cloudy!" Anon groaned, worried that he was about to experience some sort of horrifying penile fracture.
"Hnnf... s-stop..." Cloudy grunted over her shoulder, straining with the exertion of using all her body to try to impale herself on this man, "...s-stop with the... huf... h-hover hands...! Grab my rump and RUT me... b-buck!"
Her voice commanded obedience - Anon quickly grabbed two handfuls of her buttocks, taking hold so eagerly that it might be more accurate to say that he clapped onto her flanks.
*SLAP*
"Hmmmmnnnf!" Cloudy squeaked, her nose scrunching up and her cheeks pouting out cutely at the unexpected ass-slap. Anon was already pulling with his arms - he was fully committed now: either he would penetrate Cloudy... or his dick would snap in two like a twig.
"Mmmmmmmmgghhh!" Cloudy's growl rumbled.
"Sh-sh-shiiiiiiiip!" Anon grunted back.
Then it happened.
Cloudy's strained inner pink lips - drawn out to nearly their breaking point - like a pink latex glover stretched over a melon, slid over the edge of Anon's cockhead-ridge. In less than an instant, he penetrated deeply into the mare's tight, twisting love tunnel, burying more than half of his massive, thick log into her cunt.
Hot.
Boiling hot.
The volcanic interior of cloudy was a myriad of sensations, but the overwhelming one was just how steaming her insides were - this little pony definitely ran hot. and strong. her muscles were so powerful - so intense that it made sense to him now why her pussy had been so hard to enter: her vise-like muscles made her as tight as any young, blushing bride.
"F-f-fuck!" Cloudy groaned aloud, an animalistic curse coming from her gut, "...that's so b-BIG... I haven't been stretched like that since I birthed Marble!" Her left forehoof thumped the top of the bedspread in reaction to the sensation, as she struggled to cope with the insertion of such a massive object into her body.
It was cute - Anon would have smirked to himself at the domineering mare struggling and failing to handle his big, fat, human dick... if he were not struggling himself with the overwhelming feelings of her massaging, tight cunt-y confines clasping and grasping all around him.
So the two of them just hung there for a few moments, grunt and shifting ever so slightly. Cloudy staring down at the bedspread, clenching the sheets in blissful agony... as Anon stared down at the incredible sight of his thick sausage disappearing into the set of tight, drooling pink lips and dug his fingers into the flesh of Cloudy's butt as he tried to resist the more potent squeezes of her pelvic floor.
Sweat dripped from Anon's brow, his breathing slowing synching up with Cloudy's, as he noticed the nuances of this beautiful mare's every reaction to his cock - from the myriad clenches and milking jerks of her inner tunnel to little twitches of the muscles along her spine. Slowly, he felt the tension of the mare's tail release, at first sagging away from his hipline... before slowly stiffening up in front of him, rising higher and higher with each breath, until it was fully hiked up in a flagged position.
Of course, she would recover first.
"Mmm... th-that... that was invigorating." Cloudy chuckled, blowing a hot gust of steam from her snout, "...really, just as impressive as I'd heard from Twilight Velvet. I had never imagined I'd have the opportunity to..."
Anon suddenly felt Cloudy's vagina ripple and swirl, her contractions no longer spastic and uncoordinated - clearly back under her control. It was all he could do to bite his lip at the force of the incredibly tight clench of her marecunt around his shaft as if someone had snapped a too-tight elastic band around his cock... one that Cloudy could move up and down his length at will.
"...try..." Another clench.
"...you..." And another.
"...out." With her last word, Cloudy's whole tight tunnel cinched down on him as one tube, twisting and binding with anaconda-like intensity.
"H-holy... f-f-f-fiddlesticks..." Anon groaned, fingers clenching into Cloudy's rear.
"Mmm... yes... that's right, isn't it?" Cloudy wiggled her butt, tantalizingly sending ripples through to Anon's cock, "I seem to recall that you spanked my bottom without my permission, Anon." Cloudy's voice scolded.
Anon gulped, his eye's focusing in on Cloudy's. That same fire was there... but underneath it was sheen of playful exuberance - this cat knew she'd captured the mouse in her paws... and it was time to play.
"I think some reciprocity is in order... don't you?" Cloudy grinned.
Anon felt his mate's body began to pull away from him, ever so slowly. The sucking force of her tight cunt pulled him with her at first, despite the fact that she'd released her grip. It still took Anon needing to almost brace himself against her rock-hard ass to carefully pry his dick out of her tight confines.
Inch by inch, slowly... he withdrew from her. He watched her bright pink inner lips get drawn out from her depths, nasty obscene squelching sounds accompanying the vacuum-seal of pussy against cock breaking as he neared fully exiting her. He could see the fat bulge of his cockhead as it neared the slick entrance of her cunt - the outline of his glans clearly pressing outward against the thin pink flesh.
"I was going to be gentle, since this was your first time doing your husbandly duty with me." Cloudy's grin grew wider, revealing the sharp-toothed fang of her canines before she growled sultrily, "...but since you've shown that you're OK with things being a bit rough... I think I'll go all out."
Cloudy's tail once again wrapped around Anon's belt-line, bracing the human and locking him firmly in place.
"W-wait, C-cloudy!" Anon stammered, barely able to find the words. He wasn't used to being on his heels like this.
"No, I don't think I will..." Cloudy's ass began to move backward, reversing its withdrawal... beginning to jam Anon's fat human cock back into her volcanic depths, inch by inch.
"Mmmmfff!" Anon grunted, carefully resisting the urge to slap Cloudy's bottom again. As he sunk deeper into the twisting depths of Cloudy's pony pussy, he once again felt his passage deeper blocked by an impossible tightness... heretofore unplumbed depths stretching to accept a masculine invader for the first time. It wasn't easy going - only by the sheer force of Cloudy's muscular body was he being stuffed into her to such a degree. His cockhead was constricted, to an almost painful amount.
But he still went deeper into her than his first penetration - sinking an extra inch into her heat, leaving only three inches in the cold... if you could call it that. The winking kiss of Cloudy's clitoris as she gobbled up his girth, and the spattering sputter of her marejuices coated Anon's base and balls with a warm and pungent slickness.
"I'm just getting started."
Cloudy reversed direction once again, speeding up ever so slightly. Drawing Anon out of her with the leverage of her body and tail. Anon felt sparkles popping behind his eyes, electricity racing down to his toes... the sensation of her hidden folds running over his shaft's every crevice and vein simply divine.
And then she plowed backward again. Faster, and with more violence. Spearing herself onto his cock with the full force of her strength, their rapid union sending torrential splashes of unspeakable liquids slopping to the floor.
Only two inches outside, on this stroke.
Anon's eyes barely had a chance to register the sight of his thickening base stretching the little mare's entrance to a ludicrous level, before she began to extract him again, her pace quickening with each passing moment as she found a smooth coordination of her body, like a piston engine coming up to full speed.
"C-cloudy... I'm... I'm going to...!" Anon suddenly yelped, the feeling of complete fullness bubbling up from his loins suddenly, the dull ache that had been building there quickly transforming into an explosive cascade of release. He'd never cum so fast - not from only three strokes! But this MILF's pussy was just... on a whole other level! Each slide of her muscles over him, her raw heat... the damn musk she was hanging in the air.
He didn't stand a chance.
Anon sighed happily and tightened his grip on the mare's flanks, letting his hips twitch involuntarily as he prepared to unleash his fattest load of the night into Cloudy's waiting pussy.
"Going to what?" Cloudy tsked, growling. "...you're not doing anything, without my permission. And certainly not before I have been satisfied."
Anon felt Cloudy's vagina clench down, near to the entrance of her outer labia, tighter and fiercer than anything she had done before. It felt like someone had drawn a steel wire tight around his cock.
"G-gggaaaaaaahhh!" Anon shouted aloud, the sharp pain brutal. He felt his body pulse and jerk, once, twice, three times... as he dry-fired, his orgasm unable to erupt, completely closed off by the pussy-vise around his cock.
A ruined orgasm. Again.
But worse.
He gasped with desperation, trying to get his eyes to focus. His entire body was burning from the need to suck in oxygen. His dick felt like it was in a tesla coil, with multiple branching tingles arcing through every overstrained nerve fiber. His balls felt like they were going to explode - as they swelled and bulged with displeasure at their inability to loose their genetic payload.
"I told you I would be rough."
"P-please!" The plea fell on completely deaf ears. Cloudy simply adjusted herself, maintaining the frighteningly powerful control of her cunt-muscles, simply grinning as she watched the human's cock bulge and throb pitifully at the exterior of her pussy.
Throb after throb, as spurt after spurt of ejaculatory release, misfired in Anon's urethra - backing up into his own gonads, swelling his fruit to pendulous size. Anon's vision clouded, white tunnels of consciousness appearing around the outskirts of his vision, as he desperately tried to remain focus until, finally.... his constrained orgasm subsided.
"G-g-gahhhhh!" Anon took in a deep, gasping breath. Drawing oxygen for the first time since his non-release began. He felt the blood rush back to his body, his vision slowly returning with a midst of pinpoint spots appearing in his focus - sparkles of light that danced across his retina, belying just how oxygen-starved he'd become. Simultaneously, his whole body began to ache - his muscles, which had tensed so hard as they were captured in the throes of a ruined orgasm... his balls, which felt akin to the hoover dam after a massive rainstorm had passed through, with water dangerously splashing over the top of a crumbling barricade... and his cock!
He looked down at himself and was almost terrified by the sight of his manhood - swollen and reddish-purple, rigid and throbbing to tremendous size. The thing felt like he'd been stung by a swarm of angry wasps - he'd never felt so plump and full in his entire life! His whole size was comically jammed into the puffy pony pussy in front of him, like something out of an old looney tunes cartoon... except it was real.
"Now, let's continue." Cloudy's purr was part growl, part giggle... and all sex.
"W-w-wait Cloudy, I'm not re-"
*SQUELCH*
With a grinding thrust, Cloudy slid onto Anon, fucking herself back up on his even thicker cock.
"F-ffff.....!" The syllable hung in Anon's bitten lips, as the sensations of twisting heat returned to him. With his new swollen girth, it felt like he was expanding into every crevice, every nook, every cranny, every minute fold of the mare's pristine vaginal depths, his flesh poured into her like some mixture between rock-hard rigid cock and liquid man-meat.
*SQUELCH*
But she hadn't stopped there - immediately she'd reversed and recontinued her next stroke, slamming back with more violence and speed than before.... Still, the narrowness of her cavity at its ultimate depth prevented them from completely conjoining... but it felt like they were edging ever closer... Anon was surely but steadily mining deeper into her moist cavern.
*SQUELCH*
"Mmmngh." This was the first grunt that seemed to escape the dominant, poised mare... not like any of the moans or groans she'd purposely let slip earlier... this had bubbled out of her like an escaping geyser - venting from the core of Equus's fiery depths.
Anon's focus quickly zoomed in on Cloudy's eyes - the window to any mare's soul. What he saw there was something that he would have loved to see... had it been any other mare.
She was losing control.
Anon had seen it so many times in his various erotic adventures since arriving in Equestria - the way A mare's eyes would slowly change, pupils dilating, irises turning into those heart-shaped emoticons, a glaze falling over the usual shine of those large, cute, pony eyes The mare's eyelids would roop slightly, her mouth would open ever so slightly, the tip of her tongue would start to wag, a faint sheen of musky perspiration would bead on her brow....
And then they would be completely fucking feral. |
Anon Bangs Cloudy Quartz | The Clouds break | He'd seen it before, and he was seeing it again - Cloudy Quartz was resorting to something more animalistic, feral, depraved.
Usually that meant that Anon was in for a hell of a fun time. Nothing was wilder than an equestrian mare going over the edge. Maybe there was something in their cutesy, adorable genetics that built up a huge backlog of absolutely debauched, drooling needs.
But Cloudy was different. Scary.
Cloudy in control had already pushed Anon to the edge, to the very limit of his comfort zone, maybe even beyond. If she went wild, he was genuinely concerned that he might not come out on the other end in one piece.
"F-f-feels... good!" Cloudy's speech was slurring slightly, hot, steamy breath coming out of her gaping mouth... and she seemed to be looking right through him. This was bad. "Y-yesss... this is good!"
*SQUELCH*
Anon felt his feet begin to slip underneath him from the force of her thrusts. It was a peculiar feeling - the instinctive reaction to try to assert his balance made his stomach drop with fear - particularly as there was little he could do to prevent himself from falling backward onto his ass... All mixed up with the intense sensation of coiling, wrapping pussy. Just as he caught himself, sliding his feet ever so slightly to bring his center of balance back underneath himself-
*SQUELCH*
She drove onto him again. There was no stopping it now. His hands tried and failed to grasp hold of Cloudy's hips, his core and arms vainly sought to stabilize his upper body, as he started to fall away from his smaller sexual partner, doomed to a sore bottom at the very least.
But he suddenly found himself suspended in mid-air.
"H-huh?" Anon blinked, his feet somehow floating in the air as if gravity had suddenly suspended itself. "Wh-wha-nnff!"
*SQUELCH*
"Y-yes! Yes!" Cloudy grunted. She was now supporting the entirety of the human's weight with her tail, hoisting the larger human as though he were as light as a feather - and slamming herself against him as though he were no more than some oversized sex-toy for her to play with.
*SQUELCh*
"Yes! Yes" YESYESYES!" Cloudy's eyes shot wide suddenly, revealing to her prey exactly what he had feared: two bright blue heart-shaped pupils hung there, starry-eyed and quivering, showing just how much the mare had lost herself.
*SQUELCH*
"Your cock-!"
*SQUELCH*
"It's so... big!" A shiver of pleasure shook itself up Cloudy's lower back, sending the her fur into bristling tufts, like she'd suddenly been charged with static electricity. Anon could feel the added tension in the mare's body through the rigidly taut tail suspending him, slamming him into her driving backside. "It's so... g- g-..."
*SQUELCH*
With the next piston-like hump, all of Cloudy's tension released. For a moment Anon felt like the tail around his waist was going to droop, letting him fall to the floor, but though he sagged, Cloudy kept him aloft. Every other muscle seemed to spasmodically unwind, though... throughout the mare's upper shoulders, through to her mid-spine, and down to her exquisitely strong ass muscles uncoiled and flattened... and the impossibly tight and massaging pussy simply melted around him.
Cloudy was orgasming.
"-g-g-ooooooood.... It's suuuch a good coccckkkkkkkk...!" Cloudy had shut her eyes tight and grit her teeth, the last syllable of her cry drawn out, rumbling through the entire room. Anon could feel the mare's pussy wink around him, her hot clitoris sliding in and out along his lower shaft, grinding itself along the edge of his shaft. Hot, spattering fluids splashed against his balls and his inner thighs.
"Good... goood..." Anon cooed back at her. He hoped to calm her, perhaps a good hard orgasm would rain her of that dangerous lust-energy building up in her. He focused
In Anon's experience there were two types of mares. Some would go meek and mewling, nothing more than a puddle of contented mare after reaching their climax, happy to drool and moan as he finished at his own pace, or if he'd already popped, to snuggle and wind down. He was hoping Cloudy was one of these types of mares...
Because the other type...-
Anon's train of thought was disrupted as Cloudy's eyes fluttered open. Those heart emoticons were now throbbing, one larger than the other, pulsating with twice the ferocity than they had before. Her green mane, already wild and unruly since she'd let it down, was now almost medusa-like, bangs and curls roiling with energy. Hot, steaming gusts of air blasted from her flaring nostrils, and her muzzle hung open, tongue drooling out one side.
'Oh shit.' Anon had enough time to formulate that last thought before the onslaught began.
*SQUELCH*
*SQUELCH*
*SQUELCH*
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
The sound of Cloudy's powerful thrusts changed as her slamming, jackhammer, rear pistoned into the human trapped helplessly in her tail, suspended above the ground. By driving him deeper and deeper into her tight, small body, Anon's balls had started to swing up and connect with the bottom of her cunt. The wet impact of his heavy, painfully full fruit began to overshadow the obscene squelching spatters of Cloudy's thick, wet lips.
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
"F-f-rrragggle!" Anon groaned, completely unable to do anything but endure the maddening sensation of being fucked silly.
He noticed that with each slamming thrust, the pair were sliding backward, away from the edge of the bed, with cloudy already having to extend her fore-legs away from the edge of the mattress quite a ways to keep herself propped up.
It seemed the mare's butt was more powerful than her tail - slowly but surely her pounding, rearward grinds were driving back against the grasping counter-force of her tail... the pair were sliding toward the bedroom wall.
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
"Yes! YES!" Cloudy moaned, her forehooves coming off of the mattress and planting into the floor. She thrashed her head wildly up and down, almost like a wild, bucking mustang from Earth, each lashing throw of her neck whipping backward into an intense jumping buck, which served to stuff more human cock into her snatch and send her closer and closer to the wall.
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
Anon could feel the fat base of his cock entering Cloudy now - only an inch or so of him remained uncovered by her gripping velvety marehood - though he had long since been completely drenched in Cloudy's hot spatter. It was hard to tell anymore, what with the insane tightness and throbbing, almost painful state of his erection... but there was something different about what his tip was feeling. No longer was it mere tightness preventing him from jamming the last of himself into Cloudy... but there was something else entirely - a physical block, a wall of impenetrable cunt-flesh that prevented him.
It had to be her cervix.
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
A reflection off of one of the quartz covered bedside lamps caught his attention - from this new angle Anon could see the two of them in side profile and his jaw dropped.
It was strange enough to see himself hovering in the air, and to see the massive width of his erection... but what really had him astounded was the bulge in the little mare's belly at the end of each rearward stroke. A big, distended bump appeared out of Cloudy's lower abdomen, racing up to her bellybutton... and beyond. It looked like some alien snake was making its way up through her guts.
And she still wanted more.
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
"Mmm! MMM!" Cloudy squeaked. Her hooves were leaving heavy indents in the wooden floorboards, each powerful fuck digging the edge of her hoof tip into the hardwood, sending slivers of timber up like a carpenter's level kicking up splinters. Sweat flew off of the little farmer in a light sheen, the residue her effort clear as she used every ounce of her strength to sex the ever-loving Celestia out of him.
The humid fog of her musky exertions filled the air - her sweat and the puddles of hot, drooling cunny-honey under her made the atmosphere so thick with pheromones that each breath Anon drew seemed to condense in his throat - reminding him of the taste of cunt he'd gotten earlier.
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
Anon felt something cold on his naked buttocks, then his shoulders, then all of his back.
He'd reached the wall. There was no going further.
...Unless Cloudy was going to fuck him through the wall.
*PLAP*
*PLAP*
*THUD*
The sound of Anon's back hitting the wall echoed through the room, shaking the ceiling beams so hard they would have let off a shower of dust, were the house not kept so immaculately by the Pie family. Luckily for Anon, the drywall was simple and covered with only a thin coat of paint - had it been a spackled or brick wall, he had serious concerns about just how torn up his back would be.
Cloudy's tail unwrapped from around his hip. It was not longer needed to keep the human trapped against the wild mare's vicious thrusts: he was now being pinned against the wall, his feet still dangling about the floor level.
*PLAP - THUD*
*PLAP - THUD*
*PLAP - THUD*
The rhythm continued, meaty flesh impacts coming at the exact same moment as dull bumps against the wall. Each heavy impact made the furniture in the room bump and jump. Small knickknacks, - like a jewelry mirror or the bedside lamp - clattered and fell, adding to the chaotic throes of passion.
"Unfgh! Unf! Unf!" Cloudy's yelps had turned into loud grunts. The mare was completely dripping now - sweat and erotic dripping flung from her like a dog shaking its fur after coming in from the rain.
But she still couldn't drive that final inch of humanity into her body - the final gate to her womb just wouldn't permit such an invasion.
*PLAP - THUD*
*PLAP - THUD*
*PLAP - THUD*
Freed from its task of holding him upright, Cloudy's tail freely thrashed about in a completely flagged position. With happy wags, the aroused tuft of hair splayed back and forth across the human's exposed chest, smearing the sweat of their two bodies together and tickling the human.
Not that he could really focus on any tickle in his chest.
Ninety percent of Anon's sensation processing neurons were being occupied trying to handle the raw chemical data from his overtaxed sexual organ nervous region. Not only was he nearly boiling himself from the inside with the amount of raw, restrained ruined-orgasmic throb... but Cloudy's convulsing, chaotic, crazy cunt-muscles were slipping, sliding, dancing along every part of his embedded shaft!
The remaining ten percent was devoted to the feel of Cloudy's tight, sweaty ass-cheeks pressing against his upper thighs and lower abdomen. Finally, the mare had impaled herself deeply enough that the powerful twin mounds of her flanks were pushing against the human's body.
It felt like two rock-hard mountains, like two crystalline diamonds, like the very foundations of the earth slamming against his body. Sure, there was a light, thin layer of fluffy fur and skin... but everything else was raw, unbridled muscle.
And the mare was using every last fiber of it.
*PLAP - THUD*
*PLAP - THUD*
*PLAP - THUD*
The squish of Cloudy's ponut was just beginning to lightly touch the top of his lower belly - light grazing touches by the hot pucker of flesh. He was so close to hilting in her now - it truly was like the whole of Cloudy's body was doing its utmost to take all of him in - from her grunting, grinding thrusts, to her stretching, elongating vaginal canal.
She was trying.
Anon could do little to help. Pinned as he was, he could barely rotate his hips, pivoting them only ever so slightly to perhaps aid in fucking ever so slightly harder. His hand could do little - he kneaded the iron flesh of Cloudy's back, though he felt like he might as well be trying to give a lump of granite a back massage.
Mostly he was a spectator - watching dumbfounded as the piston-like movement of the mare's body swiftly pulled herself off of him... drawing inch after inch of red-hot, steaming cock from her squirting cunt, stretching her pink inner-lips out as he exited her until only the tip remained inside her rapidly contracting entrance... before she would slam back with incredible swiftness, burying all of that freshly excavated dick to the gates of her womb.
*PLAP - THUD*
*PLAP - THUD*
*PLAP - CRACK*
Anon felt his right hip suddenly give way, sinking impossibly back. For a heart-rending moment, he was sure that Cloudy had fractured his pelvis, cracking through one of the most solid bones in his body through the raw force of her fucking hips, consigning him to months of painful disability...
*PLAP - CRACK*
But the lack of pain, the fact that his muscles were still functioning, and the sudden wafting of light dust through the air told a different story: Cloudy's beautiful behind had actually managed to crack through the drywall, embedding him into the insulation between two of the studs.
Cloudy really was literally fucking him through the wall.
*PLAP - CRACK*
*PLAP - CRACK*
*PLAP - CRACK*
"Unghh! Mmmf! MMF!" Cloudy's needy groans rumbled again, revealing her displeasure that her leverage against the human had decreased. Her throaty grunts were difficult for Anon to decipher - he couldn't tell if she was orgasming... nor did her body provide any clue - the hot, little mare had been writhing, shaking, squirting and convulsing since her earlier explosive release. He wouldn't be surprised if Cloudy was one of the lucky few females who could experience a continuous, rolling orgasm.
*PLAP - CRACK*
"I want it!"
*PLAP - CRACK*
"All of it!"
*PLAP - CRACK*
Cloudy's feral growl was more animal than sapient. Clearly, this mare was not looking for her own pleasure - she wanted... Every. Last. Inch. of his cock.
But with the drywall giving way - there was no way she was going to jam that last bit of him into herself - not unless her cervix could open up and let him hilt her. Suddenly Anon had terrifying visions of being entombed in the walls of the Pie family house, buried there by Cloud's needy, unending smash.
*PLAP - CRACK*
*PLAP - CRACK*
*PLAP - CRACK*
More and more of the poor human's body was pushed into the drywall, the rending cracks of drywall splitting just barely overcoming the wet thwaps of his heavy balls against the mons pubis of the mare and the slight slope of her teats, adding more stimulation to the cacophony of stimulation boiling betwixt the two.
He was in trouble.
Big trouble.
He caught some vision out of the corner of his eye - two gray bodies moving. Straining to pull the last of his energy to focus he set his eyes upon the source of the movement: Lime and Marble, both having roused from their sleep, posed at the edge of the mattress, watching him getting fucked by their mother into the carpentry of their home.
*PLAP - CRACK*
*PLAP - CRACK*
*PLAP - CRACK*
"H-h-help..." Anon croaked, barely finding the breath to beg. Cloudy's two daughters blushed, their cheeks turning a light red. He wasn't sure how long they had been watching, or how recovered they were from the earlier debauchery he'd undertaken with them... but he was desperate. He needed help. "...p-p-please..."
He was so exhausted, so drained, physically and emotionally, he could barely react, could barely feel the relief and tinge of excitement as the two mares hopped from the bed, and made their way over to either side of their mother.
Cloudy didn't notice them, here eyes varied between being open or shut, but with the way she would throw her head about, the amount of moaning, shaking orgasmic convulsions, and the fact that both of her pupils remained unfocused hearts of varying size... Anon suspected she could see no more than vague colors and movements.
Marble leaned over and whispered into her older sister's ear, the mare's cute eyes nervously looking at Anon and then away - he wasn't sure if she was embarrassed to look him in the eye after he'd fucked her in the ass... or if the sight of her mother plowing the ever-loving granite out of him was too exciting for such a mild-mannered mare to watch.
Limestone's face quickly blushed as well, she jerked her head back and looked with shock at her baby sister, but Marble simply nodded back at her. With a slight sigh, Lime nodded as well... an both mares began to walk toward him - toward the site of pounding destruction that was their mother's plot.
*PLAP - CRACK*
*PLAP - CRACK*
*PLAP - CRACK*
"H-helllp..." Anon's groan slipped from him, as he looked down at his own groin. Besides seeing the now-familiar but still shocking spectacle of his fat, over-sized cock stuffed into Cloudy... on either side of the matron's asscheeks were now a pair of blushing pony faces, their faces' cheeks pressed into their mother's rear cheeks... both looking up at him.
It was quite a sight.
Lime's face scrunched slightly, and her eyes darted to the right to look over at her sister. "Are you sure you want to suck on mom's teats? I mean, I could definitel-"
"Mmm-hmm." Marble hummed back, sternly, shaking her head at her sister. Then, with the slightest flash of a shy smile at Anon (and he could almost swear a wink - was Marble's confidence starting to grow?), the demure young mare ducked her head underneath her mother's belly, and out of his sight.
Lime sighed again, obviously resigned to whatever task she'd been burdened with. Still glaring daggers at the human, she leaned in toward that steaming, frothing junction of mare and man, pistoning in against one another.
"Celestia! Y-yes! Keep suckling!" Cloudy suddenly whined out, her neck straining upward and an even more violent shudder rippling through her and into Anon.
Whatever Marble was doing down below, she clearly was a fan. Her frenetic pace slowed - the rate of her strokes becoming more steady and measured, though the length and power of each backward movement remained as potent as ever.
But it was enough.
This slight reduction was just the opening that Limestone needed - just enough for her to slide her head down her mother's backside without risk of receiving a concussion-inducing butt-blow to the face. She positioned her muzzle carefully, angling herself with care - all the while sparing the odd moment to glare daggers up at the semi-conscious Anon.
And then - with her mouth slowly opening... she extended her tongue... and let loose a long, luscious lick of her mother's right asscheek, drawing her pink muscle up to her mother's dock...
Then down... across Cloudy's pert, puffy ponut, the sharp pink-edge tracing one of the myriad wrinkles to dart across the pinhole-sized entrance at the center of the squishy pucker.
If Anon had more stamina, he would have loved to tease Limestone about her apparent newfound spelunking talents.
Instead, all he could do was watch as the mare's tongue slid down over the slick patch of skin between Cloudy's asshole and pussy... before finally darting over the bottom of her mother's puffy vagina. It wriggled at the edge of Cloudy's stretched, pink inner-lips, toying with the exact border where penis met vagina... as if trying to wedge itself into the twisting erotic interior itself.... But there was no way she could fit into Cloudy's marehood as well, stuffed as it was with cock.
"Y-y-yesh! YESH!" Cloudy's slurred speech filled the air.
Lime hummed in concentration, Anon feeling the vibration rumbling through his cock as she did so... before she extended even more of her tongue outward, wrapping around more of Anon's massive width as she did, slowly stretching down underneath - toward the top of her mother's slit - and her exposed throbbing clitoris.
Suddenly - half a moment after her - tongue slid out of view toward that heavenly button, Cloudy exploded.
It happened so quickly.
First, she stopped humping backward -instead she simply pressed back in one continuous motion, one pure thrust that sent Anon's hips all the way back through the drywall with a rending crack that tore through the abused bedroom wall, revealing the hallway on the other side. He'd thought she'd been in a continuous state of orgasm, but now her body absolutely shook.
Her left leg bucked involuntarily, her back arched in and out - going concave and convex in rapid succession... her tail wagged in every direction, her tailhole jumped and clenched, her ass-cheeks tightened, her clitoris shot to kiss his balls.... and her pussy completely milked him - coaxing and pulling through his shaft and up to his head in insistent rhythms that demanded his release.
And her scream.
"uuuuuUuUUUuUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" One, long, unending shout of pleasure.
Just as Anon was sure that his eardrums were going to pop from the sheer volume of her scream - he felt something else pop instead.
The final inch of his cock slipped into Cloudy Quartz.
That final barrier - the mare's clenched tight cervix, a place no stallion had ever plumbed before - parted... and Anon's big fat, throbbing cockhead slipped into her deepest womb.
"AAAaAhhAhhAHHnnnnnnNNNN!" Cloudy's bellow turned from a full scream into a choking gasps as she struggled and failed to catch her breath, her whole body and diaphragm heaving. There would be no sating this poor mare's orgasmic excesses until she received the long-awaited explosion of frothy man-juice.
Anon could feel it there - the orgasm that he'd been denied what felt like an eternity ago, a dull ache that had quickly sharpened into a burning bulge of withheld seed deep inside his gut.
Anon had spent enough time in Equestria to know the difference between a 'normal' nut and a magical one. He'd been subjected to the second by naughty unicorns (Starlight and Twilight seemed to love pranking him on his fap-nights, making him need to clean his room afterward with a mop and bucket) or potions (Zecora's multi-vitamins hadn't quite been calibrated for human use... he'd needed to borrow Flim and Flam's patented mechanical pump system to drain the castle of friendship after that PornStable browsing session)... and this felt like one of those instances.
Perhaps it was something in the rock-alcohol Pinkie had given him... perhaps it was something in the nearby environment... or maybe it was just him absorbing the enormous amount of erotic energy coming off of Cloudy Quartz in waves.
Whatever the case, he knew that this was going to be a massive ejaculation... the giga-nut to end all giga-nuts...
Except he couldn't.
Teased to bursting and then ruined by Cloudy's devious ways several times already, his body was skeptical of putting itself through another crescendo only to have his ejaculation prevented. His who cock-head, swelled and expanded, the red-purple mottled flesh growing almost 50% in size inside Cloudy's uterus, clamping off the ability to release as his cockslit was pressed tightly together by the expanding meatus of his dick.
But the pressure in his groin was insane. Cloudy's every muscle was milking him, pulling at him - her body ground against him in insistent need, as her teats were fellated by her youngest daughter and her clitoris was assaulted by her eldest. The orgasm brewing in the pit of Anon's soul wanted nothing more than to release, his balls wanted to drain their Atlassian burden... but his body refused to be deceived.
It felt like a single cork-top plugging a hole at the base of the hoover dam. Anon's eyes bulged outward in fear - for a moment he was almost sure that the end of his cock would simply be shorn off by the force of the pressure building up behind it.
"P-p-plleeEEEeaeeeAse g-gimme your C-Cu-UUUuuuuMmmmmNNgh!" Cloudy was desperate, begging irrational.
Limestone turned her head and shot Anon one of her trademark ferocious glares, her brows knitting together with fury. "Just cum in my mom already, you dumbass!" Lime's hoof slid under his body, past his swinging balls and to the sensitive area of skin between his testicles and his taint. "She's asking for it, you dope!
With that, Lime pressed down, hard, squeezing the over-inflated balloon that was Anon's prostate and seminal vesicles through the thin, protected patch of skin.
And he came.
Oh boy, did he.
Anon's vision flashed in and out of consciousness. He alternated between seeing the mare impaled on him throwing her head back in sheer joy and blacking out from the rush of dopamine-pleasure. Ever pleasure receptor in his body was flooded with hormonally-induced bliss, a complete saturation of every neuron that he could feel through every muscles, every bone, every cell of his body in a way that he'd never even dreamed possible - a potent high more extreme than any narcotic.
In his semi-hallucinogenic state, whenever he would black out - Anon could see himself, as his dick. Could see the gardenhose-like stream of cum blasting out from his massive cockslit, splattering in a fat ropey column that didn't cease against the thirsty walls of Cloudy's uterus. He could somehow see his fattened cockhead plugging the entrance to Cloudy's womb, preventing even the smallest dribble of his essence from escaping her greedy sex-tummy.
Then he would snap back to reality, catching a brief glimpse of the shocked faces of Limestone and Marble as they watched their mother getting pumped full of human-cum... saw the fucked-silly face of Cloudy, eyes askew and tongue hanging out as she was filled with pulse after unending pulse of batter... saw the expansion of the mare's gray-coated sides underneath him as the sloshing, boiling liquid built up inside her.
His hearing was completely gone... so he couldn't hear the stupefied, satisfied moan of the mare under him... nor his triumphant lion-like roar as he finally managed to conquer the dominant matriarch and paint her with his genetic material.
Then he would blackout again, transported back to a vision of Cloudy's womb already completely filled with white-magma, growing in her body, shifting her organs out of the way as she swelled outward.
His eyes fluttered open again, not knowing how much time had passed, but still feeling the raw sensation of cumming. Beneath him, Cloudy's belly was beyond obscene, easily the size of a mare approaching the end of her pregnancy. The looks of wonder on Lime and Marble's faces were now looks of worry - how much more could their mother take?
Even Ignaceous, who had been a silent observer to this point, was starting to rise in concern. Then the exotic brew of endorphins overtook him once again.
In his mind's eye, he saw his fertile seed, splashing up Cloudy's fallopian tubes, bubbling into her ovarian ducts, swarming over two eggs that were waiting there, instantly making the MILF pregnant, turning her into a soon-to-be mother of seven.
His eyes opened again. Somehow both he and Cloudy had collapsed to the floor, and both Marble and Lime were propping pillows under them. Anon could feel his cock relenting - finally. The final thick, goopy spurts of his ejaculation eked out of him, joining the huge ocean of Anon-juice and the trillions of sperm within Cloudy's underprepared sex.
Lazily blinking his eyes, he looked at the mare. She was passed out.... Or at least appeared to be, her eyes unresponsive and one eyebrow twitching up and down. And her belly was ridiculous.
The bulge in her lower abdomen had grown to the size of a beachball... actually beyond even that! It was something more akin to a stability exercise ball. Her belly-button had even been popped outward from the force of pressure, her skin pulled taut by the sudden and immediate expansion of her uterus. It really did look like she was ready to give birth at any moment... to triplets.
ALthough, from his hazy dream state - Anon suspected twins were more likely.
"I didn't know human males knotted when copulating." Limestone remarked, shifting a pillow under her mother's head.
"H-huf... huf... th-they.... They don't." Anon gasped, straining to pull cool, refreshing oxygen into his body.
"Then why hasn't all your... stuff... come out of mom's bo-"
*POP*
*SCHLORP SCHLORP SCHLORP SCHLORP*
Right on cue, Anon's softening but still thick cock popped out of Cloudy like uncorking the bottom of a barrel of maple syrup... white-colored maple syrup...
In big, sloppy burbles a waterfall of thick spunk flooded out of the unconscious mare, quickly soaking the floor of the bedroom and making a sizable lake of ejaculate that drenched everything.
"E-e-ew..." Marble squeaked, lifting a forehoof to avoid the flood.
"Eh... it's actually not so bad, he's got a nice flavor." Lime remarked to her little sister. As soon as the words slipped out of her mouth, she blushed and shook her head, resetting her jaw in a pinched frown and glaring at Anon. "...f-for a dumbass."
Marble tentatively touched the edge of the growing lake with one of her hooves getting a little dollop and holding it up in front of her face as if to taste it. Anon watched with curiosity, before suddenly flinching as a hoof prodded his softening junk.
"O-ow!" He moaned, exhausted.
"When are you going to stiffen up again?: I still haven't gotten my turn." Lime grumbled, staring at Anon's semi-soft cock with a frown. "You and Mom promised I'd get a turn."
Anon blinked heavily, the drowsiness threatening to overtake him. "A-are you kidding.... I'm going to sleep now... for like a week."
Immediately he felt another hoof jam against his side, this time from Marble. She was now frowning at him too... and he noticed the dollop on her hoof had vanished, replaced by a light sheen of saliva. "Mn-mn..." Marble grunted negatively, shaking her head.
"Girls... " Anon groaned, "Please. Isn't this enough for one wedding night?"
Both girls grinned suddenly, like sharks circling their prey.
Cloudy suddenly started to stir, her hooves shifting as she struggled to unpin one of her limbs, still trapped under her newly found cum-induced obesity."Mmnngh... y-yew... hmm..." the half-conscious mare grumbled, stumbling over her syllables.
"Mr. Anon..." Ignaceous spoke up, from his vantage point. "...I think what you don't realize is that-"
Cloudy suddenly lifted her head from the cum-soaked pillow it rested upon. "T-tr-truhdishional...p-pony wwedding nightsh... lasht fer 2 weeksh!" Cloudy moaned... before her strength gave out and she slumped back onto the cushion into a happy slumber.
"So I think you'd best get comfortable... I shall go prepare some rockfreshments in anticipation of your next round." Ignaceous nodded solemnly standing up and heading toward the door.
"W-w-what!? W-wait!" Anon groaned.
But he was cut off by the shadows of two thirsty young mares converging on him, their tongues licking their lips.
"One whole week... No wizard-transformations for us, huh sis?"
"Mmn mmn!"
"Oh shit."
The End |
Love Locks | pre | NtS: It's not right to experiment on other ponies' things without asking. You know this. Stop.
Lilligold let her journal float in her magic as well. She brought her freed hoof up to the heart-lock, lifted it, and tilted her head. The edge of the back read, in letters embossed on the metal, "Lock's Locks, Ltd."
"Welcome to Lock's Locks!" said a high-pitched male voice the very second that Lilligold walked in the door. She winced and held her journal even closer, but turned all the same. She found an off-white, older unicorn stallion with a curly green mane and particularly glittery eyes, who continued, "I'm Block Lock, and I'd bet bits to bolts you're new to the place. Anything in particular bring you to our store this afternoon, miss?"
Lilligold's eyes roved over the shop and the other patrons milling about. It had a very focused design scheme, certainly: from where she stood could be seen many tall, matte gray, hardware store-like shelves stocked with a great many different kinds of lock paraphernalia--padlocks, chains, things with locks pre-mounted in them like knobs or small strongboxes, a selection of what looked to be precise little tools, and more.
Thin, metal plants that shape into tools on command! **Fourth-quarter project, all on its own.
All of it was very iron-and-steel, very cold and dark. Except--Lilligold started when she saw it--the swirling rainbow patterns of the entire western wall's papering, and all of the colorful locks mounted on the great chain link fence that stretched across its surface. Most of the ponies in the store were concentrated there.
She pointed a hoof to it, saying, "I passed by a bridge, and--"
"Say no more, miss." Block Lock, grinning, began walking towards the back of the shop.
Lilligold hesitated in taking her first step, but she followed a moment later.
"Hey, Ellie!" called out Block as they passed the edges of the last shelves and came to a more poorly lit portion of the building: a small work area off from the counter with the register. Two pegasus mares were bent over a large workbench there, bright lamps pointed down at locks their wings were working with.
The pegasus that looked up at Block's call had a dim gray coat and a bluer, longer, and even more curly mane than him. Plus a cutie mark practically identical to the heart-lock back on the bridge, with an open clasp. She said, "Yeah, Pop?"
He nodded towards Lilligold. "Got another love lock initiate here. From out of town, I think." At Lilligold's blank stare, he added, "Bit of an accent, miss. And the bridges are old news by now."
'Ellie' let the tools fall from her wings and onto the benchtop. She turned to the other mare, blue-coated and straight-maned, and said, "Leave mine alone this time, Ma."
The older mare just sniggered, not taking her eyes or wings from her work.
Ellie came forward into the light, and looked to be roughly the same age as Lilligold--though of the two of them, Ellie's eyes looked far duller, at the moment. Her smile was bright, though, and she extended a wing to Lilligold. "Luster Lock."
Lillig
"Oops, um." Lilligold's horn flared brighter, and she hovered Luster's wing firmly up and down. "Lilligold," she said, putting a smile on as well. "So... not 'Ellie', then?"
Luster shook her head, and she started towards the western wall. "Ma's named pretty much the same thing as me. Gets confusing." The pair arrived at the chain link fence, and she turned back to Lilligold and continued, "So yeah, love locks. Haven't heard of 'em, I'm guessing?"
Lilligold shook her head.
"All the rage a couple months back," said Luster, "with all the other locksmiths around copycatting, but I've been at it way longer. Got popular when I finally got 'em classed as interactive art instead of vandalism--you'd need to check your own place's rules on that, by the way." A mock-stern glare. "Not liable, us. But yeah, point of 'em is they symbolize unbreakable love between the owners. You set one up someplace and get rid of the key."
Her eyes wide, Lilligold said, barely above a whisper, "Perfect."
Luster smirked. "Got a special pony back home, then?"
But Lilligold said quickly, "Luster, I have something of a queer proposal."
"Er." The smirk fell steadily from Luster's face. "Not that I'm not into that, but if we're talking love locks and, like, commitments, then I don't know how it goes where you're from, b--"
Face burning pinker than pink, Lillgold waved a hoof wildly about. "No!" she yelled, before shoving the hoof over her mouth. She lowered it again only after the other patrons stopped staring, and continued, much more quietly, "I meant a business offer."
The smirk resurfaced. "Oh, right on. What's the deal?"
"A short summary." Lilligold's stance went professionally rigid, as though there were a podium in front of her. "I own, operate, and stock a specialty agriculture store in my homeland. Magical plants, artistic and practical both, all of them my personal designs and breeds--and such a thing requires a great deal of experimentation."
"Right..." Luster's eyes darted down to Lilligold's journal and back up. Her expression didn't change, but her tone was a touch less enthusiastic as she said, "When you say 'experiment', you're not glossing right over some freaky, cauldron-y stuff or something, yeah? Nothing super weird?"
"Not..." Lilligold frowned. "Cauldrons aren't involved as a rule, and certainly not in my proposal. Why?"
"Because I think I know where this is headed." Luster's eyes were keeping a laser-focused watch on Lilligold's face. "Listen, Lilligold, we sell top-notch locks here, and you wouldn't be the first or even the fortieth eccentric pony to come in with some well thought-out story for why your shed happens to need a wagonful of 'em, or just the strongest lock in the whole--"
"Please stop." Lilligold slipped her journal into her scarf and rubbed her hoof to her temple. "It's nothing as nefarious as all that, I assure you. I keep my work very private, yes, but what I need the locks for... here."
Lilligold looked about--no one but Luster was looking her way. The unicorn shut her eyes, and her horn brightened, magic swirling visibly along the pattern of its fluting. The air in front of Luster's face glowed lightly and began to spiral just the same. The spiral spun faster, pressing into itself, and in a matter of seconds, the air in the field was a dense and visible thing.
Luster's eyes widened, and in the next instant, the glow was gone and the air had taken a floral shape: a long stem topped with petals blooming in a spiral pattern, pinwheeling slowly. It began floating to the ground, more lightly even than a downy feather, and Luster reached out a wing, catching it undamaged.
"Free sample," said Lilligold, opening her eyes. "It should last a few days, kept outside of any tightly enclosed spaces. Just do not get it near an open flame."
Luster raised and lowered her wing, guiding the ghostly, delicate bloom through the air for a few moments, before looking back up to Lilligold. "This is the sorta thing you want to do to my locks?" Her eyes were fuller, more awake.
Lilligold shook her head. "As I was saying, my work takes experimentation. Your 'love locks' might be just what I need to complete an old project, and only after I can verify th--"
"What do you need?"
Luster's eyebrow rose. "You just carry them around in there...?"
"It always pays to be prepared," said Lilligold, shutting her journal and sliding a sheet of parchment and her quill across the table to Luster.
One that read, at the top, "Glimmering Gardens Official Oath of Secrecy."
The storeroom of Lock's Locks was much like the showroom, in that its lighting was fighting a losing battle against the sheer size and quantity of its shelves. More so, given that there were no windows. Still, room had been found for a pair of stools and a small table, from which came the room's only sound: a quill tip scratching on parchment.
"Done," said Luster, and her other wing relinquished its hold on a love lock, which fell to the table with a heavy clank. "And done. Now c'mon, lemme see it!"
Lilligold smiled and lit up her horn. The form and quill tucked themselves into the journal, and the lock--an orange and green thing, shaped into a side view of two kissing, closed-eyed pony faces--moved to the table's center.
The glow turned intense. It was as though it was thickening, looking almost solid enough to be touched and felt. The lock rattled against the wood. Still, the magic expanded--Lilligold was grunting through gritted teeth, now. The lock was beginning to dent the table.
And then the magic winked out. Lilligold was lightly panting.
"That's it?" said Luster, face deadpan. The lock was still a lock. "Did we really just waste that much time?"
"A failed experiment isn't a waste," said Lilligold, picking the love lock up in her hooves. "Though... I really did think I was on to it."
Luster sat back on her stool. "On to what, exactly?"
Lilligold stared blankly into Luster's eyes for a moment, then said, "I suppose you're sworn to secrecy either way--I do hope you took note of the hefty fines, by the way--so there's not very much harm in telling you. I suspected that there's an emotional component to the process of making this breed. Somepony has to care about the lock. About it protecting something important."
Luster blanched.
Running her hoof over the lock, Lilligold continued, "I saw your cutie mark. It's you that makes these, correct? If I'd been right, the love and intention you imbue into them just through the act of creating them would surely--"
"Er." Luster gave a dry, weak chuckle. "Since we're already sharing secrets--" She held up a hoof as Lilligold's mouth opened. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. You can have mine for free, long as you promise you won't go blabbing to my parents--it might break their hearts, and I couldn't do that to them."
Lilligold shut her mouth, and she nodded firmly.
Luster steepled her primaries, fidgeting. "Well, they think the same thing you probably do. That I got my cutie mark making my first love lock, or whatever--and I did get it right around then, and it probably does have something to do with why it looks how it does, but...
"I got my cutie mark by picking a lock, not by making one."
Silence settled back into the storeroom's air.
"So..." said Lilligold. And after a moment, "Your special talent is picking locks?"
Luster winced. "Yeah and no." She sat forward on the stool again, setting her hooves on the table. "Thing is, when I was a filly, before my parents trusted me to take care of myself, we had double cylinder knobs installed on the shop's doors--locks not just outside, but inside, too. This one night, some school friends want to go to some bad concert, and I tell myself I need to go with them--any excuse, right?--and so I bust out. And then I just walk around Hoofington, feeling the night air on me, and I get my mark. Don't even go to the concert."
She sighed and continued, "Next day, my parents think I was up late working hard on my love lock design and got my mark like that. And I couldn't set 'em straight--couldn't say I think locks kinda suck, at least when they're in my way."
Lilligold placed the padlock back down on the table. "And these?"
Luster's ears fell apologetically, and she said, "I really don't care about them, past that they're a lot more fun to make than a standard kind of lock. Artsier. They're... just a good outlet, you know?"
Her hoof sliding over to touch her journal, Lilligold gave a small nod. "But they're not what you love."
"Right," said Luster. She stood up from her stool. "I guess this means...?"
Lilligold nodded more firmly, picking her journal up and standing herself. She looked to Luster, and said, "We don't have any further business. I apologize for taking so much of your time."
They made their way to the door, Luster waggling a wing and saying, "Nah, it's no big thing."
The showroom was empty of other ponies; darkness had fallen fully outside.
Lilligold smiled, shaking her head as she walked. "It was inexcusable." Past the shelves, at the front door, she added, "In fact, I insist on a proper apology."
Before Luster could get a word out, Lilligold's horn was surrounded by magic. It expanded, thickening to opaque, and coated the front door's knob. A tingling filled the air, and built.
And then wiry, dark vines sprouted out around the knob's lock. They reached and spread, all along the door, fattening as they went. Coil after coil wove about one another, until at last, every vine had reached the floor or part of the doorframe and braced itself there, hard. The glow faded.
"No matter your feelings on locks," said Lilligold, quietly, "there does indeed seem to be something in this shop worth protecting." Lilligold turned her smile on Luster, and continued, at normal volume, "This free sample, at least, should be much more permanent."
With wide eyes, Luster produced a small key from within her wing and fitted it into the 'doorknob'. She jumped as the vines suddenly retracted exactly opposite how they'd grown out.
Lilligold opened the door, stepped out, and breathed the air. "Have a good night, Luster."
She started away, pulling out her journal.
Epilogue
Luster moved between the shelves, snuffing out lanterns as she went. The pitch black outside the shop windows took a firmer and firmer hold on the room. She reached the work area, where her lamp was putting out the only light on the floor, and she approached the workbench.
The lock she'd been struggling to restore earlier in the day sat shining beneath the hard light. Pristine and fully assembled.
Luster sighed, smiling. "Damnit, Ma..."
She sat at the bench, taking the lock into her wings. Eyeing it. Running her feathers along it. Just holding it. Holding it.
Another sigh.
She set the lock down and drew open one of the bench's underside drawers. Out came a paper and a pencil, and she placed them beneath the lamp.
Dear Guys,
Next time I talk to you, I know you'll tell me you felt it coming, and you get it.
Bye for now. Probably for a real long time, for this one.
Love you both to bits. Be safe.
~ Ellie ~ |
The Mississippi Voyager | pre | "That's why we're going, kids. To see what it will take to bring them home. Air Team Two, let's go!" Howard said, standing up and heading to the deck of the Voyager, followed by Harry and Zach. Together, the three took wing, heading south.
Together, the three fliers found the Amazon Air facility, where they did find the missing Saint Louis folk working away, opening packages, inspecting the contents, and for the most part discarding them, only occasionally putting something into the capacious saddlebags that Bitumen, Exeter and one of the Saint Louis earth ponies wore. Each of the ponies and others had a vacant look on their faces, going through the motions like they had a purpose in mind, but sleepwalking through it all. More than once, a pony looked right at one of the away team members, but no sign of recognition flickered across their faces. With a couple of gestures, Howard led Harry and Zach outside, then flew a little ways north and over the building, to the far side.
"Zombies, all of them," Howard said once they had gathered together.
"Does anyone with us know how to break the spell?" Harry asked.
"No, BUT, we have an ace up our sleeves, or around our necks," Howard replied, brushing his sapphire pendant with a wing. "I can call Colonel Forest, fill him in on the situation, and he can get advice on what to do."
"Sounds like a good plan to me," Harry agreed. "Want me to keep an eye on them?"
"No. If they are zombies, then anything they do is up to their controller, whoever it may be. Let's head back to the boat. Let's get some advice before we take the next step. At least we can report that all appear to be in good health," Howard replied.
"I'll buy that for a buck," Harry said.
"Buck... did you notice that one saddlebag that had some green sticking out of it?" Zach asked.
"I did. Why would anyone want a saddlebag full of cash for?" Howard wondered.
"Stuff the cash into a pillowcase?" Harry suggested. "Hasn't everyone dreamed of owning a mattress and pillow full of money? True, it ain't any good now EXCEPT as mattress filling, but some people can live out their dreams now."
"A dragon could want to nest on a pile of change, but it will take a lot of change to fit under a dragon," Harry ventured. "Plenty of banks nearby to raid."
"True, but where can you hide a dragon?" Howard asked rhetorically. "All the buildings here have been checked."
"Let's get back and check Rosa's pictures. We may get another clue," Harry said.
"Yeah, let's do that," Howard said as he pulled his radio out of its sling. "Victor One to Victor Base,"
"Victor Base. Go ahead, Victor One," Julia's voice came from the speaker.
"Returning to base. Will be back soon. Have news to report."
"Ten-four, Victor One, we'll be waiting. Victor Base out."
At lunchtime, everyone aboard the Voyager gathered in the Lounge for lunch and to talk. Since the boat was tied up, both Control and Engine watches gathered as well. The Saint Louis team remnants were there too. Captain Crane was first to speak.
"I've reported our findings to Colonel Forest. He, in turn, notified Her Majesty. She agrees that someone has all the adults here in Saint Louis under a zombie spell. However, since none of us here that has a sapphire is a unicorn, she cannot craft a counterspell. Fortunately, she has come up with a workaround.
"Lucien, after lunch, you and the First are going to go to the airport, along with Mary Sue. You will be wearing my gem, so that Her Majesty can see through your senses and craft a spell that should break the hold whoever-it-is has over the ponies and bring them home. Any questions, anyone?" Howard asked after his speech.
"Ah do," Lucien drawled. "That's one helluva walk, from here to there and back. Even longer when we is going to be herdin' the herd back. For a while after being freed of the zombie spell, ponies are very suggestable, and will tend to do as told until theah wills reassert themselves. Ah'm willin to bet whoever-it-is that put the spell on will know when the spell comes off. What in tarnation are we gonna do about it?"
"Right now, Doctor Macombe, I don't have a single solitary idea on what. Today, you are to go down and look, the three of you," Captain Crane snapped back. Personally, he was tired of listening to Lucien say ten words when two would do. "You are to go down today and let Her Majesty look, because she is a much better unicorn spellcrafter than you could ever hope to be. She will come up with a counterspell, and here's hoping for all our sakes you are unicorn enough to cast it without crapping out on us!"
Most everyone around the table took a step back when Howard yelled at Lucien. He just doesn't DO that to anyone. The only ones who did not were Lucien, Rose, and Mary Sue. Jason the cook didn't, but he wasn't at the table, he was in the kitchen getting fresh cornbread out of the oven.
Lucien thumped a hoof on the thick wooden table top. "Howard, I will never back down from a challenge, especially when the lives and health of others is involved! If Her Majesty says that's what's needed to be done did, then I'll be the unicorn that will done do it, no matter what the cost to me! Ah just have one question ah have to ask of you, and that's what is it like to wear one of those gems? Ah know Her Majesty just doesn't give them out to every Tom, Dick and Harry in Louisianne," he first declared before asking the question.
"You really won't notice anything, Lucien. It's just that if someone wanted to call any of us who has a gem, we will hear them in our heads between our ears. You don't even have to talk to answer, just think. I would just suggest you don't call anyone. Wait until Her Majesty or the Colonel decides to call you. It's strange at first, I'll admit," Howard said as he took his necklace off and passed it across the table to Lucien, who slipped it on.
"Hello, Doctor Macombe. Allow me to apologize for the oversight of not issuing you a gem of contact. A queen's time is not always her own. Now, some instructions..." Lucien plainly heard the 'voice' of Queen Marie Laveau between his ears. The group watched as his ears swiveled to point straight up as he 'listened' to the Queen. Rosa giggled at his startled expression.
Meanwhile, in Cincinnati:
Vladimir was woken from a sound sleep by the voice of his executive assistant, Nebulous Nimbus, coming from the intercom speaker. "Boss, ball call for you, line five. Want to take it?"
"Yeah, go ahead and send it to me. It better not be idle chat, or else I'm going to get angry," Vlad growled, waking up, shaking his head to clear it as he reached for a crystal ball about twice the size of a human head.
When the image of a red-scaled dragon formed in the ball, Vlad grumbled, "This better be good, Casimir!"
"Oh, it is, Vlad. Remember that spell you sent me? I just wanted to let you know that it's working great! I got fourteen ponies and some others working for me to get my hoard built! Give me another couple of weeks and I'll have a pretty good mound built up. Too bad there aren't as many gems here as there are back home, but this green paper stuff the humans used do make a good mattress!" Casimir reported, looking and sounding quite pleased with himself.
"You did make Coronavirus cast the spell, right?" Vlad asked.
"I did, but after he botched it three times in a row, I did it myself. I got it right the first time!" Casimir bragged, looking smug.
Vladimir sighed. "Casimir, you did leave some pony to maintain the illusion that all is well, right? I've noticed on the WSU broadcasts that there has been no news from Saint Louis since Monday, and it's now Saturday! Tell me you left someone in charge!"
Casimir looked thoughtful. "I left the children alone. The one teenager is so unsure of himself, he wouldn't call out if his life depended on it. Besides, how long will it take for anyone to get here to look? I'll have phase one done and the ponies freed before anyone can get here!"
The news did not make Vladimir happy. "I always thought you were an idiot, Casimir. Did you have to go and prove it?"
"Why do you say that, Vlad? I'm just as loyal as the others, yet was the last to be allowed to go out on my own! Nikolai, Yuri and Zvezda have been running their cities for months! Now I have added to your network! Now you have five cities under your claws!" Casimir said innocently.
"I would say you're dumber than a box of rocks, but that's insulting the rocks! Now, you listen to me and listen good! Tonight, you send the ponies back to their camp, telling them not to remember what they have been doing. You will start drilling Coronavirus on how to cast the spell, because if anyone tries to trace it, it will lead directly back to the caster, namely, YOU!" Vladimir roared, clearly upset with his subordinate. "If any trouble comes out of this, you're on your own! Don't call on me to bail you out, got it?"
There was a long pause as Casimir took in the information. "Yes, Vladimir. When I next call you, it will be to report success and the shipping of your tithe," the red dragon said humbly to his superior. "I swear you won't regret bringing me here from Equestria!"
"Too late, Casimir. I already do. If I could send you back, I would, but I can't. You better learn to cover your ass before the locals remove it! End call!" Vlad barked before the crystal went blank.
He sprawled on his bed for a couple of minutes before pushing his intercom switch. "Neb, send down some tranquilizer. Casimir did Casimir again, and so did Corona."
"Fifteen minutes, Vlad. I'll mix a fresh batch. Sounds like you need it," Neb told his boss.
"I do. Make it a double."
"Gotcha, Vladimir." |
The Mississippi Voyager | Chapter 5: Smacking Some Sense | Saturday, March 25, 2017 1330 hours
First Officer Crowne, Doctor Macombe, and Mary Sue found themselves walking south on I-70 toward Lambert Field. The First Officer carried a shotgun over her shoulder loaded with birdshot, a forty-five automatic in a holster at her hip, and a pack full of ammo. Mary Sue carried cold drinks in her saddlebags, while Lucien carried on a muttered conversation with himself. While he was no slouch as a unicorn, his skills and spells were oriented to his profession, that being a doctor. His lesson with Queen Marie have shown him a whole range of useful spells, which he would remember for as long as he wore the gem. If he was sharp enough, he would remember the spells after he gave the gem back to Captain Crane..
Mary Sue walked next to Julia, her head on a swivel, looking around as they walked. "Is Lucien like this all the time?" she quietly asked the diamond dog.
"Constantly," Julia sighed. "He was almost ninety when the Event happened, and was one of the first back. He hasn't completely accepted the fact he's no longer a ninety-year-old man with a big family and a practice in Slidell. He may be a tiresome old windbag, but he is a very fine doctor, and a very good pony. Overlook his diarrhea of the mouth and there is much good in him."
"I'll have to remember that," Mary Sue said. "My empathy agrees with what you say, but also tells me he can be quite stubborn if he feels he is in the right. He can be quite fierce when it comes to some things, like protecting children. Have you seen him deal with Rosa, Sparky and Zack?"
"I have. On our way here, we had some passengers that we dropped off in Memphis, a mother and six-year-old twins, a pegasus and an earth pony. He managed to keep the two very well-behaved on the trip up, and they loved him in return," Julia explained. "He hasn't said, but I think he was a pediatrician. If not that, a family practitioner. Can't fault his manners, either. However, I just wish he would get to the point faster than he usually does. Is it because he likes to hear himself talk or what?"
"I can't be sure, but I have an idea. You may ask him if he was going deaf in his later years as a human. Could be he likes to hear himself talk because for a long time, he couldn't," Mary Sue observed as they walked.
Julia walked on for a minute, in silence, before replying. "You could be right. In which case, none of us should be mad at him. I do know Captain Crane finds his talking irksome. So do I, but as First Officer on a small boat, I don't have to deal with the Doctor unless necessary."
Mary Sue was about to reply to that, but the radio beat her to it. "Recon Viper One to Athena! Movement off to your left and behind! A bunch of ponies and others just coming into sight! It's them! I recognize Suzanne from my altitude!"
Julia picked up her radio from where it hung at her side from a strap around her neck. "Where are they, Frack?" she asked.
"You're coming up on a big interchange. You want to get to the other direction and head left once there. They are just walking down the highway there in a straight line like nothing's wrong. Suzanne is leading, then Exeter, then Virgil and Bitumen. I can see Mark Voltefiore there, and the rest of the Saint Louis crowd, plus a few I don't recall," Frack reported.
"We have picked up five since you were last here, Frack. A hippogriff, a diamond dog, a unicorn and two earth ponies," Mary Sue reported.
After a moment, Frack called back. "Okay, adding them accounts for everyone I can see. Can't tell you where they came from. It's like they just appeared on the road," he reported.
"Galactica to Recon Viper One," Captain Crane said over the radio. "The maps show a tunnel at that location. Can you see the tunnel?"
"Hang on, Galactica. I'll call you back in a minute or so. Hard to fly and talk without dropping this thing," Frack muttered.
"Copy that, Recon Viper One. First, go to quickstep. Report when you have the group in sight," Captain Crane ordered.
"Right, Captain," Julia told her boss before looking at the other two. "Let's move it!" The three broke into a jog, crossing over the divider into the northbound lanes and taking the off-ramp in reverse, so to say.
"Recon Viper One to Galactica. If there is a tunnel there, not only can I NOT see it, I can't follow the road more than a little way before shearing off and flying over runway eleven. From a distance, the road just runs right into the hillside. No sign of a tunnel,"
"Sounds lakh an illusion to me, Recon One. Coupled with an avoidance spell. That's gonna be a bit of a challenge to take down, but ah think ah can come up with somethin', if we need it. Ah'm gonna have tuh see it first," Lucien told the group, trusting the radio to pick up his words.
"Good idea, Doctor Selik. Pay attention to the group as you pass them. I'm willing to bet they are still zombified," Frack opined.
"We'll find that out soon enough," Julia said. "They're coming into sight now. Keep your eyes open, Recon Viper One!"
"That's why they pay me the big cubits, Athena!"
The Saint Louis group, Suzanne leading, marched right up to where Mary Sue, Julia and Lucien waited in the roadway. They then kept right on going, paying the visitors no heed, eyes fixed right ahead, steadily walking. Lucien watched as Mary Sue trotted alongside Suzanne.
"Suzanne! Wake up! You can fight this!" Mary Sue pleaded, but Suzanne paid her no heed. Nor did Exeter, Bitumen, Swifthoof, Virgil, Wilbur, or any of the others.
Lucien watched them walk by, Queen Marie watching as well. She is a far better spellcaster than Lucien is, or whoever cast the zombie spell to begin with. "The spell is designed to release once they complete their mission, which is to return home and forget what they have been doing," he said, but it was not quite his voice or speech pattern. "The real problem lies ahead. Shall we pay them a visit?"
"If they will be alright heading home on their own, then yes, let us press on. I will inform the Second," Julia said as she moved away from the marching morons, letting them go. She made her report via gemstone, and was told to press on.
"You're in charge, First. We're not going to second-guess you from here," the Second told her, clearly relaying from the Captain.
"Got it, Carroll. Maintain a light link with me. That way I won't have to stop to relay," Julia sent.
"Will do, Julia. Going to standby," Carroll replied.
The trio stopped about a hundred yards from a blank hillside the road led right into. They stopped because all three could feel the urge to turn around, go away, don't look here. "An illusion and an aversion field," Lucien said, his horn glowing red. "Done by some being with a lot of power but not a lot of skill, otherwise the caster would have combined the spells seamlessly."
"Can you take it down, Doctor?" Mary Sue asked.
"Won't be hard to do, but it will tip off the caster as soon as the spells come down. Julia, take cover off to the right and maintain overwatch with the shotgun. I hope we won't need it, but better with it than without. Inform Frack to follow the others home, making sure they get there," Lucien said with more force behind his words than was normal for him. Then again, he was just being a willing puppet for Queen Marie.
"Doing," Julia grunted before doing so, relaying the orders to Frack once she was behind the concealing bushes.
Lucien and Mary Sue walked up to the end of the road, where it vanished into the grassy hillside, his horn lit. "Going to drop the illusion and aversion fields. Get ready for just about anything," he muttered to the pink and yellow earth pony before his horn flared a bright crimson before dimming. The illusion vanished, revealing a road tunnel going under the runway, with a gentle turn to the right visible. "That'll get someone's attention..."
Meanwhile, inside the tunnel (the other tube, that is):
Casimir and Coronavirus watched the last of the zombies pass through the illusion, fading from sight. "How are we going to explain all this to Vladimir?" Coronavirus whined, the green unicorn clearly upset, which was his usual state of mind.
Casimir was far calmer, just otnay ootay ightbray, if you get the meaning. "We have plenty of time to do that, Cor. I told him I would not call back until we're ready to send his tithe to him. Not our fault that most of the good stuff is locked away in vaults that take time and effort to open, right?" the red-scaled dragon told his lackey, who lacked, among other things, a lot of common sense. Then again, so did the dragon.
"But, how are we going to gather his tithe? It's just the two of us!" Coronavirus whimpered, pacing nervously along the white line painted on the road, five steps one way, turn, five steps the other way, turn and repeat.
"So? It'll take longer, yes, and we're going to have to keep the locals in their own area while we search in the city for a better location. When we find a place, you can teleport our stuff down there, right?" Casimir growled in tones that said the answer had better be 'yes'.
"Oh, yes, sure, Cas! May take three or four trips, but I can do it! I got us here from Cincinnati, right?" Cor said in eager boot-licking tones.
"Yes, in thirty-mile hops. One after another after another..." Casimir groaned, remembering how they had to stop after three consecutive teleports for him to retch before trying again. It made for a LONG trip. The three hundred mile trip was done in one day, but it took Cas two days to recover from the journey. Personally, he would have flown, but Coronavirus would have slowed them down a LOT.
"Tell me why we left Equestria with Vladimir and the others..." Cor asked as he paced.
"Fortune, glory, treasure and lack of opposition. We've learned a lot from Vladimir and the others before they let us try on our own, right?" Casimir reasoned.
"Yes, but Vladimir is already pissed off at us as it is! Upset him enough and he'll send us somewhere really nasty!" Coronavirus cried, lying down on the pavement and covering his muzzle with his forelegs.
"Like where? Dayton?" Casimir snapped back at his sniveling wreck of an aide.
"Yes! He'll be looking over our shoulders all the time! We won't be able to hide any good stuff from him! How are we going to stay here?" Cor shouted.
"What's that?" Cas shouted as the two felt a wave of magic pass through the tunnel.
Meanwhile, outside the west end of the tunnels...
"Do you hear that?" Mary Sue asked.
"Sounds like Dumb and Dumberer are havin' a tonsil-wavin' contest there, an' no one is winnin'." Lucien observed. "Ready fo' me to drop their spells?"
"Have at. Let's see what happens. I got something ready if needed," Mary Sue said quietly.
"Alrighty then. Droppin' spellcracker," Lucien said as a red ball formed at the end of his horn, which flared out to both sides. Immediately, the illusion fell, revealing the twin pipes of the North Lindbergh Boulevard roadway tunnel under the northern runway. The shouting match inside stopped immediately. "Looks lakh we done got theah attention."
"Sure sounds like it," Mary Sue replied as they could hear two sets of sounds coming up the tunnel- one set of hooves pounding on cement, and the other set of claws hitting pavement. Big claws. Big claws backed by a big body.
A sickly green glow appeared in the tunnel, getting brighter, backed by a shadow looming over the light source. Mary Sue shouted something that Lucien didn't recognize, but Queen Marie did, thanks to her (admittedly tenuous) ties with Apito. Two loud smacks were heard as the two bodies running inside fell to the floor, skidding a little before stopping. "Nicely done, Mary Sue. I'll call Julia in and maybe we can talk some sense into these two," Lucien said in Queen Marie's voice.
"Yes, your Highness," Mary Sue said respectfully as they heard Julia approach from her post.
"What have we got here?" Julia asked.
"Let's find out," Queen Marie answered before leading the way in.
The three entered the tunnel and walked about a hundred feet before finding a sour-apple-green unicorn with a lemon-lime swirled mane, tail and horn sprawled out on the pavement in front of a mid-sized red and black dragon. The dragon glared up at the approaching trio. "Who in Tartarus are you?" he managed to say, moving only his head and neck because the rest of his body had gone numb.
Mary Sue was the first to stand over the dragon. "You never realized that when your zombies assembled, you were one short. My goddess protects me from thought and mind control spells while I am her loyal cleric and follower. Now, explain just what you have been doing with my friends this past week, and it had better be convincing!" she snapped at the dragon.
"Building a hoard, making a home, and finding what the boss would like for HIS hoard!" the dragon managed to say. "When I found the ponies here, I figured hey, ready workforce!"
Lucien was next to come up and stand over the dragon. "Ah got two words to say about what yuh just said, sir, and those two words are HORSE HOCKEY!" he bellowed. "You're just as full of shit as a porta-john the day after a Fourth of July picnic! Now, ah suggest yuh tell the truth befoah ah let HER out and have her kick your ass all the way back to Equestria!" His sapphire gem was blazing a brilliant blue while his horn burned a brilliant blood red.
It was the green unicorn who spoke first, the dragon's eyes going wider than his paw span in something he had not felt since he was a hatchling, that being true FEAR for his LIFE that penetrated to the very core of his being. "We heard there was a colony here over the radio, so we figured coming here would be the best thing to do! Big city, known work force, lots of plunder! Vladimir has four cities under his control, and we're the fifth! It took us over a year to convince Vladimir to let the two of us out to try on our own!" the unicorn squealed.
"Vladimir? Who is he, WHAT is he, where does he control, and what other cities does he dominate?" Julia demanded, her shotgun pointed at the unicorn. "For that matter, who are you?"
It took an hour, but the three (okay, four if you count Marie) got the full story out of the two reprobates. By the time Mary Sue's paralysis spell expired, the two were so cowed, they were not about to do ANYTHING that would come remotely close to pissing off anyone.
Mary Sue glared at the two after the story was told. "We will be back tomorrow, with the true leaders of the group in attendance, to figure out how we can work together, without bringing the 'wrath' (quotation marks clearly audible) of Vladimir down on us. Downtown is a dangerous place to go, what with a lot of Equestrian monsters down there that honestly would be a pain for us to clear out. Think of possibly helping us clear out manticores, basilisks, bugbears, and what other monsters live downtown, so we can excavate whatever treasures are down there. You're a dragon. You want a hoard? Clear out downtown and we could work together on gathering loot. GOOD loot that Vladimir would enjoy."
"That would make Vladimir a bit suspicious," Coronavirus managed to say.
"You said that you would not call him until you're ready to tithe to him, right?" Julia asked the two. "Let it take a while, and don't tell him you're cooperating with the colony. Let him think you're still puppeting them. Results would be the same, yes?"
"We will think about that," Casimir rumbled. "If it will help cover our asses, so much the better. BUT, we can't let the WSU know about us, because Vladimir and the others listen to the radio. If he finds out, he could either get mad enough to come here to take the city himself, or abandon us altogether. He's better at magic than I am, and he can send me spells over the ball. Who knows what he will do? I don't."
"We can keep it quiet," Queen Marie said through Lucien. "If I send word you are not to be mentioned over the radio, they will not. I trust them to do the right thing."
"So do I," Mary Sue added. "They keep their word on matters. Can we trust you to keep YOUR word?"
"Yes, you can, Miss Mary Sue!" Casimir declared. "You know where we live, and we don't want to anger you like that AGAIN!"
"Good. We'll be back tomorrow. We'll talk then. No funny business while we're gone, or else you'll wish we would kill you. Got it?" Mary Sue said firmly.
"You got it!" Coronavirus squealed. "See you tomorrow!"
The three turned in place and walked out without looking back, leaving the tunnel and walking all the way to I-70 before anyone said anything. "Think they will behave?" Julia asked.
"Ah have little doubt about that," Lucien drawled. "Her Majesty is sure we done put such a skeer into them, they don't dare even think about doin' somethin' that would piss us off."
"Plus, Suzanne will read them the riot act and how before settling down and getting them on the straight and narrow," Mary Sue said. She knows how... assertive and determined, to put it politely... Suzanne can be. Nobody wants a tongue-lashing from her more than once.
"I left a link open between Carroll and myself, so they know what went on in there," Julia told the others. "They're on the lookout for them, and many are heading back to the house to wait for them there. Frack's watching them."
"Where they at?" Mary Sue asked.
"I'll ask," Julia said as she raised her radio. "Athena to Recon Viper One. Homecoming party started yet?"
"Not yet, Athena. They're about halfway across the last big interchange before the hotel they moved into. Another ten minutes or so. Captain's with the kids, waiting for them to finish crossing. They're still zombied, from the way they are walking," Frack informed them via radio.
"The spell is not going to end until they do get home, Frack. They won't remember anything about what they have been doing. Film at six on Six," Julia told the Engineer.
"Copy that. Film at six on Six. Recon Viper One ten-ten."
"First out."
Lucien asked Mary Sue, "Why did you decide to move into the Extended Stay place rather than a better hotel?"
"The ESA has one thing the other hotels lacked - kitchens in the suites. We figured it would be easier that way, then use one central kitchen. We rotate cooking duties, plus it's close to our fields. It works, we like it, and keeping everyone together, we only need one big generator," Mary Sue explained.
"If it works for you, that's good enough fo' me."
Sunday, March 26, 2017, 1800 hours, aboard Mississippi Voyager:
The entire Saint Louis colony gathered for Sunday dinner aboard the Voyager. Mark Voltefiore and the diamond dog, Ellen Greenspan, assisted Jason McTerry in making a wonderful dinner for everypony and soul aboard. Captain Crane and Mayor Blakeslee sat at the head table talking about the day's activities, which started two hours after dawn and had ended an hour ago. This time, a delegation took the Saint Louis delivery truck down to have a long talk with the dragon, a long productive talk. Casimir and Coronavirus agreed to be 'neighbors' to the Saint Louis group, each side helping the other with wants and needs.
The dragon and unicorn were carefully educated (meaning, severely browbeaten by Lucien, Queen Marie, Mayor Blakeslee and Captain Crane) on HOW to be good neighbors with each other. Suzanne informed Casimir of their nearby hunting grounds for meat, invited Coronavirus to assist in the farming, and offered to take Corona into the city for 'scavenging trips' while Casimir assisted in clearing monsters from the area. As the Mayor told the two, "We won't hold what you HAVE DONE against you, but, stray from the straight and narrow and you will no longer be welcome. Her Majesty will be watching you, and if she thinks you've gone too far, she will strike. Do you WANT that?"
"Madam Mayor, I have to admire how you handled Cas and Cor today. You have a way with people," Captain Crane commented over his dinner of cornmeal-coated fried river fish and fresh greens from the Saint Louis garden.
"I have found the best way to handle bullies is to be a better bully, but to allow the bully a chance to cooperate. If they don't, squish them like a bug and keep on going. So long as they BELIEVE you can do it, it's a good tactic. Fortunately, we have the means to back up the claim of power. Queen Marie has offered to send an ambassador up on your next trip, to help keep an eye on him. Virgil says he can come up with a gem that looks a lot like yours, and Mary Sue will wear it, to help them think she's watching," Suzanne said as she enjoyed her succotash.
"We do have some cargo for you that you have requested from the WSU. How much do you have going outbound?" Howard asked.
"Not much, to be quite honest, but not much was expected. We have done some salvaging from around here and from Saint Charles that should be of interest. Virgil and Sadie detect some sort of magic coming from the items, but both say they don't know enough to interpret what they feel." Suzanne explained.
"Tomorrow, we'll do the off and on loading, then pitch in around here to get you back up to snuff before we head to Kansas City. We'll stop on the way back to drop off a case of potions for your pharmacy," Howard let Suzanne know after savoring the bite of fish.
"Sounds like a plan to me, Howard. We had that one pony pass through last year, heading to Kaycee with a couple of breezies. We know they made it all right, but check on them and let us know how they are doing, okay?" Suzanne asked.
"I think I can do that, Suzanne. Have you done anything to check your rail system here, for when Memphis will start running about?" Howard asked.
"We have, actually. The bridge across the river downtown is sound, as are the tracks that run nearby. Between the airport and downtown we have not checked yet. If Casimir proves to be a friend, we will. Too many monsters," Suzanne reported.
"Ah can understand that," Howard said, raising his glass. "To better days ahead!"
"I'll drink to that!" Suzanne said with a laugh, clicking cups with the captain before tossing down their drinks. |
The Mississippi Voyager | Chapter 6: Wilbert Harrison Redux | Sunday, 2 April 2017, 1200 hours, Kansas City, MO. West Bottoms Pier
The Mississippi Voyager sat at pierside, moored portside to, with the port gangplank extended and in place. The River Bitch, Kansas City's motorboat, was moored forward of them, cover on and buttoned tight, awaiting use. Captain Crane, Chief Engineer Frack, and Welder Bernie waited on the pier for the Kansas City crew to show up.
"I know they know we are coming. I talked with Smokey this morning, and he said a crew will meet us here. Wonder why he's running late," Frack tried to explain to the Captain.
"I'm sure they have a good reason, Frack. They moved some distance away, right?" Captain Crane asked.
"That they did," Frack confirmed. "Some miles south, to be near the breezie colony. I know they are maintaining the Painted Sofa as a 'forward camp' to be near the river. Sure, they can take a truck out and hunt, but going upstream a few miles leads to some good hunting grounds. From the looks of their boat, they do use it often."
"Use it and care for it," Captain Crane observed. "They also have plenty of stock here. Makes sense to have what you need nearby. They do have a supply of diesel fuel here, right?"
"There's a big tank farm about a mile upstream, past the Kansas River mouth. We'll have to do some hose rigging, but the source is there. They get their fuel retail, not wholesale," Frack advised.
Howard was about to reply when a loud bellow was heard, coming from the south. Looking towards the source of the noise, a faint dust cloud was seen, with a white form at the front of the cloud, heading right towards them. By instinct, the three fliers headed in the safest direction possible, namely UP! The white form ran under them and into the river, forward of the Voyager, landing with a big splash.
"Wakinya! What's your hurry?" Frack shouted down from where he hovered with the others.
"Wanted to see you again, Uncle Frack! How's Gramma and Grampa?" the white buffalo called up from the river as he swam expertly to a ramp a little downstream of where the Voyager was moored.
"Doing well in Europe, kid! Come out and dry off! Where's everyone else?"
"On their way! I ran on ahead!" Wakinya called out as he climbed the ramp. At the top, he shook himself dry. Once dry, he trotted to a free space to accept a warm hug from Frack.
"You learning a lot, Wakinya? Your English is much better than before," Frack told the young buffalo.
"Oh, yes! Learning a lot from everyone, including the crazy old bird! He says I will be a powerful shaman when I'm older," Wakinya said in bright tones, eager to impress his 'uncle'.
"Well, good! Now, let me introduce you to friends you haven't met yet, namely Captain Crane and my wife, Bernie," Frack told Wakinya while doing so.
"You're a waterhorse, right? A hippygriff, like Cold Current?" Wakinya asked the Captain.
"That's hippogriff, Wakinya," Captain Crane told the young buffalo. "Cold Current is based off a cormorant, while I'm based on a crane."
"Cool!" Wakinya squealed, playfully (and gently) headbutting the Captain before looking up at Bernie. "You have to be nuts to marry this bonkers bird, lady!" he managed to say before giggling.
Bernie looked at Frack. "That's all the proof I need to know you've been here! Your reputation stayed behind!" she laughed, putting a wing around Frack and hugging.
"I leave my mark wherever I go, love. This is the last place I've been that you haven't. I thought you would have picked up on that by now!" Frack exclaimed, leaning into the hug and giving her a quick kiss.
From further inland came a voice that Frack was quite familiar with, that of the local chief and shaman, Smoking Horn. "Makes one wonder which is the bigger fool!"
Standing next to Smoking Horn is what has to be the biggest damn buffalo Frack, or anyone else, had ever seen. All three from the Voyager gaped at the sight of the big brown bull buffalo, who happened to be wearing a black stovepipe top hat with not one, but two pairs of aviator's eye protectors wrapped around the hat, one set looking left, one set right. "It is hoped the one who weds the fool has the sense to control the fool," the big buffalo said in a voice so deep the earth trembled.
"Allow me to introduce Chief Twogogglehat, leader of the tribe of buffalo that are our near neighbors," Smoking Horn said, emitting a large cloud of cherry-scented pipe tobacco smoke.
All three of the Voyager crew bowed to the chief once they landed. "Honored to meet you, Chief. Are you the ones who requested long-range radio setups?" Captain Crane asked.
"Yes," rumbled the chief. "Soon, we go on migration, to wander the plains. Would be nice to be able to call friends, let know what we find."
"Well, we have your shipment aboard. Smoking Horn, when can we visit your homestead?" Howard asked.
"I know you would want to leave some of your crew aboard, but we can head back to the camp as soon as you are ready. We can bring the truck down here, load it with our requested cargo, take whoever wants to ride rough, and head on down," Smoking Horn said after another puff on his ever-present pipe. "I can get your crew back by dark, and we can be back after breakfast for another load."
"All right then. Bring your truck around and I'll start unloading your cargo. Deal?" Captain Crane said with a smile.
"Deal. Back soon," Smoking Horn said as he turned around and trotted off.
"Can I ask for a tour?" Chief Twogogglehat requested.
"I'll be your guide," the Captain replied. "Engineer, please inform the First that the first cargo offload will be done now. I'll show the Chief around, and you assist Harry in the loading of the cargo."
"Will do, Captain!" Frack confirmed.
2 April 2017, 1800 hours, the former Wolf Springs Elementary School, Bucyras, KS
Captain Crane, Smoking Horn, Mrs. Harkness and Chief Twogogglehat sat at a table in the cafeteria, the remains of a delicious meal in front of them. "I have to admit, not even New Orleans is as comfortable as it is here. There, not much in the way of power generation, and air conditioning is hard to find. Using the school as a housing tract and workshop is brilliant," Captain Crane said. "Not to mention the potion works, the fields, and the housing here. Absolutely brilliant!"
Smoking Horn relaxed on his cushion, a pleasantly pungent cloud of tobacco smoke coming from his pipe. "We had some good inspiration pass through early last year," he said as he looked at another table, where Frack, Bernie and Harry sat chatting with Caleb the earth pony, and two breezies they were familiar with, they being Chopin (said Chop-in) and Landry. "If it wasn't for the Deliverance crew coming in and shaking things up, we would still be up at the Painted Sofa, just barely hanging on."
"If that would have happened, we would have missed meeting each other, which would have meant my clan would still be wandering in the cold and wet. We all owe much to the Deliverance folk. I can see they did not exaggerate about them, both the tribe here and Caleb. Meeting others is a good thing to have in these times," Chief Twogogglehat said in his deep voice, his tones indicating that he meant what he said.
"As do us breezies," Mrs. Harkness squeaked. "After Amon-Thoth left for warmer climates, we breezies are happy for the company of Smoking Horn's tribe, as well as the kindness and generosity the Deliverance crew has shown us breezies, both here and on the road. When Caleb, Landry and Chopin arrived here last fall, bringing news and artifacts from the other cities they visited, we learned a lot about this world. That, and having a radio to listen to Captain Frick. He honors me with his sign-off."
"Good night, Mrs. Harkness, wherever you are," Howard quoted with a grin. "I'm pleased to meet you. I've noticed that Frick never says what you are, just the name and the greeting. The mystery adds to his mystique."
"That, and that dingbat macaw that he works with. Makes his shows entertaining!" Mrs Harkness said with a giggle.
"Frack has some good stories about Capo. We're in no real hurry, so I will invite all those who wish to come for dinner two days from now, please let us know no later than sunset tomorrow, so we can all get together and chat. We'll need some time to plan a menu!" Howard said with a grin.
"Will there be room for the six in my clan, including me?" Chief Twogogglehat asked.
"Yes, if we use the patio seating as well as the Lounge. If the weather is fair enough, we can open the windows to allow more mingling of groups," Howard told the buffalo, looking thoughtful as he did, picturing the layout of the patio and Lounge.
"Now, how to get us all there," Twogogglehat rumbled.
Smoking Horn let out a puff of gray cherry smoke. "We'll have to use two trucks and the big trailer to bring everyone. I'll have to leave some behind, to keep an eye on the potion factory. They can come up for lunch the next day, yes?" he asked.
Howard was about to answer when many heads instantly swiveled to the left and stared out the cafeteria window. Many, but not all. All those from Voyager were left wondering as those who did look west reacted to something they could see, but the others did not. "Oh, shit..." Smoking Horn said, letting his pipe fall from his mouth to the table.
"Got that right," Twogogglehat said before he shook his head hard enough to dislodge the hat.
"What's going on?" Howard asked, completely confused. At his table, Frack said the same thing.
Smoking Horn picked up his pipe in his smoke and got it going again. "Message from Raven. Something is going to happen this time tomorrow off west from here. There is a pony who will be caught in the debris field. He requests we go after the pony, even though he is not a follower of Raven. Willing to help?" he told Howard.
"Of course. Where is this pony?" Howard asked.
"If I'm reading Raven right, Fort Leavenworth. Whoever-it-is only returned to here maybe a week ago. Said pony will be in the debris field, if we don't get him or her in time. Willing to cruise upriver?" Smoking Horn asked.
"Of course. Pick a crew to help us search and meet us as soon after sunrise as you can. We'll be ready. Keep in touch with my bridge watch," Howard said, getting up.
"Can do, Captain. Want the potions now?"
"No. We'll fly back. Bring them with you tomorrow, and the potion grimoires as well. If needed, Doctor Macombe would like to know what he's using," Howard said, getting Frack's attention.
"Copies of the grimoires have been ready for some time. What took you so long to get here to claim them?" Mrs. Harkness asked.
Howard let out a grunt of annoyance. "First, politics. Then, we had to build the boat. We're here now, right?"
Mrs Harkness fluttered over to land on Howard's long beak. "Forgiven. They will be ready." she squeaked.
"Good. Voyager crew, let's get going while we still have light!" Howard called out as he bumped hooves with Smoking Horn and Twogogglehat before heading for the door.
As the four flew back to the river, Frack asked Howard, "What's going on, Cap? Why the rush out?"
"Apparently, Raven sent them a flash about something, and first thing in the morning, we are to take them to Leavenworth to find someone. Why, I don't know yet," Howard said as he flew.
"Probably because they have not figured out the whole message yet, and will tell us in the morning when they come by," Frack muttered. "Raven did that with Fred when we were here before."
"Oh, what fun," Harry grumbled. "Mythical gods messing with the real world. I don't kiss no god's hooves!"
"You don't have to, Harry," Frack said in an oddly gentle voice, for him. "Any deity who tries to compel you is not worth following. Those that ask do take no for an answer, and WILLING followers are for a deity's benefit. Fred's been a willing follower of Raven for over a year, in his own way, since we were last here. Raven guided Fred to Wakinya. You've seen the little buffalo, and you saw how close he stayed to me? The kid's got promise, and it's all due to Raven. If the crazy old bird has something to say, we should at least listen."
"I'll take your word for it, Frack. I know your word is good, once I untangle them in my head to figure out just what the hell you said," Harry said as the four flew northward. |
The Mississippi Voyager | Chapter 7: Watch Out for Jayhawks, you Cornhusker! | Monday, 3 April 2017, 0700, West Bottoms Pier, Kansas City, MO
Captain Crane waited on deck under cloudy morning skies as the Painted Sofa's delivery truck pulled up on the shore. Five beings got out of the truck and headed for where the Captain waited, by the port gangplank, they being Roscoe the beagle diamond dog, Morgan the teenage thestral stallion, Firebrand the red unicorn, Silverwing the orange pegasus, and Chopin, the blue breezie. Roscoe carried a large wooden box in his arms, while Morgan had a case strapped to his back. The captain welcomed them aboard, directing them to the Lounge area while he raised and stowed the gangplank before following them inside. The lines had already been taken in, Julia watching from the bridge. Once the gangplank was locked down, she applied full power, heading upstream.
Inside, as Jason laid out breakfast for the Voyager's crew and guests, Captain Crane gathered the visitors at the large table, along with Frack, Doctor Macombe, and Second Officer Milsap. "Okay, has anyone managed to figure out the vision Raven sent you yesterday?" he asked.
"Yes," Silverwing said. "It took a few hours of comparing notes to assemble the picture.
"Apparently, at six forty-two p.m. tonight, a meteor is going to come from the southwest, impacting in or near a lake between Topeka and Lawrence. The meteor itself is about the size of an average two-story house, and is made of nickel-iron. Raven says weapons made from the remains of the meteor will be very potent indeed, with the proper enchantments. Of course, the problem will be getting at it," she reported.
"What about Leavenworth?" Second Officer Milsap asked.
"Someone returned there within the past week, someone Raven would like to have rescued. Whoever-it-is isn't a tribal member, but Raven is sure said person would be better with our tribe than being killed in the debris fall," Morgan said. Of everyone there in Kaycee, he was the most tech-oriented, being the one who ran the drones. He had brought a drone exploration kit, to help in the search.
"Will Kansas City be alright?" Doctor Macombe asked. "One thing ah do know about meteors is that they do pack a lot of punch, especially if they hit the ground."
"There will be SOME damage, but nothing on the scale of buildings falling," Firebrand replied. "Broken windows, stuff falling off shelves, yes. It's coming from the southwest, about bearing two-three-zero. Very shallow angle, so it will kick up a debris field that is more linear than circular. Leavenworth is directly in the line of fire. Kansas City is more off to one side."
"So we won't have to worry about Voyager being damaged by fallout?" Howard asked.
"Very, very unlikely, Captain," Firebrand said. "If you want to head about ten miles downstream after the pickup, you'll be just fine. Let's just hope that the search won't take all day to do."
"Amen to that. We should be by Leavenworth at about nine-thirty, two hours from now, give or take. By then, I want you all to pool notes, to give us a better idea on where to look, okay?" Howard said to those at the table.
"One thing we're sure of is that it's at the Fort, not the town. If one is to take refuge at a fort, where would be the likeliest to go? Where will you find what you need to survive?" Chopin squeaked.
Frack spoke up. "I'm going to bet on the Exchange. It's what Harry Bell did in Key West when he Returned, and that's where we found him and one other, Tina Kovacs. Tina's having the time of her life in Europe, learning how to use her gargoyle talents, as well as getting to fly a helicopter again."
"Good a place as any to start. Now, what we're going to have to do is FIND the Exchange. Not like any of us have been there," Howard said after a mouthful of sausage based off of fish, instead of pork.
"Pahdon me, Captain, but ah have. True, it was back in the Eighties, but ah did two weeks T.A.D. theah. If they haven't moved it, ah know wheah to fahnd it." Lucien drawled.
"Were you in the Army, Doctor Macombe?" Morgan asked.
"Nope, Louisiana Air National Guard. Ah did active tahm all over the world, even did a month in Kuwait as part of a med team. Ah've been damn neah everywheah, son. Kuwait, Arabia, Germany, Vietnam, Italy, Japan..." Lucien orated to a fascinated audience- of one. Using the language of glance, Howard got everyone else at the table to gather their dishes and move to a table on the far side. Nobody hesitated. Oblivious to everything but his audience, Lucien kept on talking, and talking, and talking...
"Well the brag is on and there goes Windbag up the backstretch, Headache's a-going to the inside, My Tears are holding back and trying not to fall..." Frack sang quietly.
What surprised everyone was that the Captain picked up where Frack left off. "My Heart's out of the running, True Love's scratched for another's sake, the race is on and it looks like Windbag, and the winner loses all..." he sang, in tune and on key. When he noticed everyone at the table staring at him, Howard just shrugged. "Always did like George Jones."
Fort Leavenworth, KS, Monday, 3 April 2017 1000 hours
The Mississippi Voyager was nosed into a small river spit, only the forward gangplank being long enough to get to shore without the boat bottoming out. Morgan had his big eight-rotor camera drone up, heading into the base, with a rough printed map next to him. Two teams of two, Frack and Bernie on one team and Silverwing and Carroll on the other, headed up and out as well, going to different areas of the base to commence a search. Roscoe, Firebrand, Aaron Tereshkov and Captain Crane stood out on the deck, watching the teams fly out. "I knew there was something we forgot when we outfitted this boat..." Howard grumbled.
"What's that, Captain?" Aaron asked.
"A couple of golf carts for enhanced mobility and scavenging. We can put a garage on deck and we can drive off on the gangplanks. I'll send a memo to Colonel Forest to suggest building some into the Ranger and follow-ups," Howard said.
"I know that getting some vehicles up and going has made our lives a lot better in Kaycee," Firebrand said. "It's just that bringing a vehicle along that a pony can handle is not easy. Frack's good at converting vehicles."
"I said something last month to the effect that the manuals for these boats have not been fully written yet. I'm positive we're going to find a whole lot of ShipAlts for the next edition," Howard grumbled.
"ShipAlts?" Roscoe asked.
"Ship Alterations. When you find something useful to add in or just plain forgot to put in, write a ShipAlt to fix the problem. This is just a prototype," Howard explained. "We knew we were leaving stuff out that we would like, it's just we had no idea what."
"Captain, can you step inside? I think I found something," Morgan said over the radio.
The Captain gestured to everyone to follow him inside, and so the group went to where Morgan had his drone setup, in a corner of the Lounge. "What did you find, Morgan?" Howard asked.
"Switching images to the big screen," Morgan said as the sixty-five inch screen lit up. The display was of the front of a building, a doorway that was obviously kicked in. The picture zoomed out, to reveal that it was the Fort Leavenworth Exchange. "Thought you would like to see this, sir."
"Good thinking, Morgan. Now, where is the Exchange in relation to the Commissary?" Howard asked.
"Right next door. This damage caught my attention first. Let me survey the commissary to see if there are any signs there," Morgan replied as he guided the drone to the next building, then dropped low to circle it. It wasn't long at all before they found something.
"There! An open emergency door!" Aaron exclaimed, sounding startled by the sight.
"Correct, Aaron," Howard said. "Morgan, can you get closer?"
"Right away, Captain. Glad it's calm right now," Morgan said as he dropped the drone lower while zooming in on the door. Something came into focus when the camera looked inside the door.
"Hoofprints. But, they're not regular. Something looks off about them," Howard mused as he and the others looked at the image.
"Looks t'me that someone has broke a foreleg somehow and they's staggerin' about best they can," came the voice of Doctor Macombe, coming from the kitchen with a mug of coffee and a croissant in his glow, having been locking up the healing potions and looking at the books Roscoe had brought aboard. "Wheah this at?"
"This is at the Commissary. There's a door kicked in at the Exchange as well," Howard told Lucien.
"Okay, then. Let me get my kit. Route the flier teams to the open doors and do a search. Firebrand, you is with me. With a broken foreleg, he or she sho' ain't gonna come out to see the doctor," Lucien said like a colonel in command would. This time, Howard did not object. Medical matters were in Lucien's purview, and he agreed with the decision.
Howard raised his radio. "Galactica to Recon Vipers One and Two. Home in on the Exchange and Commissary buildings. Evidence of a survivor found," he said. "Doctor will be leaving momentarily."
"Recon Viper One copies," Frack's voice came back over the radio.
"Recon Viper Two copies traffic. Bring the drone up to one hundred feet altitude, so we don't smack into it," Carroll reported.
"Raising drone to one hundred feet, Drone Control aye," Morgan said as he raised the huge eight-rotor drone. Only a few seconds later, Carroll and Silverwing came into view. They chose to go into the Commissary and look around.
"Drone Control to Recon Viper One, Viper Two has entered the Commissary. Suggest you enter the Exchange. There is an open door on the south side. Suggest you check there," Morgan said over the radio.
"Recon Viper One copies, Drone Control. Coming up on the buildings from the south. Keep the drone high, we see it and are using it as a guide. Should be there in a minute or so," Frack reported.
"Drone Control aye."
Lucien came out of the lower level corridor, wearing his first aid kit saddlebags. "Firebrand, let's get moving. Let us hope we can fahnd someone we can heal," he said as he headed for the door.
"We should, or else Raven would not have called us last night," Firebrand said as she got in behind Lucien.
"Keep in touch!" Howard shouted as they left the lounge.
At the Commissary, Carroll and Silverwing made their way in. Whatever rotting that happened in produce, dairy and frozen foods had long since faded, so the scents inside were not too bad. Looking about, the first thing that stood out was a shopping cart partially filled with dried meats, grains, fruits, cans of beef, chicken and tuna, some bottles of water and a batch of steak knives, along with more than one large first-aid kit and extra gauze and bandaging. "Looks like someone was planning ahead," Silverwing commented.
"Sure looks like it. The hoofprints in the dust look a little off to me. Not a pony, not a buffalo, but something else. I wonder who came back," Carroll said as she looked about the store, which was overall neat, but some sections were disturbed.
"I'm willing to say that whoever it is knows the Commissary well, and maybe the entire Fort. Whoever-it-is, we don't have a whole lot of time to find it. The rock is due at six forty-two, and it's after ten," Silverwing said quietly as she looked around. "Quick aerial recon?"
"Go for it." Silverwing took off, taking care not to ram the ceiling. She flew some laps around the big store before coming back to do a neat four-point landing next to Carroll. "No one here, unless they're in an office."
"If that's the case, why would they leave a shopping cart full of goods by the back door?" Carroll asked.
"Good question."
Next door, Frack and Bernie checked the outside of the Exchange before settling at the broken door. Cautiously, they went in. "Dark in here..." Frack muttered.
"Won't stop me any," Bernie said as they started their search. They looked around, section by section. Electronics, apparel, uniforms came and went with no sign. Then, they got to the Furniture Department. A faint light caught their attention, so the pair headed that way.
A shot rang out, the muzzle flash showing where it came from, the bullet going well wide of where the two were. Frack, of course, took extreme umbrage at being under fire. "Now, knock that off!" he bellowed. "We're here to help you, not hurt you! Damn it, I'm sick and tired of being shot at, and if you do it again, I'll kick your damn ass from here to Omaha in three boots!"
"Like Hell you will, you damn Cornhusker! I'll boot you from here to Lawrence in ONE shot!" called out a woman's voice.
"You two just knock it off!" Bernie shouted, bringing her Floridian accent to the fore. "We're here to get you out of here, because in about eight hours, this whole area is going to be right in the line of fire from an impact event!"
"How would you know that?" the voice from the darkness asked.
"When a deity is kind enough to give us twenty-four hours notice, you tend to take their word for it!" Bernie shouted back. "May we approach? If needed, we'll send for our doctor!"
"You got a doctor? I can use one," the woman's voice said. "The pain's not helping my temper any! Come on in!"
The pegasus and thestral carefully moved through the store to the dim light. There, under the feeble glow of a battery lantern on its last dregs, a four-legged form lay on a display bed. The left front leg was obviously broken, crudely bandaged and splinted. But, what caught their attention was her ears. They were long, pointed and gray-furred with a black fur rim.
"A donkey?" Frack said in amazement.
"You better not even think of the word 'jackass' in my presence, buster!" the donkey said, definitely not on the happy side of things.
"Frack, call in our location, tell them we found who we are looking for, and have Lucien double-time it here, okay? I'll sit with her while you do that," Bernie said, slowly approaching the stricken donkey.
"Whatever you say, love of my life," Frack said before moving away from them before pulling out his radio. "Recon Viper One to Galactica. We found her in the Exchange..." he reported.
"Recon Viper One?" the donkey said, incredulous.
"Frack's been a sci-fi fan since he was a kid. I'm Bernie Larsen, what's your name?" Bernie asked as she came a little closer.
"Master Sergeant Jenny McLaine, instructor at the Command and General Staff College here. Can you tell me what in hell is going on here?" Jenny asked.
"I can and will, until the doctor gets here, okay? We'll have to get you to the Voyager fast and get the hell out of here," Bernie said as she sat down on the floor, where Jenny could see her but out of hoof's reach.
"Voyager?"
"The Mississippi Voyager, the riverboat I'm assigned to. Frack, my husband, is the Chief Engineer. Lucky for you we were nearby when we got word," Bernie told her before getting on with the story. |
The Mississippi Voyager | Chapter 8: Let's Rock It! | In the ten to fifteen minutes it took Lucien and Firebrand to make it from the Voyager to the Exchange, Bernie and Frack had managed to give at least a thumbnail explanation of what has been happening in the almost two years since the Event. Naturally, the stubborn jackass, no, DONKEY, put up a lot of arguments about how all she had heard was a pile of bullcrap and 'how about you tell me some of God's own truth for once?'
Bernie recognized the signs of R. Lee Ermey about to come through Frack, whose wings were raised and his ears were as red as his coat. Then Lucien and Firebrand came bustling in, lighting their way with their horns as they made their way to the furniture and bedding area. "Hail, hail, the doctor's heah! Now, tell me what you've done heah, you featherbrain! Make it quick, cause the patient's hurting!" Lucien said as he moved in, shoving Frack aside with his glow. "Step aside, young lady," he said to Bernie as he got down next to Jenny. "Now, what's youah name and what in Queen Marie's Hell's Bells did you do to yourself?" he asked as his glow surrounded the donkey.
Jenny, about ready to launch a savage verbal attack at Frack, was caught completely off-guard by Lucien's bedside manner, as well as the red glow coming from his horn and around her, plus the pacification and painkiller spells the doctor was laying on her while scanning her. "Master Sergeant Jenny MacLaine, instructor, CGSC," she said dully as the spells took effect.
"The Staff College, eh? Well, ah'm Colonel Lucien Macombe, Medical Corps, Louisianne Air National Guard, retired. Now, just how did yuh manage to break you leg lakh you did?" Lucien said to Jenny before turning to Firebrand. "Number-three healing potion and the general-purpose antibiotic potion, Firebrand," he said to the red unicorn next to him, who dug out the requested potions out of her saddlebag.
"Just what are you two doing? What's that red light coming from your... horns?" Jenny asked, feeling more stuporous by the minute.
"Film at six on Six, young lady. Raht now, ah'm doin' all ah can to make sure you can get back up on all four hooves without having your left leg collapse on you like my great-grandbaby's toy telescope. Now, this is going to hurt fo' a few seconds," Lucien told his patient as he quickly rebroke the leg and set it properly.
Jenny let out a yelp. The motion DID hurt, but it was not as bad as it could have been and was fading fast. "Thank you, sir," she whispered before falling asleep.
"You'se welcome, young lady," Lucien said as he got to work. "Firebrand, first the roll of gauze. I'll put the antibiotic and half the healing potion on it, then put it on her. Follow that up with an injection of the rest of the healing potion, then the splint."
His own saddlebag opened and a hypodermic syringe came out, with needle. Swiftly unwrapping it, he filled it with the healing potion, then set it aside as he took the roll of gauze from Firebrand, coated it liberally with the two potions, then wrapped Jenny's left foreleg from knee to ankle before injecting the healing potion at the site of the break. "Nahce thing about bein' a unicorn is that ah don't need X-rays to look inside. Still workin' on gettin' good blood chemistry readings," he commented as he worked.
"I'm going to ask Horny and your captain if you can stay for a couple of extra days, to teach us unicorns some medical spells we can use. Learning from a book is one thing. Learning from someone who knows what they are doing and can answer questions is something else, and you know what you are doing, Doctor," Firebrand said as she watched Lucien work.
"Thank you for saying so, Firebrand. Ah'll be happy to, once we get our asses out of the lahn of fire," Lucien muttered as he wrapped and splinted the broken leg. "Has anyone thought of how we can get our patient out of the fire and into the fryin' pan?"
"I have not been twiddling my primaries while you've been working, Lucien," Frack said, coming back to the furniture area with a large garden cart that had two large garden chaise lounge pads, pulling it carefully with one leash tied to the handle, clipped to another one which was looped around his neck. "Now to see if we can come up with a better harness."
"I'll handle that, Frack," Firebrand offered. "Have the others check the path back. Make sure it's clear."
"Will do," Frack said, slipping out of the leash. "Let's leave the unicorns to their work," he said to Bernie.
"Plans like a sound to me, love," Bernie replied as they made their way through the store to the exit.
Together, Lucien and Firebrand lifted Jenny onto the padded lawn cart. "I'll start getting her to the Voyager; you look around here and see if there's anything she might consider personal. She's more likely to trust a doctor and an officer more than me," Firebrand said as she took the wagon's handle in her glow and started pulling it to the exit.
"Ah can do that," Lucien said, looking around the bed area.
3 April 2017, 1400 hours, The Mississippi Voyager, Missouri River.
Jenny woke to the scent of a decent meal in the same room as she was, with coffee. Her eyes opened to reveal a small cabin, walls painted white, a small porthole letting in some light while a light in the ceiling provided more. On a small table near her bed, on a tray, she found a bowl of porridge, scrambled eggs, two biscuits with butter, a mug of coffee and some sugar and creamer packets. The door was just closing, Jenny getting a glimpse of a black cat's tail disappearing out the door.
Jenny looked at her left foreleg, which was bandaged and splinted neatly, but no cast on the broken bone. It ached, but the pain she had been living with since the day she stumbled and broke the leg was gone. Slowly, anticipating pain that didn't arrive, she sat up and sniffed at the waiting meal. She was hungry, to be sure, having subsisted on oatmeal, beef jerky and water since she woke up as a mule. Carefully, she reached out with her right forehoof, took a spoon in her grip, and tasted the porridge.
The next thing she knew, the plate, bowl and mug were empty, while she was not, for the first time in a long time. She sat on her bed, wondering who, what and where, when the door opened and Colonel Macomb entered, followed by someone else, who looked like someone split a bird and a horse apart and stuck the back end of the horse onto the front end of the bird. "How yuh feelin, Master Sergeant?" the Colonel asked.
"A lot better than I have since I woke up like this. Where am I and what's going on?" Jenny asked.
"You're aboard the riverboat Mississippi Voyager, out of New Orleans, Louisianne. Today is the 3rd of April, Two Thousand Seventeen. We are on our way to Kansas City, where a colony of Returnees are. More about that later. I'm the ship's captain, Howard Crane, a longtime Mississippi river tug captain before everything fell apart," Howard told the stunned donkey.
"I remember being told that magic has returned to the world, but in a way that is toxic to humans. Some benevolent aliens took the entire population of the planet, changed them into magic-tolerant forms, then shoved them into the timestream, to come back from the day it happened to ten thousand years from now. I'm finding it easier to believe, Captain. I'm Master Sergeant Jenny McLaine, formerly an instructor at CGSC. Whatinhell would turn me into a mule?" she asked plaintively.
Lucien reached out with his red glow and stroked Jenny's ears gently. "The same forces that turned me into a unicorn and the captain into a hippogriff. Ah have to admit, you is the first donkey ah have seen. How's your leg?" he asked in his best 'concerned old doctor voice'.
"Much better. Stumbled in a hole I didn't see. I had hell's own time trying to patch it up with one hoof. I'm just glad I had raided the commissary once, and had a stash set up so I wouldn't have to go far," Jenny explained, her ears twitching some.
"We noticed that and brought that cart along with us," Lucien told the mule. "Ah also looked about an' found a few things ah thought you would want." His glow opened a drawer in a table next to the bed, removing a large macrame purse.
Jenny's eyes lit up and her ears swiveled when she saw the purse. "Thank you for saving that!" she squealed happily. "It's what I got out of my barracks room before I moved to the Exchange! Lots of irreplaceable mementoes!"
"Glad ah did the raht thing then, Miz Jenny. You do have a nahce smile. I'm happy to see it. Now, we'll be in Kansas City in under an hour. A pony colony is already there, an' they say they will be tickled pink if you would join them. You'll fahnd plenty to do theah, fo' shure," Lucien told the mule.
"Why did you come for me?" Jenny asked.
Captain Crane handled that question. "Deities came back when the magic did, Master Sergeant. Raven, the deity who watches over the group of Sioux who live here, made a request we go save you, because in a little more than three hours, a meteor will be impacting between Topeka and Lawrence, coming in from the southwest. Leavenworth will be in the line of fire for the debris spray. Even though you are not a Sioux, he told us you were there and asked us to get you.
"We aboard the Mississippi Voyager are from the Kingdom of Louisianne, down south of here. We just happened to be in the neighborhood when Raven called, so we were asked to come get you, our riverboat being equipped with everything we could use to get you, including a doctor."
"A very good doctor," Jenny said in affirmation. "It does not hurt much at all now. Can I go out and watch the meteor fall?"
"Of course you can, Miz Jenny," Lucien told her. "Just let me help you up and out on deck, then back here to bed. Tomorrow will be soon enough to get you to the colony, an' by then, you should be able to walk on that leg again, CAREFULLY," he stressed. "Two more days an' you should be raht as rain."
"Three days to heal a broken leg? How can you do that?" Jenny asked, startled.
"Healing spells and healing potions, Miz Jenny," Howard told her. "Kansas City has set themselves up to be the main potion brewing center in the American continents. Other places can make potions, but Kaycee has the highest concentrations of the best plants to make potions of all sorts. Healing, antibiotic, strength, antitoxins, you name it, they can make it."
"Now, ah'm shuah you have lots of questions. Until impact tahm, we will let Firebrand, Morgan and Chop-in here to tell you about the colony, okay?"
"Of course, Colonel," Jenny said. "Stay in bed until then, right?"
"That's raht. Let that leg heal, an' it will serve you well fo' a long tahm to come. Now, pardon us, and we'll get your new friends in heah," Lucien said gently before heading out with the Captain. Firebrand, Morgan and Chopin entered and gathered around Jenny, the Q and A session starting as Lucien quietly shut the door.
3 April 2017, 1830 hours, Kaw Point Park, Kansas City, Kansas.
The Mississippi Voyager sat at anchor, bow pointing west, waiting for the rock to drop. Everyone aboard were sitting at tables in the forward Lounge, except the Third Officer, who was on the bridge ready to take some navigation fixes on the fireball, and Aaron Tereshkov, who was on engine watch. The visitors were aboard, deciding to overnight on the boat, what with the high risk of silicon hail starting in a few minutes. Phone contact with the Kaycee colony had arranged for the overnight stay, plus they will be taking observations of the rock fall, to help determine just where the impact was. Raven had said they could use the meteor to make good weapons, so it would help to know where to look, right?
Frack was on the phone at the bow of the boat, talking with his brother Frick, who was on-air at WSU radio, carrying the coverage of the meteor impact live, at a god-awful hour in Rotterdam, but who cares? Meteor impacts don't happen every day, and the chance to cover one is rare enough to make the loss of sleep worth it. Plus, the two brothers don't get to talk often.
"T minus ten minutes, bro. Don't think you're seeing anything yet, right?" Frick said from his studio.
"Just the sun in the west. Won't even be twilight at impact, but I'm sure we'll have plenty to see. Bernie's right next to me with three cameras mounted and rolling. We'll send the videos later on," Frack replied from his post on the Voyager's bow. He just winked at his wife, who winked back saucily before checking the aim of each camera.
Back in the Lounge area, several tables were pushed together so everyone could chat with each other. "You said you know how to forge metal, right, Jenny?" Roscoe asked.
"That I do!" she affirmed. "Great stress reliever, beating on metal after a hard day of trying to pound some sense into many of the pig-headed idiots the Army sent to CGSC. I know I'm not the best, but give me a good set of tools and I can work." Jenny then looked at Lucien, who was giving her a dangerous look. "Only when you say it's safe for me to do so, Colonel!"
"Got that raht," Lucien grumbled. "Ah ain't even gonna let yuh put your hoof down fo' at least the next day! When ah fix a body, ah done fix it RAHT!"
"No doubt about that, Lucien. That's why I requested you," Howard said from his place at the table.
"Thank you for saying so, Captain," Lucien replied graciously.
"Think you can teach me how to forge metal?" Roscoe asked the mule.
"I can certainly try, Roscoe. We'll need to find the proper tools, both hand and machine. It's also going to take a lot of patience to learn. I've been bashing metal since I was a little girl. My father and grandfather taught me how, and like I said, it's an excellent stress reliever. Just picture the person you most want to pound the snot out of is in the metal you're working, and watch him, her or it change into something YOU want. Maybe, after the rocks settle, we can go back to Leavenworth and see if we can get my tools," Jenny told the diamond dog.
"Would not be a bad idea," Silverwing said. "If for nothing more than a damage check. Next week should be soon enough."
"Two minutes to impact!" Harry said over the ship's PA system. Everyone looked to the west, peering between the cargo containers on deck. They were not disappointed.
A brilliant flash, like that of the biggest lightning bolt anyone had ever seen, lit up the western horizon. The flash was followed by a cloud of something arcing off to the right, as well as a mushroom cloud. "Was that a nuke?" Morgan asked.
"Nope. Not no how," Lucien said. "It's just a mark of a large energy release. Set off enough force in one place at one tahm, and you will get a mushroom cloud, Morgan. Doesn't have to be a nuclear device that does the job."
"Thank you, Colonel Macombe," the young thestral replied.
"A brilliant flash, like a thousand thousand lightning bolts rose up over the western horizon, being chased by what looks like a wave heading off to the north. Must be debris kicked up by the impact. Now I'm seeing a mushroom cloud rising from the impact site. It's lit up both by the sun and some sort of lightning inside. I have to say it's an impressive sight. You getting all this, love?" Frack asked while reporting the sight to Frick.
"All recorders are working, love. Should be a couple of minutes more before any sort of shock wave reaches us," Bernie replied while watching the sight.
"Nobody's sure what sort of shock wave you will feel from forty miles out, bro. I'm just glad you're not in the line of fire," Frick said from his radio room.
"Believe me, I'm glad too. The water surface here in the Kansas River is a little disturbed, ripples just appearing in the water. Must be the ground shock," Frack described.
"Seiche waves. I've heard about them, but have not seen any," Frick said. "Any other disturbances, bro?"
"Not that I have noticed. Then again, it takes time for just about anything to traverse forty miles distance, be it thunder or seismic shock. The mushroom cloud is still rising and spreading, easily four miles tall and going up. There's an odd beauty in the destruction that we know is happening over there," Frack reported.
Bernie's ears swiveled as she picked up something. "Sonic waves approaching, love. Hang on!" she cautioned before balling her ears up and ducking behind a cargo container.
Frack felt the incoming wave more than hearing it. "Here it comes!" he shouted into the phone before a loud cracking noise was heard, followed by a lower-pitched rumble. "Waaahooo!"
Frick hurriedly dialed down the volume on that incoming line. "You still there, bro?" he asked when the rumble subsided.
"I'm still here, bro! That was bigger and better than the biggest Fourth of July blow-off I've ever been to! The mushroom cloud is still growing, yet getting thinner, the sun shining through a couple of spots. The debris cloud is moving off to my right, and I cannot detect anything coming my way, except maybe some dust.
"For everyone just tuning in, this is WSU Radio and Captain Frick bringing you all coverage of a meteor strike that has just happened between Topeka and Lawrence, Kansas. My brother Frack is aboard the Mississippi Voyager, providing us with live minute by minute coverage of the impact and the after effects. We will run to the top of the hour, then switch back to our regular overnight programming."
HPI Headquarters, somewhere in the United States.
"We got a fix on the impact point?" one technician asked another as he turned the volume down on the shortwave.
"Yes, sir. Thirty-nine point one degrees north, ninety-five point four west, in the vicinity of Thompsonville, Kansas. Thaumic meters spiked at impact, now backing down towards normal. Spike has not bottomed yet. Monitoring," the second technician reported as she pushed her blonde hair back away from her face. She needed a haircut, she knew, but the barber was booked for several more days before she could get her hair done.
"The big shots are going to want to send a team out to try to recover some meteor pieces. What is the magic field like in outer space? Here's one way to find out," the first tech noticed.
"You could suggest to them to wait a month or two before going out to look. There's a dammed lake a couple of miles away, and how much do you want to bet the dam broke and the crater is full of hot water?" she asked.
"Ours is not to reason why, ours is but to gather data for the big shots," he grumbled. Almost two years underground has some of the HPI lower echelons on edge. The higher echelons have noticed, but how much could you do when stepping outside without heavy thaumic shielding would turn a person into a crispy critter in seconds?
A subway station in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Nebulous Nimbus dialed down the volume on the radio. "Thinking about going out and snagging a piece or two of meteoric iron, boss?" he asked his superior.
Vladimir thought, smoke curling up from a nostril. "Yes, but not right away. I'm not even going to call on the two idiots in Saint Louis. I would not trust them to bring me meteoric iron. I don't think either of them would recognize meteoric iron if a piece of it bashed their brains out!" he snorted.
"Want Genghis to organize an expedition?" Neb asked.
"Yes, but we're going to have to make sure we avoid the two settlements. That means walking or teleporting. Gonna take some time before the team gets there, so summon Genghis and have him get started. I want a good-sized chunk of that metal!" Vladimir said in a forceful grumble.
"On it, boss." |
The Mississippi Voyager | Chapter 9: The Pieces Assemble | 3 April 2017, 1900 hours, Medford, Oklahoma
Four ponies sat in the yard of their house, still looking to the northeast, where the column of smoke still hung, lit by the sun in the northwestern sky. Three were earth ponies - a black stallion with lime-green mane and tail and grass-green forelegs and hooves; a white mare with a navy blue mane and tail, also with grass-green forelegs and hooves; and a young filly, a pale pink in color with a dark pink mane with one wide white stripe, a purple tail and black hooves. The fourth was a unicorn colt, about the same age as the filly, with a sky-blue coat, gold mane and tail, and snowy-white horn and hooves.
"It's a sign, Pa. A sign to go where that column rose from. The Lord would not send such a sign if he did not mean us to heed it," the mare said.
"I agree, Ma. At least I know where to go. One good thing about being a cross-country driver, I've been everywhere in this country, and I know roughly where it rose from. Somewhere east of Topeka, north of Forty. I'll know better as we get closer," Pa said in a thick Okie accent.
"That's gonna be a long walk, Grampa. How are we going to have enough supplies to make it there, and how are we going to make transport?" the colt asked.
"The half-truck should hold all we need, and we can push this crop here to ripeness in a couple of days. As needed, we can either forage or stop for a time and grow some more," Pa said in a voice that would not be denied.
"We're going to need to find more camping gear than you have here, Grampa," the filly said.
"I know where to find some, Pepper," Pa said. "I, for one, am still thanking the Lord your flight got delayed and didn't arrive until three in the morning."
Pa looked at the slowly-dissipating column. "When the Lord sends a message like this, we would be foolish not to follow it. We're not fools, none of us. Let's go in and finish making dinner, okay?"
"Good idea, Pa," Ma said as she got up to head inside the farmhouse, the others following her.
3 May 2017, 1600 hours, Nashville Street Pier, New Orleans, Louisianne
The Mississippi Voyager sat at the dock, having arrived not two hours before after a speed run from Kansas City, with stops at Saint Louis, Memphis, Natchez and North Point, only overnighting to drop off cases of potions of mixed types to each colony. Going downstream at full speed still took over two weeks to do, and going back would take even longer. They had come back to Louisianne on Queen Marie's orders, to pick up a team of scientists and miners to find samples of the meteor that landed in Kansas. They were also going to haul up two trucks with trailers to find a site or three. Diesel trucks, so they could refuel from the boat.
The crew was waiting for Her Majesty to come by, with mission orders, gems for the rest of the crew, and information on just who will be coming along. Not to mention a cargo crew to take the five percent of potions loaded in Kansas City, as specified in The Agreement. All they knew was that it would be 'after four in the afternoon', so the crew were busy, many transferring cargo out of bays one and two to allow for conversion into a garage for the trucks and trailers. The Third Officer, Harry Bell, being the Cargo Officer, was in Bay Six, the refrigerated can, arranging the potions for offloading, X amount for Louisianne, the rest for the next transport to Maasvlakte and other points. Maasvlakte had its own potion-producing capability, Kansas City adding much-desired additional capacity.
It wasn't until five-thirty that the Queen let Captain Crane know she would be arriving within fifteen minutes. He let the crew know to gather on the mess deck, and once all were there, Her Majesty teleported in. Those who were citizens bowed, the non-citizens did also, but not as deep.
"Good to see you all," Marie said in greeting. "I could be all formal, but not today. Bartender, could you make me a mint..." she trailed off as the cook, Jason McTerry, came out from behind the bar to present her with a freshly made mint julep. "Thank you," Jason just bowed to her before going back behind the bar, pouring and mixing drinks. As Doctor Macombe is talkative, Jason is silent. Unheard, but always there when needed.
"Everyone, get a drink while I set up," the Queen said, opening her saddlebags with her white glow, removing a velvet pouch, a large binder, and a small box. When everyone sat back down with the drink of their choice, she began.
"First off, I want everyone to come up here one at a time. If you have a contact gem, I will replace it with another, updated as to whom you can contact. For those who do not, the unicorns will have gems that could reach me, so I can look through if needed, like with the dragons in Saint Louis. The others will have gems that will let you talk silently to the rest of the crew, but that's about it. I could look through, but it is a peephole compared to a window."
Once everyone was given their gems, a quick telepathic consultation with Her Majesty taught them all what they needed to know to use the gems properly. The Captain's gem was a diamond, the First and Second officer's rubies, the unicorns got emeralds and the rest were sapphires. "The remaining contents go in your safe, Captain. I will let you know when to open the bag.
"Now, for the real reasons I called you down here. Tomorrow, you will be receiving a survey party that has the mission of retrieving some of the meteoric iron that landed in Kansas last month. Of what will be recovered, half will be brought to me, a third will go to the WSU and the remaining sixth for the Kansas City tribe. I do not expect other parties to be there, but the possibility exists. I will trust your judgment on how to handle matters, should the need arise.
"You will also be bringing an ambassador to Saint Louis. I absolutely do NOT trust the two dragons, and the Ambassador will have the primary mission of keeping those two under her foot.
"You are to proceed at best possible speed back to Kansas City, with stops authorized at Memphis and Saint Louis for a day and a night each, for maintenance and rest. You may dragoon the survey team to assist you as needed. Any problems, let me know.
"You are to leave within three days at the latest to head north, depending on how long it takes to stow gear. One vehicle is for you, the other to the survey party.
"The Mississippi Ranger will be ready by the end of the month, and they can handle any outbound cargo for the summer. The Mississippi Star is being built, and should be ready by September, staffing being the main issue. Your job is to get the meteoric iron, as much as you can find, and get it either back here or to those who can work it. Your reports did say Kansas City has a metal worker. Let's see how good she is.
"Now, let's have dinner, shall we? I know Mister McTerry has something exquisite prepared, and I am eager to have a real dinner with real ponies who are not trying to curry favor!" Her Majesty said with a laugh, which was echoed by everyone. "Q and A session has started. Mister Frack, I have to say your play by play of the meteor fall was interesting. It was like I could see it!"
The dinner and talk with Queen Marie lasted an hour before she took her leave and teleported out. The crew, after cleanup, went back to work, prepping as much as they could before the next day, all the while practicing silent communication, under the tutelage of the top three officers, who were already trained.
Early the next morning, the crew met the survey team destined for Kansas, led by a rather young-looking yellow and red unicorn mare who wore a lab coat and glasses, whose cutie mark was a telescope on top of a pick. She introduced herself as Doctor Laura Van Hoosen, formerly Professor of Astrogeology at Tulane University. The rest of her party consisted of three earth ponies, a diamond dog and a griffin, all pulling collapsible carts loaded with metal-detection equipment, analysis gear, and tools. They immediately took over Bay Five, loading and arranging to their benefit.
Later in the day, two long-bed pickup trucks arrived, each towing trailers partially loaded with camp gear. There was a bit of a kerfluffle when it was realized that while the truck and trailer combo would each fit into a cargo bay, they could not be loaded and unloaded from the bays together. They would have to be taken apart and loaded into the bays separately, and unloaded the same way. Hitch the two together on the deck and drive off the forward gangplank. Loading and unloading was going to take the unicorns, diamond dogs and a whole lot of Armstrong Patent to get in and out.
Just before dinner, the Ambassador to Saint Louis arrived, a hulking gargoyle who gave his name as Ivan Pestov. Ivan stood over six feet tall and four feet wide, muscles on muscles, who spoke in a slow, deep Slavic-accented voice. His looks were quite intimidating indeed, but he readily admitted that while he could play a rough, tough meanie, he really preferred gardening, cooking, and teaching. His job was more of intimidating a dragon and helping clear monsters than to doing any actual official business with the Saint Louis team. "Her Majesty insists they make their own decision if they want to join Louisianne, WSU, or none. I'm there just to watch the dragon, not so much the colony," he explained. He tapped the gem he wore, a rather large emerald. "The Tsarina, she no trust Casimir."
Early morning of the 6th of May, 2017, the Mississippi Voyager pulled out of New Orleans, destination: the meteor strike, dreams of fame, fortune and magic dancing in their heads as they headed northbound.
3 June 2017, 0600, Cincinnati, Ohio
Two dragons, about twenty ponies of all different types, two diamond dogs and a yak all gathered in Vladimir's subway station lair. Vladimir himself was up on a platform, overlooking the crowd. Nebulous Nimbus projected a large map of the area into the air next to Vladimir.
"We know the meteor fell here two months ago," Vladimir said, pointing to the area of the map between Topeka and Lawrence, Neb highlighting it. "By now, the ground should be safe to investigate. Zvezda, you're in charge of the expedition, Genghis, you're her second. Your mission is simple, go in, find as much metal as you can, then get back out. All metal will go to Zvezda's city for refining and forging," as Pittsburgh was highlighted.
Zvezda, a large dragon with scales of varying shades of a brilliant blue and yellow, spoke up. "We are to raft down from here to where the big river links up, moor where the two big rivers meet, then cross land and approach from the south, the better to avoid the pony colonies," she said, the route highlighting on the projected map, going down the Ohio River, across the Mississippi, then overlanding across central Missouri to Kansas, then going north between Topeka and Lawrence to the impact site.
"If anyone else is there looking for metal, we are to get the metal from them, preferably not by killing, but by conquering and placing into servitude," growled Genghis, a very large black earth pony stallion with a cutie mark of a bow crossed by a sword.
"Correct, Genghis. If multiple groups are gathering there, and we know that Louisianne and the WSU are, killing will only anger the communities, and they may want to strike back. Why don't we want that to happen?" Vladimir asked the crowd.
Zvezda's aide, a unicorn mare named Impedimenta, who had a rather shaggy gray coat with a brilliant red mane and tail and a black horn, answered the question. "Always make the assumption in planning that those who you can piss off are at least as powerful as you are, until proven otherwise!" she called from her place alongside Zvezda.
"Correct, Impedimenta. Let us find out their true capability before we start killing. Besides, we can always use more workers, da? Corpses are a drag until disposed of," Vladimir said calmly. All the ponies in the crowd nodded in agreement.
Genghis then spoke up. "The rafts are ready to go, Vladimir. All we are waiting for is your command to depart."
"The command is given. Nikolai and Yuri have been informed to complete your provision stocks as you reach their cities. With provisions, they will also add a specialist to assist in the finding and excavating of the metal. Now, go and return with the metal, or not at all!" Vladimir said forcefully.
"Yes, sir!" The group chorused before filing out of the subway station, heading for the river and the flatboats.
4 June 2017, 1200 hours, near the impact site
Seven buffalo stood at the shore of a lake that was not there before, looking at the calm waters and the silt-splashed surroundings. Plant life, like grasses and such, had sent some shoots out, but the area around the lake was not nearly as lush as it is farther out. A small river made its way out of one end of the lake, through a channel that was much too big for it. Farther off, a hill which was easily several hundred feet high rose from the lake shore, with little plant life and a lot of erosion channels visible on the side they could see.
"Much magic here now. Very much under the lake, not so much under the hill, less on either side. Easy to feel, not easy to reach," Chief Twogogglehat proclaimed.
"Some in stream, too. Would be like panning for gold, collecting nuggets and dust," commented one of the cows, who had taken the name Cunning Stratagem, or 'Strat' for short.
"Yes. The gods brought the star metal here. Our test is getting to it and using it properly afterward," Twogogglehat replied.
"We could use some nuggets. Would help us focus our magics," said the other bull buffalo, lighter brown in color with a whitish face, who had chosen the name Paleface, or 'Paley'.
"Nuggets will help, but refined metal charms will be much better than a raw nugget," said Wakinya, the young white buffalo, who was undergoing training with the buffalo herd, having spent over a year with the ponies. "There are some nearby. Let me find some." He snuffled at the ground, searching for the meteor bits.
"Be careful with what you find, Wakinya," Twogogglehat cautioned. "There could be consequences."
"With a large lump, yes. A small nugget will not be any problem, so says the old crow," Wakinya said as he pawed in the mud near the creek, uncovering a small blackened stone small enough to fit snugly in his hoof. "Hmm. Interesting."
"What are you feeling, Wakinya?" Twogogglehat asked in the Sioux language.
"This is definitely a tiny piece of the star metal," the young white buffalo stated. "I can feel something, but I am not yet certain of what it is I am feeling. Give me some time to think and feel before I speak my mind."
All six buffalo bowed slightly to the little white one, even the Chief. "When you are ready to speak, we will listen."
"Please, go look for more. It will help my thinking," Wakinya said distantly, his mind more on the rock in his hoof than listening to anyone else. Silently, the buffalo scattered, looking and feeling for more pieces of meteorite.
4 June 2017, 1300 hours, HPI Headquarters, SOMEwhere in the United States
Ten people gathered in a meeting room, facing an eleventh at a podium. "You ten have been selected from a pool of volunteers to go out and collect samples of the meteor that fell two months ago. You will be setting out next week, on the eleventh. That will give all of you time to train on the newest variants of the exo-suits, with the man-portable thaumic shielding. Go out, get the samples, handle them very carefully, then beat fleet feet back here.
"You ten are relieved from your regular duties until one day after returning with the samples. Many of you have not been Outside since the thaumic arrival, and you'll need the training.
"Be sure to come back alive. We're short of manpower as it is. Your trainer will be here shortly with the first of the lessons. At least you get to go outside," the semi-big-shot said before hurrying out of the briefing room.
Two of the people waiting were the two techs who were on duty at the time of the impact. The man, Hamilton (Ham, to everyone, because he does enjoy canned (sp)ham, said to the woman, Judy, "At last, we get to see the world!"
"Ham, Kansas is not exactly a garden spot, unless you like tall corn and sunflowers. I should know, because I grew up in Wichita. Once I went to college, I never went back. I signed up to get out of this rabbit warren for a time, is all," she said in grumpy tones.
"While I want to get out and see someplace new. Has to be better than Las Cruces."
"What's worse than Las Cruces?"
"Being here for two years now," Ham said in a quick riposte.
"You have a point," Judy muttered as the trainer came in to start the lesson, overhead lights dimming and a projector lighting up. |
The Mississippi Voyager | Chapter 10: Company's Here, Ma! | Monday, 5 June 2017, not far from the impact site, northeast of the crater
Pa came out of the sturdy army-surplus tent into the bright morning light as the rooster announced the rising of the sun, taking a breath of the sweet, clean air before going to coax the fire to life from the banked coals of the night before. Near the tent, a small house was under construction, framed out with a thatched roof for now, but a stack of shingles waited under a tarp. Around the house site, five fields, a hundred feet on a side, with a small rock berm surrounding each field. The fields were blooming with a bountiful crop of corn, wheat, potatoes, and two fields of mixed vegetables.
Once the fire was going, Pa went to the well to draw up a bucket of water to make coffee. Several hens clucked contentedly from a small coop and run, chicks pecking at the ground. He got the coffeepot started before feeding the chickens and collecting eggs, after glaring at the rooster to keep away as he gathered eggs.
The two children, Pepper and J.J. (short for Julius Junior), came out of their tent, going to the well to wash up before going to help Pa with morning chores. It took a half-hour or so to get breakfast made, Ma waking up to get that started, porridge and omelets for each of them. After that, it was time for chores.
"Ma, you clean up around here before tending the chickens and the vegetable patches. Pepper, you and I are to work on the fields, and J.J. handles getting the house built. What are your estimates on completing it, J.J.?" Pa asked.
"A few more weeks, Pa," JJ said. "Tomorrow, we should plan on a run to Oskaloosa for more parts and wood. I think six inches of dirt in the outer walls should be enough insulation."
"Good thing your daddy is a fine builder, and you learned a lot from him. Think you can handle the roof and chimneys when it comes time?" Ma asked.
J.J. nodded, his mane and horn glistening in the morning sunlight. "I think so, the Good Lord willing. He's brought us this far, what with the Heaven Stones and our ability to use them properly," he said with sincerity.
"Yes, he has. Why we have not met anyone else yet, well, He has his reasons. Until such time, let us get our house together," Pa said before rising. "Let's get to work."
5 June 2017, 1000 hours, West Bottoms Pier
The Mississippi Voyager came to a gentle stop alongside the pier, Aaron making sure the bumpers were in place before getting the lines set and deploying the port side gangplank. Smoking Horn, Silverwing, Caleb and Landry waited pierside as the Voyager was made ready to receive them. Once all was set, Aaron showed the four to the Lounge, where Captain Crane, Chief Officer Crowne, and Doctor Van Hoosen awaited, with coffee and pastry.
After introductions, pleasantries, and the pouring of coffee, Smoking Horn got matters underway, preceding words with a cloud of cherry-vanilla smoke. "Heard from Twogogglehat last night. They arrived at the crater site, and found some small bits of the meteor. First impressions are that the meteor debris resonates with one's magic. Just how, Wakinya does not yet know. It has been less than a day, and he's still a kid," he reported.
"That he is," Captain Crane said after a bite of beignet. "Can we sail up the Kansas River to the crater site?"
"Much of the way, yes. You can sail to where the flood waters from the lake entered the Kansas River. The remaining distance, the river is too shallow. Hope your vehicles are off-road capable," Smoking Horn said through a smoke cloud.
"Two longbed four-by-fours, plus ponies who can drive them. Hopefully we'll have enough fuel to make at least a first-level analysis," Doctor Van Hoosen said.
"Here's hoping," Silverwing said after some coffee. Roscoe can make good coffee, but Jason makes great coffee, and won't tell how he does it..
"How is Jenny settling into the group?" Howard asked.
"Wonderfully," Caleb said, with Landry squeaking agreement. "She's teaching me how to do smithing. We've barely started, but her discipline is showing in just about everything she does."
Julia spoke up. "She's teaching you how to smith, but how are you going to refine the ore into iron that can be worked?"
"She's working on that," Smoking Horn said. "She's been talking with Maasvlakte on just how to do such a thing. She's never had to work from raw ore before."
"Did you go back to Leavenworth to find her tools?" Howard asked.
Smoking Horn nodded, a cloud of smoke coming from his ever-present briar. "We went up a week after you left. We did find her tools. We also found quite a bit of debris damage all throughout the town and fort. The Exchange and Commissary were both heavily damaged. When she saw the damage, she asked me to find out how to thank Raven properly for saving her life."
"What did the old crow say?" Frack asked as he entered the Lounge.
"I quote, 'Knew the jackass has some redeeming value!'" Smokey snorted, trying to hide a laugh. Nobody else did.
"What did she say about that?" Frack asked.
"Haven't told her. I did say that he is pleased she decided to express her thanks in such a way he could receive it, namely, through me," Smokey said before dipping and eating a beignet in his coffee. "Followed by that the ways of deities are truly unknowable to mortal beings, so don't try to figure it out until he calls you." Frack literally blew coffee out his nostrils at that last line. '
6 June 2017, 1300 hours, northeast of the crater lake
Twogogglehat, Wakinya, and the rest of the small herd stood atop a small hill, looking down at the tents, fields, shed, chicken run and partially built house. "This has to be new. This could not have survived the impact," Chief Twogogglehat said quietly in Lakota.
"If so, then where are they?" Strat asked.
"Don't know. They have not been gone long, and I'm sure they will be back by nightfall," Wakinya said as he looked at the fields. "Lots of magic here, and it's being guided. Lots of earth pony magic, and water creation magic keeping a well full of pure water. That much I can sense from here."
"Guided?" asked one of the other cows, a paler brown in color, named 'Cookie'.
Wakinya pointed to one of the fields with a hoof. "From what I feel, an earth pony worked the field, the stones picked up on what the earth pony was doing, and is maintaining the earth pony influences without needing the earth pony," he said before pointing at the low well. "Over there, the enchantment is to provide cool clean water, probably from a unicorn. I'm not positive, but that's what I feel."
"Looks like we should just wait until whoever lives here comes back, so we can have more questions answered," Twogogglehat rumbled. "Until then, I'm going to call Smoky and let him know what we found." He moved off a way to call his fellow shaman and speak unobserved.
After the report, which was done in Lakota, Smoking Horn went back to the Lounge, where ship crew and passengers were finishing up a very good lunch, courtesy of Jason. "So, ponies are living there, and have found some of the meteors. What do you think of the report, Doctor Laura?" Howard asked the astrogeologist.
"I'm intrigued," she said. "Apparently, the raw meteoric debris not only reacts strongly to magic, it's like the magic is 'programmable' to whoever first uses it. What I would like to know is, can said debris be 'reprogrammed', how much is needed to generate an effect, and what happens when the ore is put through a blast furnace, then a forge. Will it retain the magic-guiding properties, or will it fade in processing, leaving plain metal?"
"That makes this meteor the most valuable object on the planet," Smoking Horn said gravely, letting out a cloud of smoke that was not cherry-scented, but smoke-scented. Acrid smoke, too. "Can you say 'gold rush'?"
"More than that," Howard added, "ponies and non-ponies alike will beeline here. I'm worried about the dragons along the Ohio River. What will they do when they hear about the capabilities, and what can they do with it?"
"No doubt they will send some sort of expedition this way. Question being, how many, which way, and what will they do?" Frack asked, in his capacity as senior WSU rep on the scene. "We may have to uncork the unpleasant surprises, Captain."
"What sort of surprises, Frack?" Landry squeaked.
"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?"
"Point made, Frack," Landry said before enjoying a sip of cold Sprite. Excess caffeine made the breezie twitchy, so he avoided it except in the morning.
2030 hours, the camp by the crater
Ma and Pa pulled their faithful wagon stolidly into the camp, said wagon loaded with wood, screws, nails, several large buckets of spackle compound, and other pieces needed to build a house, care for chickens, and run their little farm. Pepper and J.J. followed, J.J. puffing some from the six-plus mile walk from town. He was a unicorn, not an earth pony like the others, and consequently has less stamina. J.J. helped his grandparents out of the wagon harness, leaving the wagon until later.
"Ma, you and Pepper gather dinner, J.J., you draw up some water from the well, and I'll get out the good gear. Company here soon," Pa said.
"You noticed them too, Pa," Ma said as she stretched some after being freed from the harness.
"Footprints all around the camp. They can't be far. They are not horses, like we are," Pa said, stretching as well.
"I'll get ready for them. Have not entertained guests since The Rapture," Ma said as she headed for the big tent.
"Hope we can do a good job at it," Pa grunted, pushing the wagon aside to make room near the fire.
Twenty minutes later, as the four were eating a substantial dinner, they could hear footsteps approaching and some talk, too low to make out. "That's not Cherokee," Pa said as he listened, after waving the grandchildren to silence.
"Nope. Up north, maybe. Is a language, but one I do not know," Ma replied quietly.
"J.J., build up the fire some. Pepper, get the lantern," Pa said. Quietly, they followed orders, J.J. putting another log on the fire while Pepper went to fetch a large work light they used for nighttime work.
Six large shapes came into view, and one little bright blur. "The language is Lakota Sioux, of which we all are. Who might you all be?" Chief Twogogglehat asked.
Pa took the lead. "I'm Parker Kettle, formerly of Medford, Oklahoma. Next to me is my wife, Marjorie, and then two of my grandchildren, Julius and Pepper. They're even less twinned than they were before The Rapture," he said genially, but with a guarded expression.
"I am Twogogglehat, chief and shaman of our tribe. We wander the plains, wintering in Kansas City with some other ponies like you," Twogogglehat told the earth pony before introducing the other six. "May we join you for some talk?"
"Enter and be made welcome," Pa said, allowing himself to smile some. "Can I offer you anything?"
"Can you spare a bucket of grain for each of us? Will be better than prairie grass and the occasional vegetable we have found," Twogogglehat asked.
"I can see to that. Would you like your corn still on the ear or off it?" Pa said as he glanced at Ma, who went to get some.
"On the ear will do, good sir," Wakinya said, startling everyone.
"You're older than you look, son," Pa said, looking at the little buffalo.
"Before, I was six. I Returned a year and a half ago, and was lucky to find a lot of good teachers before the Herd arrived. Now, the Chief is instructing me in the way of the buffalo. It's nice to meet new ponies," Wakinya said to the big black and green earth pony.
"Would you like to talk with Pepper and J.J.?" Pa asked.
"If I can have my corn and grain with them, yes," Wakinya said sincerely.
"Pepper, J.J., come and get little Wakingyou, and make sure he has a good dinner," Pa ordered.
"That's said 'Wa-kin-ya', sir. Wakinya Pejuda Mahpiya, to be completely accurate," Wakinya corrected gently.
Pa chuckled as he rubbed a forehoof gently against Wakinya's head. "I'll try to remember that, Wa-kin-ya. Now, go along with Pepper and J.J. They'll make sure you have a good dinner," he said like a grandfather would.
"Okay, sir!" Wakinya said brightly as he trotted off to the colt and filly.
Pa turned to look at the grown-ups. "Would you like some coffee, or will water do you?" he asked.
As Ma and Pa talked to the adults, Pepper and J.J. talked to, and looked after, Wakinya. After making sure the little buffalo had enough corn, wheat, and some other vegetables, the three started chatting.
"This corn and wheat are very good indeed, as is the water. Just how do you do it?" Wakinya asked after having some of the provided food and drink.
"The Heaven Stones are what's doing it," J.J. said. "They are responding to our desires and providing it. For instance, the fields are lined with stones. Ma, Pa and Pepper worked the fields and got the plants to grow quickly and pest-free. Apparently, the stones sensed what they were doing and kept the influences going."
"What about the well?" Wakinya asked.
"That came a little later. At the bottom of the well is a stone. I impressed on it our need for fresh, clean pure water, and it worked. The rocks on top are just for the well shape, not for the water," J.J. explained.
"How can you find the Heaven Stones?"
"They feel different, making my horn tingle. If they are small enough, I can pull them out of the ground. Bigger, and I have to dig for them. Plus, there is a lot of leftover dust in this entire area. That helps the stones somehow. Don't know how it works, but we can make it work. As Pa says, why question a gift from Heaven?" J.J. explained.
"The stones help us build a happy life here," Pepper said. "We're all happy, and we got to this point within a month. What's this about other horses in Kansas City?"
Wakinya eagerly told his story about the ponies of the Deliverance and of Kaycee between bites of sweet corn. When Twogogglehat and the other buffalo arrived in December, he told of his fascination of there being others like him. He also told about Raven, how he was being taught by 'the old crow', Smoking Horn and Twogogglehat on how to be a good shaman and leader.
At the grown-up's circle, Ma and Pa chatted with Twogogglehat and the others, telling a similar story and getting told of the greater world outside. "You're saying the Rapture was over two years ago, and we were given these bodies because our human bodies burn rapidly in the presence of magic. Is that correct?" Ma asked, sounding a touch skeptical, but not hostile.
"That is correct, Miz Kettle," Twogogglehat rumbled in as gentle a tone as he could muster. He explained about the types of ponies and not-ponies that had shown up, with the help of the other buffalo. "We bison are the stewards of the lands, like we were long ago before the arrival of the white men. All bison so far that have Returned were members of one tribe or another. We six were on a Greyhound bus that Returned last year going south on I-35 near Wichita. After Returning, we six were changed into bison. We were guided to Kansas City to meet with those there. The other survivors headed for Wichita."
"Why do you say 'survivors', Chief? Pa asked.
"Because the bus rolled over when the driver lost control. If it were not for Twogogglehat's ability to get in touch with Raven, I would have had a severely broken leg, and three others aboard would not have survived," said one of the cows, who went by the name of 'Snippy'. "Four did die, including the driver."
"You say deities of old have returned. Has God Himself shown up?" Ma asked.
"Not as far as we know, but the divine does not operate according to mortal's desires," Twogogglehat said. "However, we will have to get you a shortwave radio, so you can listen to Catholic services every Sunday morning at one am, with repeats every six hours on Sunday. It's being transmitted from the Netherlands."
"Who delivers the sermon?" Pa asked.
"I could not tell you, Mister Kettle. I have never met the two men whom I know deliver the services. Once we get in contact with Kansas City, you can speak to someone who does know the two men. One is a deacon from Florida, and the other a sexton from Nebraska. The sexton rescued Wakinya early last year. He calls the sexton and his wife his grandparents," Twogogglehat told the couple.
"Interesting. When can we expect more company?" Pa asked.
"I would say in two days, maybe even tomorrow late. That depends on if the riverboat can navigate up the Kansas River safely and swiftly," Paley told the pair. "None of us have done much sailing, so we can't say for sure until we try."
Pa put a couple of more pieces of wood onto the campfire. "Take all the time you need. Tell us more about this world, and who will be coming to meet us," he said, getting comfortable in the grass, the fire shielded from the grass by a ring of rocks and a ready five-gallon bucket from Home Depot full of water within reach.
6 June 2017 2130 hours, west of the junction of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers
Zvezda and Impedimenta got the crystal ball set rigged up before calling Vladimir. "Have made landfall, and all is being set. With five hundred miles to overland, it should take us eleven days or so to get within the crater's vicinity, maybe less, depending on the state of the roads," Zvezda reported to her superior.
"I knew we should have left a week ago, but the boats took a while to build properly. Did you get some wagons from Yuri and Nikolai?" Vladimir asked his subordinate, even though he was relatively certain of the answer.
"Yes, we did, Vladimir. What we do not know for sure is just how sturdy and effective they are. We'll know in the next few days," Zvezda reported. "Anything new on the news?"
"Not since you left. The second riverboat is under way, heading first to Memphis. With luck, they won't find the flatboats."
"No luck needed, Vladimir. We disassembled them and hid the lumber away from the river, then erased our trail from the river. The ponies will not find anything," Zvezda said with confidence.
"Good. Give me a call in a couple of days with a progress report," Vladimir commanded.
"Will do, Vladimir. Zvezda out."
6 June 2017, 2230, HPI main base (wherever that is)
Ham and Judy sat in a lounge, sipping some carefully rationed home-made 'white lightning' with cherry powdered fruit drink mix blended in to give it some flavor and not sear their throats. "We leave early in the morning on the eighteenth. I know we'll be ready. What do you think, Judy?" Ham asked.
"For a chance to get out of here and see some real daylight for once? You bet I'll be ready!" Judy said after a sip of cherry lightning. "At least the research staff finally puzzled out Lexington's notes enough to make some lighter-weight anti-thaumatological suits, with enough power to look around some before the batteries need a recharge. Still need an exoskeleton, but none of the hazmat gear."
"The older power suits, no thank you! Those things, you had to lug a reactor with you just to get out of the plane! I tried one once and could barely breathe in it," Ham said before having a shot, followed by a rough cough. "When was this stuff made? Last Tuesday?"
"The Tuesday before. I have some real gin left in my sixteenth (what the lower level staff jokingly referred to their cramped quarters as), but that's for when we come back," Judy told her workmate.
"I'll hold you to that. I know I have some liquor-laced chocolates left in the back of my locker. I'll let you pick a couple for a shot of gin. Deal?" Ham asked.
"You're on!" Judy laughed, knocking back some more of her drink.
6 June 2017, 2300 hours, a cave complex southwest of Branson, Missouri
Lex and Amelia sat at a table, watching a line of mice bringing pieces of stone out of one hole and bucket-brigading the pieces to another hole, one they knew was very deep. "They're very eager to get down another level in the cavern," Amelia observed, sipping some water, which this cavern had in more than adequate amounts.
"They're worried. We're going to have people pass by in the next however long, and they want another layer between them and any possible company," Lex said. "At least they are responding well to Joshua's presence."
"Seeing as the mice were the ones who led Joshua here three months ago, I'm not surprised. The Gen Five mice are better than the Fours," Amelia replied, referring to a diamond dog that had lived in the area, and was brought to the caverns to 'help the big ones' move in. The big dog was not only an exceptionally good digger, he also had the curiosity of a chunk of sandstone. He was just glad to be around others, even if they were smaller than him and were covered in gray or brown fur. He also liked the mice as friends. Joshua had grown up in the area, and knew the best places to find needed goods in the Ozarks. "We just need more of the Fives."
"Radio says that the WSU and Louisianne are sending an expedition out to the meteor strike. I have not heard anything on the HPI frequencies about it, other than something's planned," Lex said with a snort. "I wonder if they will fall for the bait we left at the silo."
"If an airship passes within fifty miles, the beacon will activate. We've left enough evidence to confirm our deaths, plus they will just love your notes."
Lex smiled at his friend and aide. "Now that we don't need the thaumic shielding, I can still think about how to make what we had better. At least they don't know about the mice yet. By the time they do, they won't be able to do anything about them. They will be too established."
"Gotta admire your confidence, Lex. About ready for bed?" Amelia asked.
"Sounds like a plan to me. Joshua and the mice know when they've had enough. We don't need to lord over them all of the time," Lex said with a yawn.
"Just some of the time." |
The Mississippi Voyager | Chapter 11: Mass Race To The Quater | 8 June 2017, 0800, SE of the junction of the Delaware and Kansas Rivers, Lecompton, KS
Captain Crane carefully maneuvered the Mississippi Voyager so the bow gangplank was lined up to the remains of the boat ramp that went into the Kansas River there, just downstream of the wreckage of the FR 1029 bridge. The Kansas River bed showed signs of a severe flood from just a little upstream of where they were all the way downstream to Kansas City. Bridges down, banks eroded, a lot of uprooted trees that had drifted downstream to the Missouri River, which had made the return trip to New Orleans back in April dicier than usual.
Once the bow was lined up, Howard activated the winches for the bow gangplank, which slowly rose up, then down, settling with a BONG against the boat ramp's remaining asphalt. He shut down the engines and dropped the anchors, holding the converted barge in position so the scientist's gear could be unloaded. Looking out the control room window, he could see his deck crew, with the assistance of the science team and a couple of KC folk who came along for the ride, getting Bays One and Two open, ready to get the vehicles and gear out.
Looking more down, he could see the Flight Team members getting ready to head out, they being Frack and Bernie from his own crew, Silverwing the pegasus and Cloudseeker the griffon from Kaycee, and the griffon from the survey team, Jimmy Joe Farris, a chemical engineering student before the Event, now a cross between a kestrel forward and a tiger aft. Howard opened a window to hear Doctor Laura's instructions.
"Now, call in your observations, map out what roads to take, then and only then will you make contact. Silverwing, you let Twogogglehat know we're here and let him be the one to tell you when to land. We don't want to offend the residents," the yellow and red unicorn counseled the team.
Frack tapped a hoof, irritated by Laura's ultra-cautious manner. He had not liked it since they left New Orleans the month before. "Doctor, if you don't mind, we've been over this so many times already, it's been engraved on my synapses! Now, unless you want to get caught in the suction of our takeoff, get under cover and let us get to work!" he snapped, trying his best not to go Gunny on her.
Bernie just gave Laura a fang-filled malicious smile as she tapped Frack with a wing. She was trying to restrain her temper as well. "Shall we start soaring to see strangers?" she hissed, enhancing the sibilants as she gave Laura a Glare that would register a six on the Lunar Light Intensity Scale. She hadn't got along with the astrogeologist, either. The other three put Frack and Bernie between themselves and the unicorn.
For all of Laura's skill in geology and science, one thing she lacked was 'people skills'. Frack and Bernie had their desired effect on her, that being to intimidate the unicorn into silence. She just turned and went into the Lounge. "Nicely done, Frack. Now, get a move on. Wasting daylight!" Howard called down to the group.
The five fliers looked up at the Captain. "Will do, Skipper! Call you when we get there!" Frack called up before telling the others, "Let's take wing!" The fivesome took off, following FR 1209 northbound.
The rest of the science team, along with several members of the ship's crew, managed to get first the number-one truck and trailer, then the number-two set, out of the forward cans, linked, and parked on the boat ramp, ready to go. By then, the flight team had made it to the target, Frack giving a description of the wreckage to the west, but fortunately the roads to the east were passable enough to get to the destination, definitely getting the attention of the Kettles as they circled the compound before landing.
"I know you said there were ponies that could fly. Up until now, I didn't believe you. I apologize for wronging you in my mind," Pa said humbly to Chief Twogogglehat.
"Not to worry, Mister Kettle," Twogogglehat rumbled. "There are many more marvels to be seen, and I'm not just talking about the various species of ponies and others."
"I look forward to seeing them," Pa said as the five touched down close to where he stood.
Frack took the lead, as had been agreed upon. "Hey, Chief! Who's your friend?" he called out as the fliers walked up to the huge buffalo.
After introductions all around, Frack got right to business. "One thing we need to establish is just how much land are you going to claim out here? Once your boundaries are established, we can start working on what to do with the meteor metal."
"You mean the Heaven Stones, right?" Pa asked. At Frack's nod, Pa went on. "Linn Road to the west, US 59 to the east, 39th Street to the south, 54th street to the north. Inside those boundaries, I claim exclusivity for me and mine. Outside, it's as God wills, not I."
Frack blinked in surprise at the swift outlining of borders. "You seem to be a very determined pony, Mister Kettle. I am authorized to say that the World Seafarer's Union AND the Kingdom of Louisianne will recognize those boundaries," he said before sighing. "Here's hoping others will respect them as well."
Silverwing stepped forward then. "The Kansas City Sioux Nation will also recognize your stated boundaries, Mister Kettle, as well as pledging assistance in your future plans," she said.
"The Chief has already assured me of that, and I believe him. Now, what is it that all of you want from around here? The Heaven Stones?" Pa asked.
"We would also like to establish friendship ties with you and yours, Mister Kettle," Silverwing said. "Seeing as you are close neighbors, let's see how we can help each other."
"What she said," Frack said, pointing a wing at Silverwing.
"I think we can come up with something to trade," Pa said. "Shall we go inside and talk about it?"
"With your permission, I would like to take my herd north then west," Twogogglehat rumbled. "We want to see what other damage has been done, and what will be needed to restore matters to rights."
Pa nodded, agreeing with the big buffalo's ideas. "You go right on ahead, Chief. Know that you and yours will always be welcome on Kettle lands. May it not rain too hard on your inspection," he told the Chief.
"Rain we like. Storms, not so much. We'll be back in a few days. May the Great Spirit watch over you and yours," the Chief said before taking his leave, the other buffalo falling in line, including Wakinya, who quickly said good-bye to JJ and Pepper before hurrying to catch up with the herd.
"And may the Good Lord watch over you as well," Pa Kettle said as he watched the seven buffalo head north.
Within an hour, the two trucks arrived, with the rest of the science staff and two of the ship's crew, they being Captain Crane and Crewman Tereshkov. While the science staff got set up, the crew sat with the Kettles, including Frack and Bernie. First order of business was the first gift, a large well-made shortwave radio, with equine-friendly controls. With a little tuning, WSU Radio was soon heard, along with DJ WSU.
"So this is the organization you work for?" Pa asked after listening to the hourly news bulletin.
Captain Crane handled the reply. "Engineers Frack and Bernie do, along with my Third Officer. The rest of us, and the boat, work for the Kingdom of Louisianne and Queen Marie Laveau. Don't worry, the Queen has no interest in taking anything of yours, Mister Kettle. She has her territory."
"Same with the World Seafarer's Union," Frack added. "If you want to join up with the WSU, they will listen. But, in no way will they force themselves upon you. It's not how they operate."
"Three colonies have joined with the WSU, in Kansas City, Saint Louis and Memphis. A fourth, Natchez, has the option to, but does not have to decide until next March," Bernie added. "Each colony gives what they can to the WSU in exchange for trade and commerce with the outside world."
"For instance, Kansas City has specialized in the making of potions of all sorts, mainly healing, but a plethora of others are available," Captain Crane said to the listening ponies, who admittedly looked a little incredulous at the mention of the word 'potions'.
"What sort of potions are you talking about?" Ma asked.
"Primarily healing, but antitoxins, antibiotics, strength adders, speed adders, and some other types are available as well. We will leave some healing potions and a first aid kit with you, one our ship's doctor assembled just this morning," Howard told the family.
"Another gift for you are manuals we have put together, detailing what each of the pony subspecies can do, and providing basic instructions on how to best utilize your capabilities. It looks like you have figured out the basics already," Aaron said as he took three large binders out of his pack and set them down in front of the family. "Red cover is for unicorns, green for Earth ponies, and blue explains about pegasi."
"You folk are bending over backwards in your efforts to show kindness to us," Pa said slowly. "We notice that and just want you all to know that within our borders, I reign supreme. Outside the lands I have outlined, do as you will. Getting started here is okay, I just expect the survey teams to go elsewhere to excavate the Heaven Stones. Camping here will be just fine, too. Can we ask for some help getting the house built? We do what we can, but it's a lot for the four of us."
"How about after lunch?" Howard suggested. "Aaron was brought along just for that purpose, while my Second and Third officers will fly here after watch change to pitch in and help."
"Do you mind if I inspect the goods you have here, Mister Kettle?" Aaron asked. "Ever since I Returned, I've done a lot of construction work. I would like to know what you have and what you have done, so I can pick up from there."
"I'll show you around, Mister Aaron!" JJ said. "I learned a lot from my dad, but doing it all pretty much by myself is a challenge!"
Aaron stood up. "Time's a-wasting! Let's get started!" Together, the diamond dog and unicorn got up and headed towards the partially-built house.
9 June 2017, 2000 hours, outside of Mansfield, Missouri
Zvezda and Impedimenta set up the crystal ball comm link while camp was being set for the night. Once the link was set up and Vladimir appeared in the crystal, Zvezda made her report, which ended with, "I have to thank you once again for your suggestion to follow the roads here. We're making better progress than I hoped."
"Zvezda, there's a reason why you're my number two, and that's because you listen to suggestions. I know I'm not always right, and you know that you are the same. Live and learn, right?" Vladimir said to his second-in-command.
"Unlike another we both know, who tends to forget to think about consequences. Why did you put him with Coronavirus?" Zvezda asked.
"Because all the others who had the capability turned down working with Casimir. Then again, Corona's not the brightest flame in the fire, either. At least they have sent me my tithe, and it exceeded my expectations. The stuff he sent is excellent!" Vladimir replied, holding up a pawful of jewelry that had arrived from Saint Louis two days before.
"After the browbeating you gave him a couple of months ago, I'm just glad he's finally seeing the light. Thanks again for allowing my little brother to come along."
"How much longer before you get to the impact site?" Vladimir asked.
"I'm going to say fourteen days, but should arrive before that. I'm allowing for downed bridges and other unknowable difficulties, plus bad weather. Let's see what happens," Zvezda said frankly to her boss.
"Good point. Bad weather's bound to hit sometime before you get there. Plus, storms can happen suddenly out that way, or so I'm informed. Just watch your tail out there and help the team when they need it. I want some of that star metal!" Vladimir said firmly, but not crossly.
"Will do, Vlad. Ending call now. Will call in a few days. Zvezda out."
After hanging up, Impedimenta said to her boss, "Good thing we caught him in a good mood. Now to keep him that way."
"You got that so right, Impedimenta."
9 June 2017, 2230 hours, HPI HQ (somewhere to the east, where is a secret)
Ham and Judy sat across from each other in Ham's sixteenth (as they called their rather cramped quarters, after all, what is a quarter of a quarter?), an open bottle of pink lightning (vintage 23rd of May, 2017) and two glasses on the fold down table between them, their exosuit manuals turned to the same page, ostensibly studying, but actually killing time before curfew.
"I can't believe the routing they have planned, cutting way south and west before following the meteor track up to the impact site," Judy complained, pouring the last part of the half-liter bottle's contents into the two glasses.
"Using the slow shielded ship, too," Ham joined in as he watched the grapefruit-flavored alcohol drip out of the bottle into her glass. "More time cramped into even tighter quarters before some freedom to walk about."
"Just makes it all the better when we do get out," Judy responded before sipping her drink and grimacing. "Did you have to get the grapefruit flavor?"
"That's what was left in stock, unless you wanted the strawberry and caraway seed flavor," Ham said, wincing at the thought of the flavor that just plain didn't work. Not even aging helped.
"Point made."
Ham raised his glass. "To a decent flight and a better time when we do get out of this rabbit hole."
"I'll drink to that," Judy said as she tapped her cup to his before consuming the contents.
"The way most people are getting here, they'll drink to anything!" Ham said after downing his 'grapefruit juice'. He wasn't kidding. Many of the junior personnel were indeed turning to home-brewed alcohol to deal with the stress of living under the shield. The senior staff has implemented controls, which seem to be working, for the moment. |
The Mississippi Voyager | Chapter 12: Raise Leg, Ready Shoe for Dropping... | Friday, 23 June 2017, 0700 hours, Kettle Kompound, north of Lecompton, KS
Parker (Pa) Kettle looked out the kitchen window of the sturdy house his family and the Visitors had finished two days before. He had to hoof it to the Visitors, they kept their word, and the house was indeed much better than his family could do on their own.
In his field of view were the access doors to the combined food storage complex and storm shelter Captain Crane had insisted they build for the family. Pa didn't argue too hard, especially after he learned ways to manipulate dirt and rock as well as influencing plants, not to mention the couple of times in the past two weeks that storms came close enough to warrant getting everypony in the shelter.
Pa sighed, content at how matters had proceeded in the last couple of weeks. He built up the fire in the fireplace and set a pot of water on to boil for coffee. Ma came into the kitchen as Pa filled some more pots with water. "Let me handle that, Pa. Forty-six years together and the best thing you can cook is cereal!" she said with a nuzzle and a laugh.
Pa returned the nuzzle and backed away from the fire. "As you say, Ma. I earned the daily bread, you bake it proper!"
"That I do!" Ma laughed as she prepared the breakfast porridge before breaking out a loaf of bread to cut into slices for toast. "Want to check for some eggs? A dozen if you can, eight at the least."
"I'll see what I can get, Ma" Pa said as he picked up a grocery store basket in his mouth and went to the chicken coop. When he stepped out, he could see the scientist's encampment on the north side of 46th Street. Both trucks were gone, but the tents and trailers remained. They may be a little standoffish, but they were good neighbors. They would come over every Sunday afternoon, regular as clockwork, to sit with the family, do Bible study, teach some about current affairs, and help with the Sunday dinner. Some of the crew of the Voyager would also come up, with choice delicacies from their kitchen.
With the science team gone, that could only mean they were up at the blast furnace they had set up further north, off the borders Pa had laid out. Finding Heaven Stones was comparatively simple near the crater, its own mana field rendering them obvious to anyone with their own mana fields. Doctor van Hoosen insisted on setting up the blast furnace far away from the camp, in case of 'unforeseen consequences'. Pa appreciated her foresight. He did find a dozen good-sized eggs, putting them into the basket to bring inside for breakfast. The hens raised a little ruckus, but a stern glare from the big earth pony quickly stifled their complaints.
23 June 2017, 1300 hours, the blast furnace
Doctor Laura van Hoosen stood back from the blast furnace they had spent the past ten days building and letting the concrete set before lighting the fire. Two of her crew worked the bellows, one watched the fuel and the diamond dog, Hugh Thompson, a former steel mill worker, kept an eye on the temperature. When the furnace was warmed up enough, Doctor Laura lifted a bucket of meteor ore and flux and put it into the blast furnace, followed by charcoal. She did that six times before Hugh waved for her to stop. "It should be working now," he called out from where he was standing. "Right now, we want to see if it can be done!"
"Right, Hugh!" Laura shouted. Hugh was the only being on her team that had actually worked from raw ore to refined product, so she deferred to him when working the ore and furnace. Like it or not.
After some time, Hugh opened the drain section, to let the slag slip out and puddle on the ground. He then put on a heavy set of gloves, took a long set of tongs and extracted the 'purified' ore from the bottom of the furnace. It took both Hugh and Laura to clean off the remaining slag to find the small ingot of pig iron. Laura inspected the ingot.
"I don't like the look of this," she muttered, just loud enough for Hugh to hear.
"Something wrong?" Hugh asked as the rest of the team came around to look.
"Yes. The magic is less intense now than it was when it was raw ore. It looks like I will be spending some time tonight online with the Maasvlakte Library and the Royal Archives in Baton Rouge. I want to see if there was anything we did wrong, and what other processes we can use to try again tomorrow. Not like any of us has really done this before, right?" she asked of her team, putting the 'refined' chunk down.
"Think there is enough there fo' me to whack off a chunk an' do some chemical tests on it, Doc?" the group's chemist, the griffon named Jimmy Joe Farris, asked.
"There should be. Let me see if I can cleave a chunk off, and I can let you fiddle to your heart's content," Laura replied. "Just be sure to take careful notes. The only difference between doing science and screwing around is writing everything down!"
"Yes, Doc. Shall we head back?" Jimmy Joe asked.
"Might as well. Let's inspect the furnace, to make sure it's shut off properly. It won't be good to come here tomorrow and find that it broke in the night, right?" Laura cautioned.
"Point made, Doc," said a red and pink earth pony mare who did a lot of the driving and heavy work, Sally Rodgers. Together, the six inspected the furnace before leaving. Satisfied that all was proper, they headed back to camp.
Sunday, 25 June 2017, 0700 hours, Kettle Kompound, Lecompton, KS
This Sunday dawned to cloudy, rainy skies with the occasional distant flash of thunder. Yesterday was similar, wet enough to have the furnace team take the weekend off to rest, recreate, and help out the Kettles around the farm. Doctor van Hoosen moved to the Voyager so she could research in the dry, exchanging information with Maasvlakte and Baton Rouge, trying to make sense of matters. Why did the ore LOSE magic potential after being refined? So far, nobody could figure out why.
The Kettles, after waking early enough to listen to the sermon rerun on WSU Radio, fixed a big enough breakfast to allow those of the research team who wanted any to join in before hosting their usual Sunday Bible study. The two team members who declined the study decided to sack out, listening to music from their laptops, their little generator chugging away to provide power.
Aboard the Voyager, Sunday routine was being observed, meaning it was essentially a day off for all but one watchstander at a time, monitoring the bridge controls with half-hourly walks to check the generators. Of the rest of the crew, four were playing bridge in a corner of the Lounge (Frack and Bernie versus Carroll and Harry), Howard, Julia and Lucien played gin in another corner, Doctor van Hoosen in her cabin doing research, Arnie and Jason both napping in their cabins, while Aaron had the watch.
About 0900, Aaron walked into the Lounge and walked directly to the Captain's table. "Captain, I'm picking up something unusual on the radar, coming up from the southeast. I can't tell what they are. Can you come up and look?" he asked in a low voice, so as not to disturb the others.
Howard looked at Julia and Lucien, who put down their cards. "For all I know, there should not be anything on the radar, other than weather," Howard said as he stood up.
"Storm cells, I know what they look like on radar. This is more distinct blips, one large and some smaller, coming out of the southeast. The wind is out of the southwest," Aaron reported.
"What's the range?" Julia asked as the foursome made their way to the bridge.
"Extreme. The contacts are definitely there. I trained the antenna like I have been taught to increase resolution. Distinct contacts," Aaron said as they entered the bridge.
Julia went to the navigation radar while Howard went to the fire-control console, powering up the radar at that console, which had more power than the navigation radar. "I have three targets, bearing one-three-nine, range five miles," Julia reported.
"I have a similar reading here, First. One target is much larger than the other two. What's your estimate of closing rate?" Howard asked, Lucien looking over his shoulder.
"Very slow. It's like the aerial targets are circling something. It's lucky we're getting anything at all in this rain," Julia said as Aaron went to the chart table.
"That places the targets over I-70, west of Lawrence," Aaron reported.
"Thank you, Mister Tereshkov," Howard said, stepping back from fire control. "Julia, maintain a radar watch. Lucien, with me. We have some phone calls to make."
"Aye, Captain. Alert the crew?" Julia asked.
"Not yet. Let me find out some information from our sources. Alert me if the range closes to three miles or less."
"Right, Captain."
Howard first rang up Kansas City while Lucien got in touch with Saint Louis via gemstone. After both sites reported that they had nothing at all in the area, Howard called Memphis while Lucien got in touch with Baton Rouge. "Stella, do you have a train running yet?" Howard asked when he got connected to the Mayor of Memphis.
"Yes, we do, but we're heading southeast from Memphis for now. Tucker has the pilot engine and a crew out checking trackage. We're seeing if we can get to Mobile or Pensacola and back. WSU tasking, as an alternate to New Orleans," Stella told the Captain. "Next month, we'll head north to Saint Louis."
"Okay, then. It's not you near the train tracks outside Lawrence. I needed to tick that box off. Thank you, Stella, and we'll call again later. Looks like we're having trouble coming to our door. Voyager out," Howard said before hanging up.
"Ivan says the dragon in Saint Louis is being a very good boy, as is his unicorn aide. Colonel Forest also says he has nothing coming up this way, while the Ranger's last reported position is a day out of Memphis, heading to Saint Louis," Lucien reported when Howard looked his way.
"Okay, then. Looks like something's afoot, then," Howard mused.
"The butler couldn't do it! He's dead!" Lucien riposted. Howard just gave a mock-hateful glare at his ship's doctor. Both shared a joy of old musicals, and they had watched 'Something's Afoot' more than once in the past few weeks.
Howard leaned out of the dayroom into the bridge. "Any motion?" he asked.
"The big blip got to within four and a half miles before turning back to its original position. Other than that, nothing else," the First Officer replied.
"Okay, then. It's time for action. Aaron, roust up Arnie and Jason, then head for the lounge. Time to figure out our next step," Howard commanded.
"Okay, Captain. I'll check the generators before reporting to the lounge. They're about due," the big diamond dog said before heading down the upper level causeway, to wake the sleepers-in.
Sunday, 25 June 2017, 1000 hours, west of Lawrence, KS.
Zvezda gathered her command staff outside the encampment, Genghis the ground commander and her exec, Impedimentia, the unicorn leader and her aide, and her water force leader, who went by the name of Gar. A tough name for a rather innocuous-looking hippogriff, but her determination cannot be faulted. The two members of Gar's crew knew not to cross her. There were once three, but one lost an argument crossing Missouri.
"Yes, storms have slowed us down getting here, but now we ARE here. Today's the day we go in, grab what we can, and run, making sure no one is capable of following us," Zvezda led off with."Impedimentia, you can feel the presence of the meteoric ore, right?"
The shaggy gray unicorn mare nodded. "Yes, I can feel it, but no point sources yet. It's like what's here is dust, enough to make its presence known, but not enough to have any real change, unless you get enough gathered. Up that way is a stronger source, like seeing a spotlight from the side instead of being in the beam," she explained.
"I'm aware of its presence, too," the big red and black dragon said. "Gar, your job is to take your team, swim upriver, and disable the riverboat. You have breaching charges, so crack that riverboat's hull!"
"Can be done, Zvezda," the gray and orange hippogriff told her boss with a cheerful tone. Gar just loved wrecking things as well as ponies. No one knew what she did before, but handling explosives and hand and hoof fighting came easily for the small hippogriff.
Zvezda nodded, having taken a shine to the hippogriff, only tempered by her killing of the only male hippogriff on the team with a well-aimed hoof to his neck. "You take your team now, get in position, and watch them. We'll signal when we're close enough to begin operations."
"Right, Zvezda!" Gar said with a smile, getting up and trotting off to her team, getting them to put their gear on and setting out.
Zvezda then looked at Genghis. "Your combat troops ready to go?" she asked.
"Yes. We managed to get enough rest these past few days to set up for the attack today. I will depend on you and the air contingent to give us good steers to where the opposition is. It's obvious there was a big flood recently. We'll need to know where it is safe to ford the river," the big black earth pony stallion reported. "Plus, we need to know where the opposition is. Take them out, and we can take our time. Just where is the settlement, and where is it in relation to the crater? We need good intelligence on that."
"I'll make sure you get it," Zvezda assured her ground commander. She is leading the air wing, which consists of herself and two pegasi, armed with radios and GoPro cameras. "How is our artillery?"
"The two cannon we have are still in good enough condition to fire. We have twenty rounds for each, and two short-range rockets and launchers. Once we know where they are, we can find a place to set up no more than a half mile away," Genghis reported.
"Good. We can use the rain and clouds to shield our approach. They don't know we're here, and I intend to keep it that way."
Overhead, nipping in and out of the clouds, Frack and Harry observed the campsite down below. "Damn, that's a big dragon! I thought Casimir was big, but this one..." Frack said into his radio.
"Got that right, One. There's a group of three heading for the river, with what looks like a heavy load. I'll follow them, you call the chief, okay?" Harry said as he broke formation with Frack to follow the movement on the ground.
"Got it, Two," Frack said before changing channels. "Recon Viper One to Chief Miller. Report position."
"We are at the corner of Seventh Street and Jones, in the woods. What are they up to?" Chief Twogogglehat asked.
"Looks like they are in a planning session, but a team of three are heading for the river. Suggest you remain in that position. If their ground forces stay on the roads, you are in a prime position to intercept. They do have artillery. Have fun with it," Frack said bluntly, which meant he was not joking.
"Lawyer Buffalo copies, Recon Viper One."
Meanwhile, nearer to the river, Harry flew just under the cloud layer, nipping up when one of the three hippogriffs looked up. His natural gray color helped him blend in with the clouds. "Recon Viper Two to Galactica. Ready river defenses. Team of three heading to the river. I don't think it's the Welcome Wagon."
"Galactica copies, Recon Viper Two. Going to ready river offenses, too, just in case. Keep in touch with the Colonel," Howard said into the radio.
"Recon Viper Two."
Howard turned to look at his First Officer. "Julia, rotate the ship so it is port side to. Ready fire control for the forward packages. I'm going out to deploy the anti-sub net," he said, in tones that conveyed he was not happy with the decision, but could not think of anything better.
"Will do, Captain. Retrieving forward gangplank before raising anchors." |
The Mississippi Voyager | Chapter 13: The Battle of Lecompton, Phase One | Sunday, 25 June 2017, 1330 hours, Kansas River, Lecompton, KS
Captain Crane stood on the bridge of the Mississippi Voyager, looking downstream. He could see the floaters holding each course of the anti-sub nets in his ocular, the red ones being the furthest away at half a mile downstream, the yellow ones two hundred yards closer, and the blue ones another two hundred yards upstream of the yellow ones. With him on the bridge were his First Officer, Julia Crowne, and his ship's doctor, Lucien Macombe. Julia was at the fire control panel, Lucien just standing back, ready to handle communications over the crystal net.
As for the rest of his crew, Aaron Tereshkov was in the forward fire control space, the two machine guns and grenade launchers slaved to his control. Arnie Van Dyke, the second engineer, was on the bridge roof, in the operator's station there for the machine guns and grenade launcher there. The two pegasi, Chief Engineer Frack and Third Officer Bell, were in the Lounge with the cook, Jason McTerry, acting as Damage Control. The last two, Second Officer Milsap (Recon Viper Three) and Welder Bernie (Recon Viper Four) were circling, nipping below the clouds to get an eye on the approaching forces, Carroll watching the river while Bernie trailed the artillery.
"Recon Viper Four to Buffalo Leader. Artillery wagons are coming around the turn from the twenty-fifty road to Jones Street. I can see two cannon and two wagon loads of rounds, plus another wagon with something under a tarp. Be ready!" Bernie called on the buffalo frequency.
"Buffalo Leader copies. Buffalo herd is placed. Once they stop and set up, we go," Chief Twogogglehat said quietly.
"Copy that. Recon Viper Four maintaining overwatch."
"Viper Three to Galactica. Invading force approaching Stone Horse Creek. Will be rounding the bend soon. Estimate ten minutes before contacting outer defense," Carroll called in from her position.
"Galactica copies, Viper Three. Going to Alert Status One, activating all weapons. Stay high to keep out of the line of fire," Howard told his Second as Julia activated all weapons, including the forward surprise packages.
"Viper Four, can you give me a visual of the enemy encampment? Ah want to know if they is readying another wave to come after us or not," Lucien sent via crystal to Bernie.
"On my way, Colonel. Getting good reception?" Bernie thought as she swung east.
"Oh, yes. Look over at the camp, please." When Bernie did, Lucien whistled. "Damn, that's a big dragon! Wait, what the?" he exclaimed as a pony lifted off from the camp and made its way towards the artillery group.
"Must be a spotter. I'm after it!" Bernie sent as she nipped up into the cloud cover, closing distance to the rising pony.
Meanwhile, at the invader's encampment...
Zvezda sprawled on the ground, focusing her magic on both the river force and the artillery force, with Impedimenta as a magical focusing agent. Part of her attention was fixed on Gar, who was in the Kansas River with her team, heading upstream. Another part of her attention was fixed on her artillery commander, a rather ratty-looking white unicorn stallion who went by the name of Long Tom, who had a cutie mark of an old-style cannon firing a cannonball. His thoughts were a scrambled mess, but when it comes to artillery, no pony in her troop was better.
A small part of her attention was focused on her spotter, a black and gray pegasus mare who went by the name of Long Eyes. She had excellent long vision, for sure. Her close-in vision, not so much. On the ground, her mate, an earth pony mare who went by the name of Veggie Stew, one of the camp cooks, was her constant companion. Stew's fur color was a brilliant pink, with an international orange mane and tail visible from a long way off. Must be why they became such close friends.
Zvezda admittedly found it difficult to split her attention four ways, but it was decided that doing so rendered the communications unjammable, and she could be the coordinator. It was hoped that this would be the max split time, after reducing the riverboat, she could let Genghis run the mopping up.
At the moment, much of her attention was on Long Eyes, because she needed the approximate distance from the riverboat to the artillery battery, for the most accurate gauging of how to set off the cannons and the rockets. As Long Tom had told her, 'give me a range and I'll drop on target in the minimum possible time'. Zvezda believed him. He may be certifiably insane, but he knew his artillery, as well as his black powder making. Zvezda trusted all her subordinate commanders, well, as far as an old dragon would trust any pony.
Zvezda was locked in with Long Eyes, judging the distance between the battery and the riverboat, when suddenly, contact was lost with Long Eyes, like the pegasus had passed out. Quickly, Zvezda had Long Tom look around for the pegasus, but he did not see anything. He did hear a crashing sound in a copse of trees to the east of the battery site, but did not see anything. "Long Tom! Set up and commence firing! Gar, attack! Long Eyes is down!" she sent to all her outlying troop commanders. Impedimenta, being the relay, heard the orders and flagged down Genghis, telling him to get the ground force ready for attack while Zvezda hissed, flailing her head in rage.
In the air, Bernie lined herself up above and behind the pegasus, silently closing on the mare until, at point-blank range, she let out a stunning shriek, right at the pegasus' head. Long Eyes spasmed, muscles tightening, before relaxing, unconscious. Quickly, Bernie grabbed the falling pegasus and guided her to a safe landing in a small clearing. "Viper Four to Galactica, spotter is down! Free the buffalo herd!" she 'said' to Lucien.
"Sounds lakh a plan, Foah! Alertin' the Commander!" Lucien replied via crystal, then did so by voice.
"Galactica to Buffalo Force. Stampede, stampede!" Howard said into the microphone.
"Understand stampede. Executing," Twogogglehat said before turning to Wakinya. "Follow behind. Tend the wounded. Let us destroy," he told the child, in Lakota.
"Yes, Chief. I follow. I will tend the wounded," Wakinya replied in the same language.
Twogogglehat stamped his right forehoof three times. "CHARGE!" he bellowed, leading the way to the small wagon train, which was being broken down to set up the cannons.
The sound of six sets of buffalo hooves caught the attention of the artillery crew. The four earth ponies and three unicorns could only stare in disbelief as the six buffalo came charging up the road, getting bigger faster than anyone could believe, their pupils constricting. "Oh, shit..." Long Tom mumbled, watching the buffalo close in, ignoring Zvezda's shouting in his head to move!
The six buffalo tore through the wagons, scattering powder, shot, cannon, and the two New Light Anti-tank Weapon rockets, which got stepped on numerous times. The ponies were bowled over and knocked aside, but not trampled. The buffalo wanted to destroy the weapons, not the ponies.
The buffalo herd blew through the wagons and continued up the road, turning right to veer into woods about two hundred yards away. Wakinya slowly trotted up to the scene, going to each pony and looking before moving on, nopony needing any healing. He kept on going, turning into the same patch of woods the other buffalo went. In passing, he did kick the wheel of the one remaining upright cannon, splintering the wheel. Once the cannon fell, the calf pissed on the smashed wheel before moving on.
"Long Tom, report status! How long before you start bombardment?!" Zvezda shouted through the telepathic link.
"You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd, you can't roller skate in a buffalo herd, y'cant roller skate in a buffalo herd, but you could be happy if you've a mind to..." Long Tom said dazedly before passing out.
"Genghis! Take a squad to the artillery battery and set things to rights!" Impedimenta bellowed, being part of the link. "Right NOW!"
"On it!" Genghis told the unicorn before rounding up his squad of earth pony warriors, the best of the best. It would still take time to form up and go the six-plus miles to the battery site.
Meanwhile, over the river, Second Officer Milsap kept a close eye on the hippogriffs, which she could see from the air. "River squad approaching outer net. Range one hundred yards and closing," she reported.
"Copy that, Viper Three. Forward guns, set up, set range for one thousand yards on all weapons. Topside guns, maintain readiness, observe to starboard," Howard said over both radio and intercom.
"Forward guns set for one thousand yards on machine guns and grenade launchers," Aaron reported from his console. "Ammo belts ready and connected."
"Same up here, Cap'n. Watchin' to starboard," Arnie said from his position above Control.
"Forward guns, set the grenade launcher for a three-round burst, range one thousand yards. Fire when the red bobbers sink," Howard ordered.
"Forward guns aye," Aaron replied before setting the grenade launcher for a three-shot burst, steadying it at the appropriate angle. Above, Carroll pulled for altitude. No way was she going to be down where grenades were going to be flying!
At the dragon camp, Zvezda was trying her best to stay conscious while two of the four ponies in her linkup were unconscious. It was not easy. Impedimenta smoothly stepped in, watching Genghis organize his prime squad of warriors while trying to soothe Zvezda. It was not easy, but Impedimenta was a very strong-willed unicorn, and soon had both the camp and the dragon settled.
"Just what is going on?" Zvezda asked once she calmed down. "Why did the two fall off the..." She grunted as Gar fell off the net after three hard impacts.
Impedimenta quickly used her glow to set the dragon down before she fell down. "I felt that, too. Relax and let me see what I can do to find out what's going on," she said in her rough voice.
"Genghis is just leaving now with his brute squad, heading for the artillery."
"Good. Let me get my wits together, and I'll head out for a look-see myself. How did they know we were coming?" Zvezda asked.
"How they knew we were here now, I can't say. I'm sure everypony and their little cousins are trying to make tracks here to pick up pieces of the Magic Meteor. Maybe they had lookouts roaming the area," Impedimenta said.
"From where? We didn't see anyone, we landed well south of Saint Louis and we avoided Kansas City! We kept a strict lookout, you know that!" Zvezda said firmly while she let her body settle to the ground.
"Nobody's perfect, Zvezda. Not unicorns, nor dragons. We'll do an analysis later. Now, we have to get hold of some of that metal!" Impedimenta said firmly. "No matter what it takes!"
Back at the Voyager, Captain Crane recalled the two Recon Vipers and dispatched Frack and Harry, this time each loaded with a harness that held ten flash-bang grenades with long-delay fuses, to allow the two pegasi to swoop, release and get out of range before the kaboom. "Make sure the artillery is completely disabled, then go after any reinforcements. Got it?" Howard told his Chief Engineer and Third Officer.
The two saluted Howard smartly with their right wings. "Understood, Captain. You can count on us!" Frack said before leading Harry outside to take wing.
Howard then collected Lucien, Julia and Aaron to recover the stunned hippogriffs from the river before they woke up, bringing the trio back to the ship AFTER divesting them of their explosives, tools, weapons, harnesses and whatnot. Once at the ship, they were brought aboard and revived by Doctor Macombe, after he made sure the magic spell on Gar was neutralized. He didn't know what sort of spell it was, just that it was on the mare and he decided to remove it.
"Ladies, ah suggest you all staht lettin' us know who sent you here with all you tools and foah what reason. Ah also suggest y'all don't play any games in the storytellin' or else ah'm goin' to validate mah marksmanship medals raht heah," Lucien drawled, holding a forty-five caliber pistol in his glow, pointed right at Gar's head. "Because if'n ah have to do that, the cook, who is also the steward, is goin' to make me clean up the mess. A gentleman lakh me ain't supposed to do such a thing lakh cleanin' blood."
Gar looked around, seeing her squadmates on the floor next to her, trussed up and clear of all tools and such. She also saw Captain Crane standing in another section of the room, sitting peacefully, holding a pearl-handled thirty-eight caliber revolver, also pointed right at the hippogriffs. "What he said," he told them. "I'm the Captain. I don't have to worry about cleaning up."
Gar considered her options. She could not feel the presence of Zvezda in her head, nor any of the others. She looked at the Captain, who looked back with a placid look, but holding the pistol steady. "We were sent to disable the boat so we could grab as much meteor metal as we could. Vladimir is not going to be happy. What are you going to do with us?" she asked.
"All depends on what you do. Be polite, and we'll treat you nice. Be foolish, and, well, fools die a thousand times, true?" Howard said quietly.
Gar and her teammates considered what they were told. These ponies on the Voyager were far tougher than they were led to believe, and they all knew what would happen if they went back to camp without as much as one shot being fired or one mine being placed. Unpleasant.
Gar came to a decision. "In exchange for information, will you protect us from Zvezda and her team? When they find out we're not trying to kill you, they will kill us. Zvezda and Genghis are not known for being all sweetness and light. They're known for being ruthless, like their boss, Vladimir." she said, the two others of her team nodding at her words.
"What do you think, Doctor?" Howard asked from where he was sitting.
Lucien made his horn sparkle with red sparks, and the three hippogriffs felt a tingle run over them. "Ah think we can accept theah word fo' now, Captain, suh. Of course, if'n we fahnd out their word is bad, that spell ah put on them will stop their hearts. Think betrayal, well, ah can't stop that. Takin' actions, ah can." He put the forty-five pistol down on a hearby table, then his glow surrounded the hippogriff's bindings, freeing them. "You ladies follow me, an' ah'll put you up in a cabin. You'll have your own water closet, so that won't be a problem."
"We will lock you in, just to err on the side of caution. You have to earn our trust to wander freely. Question is, can you do it?" Howard asked as he stood up. He pointed down the corridor with the pistol. "First door on the left. We will serve dinner at five. If matters settle before that, we'll chat again. Right now, we have an enemy horde to repel. Be glad you stopped here. Going further would be much worse."
"What do you mean by that?" Gar asked as she got up with the other two.
"We're just the outer line. The inner line has been working with the meteor metals for months now. How good is your imagination?" Howard asked as he walked down the corridor, opening the door to Cabin One.
"Better than it should be," one of the other hippogriffs said as she went into the cabin. Once all three were in, Howard shut and locked the door, also adding an outside combination lock on a hasp.
Once all were locked in, Howard and Lucien went back to the Lounge for some coffee. "Think they'll figure out how much is fact and how much is fantasy?" Lucien asked as he poured himself a cup.
"I hope they will be too worried to attempt to try. Is that heart attack spell serious?" Howard inquired as Lucien moved aside so he could get at the coffee pot.
"To be honest, yes it is. What ah didn't tell 'em is that ah have to be the one to trigger it. Ah'll leave it to them to figure out how much was bluff an' how much was truth. Ah think y'should unload that pistol and put it up," Lucien advised as he removed the clip from the automatic.
"Good idea." Howard removed the cylinder from the revolver and put it in his shirt pocket. "Let's have some coffee first, then we'll put them back in the armory." |
The Mississippi Voyager | Chapter 14: The Battle of Lecompton, Phase Two | Zvezda, after recovering from the shock of having her comm spell interrupted, decided to take matters into her own paws. This time, she had Impedimenta cast the commlink spell, tying herself, Impedimenta and Genghis together. Genghis was making good time to the artillery battery, but still had several more miles to go. "Impedimenta, you're in charge of the camp. I'm going to take a look around. I may have to sink that barge myself!" she growled.
"Just be careful, Zvezda. We need you intact. We don't have the dragon doctor here. You're in command. Go watch and report. Don't get stupid!" the unicorn mare snapped back at the much bigger dragon. "Remember that, Mission Commander!" Impedimenta could best be described as having a 'prickly personality', and often had to put Zvezda in her place and her mind on track. Years of working together in Equestria had earned each other's trust.
"Right, Imp. Get clear, getting ready to take off." Impedimenta moved back while Zvezda positioned herself for her takeoff run. A fortunate gust of wind helped her up off the ground.
Meanwhile, over at the attempted artillery site, Vipers One and Two had climbed out of a bombing run, having dropped half their load of flash-bangs on the artillery force. Not only had they stunned the artillery force, one of the wagons had gone up in a flare of smoke and fire. A couple of inspection swoops revealed the NLAW rockets were either in pieces, or bent enough to put firing at them at high risk to the gunner. "Viper One to Buffalo Six, nice job. They won't be doing any shooting at us from there," Frack said over the radio to Twogogglehat.
"Good to hear, Viper One. Standing by for additional orders," the chief said back to Frack.
Frack was about to reply, but got overridden by Doctor Macombe on the Voyager. "Gay-lactica to Vipers! Something is happenin' at their campground! A large radar return has done appeared theah and is headin' your way!" he sent telepathically via crystal.
"Ho, boy. Head for the clouds, Two! Better not let it see us!" Frack sent to his wingpony.
"Headin' up, Frack! What's the plan when we get up there?" Harry asked.
"More on that later, Viper Two. We need more information before attacking," came the thought of Captain Crane.
"Understood, Commander. Heading for the clouds," Harry thought as he and Frack flew up and out of sight.
"Galactica to Buffalo Six. Get under cover. Dragon heading your way," Crane called over the radio to the buffalo.
"Get under shelter, Buffalo Six copies," Twogogglehat said in English before switching to Lakota. "Dragon coming. Let's get under cover," he told his troop. Nothing more needed saying as they all went into a thick copse of trees off to the east.
Zvezda flew to where her artillery battery was supposed to be, following the roads to get there, flying high against the cloud deck for best long-range visibility. She could see Genghis and his troop proceeding along the road, not moving at max speed, but a good pace, so they would not be exhausted before any fighting, if needed. She trusted Genghis to do his job. If Vladimir trusted the big black earth pony, well, so could she.
It was not long before she arrived at the wreckage of the artillery battery, the thin smoke coming from a wagon marking the spot. Zvezda landed to check out the ponies. Long Tom was coming out of his stun when he saw the dragon's head looming over him. "What happened?" she growled.
"A big herd of buffalo stampeded through, Z," Long Tom managed to groan as consciousness returned to him, intimidated by the dragon's glare. "They came from that way and went over that way. Follow the footprints."
"I will. Check on the others and let me know if you're capable of shooting anything. I doubt it, though," Zvezda grumbled before walking off in the direction the buffalo went.
Up at the base of the overhead cloud bank, Vipers One and Two watched the dragon lumber north on Jones Street, its head swinging to and fro, sniffing for the buffalo. "Harry, I think it's time to piss this dragon off enough for it to lose rationality," Frack sent to his wingpony.
"How do you plan on doin' that, Frack?" Harry sent back.
"Drop a couple of flash-bangs around its head. Enrage it enough to follow us, not the buffalo trail. Lead it to and past the boat, and either let its own greed take over, or let it try to mess with the Kettles."
"Has anyone said youse is an evil, evil boid, Frack?" Harry replied, checking his remaining flash-bang loadout.
"My wife, constantly. She can get away with it. You can't."
"Should I be worried, Lead?"
"Now, no. Later, maybe. Depends on what she says," Frack replied as he scanned the dragon about a thousand feet below. He then 'switched channels' mentally. "Bomber Eight to Enterprise. Activating Phase Two. Alert Midway for incoming attack. Ready Bomber Flight Two."
"Enterprise copies traffic, Bomber Eight. Readying Bomber Flight Two. Will alert Midway. Don't break your ass up there, unless you really want to piss off your wife!" Howard sent back.
"Understood, Enterprise. Pissing her off is not high on my list of Things To Do! Commencing bombing run on the Akagi," Frack sent, waving to Harry to follow. Together, they swooped down to about five hundred feet, dropped two flash-bangs each, then made for the cloud deck.
One of Harry's flash-bangs went far enough ahead of the dragon to get her to catch the flash, the others lending their bangs to the situation, which confused and stunned her for a moment. At that moment, the buffalo headed east, away from the dragon. Zvezda shook her head to clear it before heading north on the road, towards the Voyager. "Genghis, report position!" she sent via Impedimenta.
"Estimate a mile and a half from the artillery location. What's the status?"
"Artillery team alive, artillery equipment destroyed. Detach a couple of your troops to guide the artillery team back to camp. You bring the rest up to the ship. Time to scuttle that damn nuisance!" the pissed-off dragon sent to her subordinate.
"Genghis copies. Increasing to a trot. We found Long Eyes, unconscious but alive. We'll get her back to camp, too."
"Very well, Genghis."
In the Voyager's control room, things got busy. "Lucien, ready the field. How long do you think you can hold it?"
"About half an hour befoah ah shut it off 'cause ah run out of powah. Glad ah have a booster shot heah," Lucien said as he took a potion vial and set it on the console near where he stood. "If ah use it, that gives me anothah half hour, but then ah'd be wiped out." The vial shone a deep blue with random aqua glitters flickering from it.
"Get the diversion field up before she goes airborne again. I'll call the Kettles. Julia, weapons to starboard, but do not activate until my express order. Illusions can easily be disbelieved," Howard cautioned before switching the radio to another frequency. "Enterprise to Midway. Opposition nearing. Ready defenses."
"Midway to Enterprise. Copy message, will ready offenses as well as defenses. No dragon is going to get the Heaven Stones, if I have them figured right," Pa Kettle grumbled over the radio.
"Will call you when we see it heading your way. Enterprise out," Howard finished before resetting the radio transmitter to his command frequency. He could receive the Kettles, but not send without switching frequencies.
"Howard, tell me again why we're using call signs from World War Two, please," Julia asked.
"Well, main thing is if the dragon somehow is listening to our radios, howinhell would she know what we are talking about?" Howard asked as he went to the stairs leading down to the Lounge.
"You have a point."
Downstairs, Howard found Bernie and Carroll ready to go, wearing vests with twelve flash-bangs and two frag grenades. "Flight two, head out and meet flight one. Follow the river west and get above the clouds before turning. We're putting the screen up," he told his remaining fliers.
"Time to mess with a dragon's mind, right?" Carroll asked as she and Bernie started going to the door.
"Show me a dragon with a mind and I might agree with you," Bernie quipped as she followed Carroll out and up, pulling for the clouds.
Bomber Flights One and Two met above the cloud layer for a conference. "Okay, who's going to bell the cat?" Harry asked.
"Leave that to me. Carroll, swap vests with me. I'll lead, you and Harry follow. Bernie, you're Attack Eight. You trail and supervise," Frack said as he and Carroll settled onto the cloud to switch vests, giving Frack the full one. "We're going to lead the dragon to the crater, where the Voyager is 'waiting'. Let's keep it on track and see what the Kettles are willing to do."
"Pissing off a dragon is dumb," Bernie observed.
"Pissing off a family of earth ponies that have ties to some sort of magic is dumber. We're counting on one facet of dragons we know is true. Their greed," Frack explained as he swapped ammo vests with Carroll.
"Don't forget about a dragon's temper, either," Harry grumbled.
"Forget? I'm counting on its temper overriding its better judgment until it gets in range of the meteor metal. Then the greed kicks in. We know Pa doesn't take kindly to strangers nipping in and taking," Frack replied.
"That's what worries me," Carroll said as she finished swapping vests, getting Frack's depleted one settled on her griffon frame. "Country folk can be nasty when there's no cops around."
"It worries you, Carroll. I'm counting on it. Are we ready?" Frack asked, flapping gently up off the cloud. "Let's piss off a dragon!"
Captain Crane, keeping a telepathic 'ear' bent on his bomber squadron, gave Lucien the signal to raise the screens. Lucien's horn lit up a deep red color, and to those watching outside (nobody, but that didn't matter), the Mississippi Voyager disappeared from its location downstream of the wreckage of the FR1029 bridge and reappeared inside the crater lake.
"Git'em tuh look wheres you wants them to, an' that's much o'the battle raht theah" Lucien muttered as he got the illusion spell going.
"How do you know so much about such things, Lucien?" Howard asked quietly.
"Military history is a hobby o'mahn, especially aftuh ah made half-colonel..." Lucien said absently, much of his attention on the illusion spell.
"When was that, nineteen sixty-five?" Howard asked jokingly.
"Nope. Nineteen seventy-one. Ah got put in charge of a hospital in Saigon, an' ah figured ah should know at least the basics. Got hooked on it then an' never forgot any."
"I didn't know that..." Howard muttered as he watched the action, rotating between the different gems.
Zvezda, after the flash-bang went off near her, recovered from her daze and glared around angrily, looking for the source. She hissed a little, smoke curling from a nostril. "Nobody does that to me and gets away with it!"
She spotted something coming from the cloud deck overhead. She focused on it, then BANG! A flash of light and a loud noise went off, dazing her again. "Yoo hoo! Lady Dragon!" she heard from somewhere in front of her and ahead. "Want another?"
Smoke puffed out from both nostrils, black acrid smoke. "Who dares?" she shouted in the direction of the voice, her vision currently wiped out, but clearing.
"I did! Gonna do something about it?" the voice jeered. "Here! Have another!" as another flash-bang went off, this one much closer to her head than the last one.
With a roar, Zvezda leaped into the sky, catching air under her wings. "Time to die, insolent one!" she roared, homing in on where the voice came from.
"How much ya wanna bet, you sorry sack of scales?" the voice came not from in front of her, but off to one side and above. "Youse gonna fall victim to thermogoddamits!"
"What is that?" Zvezda roared, banking toward the voice.
"You can't win!" the voice shouted as another flash-bang went off, close enough to her tail so she could FEEL it.
When she turned in the direction of that bang, another one went off against her back, between the wings. "You can't even break even!" said the voice, this time from in FRONT of her.
Confused and irritated, Zvezda gained altitude, going to the cloud bank to recover and have the moisture soothe the burn on her back. "And you can't get out of the game!" the voice said from very close to her, just as another flash-bang went off, right next to her head.
Zvezda made it to the cloud deck, where she stayed still and quiet, letting her sight and hearing return and the dampness soothe her burns a little. She let herself stay there for a moment before she heard a voice say almost in her ear, a different voice than before. "We ain't got all day to wait for you, lady! Either come up and out or down and out, we'll be waiting for you! The deck IS six thousand feet thick, so choose! We like toying with loser dragons!"
"Who are you calling a loser?" Zvezda shouted, really getting annoyed.
"You," that female voice said in her ear. "I would call you dumb, but that's Casimir's job."
"How do you know Casimir? He's not dumb, he's an idiot. He's also my younger brother," Zvezda rumbled.
The voice in her ear giggled. "You are? I didn't know he had relatives here. We thumped his ass good. Now, he's learning, as is his moronic aide. Saint Louis likes them, and they like the Saint Louis ponies. Teamwork helps."
Zvezda let loose a rumbling growl that would have loosened the bowels of many creatures. Fortunately, Bernie is not among that number. "You're mine, whoever you are! Make peace with your life, because it will soon end!"
Another laugh was heard. "I'm on the boat. Where are you? Lost in the clouds? Hurry up, I have more toys with your name on it!"
With a roar, Zvezda headed under the cloud deck, well and truly pissed. Impedimenta tried to calm her down, but the dragon was completely lost to rage, ignoring her aide, mind focused on swatting those insolent pests! She spotted the Voyager, sitting in the lake that mostly filled the crater where the meteor impacted, thin plumes of smoke coming from its stacks. She beelined for the riverboat, thick puffs of black smoke coming from her nostrils.
Behind her, Bomber Flights One and Two came out of the clouds, watching the large blue and yellow dragon flying off, madder than a wet hen. "Step one complete. Let's hope steps two and three work as well," Frack sent to his comrades-in-arms.
"Here's hoping. If that doesn't work, what will?" Harry asked.
"May we never have to find out, Third," Howard said over the link. "Gunners, lock on as the target goes by, and let her have it!"
"Forward gunner copies. Guns ready," Aaron 'said', followed by Arnie's "Topside guns is ready. All set tuh rock and roll, Captain!"
Howard was on the Bridge, ocular to his right eye, looking out the starboard window. "Wait until it gets north of us, then do your damndest! Shred the wings!" he ordered as a call came over the radio.
"Midway to Enterprise. Akagi coming into sight. Request orders," said Pa Kettle.
Howard switched the transmitter back to the Kettle's frequency. "Midway, hold fire until we start shooting. When the attention shifts, open fire with everything you got. We'll get the Akagi in a pincer move. Go with God's guidance, Midway."
"Copy that, Enterprise. No stranger is going to take anything without retribution!" Pa snapped.
"Enterprise ten-ten," Howard said before switching freqs again. "Enterprise to Lawyer Buffalo. Report status."
Twogogglehat was quick to respond. "Herd is intact, were not noticed. Drifting northward to ford river, heading to camp."
"About to open fire. Watch for any other action," Howard told the buffalo before returning attention to his gunners. He watched as the big dragon flew close to the boat, passing it on the west, heading to the crater. The bombers came to a halt south of the river. "Open fire!" he sent to his gunners.
The gunners didn't hesitate. Aaron had control of the forward grenade launchers, Arnie the topside grenade launcher and machine gun, and Julia controlled the forward machine guns remotely from the bridge.
Zvezda was startled by the stings of grenades on her tail, then she felt the pain of her wing sails getting penetrated by bullets. With a roar, she turned to look behind her. Her roar got cut off when she felt bullets on her nose. In pain, the big dragon turned again to put her back to the stings, heading to the ground to land so she could focus her magic on shielding and healing. She aimed for the highest point she could find, on the crater rim.
"Gunners, cease fire! Bomber wing, go in to check. Stay near the clouds!" Howard said over the crystal net.
"Bomber Lead copies, Enterprise," Frack sent as the guns went quiet.
"First, weapons tight until I say so," Howard told Julia as he made his way outside to fly to the roof, ocular around his neck.
Since the meteor struck at an extremely oblique angle from the southwest, the crater turned out slightly lopsided, the highest point of the rim being on the northeast side, closest to the Kettle Kompound. Zvezda headed there to land and focus her magic to stop the pain she was feeling from her seared tail, punctured wings, and a headache from all those flash-bangs to the head.
She sprawled on the dirt of the hillside, wings spread, eyes shut, focusing on making the pain go away. As the pain ebbed slowly, she felt herself sinking slightly into the soft soil of the crater rim, the feel of the magic meteors giving her a pleasant buzz, making her more determined to get some for her hoard. She felt some ground snakes slithering over her legs, neck and tail, the touch also helping to ease her pain.
Fifteen minutes of focused rest, and her pain had subsided to aches, mainly in her wings, which were still healing the holes. "Feelin' any better, madam?" a rather harsh voice asked, not far from her head.
Startled, her eyes opened to see a large earth pony, shiny black in color with a light green mane and darker green forelegs. Next to him on one side stood a sky-blue unicorn colt. On the other side was a white earth pony mare with dark green forelegs, a pink earth pony filly, and a yellow unicorn mare at the end. "Looks like you've run into a peck of trouble. Looking for something?" the big black earth pony asked.
"The meteor," Zvezda growled. "Power booster."
"Well, madam, if you want it so badly, why don't you watch over it?" the earth pony said in a gentle voice before switching to a harsher tone, one echoed by the other four. "Watch it FOREVER!" they all chorused.
The two unicorn's horns glowed as the three earth ponies stomped their forehooves deep into the loose soil. An aura surrounded the ponies before moving to the blue and yellow dragon. She roared once as she felt herself changing, her paws sending roots deep into the soil, her scales to leaves and flowers. Her head turned to stare at the lake as her vision changed. She could 'see' the meteor buried deep under the mud and waters of the crater, the 'glow' of dust and pebbles around the limits of her vision sharpening into focus. She knew where all the meteor metal laid around in front of her, and it was her job to prevent theft. Those who would make an offering to her, asking permission to find metal, she could grant permission. Anyone who failed to do so, she was free to kill. The thoughts filled her head to the exclusion of all else.
The ponies sat down on the ground, not heeding the rain which started increasing in intensity. Pa reached for the radio around his neck. "Midway to Enterprise. The special job is finished. Returning to base," he said, fatigue rising up in him and the others.
"Enterprise copies transmission, Midway. Get some sleep. AAR can wait until tomorrow. We still have her army to deal with," Howard said over the radio. "That's our job."
"May the good Lord above see what we have done here and forgive us for it. She wanted the Heaven Stones, now she can watch them forever," Pa said as he and the others got to their feet and started making their way down the crater rim, the science crew coming up to help them down the slope.
"I second that thought, Pa. Enterprise ten-ten," Howard said before putting the microphone down. "Lucien, shut down the illusion field. Next up is the ground force. Arnie, you get that all down on video?"
"Sho' did, Captain. Glad ah did, or else ah would not believe it mahself!"
Back at the invasion force's main base, Impedimenta let out a howl and broke the connection to Zvezda, rolling some on the ground to make sure her hooves were not taking root. That also broke the connection with Genghis, who had not yet reached the artillery site, but was close.
When she recovered from the shock, the first sight Impedimenta saw was Veggie Stew, looking at her. "What happened, Ped?" the brightly-colored pink and orange earth pony asked.
"Zvezda found the meteor. It was trapped. She's caught in it, and I don't know how to get her out," Impedimenta explained. "It's all gone wrong. River Force is lost, the artillery has been destroyed, and the dragon is no more."
Veggie Stew considered the news. She might not be the brightest bulb in the box, but she is an excellent camp cook and a good pony to be around. "Vladimir is going to have a shit fit."
"Tell me about it," Impedimenta groaned as she got to her hooves. "I'm going to sound the recall. We're going to have to think closely about our next move. Our main weapons are gone. I'm going to need to consult with Genghis and Long Tom about our next move, if any. I'm going to hate reporting to Vladimir."
Veggie Stew tossed her head, sending her brilliant mane flying. "So, don't. Toss the crystal set into the crater and join another community. We know of a few, right?"
"I'll keep it in mind. We have to get together first. Let's get to the radio."
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, about the same time
Ham was at the sensor controls in the aircraft, calling out sites of pebble-sized mana-intense debris for picking up by the ground team, with grabbers and insulated boxes, for sure. Getting a piece of that stuff near their counter-magic field could cause anything to happen, which is why the sample-return bucket is on a hundred-meter line hanging from the aircraft.
Ham's display lit up with warning alarms. "Captain, intense mana usage coming from the southwest! It's well within our suit's protective limits, but I would not suggest going within five miles of the place for some time," he reported, working the sensors to get a more precise fix.
The commander of the mission looked over Ham's shoulder. "That's down by the crater. Something's going on down there that we're going to have issues with," she said, more thinking out loud than anything else.
"Going to consult with Base?" Ham asked as he watched the thaumic meters.
"Yes. I have an idea. If it gets okayed, I'm going to need you to ready several ground survey rovers. This needs monitoring, and at these power levels, we're going to have to move cautiously," the commander said.
"Two crawlers and a chopper. Not like there are intact paved roads handy," Ham observed. "Use the chopper as a surveyor. Crawlers can't ford deep streams."
"Good point, Ham. Have the team gather samples to place in the return bucket. Let me do a consult before deciding on what's next," the commander told him. She was one of the better mid-grade officers, one whom Ham got along tolerably well with, even after two years in confinement.
Sunday, 25 June 2017, 1830 hours, dragon force camp, Lawrence, KS
Impedimenta called a council of the team's leadership, they being herself, Genghis, Long Tom, and Veggie Stew, who was in charge of logistics as well as being head cook.
"You all know the situation we're in. What I'm looking for is options. I cannot raise Zvezda or Gar with the comm spell, our weapons are useless, and the only way we're going to get any meteor metal is by going under the flight path and searching.
"First question: What do we tell Vladimir, if anything? I'm sure we all know how he's going to react," Impedimenta told the group.
Genghis was the first to speak. "Vladimir is going to be incensed if we return without answers. What happened to Zvezda? What happened to Gar and her team? Where are the buffalo Long Tom encountered? Why was Long Eyes returned unharmed? Those are questions we need answered, or else Vladimir may kill us all in a fit of rage. That's how I got my position, when my predecessor, Attila, pissed off Vladimir. Vlad did say he was tasty when done to medium rare."
Veggie Stew spoke up, unusual for her. She's good at her job, but planning was not one of them. "Why not send an emissary or two to the riverboat and ask? We know Gar and her team were on the way to attack the boat before they vanished. For all I know, they were captured or killed. Why not just ask?"
Long Tom decided to say something. "Why not? We have few arms to fight with at a distance, despite Genghis' known skills in combat, well, the best swordspony cannot stand up to a grenade launched from a thousand feet, right?" he said, jittering some.
To everypony's surprise, Genghis agreed. "It would indeed be foolish to charge in against a foe we have underestimated. We do need to find out what is going on, then make a decision based on that. Vladimir is truly not going to be happy. We may want to relocate, but where?"
"Where will there be a place that can accept twenty-five ponies right off? We may have to float check the crystal comm set and let those who want to return to Cincinnati bring him the news," Impedimenta put into the pot.
"Won't be me!" Veggie Stew said loudly. "I'm told Long Eyes and I can look forward to a long life together, and I'm not going to jeopardize it to be the bearer of bad news to a tempestuous dragon!"
Long Tom swallowed before speaking. "How about we send Long Eyes to the boat with a note to float out thoats to them?" he managed to say.
Impedimenta was quick to reply. "No, not Long Eyes. Quick Claw, the griffin. He can give better descriptions of what he sees. Ask for a meeting mid-morning tomorrow? The four of us go to parley?"
"Acceptable," Genghis said. "We need data before determining action. Even Vladimir can accept that."
"You fill Quick Claw in, I'll write the note. Be back in half an hour. Meeting adjourned until QC returns with the answer," Impedimenta said before taking out paper, pen and clipboard from her saddlebag.
Mississippi Voyager, 2000 hours
Captain Crane, along with much of the crew, was in the Lounge, amidst a poker game consisting of Jason dealing, Julia, Lucien, Arnie and Howard playing. The pegasi and griffin were sleeping, and Aaron had the watch. Lucien had once again demonstrated his skill in bluffing, managing to take a decent pot with a busted straight. Jason was dealing because he could be trusted not to cheat. It was known somepony had accused him of cheating at cards. Said pony now sports an interesting scar pattern on his nose.
Aaron spoke over the intercom instead of reporting in person. "Captain, please look out the starboard forward windows and tell me I'm seeing what it is I'm seeing."
Everyone at the table turned to look southeast. Howard picked up the phone to the bridge. "I see a griffon flying our way with a large white flag flying under him. Is that what you see, Mister Tereshkov?"
"That's what I see, Captain. It's heading this way. What would you like done?" Aaron asked.
"Light up the foredeck and we'll meet it there. Man the bridge guns and have them ready. We'll go out to meet them," Howard told his crewman.
"Bridge aye, Captain."
Howard led the poker players, except Jason, outside, to watch the griffin approach. When it was in range, the griffin called down, "Request permission to land and deliver a message!"
Arnie's and Lucien's horns lit up. "Permission granted!" Howard called up, pointing to where the griffin should land.
When the griffin touched down, carefully gathering the white flag under him, he asked, "Who is in charge here?"
Howard stepped forward. "I am, son. Howard Crane, captain of the Mississippi Voyager," he said calmly. "Who are you and what is your message?"
"I am Quick Claw, from Pittsburgh. My current leader wishes to parley tomorrow mid-morning," he explained, pulling out an unsealed envelope from his chest pouch. "Will you accept?"
Howard read the short note before passing it to Julia. "We will accept. When we see your team, we will cross the river for pickup and conversation," he told the courier.
"If I may ask, Captain, what happened to Gar and her team, and what happened to Zvezda? We admit to confusion and wonderment," Quick Claw asked.
"Gar and her team were captured early, and are confined aboard. Would you like to bring them back to your compound? They can tell you how we are," Howard explained.
Quick Claw did not hesitate. "Any who wishes to accompany me are welcome to do so. What about Zvezda?" he asked.
"A question that we will answer tomorrow. Demonstrations are in order. Would you like some coffee while we get the hippogriffs?" Howard asked.
"Yes, please. Black would be..." Quick Claw trailed off as Jason brought out a mug of steaming black coffee. "...all right..."
Lucien smiled at QC's wonderment. "Come on insahd an' ah'll get the ladies. Up tuh them if they want tuh go back or not," he said with genuine warmth, his red glow extending to tug on QC's unoccupied arm.
Ten minutes later, the griffin and three hippogriffs were on the foredeck along with Howard and Julia. Gar carried a radio along with her regular gear, as did the other members of her team. "When you get close, call us and we will cross the river to meet you. We're looking forward to the chat," Howard told them.
"I know it, Captain," Gar said with a little warmth. "With you, we were never in real fear of our lives, but we know the threat was there if we misbehaved. You proved to us we had little to fear, and we will relay such to Impedimenta. Until tomorrow, then?"
Howard nodded, then held out a paw, which all the guests shook. "Until tomorrow mid-morning. See you then!" he said before stepping back, allowing the flock to take off.
"Think this will work, Howard?" Julia asked.
"I certainly hope so. There's not enough of us left in this world to fight each other. Only by working together will we thrive. May we boost our teams, not reduce them," Howard sighed as he watched the three hippogriffs and a griffon fade into the twilight. |
The Mississippi Voyager | Chapter 15: The Battle of Lecompton, Phase Three: The Aftermath. | Monday, 26 June 2017, Mississippi Voyager, 1130 hours
Impedimenta, Genghis, Long Tom, Veggie Stew and Gar sat on one side of the long table in the Lounge, while Captain Crane, First Officer Crowne, Engineer Frack, Doctor Macombe, Ma and Pa Kettle, and from Kansas City, Silverwing sat on the other side. Negotiations and discussions had been going on since 0900, and a concordance was being reached.
"So, for those of you wanting to stay up here, I know a spot not far away," Pa Kettle said sternly to the former dragon team. "I will be perfectly happy to help you set up, teach you how to farm and such, but you have got to depend on yourselves. I'll happily help those who ask for help, but I will not put up with freeloading ponies. Do you all understand?" He glowered at the ponies.
"We understand, Mister Kettle," Impedimenta said quietly. "Out of the twenty-five in the troupe, ten of us will be staying here, myself included. Those of us staying, well, we swore allegiance to Zvezda back in Pittsburgh or on the way here, and with what has happened to her, we don't feel right leaving her be.
"We welcome your assistance until we can go on our own. Four earth ponies, a pegasus, a griffin, one hippogriff, two unicorns and a diamond dog will stay here. We just have to come up with housing."
"We can provide some sturdy tents, and we will help you build better shelter before the snow flies, plus a storm shelter," Ma Kettle said. "We hope to call you 'good neighbors' soon enough, but you will pardon us when I say you're going to have to earn it."
Genghis spoke up after some coffee. "We will work hard to earn that title, Miz Kettle," he said slowly but surely. "If this area proves to be a magnet for those who wish to take the meteor metal, my skills as a warrior may prove good to have."
"We will be glad to have them," Pa declared. "Now, if I recall right, the rest of you are thinking of splitting between Kansas City and Saint Louis, with one wanting to go to New Orleans. Silverwing, will the ponies there accept those who want to go?
Silverwing nodded, her mane flying about some. "Of course! We can always use more hooves. We have plenty of room, as does Saint Louis. They just have to remember one thing, there are more of us than there are of them. Since the ponies of both former cities live closer together, we're all sure we can handle any troublemakers."
"One thing I want to know is," Frack asked, "what about Vladimir? What do you think his reaction will be when he finds out?"
Genghis snorted, as did Gar. They were both from Cincinnati. "Vladimir is going to have an absolute conniption fit," Genghis said. "He might get so upset, he will destroy his lair before he settles. I hope Neb gets the rest of the ponies clear before they all get annihilated."
"Neb is his main assistant, right?" Howard asked.
"Yes, like I am to Zvezda," Impedimenta said. "Nebulous Nimbus is good at his job. Heck, all of us aides to dragons are well-matched."
"We've met Coronavirus and Casimir in Saint Louis," Julia told the ponies. "I have to agree with what you said. Those two get along well together."
"Futility and hopelessness in tandem," Frack muttered.
"Dumb and dumberer as a team," Lucien added.
"How right you are!" Impedimenta, Genghis and Gar said simultaneously.
"If'n ah may ask, just why did Casimir and Coronavirus come to this world from Equestria?" Lucien asked.
"The lure of easy treasure, easy pickings, and few, if any, other dragons. Casimir is Zvezda's younger brother, and while he didn't have the wit to do things on his own, he was loyal to his big sister and would follow her," Impedimenta explained. "She tolerated him, because he did have some use. Not much, but some."
Julia snorted around a mug of coffee. "I've known people like that before the Event. Limited use, but find where they're good at and keep them there, they will be an asset, not a liability."
Gar spoke up. "Pardon me for asking, First, but what did you do Before?" she asked.
"I worked tugboats, both river and oceangoing, out of New Orleans. From deckhand to Captain. When this idea was sounded out, I was second on the sign-up list to join on to the venture," Julia explained. She then pointed at Howard. "He was first. What did you do, Gar?"
"Retired Army Special Forces, due to disablement from Afghanistan. Waking up whole, in this form, is a lot better than being wheelchair-bound in Wheeling, West Virginia. I fell in with Vladimir when I got to Cincinnati and was offered a place to not be alone. I took him up and lived well for some time, right, Genghis?" Gar said.
Genghis nodded. "The more competent a pony is, the better their life. Not to say the bottom of the stack lived poor, just less well than the top. Vladimir's arrival was a blessing, getting the scattered ponies to work together. When Attila took one step too far, I took his place and all was well. Now, though, I would not trust Vladimir with a bent paperclip. I like the idea of how to let him know. Much safer for us that way."
"Yes, it is," Howard said from his place at the table. "Just wish we could have a camera there to see what happens."
"Can't blame you for that, Captain," Frack said with a smile. "Knowing my big brother, he has something fiendish planned. Just what, I don't know."
"After lunch, you're going to break camp and move up here, right?" Pa asked Impedimenta.
"Correct, Mister Kettle," Impedimenta told the earth pony. "We all will go back to the camp, break it down, and come back to here. We'll cross the river and make camp on the north side. Tomorrow, you show us where you want us to be and we will start. Those who do not want to stay will remain near the Voyager until it is ready to leave. We'll want to act swiftly to get crops in before the cool comes."
"Crops in and housing up," Veggie Stew added. "I would suggest a longhouse at first, and tackle smaller houses next year. A longhouse with a big cellar."
"With Husky here, he can dig a big, strong enough cellar with your help, Stew," Impedimenta said in response, referring to the diamond dog who will be staying. "Mister Kettle, where can we find building materials?"
Pa thought some before replying. "Trees, sod, logs are easy to find. Modern-type wood and beams will be harder to get."
Ma spoke up then. "Pa, what about the sheep ranch up on Linn Road? Last we looked, the house was reasonably intact. It should be big enough for those staying for a while at least until they can build a proper place closer to the dragon tree. The only reasons we built new is that the farmhouse where we are got flattened by debris and J.J. is a good student, remembering what J.S. taught him."
"Hays Brothers? All the sheep ran off, but you're right, the buildings are still there. What you say, Ped? We take you there for the first camp before finding another place?"
Impedimenta looked at those who came with her to the meeting. After a few seconds, she gave her response. "Sounds good to us, Mister Kettle. We know where there is a lot of good wood available for house building, but... it's the remains of the flatboats we used to get down the Ohio River. The wood is stashed on the west side of the Mississippi about a mile downstream of the junction. Getting it here will be difficult."
Howard, Julia, Lucien and Frack put their heads together virtually and had a quick conference, their gems glowing with use. After a moment or two, the conclave broke and Howard looked at the former dragon force. "On the advice of Her Majesty Queen Marie, who has been listening in on our conference, she says we can offer a service. We can bring the lumber here, along with some 'offerings' for the dragon, in exchange for twenty pounds of meteor metal, to be delivered to New Orleans on or before this date in twenty-eighteen. What say you that?"
Everypony at the table looked startled at the offer. "Twenty pounds by next year? I'm sure we can do that," Impedimenta said. "What will she offer to Zvezda?"
"Gems and jewelry that can be recovered from where they can be found. Think Zvezda would go for it?" Howard asked.
Impedimenta did not hesitate. "Yes. Her pile in Pittsburgh is big enough for her to sleep on. Shallow layer, but big enough. Stuff like that will get her favor."
The discussion was interrupted then by the ringing of a bell. Lunch had been set up, and Jason sounded the call. The group stopped talking to get on the serving line. True to his skill, Jason had made a lunch spread such that everypony found something to enjoy. The groups headed back home after lunch in an optimistic mood.
Wednesday, 28 June 2017 0700 hours CST
Nebulous Nimbus woke to the buzzing of his crystal ball, the two-toned sound indicating it was from Zvezda, or more properly Impedimenta. The dragons used the balls, but it takes a trained unicorn to operate them. "What you want, Ped? What's news?" Neb yawned.
"Neb, be sure Vladimir is listening to WSU radio in one hour, at nine your time. He will be receiving a message he will not like. Be sure you are well clear of him when he hears it. You're a friend, and I don't want you hurt, got it?" Impedimenta said in the most severe tones Neb has ever heard from her.
"Sure, sure. I'll be sure he's listening. What is this all about?" Neb asked.
"You'll find out. It's a follow-up from the WSU about what's been going on out here. Try to be in Dayton by then. Or Covington. Got it?"
By then, Neb was wide awake. "Oh, I got it. What happened?" he asked, but he was talking to a dead circuit. He tried to make a return call, but it was ignored.
The frizzy-maned unicorn broke into a cold sweat. For Impedimenta to behave the way she just did, the news could not be good. He went to Vlad's lair, made sure the dragon was awake and breakfasted, the WSU station was on, then he made an excuse to go out and check on the progress of several chores, what with Genghis being gone, somepony had to keep an eye on matters, and he was that somepony. Making sure the crystal ball, trail supplies, a portable world-band radio and some other necessaries were packed in his saddlebags, Neb made tracks not for the day's work sites, but to the farming stations west of the city center, where the station Vladimir used as a lair was. He just hoped it was far enough away. The in-city repair work was clear of the potential blast radius.
At nine a.m. Vladimir was listening to the radio as he sorted through his horde, contemplating addition of the products of the meteor metal. An unusual sound came from the radio, something harsh and blaring, before Captain Frick came on the air.
"It's three p.m. in Maasvlakte, two p.m. in London, ten a.m. in Halifax, and in Cincinnati, it's six forty-two, and time for a special alert for that city.
"Vladimir, this is to let you know your mission to get metal from the meteor that landed a few months ago is an abject failure. Your artillery strike never made it off the ground, Impedimenta, Genghis and everyone else defected from you to the WSU, and just to let you know, Casimir and Coronavirus have been working for the Saint Louis colony since March. They helped him gather your tithe, which I hope you're enjoying. Zvezda has been neutralized, and is now watching over the crater. If you want to speak to her, you are welcome, under flag of truce, to fly in and speak with her, if you can. Any offensive actions will be harshly repelled.
"This is your only warning. If you and your cities wish peaceful trade with the outside world, we of the WSU will willingly do so. Any treachery will be met with equal or greater harshness.
"Oh, Capo has a message for you, Vladimir," Frick said before a flutter of wings was heard as the macaw landed on the mic stand.
"You're cooked, you're cooked, you brainless schnook! You're cooked, you're cooked, you brainless schnook!" Capo squawked into the microphone before fluttering off.
Frick came back onto the radio. "Thank you, Capo, for that illuminating message. A podcast describing the attempt to take the meteor metal is being assembled now, putting together reports from several ponies, including the Kettles, a family who took possession of the area of the crater back in early May and know how to use the raw ore. We have not mentioned them by their request, but now they have given permission. They also say anyone trying to take what land they have claimed as their own will be met with harsh resistance.
"WSU radio now returns to their regularly scheduled broadcasting. Back to DJ WSU."
The cloud of thick, black smoke that rose from several air vents surrounding Vladimir's lair blanketed Cincinnati until almost noon before dispersing.
Thursday, 29 June 2017, 1100 hours, Lecompton, KS.
Everypony had gathered at the boat ramp on the north bank of the Kansas River, the crew of the Voyager, the former dragon force, the residents of the Kettle Kamp, and the science team. The Voyager was about to set sail, heading back to Kansas City to refuel, drop off those of the former invasion team who wished to resettle there, and go to Saint Louis before returning to New Orleans for a brief refit.
The science team had opted to remain at the Kettle Kamp, conducting research on the meteor metal. About thirty pounds of ore had been gathered and was to be brought back, some going to Kansas City to be worked on, some to New Orleans and the rest to Maasvlakte. The science team took the time to refuel their truck, the Voyager crew having reclaimed theirs, plus an additional barrel of diesel that would have to last them until the next riverboat made it there.
Of the attack force, Impedimenta, Genghis, Long Tom, Long Eyes, Veggie Stew, a large brawny diamond dog who goes by the name 'Husky', Quick Claw the griffin, and three earth ponies from Genghis' war squad had opted to stay there in Kansas. They had moved into the former sheep ranch the day before, and were still trying to make it livable. They had a long way to go, but it kept them dry at night.
"The Mississippi Ranger will be here in about a week or so, to see how you're doing and help out if needed. Captain McClelland is a decent sort, and if you need anything, she will do her best to get it to you. As for us, I can't say when we will be back. More than likely, we're going to be sent up the Ohio River. As for the planking, I'm sure either the Ranger or the Star will bring it," Hayward told the group.
"I have an idea, Captain," Julia said. "The Ranger is near Saint Louis. Why not ask them to go downriver to the Ohio, find the wood, and bring it up? Should postpone their arrival here by ten days at most. Something to bounce up to the Colonel, right?"
Howard nodded. "Good idea. What do you all say?" he asked, waving a wing at the crowd.
Laura was the first to speak. "Send me an email message and I can pass it on. Hopefully, the Ranger has something we can use for a radio system."
"If not, the Star will. It's still down in New Orleans. I'll call down there and inform Command you can use such a thing. I'm sure they can come up with something," Howard told the group. "Now, all aboard!"
The crew and passengers filed up the starboard gangplank onto the Voyager, the KC crowd in the Lounge, the Saint Louis group in their staterooms, plus the one who wants to go to New Orleans. She was born and raised there, and was in Louisville for a business trip when the Event happened. She didn't care that there was a Queen in charge, she just wanted to go home.
The gangplank was withdrawn, the gasifier had already been started, and the anchors slowly raised from the river bottom, letting the Voyager go with the current, to Kansas City, where a refueling stop and a break there before heading back to New Orleans. |
The Mississippi Voyager | Chapter 16: What the HPI did afterward | Sunday, 25 June 2017, 1500 hours, north of Topeka, KS
Ham and Judy were outside the main HPI craft, two rovers and a drone between them, undergoing checkout before release. "I'm telling you, Judy, that mana flash a couple of hours ago damn near blew the sensors! I had to run a level-one check on the sensor arrays to make sure they hadn't overloaded!"
"I believe you, Ham. We on the scout party detected it on our hand-helds. It washed them out, and we had to go back and check again. Good thing we did, cause I found a six-pound chunk of the stuff," Judy told him as she ran the final checkout on the drone.
"You found that one?" Ham asked before whistling. "If that size record holds up, you're in for something good from Command."
"I would trade all my attaboys for more time outside. I'm not looking forward to going back to the rabbit warren," Judy grumbled as she stepped back from the drone, whose rotors began to spin.
"Once we let these go, let's check out that Wal-Mart. I'm sure we can find plenty of fresh booze to replenish our stocks," Ham commented, pointing at the store off in the middle distance.
"That will get us back in someone's good graces. I swear, the white lightning's getting worse by the week!" Judy declared as the drone took off.
"We're also running low on flavors, unless you DO like the pink grapefruit!" Ham laughed as the two rovers, having passed checkout, lumbered off, chasing the drone. "Team One to Control, drone and rovers are loose, We're going to go shopping at the Wal-Mart. Any requests?"
"No, I think you got our requests down already, Ham," the voice of the mission commander came from his headphones. "Think you can be done in two hours or less?"
"More than likely, Control. You watch the clock, we'll get the goods!" Ham said as he and Just started walking to the Wal-Mart. Despite the lightness of the suits, you don't dare run while wearing one. Running leads to tripping, tripping leads to falling, falling leads to tears, tears lead to mana ingress, mana ingress leads to crispy critter. Not good if you're the critter.
One hundred minutes, eight shopping carts loaded with bottles of booze, eight more with beer, the assistance of a four-man team, and two carts loaded with powdered fruit mix later, Ham and Judy got back aboard the mother craft. The commander met with the team as they shed their suits. "Great call on raiding the Wal-Mart. Command will appreciate it. They're not in favor of sending a craft out just for booze, but since we were already out, right?" she said with a laugh, selecting a bottle of brandy from a cart.
"You got that right, Commander!" Judy said with a smile as she selected a bottle of vodka and a bottle of whiskey. As the originators of the idea, Ham and Judy got to take two bottles off the top.
"We're going to circle far to the south before heading back. The crater's still thaumically hot, plus natives are there. Just good to remain out of sight, right?"
"Good point, Commander," Ham said, putting his booze bottles down so he could remove and stow the anti-thaumic suit.
Monday, 26 June 2017, 0800 hours, southern Missouri
Ham sat at his sensor console, the faint headache behind his eyes a reminder of the ship-wide 'party' last night. Nobody got really drunk, but after a long time being stuck with white (or red, or pink, or purple) lightning, some real liquor felt good going down.
A ping came on one of his sensors, one he did not expect any activity on. Once he tracked it down, he called the Commander. "Madam, I'm picking up an HPI transponder coding north of Branson. Running check on the coding," he reported.
The commander was there before Ham could send a request back to base. "That's Lexington's craft! When he hared out early last year, we wondered why we could not find it. He must have disabled the transponder, only allowing it to send once it received a signal from another HPI craft. Got a fix on its position?" she asked.
"Yes, I do. It's about fifteen miles north of Branson, bearing three-four-four degrees from city center. Sending co-ordinates to Navigation. We going to go look?" Ham asked.
"Yes, once I check in with Base. Wonder what happened to him. Well, we'll soon find out!" The commander said cheerfully as she made her way to the Radio panel to check in. It was only a few minutes later when the HPI craft banked left, heading for the beacon.
Circling the site, at first, nothing was visible except trees. Focusing ship's sensors, they found the trees were concealing an old Cold War missile silo, one long deactivated. Further scans did reveal traces of the silo having been used recently, exhaust stacks showing recent deposits of hydrocarbon residue. Further search found the transport craft Lexington had stolen, concealed beneath camouflage nets.
Once a way in had been determined, the commander, along with Ham and Judy, got to don suits and head inside to investigate. They found that the place was an old missile silo, with traces of habitation, a power generation system, a burned-out shield generator, and two charred, decayed corpses. The team took samples from the corpses, then checked the computer system. The power systems still had enough remaining power to run the computers, so the three wasted no time to download what data was on there, for return to Base for examination.
Judy got the job of doing a thorough inspection of the inhabited section, finding stray notes, two pallets, a pile of decaying mouse food, and a collection of mouse corpses. She collected the notes in a carry bag, met up with Ham and the commander, then went back to the mother ship for the ride back to the rabbit's warren they called home.
Unseen by the HPI personnel, several mice with varicolored tails watched the humans work, staying well away from the shielding fields, sending their sight and hearing to the Big Ones, who were in a deep cavern fifteen miles away, in the Talking Rocks Cavern, well down from the tourist portions.
"Well, they took that part of the bait, Lex," Amelia said quietly, focused more on receiving the signals from the mice than on talking, but she was heard.
"I hope it's convincing enough, Amelia. I'm sure they are going to go gaga over my shielding notes. I'm sure they will be readable, but there is no way they could interpret and build from them in less than a year, maybe two. I know the idiots in the lab. Deciphering won't be hard, it's implementing what I have written down that will be hard," Lex said in reply.
"Then again, it's not like we need the shielding fields now, right?" Amelia said rhetorically, glancing at her light brown furred paw.
"No, we don't. Not any more. The Gen-fives are working out just fine. The Gen-sixes will be even better. All generations are to be honored. They know it, we know it," Lex muttered as he watched the three suited figures exit the door to the missile silo they had called home for months.
"Maybe now we won't have to look over our shoulders as much as we have, Lex."
"We'll still take precautions, but we can relax some. I'm just glad we have our diamond dog aide to do much of the outside running about. He loves the mice, they love him."
"Just glad we have the help, Lex." |
Flames of Equestria | pre | "What happened here?" A royal guard asked as he looked at Aldon and his wounds, while Aldon himself picked up his discarded blades and put them back into their holsters on his back. Aldon simply ignored the guard, as he should be able to figure it out. That's until he said the next words, "what the hell were you doing?"
Aldon wanted to slam the guard into oblivion at that moment. The damned bastard had no intelligence, and on top of it, disregarded the fact that the griffin was still scared out of his mind. That's until Aldon slowly descended down next to the scared thing and pet it's head.
"Hey, can you tell me your name?" Aldon asked, bringing the griffin out of his trance, revealing a hug it gave to Aldon.
"My name is Glider." The griffin continued to hug, "Thank you so much. I--I thought I was going to die."
"No thanks is needed. The fact you're alive is enough. Now, you should probably go home, before your family gets sick over you being gone." The griffin smiled and nodded. "Also, you can call me Aldon." The griffin waved as he exited the scene.
Of course he needed to be questioned, but Aldon wanted the kid to have a breather for a while. Almost dying can do things to someone. The guards called for the griffin, but Aldon turned back around to face them, "leave it be. He almost died."
One of the guards approached him, "don't tell us how to do our job. Damned animal." Aldon sighed, until Celestia came over, with the commotion resulting in her anger.
"Guard, don't call that man an animal. In fact, I'd have the nerve to let him show you how much of an 'animal' he is." Aldon simply held his jaw on the floor, surprised at Celestia's outburst. However, it got better, "now apologize." The soldier was meek and inwardly pleaded to not have to. "NOW!"
"I'm--I'm sorry." Aldon smiled.
"It's fine. I would probably say the same thing in your shoes, or uh...hooves." While it pissed off Aldon how he was treated, he still had to admit, he was basically an undiscovered species, and in a pony-dominated society. He is the animal, even if he is intelligent.
Celestia smiled, while Luna walked up bewildered and confused. But at the same time, Luna was amazed at her sister's outburst. It was a new, rather good side to her. Taking charge with authority. "I'm sorry, I just hate seeing my little ponies treating you in such heinous ways. Who was that little griffin anyway, I must apologize for what has happened to him."
"Said his name was Glider. Although princess, I insist you don't. I think what he wants most is to be left alone after such an ordeal. Live with his family in peace. Give him a little bit." Celestia nodded at Aldon's words.
"Sister, we just can't believe it. You being so strict like that." While Luna knew her sister could do it, it was extremely rare and even more scary to see the act. "I mean, that guard was ocmpletely caught off guard."
Aldon chuckled, "yes, you acted like yuor sister for a little bit." Luna gave a glare at Aldon.
"What does that mean?" Luna asked in a serious tone.
"Whatever you want it to mean," Aldon knew the type, and he knew how to beat it. Luna, just as calculated huffed and sighed. "So, why are you two here?"
"We came here to discuss with you actually, at the castle, however we saw you weren't there and saw this scuffle nearby." She paused as she finally noticed the clear wounds, "are you alright? I mean you have some stab wound--" Aldon only had one thing to ask.
"Where is the damned castle?" Both Luna and Celestia chuckled and knew he was fine.
So after being patched up, by a pair of royal guards, who were extremely hesitant and reluctant to do it, Aldon, Celestia, and Luna, accompanied with some royal guards went on their way to the crystal castle of a tree. All the while, Aldon heard the whispers of a monster in town. One to hurt ponies without remorse, and to break their bones if they break the law. Aldon then just realized he had indeed broken that pony's bones, and most likely the others who he threw. Of course, the citizens weren't the only ones, the royal guards added in the act, eyeing Aldon suspiciously and with some malice.
"I suppose it will take a while for them to take a liking to me. I suppose I will have to garner the title, 'Monster.'"
> Chapter 8- The Monster Enters the Castle.
It was a calm journey after. That is for Aldon's consciousness, but not his heart. Emotions stemmed from his fire-filled heart, which felt the sadness of a coming storm. A storm of madness.
His vision blurred as he watched and went on autopilot. He had experienced it before, by the tampering of the gods. But, he would suspect that he was alone, with no gods overlooking him. Of course, the next words made him seemingly wrong in every way.
"Destroyer of Divinity, as per the decree of our courts, the Divine shall smack you down soon enough. Make ready, for we are prepared to harm anything that comes in our way." Aldon clenched his fist, while he continued on the monotonous, gray autopilot, "and don't forget, we hold all of the power, mortal." The voice continued to intimidate Aldon. Of course, the voice of the holy god, Angellos was scary, but that was for someone or something who had never seen his power. "We expect a good match when we find you." Aldon was made for a sole purpose, giving the gods a fun time. As per usual, they had no opponents besides themselves, so they would make an opponent on occasion. Aldon was such an opponent.
Aldon was scared of them, because he knew they would harm the innocents, as all gods do when they want to meddle in fun games. They are sadistic, maniacal, and villainous, yet plenty of people, beasts, civilizations, and even undiscovered worship the many arrogant gods. Even the so called, 'good gods,' were only named so in their ideas of 'good.' Like helping a family out of drought, only to take a family member as recompense, but of course none of the worshippers knew this, and put it as a misfortune, totally unaffiliated with the gods.
The gray, autopilot disappeared, with Aldon's fist still being clenched. The world of Equus, and the country of Equestria, in the town of ponyville, returned to his view. All of it's vibrant colors, and diverse species, which all held intelligent, sophisticated life. He would keep it a secret until the time came, but hopefully it never would, as the hubris of gods meant sometimes they overestimated themselves.
"Aldon, are you alright?" Celestia asked as she noticed his clenched fist, which to Aldon, he had noticed as well. He quickly deflated it, and put on a smile.
"Yeah, just fine. I just had a little bit of a frozen moment." Celestia understood, the autopilot effect. It would indeed happen to her sometimes too.
She inwardly chuckled, "actually, it happens to me a lot. Always in damned day court when it comes to the needy nobles," she thought to herself.
"So, how close is the castle, by--the--wa..." Aldon saw it. An extremely odd structure. A tree, sprouting enormous crystals, all forming into an odd, yet elegant castle. It definitely reminded him of a skit in a newspaper, as it looked so cartoony, yet he simply ignored it, and also thought of when the last time he read a newspaper.
Luna giggled, "yes, it can usually give that to those who just gaze upon it."
"Shall we enter," Celestia asked, while Aldon simply nodded, while her sister still stifled a laugh.
On the other side, the six elements of harmony were assembled, discussing plans to hang and socialize, waiting for the main guest, and the two princesses. "He looks so stressed, perhaps we should bring him to the spa."
Everyone looked worried at that, "That might work, but what if he declines?"
"And why would he refuse?" Rarity asked.
"Well, first off, he seemed to be more of a hardened soldier, than a common civilian. That life might not suit him." Twilight's interjection sent everyone's heads low.
"Plus, all of the marks might scare off Lotus and Aloe."
"Well, personally I don't know why anypony would be scared, especially when the greatest flier of equestria is present." Everyone, but Pinkie sighed at Rainbow's words.
"I think we should throw him a party, with tons of cupcakes, and hats, and all of the ponies in town. A welcome to Equestria party for the resident, hoo-man." Pinkie paused, "wait does he like parties, or cupcakes, or sweets, or fun?"
Everyone giggled at Pinkie's antics. "Also, Pinkie, I think it's pronounced Hu-man." Twilight's words went on dull ears as Pinkie kept trying to figure out the solution to her problems. She was counting her hooves for solving real-life, logic problems.
"Perhaps ah could have im' work on the farm with me. Big Mac's been feelin' a little under the weather lately, and a helping hoof could always help." Applejack was directed with confused faces, until Applejack put on the 'what' face.
"I still say we should bring him to the spa. The poor dear is probably so sore after that fight." Rarity blushed, "But uh, would we use separate rooms?" Everyone, but Pinkie seemingly blushed at that, but Rarity was by far the most.
"Maybe a look--at the animals would serve to lighten his moods. Who doesn't like animals?" Everyone was shocked to hear Fluttershy say anything.
"Alright, I think we should do each of those, but first thing we need to do is figure out his situation." Everyone nodded at Twilight's statement.
A knock came at the door. Everyone tensed up, until a familiar voice came in, "Her royal highness Celestia, and her royal highness Luna are here." A purposeful cough came after, "and the ape." A loud clang was heard from the other side of the door as the guard had a small tear rolling down his face and an angry Luna in front of it. Aldon found it immeasurably amusing, while, when the door opened, everyone else was ashamed of the guard.
Everyone in the the immediate room of the castle bowed before the princesses, and Aldon noticed the others doing the same. He however would bow for no one; it's how he lives, and will be how he dies.
"Hey, bow before the princesses, you oaf." Aldon still stood, unyielding as all of the guards had sweat going down their backs, both mad at his refusal, but also to what the princesses will think.
"Please, you don't need to be formal. You've saved our nation plenty of times, and it should be I who bows." Lunan nodded as well.
"Yes, without the bearers, we would've perished long before, with the arrival of--" Luna coughed, "um well, please stand up. We dislike your formalities."
"Oh, well if ya' say it like that." Applejack, followed by all of the other mares stood, while the guards still bowed.
"Same with everypony else," Luna sighed, as the guards stood in attention.
"Sister, let us sit and discuss. There is much to talk about." Celestia nodded.
"Ah, over here your highnesses," Twilight held open two seats for them, in conjunction with a round table of chairs.
The guards shut the door, and stood at attention outside, while Aldon looked for a seat to sit. He found one next to Fluttershy and Rarity on either side of him.
"Alright, so what is this about anyway?" Aldon asked. Everyone looked at each other for confirmation, even the two diarchs.
"We would like to ask you a few questions regarding your coming here, and what you intend to do," Celestia asked.
Aldon rubbed his invisible beard, as he grunted, "alright, what would you like to know specifically?"
"I believe all of us would like to understand the circumstances of your arrival. We should start there." Aldon nodded at Luna's request, as everyone in the room seemingly leaned in to hear his tales.
"Well, for the sake of sparing you the nightmares you may have, I'll spare them more gruesome details. Alright, so have any of you heard of demons?"
Everyone nodded their heads, while Twilight spoke up, "Yes, we have a place called Tartarus where we banish the demons and heinous ponies and beings of destruction."
"Have you heard of vampires?" Aldon asked.
"Oh, you mean vamponies? I've read some stories on them, they're actually quite interesting." Everyone gawked at Rainbow Dash, "What? I can read and enjoy a good story."
"Alright, well essentially," He explained the phenomena leading up to his death. He left out the demon, and replaced it with his own consciousness, and also seemingly left out his group of friends, instead replacing it with a solo mission of revolution.
"So you were killed?" Celestia asked.
"Yes, although apparently I was sent here to ensure peace reigns, and to protect the innocent, or something like that. Although, to me this place seems like a quiet tranquil place, if not for the small crimes, fights, and verbal insults.
"Well, Equus has become a much more peaceful place since the Changelings were defeated and Tirek defeated." Luna paused, while having a light bulb pop up over her head, "Discord as well, with him being harmonized it's been very peaceful."
"Changelings? And who is Tirek and Discord?" Everypony seemed to look confused, until they realized Aldon had never seen, or been to this world prior, so he has never heard of any of them. Of course, it was still surprising.
"Well," Twilight began, with everyone getting ready for a *riveting* tale, to which she fumed at their reactions, "Changelings are bug-looking ponies, who live off of emotions. They usually forcefully took the emotions from ponies, and even kidnapped some for more feeding. Their queen, Chrysalis, is a terrible pony, who we luckily defeated when she invaded Canterlot." Aldon was about to ask, but Twilight cleared it over, "Canterlot is our capital, on the mountain."
"A city...on a mountain?"
"Yes, it's a rather beautiful sight, sadly the nobles and aristocrats make it their home. How lovely day court would be without them." Celestia seemingly daydreamed, with everyone seeming to feel bad, except aldon, who was still confused, but continued to listen till the end.
"Anyway, now Tirek, he was a mad centaur, who wanted to steal all of the magic from Equestria, well actually all of Equus." Twilight smirked as she saw Aldon dumbfounded, and utterly impressed.
"How did you defeat someone like that?"
"Well we are the elements of harmony, so we simply used them to take him down. Although, my fast flying and good distractions made it all come together," Rainbow Dash gloated.
"Yes, it was the closest to utter defeat, and death Equestria and all of Equus has ever faced. Even me and my sister were almost depleted and killed," Luna said.
"So, he was just able to steal magic from everything?"
"Yes, and he also stole it from the very planet itself, as it radiates magic. It's what gives us our strength. Without that, all ponies would die." Aldon pondered on it. So basically, they've faced almost god-like figures. And his suspicion was confirmed with the next figure: Discord.
"Discord is something called a draconequus, which is a mix of different species. It would be better to just take a look at him when you meet him, but just understand you'll know it when you see him." Aldon nodded, "moving on, so basically Discord tried to cause chaos, and suffering. He would pull ridiculous pranks, and even threaten pony lives. Luckily, we were able to harmonize him with the elements, and he is now bearable and kind. Of course, he still needs to use his chaos magic, but he usually only pulls small, manageable pranks now."
Fluttershy interjects, with a small, sheepish smile, "yes he even comes to have tea with me every so often. He's an odd fellow, but I kind of like his company." So, Aldon could relate Discord to a tamed god from his world, well by tamed meaning an actual good being of power.
"So, what about the Changelings?"
"Oh, well without their queen, they've been pretty idle. And as far as we know, Chrysalis is still in captivity in Canterlot." Celestia paused, "with that out of the way, we wish to ask you some very important questions. More concerning than your condition on getting here. That is, what exactly was that when we met you?"
Aldon sighed, "what happened just simply made me angry. I just hate it when innocent people--er well--ponies are hurt, especially by their own. It would happen so much on my world, but none of the times I ever saw it were the ones struck down my friends, or an ally of any sort."
"That's all well and good, but please explain what that power was. It wasn't normal, and it certainly wasn't the magic I know." Luna said this with a glare pointed at Aldon, "and while we apologize deeply for what had happened to you, what you did was something very dangerous, and we want to make sure you don't do it again. Luckily the blood loss had stopped you, but what if it happens again." Aldon acknowledged Luna's concerns, but just realized no one else besides the two diarchs had seen Aldon in that state. They all look confused.
Aldon turned to Fluttershy, with a sorry expression on his face, "Fluttershy, would you happen to have the gift I gave you?" Fluttershy nodded.
"Yes, it was so beautiful, I couldn't let my eyes gaze off of it. Here, it's in my bag," Fluttershy reached over her chair and picked out the permanent, harmless and magnificent fireball, which Aldon had gifted her.
Everyone was astounded by it's beauty, especially Rarity, who was drooling. "And it's harmless, and so beautiful, and I think I need one."
Aldon shook his head, "Fluttershy helped me in a bind, and that's why I gave it to her, but once I settle down some more, I'll be sure to give each and everyone of you a fireball as well, to remember me by." Aldon smiled.
"Can it be in party color?" Pinkie asked.
"Pinkie, that's not a color. Um--Aldon, what colors can you exactly put into a fireball anyway?"
"Well, depending on the magical pressure, any, although the darker the more magic it takes out of me. Black and white are also colors I can't due, do to their instability." Aldon continued on, while reaching for the fireball, promising to give it right back, "this is a dense object. It has properties, and mass. It is essentially mass-magic, or objectual magic. That's what happened, and that's why your spells didn't work, because you were hitting pure matter in magic form. Like hitting a rock, it contacted that, but because it's also magic, it cancels it out as well."
Luna and Celestia were right, it was an actual object, but retaining magic form. Perhaps the most powerful magic they've seen. Twilight was unsurprisingly taking notes, while everyone else was simply enamored with the blue orb of dense-holdable fire.
"Although, it is something that is only allowed to certain individuals. As it is more dangerous than any other type of usable magic." What Aldon didn't tell them though, was that only him and the main three gods were the ones to use it, and that's where they get their power from.However, Aldon could never use that type of magic without a emotion induced state taking over him. Without the extra power from it, the matter-magic would die out before he could even light a ball of flame in his palm. He could see slight nervousness taking over everyone, but Pinkie, who still wished for a party-colored ball of fire. Pink would have to do; "don't worry though, I can't usually use it. I--uh, can't exactly do that too often. It taxes my body so much, that it could literally drain my body of all it's magic."
"Please, even still, we wish you don't use that form of magic at all. It is something no one can seem to counter." Aldon nodded.
"Don't worry, plus I have this anyway; I couldn't do it if I tried." Aldon threw the irremovable necklace out and dangled it.
Rarity went out of her trance and looked, "is that a magic inhibitor?"
Celestia nodded, "yes, it was made specifically for other species, and is only allowed to be removed if I or Luna allows it. I'm sorry if it bothers you, but we ask if you can live with it. We'd not wish the ponies to get scared due to your special magical properties."
Aldon shook his head, "no it's fine. I can live just fine without it. Magic is just useful for those who don't want to work hard." He silently chuckled as he realized what he had just said, "well in my world at least. You gals aren't lazy or anything." Everyone went from a death glare to a happy stare. Luckily, his magic wasn't the only thing he had going for him. The blood running through his veins and the scars on his skin holding his memories allowed him to do anything. Magic was something he could live without. Although, that is if he wasn't fighting something that was using magic against him. Luckily he wouldn't or he would be in trouble.
"Oh yes, would you like to go to the spa tomorrow dear?" Rarity asked.
"What's a spa?" Everyone keeled over, and Aldon slightly rubbed his head, with a meek smile. "This is going to be an odd adventure to say for sure," Aldon said to himself. |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 9- Rarity's Vengeance. | Aldon awoke groggily to a pony playing cards on a nearby table. Ironically, or perhaps not so, the royal guard, who was instructed to be Aldon's watcher, was playing alone, with a dimly lit light to illuminate the one on one match between him and himself. Aldon realized he was on the couch bed, and reminisced on yesterday, and figured he would have to go through something called a 'spa' treatment. He had heard of it before back in his own world, but he felt it would only weaken him. A procedure that would weaken him scared him for sure. He had the power granted to him to protect others. The main reason was from the abuse of gods, but his friends as well, from almost anything.
Of course, when it came to Rarity and beauty, Aldon knew all too well, even though they essentially just met, that she was the queen of it. She designed the clothes for kings and queens, while also, most likely attending the so called 'spa' treatment as often as she could.
Even though he gave no mind to it, Rarity was quite beautiful for a pony, although it was her human-like features that made it so, but Aldon thought all of them just looked cute. Of course they were his friends, but as one would love their dog as a friend and companion, Aldon loved the ponies as such. There were sour dogs, who trampled those who threatened them, just like the pony society. He had a dog, and he knew what it felt like to lose him. To be powerless to stop people from dying, and to watch as the culprit gave a sly smile and a haughty laugh at the blood on his hands.
Aldon clenched his fists, with all the power he could muster, inadvertently crack the palm, "Never again," he whispered to himself. "What happened that day won't ever happen again."
Although Aldon was completely new to this world, he considered the ponies innocent and would die to protect the innocents, and especially his friends. Of course, that list just incorporated very few creatures of the world.
Hammerhoof had a smug look on his face as he looked at his own hand, imagining himself sweating on the other side, "alright ya' bastard. Let me show you how I lay down the table."
Aldon gave a light chuckle, to which Hammerhoof flipped over the table and ducked on the other side, "you didn't see anything!"
"Alright boss. Don't worry your little secret is safe with me." Aldon lifted himself up and viewed for his clothes, which he slipped on. His shoes came next as Hammerhoof rose his head above the protection of the table.
"I almost forgot you were here. For such a big -- human you don't seem to have any problems in the sleeping department."
Aldon chuckled, "well, when you're almost four hundred pounds, you tend to sleep soundly in the night." He knew in this world that size and strength was inevitably power. It was a world of magic all the same, but those two attributes would account for the fear of never being attacked, and Aldon at least knew he had one compared to the ponies. Of course, their kicks had him beat for sure, as he rubbed his chest on the sore spot. He winced, while Hammerhoof looked concerned.
"You alright there son? Luna didn't hit ya' too hard that day did she?" Aldon shook his head.
"Nothing I can't handle. Anyway what time is it?"
"It's around eight in the morning." Aldon nodded.
"I'll be going on patrol then, do you need anything before I go?"
"Actually," Hammerhoof approached the human, "I think I'll go along, to stretch the old muscles and see how a rookie does."
Aldon laughed. What exactly the point of watching a monotonous task being performed by an overqualified person. Hammerhoof had bags under his eyes for sure. "I think you should get some rest sir," he became serious, "you don't exactly look the best to go patrolling."
"What are you talking about?" Hammerhoof asked. Quizzically looking over Aldon's peering azure eyes. He was at a lost, as a subordinate caring for his well being. He rarely got sleep; he lost that a long time ago, after he lost it all, but in spite of it, he managed to push on. Aldon was the same as him, he had seen the face of death, and walked away with nothing but himself and scarred memories. It carries with the eyes. The sad, sullen and depressed eyes. The damage would be done forever, and Hammerhoof knew it would never be repaired for himself or his new subordinate. It's why he liked him, the human felt what loss was.
Yet despite that, the human was asking for Hammerhoof's condition, and recommending for him to rest. Sadly, Hammerhoof could do no such thing. "I'm sorry son, I've lost the ability to enjoy sleep for as long as I remember."
Aldon nodded his head, "I understand. It's tough to lose, and even tougher to live after losing it all. You are perhaps the bravest pony I've seen so far Hammerhoof. To be brave enough to lose everything and yet still live and protect others."
Hammerfhoof was silent, taking in Aldon's words, until with a new outlook Hammerhoof smiled, "alright, let's get going then. I'm a little hungry while I think about it."
As the two wordlessly travelled outside, they were greeted by the Mayor, and her assistants. Although, the patrons looking for assistance were nowhere near as kind, instead directing hard stares and some death glares. Hammerhoof looked ashamed at the ponies. He had been briefed and about the first encounter, and while it scare him, it was a secret. Of course, he had heard what happened, and if Hammerhoof was there, he would've knocked the pony harder.
Aldon seemed fine to ignore it though, so Hammerhoof kept the thought to himself as they travelled outside, into the beautiful and serene sun. "It's always so nice out. Celestia tries so hard for us; I respect her deeply for it."
Hammerhoof began walking, with Adlon following. Aldon decided that it was fine to leave his two greatswords behind, as it would only draw attention, and he doubted anything major happening. Although Aldon was curious to Hammerhoof's statement. What exactly did he mean?
"Um, Hammerhoof, what exactly do you mean?" Hammerhoof pondered, until he hoof-palmed and realized that Aldon was not from the world, and knew nothing of how it essentially worked. It also seemed like, although the intense questioning and exchange of information, very little of how the world worked was mentioned.
"Well, basically the two princesses, Luna and Celestia, raise the moon and sun respectively."
"Wait, what do you mean?" Aldon asked, confused, as they started to move up to the marketplace.
"Well, just as I said. They hold the power to raise the moon and sun. Celestia raises the sun, while Luna raises the moon." Aldon was completely puzzled. How did they move celestial objects. Were their magics that strong? Did they purposefully hold back on me? Could they have killed me that day, with no problems whatsoever?
Questions funneled in his mind, making him look like he in the middle of taking a hard exam; pure concentration. So much so, he almost hit a stand in the marketplace.
A feminine, southern accent dawned in to Hammerhoof, "is he alright?"
"I'm not sure. Hey, Aldon, you hear me?" Hammerhoof even attempted to wave his hooves up at Aldon's dead eyes.
Luckily after a light punch from Applejack, Aldon was back in the world of the living. He was still completely anxious ot the questions popping up, but decided to wait till later to filter them about.
"Wait, Applejack, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, well I have an apple stand. Did you think I would be working on the farm today?" Aldon meekly nodded.
"Well, I have to sell the apples too, or they go bad."
"Speaking of which," Hammerhoof interjected, "Can I get two to go please." Hammerhoof pulled out about 10 bits and handed them to Applejack.
"Oh, well here ya' go then. Am I to assume that Rarity is bringing you to the spa today?" Applejack asked the human, who was handed an apple from Hammerhoof.
"Well, she looked pretty serious about it."
"Yeah, ah would never say anything like that in front of her. She would kill people who didn't know one of her favourite words." Applejack looked at Aldon seriously, "just make sure you don't ditch her. Or well, she'll probably find you when she's ready. Probably around noon if I know her." Aldon nodded.
"Alright, see ya' around Applejack." She nodded to Aldon as both Aldon and Hammerhoof waved at her and began to walk away.
A crunch was heard to Aldon's right as he saw the pony munch down on the apple. His face contorted into pure joy. Aldon looked down at the perfect apple in his hand.
He quickly took a crunchy bite, with the juice dripping down him and his face, as well as Hammerhoof's was in bliss. "I think this is the best thing I've ever had." Hammerhoof nodded.
"The apples are truly magnificent. Their apples are easily the best, by miles." Aldon concurred as they continued to patrol around town, looking out for any mischief.
Hammerhoof talked and walked, and discussed and jogged. Three hours later, and it was a little bit past noon, with the two of them looking in front of the town hall.
"Are you scared about her?" Hammerhoof asked.
"No, I don't think Rarity is that crazy. I mean I'm only a little bit late. She probably won't be that mad." Hammerhoof nodded and walked inside.
"I'll see you tonight then, and good luck." Hammerhoof walked into his current home, and waved Aldon good bye, from which he returned in kind.
Aldon began to whistle as he tried to navigate back to the Carousel Boutique. Even though he had been here for a few days, the pattern of the town continued to elude him. Without Hammerhoof there with him today, he most likely would've circled around aimlessly instead of actually patrolling.
The sun was at it's peak, yet it still felt great out. Although he was curious as to what the pegasus were doing in the sky. Perhaps something else he should ask later. What caught his attention next gave him goosebumps.
Out of nowhere a familiar voice called to him, "Aldon dear, are you ready for the spa today?" She asked.
Aldon's eyes widened, and began to frantically look out until he was hit with something. However before he could see the culprit, who he knew was Rarity, he blacked out.
She walked out of a nearby alley and looked at the collapsed man. She maniacally laughed, to which the others walked out, except for Applejack and were confused.
"What was the point of that?" Twilight asked.
"He didn't know what a spa was. He needed to pay." Rainbow Dash laughed hysterically, with Pinkie eventually joining in, while Fluttershy was concerned with Aldon's well being.
"Wait, so you knocked him out and made him almost piss himself just to drag him to the spa. I mean, I'm pretty sure he was going to go with us."
Rarity shook her head at Rainbow Dash, "No, I needed to make sure he wouldn't back out on it. Anyway, let's get going. Rarity tried to move the man, only to find he wasn't budging."
"I may require some assistance." Meanwhile Fluttershy was simply looking over him, nodding to herself as he checked out to be ok.
"I think that might be up to you Rarity. You knocked him out, so you should carry him." Rarity turned red as she tried to hoist him over her back, while she ignored Rainbow Dash's comment.
"Rainbow Dash, you're strong, so why don't you carry him?" Rarity asked.
"I'm strong, but I'm not stupid. He weighs a ton."
Eventually after more and more attempts, Twilight agreed to help. It defaulted to them both using their magic and walking to their destination. All the while, Rarity was smiling deeply, and Pinkie was jumping greatly. |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 10- The Monster was Kidnapped? | Aldon had his eyes groggily open, viewing the world in a drunken state, while floating along the road.
"Ok girls, so when are we going to put up a party?" Pinkie asked, jumping around the practically unconscious man. In size comparison, from which it was easier to observe, he was about three times the size of a pony. However, he was also much denser as well.
"Pinkie, I don't think he'll be up for a party for al ittle bit after this," Applejack said.
"Why not? Everypony loves parties."
"Well, we did just technically foal nap him, even though I don't think he'll care too much. Still though."
Rarity interjected as they continued to walk, "I needed to make sure he wouldn't skip out on us. He doesn't seem like the one to want to go to a spa, and when I heard he had no idea what it was, it made me fume." Rarity paused, breathing heavily, "he's very heavy though."
"Well, look at his size. He's much bigger than Big Mac to say the least. And even taller than Princess Celestia." Everyone at that moment did have to admit, he was huge for anything intelligent.
Even a minotaur would have trouble in a size comparison. They may be slightly taller, but no pony has ever seen a more muscular and denser minotaur. his weight came from his body and the blood that ran through it. And it was like holding up a small boulder. It was surely a test for the unicorn and alicorn to see how long they could keep him up.
"If he was workin' on the farm, he could do quite a lot." Applejack was indeed having trouble without Big Mac's help. He had suffered an illness a week ago, and it was still strong. He had seen a doctor to check up on it, but what the pony said was he needed rest. Macintosh vouched to continue helping, but Applejack didn't want him to hurt himself or overexert. She would just have Aldon help out a little bit. She hoped he would be willing to help; and inwardly she knew he was the type to help out those in need.
All the other girls seemingly ignored Applejack's quiet comment, opting to instead talk about Twilight's condition. Rarity went first, on seeing Twilight staring ahead, "are you alright Twilight?"
Twilight looked over smiling, "yeah, I'm just a little exhausted. I'm not used to being a princess still, and it just puts a toll on me sometimes, being somepony you're not used to being. Canterlot exhausted me, and I was only there for a few weeks. I don't understand how the Princesses could put up with the nobles for so long."
"Sugarcube, it come with the job. Ah mean, Celestia has been doing it for so long, I doubt it really ever gets to her anymore. Like me and bucking apples, it just becomes habit." Everyone looked to Aldon, who was once again unconscious, his hazy eyes closing.
Fluttershy looked closely at his torn frame. his scarred exterior, and yet his peaceful sleep. "I can feel his exhaustion." Everyone went quiet. "I don't think he gets that much sleep anymore." As they continued to the spa, they did indeed observe his peaceful body in the floating aura of magic.
The questions the day before had went onto his life before this. The details of his birth were a mystery. His identity was a mystery. Even his powers were. however, when he was asked about the scars, he opted to steer clear of it. He explained it would only hurt him showing him the memories of such experiences. The group had seen horrible things. Ponies have died, and villains had the upper hand. They even lost the whole world once, but he insisted on keeping his memories locked up.
For one, it made Rainbow Dash angry. "He's just overreacting. I could handle it. I don't know why he didn't allow us to view some of them. I mean, they can't be all bad?"
"I don't know Rainbow Dash, but let's just drop it. He asked us to respect his wishes of not showing us them." Rainbow Dash huffed at Twilight, while most of the rest of the journey went unheard, except for Pinkie and her usual antics.
Aloe and Lotus, who ran the Ponyville relaxation center, sat there as ponies came and went, and their client's requests were met with satisfaction. The two twins and happy sisters, who made the ponies in Ponyville happy and content when they leave. That day was rather short on supply of ponies, until another group waddled in. The Elements, minus Applejack, who had to attend to the farm and went back to the orchard on the way to the relaxation center, waltzed in with the new guard in an aura fixated around him.
Lotus, the cyan coated, pink maned pony, was in the back checking supplies and daily logs, while Aloe, the opposite, was at the counter, awaiting customers. "How can I help you today Miss Rarity?" Aloe asked, while Rarity approached, leaving Aldon on the floor.
He groggily woke up in the background, gaining his hand on the floor for balance as he wobbled his way back up, taking in his surroundings. "Where the hell am I?"
"Can we have six of your daily specials?" Rarity asked, while the group behind tried to steady Aldon as he sat down, from which still having some height over the ponies.
"Oh of course Miss Rarity." Aloe looked behind her for a second at the creature on the floor, "is he dangerous?"
"Oh, Aldon," Rarity turned around, "no, he may look scary, but I assure you he's just fine."
"Aldon? That's an odd name."
"Yeah, that's what I first thought, but he's not exactly from around here, so it's understandable." Aloe Looked to Rarity curiously after this.
"Wait, so he's not from Equestria? Is he from the Griffin Kingdom, or perhaps the Zebra's lands?" Rarity smiled and realized she wasn't allowed to exactly tell.
"Uh, yeah, I think one of the outside countries." Aloe nodded. Although originally she thought of the thing as a pet, it speaking and communicating, and sporting clothes made her realize otherwise. However, an ape was a scary encounter, and although he looked different, he appeared just the same, but hairless. the animal definitely did look sophisticated though, and was indeed intelligent.
"So a nice hot tub relaxation followed by a soothing massage for six then?" Rarity nodded.
"Oh, that'll be seventy two bits please." Rarity dispersed her coin purse and dispensed the bits accordingly, with Aloe transferring them to the register.
Aldon was still confused in the background, wondering what was happening, until Rarity walked over and with his face contorted he asked, "what was that?"
"What was what darling?" Rarity asked back, trying to avoid the subject.
"Why did you drug me and then kidnap me. I was going to come to the 'spa' with you guys anyway." Aldon was irritated, but as he looked into Rarity's eyes he knew it was a losing battle. They may be intelligent, devious ponies, but they were really cute.
"What does 'kid-nap' mean?" Pinkie asked.
"I think he means foal nap." Twilight's words were true as Aldon nodded.
"I guess, as you call children foals and fillies?" The five nodded.
Fluttershy approached Aldon as he again stood, much more aligned this time, "I'm sorry. I opted to ask Rarity not to, but she was very insistent."
Aldon shook his head, "It's fine. I can mark down another crazy pony at least." Rarity's eyes twitched at that, while Pinkie stood confused.
Everyone went to their assigned changing rooms, which were really just mares and stallions. Of course, Aldon was the only one who really needed to change considering everyone else was naked essentially. Although, considering the ponies embarrassment at the hospital, he opted to keep the towel on while he would go in the hot tub. There were separate rooms they could use, but everyone insisted they relax together. Aldon wasn't really arguing, considering he had no idea what was in store for him. Relaxation came rarely for him, and even rarer was 'paid-for-relaxation.'
Everyone exited their specific changing rooms, entering the hot springs/tub area. The mares were on the right, while the stallions on the left, when looking from the water. Aldon looked over to see some blushes when they saw him, but he really didn't understand why until he remembered one thing. The different species, and the fact they were intelligent, and had feelings, and...He understood why now, but he also decided he would have none of it. There was one girl he would have married, and she was gone from him. And it also wasn't his thing to have interspecies relationships, it just wasn't his thing.
"Alright," Aldon said abruptly getting the blushes away and curious faces on, "so let's see what this is about then."
The mares nodded and walked over to the springs all walking in and sighing with relief, as Pinkie jumped overhead.
"Cannonball!" and with that, the water exploded around the mares, revealing annoyed expressions and a happy pink pony. Aldon gave a laugh as he slowly got in, with his towel still covering him.
Everyone sighed again, except for Aldon who was wondering what it was really about, until Rarity questioned it. "What's the matter? Is it not to your liking?"
"No, it just feels like normal water to me," Aldon said. Everyone looked to him dumbfounded, even Pinkie as they basked in the rich warmth.
"How? the water is so warm and soothing," Rarity replied.
"Do you not like warm water?" Twilight asked.
"No, I do it's just...oh."
"Uh oh?" Pinkie asked.
"No, 'oh,'" Aldon replied. "Hold on." He looked concentrated for a few seconds until he looked so relaxed he slowly descended into the water in delight.
"What happened? What did you do?" Rarity asked inquisitively, with Fluttershy also wondering, as an animal enthusiast.
"My body temperature, don't you notice it?" Aldon asked.
"I mean, it was quite warm but...oh!" Rarity bluntly stated. She remembered from the hospital, from the measurements, his skin was warm and blood was hot.
"Yeah, my blood was a little too warm, and my body temperature was raised. I haven't had it like normal for as long as I remember, but this feels amazing," Aldon barely managed to say as he closed his eyes in relaxation and sighed. Everyone smiled at his peaceful expression of almost sleep.
"Hey," Rainbow bluntly said, to which aldon opened up an eye to look at her, opting to keep the other closed, "I know you asked about keeping your memories to yourself, but why would you say we couldn't take it?" She sighed in annoyance, "we've been through a lot of things. We've seen things happen, and understand how the world works? So why would you say we were too weak to handle it?"
Aldon felt bad, as seeing the Rainbow maned pony feeling inferior. It was true he felt like they would have nightmares afterwards, he couldn't fathom to show them. He didn't want any pity to be put on him. He had suffered in the past, but that was behind him, and he was ahead of them.
"I don't want you to see them." Aldon paused and sighed heavily, "my past is behind me. I don't want to bring up old memories, only to feel long forgotten pain. It's not you not being able to stomach it, it's me not able to do it. I just want to forget the past." Rainbow nodded, feeling slightly guilty for pressing the issue.
"Was it really that horrible?" Fluttershy asked.
"Well, look for yourself. It wasn't all bad though...I met the person I loved, and my friends. Actual friends and made a family out of them. My past isn't all darkness," Aldon lightly smiled, "there were good parts of it. And I wish to share that with you guys, not the pain, or the suffering."
Fluttershy nodded, and everyone sat in silence for a few minutes, until Lotus came in to greet the customers and ask for what they wanted as shampoo. "So, what do you ponies think?" Aldon decided he would leave it to the professionals, plus he really didn't know much anyway.
"I think the usual will be good. Thank you Lotus." Lotus nodded, leaving a few bottles of rose scented shampoo at the water's side.
As if on autopilot, the nearest couple gather some shampoo and began to to do the other's manes from behind. Fluttershy was with Twilight. Rainbow was with Pinkie, and Rarity was left alone to Aldon's left, eyeing at him, while he had his eyes closed.
"Um...Aldon?" Rarity nervously asked.
"Yes?" Aldon kept his eyes closed.
"Could you do my mane?" Rarity asked, slowly stopping the words in an almost timid hush, like Fluttershy.
Aldon opened his eyes to the adorable unicorn looking with almost-unjustifiable puppy eyes. She then blushed as he looked at her. He sighed and then smiled, "of course." Sadly, he didn't know much to do in that category, but luckily he could improvise pretty well.
He took the shampoo and spread it on his hands, working through Rarity's mane, although he could tell his hands weren't very soft, but she seemed to enjoy them. Although he supposed his hands still must be better than hooves going through your hair. After a little while, the others switched to which Rarity offered, but Aldon shook his head, opting to just relax in the water more. Rarity nodded, while doing the same.
The massage followed, where in fact Aldon found out how tight his muscles were wound up. At first it had immensely hurt, and the massager, a female, azured coated, purple maned, offered to stop. Everyone was worried for his well-being, until, after telling the masseuse to continue, he felt his muscles let loose and turn to practical paste. It was perhaps the greatest feeling he ever had.
After the enjoyable hour massage, everyone walked out extremely refreshed, but Rarity seemed to stay back with Aldon's masseuse. The two talked, which turned into the masseuse walking away, and Rarity following the group, with a mild blush on her face. Aldon didn't notice, but there was an obvious reason for it, to which he ignored and decided to thank Rarity, promising to pay her back, and went home after good byes. He supposed he could really get used to the world of relatively peaceful ponies. And he had to admit, the experience he had just felt was perhaps the best he had ever had. The Town Hall was empty as he went down. finding Hammerhoof passed out on the table, when he found his bed and shut his eyes. Sleep came easier for him that night, that's for sure. |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 11- Old Memories Surface. Bonds are Formed. | In a world of peace, there exists conflict. In a world of sorrow, there exists pleasure. In a world of wealth, there exists poverty. In a world of power, there exists weakness. In a world of grief, there exists happiness. In a world of regret, there exists promise.
And in a world of pain, there exists rage.
The read-headed girl smiled at the young Aldon. Adorned in simple farmer's clothes, with the background as such: a crop of corn and wheat. It was a beautiful sunny day out. Birds chirped, as the breeze passed by, all the while, Aldon looked at the happy-go-little girl. She was a child, and he loved her as family. She was family to him. A little sister, from when he was adopted and brought in as family to her mother and father.
"Come on! get up sleepyhead. Let's play!" she said, as her smile widened, bringing the sun up higher as it did. Aldon looked up at her clothed body, in a small, rosic dress. It was a light pink with deep red roses adorned on in a spectacle. It was her favorite dress, and she wore it whenever she could. It made her happy. Aldon had a family, and his family had a son. He was happy.
Her crimson eyes dawned on Aldon a second time as his head got up from under the shade, as their german shepard ran around in circles waiting to join in the fun. It was a peaceful day, and Aldon would enjoy it for sure.
"Alice, what do you want to play?" the young voice asked.
"I don't know. You're the smart one silly." Aldon lightly blushed as he rubbed the back of his head.
"I'm not that smart," He gave a full-hearted smile in return, "how about you come up with the game?"
"Ok!" She said, chuckling and pacing with her small, innocent hands on her chin. "Let me think."
Aldon and the german shepherd waited in anticipation. "How about Hide and Seek?" Alice asked.
"Ok, that sounds fun. Are you up for it boy?" Aldon asked the dog, to which it wagged it's tail in hope they would start sooner. "I think he's up for it." Before he could finish his thoughts, Alice began to run off, yelling back to them.
"Ok, count to thirty, and don't peek!" She finished off with a practical scream as she ran. Aldon and the pup of a dog turned around and seemingly counted, the dog's tail still wagging. He was happy. The guilt-stricken man was a boy and he was happy. He would trade everything to have that life. As they counted down, the world got darker and darker. The tree grew larger and larger as forest spread around him. Laughter; maniacal laughter sprouted as figures stood up. The scar on the man's face revealing his happy face.
"Hello boy." The man was adorned in holy robes, with a book of the gods in his hands. His lackeys adorned similar fashion, but held no book, and no equal intimidation. The scar on his left eye gave proof to that.
"What's going on? Where am I?" the small boy asked. The dog began to bark as it summoned up on its protective powers. One of the men, with the robe head on, adorned a knife, opting to stab the dog, silencing its barking with a yelp of pain. The man gave a hearty, rich laugh.
"The little pup just didn't seem to want to be quiet. I think it understands now though." The group, which continued to increase in number began to laugh in unison.
The boy ran over to his small companion, who had a look of mortal pain. "No. It'll be alright boy. Please, don't go." Aldon was shaking, tears running down his face. His world turned for the worse, when the dog crumbled in his hands, dust floating in the winds as again the scenery changed. It was his house, and Alice stood in front, her back turned, facing the closed door. Aldon had tears streaming down his face as he looked to his adoptive sister; his family.
He got up and ran to her, which is when she disappeared and he heard a scream from the inside. He slowly opened the doors, only to be crushed to bits. His heart was about to implode, while his mind was going to explode. His mother, his father, they were lined in the back of the living room against a wall adjacent to the kitchen. Their bodies were mutilated, and destroyed. It only got worse as he looked in front of their corpses: Pumpkin, the pumpkin loving german shepherd. His companion, his friend, and his pal. His head laid on the floor, giving into his fate of slow death. Aldon slowly moved to the dying dog, holding the pup in his grasp. It was exhausted just breathing as his eyes looked into the boys. Aldon's tears multiplied, and the dog's died, as it too lost life. It was dead in his grasp.
Laughter outside. He lifelessly got up to see something that broke the final cord. His sister was pinned up to a tree, tears streaming down her face, as her jugular was cut open. The men around her were raping her dead body, revelling in it. Aldon fell to the ground on his knees, looking at the tree, and into his sister's eyes as they glared at him. Her face of fear, horror and sadness. The smile was gone and replaced with death.
A man turned around, "oh look, he came to us. This makes things easier. Come on boys." They all slowly descended onto him, with their weapons held in two. daggers, and books of the gods, all of them. However, out of the corner of everyone's eyes a shadowed figure disappeared as the scene went on.
His final cord was broken, and the emotion was released. "Let me take over. Let it flow. The one emotion you can count on. Let them suffer as you have suffered. Engage your fury! Release your RAGE!"
Aldon practically leapt out of the bed in the basement. Looking over the room. He had cold sweat all over him, and with the valves unlocked, tears flowed down his eyes. He did not even wish them so, but in fact, the tears were flowing, and the river wouldn't be stopped by any dam.
Hammerhoof was awoken, and stirred by a sound he knew very well: tears, and fear. He directed his gaze at the human across the barrack's room. The concealed man moped, and let the water works run. He was in a mix of emotions, ones that Hammerhoof knew, and some he still hadn't experienced in his life. However, the man was his subordinate, and it was his job to help him through the job, giving him pointers and advice.
He was also a friend. They might have just met, but Aldon was one of the only creatures to know suffering like Hammerhoof. The Changeling hordes for Hammerhoof, and the Gods for Aldon. He slowly got up off of the bed and approached the sobbing, wrecked husk of a man, weeping for the nightmares to stop.
"It's better just to embrace them sometimes." Aldon looked up to see his pal looking at him, compassion in his eyes. "I know what it's like to experience pain," Hammerhoof moved to sit down next to Aldon on his bed, giving a friendly rub on his knee.
"I was helpless," Aldon said, "I couldn't do anything to stop them!" He began to slowly scream to himself. "Her face; Alice, I'm so sorry!" His tears continued, "Mom! Dad! I'm so sorry!" He continued, opting to place all four on the floor and slam the concrete ground. He slammed it, and gave all of his grief to it; all of his sorrow; and his punches only increased; all of his hatred; and all of his rage. The concrete began to crack, bending to the man's will as he continued to pummel it in anger.
"They took them away from me!" He said, as the ground shook. Hammerhoof began to rub the enraged man's back. "I couldn't even stop them! They laughed at their deaths. They couldn't even let her body be in peace," Aldon shuttered. "They had to take her innocence away, even in death."
Hammerhoof was struck with memories of the past. He experienced the pain too. Everything he had just said, was rolling in Hammerhoove's head. Hammerhoof's wife. His son, and his baby girl. All earth ponies, who held a quiet, peaceful life in Canterlot. They were happy, and content with living poor, if only to enjoy eachother's company. They didn't want money, or wealth. Not even a good job or anything, but just a happy life. A life of love, happiness and shared experiences. Their little cottage was dwarfed by the rest of the city. They were mocked, bullied and even trampled on by the nobles there. They didn't care though; Hammerhoof didn't care, because they had each other.
Then they came; the demons in the sky and on the ground. The scourge of the earth came and took it all away. Hammerhoof couldn't do anything. The changelings held him down, while they extracted the sustenance from his family. Then, with no mercy, they were slaughtered in front of his eyes, swords through their guts, and daggers in their jugulars. In the last second though, they all had a smile on their face.
"Don't blame it on yourself," The pink mare said, "please survive, for me!" She said, as the life faded from her eyes. Hammerhoof was surrounded by grief, and then the changelings decided he was next. But his wife's words, and their memories would live on. His last chord snapped as well. Ponies always said, Earth Ponies were inferior, without any suitable advantage, but Hammerhoof felt one. A changeling dropped his sword, as it moved in to hold the pony down. "Keep our memories alive!" His wife echoed in his head. Without hesitation, he upheld the sword and slew them all. Their bodies littered the street. After that day, no one ever commented on him again. Not the nobles, not the unicorns, not even the princesses themselves. He was given a job as a royal guard as compensation for his protection of Canterlot. For saving innocents from Changelings, but all he did was listen to his mind, and seek vengeance against the scourge. By the end of that day, he was the feared one, and the Changelings were prey, running from the sight of him, with sword in hoof, and red in his eyes.
Hammerhoof explained this all to Aldon, eventually calming the madness down. He said it as a story, and his water works broke loose too. "My wife asked me never to blame it on myself. But, I was there, and I didn't stop it," Hammerhoof bluntly said. "I loved her; I loved my wife, my son, and even my little girl. They couldn't even spare a child, as they used it for their own sick games."
Aldon still wept, but instead of alone, they wept together, letting loose the memories of their pasts. Hammerhoof no longer gave Aldon any mind as a subordinate, or a soldier, but a friend. Someone who's experienced the same pain, the same grief, and the same anger. He was more than a friend to Hammerhoof now; he was a brother, and the feeling was mutual.
That night, bonds were formed, as pony and man formed brotherhood through stained pasts. |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 12- Enemies Rise. The Woods Bring Disaster. | Brothers of different species were cradled together, dried tears smeared on their faces. It was way past their original wake up hours, but still they continued to rest, with their bonds recently formed. They sat upright on the bed, asleep, but still yet awake. Their suffering was indeed unending, but it would come to pass as a similar figure tapped her hooves down the stairs, gasping at the sight.
The caring mare laid her eyes on the sight, of the brothers newly formed. They both awoke from slumber, peering onto the sight in front of them, smiling at her presence. Fluttershy returned in kind, waving her hoof. "I wanted to ask if you were alright. The both of you." The both of them slowly got up, popping joints and cracking bones into alignment. Giving pats on the others back, even though the difference in sight.
"We're alright lassy. We just had a late night discussion and dozed off." Hammerhoof waved her off, trying to direct her gaze from the odd situation she saw them in.
"Hello Fluttershy," Aldon waved, adorning a larger smile at a friend.
"Hello, Aldon. It--uh might be intrusive of me, but what exact kind of discussion were you two having to oversleep so late? I thought you were supposed to be out by dawn." It just dawned on them, they missed their patrolling shifts. Aldon looked at the pony, who gave a light smile and waved it off.
"As much as it pains me to know I missed a patrol, Ponyville isn't destroyed or in danger, so I think it's fair to say we won't be tried for treason." Aldon gave a light chuckle to that, to which Hammerhoof joined in. The pony's comment even gave Fluttershy a light chuckle from her mouth.
"Also, Fluttershy," Aldon's face bore seriousness as the words, "we discussed some of our pasts. It seems, Hammerfhoof adorns a similar one to mine. As a brother should." Hammerhoof gave a hearty laugh to that.
"Similar Pasts? Wait, Brothers!" Fluttershy asked, flustered by the information. "What do you mean brothers, like brothers in law or?" Aldon waved his hand to the mare.
"No, brothers in blood. What we shared is something that gave us mutual understanding for us to become unrelated brothers. Like an adoptive family." Fluttershy understood, they became such good friends, they were truly brothers at the point.
"Well, as much as I liked sharing my thoughts, we should probably get out there now, and at least get some work in for the day. Damn, I have a headache though." Hammerhoof rubbed his head in irritated agony.
"Wait, why did you come here Fluttershy?" Aldon asked, also lightly rubbing his head.
"Oh, well, I just wanted to make sure you two were alright. Plus, I wanted to ask if you would like to visit my cottage. And perhaps see Snuggles' new health." Aldon nodded, but her comment brought up a thought in his mind.
He had forgotten about Hard Hat and Caring Heart. The two who he had saved, and were badly injured. He at least wanted to see if they were alright. "I'll go after I run my patrol."
"No, no, no. You can go, I've got it covered." Hammerhoof banged a hoof on Aldon's back, urging him to accept the offer.
"No, I should at least earn my pay," Hammerhoof shook his head to Aldon's comment, opting to be stubborn.
"I may be old, but I think I can handle a little patrol around a relatively peaceful town. You go have fun, and maybe connect a little." Hammerhoof gave a devious smile to the end of it, giving Fluttershy a light blush, and Aldon slight irritation. He would have to square that off with Hammerhoof later.
"Alright, well then, Fluttershy," Aldon said, directing the gaze at the mare, "lead the way then. Cause, I have no idea how to get there," Aldon said truthfully, getting a face-hoof from Hammerhoof, who was getting up some light gear for the patrol.
"So, how did you enjoy the gift I gave you? I never got to ask." Fluttershy, draped her wings down as they continued to walk, Aldon leading way to the hospital to check on the two ponies he had saved. Whispers were still made, while idle chatter between Fluttershy and Aldon was continued.
While talk of the 'monster' was flown throughout Ponyville, the alley besides their walk was inhabited by two shadowy figures, one of a pony's figure, and one of a sapients.
"Don't presume to command me you wench!" The pony-like figure in cover of cloak said. "You may have informed me of the prize, but you will have no spoils in it." The other cloaked figure simply stood still, with a neutral stance. "I may have been removed from Canterlot, but don't think of me as weak. I will control that beast, and use him to my advantage."
"Apologies, your majesty, but I am simply a messenger from my affiliates. I gather the strength of this land to take down the animal before you. He is tasked to appease my masters in blood and sport. All we ask is that you use him in such a manner." The pony-cloaked figure nodded, giving cause to the other's words.
"I saw him take down my enemies in a fit of rage. I will use it to swipe them away and claim my dominion over all of Equestria, and all of the ponies. I shall not fail a second time, with him as my servant." She looked to the vial the other being had open to her through the sleeves of the cloak.
"Use this, and he will be enthralled into your words. He will become your servant indefinitely, but be warned. He is the most dangerous of creatures on your world and ours. It should be understood, that treating him like a slave will award you with your death. The potion merely masks your intention as righteous and just. However, it can only go so far, and if you see fit to overuse it, he will catch wind of it and bring your oblivion, and perhaps all of the planet's with it." The pony figure nodded under the hood.
"Why do you do this?" The pony-figure asked.
"My masters merely wish to indulge in simple sport, as I have said."
"And what kind of creatures are your masters?"
"That is not something I can openly discuss, but understand that the tide of darkness shall rise. Expect allied acquaintances to join your cause of the destruction of Equestria." The pony figure was confused by the words, but heeded them as the other figure began to walk away. "Make sure to use him at his pivotal of peace. When he is on the highest pedestal; take him down from it and strip him of his peace, and he will bring chaos and destruction to your cause. Use the potion as instructed for the best effect."
The pony figure nodded, as the other figure held a malicious and devious smile under his gaze. He whispered as he walked away, "all shall be under the game of our gods. Even those we task to start them." With that, the villain vanished, disappearing as the pony figure deemed it time to vacate as well, taking up guise as a simply Ponyvillian.
The hospital approached in a grand way, just as big as Aldon remembered it. His friends were still housed there as long as he knew, and he wished to greet them in good fashion. Fluttershy besides him, was there on his request to go, and to also give sympathies to the two ponies. They slowly entered the complex, with ponies eyeing the two curiously and some with malice.
Fluttershy observed how they saw Aldon, apprehensive to bring up the subject, and showing some fear in her body. Aldon noticed and understood the situation, eyeing the ponies that were eyeing him, making them back off immediately, as most didn't want a fight. some, to Aldon's amazement held their eyes, thinking of themselves as tough as steel; there was only one pony though: Hammerhoof.
"It's fine Fluttershy. I've gotten used to them staring at me like that. They do it because they show fear. As long as I have some people to talk to, it won't bother me in the least. People hating me has been a part of my life for as long as I've known it, and if you want to disassociate with me because of it, it's completely fine if you do so." Aldon stopped, as Fluttershy considered her answer. In Ponyville, associating with a reject or freak usually doesn't go well, but Fluttershy couldn't just abandon the man, considering she was given such a wonderful gift of both the flames and his friendship. She would never abandon a friend, even in tough times. So, she shook her head.
"You're my friend. You may not think it so, but we are friends Aldon. I do not abandon my friends, "she said in a stern, yet caring voice, shocking Aldon to awe of her.
"For the timid one, you surely step up first when trouble comes your way," Aldon said, giving Fluttershy a light blush, to which Aldon lightly chuckled.
"Well, friends are important to me, and all of the other girls. You might not think it, but you're all of their friends, and even the princesses. Friendship is formed quickly in this world for some." They were both in the lobby, walking towards the front desk. An Earth pony, sporting a white coat, with a red cross mark, and a light pink mane with a nurse's cap stood there.
A nurse Redheart greeted them, smiling at Fluttershy, while having some reserve towards Aldon, from which he still ignored. "Hello, Ms. Fluttershy, Mr. Aldon." They both nodded, Fluttershy more happy about it. "So what brings you two here?"
"Ms. Redheart, I wish to see Caring Heart and Hard Hat." Nurse redheart stared at them, giving hesitation on the next question, while other ponies around them heard it giving snyde comments.
"Do they associate with a monster?" They asked.
"Wasn't he the one who attacked them?" Another pony asked.
"Did they help him hurt those ponies?" Another asked, which set off Aldon. He could understand being insulted, but to insult others, especially injured ponies, who couldn't defend themselves irritated him beyond belief.
Aldon turned around to face the leers and gazes, a look of irritation on his face, where one of his eyes showed a tint of red. The ponies, a mix of all different types, colors, shades, and genders, slowly began to back away, as Aldon slowly approached them. Fluttershy and nurse Redheart were holding onto his arms in clear distress, urging him to stop. But Aldon continued to march his way towards the fleeing ponies.
"The monster's going to kill us!" One of them yelled, and they all ran out, fleeing for their lives.
"Help! Please, somepony stop him!" Another mare yelled, who was a unicorn by the sound of it.
Aldon was almost at the door, as he regained control, letting the palm of his hand crack with the pressure, sending nurse Redheart into a tantrum afterwards.
"Why would you do that?" She yelled and scolded the man, who loomed over all of the ponies. He took it as a scolding from a mother to a child. Fluttershy still tried to calm the nurse down, while outside chaos erupted.
A threat, familiar to Ponyville, but still dangerous walked its way to the town. A hulking figure, huge to the ponies, but small to the species. A threat that would dawn in an apocalypse on the town, in flames and fire. A mighty dragon, intent on its destruction trudged its way towards the peaceful ponyville. With a final guise, it gave a mighty bellowing howl of ferocity. It towered over structures, able to crush them in a fell swoop. Not the largest, but the dragon was huge to the small structures of the town. It hed black scales, and purple-tinted eyes, with blind rage in it.
The three of them heard it: the mighty beast roar.
"A dragon," Fluttershy said blinded in fear and confusion. "A big one. We have to evacuate the town." She ran outside to see it looming in the distance, letting loose a torrents of flames. Aldon slowly followed her out, looking in direction, almost staring.
That's when all at once, Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Rarity rushed behind them, in a frantic scurry. A purple dragon accompanied them as well. A dragon Aldon hadn't met, but his gaze rested on the giant man, who bore his eyes into the distance as Fluttershy turned around.
"Fluttershy!" Twilight looked behind her, "we have to--"
"Yes, I know. That dragon is coming. We've got to get everypony out!" The three mares nodded, while Spike continued to stare.
"Spike. Spike!" Twilight yelled to the young purple dragon. He was brung out of his trance.
"Yes Twilight?" He asked, slightly shaking from the dragon's presence in the distance.
"Send this letter to the princesses. We might need some help with this." Twilight handed the small dragon the scroll, which was burst into green flames and vanished.
"I can help distract it with my moves. I can try to slow it down," Rainbow said, gearing up for flight. Fluttershy bravely stood next to her, from which Rainbow nodded to the timid mare, with Fluttershy nodding back.
"Girls, we need to help the evacuation. The dragon is coming, and there are still too many ponies in the town." The two pegasi slowly nodded their heads to Twilight's words, but then Rainbow Dash looked behind her.
"Where is the big guy going?" Rainbow asked.
Rarity turned her attention to the man, who was walking away, towards the dragon, while all of the ponies fled in the other way, screaming in a frenzied panic. "Aldon dear!" Rarity yelled, "where are you going?"
The girls stood dumbfounded, while Aldon turned his head, a red tint in his left, scarred eye, "Help the ponies evacuate. Get them out!"
Twilight turned to the front and took a few steps forward, "what about you though? You're not going to face that thing are you?" she asked.
"He's crazy," Rainbow Dash blindly stated. Aldon turned his head around, continuing to slowly walk towards the looming threat.
"He doesn't even have his magic to fight with," Twilight said in disbelief.
Fluttershy walked in front of the mares, gaining their attention, "please, the least we can do is help the evacuation. We can help him when that's done. Until then, let's get everypony out." The four of them nodded, with Spike readdressing his attention to the man one last times, while fireballs and barrages of flame began to descend on the town.
"We have to help everypony until the Princesses arrive," Twilight said. Rarity, while beginning to gallop in the other direction, turned her gaze one last time to the man.
"Don't die," she whispered, to which all of the mares said in their heads. |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 13- Evacuate the Town. The Dragon Approaches. | Fire rained from above as the town was bombarded by the closing threat. Ponies frantically, and frenzified ran for their lives, pushing others aside, and calling for everypony to run. Aldon, however, was walking in the opposite direction, towards the threat; towards the looming disaster of the dragon.
Ponies gave glares of fear towards the man as they ran, but Aldon paid no mind to them as they did it. He simply continued to walk in the direction of the coming storm. His fists held in a clenched ball of anger. His left eye was indeed a red tint, while his right eye still held faint traces of blue. The scar on his left eye seemingly pulsated as he moved, and he could feel his blood boil. He gave wry smile as he continued to stare down the dragon in the distance.
The air around Aldon fluctuated as he moved, a seeming heat wave appearing around him, bending all available light, which was slowly being blocked out by the destruction taking place around him. The fire raining from the sky destroyed buildings from left to right, the same as long range artillery of modern day war, nothing was untouched. Ponies, Fillies and Foals all ran, with the parents carrying their kids on their backs. Aldon looked around to make sure all of them were fine as could be, andn ot in any danger.
"Somepony HELP!" A mother in need said while ponies ran by. Her child, the same as her mother, was a azure blue, with pink eyes and a purple mane. The young one cried while holding a hoof of a pony being crushed under a nearby building. The tops were slowly being burnt to a crisp as it creeped to the bottom, where the earth pony was being crushed. Said earth, pony, opposite the unicorns of the two females, was a light shade of green, with blue eyes and a trimmed red mane. An odd couple, but the tears in their eyes held true as Aldon approached them.
The mother cried out ot the ponies who gave quick glances and continued to run. None of them, save a few who treid in vain, let the pony to be crushed and burned alive. The little filly was holding the hoof of her father with increasing pressure. Tears ran down her eyes as the mother continued to shout for help.
"Daddy!" the little filly said, as the father tried to give a nestle. "Please. Don't go!" She said, as her father tried to get them to leave. "I don't want to leave you. Daddy, I love you," the filly said, as she gave a hug to the exposed head of the pony.
"Please, Hunny take her and go," the pony pleaded, as some of the gathered ponies tried to lift up the rubble in vain. The mare looked into her husband's eyes and continued to cry her eyes out, but slowly reached for the filly.
"No! Mommy please!" she screamed as the mother brought her up. "What about Daddy?" She asked, tears pouring down as the flames did from the sky.
"Miss, we can't," A larger earth pony in the shade of brown and black said while struggling to pick the wood up, "it's too heavy." The other ponies, similar in size, but varying in color from red to purple, continued to try in unison only in vain as every time it only lifted an inch and wouldn't budge any further.
"Mira!" The trapped pony shouted, drawing the mare's attention. "GO!" He shouted, as she slowly nodded her head in complete disbelief and slowly began to run away.
"DADDY!" The filly yelled, as she was carried past Aldon, both giving glares to the man, and continuing on, screaming their heads of in sadness.
Aldon approached the ponies, who were all dwarfed by him, as the pony pleaded with the others to go as well. "Please, just help my wife and child. Leave me and help them please," the pony pleaded. "It's too heavy. Trust me I would know," he said trying to jab in a joke.
"The others might be cowards and pass by, but we won't let you die," one said, pissing out the words as he continued to struggle to lift up the destroyed burnable material in vain. The trapped pony shook his head.
"Please go! You're just going to get yourselves killed." The ponies shook their heads, until Aldon loomed over them and they looked back in awe and horror.
"The monster," one of them whispered. Aldon at that point, put one hand under the rubble, gripping a sturdy, everlasting piece. The Ponies saw it in his eyes, the mix of emotions. His right eye was the form of kind thoughts, while the left were the emotions of darkness. However, to truly experience life, one must have both.
"Not even all of us could lift it, he couldn't possibly do it." Another whispered as Aldon slowly continued to tighten his grip on the object. His back bent over, and the pony staring up at the man in the same spectacle of manner as the others: awe and horror.
Aldon knew, that anything judged by actions not words. Intelligence merely gave the impression that they could judge by the other, but everything in the world and cosmos identified enemy, ally, monster, savior, angel, devil by actions, not by words. So with renewed vigor and pulsating emotion, he lifted up the rubble, to his full height, bringing everything on top of the rubble with it, then with a mighty yell, clamoured a leap of strength to chuck the rubble completely over, removing the pony from constraint permanently.
The ponies looked at the man, who stood tall, and unscathed by harsh words, then directed his mixed gaze at the ponies, revealing his pulsating scars and veins; almost seemingly brimming with power and strength. The grounded pony slowly rose up to his feet, struggling to stand, but slowly moved out as the others moved to support him.
"Evacuate the city," Aldon said devoid of any expressions or emotions. The ponies all slowly nodded, walking away from the fire and wreckage of the previously standing house. The dragon was closer, as Aldon observed it from his eyes. It was nearly on top of the city, with just a few more steps to go.
A single pony standing before it ahead of Aldon, a pony he knew all too well. His friend Hammerhoof.
"Everypony! This way!" Twilight yelled to the fleeing ponies, while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash overlooked the skies for injured ponies to assist or ponies who would be trapped under buildings.
Ponies screamed and whizzed by, as Twilight and Rarity secured falling flames by blasting them away with their magic. Pinkie Pie and Applejack, who had come after meeting up with the other girls, were assisting injured ponies to the edge of the city.
"Twilight!" Rarity yelled in the chaos, "when are the guards going to be here? And the princesses?"
"I don't know Rarity, but we need to focus on evacuating Ponyville before focusing on the dragon." Rarity nodded, pouring more power into her horn and magic. Twilight did the same, as the intensity of fireballs increased on their barriers.
While Twilight was continuing on the barrier, Rainbow Dash flew by at full speed, going to assist a pony under some light wreckage, as Fluttershy zoomed by as well. The two mares landed down by a structure, to help up an older earth pony, as he thanked the pegasi for their assistance, and even lead him to the evacuation site.
"That big dragon spoiled my party cannon!" Pinkie yelled in a fit as she continued by Twilight, holding a burnt unicorn. The coat was unrecognizable with ashes and burn marks on the body, but they could still make out it was female by the weak feminine voice coming from her and the pleads to have her child again.
Pinkie nodded her head, as Applejack held that very foal, walking by her and the son gave a hug to the mother, and despite her pain she smiled and let tears roll down her eyes. "Thank you so much!" She cried as they foal supported his mother the rest of the way out of the town, to safety.
"Ah reckon that mother ill' be happy." Applejack turned back around with Pinkie to help another burn victim escape.
Fluttershy flew by Twilight again, only to lie her attention on the princess. "Fluttershy!" Twilight called, "where is Rainbow Dash?" Twilight had lost sight of her friend as she went to their left, and disappeared into the destruction.
"I don't know. She said about finding Scootaloo. But I thought they were at Apple Acres." Twilight continued to pour more power into the beam as she pondered the thought. Where was Rainbow Dash now. Was Scootaloo and the cutie mark crusaders in town.
They noticed the countless amounts of non ponies fleeing last, and even the griffin and his family. He smiled at the mares while they smiled back as they moved on. Everyone moved to leave the scorching town by the dragon's deed.
That's when it dawned on her, where was Spike? He was nowhere nearby. "Rarity?" The unicorn turned her attention to her friend, "do you know where Spike is?" Rarity's eyes widened as she realized it as well.
"He's not here!" she seemingly gasped. "Where is my little Spikey-wikey?" Rarity began to turn her head frantically looking for the little dragon. He was indeed nowhere near as ponies continued to search. With Rainbow Dash gone, Fluttershy was their best hope at quickly finding the dragon.
"Fluttershy!" Twilight called. The mare, helping a little pink filly to her parents, looked to Twilight. Fluttershy rushed to her friend's side. "Fluttershy, please can you go find Spike? I have no idea where he's gone." More fire rained from the sky, being shot down by Twilight and Rarity's magic.
"Ok, I'll see if I can find him." Fluttershy flew off to look for the young dragon. The city was surely in panic as she flew. Charred earth, remains of ponies in ashes. And others still trying to escape by running on the main road out of the town. Fluttershy hated the mean dragon. Why did he want to attack the town and hurt everypony?
And where was Spike? He didn't go towards the dragon did he? Fluttershy continued to search for the young dragon in the chaos, looking down streets, alleys, even near the castle of friendship, but he was nowhere. "Spike!" Fluttershy timidly yelled, looking at the immense dragon approaching. That's when she saw Spike in the distance, in the one place Fluttershy feared he would be. He was standing in front of the dragon, staring at it, while the dragon stared at Spike, and for a moment time froze as the carnage stopped and they bore into each other's eyes. Hammerhoof was behind the young drake, wanting to put a stop to the young one's actions.
Time stood still as Fluttershy burst into speed that could almost rival Rainbow Dash to save Spike as the dragon had a claw raised into the air ready to pounce on the little guy. She gave it everything she had, but it wouldn't be enough, the descent was just too fast, and Spike was frozen in fear. What would she say to Twilight? She had let her beloved Spike get killed? He was her friend too, and she couldn't even save him. It made her tear up inside. The sadness swelled as his fate drew nearer.
"Lad you need to move!" Hammerhoof screamed to the young dragon, however before he could finally strike down, a huge object struck the side of its head. The dragon slowly stumbled back, and Fluttershy picked Spike up in haste, doubling back to Twilight, confusion and happiness in her thoughts. However, she wanted ot know how the food cart struck the dragon at such a speed.
"I want daddy!" A filly screamed, walking by Twilight. "Mommy, why did he have to stay?" She asked with both of them having tears streaming down their faces.
"Sweetie, daddy wanted us to be safe. He was trying to protect us." Then in the distance they could hear cheers and the two turned to look at the golden light approaching.
The mare husband, and the filly's father. They both charged in unison. "Mira!" The earth pony yelled back, in joy of seeing his family. He was upheld by fellow ponies who tried to get him out.
"Miru!" The wife yelled. While the small filly yelled Daddy. The ponies began to walk away from the love scene, but the mother and filly looked at the men with tears in their eyes.
"Thank you!" she said, "thank you so much!" The ponies shook their heads.
"Mira, they weren't the ones that saved me," this intrigued Twilight. "They couldn't lift the building's rubble, but that creature did it with a single hoof. He even threw it over the other side, allowing me to escape. He saved my life." Twilight couldn't help but smile. Her friend would be looked at as a hero for sure.
"Twilight!" Fluttershy yelled, "I found him!" she screamed. Spike was on Fluttershy's back, with fear and awe in his eyes, plastered in frozen emotions.
"Spike!" Twilight and Fluttershy yelled, as Pinkie and Applejack also joined in. The mares rushed to Fluttershy's landing spot to make sure the dragon was fine, which he was. He was just startled and frozen in time from the event. That's when Rainbow Dash zoomed back, with heavy breathing.
"Scootaloo is ok. She's at Sweet Apple Orchards," Rainbow said. Rarity shook her head.
"Didn't you hear us when we said they were there?" Rarity asked. Rainbow Dash shook her head and lightly blushed.
"Spike," Twilight called, which is when the dragon got out of his frozen face.
"Yes Twilight?" He asked looking around, "wait was that real?" He asked.
Fluttershy nodded, "yes, you were almost crushed."
Twilight grabbed the dragon and started hit him with her hooves, "what were you thinking?" Twilight yelled. "You almost died! Why would you go towards the huge scary dragon? Spike I could have lost you!" Twilight said as she embraced the little dragon in a hug, "please don't do that again!" Spike meekly nodded.
"I'm sorry Twilight," he said as he returned the embrace.
"Girls, ah think all of the ponies are out. The town has been evacuated." Explosions sounded in the distance as the dragon roared. They all gasped at the image of the dragon being harmed so thoroughly as one of his wings had punctures and its chest looked like it caved in. To say the least, something was hurting it deeply as it howled, but equally so continued to regenerate, with its wings repairing themselves and chest popping back out. A fight was ensuing, and it wasn't between the princesses and the dragon. They were still on their way. |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 14- Man vs Dragon. The Battle Ends? | Hammerhoof wondered on how the dragon was struck with the wagon, but it's gaze, while averted wouldn't stay that way for long. The titanic beast had its head cocked, but was slowly reeling it back to the correct position, glaring at the human who threw it from afar. A couple hundred feet away stood the man, who was glaring at the dragon, as the little purple pipsqueak was being carried away by Fluttershy. He was in a mild trance as Aldon caught glance of him, and Fluttershy of the man.
Hammerhoof took the opportunity to plan an attack on the dragon; a hit and run array of attacks. The wagging tail at the back of the beast was open as the dragon refocused, beckoning on who threw the cart at him. Hammerhoof had to give a hearty laugh as he realized a food cart was thrown at a dragon. How it wasn't burned down in the rain of fire, he had no idea, but either way it seemed to work effectively and as intended. Hammerhoof began his hit and run, charging with his steel encrusted hooves, made to break bones with ease.
While Hammerhoof wasn't the fastest pony, he could easily outpower almost any of them. Ever since the changelings came and he experienced the pain, he found new strength in destroying foes and vanquishing enemies. The only ponies to possibly have the same strength as Hammerhoof were the regal sisters, but even so, that would be on a good day. He didn't question it, but simply embraced it as he charged at the dragon's tail. As he closed in he readied his hit and run engagement, stopping for brief seconds, winding up his back legs, letting loose a cannon shot, and then gunning it away from the tail as the dragon gave a howl of pain.
"Yeah, come and get me you lazy lizard!" Hammerhoof yelled, which got the beast's attention. "Ah, did I hurt your feelings?" Hammerhoof laughed as the dragon grinded his teeth.
"You little insect! I'll crush you like a bug!" And with that the dragon uprooted his legs and began a savage game of whack a mole, but with the mole moving at relatively high speeds, and it retaliating. Every time the dragon crashed down his legged and missed, Hammerhoof gave another buck to the leg. After three to four more, the dragon gave more power, but with it accidentally got his leg momentarily stuck in the ground.
The frontal right leg was indeed stuck, and Hammerhoof had his opening in all its glory. With another great buck, this time giving it everything, he struck the leg, busting off scales and sending the dragon roaring in pain. "You ponies! I'll kill you all. Starting with you! I'll burn you alive!"
The dragon proceeded to level his head towards Hammerhoof and inhale deeply. The pony didn't need to think twice and began evasive maneuvers. The dragon spewed forth fire, which luckily the pony evaded by hiding behind the leg he had just injured, making the fire ineffective.
"You talk big, but you can't even handle me. You're a weakling." Hammerhoof gave another whack on the unarmored skin, causing the dragon to further vent up pain. "You've hurt countless ponies with your little rampage. As a guard of this peaceful town, I must bring you to justice!" Hammerhoof yelled, giving buck after buck to the exposed tissue, giving the dragon more and more to pain to feel.
"You little ponies think you're so great," the dragon had enough as a claw from behind the ranting pony came to flick him, causing him to fly into a nearby building. "You do everything as you please, and expect the world to bow to you," the dragon glared at the recovering pony, "but understand that I don't bow to your kind. And when you hurt my family!" The dragon bellowed, "I'll hurt all of yours!" The dragon let loose a mighty roar and charged into the building Hammerhoof was recovering against, flames burning off the top.
The pony with the sword cutie mark couldn't even hear the sentence as the dragon sent a huge spiral of flames to Hammerhoof. It spiralled into a fast assaulting beam hurled towards the pony. Hammerhoof bit his lips and broke into a full sprint to the left, barely avoiding the beam of flames. The dragon screeched in anger as Hammerhoof looked to see what happened.
"I know this dragon," Aldon said as scales fell off of the nearest of the dragon's legs: the backward left leg.
The dragon gave a hearty laugh, "So, you have been damned to this world as well?" The dragon asked, looking at the man, as he rubbed off the pain Aldon had just given him. However, the scales were growing back at a fine pace to match the output of Aldon's strike. "The great demon of our world," the dragon chuckled. "The overseer of the gods, who see fit to toy with you."
"They did the same to me human." The dragon ceased his tensions as Aldon bore his eyes at the dragon. "I can't recall the last time I saw one of your kind. Perhaps when I was back on our original world. I was transported here about a century ago, when I was still a drake. Since then, I've had a child with this world's dragons. These damned ponies though, in all their hubris, similar to the humans, have decided to take her away from me." Hammerhoof's eyes widened.
"What do you mean by taken?" The pony asked.
"Exactly that, they took my precious daughter. Inciting that they would sell her to the highest bidder." Hammerhoof didn't understand this though.
"Didn't you try to stop them?" Aldon asked, crossing his arms. The dragon shook his head. Aldon also couldn't quite remember where he had seen the dragon. What the beast had done, and to whom. He belonged to someone.
"They poisoned my food. And while I was succumbed to it, they took my child. She gave out screeches of pain as they skipped away with her." The dragon crushed the ground with his clawed feet, venting up in false anger.
"What is your name?" Aldon asked, not convinced by the story.
"Here they call me Firestorm, but I suppose on our world they would call me God of Fire, Sun Crusher." The dragon gave an eerie smile as Aldon's left eye twitched at the name.
"What's the matter pal?" Hammerhoof started to move towards Aldon when the sky was blocked out until Hammerhoof saw the dragon coming down on him with one of his feet. Hammerhoof had no time to react as it came down, until the weight suddenly stopped descending, and the dragon's face contorted into amazement and absent praise.
"Very impressive. I remember when you were just a small boy, but to think you could be so strong." The dragon continued to place more pressure as Aldon struggled holding it up with his strength, using his whole body in the endeavour, kneeling down for more support.
"Why--did you attack this village?" Aldon asked, grunting as the weight increased and Hammerhoof continued to idly look at the man. The dragon laughed, but then put on the same pouting and angered face as before.
"They took my child, as I said before." Aldon's face twitched in anger as he slowly got up and threw the foot and weight off of him, sending the dragon stumbling back. "Much stronger; so much so," Sun Crusher marvelled.
Hammerhoof was slightly confused until he heard a similar noise that anyone would know: a cry for help. He looked in all directions, while the glares of the two creatures continued on, and they continued to press each other.
Hammerhoof turned to his left and began to run as the audibility of the cries increased, and sobbings could be heard. While he put a decent amount of distance between the dragon and himself, the beast could easily still observe him. The pony was within his peripheral range, and all Sun Crusher had to do was send a splash of fire to end the little thing, but he decided to toy with the human for longer.
"I've heard of your great feats. How you've defeated countless amounts of weak vampires, or even a drake once or twice." The dragon gave a hearty laugh as he watched the man's brows tighten and tension increase. "My master has told me as well," the dragon finished as the beast got his head down to Aldon's level. He whispered to the man, "you protect these ponies? You may think they will accept you, but understand that as in the other world, everyone will look at you as a demon. An unwanted swine of the world. They will seek your destruction and take everything from you. Do you wish to be made into more of a plaything?" the dragon asked.
"The ponies, while some have it in their heart to harm and hurt others, some accept me. Some even befriend me. Ponies, just like humans are not all bad. There is humanity in these creatures, and you assume they have none." The dragon rose his head and gave a groan.
"So you're still weak I see. They will never see you as anything more than a freak and monster. Deep down you know it too."
Hammerhoof looked around further, gaining a warmer feeling on the cries as he approached more wreckage of a burning house, until he heard the cries of a filly and colt. A brother and sister trapped under burning debris. Hammerhoof could see them squirming to try and get out, crying for help, and crying for their mother and father.
Hammerhoof wondered where the parents were until they saw them dead on the outside near his peripheral vision, looking to be rushing over to their kids. A simple earth pony family. Similarly to their parents, the kids had opposite hair and mane: Yellow and Orange. The mother had a coat of gold and a light orange mane, while the father had the opposite. The foal and filly followed in unison to their respective gender parent. The mother had a cutie mark of a heart with an arrow through it, while the father had a picture of a stand with some bits surrounding it.
The two hugged each other and cried for help, from which they saw Hammerhoof. He smiled and eased his way over observing what he could do. Beams draped over them and could collapse at any moment, but there was an opening, that if opened a bit more would allow them to slip out.
"Ok, here's what i'm going to need you two to do," the two looked at the pony, tears still slipping down their eyes, "I'm going to slowly lift this beam here," Hammerhoof pointed to the beam overlooking the small hole, "and when its up I want you two to slip out. Do you two understand?" He asked as began to slowly walk to the particular beam and got into position. The two ponies nodded lightly as they also got into positions to rush out of the 'made-larger' hole.
"Ok, here I go," he said as he slowly inched himself under the particular beam, squatting and then slowly lifting it until he stood, allowing the two to slip out, "ok now!" he lightly yelled to the two.
The two kids complied and began to slip out of the wreckage going by Hammerhoof as he struggled to keep the weight up fully. As anticipated the insides of their small haven in the wreckage began to collapse as he had the beam lifted, but luckily the two were out before anything fell on them. The two shook as they clinged to each other. Not letting go of the hug. The filly, looking to be the older one looked to Hammerhoof.
In a kind and sweet little voice she practically whispered, "thank you." Hammerhoof nodded as the structure collapsed fully and the small space died out.
"You're quite welcome, but your uh--" Before he could finish it, the young colt rushed over hysterically to the two bodies shaking the cut ponies viciously praying for them to get up. The sister slowly walked over to the brother and placed her hoof on the brother, shaking her head as she clearly saw that their parents had lost too much blood and were gone from the world. The atmosphere got tense as Hammerhoof felt compassion for the two. However, they needed to leave incase more danger was to come.
That's when he heard the ruffling of flame blast going to the two children. The sister turned to horror as it creeped further, and Hammerhoof didn't make it as it overtook them and consumed them.
Aldon saw it. The dragon twisted his head to the scene of the two ponies lamenting over their fallen parents. "Sick little things. Perhaps I should put them out of their misery," as he finished the dragon etched his head over towards the ponies and lined up the shot. Aldon pumped his blood as he realized what was going to happen and went into overdrive towards the ponies. They were exposed and flammable if lit on fire. The dragon gathered up the power in his mouth in the form of a beautiful yet terrifying cascade of the lighter colors of the sun. His mouth was full of them, and within seconds released a powerful flame blast towards the little ponies.
Aldon cracked the ground beneath his weight as he gave one last stride to push back wind behind him and intercepted the shot, placing himself firmly in front of the two before the blast could hit.
He took the brunt of it, and skin burned from his flesh. Skin oozed off, muscle was exposed and bone could be seen on some parts. Very light layers of skin remained on some parts of the body as he looked on to the dragon who laughed at the man's predicament. His clothes were burned and flew off into the ashes, his hair burned to a crisp, giving him a practically bald look. His body knelt down, while he panted with his lungs dying from the heat coursing in his body. The necklace still remained around his cooked flesh.
"This is what happens," Sun Crusher ushered, "they hold you down. Now look at you; you're practically dead and for what? Saving two despicable lives. You're so utterly weak sometimes I swear." Aldon coughed and held ringing in his fried ears. He couldn't concentrate as his vision blurred. He could hear muffled noises from the ponies behind him and his pal as he rushed over to the keeling Aldon. Before he finally became completely immobilized and slightly blacked out, he witnessed a flash of light and distinct pony like figures go into his blurry vision. Almost all of them also rushed to his side as his eyes finally shut. |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 15- Regal Sisters Arrive. Dragon Scales Too Strong. | Everyone spawned into the scene. Celestia, Luna, Cadance, the Mane Six, Shining Armor, tons of guards. Right in front of the scene that just occurred. Cadance the princess of love and leader of the Crystal Empire stood next to her husband, Twilight's older brother, Shining Armor. They looked at the destruction that had occurred, and took a glaring look at the destroyed bodies of ponies, with ashes flying into the sky. Including that, the two kids' parents were also in that predicament as the fire blast had sent the bodies into ashes.
They flowed away into the sky as the rest of smoke did so as well, creating a sun-blocking effect on Ponyville, blocking out view of everything in the sky but black darkness. The only light provided was the fires lit up on burning houses. The light dissipated as the scene continued.
Hammerhoof rushed over to the fallen man's body, while some guards looked to evacuate the filly and colt. Although, they had to use force as the two both erupted into sadness and anger at the realization that their parents were gone both mentally and physically now. They wouldn't even be able to have a proper funeral for their parents.
Celestia, filled up with hateful emotion kept her emotions in check while looking at one of the guards escorting them away; she nodded and looked to the two little ponies.
"I'm so sorry," Celestia said, a small tear rolling down her eyes. Celestia saw the broken chords in the two children as they were forced away. All sensible thought was removed as emotions swept over; they had learned the feeling of loss, the feeling of abandonment, and above all, the feeling of loneliness.
The Mane Six followed suit with Hammerhoof and also scurried to the man's body, which sizzled and smoked to the core. Celestia looked at the burns marks on the pavement and came to realization, also with her sister, that the man had protected the two children from being burnt alive. He gave his life to save ponies, who for all intensive purposes would never remember him besides being the town's monster; however would a monster truly risk his or her life for animals that only view them as such? To hold humanity and kindness to risk the one thing that everything values above all else: life.
Fluttershy rushed to feel fro a pulse, among the degrading skin and scorched hunk of flesh.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she slowly shook her head, "he's gone," she slowly worded out to everyone. Silence ensued, with Luna continuing to vent up in rage at the culprit who then made his move.
"He was a weak man, and you ponies are even weaker; he sacrificed himself for useless ponies. And Sun Butt and Moon face were just a little too late," he playfully laughed along, brining a joyful tear to his eye. "And you, the little bugger who was his friend," Hammerhoof looked up to the dragon as he said this, while everyone else also looked on, "you believed for a few seconds I came here for a valid reason didn't you. To avenge my daughter and to bring her back?" Hammerhoof just stared on, feeling vented up anger at the beast's next words.
"I never came here for a daughter, which I don't have; I came here to get rid of pesky little ponies like yourself. You're all scum of the earth--" Before he could finish a powerful blast hit his core, sending him back a few feet as everyone looked to see Luna charging up another blast.
"You have killed our subjects and ruined this town! You have killed our friend and humiliated another, and you have rid ponies of their only family!" Her voice began to boom, "We will kill you!" and with that the canterlot voice boomed over the town, momentarily removing the darkness from the sky. Everyone found purpose to the princess's words and lined up to execute them, all having stern angry faces on them. Fluttershy especially held a vengeful face.
Aldon, adorned in battle armor stood in darkness, addressing a creature he held dear as a recently made friend. The Demon known as Deus Occidere. He was a monstrous beast of unimaginable power. He has helped to fuel Aldon since his birth and has served as a loyal friend recently instead of fueling rage has sought to tune it to specific targets. He has left the plane of the living before gods were born, but he is perhaps the most fearsome of looking creatures. He dwarfs the largest of Dragons. Flames adorn his head's king-like thorns. He has a dragon's skull mixed with a human's features in demon skin. A mix of three horrors and monsters. He holds a mighty tail to stabilize his massive bipedal form; however that is all when he feels like being normal. For reasons sake he takes on the form of a demonized human when conversing with Aldon. Simple blood tattoos and body flames are what he has in that friendly form and he uses it to properly converse with his friend. The demon Deus Occidere is in fact scared of Aldon. He may be the most fearsome demon, but Aldon is the most powerful.
"Hello Aldon," the demon said while giving a light smile. A change of face from the battle hardened chanting one Aldon knew from his previous life.
"Hello Deus, it's been a while to say the least." The demon nodded, creating two seats for the two to sit on.
"You seem to have injured yourself quite badly," The demon said as the two sat down while a makeshift television screen of magic spawned in front of the two seats. On the screen it showed a third-person perspective of his lifeless body; everything occurring around him.
"I believe the correct words are, I am dead." The demon lightly chuckled to that.
"Oh yes, I suppose that is true. Although I could say otherwise. You realize you were not meant to die. That necklace prevented you from releasing your power and allowing my presence, but since your body is no longer in a vitalitial state, I am allowed to exist and speak to you."
"Even if I wanted to, I could not take off that piece of jewelry. It was like it was attached to my skin and would refuse to budge of come off."
"Well, it is perhaps all up to them then," the demon said, leaving a trail of tension in the silence of the magical screen before them. The ponies all attacking the dragon while it sequentially takes them down one by one, as it practically impervious, however the princesses all putting up the greatest fight, with the Mane Six close behind. Aldon even saw a ferocious side of Fluttershy he thought was almost impossible.
"So, what should I do now then?" Aldon asked the demon, who enjoyed the fighting between the two forces.
"Well that's up to you; you're technically still alive, but that necklace needs to be removed. Additionally you could just pass onto the realm of the dead. I was there a few times, but it wasn't for me. A lot of old timers there, who didn't take kindly to me."
"Well, I can't really do anything until one of them takes it off, or it gets destroyed then?"
"Pretty much," the demon replied. "I can't believe they had something like that; to deny you your powers completely."
"Well no, my dragon's blood still acted accordingly, although that's not really magical at all. It was the only thing that gave me the strength to take that beast on. I can't remember though, but I think I remember that dragon." Aldon pondered on his vacant chin. The battle continued to rage on, with Luna leading the charge with ferocity and apparent rage for harm to her subjects. Aldon was definitely mad at the beast and his cowardly ways, but it was beyond his power now.
The demon thought to himself, pondering on the possibility of Aldon to break out on his own; he would also have to break the news eventually. Perhaps for the greater good it was best to do it then.
"I have something to discuss with you," the tension in the room rose exponentially as the demon spoke his next words. "When you departed from that world they all died," the demon said, gaining the attention of the man.
"Her own brother killed them. I--I couldn't even save them I suppose. My death served as nothing--" Aldon began to rant in anger as emotions set in. His friends all perished? He couldn't stop their deaths. They all died in vain of his mandatory sacrifice. At least they could've been spared, or have escaped, but he was even denied that when he was stripped of ever seeing them again.
"Not just your friends Aldon; 'Everyone' died." The demon's words sunk in and Aldon learned of the truth.
All of the ponies had managed to push the dragon out of the city into the field, granting them more maneuverability, and less continued damage to the town and any inhabitants still trapped there. Hundreds of ponies were now on assault against the dragon, making sure to keep it down and under constant attack. Pegasi from the skies bombarded it with spears and launched projectiles. Earth Ponies held the defense for Unicorns who led the main barrage against the beast. The Mane Six and the Princesses acted on their own terms engaging the beast directly and gaining its main attention.
"Keep firing everypony!" Shining Armor shouted to the ponies, "we will take down this beast and take vengeance against all it has done!" The ponies all chanted as more bolts struck into the beast who gain strength through pain. The princesses had started to notice it, but thought it was simple adrenaline and hysterical strength kicking in as a creature was surrounded and out of options, but in fact it was something different. Each time the scales were removed they grew back stronger and more durable, while the beast's magical fire continued to spew and at greater and greater rates.
"You're all such little pests," the dragon roared as more scales oozed off from the high-powered magical beams from unicorns groups, while debris was being hailed on the open spots.
"You hurt the ponies of this town; our subjects!" Celestia roared back, teaming up with Luna to provide an additional blast to the dragon, yet still slightly increasing his growing strength.
"Your subjects Sun Butt? Aren't they your sisters too, or wait, I think I remember what happened!" The dragon played off, irritating the two and bringing Luna to an even higher tension towards the beast.
"Thou shalt be struck from these lands you cur!" Luna ramped up for a close and personal attack as she launched off as a jet on an aircraft carrier towards the dragon, with Rainbow Dash joining her by her. As a duo they both gave a mighty kick to the dragon's scales ignoring any pain they might've gotten only to relish in the creatures wincing as scales shed off to reveal vulnerable hided skin.
The dragon swatted more and more pegasi out of the skies by maneuvering its wings and striking them with mighty slaps to their bodies, sending them in showers to the ground, or so he would think as they were caught before impact by fellow brethren. Pinkie Pie and Applejack were literally striking scales off at the beast's legs just as Hammerhoof did, but when in unison a larger area was affected and even more damage dealt, however the more the dragon took, the stronger it became. How would one crush suns? To pulverize them into oblivion?
You wouldn't do it in the frontal assault, you would do it in a slithery, cunning way, such as stealing its power. That in fact is what the dragon was doing.
Pegasi slowly began to fall from the skies as the ponies realized their mistake. All of the magic they used to bombard and damage the beast was simply fueling it and making it stronger. Like Tirek, it stole energy from others, however the dragon didn't seek out to destroy all life so in effect no one could sense the energy it was taking until all realized they were drained too quickly for it to be normal.
Sweat began to beat down the unicorns brows, with panting ensuing. Shining Armor too, along with Princess Cadance began to feel the effects. After the couple, Twilight did as well, followed by all of the Pegasi, who landed out of exhaustion. Afterwards, Rarity and Rainbow Dash could be seen supporting each other up. Even the Earth Ponies began to succumb to the draining effects of the beast.
"So, the insects finally learn do they?" The dragon laughs to it and watches as the two princesses, too drowning to their own exhaustion, struggle to stay up. "To destroy suns, you must not go on a direct approach," the beast stated, "but attack from within at the core. To steal its energy and make it your own, just as I have done to all of you." As if struck with blades, all of the ponies were barely able to stand as it continued. Some prematurely began to faint from lack of magical power to keep them awake. Slowly one by one, the unicorns began to suffer the forced sleep as they collapsed to the ground in exhaustion and had their eyes forcefully closed.
"What have you done?" Luna screamed, slightly coughing from combined exhaustion and pain from the lack of magic.
"Sister, I am so sorry, I couldn't even sense it until it was almost too late. He's been sapping us dry this whole time," Celestia stated, in the same state as Luna.
The Mane six all gathered, trying to support each other from falling unconscious. Applejack spoke first within the group, "Ah can't believe, he's just like Lord Tirek," the apple mare stated.
"No, Tirek wanted to destroy everypony and steal all of the magic of Equestria, this dragon isn't doing it at all." Twilight's words sunk into all of the mare's skulls.
"So what do we do?" Fluttershy asked, still enraged at the beast, but lacking complete energy to do much but barely stand as more of it was taken away.
"Yeah, that fiend ruined my shop!" The designer screamed lowly, lacking energy to do much else, "also look at everypony else and the town. Twilight dear, do you know what we can do?"
"I would say use the Elements," Rainbow chimed in.
"I would too Rainbow, but we don't have them right now," Twilight stated. Pinkie, surprisingly was silent, which would shock all of the ponies if not for the situation.
"I think something big is coming," the party pony stated. Of course, if something was then everypony would know, but the ponies simply surmised that the dragon was going to rain with more chaos and destruction.
"Why would you do all of this?" Celestia boomed, still heavily enraged and angered at the beast's actions, which gave her renewed strength.
"Cadance!" Shining armor cried as the princess of love fell unconscious, with Shining Armor following.
"Why would I do this?" The dragon asked himself, "I suppose it's fun to destroy insects. To see them scurry in fear and pop under my feet." The sadistic dragon boomed with laughter. He was truly a monster. However, all of his words were heard by everyone of the town as they had gathered around the beast at a safe, but still meaningful distance, all shocked at the scene of all of the ponies exhausted and mostly beaten.
Hammerhoof began to walk towards the crowd shocked. He was away tending to his friend, and removing his 'dog-tag-alike,' or the necklace. He rushed over to the two princesses, "your majesties!" He moved to support both of them, each on one side. They nodded in thanks to the help.
"What's happened? I was tending to Aldon's body and took this off to remember him by," showing the magical necklace.
"He's drained us Hammerhoof," Celestia said, as Hammerhoof could begin to feel his strength waver as well, but stood strong.
In the crowd, Spike cried for Twilight, with Owlicious on his back. All the ponies cried out in a mix of emotions at the dragon and their princesses. They wanted them to keep fighting and to defeat the dragon.
"Everypony please!" one pony called out. "Don't give up!"
"Princess!" The ponies seemingly called out to Celestia, "don't give up! That beast needs to pay," another bystander yelled. However, as much as their encouragement brought fuel to their cause, there was no oxygen to bring it to life as the princesses and all of the remaining ponies awake were no match for the beast's draining powers.
"I think after I'm done with all of you," the dragon began, "I'll play with your subjects. Maybe use them as toothpicks. I'm sure you would appreciate me putting them to good use," the dragon said. The ponies had seemingly lost. Their gods, the regal sisters had underestimated the beast before them and in fact have lost; all of the ponies had lost to the beast's abilities and strength. Celestia felt not only ashamed, but guilty for what she thought was going to occur.
"Actually, I think I'll start now. My teeth need a good cleaning," the dragon said as he began to walk towards the crowd, with all of them going in panic and beginning to run and scurry, until a booming voice was heard; a mighty roar from the town. The dragon stopped in his walk to look towards it, having his pupils slightly dilate back as another of the roars were heard.
Minutes Earlier in Ponyville; Near Aldon's body.
Aldon's body laid limp as Hammerhoof looked over his friend. "You sacrificed yourself for inconsiderate louts and then saved these children," the pony said. He looked at the defeated flesh which was his breathing friend a little while ago. Blasts were heard from the field outside the town. Spikes of fire and ash paraded in the direction of the battle.
"I promise, that you won't be remembered as a monster," the pony said. "But as a hero." Hammerhoof had felt loss before, and after feeling it in the most savage way, it rarely makes one cry, but Hammerhoof did have a small tear fall for his comrade's death. He saw the encrusted necklace, "I think I'll use this as a momento. Something to remember you by. You won't mind will you?" Hammerhoof asked.
"You're a good sport with things," the pony spoke to no one, "I'm sure the princesses wouldn't mind erecting a statue for you; after all, you did save a lot of ponies. Don't worry though, if not I'll make sure cadets in the royal guard remember your name. In fact every soldier will, as an example of what to do as one. To save ponies' lives even in sacrifice of your own." Hammerhoof slowly got up.
"You will be remembered brother," the pony stated as he began to walk away with the necklace in his hooves. "You will be remembered as a hero."
Another roar thundered in the sky as everyone stopped dead in their tracks. For the true battle was coming on the horizon.
"So, you've finally come out then," Sun Crusher whispered to himself.
"Sister, what do you think--" Luna started to ask as Celestia simply thought to herself.
"The necklace; Is he still among us? Or is it something else entirely?" |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 16- The Final Chord is Broken. The Seal is Removed. | One would think that after suffering that one would simply give up. After destruction and death one would stay down to watch the fight to a conclusion. To stare from the sidelines in a lifeless body; in the void of death itself. When everything is lost, is there anything to return to? When the truth comes out, do you shy away or embrace it? If you are presented opportunity, do you take vengeance or give forgiveness? Do you take up the shackles of a name or embrace its meaning and let it flow? Do you perhaps let your life lay still and allow your enemy to wake, or do you take up sword and shield, magic and might, power and vengeance, anger and rage, and strike him down?
When you are presented with choices, there is often consequences. Aldon, the man who has held a life longer than most understood this as he gazed into his own soul for an answer. A soul of torture, suffering, greed filled lies, deceit at the hands of nobility, slavery in abundance, power in the hands of few, powerlessness, and most of all lost love. He had lost a family before, as perhaps the only one he could call it so. Of course for them, he couldn't exact revenge for. To know that forever he would know that they died in vain and all because he was powerless in the face of power itself.
However, when presented with a chance to gain revenge would he take it? Would he unshackle his soul and let it loose? Unbound the animal in himself and let it roam free? Let it tear enemy limb from limb and then bask in its blood? Would he let his persona stand true, as a monster and something to fear?
He had to chuckle at himself. Life was never kind to the man. Either let them die with no peace, or let himself be presented as the very thing that his friends don't wish of him to be. However to Aldon, the choice was clear as the necklace came off. The bonds to his hate and the shackles to his rage were taken off.
"What will you do then?" The demon asked in the void. "Will you let them die, and let the beast live, or will you fight as the very thing everyone calls you?"
Aldon had learned the truth. He remembered the dragon sound and clear. In days past he was the dragon Lily had bonded with as a child, only to leave her without a goodbye. He was also the one to end her life. To end all of his friends' lives.
"I am merely here to guide you now. I may have been against you in the past, but understand that I have felt your pain and your suffering. Just as I am a part of you, you are a part of me. I have given you all I have before. You merely have to undo the key to set it loose."
Aldon had the power bestowed upon at first on that day. To slaughter those who had taken everything from him, except for the one man who took the most; he had managed to slip away from grasp. Afterwards he was introduced to Deus Occidere, the demon all gods feared and the one who felt Aldon had suffered enough in life at the whims of the gods. The demon learned to fear Aldon's power, and even gave him all of his own to fuel the fire. The demon saw Aldon as he would see no other: a friend. He felt every bit of pain Aldon felt; every emotion,every memory as if his own.
"He parades around as the victim. He has taken the lives of loved ones. He has even taken the lives of innocents right before my eyes. And yet he couldn't even spare their lives when I was gone? I was destroyed and he had to toy with me more; they had to toy with me and kill all I held dear? And now he seeks to destroy everything I touch, see and smell?" Aldon clenched his fist as tears rolled down his eyes and fire erupted in the void.
"He talks about me being toyed with by the ponies, yet he has lied, and taken everything from me! I--I'll kill him!" The fire began to erupt around the void as Aldon's body contorted on the outside, erupting into a hellfire of flames and vengeance. The sun would pale in comparison in beauty and 'fear-striking,' as Aldon's body turned from the man to the demon. "He acts as they all do! He thinks nothing of consequence will happen to him because he is a god! A deity as a dragon! An arrogant god will be put in his place. He has taken everything from me!" Aldon screamed as his body's flesh gave way to reinforced scales of black and red. Thorns popped out of dragon-like head, while he grew even larger. Encompassing a ten feet height and flames rolling down his body. His eyes turned from the gentle blue to the violent, rageful red. His feet and hands turned to serrated claws and formed muscular scales. All hair was gone as he felt fire rush over him. His mouth, that of a draconic demon spewed fire at every breath and held teeth to rival a lion. His muscular frame doubled in size as he grew a tail to encompass the huge weight and to balance. Although as spike grew out of the back, with a dark red flame as a cherry on the top, it was more than just balance.
His flesh held the scars of the past. Flames spewed over the countless formed spikes on the monster's back. Flames also began to emit from the creature's eyes. Not enough to tell unless close enough, but still there to cover over the rageful red eyes. Aldon held his body out in full length, gazing up into the sky. His demonic form etching fear into all. His arms stuck out in a hug towards the sky, while his tail arched back almost touching the creature as Aldon continued to stare into the sky.
"I will deliver him from his cloud in the sky, to the fires below. To a world of suffering. Death will come after he's suffered as I have and as all others who have suffered due to him. He will learn pain!" Aldon stated as the body slowly stood in position, cracking the pavement below and sending dirt and debris away as the winds gathered around the flaming demon. "I will deliver death to the god called Sun Crusher!" Aldon roared into the heavens, signalling not only his return, but the ensuing battle to come.
A Demon vs a Dragon. A Rage vs a Dragon. A Monster vs a Dragon.
Sun Crusher stood arrogant and proud of his victory against the ponies. That roar only gave him rise for more pride to come. He would defeat anything that would stop him from having slaves to toy with. He had run out recently, and wished to secure more, but decided that why not? let's take everyone.
"A beast to fight changes nothing," Sun Crusher announced, "you all belong to me!" he bellowed as he continued his march towards the shaking populace of Ponyville. However, even he knew the power he felt. The power of an unstoppable monster.
While they were distracted, and energy was seemingly flowing back into ponies, albeit at a extremely slow pace, Celestia and Luna stood and engaged their plan while the dragon had his back turned.
"Sister now!" Celestia yelled, gaining not only all of the ponies' attentions, but also the attention of the enemy as he turned around, although it was too late as the two formed mighty respected circles below them. Luna held a firm Moon like symbol below, while Celestia held that of the sun in brilliant opposing colors. Midnight Blue for Luna and Noon Yellow for Celestia. They clashed as the spells combined and formed into a regal white directed at the enemy.
"May the Moon!" Luna yelled. While Celestia yelled at the same time.
"May the Sun!"
"Curse you!" they both yelled together.
"TO OBLIVION!" They screamed as a white beam rushed towards the dragon and his pupils dilated to that of fear.
The dragon roared in pain as his skin melted and did become oblivion, incinerating into floating ash, flowing into the created wind storm from the blast. Everyone took cover as the shock wave crushed over everyone, sending many toppling to the ground for cover, with their appendages covering their faces. As the shock wave died, so did the scream of pain from the dragon. What was left was the front of the dragon, appearing unscathed by the blast, until one would look at the back, seeing bone exposed and even organs in the open. Blood oozed to the floor, creating an ocean of the red sticky substance for all to see.
The dragon wheezed from the blast, but slowly began to laugh at the ponies, sending the princesses into shock as they collapsed from magical exhaustion from the move. They were very close, as his heart was exposed: the weakness to all dragons and the only way to effectively kill one, however it was soon covered up as rapid regeneration took place.
"Foolish little sisters. You were actually very close," the dragon said wincing in pain as he turned, revealing his cranium to be blasted open as well. "But that was everything you had wasn't it?" The dragon gave a sinister laugh.
Everyone stood in shock and both Princesses held guilt: they had left everyone down. It was meant to end the beast before it could do harm, yet they hadn't been able to finish him. Although they noticed a big difference, his regeneration was slowing, yet still much faster than any other pre recorded dragon to be seen using it. It was unnaturally fast as wounds closed in clear sight and the once annihilated section of the dragon came back in storm.
"Everypony!" Princess Celestia announced, gaining everyone's attention. "Run!" She yelled. As she finished all of the inhabitants had teary eyes as the beast approached.
"You shall be my first toothpicks princesses. You will serve as an example." The dragon slowly descended towards the princesses who stood tall towards their fates.
The maine six looked over in complete shock. The princesses were about to be eaten by the beast. Time slowed to a crawl as the enemy lowered his head closer and closer, while his mouth opened to reveal huge and ferocious blood stained and slightly cracked teeth to the princesses. The crowd in the meantime, continued to look over in complete horror for their princesses.
Rarity held a hoof to her mouth, whispering out, "oh no." The main six all held similarly 'shocked-in-horror' expressions. They all recited what Rarity said with her, except for Twilight who gave a glare at the beast who was about to take a practical mother away.
Twilight did have a mother, who she loved indeed, but to her, Celestia was very well one. Even more so for the motherly attitude she's had for Twilight. She has taught her of many life lessons, and even put Twilight to strike out on her own and to learn on her own. To embrace friendship and kindness. But right before her eyes, the very pony was going to be killed, and with exhausted magic, she couldn't seem to do anything about it.
The dragon's face seemed to have a smile as he did it too, only pissing off Rainbow Dash more. She had her hooves clenched, if it was possible, and held anger in her eyes. It was as though she had betrayed her friends. For everyone it was like they had betrayed the princesses.
Stomping could be heard to be coming closer to the engagement as the dragon paid no mind to it, but before they were enveloped in their cripplingly exhausted state, smoky fog rolled into the battlefield, covering it up until the sky. But everyone knew it was neither forecasted, and could also not happen naturally. The princesses held confusion at their situation until out of the corner of Luna's eyes, she could see two bloodshot red eyes peering through the fog; almost like a mechanical red light, but organic as it gave a leer of utter anger to the beast in front of them.
Without his knowing, Sun Crusher experienced another blast sending him crashing to the ground in the fog. The blast in question came to him in the form of a laser alike fire blast, slamming into the dragon and incinerating his top skin, to which he squirmed on the ground in pain. Through the fog, a dark voice rung. As deep as a dragon, and as scary as that of a demon. With each word a continuous breath, from a somewhat large creature could be heard, but somehow enhanced as it spoke; it only increased the intimidation factor as it bellowed its words.
"You bastard!" Sun crusher yelled, "I just had my skin redone!"
"Sun Crusher," the creature said back, having stomps echo to the fact it was approaching. Every word paused for emphasis, "today, you--will--pay!"
5 minutes earlier.
Aldon looked around in his new body. The environment was torn apart by his transformation; one he wished he didn't need to use. The Avatar of Vengeance. However, all thoughts of doubt, guilt, and regret were erased from his mind as images, those which fuel him, flooding his view. Through the fiery eyes of the monster he inhabited, tears descended on the ground and vaporized on contact as he saw the images fade away. Memories of his friends and their great experiences. He could remember throwing a surprise party for Lily, to see her almost cry for joy. The party was one of friends through all sort of meetings. No annoying nobles, or ball or anything to disturb the time they had. Of course the formal birthday was another day, but only friends of the Queen were there, giving her reason for the tears. She never had an informal party before it.
Another time when he sparred with the dwarf. Both of them went all out, to destroy the battle area. The soldiers watching could only fearfully chuckle at the match, some even shaking in their boots. Aldon and Serven though, only had fun as they continued on putting the pressure. They both used their pain and suffering to fuel training and their power. Some would call it dark, but they simply called it fun. Those born from violence, seemingly revelled in it, and the two were no different. As the fighting continued, it got to immeasurable heights, with both of them at their max, until Heather came in to end it in the only way she could; battling. Then it was a free for all as we all lashed out at each other, each holding their ground. Although Heather was struggling, her ferocity ultimately won her the battle. Of course, Aldon never used his transformation, as it put too much stress on him, reminding him of past events and tragic upbringings. Every tragic photo or array of scenes would pop up in one.
Another such time is when they first came to truly know each other. Escelva and Aldon had a mutual relationship of neutrality, with Escelva only training Aldon to control his magic very limitedly. Although, after a battle to determine their fate, from which they were forced to work together, they bonded as brother and sister. Escelva had lost much just like Aldon. She even lightened up to the dwarf, who inevitably held feelings for the woman. It was a relationship they both shared eventually, and up until the death of Aldon, it had gone strong. They could've had a happy family, and settled down. Been together as husband and wife. Raise a few kids and enjoy a peaceful life, but of course, just like everything Aldon touches, it was taken away. The beast smiled as the images flashed away, only to reveal their corpses.
He would never see Lilly again, and dreams were shattered without any second thought. And even then, he couldn't leave him alone. Sun Crusher had to continue on his quest from his leaders to strip Aldon of joy and slight happiness. Even if it only a small fraction, he had to strip it away. He wanted the dragon to pay, and pay in blood and battle. To suffer as he has suffered because of the dragon. To suffer as the ponies, who had no reason to be attacked have suffered. To correct the tragedy that happened that day and to remove an arrogant god from the world. The beast smiled as the images flashed away, only to reveal their corpses.
He began to maneuver his heavy body to the battle, sensing impending danger, he turned a corner. What he saw was the princesses about to be eaten. Sun Crusher was smiling and revelling in it. The main six were all horrified, and Twilight had tears running down her face. He felt compassion for the pony. To have someone close stripped away, or at least that's what appeared would happen. Aldon, however, had different plans as he let the water around him steam away, and buildings burned to a crisp as he moved, the flames being mouses in comparison to his lion of heat as buildings turned to ash and a smoky fog moved towards the group. Right before Sun Crusher could finish the job, Aldon let the anger swell up inside of him and let it loose towards his enemy, in the form of a 'laser-like' beam of fire, sending the dragon toppling back and squirming on the ground.
The dragon yelled out something that Aldon couldn't care less about as his eyes lit up in anger as he spoke the next words with fear following them; "Sun Crusher," he addressed, "today, you--will--pay."
Hope revitalized as the princesses stood shocked as the demonic beast approached. The body of a demonic dragon. It held the power of a dragon, with the structure, build, and terror of a demon. The anger and rage of the one they knew as Aldon inhabited the beast. As it approached, it took them all in, gazing at all of the unconscious and dead ponies, seeing a few he had never seen, but looked to the ones he did and simply stared trying to get a message across.
"Celestia, Luna," The demon addressed, gaining their attention from the shock, and also destroying the shock of everyone else in the fog who could see him. "Get everyone away," he said.
"Who art thou? And why do you think you can command us?" Luna asked, to which the creature approached closer, revealing heavy scales, demonic flesh and intimidating, flaming horns. Its eyes bore into the princess of the night, until it shook its head.
"Please Luna, do this so that no one will die. Take all of the unconscious away." Luna contemplated trusting the demon, while Celestia was still lost in thought.
"We shall heed your words, but we are not finished discussing. We wish to know how you know of us and we not of you." The demon slowly noded as Luna turned to her sister.
"Sister," she started, still having Celestia in deep thought. "Sister," she tried again, a little louder; still nothing.
"Sister!" Luna yelled, funaly gaining the princeses attention.
"Oh, yes. Everypony!" She yelled to the one conscious in the fog, namely a few scattered guards and the main six, "please, we need to move everypony who is unable to fight!"
The main six all nodded to each other as they looked to the unconscious unicorns and pegasi. While the princesses were exhausted, the dragon couldn't seem to hold onto their power as it returned, even giving consciousness to some of the downed ponies as they looked around, and some seemingly ran from the new demonic creature present.
"Everypony run!" A newly conscious pony screamed, "demon!" Aldon had to laugh at this, as while they would stand and fight a dragon, they would run from a thing like him. Although, he did look scarier, with the flames and structure with it.
"You little thing," Sun Crusher spat as he slowly got up, "you finally bare your teeth." Aldon turned his head to see the creature that dwarfed him by immense proportions. A giant to him, but Aldon held no fear, or any feelings of being intimidated. "Why would you stop me?" he asked, completely confused.
"I put them all out of their misery." The dragon said, gaining a smirk as he talked.
"They were simple cattle without a master. A chicken without a head. You should've seen their faces as I rid them of it. It was simply priceless." The dragon began to laugh on the memory, as the monster's body fell silent and unmoving, with darkness creeping over its face in front of the two princesses, who themselves, were appalled by the words coming out of the dragon's mouth.
Everyone overheard the words, and looekd to the monster, who held a garb of darkness over his face, slowly scrunching up his clawed hands into a ball of anger.
"That's just cruel," Rarity said while helping to move some of the still unconscious soldiers out of the way. Some of them. of course still held immense fear for the beast who had just entered the fray.
"Ah would buck that dragon to the mountain if I could," Applejack said, holding anger in her honest voice. She however, held shocked eyes as well, as everything coming out of the dragon's mouth was true.
"Sometimes I wondered why the gods kept saying they couldn't kill you?" The dragon asked, slowly walking to the unmoving beast. "They can take everything from you, yet not the life you hold?"
Aldon looked at the dragon, with his body carrying the darkness it held, as the air began to stop moving. Everything began to heat up. Magical pressure increased around everyone as they walked away, and even too did the princesses as they looked at the fight about to ensue.
"I'll kill you." The angered demon voiced, as air began to burn and fire was summoned in its open palms. "You took them!" It screamed as it leapt to the dragons face, faster than most could see. The dragon's eyes dilated, but the same smiling face met the demon's eyes as burning fists of crimson red met with it.
The dragon stifled back, as some of its scaled oozed off. "Now we're getting somewhere," the dragon said, as he could feel the demon's energy feeding into him. "This power, it's so magnificent. It's so wonderful. It fills my tummy and makes me hunger for more," he thought out loud as the dragon's scales regenerated back and the demon landed on the ground with a slow levitation at the end.
The demon roared as it charged the dragon, slamming into the dragon's chest, sending him toppling over and the fog dissipating letting the town view it with their own eyes. The dragon seemed to get bored with the formalities and began to fight back as both unleashed a fire beam at each other meeting with a clash in the center. A hurricane spawned at the center, as winds pushed everyone back and made some shield their eyes as wreckage, and foliage went flying.
"This is so exhilarating," the dragon sounded, as he pushed the demon back. The demon was losing, as the dragon continued to gain power from it.
"That thing rushes in with no thought. Sister, how shall we handle this?" Luna asked her sister.
"Let them battle it out Luna." Celestia stated, gaining confusion, but eventual affirmation from her.
"Give me more power!" The dragon yelled, as it continued to beat the demon back with his blast, to the point where it was baring down on it. The demon wailed and angered pained cries. "Aww, are you already dead? What a pity." Sun Crusher finished his blast, revealing a demon writhing on the ground in pain.
"You can never win," The dragon stated nonchalantly as he slowly approached the demon, to place his foot and begin to crush it out of existence. "Once I'm done, I will rid this world of happiness too. They will all serve me or die," the dragon cooed as it continued to apply pressure on Aldon's demonic body.
"How...?" the demon asked aloud, to which the dragon maniacally smiled and bellowed in laughter. The demon tried to push the weight of the dragon off.
"You failed them," the dragon started, getting further spark out of the demon as it continued to push with more strength. Celestia began to see the anger swelling in the beast; more than anger. "You failed your friends, you failed everyone here, and you even failed that little red head," the dragon stopped. The dragon looked at the reaction as the demon began to churn under him. He got the reaction as more power flooded into Sun Crusher, giving him a wonderful feeling of power itself. The demon was his play thing to do with what he wanted. Everything on the planet was; they were all his toys, but the demon just turned out to be the best at the moment. His favorite.
"I watched it all," the dragon said, gleaming with a wide grin. "It was so fun to watch her beg and plead for her life as they took it from her." He could feel the power increase and his enjoyment only increased with it. "You let her die," the dragon stated, as it still increased and the demon laid silent as before, gaining power through anger.
"But to me it was very enjoyable. Like a play to watch, it gave me joy as they used her," the dragon's words left its scaly lips. Luna understood what the creature was now. The fire, the anger, the imposing and intimidating magic as the same man they had met in combat a week earlier. It was in fact Aldon being tortured by words and pain.
"Sister, it is Sir Aldon," she said, still not gaining Celestia's attention. Celestia knew it was Aldon. Her sister had told her of the nightmare, and all of what had happened and she too had connected the dots, but she wished to see his reaction. She wanted to see his power. It was curiosity in the most base form, but it overtook her.
Everyone reacted differently at the ongoing scene. Some with fear and intimidation, some with anger and yearning to destroy, and some with shock and sympathy. The main six all felt horrible, as Hammerhoof could only give compassion to the demon. His friend had to hear that all, and just like Hammerhoof, would have to go through life knowing he couldn't save them. But Hammerhoof wouldn't lose a brother. He just needed to spark his fire. To break his chord and let it loose. It wouldn't be pretty, but it would save everyone and give everyone satisfaction, including Aldon himself.
"Brother," Hammerhoof yelled. The demon didn't move. "You might not have been able to help your friends, or your family," Hammerhoof yelled, as everyone paid attention to him, even Sun Crusher. "But, you can do something now!"
The princesses looked at the pony, who stood proud and tall for what he said. He knew what it was like to lose those close and not being able to stop it. However, while it did help, the next words were the ones to spark the dragons downfall. Sun Crusher would remove himself from the world.
"Even at her dying breath she gave you that smile, only to see you fail in life. And then my favorite part, they used her body for their own pleasures. Wasn't it beautiful?" The dragon asked, while sealing his own fate.
The dragon's body began to overload itself with power. He began to choke on it as the demon launched Sun Crusher into the air with a swift push. The red eyes bled as flames burst forth from them. The body erupted in dark flames of red and black. The unstable flame showed itself as it coursed over his body. Winds circulated as everyone ducked for cover. Even the town's inhabitants, who stood a fair distance away, were being bombarded by heavy wind gusts and immeasurable magical pressure. Instead of just a feeling and guiding force, the magic was literally taking shape and almost forcing people to their knees. The ground in the vicinity of the demon burned and melted away, with barren, burnt soil in its place. Like a bubble, the area of complete anihilation was set and on the move.
"You want power?" The demon asked in renewed rageful vigor. "Let me show you power!" He yelled as the dragon began to come tumbling down, still choking on the power he was receiving. The demon let his arms fall back and his head go forward as his body contorted in bright colors from his stomach to his mouth, until a dark red beam, more powerful than before erupted. The flames burned into the dragon, sending scales oozing off, and pain screaming from Sun Crusher. He tried to shield himself, but his wings only got blown off in the process, shocking everyone as the dragon slowly crumbled to nothing.
"Oh Celestia," Twilight lowly whispered to herself as she saw it.
The dragon kneeled on the ground as the fire continued to pour onto him. A dragon's heat resistance was a thing of the past as everything melted; scales, then skin, and then muscles and finally bone and organs, until his entire chest was opened up and his beating heart was in sight.
Everyone had clear sight to what happened next, as the dragon tumbled, coughing up blood, and with it flooding out of his body. "Wait, wait," the dragon began to plead as magical pressure flooded over him and regeneration ceased completely. He was powerless as he looekd to the monster in front of him. "Please stop!" The dragon pleaded. "I'm sorry!" he yelled afraid of death that was approaching.
"You are nothing," the demon said, devoid of emotion and even darker than before. Aldon was gone inside of it, and replaced by his avatar of rage and violence. "I will put you out of your misery," the demon said, continuing to walk towards the fearful beast. Sun Crusher continued to plead as the demon got closer. "For your crimes," the demon slowly said, as he stood in front of the dying dragon, "you will die!" And with that the demon lunged his hands forward, pointing palms at the heart as with it, fire and destruction rained towards the life of Sun Crusher.
Everyone cringed and looked away in horror, fear and shock as the dragon roared out for a minute, until he ceased, and a broken, battered, incinerated and burned body collapsed over. The mighty dragon, and attacker of Ponyville was defeated and the Demon stood there, emitting his magical energy. No one had ever seen a dragon be so utterly destroyed before, even the princesses. Its face was of complete shock and fear, eternally plastered on it. His innards were drained of blood, which flowed like an expanding ocean on the ground, and the inside looked like a well built home for an immense insect hive. Completely clean and burned to a crisp.
There were no words to describe it, just shock and awe, but not in a way most would think of. That's when the magical pressure ended, and everyone felt the weight uplift. Simultaneously the demon collapsed onto one knee, and let out a mighty demonic screech before leaving and returning the bare, rather oddly clothed body of Aldon.
Many questions would arise. As guard ponies began to move closer, from which all regained consciousness, the crowd simply stood flabbergasted and in an unmovable trance of shock.
Celestia, and Luna were in a state of wonder, but also slight fear and paranoia. Indeed many questions would surface, and the man would never be looekd at as such, but only as that of the day: a demonic monster.
> Chapter 17- Two Monsters Converse.
The field laid barren with a huge outline of ovular grassless grasslands. It would return, but when the sea of blood and the ocean of hate disappeared with it. The battle had just ended, and instead of the demon who could slay gods, there lied a man who for all intensive purposes had just saved Ponyville. For better or for worse, the ponies would have to face the facts. The dragon on the other hand looked like something from Tartarus had come up and swallowed half its body and made sure to clean the insides. Blood continued to leak to the ground in wonderful waterfalls of magical powered liquid fire. The scorching winds which were mightier than anything seen in Ponyville had subsided and the peaceful calm and serene sun returned as the ashed clouds dispersed. The town was in shambles; lives were gone, never to be returned, while on top of that, some were in the very process of disappearing. However, no one dared to approach the demonic man any closer than within safe distance. The battle was like a crime scene, except there were no cops, yellow line, or any perimeter, but no one dared to cross the invisible fence all together.
"Sister, to think that was what was inside of him the whole time." Luna stated, still shocked over the whole phenomena. At the same time, ponies could feel their full powers return, and all of their magic flushed back into them. In fact many were overcharged, with the power to kill gods. Luna and Celestia especially, felt more powerful than ever before. A small blast from Luna would result in mountains disappearing. Celestia's Canterlot Voice would decimate bodies in its wake. It was so strong it almost corrupted them to the core, but still they held firm; everyone did when they saw the man slowly stir.
The ponies all began to slowly back away, with some of the other races standing firm; they knew of conflict more. Celestia however took the initiative, with Luna by her side. She walked in front of the massive encircling crowd, within the invisible crime scene and spoke to the people of Ponyville and her fellow Sun Guards, and Luna with her Night Guards.
"My Little Ponies," Celestia began. "We, have won the day!" she shouted, gaining most to cheer, but some still to look down in sadness.
"The beast has been vanquished!" Luna yelled alongside her sister. However, most still cringed at the sight of the immeasurable amount of blood and the huge, destroyed body of the previously attacking dragon.
The main six, however, were staring at the slowly awakening man. Fluttershy especially showed concern, as she was the embodiment of kindness. Meanwhile, the princesses words did bring up light in the people. Even though dark deeds have been done, they were brought above them with simple words, but none could truly forget. Especially the family many had lost; but at the same time, many have gained new ones. Neighbors and friends became more through the struggle.
"Everyone here are the victors," Celestia began. "There have been many who have sacrificed their lives," and with those words many hung low heads, "but with those sacrifices, many have been able to live on!"
"We all need to be there for one another at this sad time. I will personally fund the reconstruction of the town, and ask that all of you help in it!" Celestia yelled.
"But mark our words," Luna chimed in, "we will get to the bottom of why we were attacked." Everyone nodded, some in sadness and others in pride. Fluttershy was the first one to walk by and assist the man, who was struggling to stand, up.
"Aldon!" Fluttershy yelled as he fell down to the floor and blood came up in a wave.
"I'm fi--fine." He said slowly as he got up to stand. Everyone's eyes were dawned on him as he stood. Their saviour in monster's cloak. The princesses turned and addressed the man.
"Let us give thanks," Celestia began, "thanks to the hero of Ponyville!" She yelled. Everyone cheered Aldon's name and gave him thanks. But instead of a smile, Aldon had an emotionless face and tears streaming down from his eyes as he looekd at the crowd.
He gave whispers to himself, which Fluttershy could overhear, trying to support him, "I really did fail them."
The princesses needed to give thanks, but also knew something needed to be done about the potential threat, and the next events gave them proper opportunity to do just that in private. Aldon blacked out and fell down without further energy to support himself. At that, everyone gasped as he laid on the ground once again.
Canterlot Hospital
"So, how is his condition?" The princess of the night asked the head doctor.
"Well your highness, he is in a comatose state." Luna shook her head and looked to the man in the same type of bead he was in when he arrived. The doctor was a unicorn stallion holding a cutie mark of a first aid kit. Pretty generic, and so he was just another egg head in the facility.
"Uh, if you wouldn't mind, how exaclty did he save Ponyville?" The doctor asked. Luna had no reason to withhold his transformation, as it was for everyone to see. The battle was witnessed by so many ponies that it would spread like wildfire. And even the fact that Aldon was in Canterlot hospital was no secret as the pony press clamored for information outside.
"It's a very interesting story to say the least. I'm not really sure myself and am here to ask him the specifics. Until then doctor, just go with the information already out there, because that's all we know too." Although, there was also a little hidden on the amount of blood in the fields; the dragon's blood. The doctor nodded and went to check for a few more things until quietly exiting the heavily guarded room, with Luna as its only occupant. "Yes, what exactly did you do Sir Aldon?"
Meanwhile outside, Celestia was taking the heat of the press and instructing everyone to remain outside and clear of the hospital. Patients of Ponyville were being rushed in as well, but everyone had a very good questions to ask: what happened? And what was the demon?
"Everypony, please remain calm. We need everypony to remain outside. The hospital is currently dealing with too much to be further delayed by pestered questions to doctors and nurses." A guard adorned in golden armor gruffly stated that, while reporter ponies continued to hammer the questions, accusations and rumors to the princess standing beside the guard. Celestia didn't have much to say however.
"My Little Ponies," Celestia stated walking forward, asserting both authority and motherly care, "please understand that even we don't know what transpired that well. We are waiting for Sir Aldon to awaken to gather more information. Currently he is resting and in recovery." And just then a guard stepped to her side and whispered into her ear. "It also appears that he may be in a coma, and may not be able to give answers for some time. For now, let us all give hope that our hero of Ponyville comes out just fine."
Celestia felt saddened by the news. The fact that the hero of Ponyville, and the man who saved so many of her ponies' lives was in a coma and was killed made her so sad. She felt as though she had failed the man. She truly did hope for a quick recovery, and wished to go inspect Aldon and see his state for herself.
However, a side of her couldn't help but feel fear of the monster, the demon who had killed the dragon. It was Aldon, but she had to ask: was it really him?
Aldon's Dreamscape
The desolate landscape of molten rock, paired with demonic dark. The sky leaked blood to grounds below, watching it evaporate into molten stream and float to the black clouds above. Luna could feel the pain and suffering in his dreamscape; his pain and suffering. His deepest memories, locked away in a chest and with the key thrown away. Aldon knew nothing of the past that was in the box; the long forgotten past, but the environment surrounding the princess of the night gave her a clear picture.
A young boy cheerily went around with his family in one picture, only to be replaced with the boy in a rage, letting hellfire rain on his village. A raging rampage ensuing, to which the villagers cried for help, but none came; they cried for the gods. Luna saw the dead family, and witnessed what it wrought.
The same toddler seeing a mighty being approaching him, instructing him to kneel down. To beg for his life and grovel at his feet. A god is what he called himself, similarly to Luna and Celestia.
"I don't bow to anyone!" the boy cried out, to which the god adorned in shadowy cloak smiled viciously and wickedly, letting out a similar wicked laugh. Of control and power, and with such he kicked the boy and sent him flying into a nearby building, expecting him to be crushed and destroyed by the impact. Meanwhile the townsfolk around the incident did indeed bow and pay their respects, until the young boy walked out with an angry face.
"Oh, so you survived. Well, I suppose I could give you another chance to bow down," he nonchalantly said as everyone grovelled at the god's feet and he relished in it.
The boy continued to stare, while Luna could see the look in the boy's eye. The gentle, yet defiant blue had something else in it. A demonic symbol ringed in it. The god laughed as he slowly approached the boy again, while all of the people gasped as the god delivered a mighty kick to the boy once again. However like a martial artist, the boy caught it in one hand and like a monster slowly began to crush it in his grip.
"You all think you're so high and mighty," the boy stated, while the god tried to shake the iron grip, "but you're just the scum of the planet." His eyes turned a beet red, and everyone began to feel the magical pressure. The god was furious with the boy and amped up his power, throwing the boy off his balance.
"Fine, since you find it fancy to disobey me, I'll lay out your punishment!" And with that he disappeared and so did the town, in mighty flames. Body burned over revealing pleading bones and running souls. The boy slowly fell to his knees and cried his eyes out at the scene. Everyone was dead.
"One of these days!" He yelled. "I'll kill you all! Every last one of you!" He said as he curled up a young baby's bones. Tears fell onto the silent child, to which turned into more sadness. "YOU'LL ALL PAY!" ---
Luna gasped at the images. How someone, anyone could do such a thing to innocent people was disgusting. What flashed up next was the young boy on the run from knights of whatever nation he was in, pleading, telling them it was the gods who did it. The guards only continued to yell things such as 'monster,' and 'heretic.' ---
The boy was in a large city, looking for hope in a hopeless situation. Nobles, as Luna saw them, walked around with happiness and glee, glaring at the sad, yet hopeful young boy.
"Honey, what about the local club of aristocrats. I beleive it sounds so exquisite. Exactly somewhere I could meet great people." A woman, wearing too much jewelry for anyone's tastes, accompanied by a man adorned in expensive suit and tie, laughed and then kissed.
"Anything for you darling." They both gave a disgusting laugh that Luna knew all too well. Aristocrats and Nobles were loathed by Luna all the same. The boy was looking around, until he spotted a small wallet on the ground. Enough money to live happy for the rest of his life waited inside, but the boy couldn't take it. His morals still remained.
"Wait, where's my wallet!" The man yelled checking his pockets as everyone went on with their days. The boy looked to the man and slowly approached, looking up the couple, to which Luna gasped in anger.
"I think this belongs--" And without finishing the man beat up the boy, calling him 'punk' and the sort, while the wife smiled and flashed her jewelry, looking on the onlookers, who also mocked the boy, calling him a thief.
The punches went on for minutes, yet Aldon didn't fight back, only cried tears of sadness. He was then chased out of the town, beaten and broken, by the local guards for theft and attempted murder, while the nobles laughed it up at the poor, familyless boy who cried the whole time. He tried to hold up with his wounds, but ended up fainting on the ground, and wounding up in prison, where he curled up into a hopeless ball and continued to cry. ---
The next was villagers screaming at the young boy who tried to enter the town. Yelling for the demon to leave and never return. Never to belittle the gods and always to pray to them for guidance. The young boy cried and cried, ran and ran, until he finally gave up and was about to die, gazing up into the sun, until he saw a face Luna knew. A similar girl, with a smile and gingerly look; the family, the parents and dog all looked saddened at the boy, until they took him in. And that's when the images stopped. And she too developed tears.
The now known Aldon slowly approached alongside h\the princess of the night. She continued to glare into the last picture, seeing a young Aldon's happiness running with his new family, only to know what happened next.
"Sir Aldon, I--" Aldon said nothing as he looked at the image and a small tear dropped from his eyes, until he looekd to the princess pony.
"I often debate it with myself; if i'm like the monsters I try to destroy." Luna looked to the man, viewing tears hitting the ground, while his voice continued in emotionless song. "I don't know if I hate the gods or people more," he stated looking at the images laid out in front of him and Luna. Luna gazed up at the sad man still.
"They both took everything from me. Yet I still found peace in humans. But I killed so many too. I am truly a monster," Aldon said.
"Sire Aldon, I don't usually like talking about it," she said looking away. "But you're not the only one here who was a monster. I--I didn't always look like this and help to protect everypony and serve them well. Before we met, I was once known as Nightmare Moon, a heartless monster who tried to bring on eternal night and suffering. I was trapped on the moon for a millennia, until I got free and tried to bring about eternal night. Luckily the Elements and my sister stopped me, or I might have succeeded. I hurt so many ponies though." Aldon slowly bent down and gave a hug to princess of the night, who cried in guilt.
"I suppose then, we were both monsters," Aldon stated, picking Luna up in an embracing hug, from which she cried and Aldon silently held her close.
Around them, everything changed from fire and destruction, with black bloody skies, to beautiful blue and grassy green. Lush hills and innumerable relaxing trees. A luxurious lake and chirping birds.
"But even if we both were, that doesn't mean we are now," Aldon stated gaining Luna's crying attention, to which she looked in awe at the new environment. "There is always a second chance Princess." She smiled and the tears ceased. "Always."
> Chapter 18- New Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard.
Hammerhoof sighed in the busy hallway, and stood guard in front of the room. He wasn't bored, sad, or anything else, just lonely. Some say that one only finds one true love in life, but to Hammerhoof, it was taken away from him. His beloved would hate to see him so lonely to say the least. She would tell him, no, demand him to find another mate. A mare who would care and love him, while he would care for and lover her.
He was alone in guarding the door, as most guards needed to recuperate. He wanted to know how his pal was doing, but the princess asked to be alone for a little while. Hammerhoof, however looked to see Shining Armor, the captain of the guard, walking calmly down the hallway, smiling at his Hammerhoof as he approached.
"Ah, Hammerhoof, how are you doing?" Shining Armor asked.
"Fine. You look like you might be much worse off than me." Shining Armor rubbed the back of his head, grinding his hoof and gave a chuckle and smile.
"Yeah, Cadance was not happy with me to say the least."
"So, what do you need?" Hammerhoof asked the prince of the Crystal Empire.
"Well, I need somepony to replace me." Hammerhoof glazed over that part, almost as if he didn't hear it. His mind forced him not to hear it as it flabbergasted it too much.
"Pardon?" Hammerhoof said.
"I said, I need somepony to replace me, and I think you would be the perfect candidate." Hammerhoof lightly smiled and gave a laugh. "What's so funny?" Shining asked quizzically.
"Well, in case you didn't notice, I don't have one of those." Hammerhoof pointed to the horn. Shining Armor understood completely. However, to Shining Armor, Hammerhoof was one of the best candidates. To him, being a unicorn didn't mean you could protect and serve any different compared to anyone else. Protecting and serving meant loyalty, conviction, and honor, and also with a hint of ruthlessness and power.
Hamerhoof, in Shining's eyes had all five, plus the pony looekd like he could use a change of pace to say the least. He knew what the pony had endured. He was one of the worst cases in Canterlot. He lost his entire family, and had everything taken from him. In a few short minutes his life was ruined, and then what he did afterwards scared the Captain. It terrified him; Not even the princess would kill like the pony had, yet he did it with no regret. When he saw Hammerhoof after the event, he looked sad beyond belief, but perhaps the strongest soldier he had ever known. Shining Armor would never want to Hammerhoof to become angry in a fight, because he felt like he wouldn't survive to tell the tale.
He had sparred with the killer of changelings, and he was on the ropes since the beginning, but before Hammerhoof could finish the match, he purposefully slipped up and let Shining Armor win. He demanded answers afterwards, yet Hammerhoof simply stated that: "Victory isn't my role in life."
Hammerhoof was in all intensive purposes completely lonely. Shining called him a friend, but Hammerhoof only looked at him as a sympathetic soldier. Then, Hammerhoof was instructed to train and help protect Ponyville with the new arrival Aldon. Shining wished to see the human as he was called, but his life with Cadence, the baby coming, and was in the way. However, after hearing of Hammerhoof take on the dragon and doing so much damage to it, he felt it would be good to finally devote his life to his love. No pony would suite his expectation more than Hammerhoof. He had all five qualities, and he wished the princesses would see he had them too.
Shining Armor truly never experienced loss like Hammerhoof, so he had no idea how it felt, yet it also made him weaker. If he didn't know how it felt, he didn't feel as obligated to protect it. The 'soon-to-be-new-captain' knew what loss felt like and would help to protect it more than almost any pony.
"Hammerhoof, being a unicorn doesn't make you qualified to be a Royal Guard, let alone captain. You are one of the strongest ponies I've ever seen. You know you single handedly beat me in combat where no pony could and on top of that, saved hundreds of lives in Ponyville. You know what loss is, and are far more fit to be captain than me. Plus, I need to be with Cadance now more than ever. I will never let her go into a battlefield like that again." Hammerhoof looekd to his 'superior,' in shock. He was surprised, yet not. He never wanted to win in that fight, in order to preserve the balance of the corps. Shining Armor was made for that position; he gave a morale boost to the soldiers, and had tremendous power and strength. Hammerhoof also didn't want to embarrass the corps with an Earth Pony being a captain; the nobles would tear the princesses apart.
But now, Shining Armor came forward and almost demanded it. Hammerhoof gave a heavy sigh. "I see your point," Hammerhoof stated, gaining a smile from the current captain.
"Now, how is the human doing?" Shining Armor asked.
"He's currently in a coma. That thing must've taken it out of him." Shining Armor nodded.
"What exaclty was that thing?"
"My guess. It was his anger." Shining Armor contemplated Hammerhoof's words. He had seen what emotions could do; what they could change someone into. Hammerhoof changed from a peaceful, 'getting-by-in-life' pony to a ruthless changeling killer on Canterlot's streets. He became a ruthless hero that day. He earned respect from every pony but the nobles. The guards, the people of Equestria, the princesses, even Shining Armor himself.
"But that power was something else," Shining Armor said.
"Let me tell you something Shining Armor. He told me of his past; the life he had on the other planet. A dream he had, which would pop up almost every time he slept. The death of his family." Shining Armor's eyes slowly widened as the story progressed. How he was forced to watch his family be taken from life in front of his eyes; helpless to do anything to stop it and then to watch what happened to his adoptive sister. His friend, and one he cared for, being killed, and then how the men used her body for sexual pleasure, not even giving her peace in death. How the man couldn't do anything to stop it; the boy was helpless against the men. And then Hammerhoof told him something similar. Something snapped. Like a chord controlling the body. It released and gave him his form. However, for the safety of Equestria, Hammerhoof didn't tell him of the purpose of it and what it becomes when the chord is completely destroyed.
The Captain stared wide eyed at the story being told before him. Tears left his eyes as he heard it. How any pony, or anyone for that matter could push on to live after that. If Shining Armor lost Cadance, Twilight, his parents, he would probably not want to live. To see them dying in his hooves. But yet again, Hammerhoof experienced the same thing.
But what Hammerhoof didn't tell Shining Armor was something that could destroy Equestria entirely. It could kill anything it pleased. An unstoppable monstrosity, from which Aldon barely had any control over.
"I'm so--" Hammerhoof raised his hoof at the captain.
"Aldon's anger is what killed that dragon. It came from his tragic life. He told me himself, that if he must be with the burdens of the past to give a fortunate future, he would do so. He will become a monster to save others, even if they see him as such as a result." Shining Armor saw the similarities. Hammerhoof became a monster that day, mercilessly killing changelings with whacks of his hooves and kicks that could knock buildings down. He became a monster to stop the destruction and to help the ponies of Canterlot, even if they saw him as the same things he was destroying: Monsters. "Shining Armor," the captain drew his attention to the Earth Pony. "I will accept the role of Captain of the Royal Guard."
"Listen to me. I want you to infiltrate the city, and become--'intimate,' with this pony." The two cloaked 'pony-like' beings stood in an alleyway, while the larger of the two held out a picture of the new Captain with her dark hoof-like pigment. The other slowly nodded. It had begun to rain out, while night descended, making Canterlot look similar to a slightly industrialized england city. Rain in constant effect and lights lightly flickering. Like a creepy street in an abandoned London. All of the ponies were too busy with recent events. With rebuilding Ponyville and helping those hurt from the attack.
Her 'ally' had told her of the attack and to use it to set the stage. To slowly infiltrate and put her plan into action. "What should I know about this pony my queen?" The feminine sounding 'pony-alike' creature asked.
"From my reports, and from my agents in Ponyville and Canterlot, he is approximately the same age as that brat Shining Armor; perhaps a little older. He is in the Royal Guard, is very lonely, and was behind the slaughtering of the changeling in Canterlot." The creature seemingly cringed at the sound under her cloak.
"He--he killed them all?" It asked. The other, recognised as 'The Queen,' slowly nodded in her cloak.
"It turned out, his family was killed by some of my minions, and it simply unleashed the killing monster in him. What I want to know is what happened afterwards, and how to trigger it. The godly power he had that day. From the reports and gossip of the towns, he was practically as powerful as the princesses, just with no magic." The other one gasped in feminine tone. "Yes, when I read of how many he had killed I cringed myself. One such report said he blasted one of my minions clean through a buildings, reducing him to a state less than bloody mush. Another said one was blasted into the air, and right over the mountain. And then I heard of his match with 'the great' Shining Armor. He easily outclassed him, but gave the Captain the win out of respect and courtesy I suppose."
The development kept giving a slow shake to the creature. It was almost chattering its teeth until 'The Queen,' stopped. "Is he really that strong?" The creature asked for clarification.
"Yes. I would probably lose against him in a fight. But, I don't have to fight him. I just need to control him, and that's where you come in. I want you to find what makes him tick. Pleasure him, give him a romantic time and gather all of the information you can." She then gathered another picture of a beautiful pony, sadly darkened by the night, and unable to be seen. "This is perhaps one of the perfect ways. Now, be aggressive if you have to. Although, I heard he went for the more sincere one, so you might want to go with that approach. Either way, get me the information and have him enthralled to serve me and my wishes."
The rain began to pick up, with lightning slowly following, and thunder close behind.. Something major must have happened to summon weather like that up into Canterlot. Most likely the sad event of Ponyville. Less likely a scheduled thing.
"I--I will have your will done, my Queen." 'The Queen,' nodded, a wicked smile protruding under the cloak.
"Good. Now, report back to me as often as you can. Also, make sure to keep an eye on the human if they're together. I heard they're friends now." The creature nodded, as she began to walk out of the alley. Rain thumped on the ground as transformation took place and a beautiful, majestic unicorn pony walked out of the alley, giving a sincere smile, but her form brimmed with guile. Everything for her queen; everything.
Celestia yawned, as well as her sister as they sat in the royal throne room, expecting the questions to pile up and demands to go as a cherry on top. Day court always bugged Celestia; so much so, she even skipped out on it sometimes, especially when her sister had come back. But with the arrival of the human, and him becoming practical world wide news, she figured it was best to remain open, and diplomatic for a long period of time. Not shy away from duties for fun, at least until everything died down.
Royal guards strung the opening to the massive luxurious room where her little ponies, and stuck up nobles asked for requests and advice or assistance. While it was monotonous, it made her feel more attached to her people. Not exaclty with the nobles demands, but with the average pony's requests and pleas. Just a word from her got so much done, yet it also gave more than just objetual things, but also happiness and content feelings as her ponies walked out the door.
For Luna, it allowed her to connect with the modern world, and try to repair her relationship with the ponies she had hurt and scared. At the beginning, some came simply to insult her, but after helping with the threats to Equestria and the everyday ponies in need, she gained the respect of every pony, except the most stubborn and rude ponies in Canterlot. They would still whisper heinous things about Luna. Celestia, however, would usually silence them whenever she heard. The usual scolding and threat would deter the stubborn nobles from voicing their opinions in the open, and recent actions by Luna made it almost impossible for them to do it in a crowd without being booed.
All in all, Nightmare Moon was long into the past, and a distant memory to almost every pony, except for Luna herself. However, whenever she was reminded, she always got so sad. Not mad, or anything along those lines at the pony who spoke, but sorry and sad. She felt so much regret and guilt over it, Celestia thought it was worse than death. She wasn't fr from the mark, but after the talk she and Aldon had, it seemed like she was in such a brighter mood than ever. Like she found a new lease on life; a new purpose; a second chance.
"Ok, we're ready. Right sister?" Celestia asked, to which Luna nodded, with a light smile.
"We are prepared sister." Luna's smiled seemingly intensified as she saw a familiar face walk in first. With a surprise to say the least. Celestia gasped and gave a big smile as well, looking at the prince of the Crystal Empire, and her captain.
"Your highnesses," Shining Armor, adorned in nothing but a light shirt stated, slightly bowing.
"What brings you here Shining Armor. Do you require permission for field exercises or?" Shining Armor slowly shook his head as he led another pony in with a call of his hoof. The pony in question was one of the only Earth Ponies in the guard. However, he was the most fierce by far.
"Hammerhoof!" Both of the princesses seemingly yelled in joy.
"How are you?" Celestia asked. "I trust you have recovered since Ponyville's attack. Hammerhoof slowly nodded, giving a light smile to go along with it.
"Hammerhoof is here for one reason." The princesses readjusted their gazes to the captain of the guard, with the room seemingly becoming a colloseum and all eyes laying on the Unicorn. "I am leaving my position of Captain and returning to the Crystal Empire." Silence filled the room, and the princesses inwardly gasped at the revelation. Hammerhoof was indifferent, firstly because he knew, and secondly, because he still figured he might not get it.
"Why are you leaving Shining?" Celestia inquired.
"Because, I need to be with Cadence, and being so far from her all of the time is taxing on our relationship. Plus, our little one is coming Celestia." Celestia understood completely, nodding, while Luna gave a glance at Hammerhoof, who was simply standing in attention. She directed a heart filled smile at the pony, and he directed one back as friends who have known each other. Luna didn't have many friends, but Hammerhoof was indeed one of them.
"And who would you have as your replcement. And understand we have the option to refuse Hammerhoof." He knew the procedure, same as the princesses. The princesses also already knew the candidate and the answer before the next words were spoken.
"I nominate Hammerhoof for the position of Captain of the Royal Guard," Shining Armor stated plainly, gaining nods from Luna and Celestia. Hammerhoof just gazed, not anxious for the answer. He didn't wish for the position; it was never a dream, just a possibility as presented now to him.
"Let me discuss this with Luna. Give us a few minutes would you?" Both the guards nodded as Celestia and Luna walked behind their thrones and began to converse.
"I believe Hammerhoof is perfect as a candidate." Celestia held her tongue as she considered her sister's words.
"But, that day; what if he gets out of hand, and instead of just changelings, its ponies too?" Luna knew her sister had a point on that one. "Luna he'll always be a friend, just as Shining Armor, but we can't just go off of that. Can he do the job is the real question."
Luna couldn't deny it, but as it was her position now in the conversation, she wished to convince her sister otherwise. "Sister, Hammerhoof is the only choice to replace Shining Armor. He stood toe to toe with him. Heck, he even stood toe to toe with me." Celestia furrowed her right brow, to which Luna lightly chuckled. "Well, I wanted to see how strong he was. He didn't disappoint." Celestia lighlty nodded.
"I know he is strong sister, but he needs to lead. Our entire guards corps to be exact."
"Sister, he rallied his troops during Tirek's and Discord's attack, and on top of that, he garners respect from the guards. I saw it daily. Salutes, nods, and even 'sirs,' even though he was the same rank. In fact, Shining Armor never once went against advice Hammerhoof gave for planning." Celestia began to see it was a good choice, and their only choice that could end well. Threat aside, he was an extremely qualified pony, nobles be damned.
"Very well Luna. I agree. He is indeed worthy and will become the replacement. The new captain." They slowly trekked back to their thrones where they sat and gave their answers.
"Me and my sister have discussed," Celestia began.
"And we find Hammerhoof worthy and deserving of the position of 'Captain of the Royal Guard.' Congratulations!" Luna sung her congratulations in the hall as Hammerhoof gave a smile to it all. He was flattered. For the sake of the nation, he would take it and help to protect it from all harm, internal or external.
"Thank you, your majesties. I humbly accept the role of the new captain." Hammerhoof's words held no arrogance, no pride, just a humble thanks.
"Then it is done. We shall introduce you as such tomorrow. you should probably get prepared." Hammerhoof nodded and slowly walked out.
"So, will you stay for the celebration?" Celestia asked the previous captain.
"Yes. In fact, I think Cadance may be comming to celebrate as well."
"How do you know such?" Luna asked.
"I told her before I came here."
"So, you knew we were going to say yes?" Celestia furrowed her left brow that time.
"Yes. Trust me, I know how your majesties think." The three giggled as Hammerhoof exited the castle and headed for the hospital to see his good friend. Hopefully he would be awake to hear the news. In the shadows however, the most beautiful unicorn lurked in hiding, waiting for her chance to snatch him up. |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 19- Second Chances (1). Future Told? | Hammerhoof should've been happy. Ecstatic for his new role in shaping Equestria. To help fellow ponies, and to protect and serve, but he just felt an even greater hole inside instead. A big space of nothingness. Where one loves, and loses, the place that is replaced is massive; often too big to replace. A sun in the vastness of space, or perhaps a person floating in the ocean, or even a pebble on the huge expanse of desert sand. The void was huge, and to Hammerhoof it seemed to expand with everyday. However, with his friends, and brethren in the guard, he managed to get by, but he would feel just as lonely before with no one to properly converse with. A position of authority was a curse to him it seemed, but he couldn't refuse, or look bad.
He lightly tapped his hooves as he trotted along Canterlot's streets, sighing as he saw families walk by, soem even pointing at the old war pony. Some of the kids made funny faces, while Hammerhoof gave light smiles to them. It hurt so much though. The pain was almost unbearable; to the point where he wanted to end it, but his wife would kill him if he went out in such a cowardly way. He was one of the only ponies he truly feared, and she would kill him in the afterlife, if it was possible. He knew, that if any pony could, it would be her. He also knew, she would want him to move on, but he felt like he just couldn't until he saw her. Like fate, it had reunited the two together. Her face, her color, her smile, it looked almost identical, but even sweeter. If it wasn't for her more majestic movement and more calming smile, he would've thought it was his wife; his special pony.
A mare, about the same height as Hammerhoof walked his way, smiling and waving her hoof. She was a beautifully colored pink pony, with pearly white as her mane. Her cutie mark was that of a foal carriage. A heart lied on top of the carriage. It wasn't her, but the resemblance was more than just coincidence, but he couldn't stop himself. Tears flowed out as he saw the mare.
She came running as she saw it, "are you alright?" She asked more motherly than even Celestia.
Hammerhoof's gruff voice came out slurred but readable, "Yeah, I--you just look so familiar to somepony I knew."
"Oh, could you tell me. Maybe I know this pony." She cheerily looked at the pony as he wiped away his tears, but slowly lowered his head.
"My wife, but sadly, she's no longer in this world." The mare slwoly lowered her head as well.
"I'm so sorry--" She couldn't stop as Hammerhoof rose her head with his and shook it.
"Don't be. You weren't the one who took her from me. Took everything from me." The mare could feel guilt rock her heart, but pushed on. She placed a hoof on the stallion's head.
"I'm Merry Joy." Hammerhoof looked to the mare and lighlty smiled.
"Hammerhoof," he said with a slight nod and smile. They were getting along so well, just smiling at each other, until disaster struck as a sly, sneaky pony snuck up behind the mare.
"Hey missy, you look kind of cute." He grabbed her by the neck with his hoof, extending a nullifying ring on her horn, silencing her magic if she attempted it. Hammerhoof moved into an attacking stance, ready to strike, "not so fast old timer."
"Let her go," Hammerhoof said, with emphasis and power on each word, but it didn't discourage the cloaked assailant at all.
"Who are you pops? Her father? Oh, maybe the one she's going to extort and take your money?" The assailant gave nasally laugh, making the unicorn look in disgust, but still plead for help from Hammerhoof.
"I'm not going to ask again," Hammerhoof said, getting ready to unleash anger on the pony. The assailant only continued to laugh.
"You're just a puny little Earth Pony. You can't stop a unicorn, even if I gave you free hits. Magic is so great isn't it?" Hammerhoof saw the horn extrude from the cloak's hood, but still kept his stance. "Actually, maybe I'll get rid of you now." The unicorn's magic lit up, and a bubble formed around the new captain, until it suddenly burst apart as he charged.
The unicorn stumbled back, quickly releasing the mare, who smiled as Hammerhoof charged forward, until the assailant got serious, and used all of his magic to form a barrier to protect himself, the red aura forming as its color.
A normal Earth Pony would never be able to pierce the barrier, without equipment, or assistance, but Hammerhoof was angered by the assailant. Furious, and he let it consume his body, letting out a furious roar into the sky, he kicked straight through the barrier, and sent the unicorn flying into a building across from the alleyway, almost with him in a paste-like state. The unicorn screamed in pain as Hammerhoof slowly approached the unicorn, with little control over his actions he raised a hoof, about to end the ponies life, with power rivalling the princesses themselves.
The pony begged for his life in his weak state. "Please--I'm sorry. Please, don't kill me. I'll stop foal napping mares. I'll stop robbing ponies. Please, I won't do any more crimes! Please, don't kill me!" he screamed as guards approached the scene, and the mare slowly walked up behind Hammerhoof, and in a sincere manner she also pleaded.
"Please, you don't need to do this Hammerhoof. Remember yourself!" she yelled into his ears as his eyes dilated back to normal and the monster vanished.
"I--I'm sorry for that." The assailant sighed in relief, until Hammerhoof directed his gaze upon the criminal, and called for the guards attention, who were all approaching. "You're going into a dark hole for a while," Hammerhoof said, while letting the 'while' resonate.
The unicorn pouted, but ultimately accepted his fate laid out in front of him. He would face numerable charges, sentenced to life in prison, and even the death penalty could be a possibility if they find out all of his crimes. However, as he lay on the ground, almost losing consciousness, he could feel a prick hit the side of his neck, seemingly sending some unknown power into him.
"Thank you so much." Merry Joy gave a hug around the new captain, smiling the whole time, but with wicked intentions under it. The guards approached, while Hammerhoof watched them.
"Sir!" The guards stood in attention, seeing him as a superior officer, although Hammerhoof could see resistance in the title for a recruit on the squad. Unicorns thought of themselves as gods compared to normal earth ponies, or at least some did. Hammerhoof had seen the power of a god though; he felt it once, and almost felt it again.
"At ease," Hammerhoof stated, pointing a hoof at the assailant. "This pony tried to abduct Ms. Joy here, and would've gotten away with it if not for me. Now, I request you take him away for trials. Who knows what other crimes he's committed."
Just then, Hammerhoof felt a similar power: a bountiful rage. As Hammerhoof turned and looked at what the horrified faces were giving leer to, he saw the unicorn assailant, completely uncloaked and much more fearsome than before. His blue skin had a shade of black, while his mane, originally green, had a shade of white, while his eyes were baked red.
His eyes gazed upon the ponies as he slowly lifted into the sky. His heart was gone and mind was melting to the presence infecting his body. It gave him an alicorns power, but stripped away all command over it to the one who held the puppet.
"Everypony, back up now!" Hammerhoof shouted, causing nearby spectators and guards alike to shoot for cover. Merry Joy followed gazing back at Hammerhoof as he stared the floating unicorn down. His hair swished in the non existent wind, similar to the princesses, but with a more dark and eerie presence.
"We unlock this puny mortals full potential to bask in the glory of all of you being destroyed. Face oblivion!" The mixed voice of the original pony and something dark resonated. His horn lit up and instead of blue aura, deep black emanated and shot out all around, one even striking Hammerhoof.
"Who are you?" Hammerhoof called out with his voice, standing his ground as pain surged through him.
"That is none of your concern mortal. We bear a message. Deliver this to your leaders, or face dire consequences if its not heard. Oblivion comes; understand that the one you have welcomed will be your destruction, but we will be your salvation. When he destroys we will create, and when he kills we will revive. We will help you on your darkest hour and longest night." The pony slowly looked to the sky, where the dark aura surfaced, blasted off into the heavens and made its way to leave sight. The pony slumped back, falling, flank first on the ground, falling over into unconsciousness.
"What--what was that all about?" Merry Joy asked Hammerhoof, who shook his head.
"I have no idea; but there will be trouble coming." Hammerhoof looked to the guards. "Guards, deliver message to the princesses. Give them all of the details of what has transpired."
"What about you sir?" One of the guards asked, while Hammerhoof slowly approached Merry Joy and swung his hooves around her.
"I think I'm head out on the town. What do you think?" Hammerhoof asked the unicorn, who blushed a hot red, but slowly nodded and smiled.
"That sounds great!" Hammerhoof gruffly nodded and began to guide her down the block.
"Also, clean up this mess!" Hammerhoof yelled back to the guards, who could only salute and spill out a 'yes sir!' |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 20- Prophecies and Ceremonies. | Aldon slowly lit his hands up, overlooking the beautiful rainbow of colored flames displayed in his hands. He wanted to test out something new; something dangerous and destructive to see if he could do it, but a hospital room on a mountain side with hundreds of guards was not the best place to do such a thing. He sighed the air around him as he banished the flames from his hands. He was stronger, much more so, but he still felt angry. Even though he avenged his friends, killed the god who took them, and saved a town too, he still felt angry, mad, and also sad.
He ran his hands through his head, feeling the prickles and slight heat coming off of his body. He could ignite his hair right there and have it stick. Flaming hair was something he loved to do sometimes. Although, until he figured out to do it safely that is. He did burn off his hair more than just in Ponyville, and he usually did it to himself. Luckily though, he learned to produce non burning flames. Just for intimidation factor he would let his hair "burn." It would work many times as well.
Such a time is when he was walking back to meet his friends, to rejoin them after he took a leave of absence. There, on the road to the center of the Rosic Kingdom, Aldon met with a few bandits. They insisted on nice talk, and that they "wouldn't hurt," Aldon if he handed over all of his valuables, but he knew first off that was a lie and second off they had very weak magic as they relied on weaponry. As to not have to lift a finger, he simply lit up his hair and gave a sinister smile, and watched everything play out. Swords clashed against the ground and boots stomped for as far as Aldon could see. It was amusing to watch them run for all they were worth, and afterwards he simply continued on his journey, with no other interference besides a town infested with vampires, Lily's brother's minions of darkness for the time being.
A knock came to the door and Aldon stumbled back onto his bed, extinguished his ongoing flames for good, and looked to the door. He cleared his throat.
"Come in!" Aldon yelled to the pony on the other side.
Surprisingly Nurse Redheart came in and gave a light smile. Aldon gave it back, slightly putting her off edge with his canines, until she realized he wasn't predator, to ponies at least.
"Hello Nurse Redheart. Why are you here?" Aldon asked absentmindedly, until he hit realization. "Are you here to sign me to go?" He asked with expectation and hope brimming in his eyes.
"No, I'm afraid not. The princesses gave strict instruction to keep you in recovery for a while longer. You may still be hurt. I mean no pony really comes back from the dead and faces a dragon unscathed." Aldon lightly chuckled, firstly at the fact of how they used 'pony,' for everything, and secondly for the fact that she was wrong. A day of recovery made him feel as fit as a whistle and that was an understatement.
"So then, when am I allowed to leave this place? I have to at least help rebuild Ponyville." Nurse Redheart was taken back. Some of the ponies there treated him so harshly, even after he saved the town, they called him a monster, or at least some did, but he still wished to help the town and receive no credit. He simply wished to leave and help rebuild. In Redheart's book, he was a hero to her, a true friend of ponies everywhere, even if he
did have rough edges.
"Well, I'm not entirely sure. The princesses just wish for you to recover, and until then they instructed me to take care of you." Aldon sighed over the reworded response. Like a robot, only with an actual brain. He couldn't blame her though, orders are orders and she got hers from the leaders of the nation.
"Very well. I still dislike being cooped up for too long."
"I'm sure they'll let you leave soon enough, especially due to the recent news." This gave Aldon a look of curiosity.
"What news?" He he cautiously asked with a raised brow.
"Hammerhoof has been promoted to Captain of the Royal Guard. The ceremonies are tomorrow evening." Aldon felt pride for the pony, but also sympathies. He didn't care for position or rank, just life itself and happiness for those around him. After his loss, he only wished for peace even more. He desperately felt lonely, and Aldon compassionately understood. He had lost those close to him, on more than one occasion. Still, he supposed the gruff pony wouldn't be sad over it, just neutral as neither happy nor angry to the matter.
If he wasn't allowed to the ceremony himself, he would sneak out if he had to. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that as he's not the sealthiest type of person, especially among ponies no less.
"Thinking of sneaking out huh?" Aldon inwardly groaned, but also gave a smile to the demon who smiled back, chuckling at the man.
"Well, is there anything you need right now?" Nurse Redheart asked, expecting an answer from the man. she was surprised when he shook his head 'no.'
"Are you sure? Have you even eaten since before the battle. I mean dying must have you starving." Again, Aldon shook his head, making her ponder with her hoof on her chin, until she 'hmphed' in accordance and left, leaving Aldon to talk with his soul partner.
"So, can you talk now?" The demon asked.
"Yes." Aldon stated, keeping the conversation inside of his mind as to not look crazy, even though that was already debatable.
"You know they're coming right?" The demon asked for clarification.
"Yes." Aldon stated again.
"Well, what are you going to do about them?"
"I don't know Deus. The whole thing about it is that when it comes down to it, they're innocent here." Aldon's word held true. Gods were manipulative, and cunning. They would cut all ties from Sun Crusher, saying they tried to subdue him before he attacked, or even going as far as saying he was a crazy old dragon, looking for sadistic pleasure, when in reality he was instructed to do every last bit of the damage in Ponyville; to inspire fear.
"But when you see them? Will you strike, or will you remain dormant?" Aldon considered the demon's words. There would be no turning back at that point.
"We will have to see."
"Sister," the dark Alicorn stated, gaining the attention of her counterpart and family. The sun-encrusted alicorn looked at her sister and gave a heartwarming smile.
"Yes, what is it Luna?" Celestia asked to confirm any suspicions.
"I--"
Before Luna could finish, guards burst through the throne room door, urgent faces appearing on every single one of them.
"Your majesties." The group slowly bowed, with Luna and Celestia taken off guard, but resettling to the recent buzz in their formal courtroom.
"Why are you here?" Luna asked, almost sternly, but refraining from any harshness.
"Sorry your highness, but we come bearing a message we received only a few minutes ago." The guard said this with complete formality, keeping in line and never flinching at once. A seasoned veteran when it came to talking to practical gods among ponies, but yet again, gods are not nearly as strong as some portray them as.
"What kind of message?" Celestia asked, curiously puzzled in a motherly tone.
"Well, according to the apprehended suspect, he had no knowledge of what came out of his mouth, but the message was a warning." The two princesses suddenly had increased tension on that word: 'warning.'
"Exactly what kind of warning?" Luna clarified with increased tension in her voice.
The guard, levitating his notepad in a green aura began to read off the warning. Celestia and Luna knew from the first sentence it involved the human. It was very obvious, and luckily there really was no riddle to it, just a clear cut warning from unknowns.
"And just after he was announced new Captain, Hammerhoof had to put down a crook and save a mare," The guard continued after preaching the warning.
The regal sisters were slightly outraged by the added side note, but kept their composure in the long run.
"So sister," Luna directed her gaze at Celestia, "what shall we do?"
"I'm not sure. Should we even trust this message? Where is the proof?"
The guard slowly rose, slightly bowing to give a formal message of wishing to give to the conversation, "Princesses, I know this might not be my place, but that man, he saved my niece and nephew." Celestia remembered back to the two little foals back in Ponyville and the husk that was Aldon laying dead on the ground. This guard was their uncle. "I see no proof labeling him as a person of such destructive nature. He saved so many ponies including some of my own family."
"Sister--"
"I know Luna, but you saw what he did. He killed a dragon, with more magical power than I've ever experienced." And Luna, she saw what was truly lurking in his body.
It may go against what has transpired, but being cautious of the human was not a bad thing. It was for protective purposes. As the gods sensed this a lightning strike cracked into the wall, completely knocking through the castle structure. Holes lined all the way up to the ceiling, spelling true power all along the way as smoke trailed off the hole's serrated edges.
Everyone took cover, and the guards got into the position, moving to surround the lightning impact on the wall in front of the thrones, on top of the doors. A message read: "If you wish for proof, simply call out our name: Divine Trinity."
Aldon silently sat, waiting for something interesting to happen, or to be let out of the medical prison. He decided he would meditate on the true soul he contained. He slowly got out of the cover of the bed and got to the floor, crossing his legs and planting his hands firmly together, glue forming on contact. Flames slowly formed around his body, but contradicting usual purpose, they were merely to radiate magical power and connect with his inner spirit.
"Be careful. I only recently was able to break apart from it. There's a reason I tell you not to talk to it."
Aldon sighed to the demon standing in front of the double locked door in the void, urging the man to possibly walk away and not attempt his mission.
"Deus, I need to at least try. If I can conquer him, I can never have anyone become hurt again. I can protect everyone from everything."
Deus shook his demonic face, sighing all along the way. "Very well, but just make sure you don't let him consume you, or you definitely won't be a hero for long."
Aldon nodded, and slowly moved to the fading door into the eerie darkness, containing nothing but pure anger, malice and rage. It was something Aldon couldn't conquer, and frankly there were reasons.
The darkness was truly all encompassing, and the feeling of lifelessness filled the non existent air. Aldon could never get over not being able to breath, but he coped.
"I know you are here, so come out and talk to me!" Aldon yelled to the void.
The form truly terrified Aldon, the true puppet master of his past, his true purpose. Deep black eyes bore in from the darkness, surrounded by an everlasting figure of true carnage and destruction. Nothing but a creature's heavy breathing echoed in the darkness.
Aldon shuddered at the lifeless, malevolent eyes peering into his soul. Aldon, however didn't waiver and give into fear, for if he did it would allow the world to be encased in unending destruction.
When someone stares into the eyes of a nuclear bomb, or perhaps into the end of a gun barrel or even into the eyes of the death himself, one wonders if he should be afraid or simply be. There is not much one could do, so should you be afraid when there's nothing you can do about it?
Aldon didn't stare into the death of himself, but of everyone around him. Only once did it come out, and to say it was fearsome and destructive would be like saying shark infested waters are unsafe and unrecommended to swim in.
The beast, monster more so, or even the king of destruction, or harbinger of death would be more fitting, didn't need to simply speak to voice his opinion. All it needed to do was simply stare and give off its power through its memories. How it formed the world through conflict with the gods.
Hammerhoof smiled. He genuinely smiled since he had his own family. Love was truly toxic and for Hammerhoof it came in droves from the mare Merry.
She smiled back and with the contagious flu of happiness, he continued the favor, both of them peering into each other's eyes, fantasizing and fawning over each other. The normal Hammerhoof would calculate, hypothesize and predict, but the love entranced Hammerhoof simply waved happily with a gleeful face.
True love had struck Hammerhoof again, and the virus was unstoppable, and on the other side, the virus was slowly winning as well.
"So, whatcha want to do?" Merry asked with a merry expression.
"I suppose we should order." Hammerhoof replied, lightly coming out of the trance and realizing they were in a five star restaurant and technically on a date.
"Oh--wow." Merrily stated this with awe at how quickly she had gotten lost in the moment as well. The whole time though still having a smile and cheerful attitude. An attitude of pure innocence and fondful memories. The act was working.
"So, where do you hail from exaclty?" Hammerhoof inquired the mare, who slightly frowned at the question.
"Eeeh, just some backwater town you've probably never heard of."
"Really? Try me." Hammerhoof said this with clear challenge in his voice.
"A stallion who can be put to the test," she said with a devious smile, which made Hammerhoof lightly blush. Dirtiness aside, the stallion was actually quite curious how a beauty of a mare hailed from some backwater area and not from a noble family in Canterlot.
"So, let me ask you a simple question Ms. Merry," Hamerhoof said this with a clear need for it to be answered, "why would a mare such as yourself not be taken by now?"
Merry considered it fully, not for the sake of getting a response out, but to make the stallion lust for her even more.
"No Stallion has ever been able to handle me," Merry said, inciting a slightly heavier blush from Hammerhoof, which in turn told her to give out a big ol' laugh. Hammerhoof had quite the charmer on his hands, quite the charmer indeed, but he never thought of disliking it.
"Are all of the preparations complete for tonight's ceremony of Hammerhoof?" Celestia asked one of the mare maids instructing others.
"Yes Princess," the mare maid stated as she turned around, gave a slight bow and a meek smile, making Celestia return the favor.
"Good," Celestia replied with the hint of hidden concern for the message. She would have to see both sides before she decided what to do. She would ask to see their memories to be concrete on what she heard and saw, nothing less to accuse Aldon of such future atrocities.
The second regal sister silently approached, startling the sun princess as she turned to greet Luna. Smiles were exchanged and a quick sisterly hug given.
"Sister, are the preparations complete?" Luna asked.
"Almost, and I believe after these festivities we should delve deep." Celestia's words sunk into Luna's mind, where the sister, while hesitant due to the help he gave, couldn't disagree. While it completely crippled her heart to distrust someone who had essentially saved an entire town, and their own lives, he still posed a dangerous threat, that would need to be rectified if proven as a monster.
"You may think you're all powerful, but don't think you can simply waltz by me." Aldon's words gave no pause to the demon's attempt at intimidation, which Aldon felt no need to be anymore. "You do not intimidate me."
The monster slowly started to hum, resonating his booming voice in the void. Then a smile formed, electing the same, eerie, yet powerful response to come.
"I am your greatest weapon. Relinquish control and I will do away with all of your problems." The response rang true.
"And why should I?" Aldon asked. He expected the answer, but still, he wished to hear the monster speak the truth.
"Treated as dirt, trampled on as a pebble and discarded like trash. You have suffered more than any person, god, or creature, yet you retain your sanity and peace of mind. Have you ever considered why human?" The monster's words brought inquiry to Aldon's mind.
"What do you mean?" Aldon asked for clarification. He thought of the question, as to what the dark entity could be saying. And yet, Aldon also knew any normal person would've given up by now, yet he still felt at equilibrium.
"You will find out soon enough, human." The dark voice echoed out. "You may wish to hide me, but understand that we are nothing without the other." The demon's mouth lunged for Aldon and closed as darkness truly enveloped the man, sending him into shock.
Aldon channeled abruptly back to the hospital room, gasping frantically for the luxurious air of the world. It was truly connected to him, but he never wished to show it again. |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 21- Festivities and Public Promotion. | The hall was filled to the brim with ponies, both military can civilian, who all shared a common question: who was the new captain?
To keep the party interesting, all who knew of the new senior officer would not tell, including the pony himself. Hammerhoof enjoyed the idea as it allowed him more time to spend with Merry without nobles trying to kiss his hooves. Honestly, Hammerhoof couldn't understand how Celestia could take it, unless if she got off on it? The pony decided to put that thought away and continue the conversation as the party continued on.
"So stud," Merry started, winking at the pony, causing the target to pop red, "when do you reveal the big announcement?" Now obviously Hammerhoof's new promotion came up in conversation at the restaurant, but he decided to say that he was simply being the captain as a fill-in, and while he certainly didn't believe it wasn't going to be a fill-in, he decided modesty was always a good comfort. To brag about a promotion is something he found under the etiquette of morally correct ponies; nobles and aristocrats perhaps, but not for him.
He watched as ponies, dressed in the most luxurious garb, or simply guards vested up in armor, from which most were crowded by mares, conversed profusely on different subjects; some were of genuine concern, while others were the latest earnings in their stock and investments. Although one point was stirring in the most rapid frequency, including among the Elements, who were also situated at the party: Who and where is the human?
Ponies have heard of humans before. Of course, only the extremely educated in ancient Equestria actually knew of the legends of them. Most things describing them were vague, so much so to constitute contraries on every page of information. Some stated of fierce, bloodthirsty conquerors, while some stated of imaginative and creative beings of art, while others depicted advanced beings of supreme intelligence, trumping any challenge with technology. Finally a widely accepted legend of them being their thirst for war and violence, thus sending up flames of extinction. Besides vague descriptions and estimates, the picture of a human is closest to a neanderthal in relative composition.
Merry frowned as Hammerhoof was in deep thought, slightly whining in a small-toddler's-ignored-tone. Hammerhoof noticed this and smiled, chuckling as he rubbed the back of his head with his single appendageal hand.
"Sorry. I was just thinking." Merry slightly giggled.
"What were you thinking about?" She asked this while leaning in with a sinister smile of information gathering.
"My friend," Hammerhoof replied, giving Merry a weird expression, but after a few seconds she returned to a light smile.
"Hammerhoof are you lonely?" She asked directly.
Hammerhoof taken back by the sudden oddity looked quizzically, "what do you mean?"
"I mean, do you feel alone. Like nopony knows your pain." Hammerhoof was awestruck, how did she know this, and that's when he slightly tensed.
"How do yo--"
"I can see it in your eyes." Hammerhoof was completely blown away.
"My eyes?"
"Yes. I can see the gloss over them. I can see your past was filled with pain." Hammerhoof could understand. Even the princesses often asked if he was alright when he reported for duty. Most times he was taken back to fond memories, which were abruptly ripped away as he fanned away tears and saluted. Truthfully he always wanted to simply walk away and live in isolated solitude; it was all so painful sometimes, but he stuck through because it was what his love would want him to do. To fight for the better times and he has reached them. He had gained a true friend, and found real love again.
However as he realized his true predicament he genuinely smiled. A true, full and sunny smile. And just as that happened disaster struck in the form of wild shouts and the unamused faces of the two princesses. Hammerhoof looked over to see an all too familiar face, and the face looked to be in better spirits. Commotion sparked and everyone gathered around, while the princesses approached the scene to deal punishment.
"Almost--" Aldon huffed as he slowly balanced on the edge outside the window. Fully clothed and ready to jump onto the street, he glanced one last time to see the coast being clear for the moment. He didn't question the oddity, but instead used it to his advantage as he quickly scurried to a nearby alley, to plan out what he was going to do now that he was technically a fugitive. Of course he understood why he needed to be kept at the hospital, but he didn't agree with it and as such Aldon figured it would be alright for him to simply take a leave of absence. Redheart wouldn't be a happy camper to say the least.
That's when guards marched by, horns glowing, searching for something or in his case, Aldon. He truly was a fugitive, and Nurse Redheart was the warden of the prison. Luckily, the ponies weren't too bright to search the alleyways and a dumpster provided perfect cover for the giant.
Another group paraded by, searching with haste to find the loose animal from its cage. Aldon almost wanted to burn a path to the castle, but thinking about how cruel it would be put that idea aside.
"You see anything?" A guard asked his compatriot besides him as he stared down the occupied alley.
"No; just darkness." The other guard snickered.
"What are you chicken? Get moving. All the other idiots might be too lazy, but personally, I don't trust that ape too kindly. He could be going to try to assassinate the princesses for all we know." The other guard looekd shocked, but in fact did begin walking down the alleyway, peering his head around every crevice and corner.
Aldon shook his head at the ridiculous notion, but could agree on the idea of how all the other ponies are stupid, but sometimes ignorance can be so blissful. They rounded Aldon's hiding spot and as they saw the huge hulking beast, attempted to scream, until with ease, Aldon launched them opposite him and with a good solid hit they lost all consciousness.
"Sorry, but I don't feel like using this power just yet." Aldon slowly clamped his fists shut. He could feel the power to destroy the world in his fingertips.
Aldon considered their notion for a second longer as he maneuvered through the alleyway back to the street. It would be simple enough to kill them, but there was no reason to. Lamps gave eerie light to the empty streets. The guards were all converging on his destination. If they thought of him as an animal, maybe it wouldn't be so bad for him to act like one.
He slowly jogged toward the castle, passing the immaculate and beautifully, yet arrogantly build structures of Canterlot. That was until he spotted the one spot that he could picture so well. The small cottage on the streets, all burned down and disheveled. The little building used to stand proud among the titans, but was defeated and destroyed. Hammerhoof no longer lived there for sure. It was a painful memory for him, and even Aldon could feel the past emanating from the structure. The slaughter and carnage protruding from the dead structure.
He had mixed emotions of sadness, compassion, and anger. Not anger at himself, but anger at the world. To put a pony, or anything through so much pain and then to still have the structure that houses it in such shape. He turned his head to the castle, a neutral expression of conflicted emotions evident on the face. With the unstoppable force of a moving wall, the man marched towards the castle, ignoring everything around him, including the prying eyes from a nearby alleyway; the malicious smile that went along with it as well.
"Darling, I thought you would have still been recovering," Rarity said in a state of mild shock. Aldon stood in the party hall as commotion died down and all attention rested on the most prized possession of the world in every respect. The only human; the only fire mage; the only true demon; the only true god.
"Ah'm a little confused as well. Didn't ya' die?" Applejack asked with the same feelings as Rarity, meanwhile Pinkie was jumping in glee, hugging the human who could only direct his gaze at the approaching princesses, which he dwarfed in size; although the same could be said for every single pony.
Although, what he noticed next was the approach of the pink alicorn as well. He had never formally met with her, although her opposite emotion compared to the regal sisters could tell him that she was the kindest out of the three, or technically it could be four.
That's when guards began to clamour through the door and surround the man. They raised spears to the human. As Celestia and Luna approached they could feel the pure power radiating off of the monster in front of them. He was the pure definition of power. The bottomless pit of energy in the body. A vessel of unimaginable strength and pure destructive force.
"Surrender Ape!" One of the guards yelled, gaining some gasps, but an unamused expression from the human. Celestia's brow blew a beat of sweat to the ground, and although none noticed it, she was slightly shaking.
"This is the human we fought alongside!" The crystal empress exclaimed, attempting to lighten the mood as she approached, followed by the recently retired captain of the guard and her husband.
"Celestia," Aldon stated as the sun goddess slightly tensed on the words and looked to the guards nodding her head for them to lower their weapons. "Why would you keep me in the hospital without my consent." The two princesses looked to each other then back at the human, faking a smile, more so on Celestia's part.
"Well, we just wanted to make sure you were fully rested and recovered before we revealed you to the world." Aldon was not convinced. "Please, try not to be angry with me and my sister. We just merely wanted you to be in good health."
"Do you think of me as a threat?" Aldon asked slowly and punctually. Every single pony tensed on that question.
"Of course not," Celestia slowly started to calm everyone, "I mean you are the savior of Ponyville." Truthfully Celestia was contemplating listening to the warning. The hostility radiating off of the man was uncanny.
The atmosphere radiated intense fear, and negative emotion. Aldon slowly turned his frown into a smile.
"You should have invited me to this!" He exclaimed looking to everyone, "party on to the new captain!" He shouted, gaining shouts of agreement as music sounded and dancing started. Luna gave a genuine smile while Celestia still held a deeper feeling of thought towards the human; the threat he posed was no small deal.
The party guests began to bombard the man with questions, some personal and some just general. Even the Elements, more so Twilight bombarded him.
'Where are you from?'
'What's your name?'
'Do you eat ponies?'
'What are you?'
'What's your status with the princesses?'
'Can you do magic?'
'Why are you so big?'
'Are you mean?'
'What does death feel like?'
The last one got Aldon as he looked to Twilight, who was genuinely curious. Aldon was probably the only being to be sent into the mindless void and see death; or his version of it. The technicality of it was that he was never truly dead. Although, he didn't need to say that. Having a little fun would be worth it.
"Let's just say," Aldon began, gaining the lavender princesses' full attention, as well as his many sprawling fans, "it's something like feeling completely helpless as demons tear apart your body." The faces of every pony contorted in imaginary pain and cringed in agony. "They love the screams you make. And to top it off you get to watch it happen to every single thing around. Animals, people, ponies." Fluttershy fainted at the sound of animals and everyone slowly looked down with fear until Aldon gave a slight chuckle.
"I'm just kidding!" He yelled gaining annoyed groan and an overhyped laugh from Pinkie. Although, Fluttershy's companions weren't happy campers to say the least.
"You made Fluters faint!" Applejack screamed, while Rainbow Dash ran to the human's face threatening him with a knuckle sandwich for making Fluttershy faint. Aldon chuckled and lifted his hands in the air, gaining increased anger from Rainbow Dash as she continued to threaten the man. Aldon just couldn't help but laugh.
"So you must be the human my wife hasn't stopped talking about," Shining Armor, clad in his armor walked to the human, who simply couldn't understand why gold. He put out his hoof to which Aldon accepted it to find increasing pressure and a fake smile on the ponies face. He was being tested again.
"I can play this game too," and with that being said, ever so slowly the pressure from Aldon's end continued to increase and Shining armor's face slowly contorted into pain until he was practically on the ground crying. That's when the Alicron he had never met made her way to the man, giving a frown at the pony shaking his hoof around.
"Why do you always do that?" She asked, exasperated with the constant game of 'manly stallion.'
"I always gauge a stallion's strength." The alicorn giggled at the pony puffing his chest up, and while Aldon certainly could puff his, he'd rather not make the pony feel down about himself.
The alicorn extended her hoof, "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. You can Call Cadence though." Aldon smiled and accepted the hoof, until randomly the princess went into a hug. "Thank you," she slowly said in a whisper until Aldon's eyes slowly widened. He slowly came back to reality after accepting the gratitude and nodding his head with a smile.
"It was no problem," modesty didn't exaclty work for him though as she shook her head.
"No, really. You saved everypony's life in that town including mine, Auntie Celestia's and Auntie Luna's as well as my husband as well. If you ever need anything just let me know." Aldon nodded his head while Shining Armor gave a stare at the man, to which Aldon returned adding a flash of fire to his eyes slowly freaking out the pony as he backed away, but not with another second glare.
They were nice ponies, but against all the questions, he wanted to see the man, well stallion of the hour. He looked around until he spotted the pony with a mare, laughing it up. Aldon was genuinely proud, but that didn't mean he couldn't have fun with it.
Against all of the question prodding still going on, Aldon made his way over to the two, who drew their attention to the man. Hammerhoof acted first, getting up and moving in for a hug.
"Brother," he said pulling in tight. The embrace released all negativity stored up in both of them. Two different species, but still brothers in the heart.
The mare let out a low, 'Aww,' which got everyone doing it, until Aldon sighed and shook his head laughing. He slowly released the pony and smiled at him, "So, are you the lucky pony of the hour?" Aldon asked, suspecting the answer already.
Everyone leaned in, waiting in earnest for the answer, until Hammerhoof slowly nodded his head, smiling and yelling. "You found me out!" Everyone screamed in glee, while people came in to congratulate Hammerhoof, f course it wasn't all pure congratulations, but Hammerhoof knew he would have to get passed the arrogant nobles anyway.
That cotninued on while Aldon began to converse with the two princesses, wihle he heard then obles whisper behind his back.
'So disgusting.'
'Looks like an ape.'
'I think he is one.'
'He should be in a cage.'
'Look at how inconsiderate he is.'
'Yeah, he should be grovelling at their hooves for letting him live.'
Aldon slowly turned his head to the last pony, finding an arrogant pony, adorning a white coat and a golden mane, with the cutie mark of a purple and gold compass, chatting it up with pompous noblewomen with their heads turned on Aldon. He gave a death glare from one eye, which translated into the unicorn slowly pissing and running.
"Guards, he's going to eat me!" He yelled, destroying the scene of the party.
Celestia sighed, face-hoofing. "Everypony, please ignore my nephew!" Everyone looked to each other until the party continued on without a hitch, all the while the unicorn was surrounded by guards being escorted out.
"I didn't know you had a nephew? Makes you look great," Aldon said sarcasstically gaining an annoyed expression from both princesses.
"We brought him in due to rather sad circumstances, but truly he is lacking in the etiquette of royalty."
"I can see that Celestia." Luna sighed as well to this.
"We--I still don't know why you haven't told him to scram." Celestia slightly gasped.
"Luna!"
"What? I'm right." Aldon admired the sisterly argument. He could see the emotion in it, and made him wish he was back with his; so so much. Celestia noticed the pained expression in Aldon's eyes, tow which she commented.
"Are you ok Sir Aldon?" Celestia asked, while the man himself realized he had a tear dripping from his face. He nodded and wiped it off, returning with a beaming smile.
"Just memories princess, just memories." Luna saddened at the thought, while Celestia nodded in understanding also saddened by the development until Pinkie Pie began the party cannon barrage, sending everyone into the dust of innumerable amounts of confetti and balloons. The rest of the party went without a hitch, and it was one of the most enjoyable times Aldon had, with Hammerhoof finally finding true love again; but sadly, not everything is rainbows and sunshine, no in fact more is darkness and deceit, anger and rage. |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 22- What Happened? Celestia vs Human. | The air was putrid, smelling of blood and guts. Everything surrounding the man was death itself. The power of the demon was surfacing in him and he could feel the unending power flowing into him. The radiation of pure energy emitting from his body, blowing over quadrupedal corpses. Smiles long passed as the demon stood standing, eyeing down the desolate, destroyed environment around him, with only one quadruped staring at him in horror. She couldn't help but feel in awe and terror at the same time.
What she was seeing was the reveal of a god, not a phony or a wanna-be, but a true, all powerful being. The four legged creature tried to scurry, but couldn't help but puke her remains out at the sight of her people dead on the ground. Then she saw the wicked smile on the demonized man's face; the immaculate and serrated teeth, the pores pulling in the blood of her own.
She saw the red slits as eyes peer on her, and she couldn't help but wish death be upon her, because simply gazing into the eyes was a fate worse than it. The being was ever growing, encompassing a mighty 20 feet, growing dark muscle and black flames. Horns began to protrude from the beast's head, showing off the light show of black flames, which were unwavered by the wind.
Hell had arrived on Equestria, and its name was Deum Exterminans.
His lifeless body rested on the pillow as he surfaced from slumber. His breathing became more precise as his body resumed conscious control of the pattern. The heartbeat he held slowly increased to accompany an awoken man.
Clops were heard entering the void of the room, with darkness surrounding every shadow and speck of the place. The room slowly began to heat up, and the air became boiling hot as Aldon made it clear that whoever was there should make it known who they are.
"I am here to warn you," the creature said holding a feminine raspy voice. Aldon grunted.
"That's what they all say. Tell me before I burn you to a crisp." Honestly Aldon was still trying to remember how he was in this particular bed and where this particular bed was. He was in no mood for riddles and games after he had just woken up.
"The ponies will not like it when they find out. They will take their revenge. I hope you will be ready." Aldon hated riddles, but before he could lash out at the troll before the bridge, she was gone in a flash, leaving a slightly open door, a slightly confused man, and a slightly hot breeze.
He sighed deeply and got out of bed in a fell swoop of a motion. His feet cracked the ground as a huge concrete slab busted against it. He looked down to glare at the new surface, only to grimace and cup his shoulders for their slight stiffness. He honestly couldn't care less about nice things. When growing up without them, having them and then losing them does nothing.
Now he had another riddle to solve, and life was only getting more complicated. He had to find out what had happened last night as well. That would most likely involve speaking to hungover ponies as he could feel the intoxicating substance being burned off of him. He could never truly get drunk; it was both a curse and a blessing.
Then he heard the groans. His blanket had huge lumps in it, plenty more than he thought was possible, and then he looked at the huge size of the bed and face palmed.
"Of course," he whispered to himself, grunting in annoyance. "What the hell, was I drunk, or was I drugged? Or both?" He quizzed himself. He wouldn't be surprised given the fact of hostility he could feel from the white sun butt. She radiated arrogance and it made him angry to the core, but he suppressed it to keep her sister happy, a victim of circumstance and bad pasts. He couldn't imagine being isolated for one thousand years, but yet again, she couldn't understand the feeling of pure evil and demonic upbringings. They both were so similar and yet so different. Hammerhoof as well, having everything taken from him.
Aldon thought he would always be alone, and never have people who would understand his pain, but it took a ragtag group of people and then ponies to make him see there will always be those who share a fate close to his. To watch their lives be broken apart and crudely put back together.
"What has transpired?" The night-mare sounded her groan question for the room to hear. Her head emerged from the blanket, staring over the muscular giant of torn flesh and red tissue. One eye from the being was staring at her, glaring with intent ferocity, like a predator sizing down its prey, it bore into her soul and she felt exposed and deathly afraid, until he turned and revealed a kind smile. A smile hiding pain.
"Aldon, I..." Before she could finish another groan sounded, one such groan from her sister.
"What the faust happened last night?" The princess of the sun asked, emerging from the blankets as well, until she saw predatory eyes, which turned into dull and abysmal symbols of sight. "Sister! What is the meaning of this?" Celestia bellowed, until she saw her sister shrug her shoulders.
"Sorry to burst your bubble princess," Aldon said with contempt, "but I don't think anyone knows what happened."
"Ooo. I do!" The pink party pony sounded out as he head also emerged from the blanket. Many more groans sounded, including Aldon as he knew this would devolve into an interrogation session and very long talk from Celestia.
"I honestly don't know!" Aldon felt sleep deprived with the interrogation. Celestia wasn't all too happy with the sleeping arrangements, from which he couldn't even begin to understand had occurred.
"Shut up ape!" The guard spat, to which Aldon had enough. He decided to be nice enough to them and give them a chance, but every word that came out of their mouth was an insult. Luna had asked multiple times for them to cease their actions, but the guards insisted on talking to Aldon like an animal and criminal.
Aldon looked over his chains and slowly laughed. The guards would most likely piss up an ocean, but he figured the maids would handle it. The chains slowly began to melt. Magically enchanted and enhanced high metal-grade chain melted. Chains that Celestia herself put effort into making evaporated into the air like water on a hot summer's day.
"You'll be next," Aldon whispered darkly as the pony slowly began to clip clop back away from the table. Aldon slowly stood up and approached the pissing pony. Aldon was right, it was everywhere. "Now. Tell all your little buddy's what you saw here today." The pony put as much attention into this as he did a life sentence to jail. "And, whatever you do never call me anything like that again!" He shouted into the pony's face, which scrunched up in horror. The pony then began nodding affirmatively, pleading for his life.
Aldon sighed as he crushed the door knob to the room and slammed the door to the other side of the hallway. "And clean up your piss, its really deplorable."
Guards formed a blockade down the hallway, lining up in roman-style phalanx formation to block the man from moving anywhere else in the castle. Without warning, the guard ran from the room, tears streaming from his eyes.
"Monster!" He screamed. "Everypony run! He'll burn you alive!" The guards morale depleted to say the least as they routed from formation at the sight of a commanding officer balling his eyes. Aldon pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance, but felt a tinge of satisfaction at the fear the ponies had of him. All of the ponies except for one. The diarch of the kingdom.
"Seriously!" She fumed from down the hallway, pointing her hoof at the man. "We just needed answers!"
"Hey! It's not my fault your guards don't understand the meaning of manners and respect!" Celestia screamed.
"How did it happen!" She screamed the question.
"I don't know!" Aldon screamed back. He was beginning to get more and more frustrated as the argument went on. He would know if he swung that way and he definitely didn't, yet he was pretty much being accused of rape of not only ponies, but royalty.
"I'll force the answers out of you!" Aldon chuckled darkly at her words.
"Try it and see what happens." The princess smiled at the challenge as her horn charged up. Aldon's palms slowly ignited in liquid flames, with his face also gaining a deeply satisfying smile.
She launched her attacks in flurries, to which Aldon's flames met them. Explosions, plain and simple.
Luna hated nobles so deeply it made her cry in pain every time she saw one of their snotty, arrogant, pompous faces. Her teeth seethed as the snotty pony continued to squabble over his petty needs, ignoring pleas of the masses.
"Your majesty! Please, you need to understand, this would help to fund equestria's military greatly." An investor in the military. He was promoting the idea of increased taxes on the lower class. To help promote drafting against foreign threats, from which none currently loomed. The world ws in the most peaceful state it could be besides the human variable, which the minotaurs would not be so kind towards.
Besides that, there was no need for drafting, no need to tax the lower class, and certainly no need to put up with petty, obnoxious nobles. Luna steamed at the pony and began her rant.
"If it weren't for the fact my sister puts up with you loud mouths..." Then the castle shook and Luna knew exactly what was going on, but she had just one question: why?
"Are you serious Prince Blueblood, did you seriously kill one of them before?" The small, golden unicorn asked. The hubris prince smiled with glee and intentious on lying, he put his story for all it wasn't worth.
"That's right, right in the Everfree a few years ago." Blueblood began to act out his heroic deed of hunting down defenseless animals, dubbed savages. "They snarled, bore their teeth and were ready to strike, but with a trusty thrust of magic from my horn, I vanquished them to the hole in tartarus they came from."
"Wow." The mare batted her eyes at the prince, infatuated with him, and all the meanwhile, the prince was the one saved by the humans present in that forest long ago. The small red haired girl and her family had saved the pony from timberwolves. Of course, to keep his pride, he said he had killed both parties, with his bare magic and hooves. "How strong were they?"
Blueblood puffed his chest as much as it could go, which was not much, "they were all weaker than just one of my hooves. With one spell I sent them running away, back to the lands the abominations roam."
"Is is true you sent the newly arrived one running for mommy?" The mare asked again, wondering if the rumor, started by the prince himself, was true.
"It was so sad to see such a savage beast be so scared. I honestly felt sorry for it. But when it threatened the ponies of Equestria, I had to stop it." They rounded another corner in the castle to see the showdown. To say the least, the carpet would need a thorough cleaning.
Flames slammed into the brilliant magic of the princess. Her horned sounded with the march of war, while the flames built up their heat like the sun churns out radiation. The epicenter would kill almost anything with a touch, and the surrounding area was slowly being vaporized to dust. Still, the both of them held a deep, satisfying smile.
"I'll take that arrogant smile off your face Celestia."
"Not if I take that savage glint in your eye, animal!" The playful banter was cut short as a blast was met in the back for Aldon. He turned around to see the arrogant prince, pissing and trying to produce adequate magic to vaporize his foe.
"Auntie. I'll help you vanquish this beast." His confidence was nowhere near as high as his words as Aldon chuckled, and with a flick of his fingers, sent a material flame punch to knock out the brat.
The mare squeaked in fear as she saw the prince keel, over, dramatizing his pain, as if he had just been slowly cut into little pieces and put back together.
Celestia was genuinely mad now, seeing her nephew put down like that. She may not think of him as such, but he was still family. While Aldon turned around, an increased barrage of magic hit him square in the face, sending him sprawling back, slamming in to the wall.
She adorned her armor now, which was more snug than she remembered. She was covered in platinum encrusted gold armor, which not only enhanced her magical power, but let her full radiance shine.
"You should not have hurt our nephew Aldon." He smirked and slowly popped his joints as he emerged from the dust and rubble. Then he let the fire slither down like a retractable sword as it shined through the magically created dust cloud.
"He'll be fine. But will you?" He asked, as his foot steps echoed through the hall like a hammer's swing on hard concrete.
With genuine dragon qualities, his mouth opened to reveal a radiant and deadly blue flames emerging and heading straight for Celestia. Like a bullet it struck her shield construct and cracked it. As he approached, he let flames spew fourth from his mouth, and she could see the predatory eyes emerge again. He was genuinely enjoying the fighting now. Celestia couldn't deny that she was enjoying it either. She would never openly fight her sister, but she truly wished to face something of equal power to her.
That's when he turned up the heat literally, as deeper red flames emerged. In turn, Celestia would just have to up-tune her magic. They were both increasing in power ever second, and the battle was getting more and more ferocious as time went on.
From the protective bubble, magical strikes struck the human. However, like a second mouth, the body simply ate them, and reproduced flames to combat the oncoming onslaught. within a few more seconds, Aldon was on top of the bubble, and with a brute's unwavering strength, smashed the bubble, sending the magical shards flying. Celestia gasped as she saw the smirk, and before she could react, she was thrown through the open wall, busted by her attack on Aldon, into the public of Canterlot.
Spike was being drawn on the course of her caretaker's friends once again. They were exploring Canterlot like they had first visited, although the ass-kissing for Twilight did not seem to help her all too much. After every encounter she sighed deeply, looking for a way to get them to stop approaching her, so she could simply hang out with her friends. Alas, it was impossible, as in the world of Equestria, princesses and royalty were what decided many things.
"What's the matter darling?" Rarity asked, seemingly oblivious to the situation of Twilight. Twilight sighed, while Applejack face hoofed.
"It's all a' these Nobles. All they do is harass Twilight." Rarity slowly nodded her head, while Rainbow Dash had a volcano erupt.
"Next noble I see walk up to you Twilight, I'll pound into the ground." Rainbow Dash was rewarded with yet another noble walking over to Twilight.
"Aaah, Princess Twilight, how do you do?" Rainbow Dash cracked a tooth as she began to run around in panic, gripping her mouth. Fluttershy was trying to calm her down, and give her proper treatment, but the mare continued to sprint around in a fit of intense pain.
"Hello Mr..."
"Mr. Arrogant," he responded, with a wide smile. Twilight inwardly sighed with an external smile. Just because she had wings and a horn. she was being bombarded by the kiss-asses of society. Many would wish for this, to be worshiped, but most don't know what it feels like. "I was just wishing if you could help..." And just like that a wall was opened into the castle, and dust formed to reveal a crumbled section of brick and lowly concrete-mixture. Royalty flexed off of the castle as some of its skin chipped away. Ponies, rich and poor gathered around, all taken back, and with mixed feelings, some afraid, some amazed.
However, through the dust, they could see the distinct light of beautiful, brilliant, blue flames. The shadow of a giant dissipated into the dust cloud, as it rolled over the square the rubble not inherited.
This is when Rainbow Dash had calmed down enough to witness the random explosion. Then chaos ensued. Some ponies ran, speaking of apocalypse, some of murder, some of a monster attack, while others were smart enough to be curious rather than blindly ignorant. Whispers occurred, until a slightly loud gasp sounded and a figure came flying through the dust. The figure was that of the princess, Celestia.
She landed on her side, sliding along the pavement. She slightly wheezed, while ponies gasped in horror, and the Mane Six all ran over.
"Princess!" Twilight screamed, coming in close to help the her. "What's happening?" Then they heard the concrete and brick crackle and pop from the movement of something unhuman. It was slowly getting louder, and the same figure from before could be seen, and through the veil, two blood red eyes viewed it all. |
Flames of Equestria | Chapter 23- Angelos is Revealed. | Ashened fields were laid out in front of the emerging giant. Three ponies stood against the ever-growing beast of carnage and destruction. Two stallions and one mare stood in the monster's path. They all stood as proudly as Celestia herself as they stared down the beast. One held the golden outline of the sun, with the beauty and angelical outline of a god above. The pegasus was a true marvel, and even Rainbow Dash would drop her jaw at his speed. He adorned a sky blue mane with his golden crust of a coat. His eyes burned purple with heavenly power.
The mare had deep crimson red fur and a beautiful, luscious nightly mane. She held a magnificent horn, to dwarf Luna's equivalent. Her body overflowed with darker magical prowess. She let her demonic energies be known as demons were summoned all around her. Her red eyes would pierce into the monster's soul, if it truly had one.
Finally, the last Stallion stood as a giant. Armored in deep green scales, and sporting no mane, the giant stood as a testament to raw strength. His hooves were covered with claws, and his teeth were sharp and serrated to the touch. His eyes showed elegant, green fury. Every step he made, shook the ground. Together, they formed an unstoppable barrier.
But what happens when an unstoppable force meets an unstoppable barrier?
Blood-red eyes bore down onto the ponies from the veil of the dust cloud. Celestia was slightly chuckling however when Twilight looked at her in concern.
"I haven't had a bout' like this since the gryphonic war." Twilight's jaw contorted into a mess, while her hair frazzled up in a flaming jumble. Celestia continued to laugh at her pupil. "Tis' fine Twilight. Nopony is hurt. Isn't that right Aldon?" She asked, fully expecting an adequate answer. While Twilight was trying to understand the situation, along with all of the rest of the ponies, Aldon simply let out a fire breath of beautiful blue, blazing flames.
Luna galloped up to Celestia's side, "Sister!" she said with concern on her tongue.
Celestia dusted herself off as all of the ponies began to question Celestia, begging for answers and wishing for peace. She then got serious as she realized what was happening.
"Luna, they were right." Luna tilted her head slightly, until she saw the demonic eyes plastered on the human. His appendages were slowly forming into a dark, heavy mist of bulging claws and chiselled muscular armor.
"Is that?" Celestia slowly nodded her head to affirm to her sister.
"Princess," Twilight practically yelled, gaining both of the princesses gazes, "what is going on!"
"Twilight, you should stand back. All of the elements should in fact," Celestia turned to face them, with Fluttershy cowering behind the aggressive Rainbow Dash. Applejack was curious with the creature's strength, and Rarity was appalled with its appearance. Pinkie, if not being occupied with messing with other frightened ponies, would've tried to make friends with the demon baring its teeth at all of them.
"Ah'm sorry to say princess," Applejack began, rather rudely, "but we will not stand back. That thing doesn't belong, and we will not let it stay."
"Yeah, we've helped save Equestria plenty of times. What is a scary demon compared to the rest of them?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"That thing isn't a demon necessarily," celestia began, but hesitated.
"Princess, please, you can tell us." Celestia huffed.
"We'll discuss this all later. For now, we need to stop it. After, I'll tell you everything about it." Luna, out of all the ponies was the one sad for it. She was in that position before. Turned into a monster.
"Little Ponies. Is that what you call them, Ms. Celestia is it?" The body slowly jumped down to the ground, revealing all of its glory and all of its horror.
Pale, pink skin was replaced by dark, bloody-fire imbued, demonic scales with luscious and horrific veins of beautiful black. The head took the same relative shape of a human's, except for the huge horn protruding from the top, completely destroying the relative scale of horns. Celestia was jealous to say the least. However, the scales came as close to the eyes, where gazers of a darker depth were inserted.
His arms were elongated to match the ground with his huge and armored legs. Claws asserted their vicious length, making it known that steel would have no chance against them. The chest was the most pronounce feature though. It held a demonic and holy fixation, with the world of elements surrounding it. Then in the center of the entire symbol was what looked like a lock and key. The slot looked unique and most likely, with the right key, it could be unlocked.
"Who are you!" Luna demanded, stepping in front of all of the ponies, asserting her position of protector. Her sister was both impressed and loving of her sister at that point.
"I know you've heard of me," the demon said stoutly. He was right in that too. His dark, demonic, raspy and ancient voice didn't lie. All of the ponies were confused by this. Until they heard its next words, words and names they all knew so well. "Lord Tirek. King Sombra. Queen Chrysalis. Princess Celestia. Princess Luna. Princess Cadence. Princess Twilight. Nightmare Moon." They were all so confused, but anxious on the spot. Nervous for the creature's intentions and its power. It was no lie that it radiated similar to Luna's and Celestia's.
Images of all of their faces spewed up in flames. High above they stood on pedestals, which plastered "Gods."
"Kings and Gods. Beings of immense power. But what does power really mean?" His rhetoric was beginning to get on Rainbow Dash's nerves.
"Get to the point bub!" she shouted at the creature.
"Yes!" Another voice, high above the rooftops called out. This voice was a benevolent voice to dwarf the Canterlot Voice. "Beast, you do not belong here!" The pony yelled. Its features of a golden coat, and regal eyes were revealed. It held a strong pair of wings, belittling all wings of pegasi.
Mares drooled over the sight of the stallion. It was huge, strong and fear inducing, which made them clamour for it more. However, god's all take disguises. His true form would be revealed soon enough. Even Celestia, and Luna had to keep blushes from their faces. Perfectino was at the door for ponies, yet the creature could only stare into the new arrival's face.
Without warning, the pony zoomed past every single pony, making Rainbow Dash twitch at his speed.
"King of Light and Speed, Angelos, at your service," he said, bowing to the two princesses, who with being closer and able to audibly hear the voice's signature, recognized it as one of the three they talked to. They had no idea however it was a pony. Rainbow Dash, meanwhile wished to challenge the newcomer so badly. Twilight was eager to ask questions, Rarity wanted to tailor clothes, Applejack simply compared him to her brother mentally, Fluttershy cowered behind her honest friend, and Pinkie wished to make a new friend.
The pony slowly turned around to see the creature and inwardly smiled. His opportunity to remove the only challenger in the gods' lives was right in front of him.
"You wish to fight again?" The demon asked. The pony shook his head.
"I only wish to protect the inhabitants of this world from your scourge." Truly, it was the other way around, but the demon could only wickedly smile as he popped his ever-densifying knuckles.
"I will teach you your place then," the demon said, completely ignoring the voice inside of his head.
"I never said you could do this!" The human voice shouted, demanding answers from the entity in control of his body. Answers, that would come in the form of hate, anger, neglect, and betrayal. The story would be revealed in full volume soon enough.
> Chapter 24- Who is to say that evil is evil?
"You three will not stand anymore!" The demon shouted as he could feel his stomach slowly churn. He was quickly dying and disliked the scenario. "You preach about your little fancies of peace and prosperity, but all you want is more power!"
The three continued to gain more leverage on the beast over the burned fields of an apple harvest. "You want me gone so you can collect it all. Everything I have is all you want. To rule with absolute authority and divine power. I made a mistake granting you all a place above other mortals. That, I will rectify shortly."
The golden pegasus laughed maniacally, with the beating heart of the demon clutched in his hooves. "You're done. These ponies think of us as protectors, and as long as it needs to be, we will look as such. You on the other hand, well just look at you; you're a deformed monster."
The darkly coated mare walked up beside her brother in arms. She took the heart and with a devious smile began to crush it in her magical power. Her horn barely lit up before the monster, who dwarfed almost everything on the world they inhabited, was coughing up black blood. Its eyes turned from deep red to a light pink as his life was being drained. Everything had a weakness, and his was literally the heart he holds, or what his hunters held.
"The world will be rid of the scourge of Deum Exterminans. It's too bad I couldn't have a little more fun with that human before you are gone," she mentioned with a carelessness. Within a few seconds a crushed heart, losing its lively beat, was on the ground, while the monster was fading away. The heroes had vanquished the monster.
"So, you ask us for what exactly?" The quadruped in dark lighting, attaining a feminine raspy voice, asked slightly timidly.
"You will move all of them to Canterlot." The second female voice rang with authority standing in the way of the wind. "Don't spare a single minion in the attempt." The mare crashed and boomed her hoof on the table one last time, "and if you try to sneak by me, I'll find you!"
"Every single one!" The other quadruped objected, "are you crazy? There will be nothing left of them if they're wiped out. Nothing left of me and my species!"
The darkly coated Unicorn entered the light, with malicious eyes containing merciless daggers. "Do you think I care?" She asked as the other quadruped stared wide-eyed at the mysterious mare. The shocked stare lasted fro a few more seconds until it pestered the pony's nerves. "Now!" She screamed, howling her authority over the other occupant of the room. The other scampered away, changing her usual authoritative attitude into submissive in a split second.
"I'll take the grin right off your face." Aldon's body flexed its power, but Angelos' created body also flexed equal power. The two were seemingly even matched as the new arriving pony pushed with godly power. Celestia and Luna were impressed but were surprised to see that Equestrian shattering magic had not been thrown yet.
The citizens of Canterlot clamored for Angelos to vanquish the beast. The monster who would pillage and rape, or perhaps destroy and send them all to oblivion; they wanted the monster, who by all accounts was the seen as one to literally go to Tartarus where he belonged.
"Please, don't kill them!" Aldon screamed into his own mind. He screamed into the void he was stuck in to gain the demon's attention. Deum was currently debating actually wiping out the ponies where they stood. They were an annoyance, to say the least.
"Why do you care?" The demon asked this expecting no response in return. Aldon crunched his fist together and gave a small smile.
"I've found a home here. It may not be all good and sunshine as it may look, but I'd rather have a trashed home than no home at all." His hopeful voice gave hums to the god-destroyer.
"It's funny. I used to have a home as well human. I guess I shall spare them." Aldon lit up at the act of mercy, but truthfully, the god was sad. He wasn't always called Deum Exterminans- The Exterminator of Gods. He used to be called the bringer of light, the creator of happiness, the god who brought peace to the world, but then he made a crucial mistake. He gave power to those who didn't deserve it.
He did become a monster; he knew it, but he wasn't a monster because of the killing, slaughtering, or any other decision he's made, but just that one: giving power to those who clearly never deserved it. It was his sin, and his price was his home, his status, his everything. It was one of the reasons why he had to chose a hiding spot; as much as anyone would figure he wouldn't be scared, he was deathly afraid of true death.
There were two deaths for gods: physical death, and then existential death.
"Human." The god's face appeared in the void, showing itself to Aldon's form.
"Yes?" Aldon asked, still grateful, but calmer than before.
"You deserve to know." Aldon's face looked quizzical. "Why I'm here. Why you're facing this. You deserve to know the truth." Aldon was confused at where this was coming from, but within seconds, his world changed and he saw the beautiful serenity of his world, before war and death. There was a large being, draped in holy robes, light emanating from every spec and then there were hundreds of humans gathered.
"This was where my mistake began." Aldon slightly winced at the voice jumping out of nowhere but continued to listen. "I chose them all. I gave mortals powers. I gave them magic, and some the power of immortality and infinite authority. I had hoped they would use it properly. To bring peace and be protectors of prosperity." The humans accepted the gifts, and then Aldon saw different creatures beginning to accept the gift as well. Lizards, fish, the occasional hawk, the mighty dragon, they all accepted the gift with open arms. Hundreds of gods were appointed.
The images accelerated, with prosperity reigning supreme. Everything was working.
"They listened and they followed my instructions. But they only did so to gain my trust and to garner more power. Their hearts weren't pure, but they had masked it all without my knowing." Fake smiles appeared on their faces as the holy figure laughed at jokes, smiled at progress, and applauded for the work his gods did. It was all a show.
"My sin, was that I let it happen. I didn't try to stop it until there was no way to stop it." The images flash forwarded to battle scenes. The holy being was beaten, bruised and barely breathing. He held hands up to the gods facing him down. He was belittled; the landscape was full of death and destruction, with hundreds of the world's inhabitants dead. It was all his fault. The god known as Cosmos was gone, replaced by the newly dubbed God-exterminator. A creator of chaos and the king of evil.
He was attacked mercilessly, to the point of barely breathing. His hands fidgeted, but it was just a sign of true exhaustion. He was surrounded by his children. They had become a family to him by that point, but it was all just a facade. His body was deformed and black, scars and black skin covered everything. He was no god at that point.
The gods laughed at their 'father'. They never intended to be protectors of peace, they always wanted power. They wanted to rule with iron fists. They had inherited the arrogance of immortal beings; they were superior and everything and everyone were to bow down to them. Cosmosis was the only one who would stop them, so they would simply make him disappear.
"I'm truly sorry." Magical attacks lined up and as the last of his existence came about, he disappeared. Aldon saw himself next. It was a baby, being born into the family of three. A son, to which was both beautiful and strong. He was the closest by, and without knowing his body was taken as a vessel. The baby still held itself, but it served as a hiding place.
"I used your body as a recovery location. I gave you power to enhance you as a vessel." Then the images stopped. "They declared me as what I am now. A monster of evil, and a scourge to the world. They were revealed as true gods and powerful heroes to be worshiped. I was no longer viewed as such. I was no longer able to stop them. So I sat in your body and festered. My rage grew and anger heightened until I was the monster everyone feared and hated. It's funny, in the end, I will have become what I hate, just to defeat my enemies. The only way to atone for my sin was to become it." Aldon listened with sympathy.
"The only reason I chose you was because of your latent power and vicinity."
"What?" He asked, slightly seething in anger at that.
"You heard me, you were the closest and most viable option for a vessel. I am truly sorry for the life you've had to go through." The demon's callous attitude only made Aldon angrier. The way he shoved off Aldon's suffering as a game, a match to watch in the stands. He talks about suffering, but he doesn't know.
"Shut up," Aldon faintly said as he tried to contain his anger as to not release it on everyone around his physical body.
"I know you may be angry with me, but that gives you no right to disrespect..."
"I said shut up!" Aldon's eyes tinted red at this point as his teeth started releasing blood from the pressure exerted by the grinding. "I...need time to process this," he said, trying to calm his elevating state of rage. The fallen god didn't dare to speak a word. It's true Aldon was the closest by for his vessel, but it was no lie of the man's inept power and rage. Even without help, he would still have the power to kill a god entirely.
"Please understand, it is my mistake and I apologize for everything that's happened to you, but these gods, they won't stop until you're dead too. And they'll toy with you until you enact death upon yourself. You've held me for years, and with that, they suspect you're part of my existence. They do this because of lust to eliminate me. I ask you, as a god addressing an equal, please help me stop them." Aldon's fists clenched in fiery anger as the void seemingly heated up despite its characteristics of, well, a void.
Angelos' form laughed as they battled. Then he saw it. The eyes were no longer the gods. The demon has left control to the mortal.
"Fatal mistake Exterminator." He continued to push the demon back, having tiles crack under the pressure until he stopped and couldn't budge the monster. He was confused until he saw the eyes, they were bleeding, fire expelling from them and the temperatures slowly skyrocketed. Flames began to encompass the demon, and the magical pressure began to increase, making the princesses kneel down in agony almost.
"You did it all!" The metallic voice of the demon screamed. The princesses knew the feeling of the voice, though, it was Aldon, and he was no longer the happy man they could rely on. The demon gave a lightning quick swipe of the tail at Angelos sending him flying into a nearby building. The pony coughed up blood and slowly got to his feet wide-eyed. The power itself was taxing on him and he struggled to stay up. Then the demon, the man, slowly began approaching again. His steps echoed in the distance as earthwuakes and thunder. "You took it all! I lost everything!" He continued to howl in his metallic voice.
The ponies were hurting and confused by the words. Angelos knew it was the man now, but the power just didn't match. He still had to laugh as blood dripped from his mouth.
"You were only a pawn, a pawn in our game of chess mortal. You held the king, so we had to force him out of you, we never knew how resilient you were, though. A true testament to your..." then the demon began clutching the pony's throat in his demonic claws, sucking the life out of the pony through crushing force.
The demon's eyes slowly vectored into the squirming god's equivalent lenses, giving them a true piece of its suffering. The man's life was laid out in two oscillating and deathly objects. All of the ponies seemingly gasped as the demon was about to blast his final attack into the pony, indicated by the red creeping up his neck.
Then specks of darkness crept into position over the area and all eyes gazed up at the sky, Celestia and Luna going wide eyed at what was coming...again. |
Dissy and Twily | pre | "Twily!" Shining exclaimed seeing her she pouted looking at him, and sniffled.
"Shiny, huggy!" She went to him nuzzling the stallion
"Twilight how are you a ...a filly?" Cadence asked her in surprise. Twilight just blinked at her.
"I dunno," She said kicking the dirt with her back hoof.
"Well, at least Celestia and Luna will be arriving shortly." Cadence said.
"Sunshine Sunshine, lady bugs wake! Cwap your hooves do a wittle shake!" Twilight laughed and Cadence giggled.
"Sunshine sunshine, lady bugs awake, Clap your hooves and do a little shake." She nuzzled Twilight whom laughed.
"Oooo Shiny!" She ran into the castle she trotted hiding in a room and giggled as they ran by.
"You see," She said and began walking to towards the dining room.
"Dissy? Scootsy, Belly, Bloomy?" She asked he blinked at her in confusion.
"Blank fanks," She stated and he sighed but snapped his fingers there were three yelps as they fell. Scootaloo groaned since at the time she'd been attempting Go cart raising, all three were slightly green Twilight giggled.
"oh hey twilight!" Sweetie Bell squealed seeing her.
"Whoa mah sis didn't wanna believe it, and whoa...you are young!" Applebloom gaped.
"Eats din din with me?" She asked and the fillies looked between one another.
"Definitely I'm starved!" Scootaloo exclaimed and Twilight squealed and giggled.
"Dis way Dis way!" She giggled skipping, they following behind her.
"Aunt Celestia, Aunt Luna," Cadence greeted the two nuzzling each of them.
"Oh hello girls," Cadence said.
"Have either of you seen Discord or Twilight?" Celestia asked and the princess and prince of the crystal empire looked to one another.
"is something the matter?" Cadence asked. Celestia just smiled tiredly,
"Maybe we are getting ahead of ourselves, I hope you do not mind the extra company," She sighed.
"Not at all, we had an unexpected guest anyhow," Cadence beamed. They walked quietly in the halls Spike looking nervous.
"You okay there Spike?" Shining asked the guard in him sensing something was quite right.
"Nah, every...every things fine." Spike lied, but it wasn't a very good lie. He scrutinized the dragon whom just smiled weirdly. He looked away and Cadence gave him a gentle smile. She opened the door with a hoof to an innocent looking Twilight and 'friends' at the table.
"oh my," Celestia came to a complete stop. Cadence and Shining both looked to the mare whom cleared her throat.
"Shiny sit me!" Twilight patted the seat. He sat and Celestia tensed before relaxing. She eyed everything as it came out on silver trays. Twilight, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom all talking loudly.
"Do you know what happened to Twilight?" Cadence asked Celestia whom shook her head.
"That no good rotten Discord happened to her! He turned her into a filly and they are playing pr..arghhmmmff" She was cut off as Celestia magicked a large scoop of mashed potatoes into her mouth.
"Rumor is Discord turned her into a filly," She said simply and Cadence looked to Rainbow whom looked questioning at the princess.
"I see," Cadence frowned but sipped her tea.
Unicorn ponies came out each with a silver platter neatly enveloped in their magic.
"oh good Dessert," Cadence sighed in relief, the tension in the room came down to bearable.
"oh yum!" Scootaloo delved into the cake in front of her Celestia a close second with a large forkful.
"Oh yuck!" Scootaloo said as many faces skewered.
"Ketchup!?" She exclaimed however Shining froze, and eye twitching.
"k...ke...KETCHUP!!" He yelled letting out a whinny sound kicking his front hooves he ran through the door and Twilight laughing running after him. Quickly they ran after her and came to a stop as shining tripped the rope causing a box to fall on his head. He yelled running.
"SHINING!" Cadence hollered for her husband while the Stallion tripping on marbles, falling box first into the whipped creme covering himself in confetti. Twilight and the crusaders fell on their backs laughing as Cadence carefully navigated herself through the mess and to her husband his face of utter terror causing Twilight to howl with laughter. All laughter stopped however as a very angry Celestia shadowed her the filly looked up at her with innocent eyes.
"To the throne room Ms.Sparkle." she scolded the filly pouted but giggling she bounced away.
"Take him to the infirmary," Cadence told a guard whom bowed and quickly took him away.
"Cadence," Celestia looked to the mare in question and the mare sighed but nodded. Twilight was bouncing around the room. She came to a stop to blink innocently at the princesses.
"Twilight Sparkle, I am so angry with you right now," Celestia said and Twilights ears went down she sniffled.
"That's not going to work on me young filly!" She said coldly and Twilight hunkered down.
"Should I get your mother here?" She demanded and quickly Twilight shook her head.
"Can Somepony PLEASE tell me whats going on?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. Celestia sighed looking to her sister whom also seemed a little curious. Glancing over Twilights friends she sighed.
"Years ago, it came to my attention that one of my ponies were getting out of hand," She began.
"I did not know much of the filly in question, it had started innocently enough, Twilight and her brother were playing pranks on one another, it was a full out war. But, they were lighthearted innocent pranks." Celestia explained Cadence looked sad.
"One day however, a prank went wrong, Twilight...." She hesitated
"Twilight was punished severely," She looked guiltily.
"Shining had magicked it so everything Twilight heard was spoken as if backwards. She crossed the street when a Cross-pony said not to, he saved her but she in confusion at him yelling at her ran, she ran into a glass window, which got broken. Her parents were called, she had to assist the merchant till the window was completely repaired. Her parents grounded her, but the merchant took matters into his own hooves." She said darkly and they tensed.
"Twilight...wasn't the same, she wanted revenge on Shining Armor, and began pulling pranks that were less funny and more mean. He admitted to being the cause of her breaking the window, and her mother again punished her, threatened her she'd live in the house forever, and not get to enlist in my school." Celestia explained quietly.
"It scared her enough she stopped with the pranks. It was like an addiction, the less pranks she pulled, the less she desired to do them. Before she locked away everything that reminded her of pranks; meaning, ketchup. We're not quite sure why she likes ketchup, but it was a major clue that it was her whom pulled the prank. Her little signature." Celestia explained.
"Shining nearly died with the last prank she pulled, now even the mere sight of ketchup will freak him out." Cadence explained. They all looked to Twilight whom seemed to be elsewhere in thought.
"I will not tell your mother twilight," Celestia said and the filly smiled.
"but you will clean up your mess, then come back here, understand?" She demanded Twilight nodded sadly. She pouted as Fluttershy, and Rarity both watched her clean but after several hours it was done. She yawned whining since it was well past bedtime.
"hold still little filly," Celestia said and her horn began to glow yellow. Twilight closed her eyes tightly. But relaxed and opened her eyes. She blinked and rubbed her head.
"oh, my aching horn." She groaned
"TWILIGHT" The five exclaimed hugging her. Twilight just looked at them confused.
"Whats going on girls?" She asked.
"We thought that you..." Pinkie started but went quiet as Celestia stepped down from the throne.
"What were you working on that you remember last Twilight?" Celestia looked at her faithful student, and now princess.
"oh uh...." Twilight closed her eyes then frowned
"I don't really remember, I remember saying goodbye to spike..." She went off looking to the princess whom nodded.
"No worries, why not rest? Its past everyponys bedtime." She chuckled and stuck a tongue at her sister whom stuck her own royal tongue out in reply.
"Spike, can I have my own room tonight? I'm sorry, but I'd like to be alone as I try to figure out why the heck I'm in the crystal empire." Twilight stated and he nodded she went into the room coming to a stop.
"I believe that was an E for me." Twilight said after the door closed. She looked up at the floating draconequus.
"That means I won," She stated and Discord laughed.
"The girls are waiting for you," He said and the crusaders all grinned at her as they came out from underneath the bed.
"Twilight Secret Time: Take two!" They all exclaimed Twilight giggled at them. She looked to the door with gleaming eyes.
"Silly fillies, its only just begun." She chuckled.
"I'll collect my reward for winning soon enough Dissy," She told the Draconquus whom pouted but snapped his talon leaving with an echoing laugh. |
Proof of a hero | pre | ROAAAAAR!!!
The tail thrashed violently and one of the spikes caught a guard in the stomach, leaving some sort of purple ooze on the wound. Flash recoiled immediately and luckily so as rathalos almost bit his head off. Sundancer just turned her back to run away but a wing talon slashed her across the back, the claw going through her armor like paper. Pain shot through her entire body as she collapesd to the ground. One guard had the bad luck of being struck by the rathalo's foot and sent flying into a tree, the pegasus's wings breaking in multiple places upon impact.
The stallion holding Flynn's bag dropped it and ran for his life, giving Flynn a chance to crawl out. Not wasting any time, Flynn sprinted on all fours and retrieved his katana that he co carelessly left on the back of the cart. Once he had his weapon back, Flynn jumped up on the tail and in one swift moce cut it cleanly off. The rathalos roared in pain and almost collapsed to the ground. Turning it's head back he saw the palico out of the bag and staring at him with a gaze of steel. Even though the hunter was not around, rathalos knew this palico was not to be trifeld with. Taking a step back, the beast roared once more before taking off into the sky.
Flash's ears were ringing from the constant roaring. He was panting, heart going a thousand miles a second as he watched his guards, his friends, scatter around like ragdolls. Flash looked to Flynn, the cat looking at the captain with a mix of rage and disappointment. Plunging his katana into the ground, Flynn dashed towards the pony who was poisoned.
"Move." he shoved the two ponies apart who were trying to help their poisoned friend but were too shell-shocked to do anything. The poisoned stallion was shivering as the poison spread through his body and foaming at the mouth. Flynn stuck his paw into a small pouch and pulled out a vial of purple liquid. Lifting the stallion's head from underneath, he poured the contents into his mouth and the effect was instantenious. The shivering stopped immediately and no more foam was collecting at the stallion's mouth. "Clean the wound." Flynn instructed the two ponies who immediately got to work with their field med-kit. Flash slowly stood up and observed his beaten and broken company.
"This... This is my fault." the captain stood there horrifed. Looking at Flynn, he saw the grumpy old cat was running from guard to guard and checking for injuries, givng them some green liquid which seemed to lift their spirits. Then Flynn's eyes fell on Flash and the cat stomped across the field towards the captain. Flash gulped and knelt down to at least be at eye level with him. "I-I-I'm sorry. I thought-" before he could finish, Flynn slashed him across the face, leaving three long claw marks. Flash recoiled and fell on his rump, hands clutching his wounded face. Flynn just glared at him, the message was clear.
Captain Flash Sentry was really not having a good day.
Flash dragged his hooves on the marble floor of the castle towards the kitchen where the staff informed him Twilight was at the moment. They say hindsight is 20-20 and this couldn't be more true in this case. He should have listened to the crazy old cat. It was a miracle nopony died, thanks in no small part to Flynn carrying antidote for the rathalos's poison.To be fair, they weren't trained for this, but that still didn't exuse them for what they did. Flash disobeyed a direct order from his princess. Worst of all, he disobeyed an order from his marefriend. Guess who's sleeping on the couch tonight...
Speaking of his princess, slash marefriend, Flash's ear twitched upon hearing her laugh. He reached the kitchen doors and opened it to step inside.
"Princess Twilight, there is something I-" he stopped in his tracks when he saw the scene in front of him. The entire kitchen was a mess, flour and milk scattered everywhere. His eyes then fell on Twilight who was laughing so hard she had tears on her cheeks. The lavander alicorn was covered head to hoof in flour as well as the hunter Max.
"And so there I am, covered in barioth muscus-" he took another bite of his syrup covered pancakes. "-and Flynn says That's quite a load." Flash's emotions did a one-eighty upon seeing them. There he was, risking his life to clean up somepony's mess, and the two of them were having the time of their life.
"Oh my gosh!" Twilight laughed at the image of Max being covered with mucus, which was totally something else, and for some reason she also saw the barioth blow a kiss towards Max. "It think it liked you!" both Twilight and Max laughed.
"Ahem." Flash announced his presence and both Twilight and Max looked at him. Upon seeing the claw marks, Max knew Flash fucked up bad.
"Flash!" Twilight gasped in shock and ran to her coltfriend. "What happened?" she took his head with her hands and inspected his wounds.
"Nothing. Can I talk to you?" Flash sent a glare towards Max. "Privately."
"Nothing my flank! You're hurt!" Twilight took him by the hand. "C'mon! We'll get that treated right away-"
"What did you do?" Max glared back accusingly and walked up to the captain. The two stared at each other as Twilight frowned at Max.
"Why do you assume he did anything?" Twilight asked defensively.
"Because that-" Max pointed to Flash clawed face. "-is Flynn's doing. Must've been one hell of a fuck up you made." the hunter took a step closer. "Well?"
"Flash?" Twilight looked at the stallion who looked away in shame. "What happened?"
"It got away." Flash addmited and Twilight took a step back.
"Where's Flynn?" Max asked and retrieved his sword that was propped up on a counter. Before Flash could answer, Max walked past him and made sure to bump him with his shoulder. "Never mind. I know where he'll be." and the hunter walked out, leaving the two ponies alone. Neither spoke for a while and the atmosphere grew heavy. He is soooo sleeping on the couch...
"Captain!" Twilight raised her voice and Flash finally looked at her. Twilight was standing there with crossed arms and a slight frown. "What happened?" Flash sighed and prepared to face his maker.
"It got away. The rathalos."
"How?" Twilight's tone clearly showed how angry she was.
"It was wrong!" Flash's outburst caused Twilight to flinch. "That crazy cat wanted us to carve it for materials! Materials Twi! It's a living and breathing creature!"
"Crafting from nature." Twilight replied. "Take what you need and pay your respects to nature."
"How do you know that?" Flash's eyes narrowed.
"Max told me." Twilight put her hands on her hips.
"Oh he did?" Flash laughed. "Well, why the two of you were getting all chummy with eachother while I almost died!"
"We weren't getting chummy!" Twilight shot back in anger. "He said he was hungry and-"
"So you decided to make him pancakes!" Flash threw his arms up in annoyance. "You! Was there nopony else around?" Twilight frowned and stepped forward.
"By the stars! Are you jealous?" Twilight poked his chest and Flash stepped back.
"I am not jealous!" he defended. "All I'm saying is, the two of them should have taken the rathalos to the forest! This is not our problem!"
"Monsters are roaming Equestria and you say it's not our problem?" Twilight fired back in anger.
"They brought them here!" Flash retorted. "And then they put some kind of spell on you!" he poked her shoulder, eyes filled with anger. "Why else would you trust them so easily?"
"Excuse me?" Twilight thought she heard wrong. "Put a spell on me? Flash! They are the only ones who have dealt with monsters before and they're the only ones who can help us defend against them!"
"Maybe they're trying to conquer Equestria and-"
"ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?" Twilight roared at her coltfriend who took a step back in shock. "DO YOU NOT SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING OUT THERE?"
"I KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING OUT THERE! GOT THE SCARS TO PROVE IT!" Flash shouted back and pointed to his face.
"THEN STOP SCREAMING AND START LISTENING!" Twilight poked his chest hard and Flash could tell there will be bruising. Damn alicorn strength. "Max and Flynn are the good guys! They're here to help us and I will not have your little jealousy outbursts put our cooperation at risk!"
"I am not jealous!" Flash defended but Twilight wouldn't hear it.
"Go to the medical wing and get that scar looked at." Twilight then turned her back on him. "We'll talk later. Captain." the coldness in her tone with the last word made Flash growl in frustration and he stomped out without a word. Twilight slammed the door shut with her magic and sighed deeply. "Can this day get any worse?" she looked around the pigsty of a kitchen and groaned. "Chef's gonna' kill me."
Max ran through the castle and asked for directions to the highest point of Canterlot castle.
"That's... a lot... of staris..." he panted heavily. "Dammit Flash..." Max knew the ponies would be distrustful of them so they made sure to not make contact unless absolutely necessary. Clear out the monsters, find out the cause of the transfer and go home. Things just got more complicated.
Sfter about another five minutes of running, Max finally saw the end of his journey. He reached the highest point of the tower, a place where some of the castle chimney's were coming out and the platform used for cleaning them. Stepping outside, Max saw Flynn sitting on the railing and smoking a pipe, the old grump mumbling to himself. Max approached and leaned on the railing, his back facing the city below.
"Your claws need trimming." Max's jab was met with a short smirk. "Let me guess, they wanted to free him?"
"They succeded." Flynn replied with a low growl. "Fuckers almost died." he took a deep inhale from his pipe.
"Great." Max rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Now there's an angry tempered rathalos out there."
"Aye." Flynn said as he exhaled a thick cloud of smoke. "Get yer' gear ready. We have 'ta-" Flynn stopped mid-sentence when he saw Max covered head to toe with flour. "Why are ye' covered in barioth sperm? Again?" Max rolled his eyes.
"You'll never let me gonna' live that one down, are you?" Flynn grinned and shook his head. "Princess Twilight was making me pancakes since I was hungry."
"Really?" Flynn turned sideways on the railing and took another puff from his wooden pipe. "They any good?"
"Sneaked out a few." Max reached into a pouch and gave Flynn the neatly wrapped pancakes. "The kitchen's a mess though." Flynn snatched the package and sniffed curiously.
"Smells good." then he put them into a pouch of his own.
"Is everyone okay?" Max asked and Flynn nodded.
"Aye. One got poisoned but he'll be fine." Flynn then tapped his pipe on the railing and the cinders fell out. "Let's go. I wanna' hunt this thing before sundown." he stashed the pipe behind his back and jumped off the railing.
"Doesn't the hunter call the shots?" Max asked with a smirk which earned him a punch to the calf from Flynn.
"Ye' calling the shots was what got ye' covered in barioth gunk."
Twilight was back at her office. She was standing at the same window where she and Max were earlier. Ponies were still cleaning up the mess caused by the chaos the rathalos brought. She also spotted Max and Flynn in full gear heading towrds the city gates. They informed her they are going to hunt that rathalos and should be back by morning. The beast was angry and wounded which was not a good combination. Twilight hoped for their safe return and made sure that a room was prepared for them to rest.
Turning away from the window, Twilight made her way towards her large office desk and sat down. Taking a fresh scroll, Twiligh dipped her favorite quill into the ink and began writing.
"Dear Celestia." it still felt weird not adding the princess before Celestia's name. "How is your vacation? I hope you and Luna are having a wonderful time!" Twilight smiled and looked at the picture the sisters sent her. Both were on the beach and drinking cocktails and you could also spot some stallions staring at them in the background. "I know it's been some time since I wrote you but something big happened..." and so Twilight continued writing her letter, explaining the events that occured today, who their visitors were and what they were up against. "Your ever faithful student and friend, Twilight Sparkle." she put the final dot on the letter and smiled proudly. "There! Pretty short letter, but I'll give them the details once they arrive in Canterlot!"
The letter was 18 pages, front and back... |
Shipping, Do You Speak It? | pre | Dash's wings stuck out rigidly behind her to the sides and her grip was strong, but her whole body shook in a mixture of adrenaline and fear. She knew this was going to end badly, she knew it was a mistake, she knew she should be trying to fly away as fast as possible right now, but something inside her refused to let her stop. Something restrained, suppressed, held down too long finally getting its chance to come out.
Our friendship is screwed...the girls wont let me live this down any time soon...I'll have to tell Trixie...she'll have to tell Derpy...I've ruined everything...
The adrenaline was dying out against the guilt and remorse that was already starting to overcome the cyan mare. Her wings fell limply down her sides, her hooves slipped out of their pinning positions onto the grass instead. She felt the unicorn's forelegs start to move and she immediately closes her eyes and braces herself. A shove, a punch, a slap, she didn't know what was going to knock her off but she knew it was going to hurt.
Twilight's horn ignited with an intense purple glow trailing small sparks of magic, and Dash knew this wasn't going to end well...
Elsewhere in Ponyville, Pinkie intently passed a cloth in one hoof along a section of her party cannon's barrel, and then passed over the same area with a second cloth in her other hoof. The bandana tied around her head was patterned with silhouettes of cupcakes and sweets, and she wore a peculiarly serious look.
The small room was lined with spare parts for the unfathomable mechanisms that drove the ponderous device, and what appeared to be the shells into which party paraphernalia were packed into, to make the ammunition. They were organized on shelves, marked with simple descriptions like "regular", "special", and "birthday".
The light was provided by a single bulb in a wire hanging from the ceiling, which swayed slightly in an impossible breeze.
This is my party cannon. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My party cannon is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as a I master my life. Without me, my party cannon is useless. Without my party cannon, I am useless. I must fire my party cannon true. I must-
Her inner monologue is shattered by the smell of freshly baked cookies from downstairs. The residual Pinkie-shaped pink silhouette just shrugs as the pink one herself vanishes in a blur, then continues wiping the barrel down as the door to the decidedly bizarre closet in Pinkie's bedroom closes on its own.
Rainbow Dash's world was a mass of white, fluffy moisture. It was familiar and soothing, almost comfortable, except that the sensation of gravity seemed all wrong. She felt like she'd been here before, though it was quite an unusual place. She could feel the bite of cool night air on her flank, and there was a slight ringing in her ears.
The pegasus was stuck halfway through a small cloud somewhere over downtown Ponyville, having inherently been launched into it backwards. Her flank stuck out high in the air above, her upper half somewhere inside below. With a huff of effort, she plants her rear hooves against the puffy mass and pulls herself out, immediately falling over backward into a daze upon it.
Well that wasn't quite as bad as I expected...at least I'm not a newt...
Dash muses to herself as she gazes distantly at the stars above. Stargazing wasn't something she'd ever been interested in, until Twilight came along. She'd never call herself an astronomer, amateur or otherwise, but just laying back watching the stars was relaxing. She'd never thanked the unicorn for getting her to try it.
I wonder if Twi understood any of that? I mean, she only launched me into a cloud...that's a good sign...right?
There was nothing to answer her thoughts but the dull wisp of the breeze carrying the cold night air. A sideways glance off her cloud indicated she was somewhere over western Ponyville now, toward one edge of the large park there. Twilight had launched her quite a distance, granted she was much lighter than one of the library's bookshelves. She couldn't help but wonder if her friend had aimed at the cloud deliberately, out of some underlying care for her friend despite her anger. It could just as easily have been pure coincidence, though. Maybe she was meant to hit a tree? There was no shortage of them nearby.
How in Equestria am I going to apologize for this one? Dash wonders to herself, covering her eyes with the back of a hoof as she relaxes into the cloud beneath her. "Sorry for tackling you to the ground and trying to make out with you, and dissing your great idea for a surprise for me"? Seems pretty weak...
The pegasus couldn't help but groan in protest at the hole she'd dug for herself, as the reality of it began to really sink in. This wasn't like messing up the library by crashing through the window or damaging one of the unicorn's books. She knew she'd hurt the lavender mare, and probably put a pretty bad dent in their friendship. Twilight was the forgiving kind, especially with her friends, but even Dash had to admit this one was pretty bad.
I'll have to ask the girls how to deal with this one...if I go at it on my own, I'll just make it worse. I know it...but then I have to deal with the lectures and disappointed looks...ugh...
"Dash?"
The familiar voice jostles the cyan mare out of her chain of thought, prompting her to roll over and peer down over the edge of her cloud. Trixie stood below, wearing a scarf and a concerned, but also slightly upset look.
"How long have you been up there...?" the unicorn continues to query.
"Uh...I'm...not really sure, actually" Dash admits awkwardly. "Something wrong?"
The blue mare seemed to grow a little more hurt, though she looks away and tries to hide it. "Trixie...thought you said you were coming back, after lunch...that's all. Trixie must have misheard you..."
I wish. I totally forgot...and that's not the best part, I kissed Twilight Sparkle. You remember her, right?
The pegasus rubs the back of her neck with a hoof, finding herself having to look away. "Sorry Trix, I kind of forgot. You know, a pegasus as awesome as me is under high demand".
Where the hay did that come from? Am I trying to impress her or dig the hole deeper? Just how many holes am I planning to dig today?
A vein appeared on Trixie's forehead, but she tries to remain demure and slightly down-trodden. "Trixie...understands. Have you had dinner yet? Trixie is running a bit late with it, herself". Actually, Trixie had deliberately put off having dinner on the off-chance Dash turned up for it, as an interpretation of "being back after lunch". The pegasus didn't need to know that, though.
"Uh...actually, no" Dash submitted sheepishly, secretly moving her other hoof to rub her stomach as she suddenly realized she was actually pretty damn hungry by this point. She'd forgotten lunch entirely. "If...you're offering..."
...seriously? What does Trixie need to do, beat you in the head with a sign? Honestly..., the unicorn shakes off the thought, presenting a slightly forced, but ultimately sincere smile, "Trixie would like that".
The walk from the park to Trixie's house took notably longer than the flight that first night, presumably in no small part to the awkward silence that gripped it. Rainbow Dash could think of little to excuse her behavior that day in general, let alone specifically, and Trixie, for her part, was preserving her patience and self-control, in adherence with a strict mental budget.
The cyan mare was tempted to try the old put a wing over the girl as you walk trick to try and win back some points, but she wasn't convinced she wouldn't get beaten with the wing in return. There was something decidedly different about the unicorn's mentality tonight...or perhaps it was leftover anxiety from her encounter with Twilight.
In any event, by the time they reached the blue mare's house, Trixie now had control of the inner-monologue and was in no mood to share it. Dash, for her part, was surprised to discover the bookshelf had been removed from outside, and the roof had been seamlessly repaired, undoubtedly with magic, though she could only wonder by whom. Trixie didn't seem to have that kind of power herself.
"Trixie's cooking is not gourmet, she must admit" the unicorn reports as they enter the house, with the door closing magically behind them. "But she thinks she does well enough". The blue mare continues strait on into the kitchen, where she had inherently already prepared dinner and simply had to heat it back up a bit, using her magic to shorten the process.
As the unicorn returned from the kitchen with a soup pot and some bowels and spoons levitating in her magic grasp, the pegasus takes the prompt to move to the small dining table, sitting at one end while Trixie sat herself down at the other and went about dishing out the dinner. A simple vegetable soup with herbs, nothing fancy, but it smelled good.
Truth told of course Dash was so hungry at this point it could taste like sawdust and she'd still eat it. She expends no ceremony rubbing her forehooves together and licking her lips, promptly tasting the soup. This proved to serve as another point of difference between Trixie and Twilight - Trixie could actually cook, the soup was modest, but delicious. But Rainbow resisted the urge to pick up the bowel and consume it like a madmare.
As Trixie set to eating her soup in a normal, reserved manner, Rainbow Dash escalated to virtually devouring hers rather quickly.
"So...do you do everything so quickly?" Trixie queried with an almost challenging smirk.
The pegasus doesn't even stop to think about it, replying proudly through a mouthful of soup. "Yep!"
Trixie very nearly spat out the soup in her mouth at this. That wasn't...Trixie isn't being that subtle, surely...
"No, Dash...I mean...everything?" Trixie reiterate, with an exaggerated wink this time.
"Yep, everything. Rainbow Dash does everything fast, that's just how I roll" the pegasus reports proudly.
One could swear a small puff of smoke came out of Trixie's ear as her head reverberated with countless unspeakable words of curse. Somewhere in Canterlot, Princess Celestia was surely blushing right now, and probably had no idea why. Rainbow, for her part, was oblivious to the cause of the bemused look on Trixie's face.
"Uh...somethin' wrong, Trix?"
"Wrong!?" Trixie blurts out in exasperation, rising from the table to throw her forelegs out in the air, "how much more obvious must Trixie be!?".
"W-...wha?" the cyan mare recoils slightly in surprise and confusion, "obvious? About what?".
Trixie cocks her head back with a perfect, but presumably unintentional imitation of Twilight's frustrated "ugh!" gesture, right down to the facial expression. "Does Trixie need to draw a diagram!?"
"Woah now" Dash retorts awkwardly, leaning back on her chair a bit, "I thought you'd changed, anyway? When did you get so pushy?".
"Of course Trixie changed!" Trixie returns in bemused frustration, waving her forehooves about, "that doesn't mean Trixie turned into another pony entirely! Honestly if Trixie had known you were this dense she would never have tried the shy route!".
"Hey!" Dash shoots back, slamming her forehooves down on the table as she leans forward across it now, frowning, "I am not dense! And what do you mean shy route? You were just acting all hopeless?".
Trixie rolls her eyes, "well of course! Honestly now, you can't really believe Trixie could ever be that vulnerable and weak! Trixie thought you would only like her if she was sensitive. She had no idea the only thing Rainbow Dash was slow in was the head!".
A long few moments of tense silence descends as the two ponies lean across the table and glare at each other. They each wore a mask of defiance and aggression, and bared their teeth.
"Trixie likes you. Is that clear enough?" Trixie snorts at the pegasus.
"Hay yes. And I like you too" Dash snorts right back.
It was difficult to tell which of them flipped the table, but within an instant, they had collided in the middle where it used to be and crashed off to the side somewhere onto the living room floor. They were already making out passionately and, it must be said, rather aggressively, snorting and growling at each other through their nostrils before they even came to rest. The pegasus was on top, at first - but Trixie was having none of it, within moments, she'd rolled them over so she was on top instead, and when Dash tried to reverse it, she pinned her down to stop her.
The excited growl confirmed Dash approved.
One could only presume the constant waiting for causes to party to come to fruition was weighing heavily on Pinkie's already flimsy sanity. That, at least, would explain why she was gallivanting around Ponyville so late, wearing night-vision goggles. The pink one was presently stalking along the winding path between Ponyville proper and the south-western outlying areas that led to Sweet Apple Acres and Fluttershy's cottage, despite there being nopony around to see her anyway.
Or at least, there shouldn't have been. The earth pony's attention is drawn by the presence of another, prompting her to dart up the nearest tree and hide amongst the branches, spying out.
The solitary figure of a pegasus mare was visible, as she curiously walked along the top rail of the particularly long fence bordering the field alongside the path. It was actually kind of impressive to watch - the fence rail was no more than an inch and a half across, yet the pegasus walked along it hoof before hoof in a fluid, continuous motion, just as steady as one walked on the ground, without even the balance-assistance of her wings.
The night-vision goggles robbed Pinkie of any perception of color, but she could tell, at the very least, it was no pegasus she knew. Her first thought, of course, was a welcoming party. Her second thought was about cake. Her third thought, that jumping out and announcing she was going to throw a party for the pegasus right now, in the dark of night, while she's prowling around wearing night-vision goggles, might not go down so well.
Through the still silence of the night, even as the pegasus gradually moved farther and father away, Pinkie could hear the familiar dub dub dub of the music coming from the headphones the pegasus was wearing. At least, Pinkie assumed they were headphones - they didn't look like the big ear-cup type she was used to, they were small and slender, and attached to her ears using rubberized hoops to hold them in place. The cable from them hung with some movement slack, leading to a small music player attached to her left upper-foreleg by a sweat-band.
Pinkie carefully slipped out of the tree onto the grass and sunk low on her legs, cat-crawling her way along cautiously to follow the pegasus from a distance. As she continued to observe, the pegasus suddenly swung her flank up into the air as she rose into a hoof-stand...and continued walking along the fence-rail in that manner, with startling little effort.
"Oooh..."
Pinkie quickly clamps her hoofsies over her mouth, but it was quickly apparent the pegasus hadn't heard her through her music, so she continued to follow. This pegasus was proving to be rather interesting, and the pink one's impression only grew as the pegasus performed a hoof-swap to turn around and dropped her flank back down, continuing to walk along the fence-rail on all four hooves, but backwards now.
This, however, came with the unfortunate consequence of her very quickly noticing the two glowing green lenses of Pinkie's night-vision goggles. The earth pony quickly snapped her hooves up to cover them, while sliding them up off her eyes, but it was too late. By the time her eyes had even begun to adjust to the sudden lack of clarity, all she could see was the pegasus literally running at full tilt along the fence rail, quickly disappearing into the night.
"Fooey" Pinkie protests, crossing her hooves and sitting on her flank where she was, "she seemed fun. I wonder who that was?".
The dining table was the wrong way up, the chairs that had been set aside it cast away in opposing directions, the residual contents of either bowel and the soup pot that had been sitting on it was splattered across a large section of the floor nearby. The couch had been turned over, the dining table was resting on its side, the living room rug was scrunched up and displaced.
Trixie and Rainbow Dash lay in the middle of the living room floor in opposite, horizontal positions with their heads side by side, breathing heavily. Dash's mane was always fairly messy, but now it was much more so - Trixie's wasn't much better, though she was currently brushing it back partway to normal with a hoof. You were left entirely to your own decision how far things had gone while your attention was directed elsewhere. Hah.
"Trixie believes she won that one" Trixie announces with tired bravado and a content smirk.
The pegausus tried to chuckle in response, but quickly holds her ribs with a foreleg and gives an amused groan of protest, "aw man, don't make me laugh. Besides, I totally won that".
Trixie's smirk only grows wider at this, reaching her other hoof back past her head to find the pegasus', which she turns inward and upward toward herself and presses into a passionate, but decidedly softer kiss than before.
The cyan mare returned it equally, and licked her lips after it broke. "That soup was pretty good" she jibes challengingly.
Trixie gives a fake scoff of indignation, "oh please. Trixie's cooking is good, but she tastes far better than it herself".
"No argument there" Dash returns with a smug smirk.
"Still..." Trixie begins, idly lifting her hoof and pretending to check her fetlocks, "Trixie really should make you clean up this mess you caused".
Dash gives a pft right back, but after a moment she shifts to a more thoughtful mood. "So...are we a thing now?"
Trixie closes her eyes and tries to raise her nose...which was easier said than done when laying on your back, "Trixie supposes so..."
"Cool" Dash returns, playing it off casually, though she could do little to hide the content smile that spread across her features.
Nor could Trixie her own. "You're still going to clean up the mess, though"
The morning came, and it was not subtle. There was no mercy in the rays of sunlight that pierced the thin veil of the curtains. Twilight groaned at them in protest, willing them to go away. It was futile of course, but a quick adjustment of her blankets to cover her head and she could at least pretend for a while. The library was especially quiet this morning. Spike would normally be carrying out his morning chores and routine, but he was nowhere to be found, nor did his bed look like it had been slept in last night.
There was a good reason, of course. The young dragon had developed a case of shell-shock, and began having a small nervous breakdown every time Twilight used her magic to move something, so she'd sent him on to spend a few days at Sweet Apple Acres. She could have perhaps warned him why the farm was her first thought, rather than Canterlot, but she figured it was best to leave these things to play out on their own. Or so she'd recently learned, anyway.
Still, Spike not being around came with two distinct disadvantages, first thing in the morning. Firstly, he wasn't around to make breakfast, and even Twilight had to admit her own cooking was ... lacking. Second, it meant the coffee wasn't pre-prepared and waiting for her. Another, much louder groan of protest emits from under the blankets at this thought.
Several moments of nonsensical cursing later, the lavender mare descended the stairs and headed toward the kitchen, still wearing her blanket as a sort of impromptu cloak. Twilight's mighty "anti bad morning armor", or so she liked to think of it, was an "ingenious" way to retain some of the comfort of her bad while she moved around.
A dim collective of purple magic reached out, like a small army of sanity-preserving pixies, setting up the coffee maker and breaking a law or two of nature to make the water boil immediately, drastically expediting the process. Within a few moments, Twilight had a fresh cup of the dark sanity-preserving liquid ambrosia simpler ponies called "coffee" held in her magic, and drank from it as she wandered back into the library proper.
Breakfast, and indeed just about everything else, could wait until the first cup of the day was sunk. Still, the unicorn couldn't help but wonder what today would consist of. Yesterday had been an...unusual day, to say the least - the early portion of the day was an unmitigated disaster, the middle portion of the day was like some fantastical dream, and the latter portion of the day would have been better if Rainbow Dash hadn't attempted to molest her.
Rainbow Dash. Twilight still hadn't decided if she was persistently angry or just plain confused over what the pegasus had done the previous afternoon. Pushy, over-confident, prone to making bad decisions, Dash was all of these things - but to tackle her to the ground and kiss her? Setting aside logic, as the unicorn had only recently discovered she actually could...temporarily, it still made little sense.
It was hardly anything you could consider a prank, poorly conceived or otherwise. A horrifically badly thought out attempt to derail the conversation? It seemed unlikely, and awfully drastic. A deliberate attempt to sabotage her new relationship? Unthinkable, Dash was many things, and the strongest of them was loyal; she simply wouldn't do that. Perhaps some unresolved feelings reaching critical mass due to the news...?
Twilight chuckled to herself. That was preposterous. Clearly, she hadn't consumed enough coffee yet.
A continual dull roar of metal on metal friction under great pressure, and the accompanying off-rhythm of clackity-clack with the occasional clop of wheel over rail. The sound of a train in motion was a kind of natural, unintentional music; a soundtrack Octavia appreciated even if the average pony didn't understand.
She stared distantly out the window of her private cabin at the landscape whizzing by; trees and grass, nothing unfamiliar, nothing especially interesting, broken up by the occasional remnants of an old stone structure. This was an old part of Equestria between Fillydelphia and the Canterlot/Ponyville area, one that had gone largely untouched save for the construction of the linking railroad, in hundreds of years. Eventually, settlement would find this place again, as it had long ago, but for now, it was left in the care of nature and time.
A poetic thought, but it did nothing to alleviate the musician's boredom. One of the few things the gray mare disliked about her career was the travel and the endless tedium that came with it. The train was fast, but it still took several hours to get from Ponyville to Fillydelphia or Manehatten, hours spent in a little cabin with little to do. She could hear a commotion elsewhere in the carriage and knew the voices well - two of the other band members locked in a pointless argument, just to pass the time. It worked for them, but it was not to Octavia's tastes.
Actually, as she paid attention, she realized one of the voices in the argument was not familiar. Aggressive and speaking in a dialect more appropriate for a school yard from a decade ago than should be used by any adult pony, which the musician found decidedly distasteful. It almost reminded her of that insufferable DJ she was so often grouped with as famous Equestrian musical talents. She couldn't entirely follow the argument, but it sounded childish enough - something about knocking over someone's instrument case, and counter-blaming the owner for leaving it in the aisle.
Octavia sighed and leaned her elbow on the window-frame, her chin onto the hoof of that foreleg, and allowed herself to slump for once. This was going to be a particularly long train ride.
Pinkie resumed her observations early today. Sure, she probably should have been working, and Sugarcube Corner was awfully busy when she ran out that morning, but the Cakes understood. Being prepared for parties took a lot of time and effort, planning, coordination, spying, energy drinks, and the occasional bail-out from the local lock-up. It was all par for the course. If only trees weren't quite so uncomfortable. How does Rainbow Dash sleep in these things anyway?
Speaking of Rainbow Dash, the pink one observed as she emerged from Trixie's house, from her vantage point in a nearby tree, armed with binoculars, a notepad, an energy drink, and some popcorn...just in case. But she wasn't spying. Oooh, this one's coming along nicely! Hm...but they'll probably insist on Trixie being reintroduced to the group before having a party...and I think I like strawberry cake more than chocolate, or is that just pink bias?.
Pinkie raised a hoof to her chin and slanted an eyebrow in thought. Then again, do I like pink icing more than chocolate because it's pink, or because it's naturally sweeter? Narcissism or taste? I suppose in theory chocolate strawberries would solve the issue. I should make a cake using both strawberry and chocolate icing. Perfect!
Meanwhile, Trixie and Dash sat on their haunches face to face, slowly leaning in toward each other. Their expressions were equal; affection and challenge with a little deviance, evident there was some kind of game involved. Without warning, the cyan mare moved forward and swept Trixie off her hooves, dipping her and kissing her passionately. Trixie in turn threw her forelegs around the back of the pegasus' neck and returned it with equal fever.
It was only as the kiss broke Trixie realized what Dash had done, largely by observing the affectionately satisfied, but undeniably smug smirk on her face.
"Hmph, sneaky pegasus. It appears you have beaten Trixie this time" Trixie murmurs contently.
The cyan mare was about to say something in return, but both mares are distracted by an explosion of confetti and streamers from a nearby tree, and then stunned as both of them suddenly are being crushed together in a large pink hug.
"OhmygoshI'msohappyforyouguysIknowyouprobablydontwantapartyyetbutletmeknowwhenyou'rereadyandyoushouldreallyreintroduceTrixietoeveryoneDashiean-"
The pink pony took an especially large breath.
"And by the way, I wasn't spying. I just happened to be nearby", she finishes with a big smile.
"You're wearing binoculars" Dash observes with a deadpan.
"And you were in a tree again" Trixie adds, with an equal deadpan.
"Oh, look at the time!" Pinkie announces, looking at her bare right foreleg and holding her head with the other hoof, "I can't stand around talking with you silly fillies all day! I have observations to make! I mean pies to spy! I mean...bye!".
And with that, a pink blur rocketed off down the street, leaving the two mares slowly shaking their heads.
"She has a point though", Dash finally submits with a sideways glance, "we really should reintroduce you the girls now that we're...you know, a thing".
Trixie nods slowly in turn, "Trixie agrees, though she wonders how best to go about it".
"Oh...I think I know how" Dash returns confidently.
It was just as well Octavia's special talent wasn't predicting the future. The earth pony is roused from her bored daze by a violent shudder running through the train, a moment before the scenery began going by at a noticeably slower and continually decreasing rate, until the train had come to a complete stop.
Exclamations of confusion, protest, and frustration quickly emerged from the rest of the carriage, mostly from the same overtly loud voice, as Octavia simply leaned out her window a small ways to look along the length of the train herself. The engine was billowing steam in a decidedly unnatural way - excessively, and through one side of its shell, evident the engineers had only just managed to avert a blow-out.
Being the level-headed pony that she was, and having absolutely no intention of being trapped on this train for the hours it would take to safely patch the breach, Octavia simply slung her cello-case onto her back and made for the nearest exit to the carriage. There was already a small crowd forming outside of other passengers, and they looked apt to beset the engineering doing his best to explain the situation like hungry wolves.
"You're not seriously going to walk back to Ponyville are you?" Bluenote remarks with concern, from the window of the band's carriage.
"It would seem the pertinent thing to do" Octavia returns idly, "what about you?".
"We're staying right here, thank you" Harpo interjects, appearing beside Bluenote. "Imagine, traipsing about the wilderness for miles".
Octavia rolls her eyes, but turns her head first to obscure the gesture. None of the other passengers seemed inclined to make their own way either, at least, none of the other ponies. One especially distinct figure emerges from the crowd, largely by product of being somewhat larger in stature to begin with. A griffin, who seemed to have just as little intention to remain trapped in the train with the quibbling as Octavia did.
That said, and even as rare as they were, the griffin was no friend of the musician's, and she was of no mind to approach them and suggest a shared journey. It was somewhat awkward, then, that they both set off at the same time, in the same direction, and walking at the same pace, one two feet ahead of the other, though they paid mind to keep to opposing sides of the road as they went.
The first hour of the journey consisted of walking, and silence. Neither traveler seemed inclined to so much as introduce themselves to the other, or strike up any sort of conversation. Octavia felt, at some level, this was a bit rude, but had also determined from the start the griffin was the owner of the immature, arrogant voice she had heard earlier on the train, and was disinclined to deal with any of it herself.
Gilda, on the other hand, could apparently only go so long in the presence of ponies without talking trash.
"I'm not carrying you or that thing on your back when you get tired, just so you know" the griffin reports suddenly.
"I don't expect you to" Octavia returns calmly, without so much as a sideways glance. "And it's called a cello, for future reference".
The griffin gave a pft and rolled her eyes dismissively. "Whatever dude. I give it another ten minutes tops and you'll be flat under that thing".
"I'm a mare, you realize" Octavia returns without rise, "and you needn't concern yourself with my cello. I have no trouble carrying it".
"Yeah right" Gilda almost snorts in amusement, "you're like half the size of the thing and it probably ways three times what you do. You can try an act tough, but we both know you can't keep it up for long".
"One of us seems to, anyway" Octavia returns once more, and still without rise.
Fifteen minutes pass in silence, and Gilda raises a brow as the earth pony's pace remains unbroken, and she showed no sign of fatigue. Fifteen minutes becomes half an hour, and still the musician appeared completely unaffected by the effort of carrying her cello. The griffin's face, by this point, had become an unamused scowl.
"Alright, go on, rub my beak in it" she snorts resentfully.
"In what?" Octavia returns idly with a sideways glance.
The griffin rolls her eyes, "you're still going, I get it, you're tougher than I thought, good for you".
"Whatever are you talking about?" the earth pony returns with a raised brow of puzzlement.
Gilda could feel the blood boiling in her veins. It wasn't bad enough this pony was a lot tougher than she believed possible, or that she was apparently immune to provocation, she actually didn't even remember it.
"You know you're really getting on my nerves" the griffin snorts disdainfully.
Octavia cast another sideways glance with a raised brow, "I don't see how. I wouldn't even be talking if not to respond to what you say".
The griffin's eye twitched, but she didn't say anything. And sure enough, as long as she didn't say anything, the pony didn't. As though not fully grasping the reality of it, Gilda deliberately goes another half an hour without saying a word. And soundly driving the point home, without even being aware she was making one, Octavia said nothing either.
Finally, the griffin caves in with a defeated sigh, and looks off to the side somewhere, away from the pony.
"So why didn't you stay with the train like the others?"
"Because I have four legs and common sense" Octavia replied idly.
"You know it's like an eight hour walk, not including the two we've already walked, right?" Gilda returns, allowing herself to peer across to see the defeat the knowledge brings.
"Actually, it's about ten hours, not including the two we've already walked, and any rest breaks along the way" the musician returns calmly. She turns her head to glance around at the surroundings momentarily, then returns her gaze to the road ahead. "Nine, actually. We're a little further ahead than I initially thought. I haven't made this walk for a while".
"You've done this before!?" Gilda blurts out in rather obvious shock.
Octavia cast a sideways glance with a raised brow, once again. "I made journeys like this on a monthly basis for several years, when I was still a wandering musician".
"Wandering musician? Aren't you in a fancy band or something?" the griffin returns in confusion.
"I am now" the earth pony replies simply, "I was not always".
Checking back in at Ponyville, and the morning was coming along nicely. Ponies went about their daily business as they did, the weather was fair, if a little overcast today, forestalling a light shower the area would see before the day was out, and a familiar pink earth pony watched an equally familiar library through high powered binoculars from a vantage point in a tree. Which was also becoming familiar. Even though it shouldn't.
Pinkie Pie turning into a deranged stalker of friends in blossoming relationships aside, Twilight's ritualistic morning study was interrupted by a thump at the library door not unlike somepony running into it, followed briefly by the actual knock at the door one would expect. The excited smile the unicorn wore implied she had a good idea who it was, even before she cantered to answer it.
And she certainly wasn't disappointed to find Derpy waiting on the other side of the door.
"Morning, Twilight" the mailmare greets warmly, leaning in to give the unicorn a soft nuzzle of affection, "I can't stay long, this morning's a doozie for deliveries. But I couldn't pass by without...", she blushes awkwardly, crossing her forelegs, "that is to say, I missed you last ni-...I mean...oh Celestia what am I trying to say again?".
The lavender mare giggles softly and presents a thoughtful look, "it's okay, Derpy. I know we only saw each other yesterday afternoon, but I missed you too".
The pegasus took a renewed, warm smile. "If you're not busy today, I was wondering if you'd like to have lunch together again? I was thinking maybe...more privately this time. Say...here?".
Somewhere deep in the Twilight Sparkle Department of Thoughts, little Twilight Sparkles were running around screaming in panic at the idea of Derpy discovering just how tragic her every effort at cooking what ponies could rightfully call food was, and at least one was going through a mental breakdown, Twilight Sparkle style. Outwardly, she just presents an awkward laugh.
"Uh, actually..." Twilight brought up a hoof to rub the side of her neck what are you doing? Don't say no! For the love of Celestia just drop by AJ's to pick something up!. The unicorn blinked two or three times, "actually I'd like that very much".
The grey mare seemed to breathe an inward sigh of relief, though she remained a bit nervous. She leaned in a little, but then paused, "I'll see you then, Twilight..."
A painfully long, awkward moment passed. This had seemed so much easier yesterday. Was it because there were no other ponies around? She was taking too long to do anything, the lavender mare seemed to be hiding mild disappointment behind her smile. And then she seemed to contemplate something, and come to a realization?
Twilight suddenly leaned forward herself and connected with the blonde mare in a kiss. Whatever flimsy nerves had stalled the pegasus immediately perished, and she drew the unicorn against herself in her forelegs, returning the kiss with fervor. The unicorn breathed through her nose this time, and they were able to hold it longer without fear of her passing out as a consequence. Derpy couldn't quite say the same, ironically, as she felt a powerful hot-flush run over her body and a surge of something she thought she'd lost.
It was at this point the blonde mare hesitantly decided to break the kiss, lest she might never. The lavender mare wore an affectionate, satisfied look that Derpy knew she was returning.
It was only as the blonde mare took flight and left, as she regretfully had to, that Twilight's gaze eventually fell from the air to the ground beyond the door of her library, and she realized Fluttershy had been standing not far behind Derpy the entire time. She could tell this by the yellow one's jaw currently resting by her front hooves, and the blush she wore that you could probably see from the moon.
"Uh...hey...Fluttershy" the unicorn stammers awkwardly in mild shell-shock. She had intended to tell the rest of her friends about her and Derpy, but this...wasn't quite what she had in mind. Especially for this friend, in particular.
The yellow mare responded by fainting.
Then a shower of confetti and streamers erupted from a nearby tree.
And finally, Twilight facehoofed.
"Your timing was a bit off there, Pinkie".
"Your highness? Is everything alright?"
Celestia is stirred by the voice from beyond her chamber doors, a white hoof jutting out of her bed covers beneath with the rest of her hid...ironically from her own sun.
"I'm fine, thank you" she calls back.
The dismissal evidently works as nothing further comes from beyond the door. Still, the alicorn knew she couldn't laze about in bed all day. She wasn't really sure what had possessed her to return to bed after raising the sun in the first place. She didn't even need to sleep, it was merely an activity she used to pass time and relax, yet some overwhelming force had compelled her to go back to bed for a few hours today.
Luna had reported a similar curiosity herself after her return, but Celestia failed to see a connection. She finally relents and climbs out from under her bed-covers, wandering over to the now cold tea on the small table in the room not far away. Returning it to drinkable state took a split second and an immeasurably small amount of effort, before she magically lifted and sipped from the cup. She found it ironic that the tea still, somehow, didn't taste right, but knew it was psychological.
Finally, and for no particular reason, she takes a moment to wander over to the body-length mirror in the room. Perhaps the cause of her this morning's curiosity had some visible sign? It was dreadfully unlikely, but the phenomena was foreign as it was to Celestia. She sat on her haunches before the reflective window in momentary, idle observance of herself.
...oh, there was the connection.
She had to blink three or four times to be sure her eyes weren't playing tricks on her. The alicorn that stared back from the mirror was one she only remembered distantly, from some time long passed. Solid pink mane and tail, and no greater than the height of any other regular pony. Celestia blinks two or three more times for good measure, but the image persists.
"...what the buck?" |
Shipping, Do You Speak It? | Part 4 - The Trouble With Eavesdropping (Side A) | The private chambers of the Princess of the night barely bore describing, as they always seemed to be described roughly the same way. Dark, heavy curtains to block out the daylight, an easel and art supplies, numerous books, an abacus, a wardrobe left partially open to reveal it contained nothing but socks.
But that would be lazy. In finer point, the layout of the room was quite different to Celestia's and the atmosphere even more so, and not just for the lack of light. The bed for example was clearly made by the same hooves at the same time, but showed far less incidental wear, evident it hadn't been in use nearly as long. It also featured dark gossamer privacy curtains which looked to have been closed, and only temporarily parted.
It was positioned much deeper in the room, toward the furthest corner from the door. The heavily encumbered reading desk in the room was positioned near to it along the wall, with the painting area opposing it partway into the room - the three forming an obvious "enclosed space" in that far corner. By contrast, the dressing table where she would attend her appearance before leaving the room was close to the door, almost like an after-thought.
Her regalia was still laid out on a rack built just for the purpose not far from the bed, no small surprise as Luna would normally be sleeping right now. Instead, she presently sat on her haunches further toward the center of the room with her older sister, who stood just in front of her.
The scale of the change in Celestia's appearance was that much more obvious as a result. Her mane and tail being solid, regular hair of pastel pink was easy to discern. That she clearly stood no taller or older looking than Twilight Sparkle at this point was finely highlighted against the almost towering stature of her younger sister, even if the night Princess was slouching tiredly.
The dark Alicorn's eyes and horn glowed with a dull intensity, as a sleeve of her deep blue magic enshrouded the Princess of the day. Luna bore an analytic and mildly curious expression, tempered by fatigue and some slight annoyance at being woken up in the first place. After a few moments, the magical shroud dissipates and the glow fades from the younger sister's horns and eyes. She gives a small shake of her head, and then a more casual shrug of her shoulders.
"Tis thy own magic, sister. Thou hast done this to thyself" she finally reports, gesturing a hoof toward her sister.
Celestia gives a responsive shake of her head with a plain look of confusion. "But it can't be. It happened while I was asleep. Why would I do this to myself in the first place?"
The younger Alicorn gives another shrug of her shoulders and offers a playful look. "Perhaps thou hast become self-conscious of thy age? Tis not thine mind to know, sister".
"That isn't funny, Lulu" the white Alicorn retorts indignantly, sitting back on her haunches and crossing her forelegs, glancing off to the side.
The Princess of the night submits a gentle sigh, taking instead a thoughtful approach. "Tia, thou hast always bottled up thy true feelings for the sake of thy image. Perhaps thy feelings hath finally found outlet".
"What...?" the elder sister turns her gaze back to the other Alicorn, puzzled at first, but the words seemed to sink in after a few moments. "You believe I did this subconsciously, for a reason?"
Luna returns a slow nod. "Study thy own mind, sister. Thy own heart. The cause doth surely lie within".
The white Alicorn can't help but smile to this, thoughtfully, but also playfully. "I suppose you are the poetic one for a reason. Though I wonder how long that will last now that you shall have to take on my duties".
The Princess of the night continued to nod in agreement, right up until she actually took note what Celestia had just said. The way she went rigid and her eyes open widely suggested "panic". "S-surely thou jest!?"
"Thou does not" the older sister returns with a satisfied smirk. "I can't very well hold court looking like this. Or entertain dignitaries, attend society matters, take council..."
Each item added to the list seemed to drive the dark Alicorn further into dread.
"...and obviously, as I will not be the one performing these duties, I can hardly do the paperwork" the white Alicorn continues, placing her hooves on her hips and giving a sage nod. "No, I'm afraid you'll have to take over my duties until this situation is resolved".
When the Princess of the day opened her eyes once more, she found her younger sister cowering on the floor with her hooves crossed over her head. The imitation of Fluttershy was impeccable, at least.
Morning slowly marched toward midday, and the journey of a pair of unlikely traveling companions had finally come to a pause. A Pony and a Griffon sat on opposing ends and sides of a weathered table, in the small outside dining area of an old inn along the road between Fillydelphia and Ponyville.
Octavia sat with her cello case lent against the table to her side, quietly eating a sand-which she held with either hoof in small, measured bites. She sat upright and back from the table so as not to rest her elbows on it, kept her mouth closed as she ate, and consistently kept her eyes on her meal. Occasionally she would pause to take a sip of the tea sitting beside her plate, but only after carefully chewing and swallowing whatever was in her mouth first.
Gilda, by stark contrast, may as well have been laying on the table directly. Although some argument might be made that a table built for ponies was a bit too short for her, one imagined this actually had little to do with it. She slouched over so far her chest pressed against the table's edge while her front legs virtually encircled the plate of hayfries before her, which she ate with both clawed paws in alternation, sporadically going for her fruit-smoothie with whichever one wasn't clutching food at that particular moment.
It was almost a wonder where she was finding time to breathe.
"So like", the Griffon begins through a visible mouthful of food, "you were saying...you weren't always in that fancy bad or whatever?".
The grey Earth Pony resisted the urge to cringe, taking a moment to properly chew and swallow her food before clearing her throat. "There was some measure of delay between being in the school band and the Ponyville Quartet, yes".
The subtle sarcasm was evidently, but unsurprisingly lost on the Griffon, who simply nods along to the response casually. "So you did something else first? You said you like, made this trip before or something".
A very slight frown creases the mare's brow momentarily, setting her sand-which down, but keeping her civil tone. "After school I had not yet decided what, precisely, I wanted to do with my special talent", she raises her vision to meet the Griffon's eye, but upon sight of her chewing with her mouth open, closes them again with a faint cringe.
"...I traveled often, to gain a greater idea of the possibilities" the pony continues, staring a hole in her sand-which. "There was some...encouragement...that I should seek a place in the Royal Canterlot Orchestra, but-"
"Parents, huh" Gilda abruptly interjects, albeit casually and with no apparent notice of the interruption. She submits a knowing nod, "yeah I know what that's like. If they think you're anything special suddenly your life is theirs to throw around".
The griffon flips the fringe of feathers that always hung in her face with a contempt pfft. "All Griffon parents are like that, 'cuz we're rare or whatever. Expect you to be something. The something being whatever they pick".
Octavia's initial aggravation weakened at this, taking a more receptive look as she raised her vision to meet the griffon once again. Gilda was looking elsewhere now, with narrowed eyes and contempt.
"It's all these grades make a mockery of your heritage and the only friends you should be making are the important and the elite"
The griffon gives another contempt pfft with a flip of her head, "'cuz you know, having fun and friends you can actually stand talking to is totally not for Griffons. No, we're all a thousand years ago we were important and you're not going to forget it. It's not like time moves on or anything".
Gilda finally seems to ease back from the growing frustration, but only to give a defeated sigh as her attention turns back to the food in front of her. She half-mutters under her breathe, "whatever..."
Dash had stared at the door to Trixie's house so long at this point she could see its design and the pattern in the wood every time she blinked. The cyan Pegasus wore an expression that spoke of no confidence or certainty, which went a ways to explaining why she was having a staring contest she couldn't win.
No matter how long she thought about it, only so many ways to explain what had happened the day before came to the rainbow maned mare, and too many of them involved puppets or a defensible position to be tenable. Of the handful she'd come up with that could be carried out with naught but the wings on her back, most of those involved using them to escape at some point.
It's not like Trixie can launch me across Ponyville, at least... the Pegasus muses to herself, lightly biting her lower lip. I mean, all the stuff she can do is like...pranks. The worse thing she could do is turn me green or something...
Dash's head is dragged down with a weak sigh under the weight of building apprehension and a dark self-admission. No, the worst thing she could do is tell me to clop off and never talk to me again. And I'm not so sure I don't des-
The door derailed her train of thought with spectacular efficiency as it swung open under the influence of an ice-blue magic aura.
Trixie herself blinks two or three times in surprise as she looks at the door, then steps out from it to look around the corner, taking some confusion at the sight of a dazed Rainbow Dash sprawled out on her lawn.
"...Dash?"
A groan of protest was her initial reply. The cyan mare slowly sat up, holding her head with one hoof and supporting herself with the other, waiting for the two Equestrias she could see to line up again. The Unicorn moved to stand over her, leaning her head down and inspecting the Pegasus momentarily with a hoof raised to her chin.
"Hm. Lucky you have a hard head" Trixie finally concludes with a satisfied nod, turning back to close and lock the door to her house.
The cyan mare grunted indignantly at this, climbing to her hooves. "Yeah, I'm fine, thanks..."
"Of course you are" the Unicorn replies as she returns from the door, pausing to glance across at Dash with a lightly puzzled look. "Trixie would be worried about you otherwise".
...oh...good point, I guess...
A long moment of silence descended between them, with the Pegasus vacantly staring at the Unicorn in thought, and Trixie eventually developing an expectant expression.
"Trixie is aware she is quite attractive, but she does need to go to work..."
This finally snaps Dash back to reality, giving a firm shake of her head before taking a step toward the Unicorn. adopting an apologetic look. "Yeah...uh...before you go, Trix..."
The blue mare cants her head lightly, "yes?"
"I...uh..." the Pegasus pauses to rub the back of her neck with a hoof, how the hay do I say this? Why did I waste so long staring at the damn door? Why didn't I think this out better?
"Dash...?"
"Something...I need to...", the Pegasus pauses herself again, giving another clearing shake of her head, and taking a deep breath to steady herself. "There's something I need to tell you. Something about yesterday".
Trixie's composure seems to slip from calm to nervous immediately. With Dash in control of the inner-monologue, it was difficult to tell what was going through her mind, but it clearly didn't fill her with confidence.
"I did something really stupid yesterday", the cyan mare continues with her head hung low and remorse on her face. "I should have admitted to it when I had the chance, but I chickened out".
The Unicorn at this point had her eyes closed and her head turned away, bodily tensed in anticipation of bad news. The rainbow maned Pegasus similarly braces herself and closes her eyes.
"I kissed Twilight".
"NO WAY!"
One of the trees in the nearby park shudders in turn with the shocked exclamation, the interruption causing Dash and Trixie to simultaneously raise their head and look at each other. Trixie's expression bore no anger or malice, but rather relief, and surprise. This in turn left Dash's face a mask of surprise and confusion, as a long few moments of silence descend once more.
But the longer it held, the more nervous the Pegasus became, and she was forced to shake her head. "No, it's more like I tried to make out with her. I don't even know why. I didn't even think about it, it just happened..."
The cyan mare had shifted to sitting on her haunches, gesturing with her hooves. "I mean, what the hay, right? It just came out of nowhere. I regretted it in like, seconds. I felt like a complete tool. And then i saw you in the park last night and I realized I didn't come back after lunch like I said, and you offered me dinner, and I was hungry. But I really just wanted to spend some time with you again anyway and..."
A sheath of ice-blue magic clamps the Pegasus' mouth closed, to her mixed surprise and relief. She maintained a wild-eyed but apologetic look at the Unicorn as she walked over to her, putting her hoof in place of her magic momentarily as she releases it.
"Just tell Trixie she was better"
The blue mare's hoof moved out of the way, and Rainbow was left even more confused. It takes a moment and an impatient frown from the Unicorn, but she finally gives a slow nod.
"Well...I mean, yeah...you were"
Trixie gives a sage nod in return, "then you're forgiven".
The Pegasus suddenly found herself very light-headed and staring at grass. Not to mention tasting grass, and feeling her face buried in it. She shifted her head to see a pair of familiar blue hooves, and finally rolled over onto her back to see Trixie standing over, leaning down, and wearing a rather amused look.
"Did the great Rainbow Dash really just faint?"
The cyan mare's face heated up. "What? No way! I don't...I-"
Trixie lent down further and set a gentle, if inverted kiss to Rainbow's lips, which the Pegasus was only too happy to return. She raised a hoof to tuck around the back of the Unicorn's back and pulled her a little more deeply into it, earning an approving murmur from the blue mare.
It only lasted a few moments until the Unicorn broke it, but the cyan Pegasus felt all the pent up anxiety, fear, and doubt dissolve against the sensation, and the taste of spearmint toothpaste. The slightly smug tone to Trixie's satisfied look as she pulled back from it somehow just completed it.
"Okay...you definitely won that one"
As she watched Trixie walk on toward work, Rainbow Dash could almost swear she had become lighter. It wasn't simply a side-effect of hovering as she was, briefly off the ground - it felt like it took even less effort than normal to do so, like she'd keep hovering if she stopped flapping her wings. Not that she was dumb enough to try it.
The great sense of relief was amplified by something else the Pegasus didn't know the name of. It was like peace mixed with content, and itself brought forth a sense of optimism. She still knew she had the situation with Twilight to resolve yet, but for the first time since it all began, she actually felt like it would work out.
The positive mindset was clearing, clarifying. She remembered, and was now only more determined, that Trixie had to be reintroduced to her friends. Her initial thoughts on how to go about this, she now realized, were comparable to well-intended pranks. That wasn't the way to go about this.
Now more than before, she wanted her friends to welcome the Unicorn back, despite her colored past in Ponyville. She had an opportunity for something here. She wasn't sure what it was yet, it was too early, too new, but it was there. And it still would be, as long as she played her cards right.
The rainbow-maned one was so consumed by this painfully sweet, starry-eyed budding romance nonsense that she didn't register the other Pony coming strait at her. She realized the on-coming collision just in time to submit an embarrassingly timid squeak and duck under the cover of her hooves, as the other pony sailed clean over her head.
By the time she heard the heavy clop and scuffle of their hooves hitting the ground on the other side of herself, and she had spun to face them with snap-annoyance, she found the other Pony already a surprising distance up the street in an unbroken gallop.
Woah...fast...
An excited smirk spread across the cyan mare's features.
Really fast. You're on!
The unspoken and likely unintended challenge had been accepted. Before anypony could say "predictable", Rainbow Dash had taken flight and was chasing down the other Pony with purpose. Even if it was a purpose only Dash herself could see.
Nothing was allowed to go fast in Ponyville without being tested against the best flier in Equestria. It was a law of the land Celestia just hadn't thought to write down, and that would change if Dash had her way.
It didn't take the cyan mare long to catch up to her quarry - even if she hadn't set off at a reckless but entirely characteristic speed, the other Pony was difficult to miss. It was another Pegasus, a mare, with about the weirdest coat Dash had ever seen.
An uneven mass of mid and dark blue whose only consistency was being darker at her back and lighter as it reached her stomach, interspersed with a loose scattering of small white spots of varying opacity, giving the illusion of stars against the night. Her mane ran in the wind, predominantly a dark wine red, with a dual highlight of dark teal and ice blue, styled not entirely unlike Twilight's, but not the same either.
But the only thing about her that the cyan Pegasus really cared about was just how fast she was running. Dash had no trouble keeping pace, of course, but most Pegasi she knew didn't fly as fast as this dark mare was running. She weaved past the other Ponies and obstacles on the streets like a dark liquid streak, and rounded corners like a smooth quill writing cursive.
The rainbow maned mare flew in low and closed the gap, only now noticing the mail courier satchel slung around her shoulders trailing in the wind, the rather befitting words "Priority/Express" stitched across its flap. She was close enough now to see the wrap-around headphones on the other mare's ears and hear the fast heavy beat coming out of them.
With little thought to the inevitable consequences, the cyan one stuck a hoof out and lightly prodded the other Pegasus' side.
"Hey, I'm Rainb-!"
For the second time today, Dash came around to find herself abruptly in a different situation. Watermelon tasted better than grass, at least to Rainbow, but that didn't necessarily mean she wanted to wear it like a coat. She quickly realized a large amount of her body actually ached a bit this time, too.
As she shifted and shuffled to try and figure out where she was, the cyan mare's form dislodged and toppled out of the destroyed watermelon cart onto the cobbles of the street. She sat on her flank, rubbing her head with a hoof, covered in and surrounded by fruit debris in a daze, earning more than a few puzzled looks from passers-by.
And at least one comment about how much she must like watermelon.
The rainbow maned one had to strain for it, but the last thing she remembered was the other mare startling at the sudden jab of Dash's hoof and trying to come to an abrupt stop - the cyan mare instantly collided with her and was flung off by her own momentum. From the feeling in her ribs, she was pretty sure she skipped off the ground at least once before finding the cart.
Ugh...didn't think that through very well... Rainbow bemoans to herself, climbing to her hooves and surveying the scene about her. She's given momentary pause with a cringe at the headache she just now discovered she had, causing her to squint.
Besides the occasional passer-by rubber necking at her predicament, and the apparent owner of the cart still staring wide-eyed and mouth agape in utter bemusement at what has befallen it, the cyan mare saw no obvious sign of the other Pegasus, save for some small items on the ground her glance misses the first time.
She takes a brief and slightly awkward trot over the few feet or so to them and lowers her head to get a better look - broken pieces of plastic. The gears in the rainbow maned one's mind took a few moments to rotate into place, but she finally showed realization.
Aw hay, did her iPony get busted up?
Dash lifts her glance to look around again, but it led only to a groan of self-disapproval. The other Pegasus was nowhere to be seen.
"Uhh..."
The young dragon continued to back up, periodically peering behind himself to see how much more barn he had to retreat across.
"Awh c'mon, Spike! It'll be fun!" Applebloom persists in turn, continuing to move toward him.
Scootaloo, curiously dressed in a hay-stuffed cardboard approximation of fur-lined armor with a horned helmet and Sweetie Bell, levitating a puzzlingly real looking mace, were positioned a short ways behind their fellow crusader.
"I keep telling you, there's no dragon slaying cutie mark!" Spike insists nervously, rapidly looking for an escape route. "E-even if there was, you wouldn't slay me just to get one...would you!?".
Scoots and Sweetie shared a look of momentary consideration.
"Yeah, we would"
Applejack raised an eyebrow at the sight of a screaming Spike running from the barn with the crusaders in hot pursuit, but shrugs it off a moment later.
"Anyway, ah think yer jus' givin' in t'gossip like always, sugar" the Earth Pony reports with a half-attentive tone, turning her attention to the next tree in the row.
Rarity shook her head and gestured her hoof for emphasis, "no, I'm quite serious. I saw them with my own eyes. She was on a date with that mailpony Pegasus mare".
The Unicorn's pointed emphasis on the word "mare" seems to provoke a momentary look of annoyance from the orange Pony, but she shakes it off and plants her rear hooves into the tree, making it spill forth apples into the waiting buckets below.
"Y'know, Rare" the Earth Pony begins, pausing between trees to cast a raised sideways glance at her friend, "there ain' nothin' wrong with that. Now ah' ain't sayin' I believe this gossip of yers, but even if ah did, 'far as ah'm concerned, it's Twi's choice which way her barn door swings, an' I fer one have no problem if it swings that way".
Rarity actually seems to recoil from the insinuation with a slight frown, then raises a hoof in protest. "Oh darling, you misunderstand! I have nothing against the preference in the least. It just makes it that much more scandalous!"
The orange mare misses the next kick in exasperation at this, casting a bemused look at her friend. Neither of them seemed to notice the commotion in the background of Spike clawing his way up a tree to disappear in the foliage. The crusaders arrived a moment later, visibly trying to figure out where he went.
Applejack finally returned a vague "uh huh...", then shook her head and gave the tree a second buck, connecting this time and eliciting forth the customary appley jackpot.
The white Unicorn came back with an unsatisfied tch and a bemoaning tone, "you're simply no fun to gossip with, you know that?".
The Earth Pony showed annoyance once again, and this time responded with less patience in her tone. "Don't y'all normally gossip with Fluttershy, anyway?"
In the background, the crusaders had inherently discovered the young dragon was up the tree. Applebloom and Scootaloo were taking turns trying to buck him out of it, while Sweetie Bell cheered them on.
Rarity, meanwhile, returned an exaggerated sigh of disappointment to her friend. "Yes, but I have no idea where she is. She mentioned going to the library today, but when I arrived Twilight wasn't even there herself".
That's funny...they were here earlier pickin' up that lunch fer later... AJ muses to herself with a momentary pause. The Unicorn seems to notice the brief distraction in her friend, prompting the Earth Pony to quickly move on to the next tree.
"You know something!" the white mare observes with wide-eyed realization, immediately closing in on the other Pony with an expectant look, "oh you simply must tell me!".
"Ah must nothin' but buck trees, missy" the orange maned one retorts in annoyed defiance, shooting her friend a flat look.
The Unicorn simply turns her nose up with a huff of indignation in reply.
Celestia's sun rode lower in the increasingly orange sky now, as the afternoon continued its steady march toward evening. The temperature had gone down slightly with it, as the weather Pegasi worked busily overhead assembling and arranging the clouds for a rainy night.
Rainbow Dash felt slightly lame for ditching her shift, but not enough to get her up there working. The day started out unexpectedly well, but by this point she was a bit tired, still kind of sore, and had half a pizza to finish yet.
She sat at a small table on the larger balcony of the library, deeply reclined back into the chair at it with her hooves up and the pizza box sat across her lap. There were no obvious signs of life inside the library itself, but at least Dash was ideally positioned to know when the Pony who lived there got home.
Somewhere in the back of her mind, the cyan mare knew she should really go to at least one of their friends for advice first. Her last attempt to apologize to that certain lavender Unicorn hadn't exactly worked out ideally, somewhere between being a bit of a flank about it and the whole oral molestation thing. But despite the day's earlier turn of events, that new turn of confidence she'd attained this morning was still there.
Things with Trixie had worked out, why wouldn't things with Twilight? Okay, they were pretty much completely different Ponies, and they probably didn't think or see things the same way at all, but that didn't matter, right? She just had to show she was sorry, and her friend was sure to understand.
The cyan mare paused halfway through taking a bite of her pizza with a distinct look of realization, evident it had just dawned on her how unlikely it was to be quite that simple.
This thing with Trixie was brand new. It had been rushed into, in classic Rainbow Dash style, recklessly. All she really knew about the Unicorn for sure was that she was proud, but insecure, lonely, receptive to Dash's bravado, and could apparently be placated by feeding her pride. There wasn't really much to mess up there yet.
Her friendship with Twilight, on the other hoof, may have started quite suddenly, but had also been cultivated and developed over the better part of two years now, and was built on trust, loyalty, dependability, and a bunch of other things that made her shoulders feel rather heavy as she thought about it.
She didn't even know how upset Twilight actually was with her. Launching Dash halfway across Ponyville might seem less extreme than tearing the library apart, unless of course it was a message, or a warning.
Suddenly, sitting around on the balcony of the Unicorn's home eating pizza and waiting for her to come home didn't seem like such a good idea. Rainbow needed her friends' advice, or at least a better idea just how bad it was. If she was going to fix this one, she had to do it right.
Rarity's like, the biggest gossip in Ponyville, hooves down. She's gotta know something...
Rainbow Dash landed briefly back from the boutique and took a steadying breath, consciously replacing her previously determined expression with a casual composure, albeit coming off just a little forced. She never claimed to be a good actor.
The white Unicorn responded to the tingle of the bell as her door opened with typical good grace and poise. A sing-song toned "Just a mo-ment!" coming from the rear of the shop, immediately before a short sequence of muffled crashes and venomous expletives, no evidence of which remained in the dapper mare by the time she emerged in the store-front proper.
"Oh, Rainbow Dash!" she greets warmly, "how are you darling? Is there something I can help you with?".
"Nah, I'm cool..." the Pegasus returns, internally cringing at how hollow that rang right now. "Well, maybe you can, actually"
"Oh?" the Unicorn piques with interest, "have you finally realized how much you need a nice dress?"
"Actually-"
"I know hats don't really work for you, with the way you fly" the white mare continues, crossing the shop-floor to her friend and inspecting her from side to side analytically, before proceeding to a wall lined with odds and ends. "But I did have some ideas for accessories that would hold up, if you tone it down just a teensy bit..."
The cyan one by this point was slowly and repeatedly facehoofing.
"Oh but really, we should do something with your mane first" the Rarity train goes on, her magic pulling out and levitating a fashion magazine which she brings back to her friend, starting to flip pages and point with her hoof. "This perhaps, or something like that...hm, if you didn't fly so quickly all the time, you could try-"
"Rarity!"
The Unicorn startles into falling on her flank, staring at her friend in surprise. The Pegasus takes a deep breath in turn, gesturing with a hoof.
"I really just wanted to know if you knew anything about Twi" Dash explains, fidgeting a little as she looks off to the side. "I kind of made her mad yesterday. Really mad, i think. I just don't know how much..."
Rarity frowns momentarily, but seems to perceive how troubled her friend is, and adopts a softened tone. "I'm not sure how much help I can be, darling. I know Twilight was on a date yesterday, but I haven't spoken to her myself. Applejack...may know something, but she isn't saying".
The Pegasus goes to respond, but pauses as she notices the white mare looking away in pensive deliberation.
"..I certainly wouldn't ask Fluttershy, however" she hesitantly concludes, only now turning her gaze back to her friend. She offers a thoughtful look, but it was curiously underwritten with some concern.
The cyan one visibly ponders over this for a long moment with a skeptical look, but finally lifts her gaze from the floor to offer a smile. "Thanks Rare. I'll head over that way now".
With that, the Pegasus calmly made her way out the door and back outside, taking to the air and aiming in the vague direction of Sweet Apple Acres.
Applejack is like, Twilight's best friend out of us. Why didn't I think of her first?
Ponyville rolled on below, but the Pegasus paid no mind of it from the afternoon sky. The flight to her destination was a relatively short one, even without the benefit of the speeds she can get up to, but her ribs still hurt a bit, a memento of an earlier lack of forethought today.
But Fluttershy? the cyan one furrowed her brow in confusion. What would she know? Those two like, never hang out. I don't think they even talk much...
Her mind flashes back to her friend's hesitation. Rare knows that. Why would she even mention Shy? It doesn't make any sense...
The orchard had loomed into view already, not that it was easy to miss. The farm stood largely silent as far as the Pegasus could see, save for what looked from this distance to be Big Mac emptying out the barn. Something along the track between Ponyville and the farm caught Dash's eye first, though, prompting her to fly in low.
The cyan mare came in to a hover nearby the pink Earth Pony as she sat on the long fence-rail, idly kicking her hooves and letting the breeze run through her mane. She almost seemed...peaceful, for once.
It was a little disturbing.
"Hey, Pinks, what's up? Taking a break from the hunt?" the Pegasus inquires.
"Heya Dashie!" the pink one greets, bringing up both hooves in an exaggerated cheer motion that nearly makes her fall off the fence backward, but curiously she relaxes again afterward.
"I decided to just throw one big super duper crazy party later" she goes on to explain cheerfully, although oddly calmly. "That way I'll get 'em all at once".
Dash found herself a bit put off by the Earth Pony's behavior, but shrugs it off. "Good idea, Pinks. So whacha up to out here then?"
"Waiting, silly" the other mare returns rather simply, to the cyan one's no greater understanding.
"Uh...waiting for what?" Rainbow wonders aloud, lifting her head to take a look around, only to confirm there was nothing to see.
"Waiting for it to be my turn, duh!" Pinky replies with a bubbly giggle, "it's just how these things work. Can't do it alllll at the same time. It would be too hard to follow".
The cyan mare found herself simply staring at her friend at a total loss what she could possibly be talking about. But having long since learned about the infrequency of Pinkie Pie and making sense coinciding, decides it best to just leave it there.
"Well, uh..good luck with that, Pinkie"
Thoroughly confused by her encounter with Pinkie Pie, but no less determined, Rainbow Dash flew on the rest of the way to Sweet Apple Acres in short order and headed directly for the barn. Within a moment or two of landing outside it, the large red stallion emerged, offering a polite nod of his head in greeting.
"Hey, Mac" the cyan mare greets in turn, turning her head to look around, "Is AJ around?"
"Eeeeyup" came the simple and predictable response.
The Pegasus should have seen it coming by now, but somehow nopony ever seemed to learn the lesson. One could only assume the stallion had, though - after a moment, he adds a gesture with his head toward an open shed not far away.
"Thanks" Rainbow returns quickly as she trots off in the indicated direction. The small structure in question had seen better days, evidently one of the things the Apple family hadn't got around to replacing yet. And sure enough, Applejack was to be found within.
The orange mare doesn't seem to notice her friend at first, not the least presumably because she was facing the wrong way - her attention largely invested in comparing a small map of the orchards on a hay-bale in front of her to a much larger and older one attached to the wall of the shed, with visible concentration and regular self-muttering.
"Not now, Rainbow Dash" the Earth Pony half-mumbles inattentively the instant the Pegasus opens her mouth. "Ah ain't got th' time now or th' patience besides".
The cyan one blinks once or twice in visible confusion, pulling her head back slightly as an annoyed look finds its way into her features. "Whaddya mean?"
AJ hangs her head for a long moment with a deep sigh of disapproval, then shakes it off and resumes her concentration, and short tone to match.
"Ah mean does it look like ah've got free time comin' out mah ear right now?" she furthers. A closer glance at the smaller map of the orchard she was comparing to the larger, older one showed it was veritably covered in mathematical calculations following some sort of drawn out path through the trees.
The rainbow maned one found it utterly indecipherable, and difficult to believe the apple farmer apparently didn't, as she at least seemed to know how it applied to the larger map, though it was clearly straining her.
"I guess not" Dash concedes, lifting a hoof to rub the side of her neck awkwardly. "I was just wondering if you-"
"C'mon now, Rainbow" the orange one interjects, casting an almost pleading look across at her friend, "y'all know ah'd help ya'n a hoofbeat if ah could, but ah jus' cain't right now".
Somehow even the Pegasus could tell it had rather less to do with time and more to do with the Earth Pony being unable to lie, and already knowing what she was here to ask about. The look on the apple farmer's face virtually read please don't ask.
It would be so easy to ask anyway, knowing she couldn't lie about it, that there were only so many excuses she could make before cracking. But the cyan one knew that wouldn't be fair, and the last thing she needed right now was to damage another friendship.
"Sorry, AJ" Rainbow concedes with an apologetic look, "I'll come back another time".
The orange pony submits a deep sigh of relief, and takes a tone to match. "Thank you, RD".
The Pegasus submits a nod in confirmation, then turns from the shed and takes flight once more.
As the sun crept ever lower and evening approached, Rainbow Dash could feel the humidity in the air rising through the dander of her wings. The rain setup by the weather Pegasi earlier wasn't all that far off now, and Dash only now noticed it was actually a storm they'd been building.
AJ was no good...but she was my best shot the cyan mare muses to herself with a discontent frown, I mean what am I meant to do, ask Derpy? That'd go down real well. Could I ask the Princess about something like this?. A mental image of Celestia becoming furious and launching the Pegasus at the moon flashes through her mind, causing Dash to shiver. Yeah...lets not test that one...
From her altitude and relative position, Dash could easily see Fluttershy's cottage, not being all that far from Sweet Apple Acres to begin with. The timid yellow mare was the only one of their friends she hadn't approached now, but short of Pinkie Pie, the least likely to know anything useful.
But then why'd Rarity even mention her? the cyan one wonders, furrowing her brow, what's the point of bringing her up just to say not to ask her? And what was with that look on her face? What am i missing here?.
Before she'd even consciously decided to do it, Dash found herself descending toward the cottage. And started having second-thoughts about it before she even landed, though it doesn't stop her. That unquantifiable sense had come back - the uncanny but seemingly sourceless impression she shouldn't be here.
As ever, the humble home sat amidst an idyllic scene, seemingly irregardless of the time of day or the weather. The animals were already asleep, or just paid no mind to the Pegasus as she walked the last of the way from the little bridge up to the front door. Nothing about the scene appeared to support her sixth sense.
As she neared, and long before she got to the point of knocking, however, her ears perk up to the sound of distinctly familiar voices from within the cottage. Fluttershy's was expected and obvious, but the cyan mare's surprise was drawn by what was clearly Twilight's as the second.
"How do you like your tea, anyway?" the yellow mare's muffled voice inquires curiously. "I've just realized I don't know".
A muffled casual laugh comes back ahead of the reply. "As coffee, usually. But black would be great".
What the hay...? confusion dominated Rainbow's features. The very concept of these two hanging out seemed incomprable to her somehow.
"Dinner smells great, by the way" came Twilight's muffled voice once more, "I don't think I've looked forward to a meal so much since...well, not long after I first moved here, and a certain group of someponies kept me from eating all day".
Fluttershy's voice came back first in a giggle, "I'm still sorry about that. I can't believe I got so carried away".
When did they become such good friends? They never hang out, they only talk when we're all together...or did I just like, not notice or something?
"I think Angel Bunny is a bad influence" Twilight's voice come through again, "but he is an adorable one, at least".
A shared laugh follows, but as the yellow mare replied, her voice was too far from the front door to hear, prompting Dash to move around along the side of the cottage. A casual observer might have pointed out there were surely laws against what she was doing, but she didn't seem to care.
"..nervous about tomorrow" the timid Pegasus' voice became clear again, "I know it's asking a lot".
Huh? What about tomorrow?
"Hey, it was my idea in the first place" came the Unicorn's reassuring voice in return. "I admit, I was a bit nervous about it myself at first. But I'm glad we're doing this date thing. I think it'll be good for both of us".
WHAT!?
The inevitable bemused spasm made the cyan one trip, knocking over a wheel-barrow which fell to the ground with a distinct thud, and consequent rattle of the gardening tools previously inside it spilling out. She instantly panicked, her eyes finding the first dense tree, which she promptly flew up into.
"What the hay! What was that?"
"Oh dear, I hope it wasn't a predator"
"Come on, we should check your animals are okay"
Rainbow Dash had already buried herself amongst the foliage by the time the cottage door swung open. Twilight came out first, holding a continual charge of magic in her horn and a look on her face that suggested it was going right up the rear end of anything that shouldn't be here.
Fluttershy quickly - by her standards at least - fluttered out to the animal enclosures and dens, and began checking them over while doing a head-count under the Unicorn's protective cover.
"Everyone looks fine" the yellow mare finally reports, then gestures a hoof at the sky, "but it looks like there's going to be a storm".
"It's just a rainstorm" the lavender mare informs assuringly, before converting the charge in her horn and releasing it. A gentle purple flash appeared around the various animal homes, which then materialized into waterproof screens and covers to block out the wind and rain. "Will that keep them safe?"
"Oh my..." Fluttershy observes in approval, fluttering over and inspecting a couple of them, "oh these are perfect, Twilight. I don't think they'll even notice the storm". She flies back to the Unicorn, wrapping her front legs around her in a warm hug, albeit from a slight elevation. "Thank you"
Twilight in turn gives the Pegasus a friendly nuzzle, "you're welcome".
After a few moments, the friendly embrace was released, and the other two Ponies returned indoors. Dash waited briefly still after she heard the door close behind them before risking coming down - dropping out of the tree into a hover, her face wearing the depth of her confusion and disbelief at this point.
What the hay is going on around here!? |
Shipping, Do You Speak It? | Part 5 - The Trouble With Eavesdropping (Side B) | The sight of her own sun often helped Celestia's mind clear and calm. Her symbiosis with it was a reminder of her duty to Equestria - the qualities she had to embody - stability, dependability, a radiant force that encouraged and sustained life, a seemingly eternal entity that rose each day no matter how bad things may be.
It wasn't working today.
She stood on the balcony attached to her private chambers, and for the first time since this particular castle had existed, she had to stand up on her hind legs to see over its railing. Her chin rested atop her forelegs folded upon the railing, her gaze panning down, first to Canterlot below, and then the expansive scape of the Ponyville area further still. They had always looked small from up here, however no less important. But today, for as long as she could remember, she felt just as small herself.
The fact that she was, in fact, no taller than her own student right now probably had a lot to do with it. In truth, whatever spell she'd unconsciously woven upon herself, it had only affected her appearance. It was her appearance, rather, that was affecting her mind - one might think that suddenly becoming younger would be a boon, but then most weren't an eternal goddess of the sun whose expected place was to preside over Equestria, and be the largest and most regal, pristine looking example of their species known, in the opinion of many, if not most.
But it was more. Celestia possessed great power, of this there could be little question. Her past spoke in places more like the tale of a warrior Princess than the almost infinitely patient, seemingly unflappable, steady, level-headed, empathetic one she was known as. Granted, the only time in living memory she actually rose to fight directly she was cast down effortlessly, but in her defense, even the queen of the Mimics herself wasn't aware she was that powerful at the time. And the sun was in her eyes.
It was precisely because of that great power that an unknowable amount of time, effort, and practice went into attaining flawless self-control. How could the ponies have total confidence in their Princess if the sun moved every time she sneezed. How could the castle staff carry out the unending, interconnected procession of tasks that kept the kingdom running if they grew a mustache every time she stubbed a hoof. What neighboring ruler would make peace, if every meeting with Celestia was in fear that they could be launched out a window if her tea was hotter than she expected.
And so to have unconsciously cast a spell on herself at all, much less one with an affect that directly impacts her duties, was a deeply troubling notion for the Princess of the sun to contend with. She would never claim to be above the inherent nature of the mind, that her subconscious unlike any other was plainly knowable or contained nothing she was not aware of. But what subconscious musing would warrant such a spell, and be so powerful as to make her cast it?
The answer, as Luna instructed, was to be found within. In her mind, and in her heart. But a thousand years of rule, alone, had left Celestia with so little time for anything else, her heart was in truth, a very shallow thing. Her only hobby was Twilight Sparkle and the things she did for or with her student. The things she did solely for own enjoyment, all related to Twilight somehow - all else she did was, ultimately, a duty to Equestria, be it a literal responsibility or task, or simply an appearance at a time and place that reassured or encouraged the Ponies.
And while referring to Twilight as a mere hobby, when she was truly so much more, made the Princess feel guilty, the fact remained that even this one "hobby", she had nowhere near the time for that she would like. Was this the answer she sought? Could it really be so simple? A great and selfish desire for more time to do anything besides all but live solely for Equestria? Surely not. Such a desire had existed in her heart for a long time. Why would it only be expressed now, and in so simple a form.
Even if that were the cause it would be faulty. The Princess of the sun may have already delegated all of her duties to the care of her younger sister, but the arrangement is temporary. The decision itself was in equal parts a temporary solution for breathing room and an excuse to ween Luna off her self-imposed exile - to show her that she has the capability to be the Princess that she already is, and that the Ponies of Equestria are ready for her to be such.
No, if Equestria needed her, or if the younger Princess was in true need of reprieve, Celestia would return to duty be damned of her appearance without pause or second thought. This she knew too deeply and too completely for a mere subconscious desire for free time to have any hope of piercing the walls of her self-control.
The Princess releases her contemplation with a deep sigh, closing her eyes and taking slow, steady breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth until her mind clears and the weight lifts from her shoulders. There was surely a more effective way about this, she just had to find it.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Two travelers continued down the long road between Fillydelphia and Ponyville, their brief stop on the way over, and the destination that much closer than when they started. They still made an unlikely pair, but the air between them had changed somewhat - it wasn't overt or immediate, but reflected in subtle changes.
They didn't quite walk at the extreme opposite sides of the road now, and one was no longer slightly ahead of the other. The silence in the air wasn't so much cold and impersonal as somehow more incidental. Where one once chose not to speak out of aversion to ill-mannerisms and was coolly inattentive, her expression spoke more of quiet, calm respect that some difficult, personal things had escaped the other in a fit of frustration.
The other wore a look that illustrated a certain relief and the smoothing-down of their rough edges from expressing some long pent-up unwanted truths, but also small embarrassment in doing so. Her head wasn't held quite so high now, but not out of shame - the hollow pretense for doing so was gone, and a reminder of sorts that it was never her choice, allowed her to relax the normal strain in her neck.
"My parents were not much better" Octavia reports calmly, her eyes remaining set to the road ahead. "But rather the opposite. They believed my special talent was...impractical, and that pursuing it a waste of time. Time spent practicing my music could be better spent learning to work the family business".
An almost amused sigh escapes her as the gray mare's eyes close, and her head turns down lightly. "The family business being carpentry or Good, honest, salt of Equestria work, as they would constantly point out. Wanting to become a successful musician wasn't an aspiration, but rather evidence I was born lazy. No successful musician ever raised a barn, after all".
The Griffon by now couldn't help but show surprise in her expression, as she turned an eye aside to observe the Pony. While the tone of Octavia's voice remained the same, the inflection and pronunciation of her words had begun to dull, if slightly.
"All the time and effort that went into refining my talent was, of course, just avoiding doing any real work. Earning a place in the school band was similarly just an excuse" she continues, as her hooves began to make slightly sharper crunches on the dirt road. "They attended my first recital just for proof I was doing something, rather than simply off somewhere sleeping".
Her hoof-falls soften again as her eyes open once more. They were not set to the road ahead now, but somewhere further. "The encouragement to seek a place in the Royal Canterlot Orchestra did not come in the form of words or assistance, but rather the determination that I had taken my lazy dream as far as I should, or could. They attended my audition for the chair simply to see it proven".
Octavia's eyes narrowed now, paired with the creases of a faint anger in her face. "They introduced themselves by apologizing that I was wasting the agent's time. They answered his questions of my reliability and commitment with statements of my irresponsibility and lack of work ethic, as they saw it. As though my common speech and crude manners weren't already against me. Little wonder, of course, that I was rejected for the chair. I don't think the agent even bothered with the customary we'll let you know".
"Harsh..." Gilda observes in quiet recognition.
The Earth Pony returns a small shake of her had with a softening of her expression, closing her eyes once more. "Inevitable. I had little experience of the world beyond my small town home. The most civilized Pony I knew up to that point was my teacher, who read books with the assistance of a dictionary and was in a relationship with her cousin. No, I had little hope of passing that interview even without my parents' assistance".
The griffon at once seemed almost incapable of reconciling the idea of the mare coming from those sorts of roots, evident in the quietly bemused expression painted across her face, though she uncharacteristically holds her tongue at this point.
"So I sought a wider experience of Equestria, and life in general" the Pony began to explain, pausing to take a calming breath, and continuing once her composure cooled. "I traveled, hooking up with groups, giving solo performances, and participating in showcases as I moved about Equestria. I never stayed in the same place very long, but I gained a much broader view of life along the way".
"Can't do it, like, forever though, right?" the Griffon observes with a modicum of genuine recognition.
The Earth Pony returns an affirming nod to this in reply. "No, you can't".
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A sound, like somepony speaking through a long tube while underwater, begins to rouse Fluttershy back to consciousness. As the mass of dull color that was the world around her slowly began to form proper shapes, she recognized wood, books, book-shelves. It looked strangely like she was inside a tree with the curtains drawn, but a nearby window open to deliver a steady stream of fresh air, and the voice was somehow familiar.
It finally dawned on the yellow mare where she was, the recognition tempered by the confusion of everything being the wrong way up. It takes her another moment or two to determine she was laying on her back, on the sofa in the back room of the library. There was a damp cloth on her forehead, which was initially surprising, but quickly became soothing. She'd forgotten how comfortable this sofa was - she didn't sit on it very often.
Twilight sat on her haunches close by, lightly leaned over the Pegasus in concerned observation. Upon noticing her friend was now awake, she offers a thought smile and tone to match.
"Hey, you're back"
"Oh, my. Hello Twilight" the yellow mare responds softly, blushing faintly. Her voice grows ever quieter. "W-...why am I on your sofa?"
"You fainted" the Unicorn reports. "So I brought you inside to make sure you were okay".
The shy one took an embarrassed look as she slowly shifts to an upright sitting on her haunches on the plush seat, offering her head forward slightly as the Unicorn uses her magic to retrieve the damp cloth.
"Oh, you didn't have to go to all that trouble. I mean...um, the ground's a little uncomfortable, but I wouldn't have minded really" the yellow mare offers in typical self-deprecation.
Twilight could only shake her head at this, returning a gently disapproving look. "Fluttershy, I wasn't going to leave you on the ground like that".
This, of course, only serves to make the Pegasus blush even more, and reply with a tiny voice. "Th-thank you..."
"Now you wait there" the Unicorn continues, taking a more instructive tone, "you shouldn't move too quickly". She then proceeds toward the kitchen, "I'll just get you a glass of water".
After first nodding in confirmation of the instructions, despite the fact the other mare hadn't waited for a reply, Fluttershy took the opportunity to glance around the room. She didn't see this part of the library very often, as the group more often tended to assemble in the larger, more open main room. Not that it was particularly different from the rest of the library anyway, but it was a convenient excuse to make this particular paragraph a little longer.
Twilight returned momentarily with the previously ascribed glass of water levitating in the grasp of her magic, carefully guiding it into the grip of the yellow mare, who took hold of it with both hooves just to be safe.
"Thank you, Twilight" the Pegasus semi-echoes coyly, before going to take a large mouthful. Predictably, it was in that precise moment the yellow mare's mind recalled what had caused her to feint in the first place, which in turn caused her face to turn bright red as she consequently swallowed the water the wrong way and began to choke.
The Unicorn instantly startled into concerned response, moving in to pat her friend on the back with a hoof while retrieving the glass from her grip with magic. "Whoa, easy there. Water doesn't go down that way".
Somewhere between trying to nod in response, the passive assistance of the hoof patting her back, and coming close to fainting again, Fluttershy finally manages to regain herself and slumps somewhat in her seat, blushing profusely as she catches her breath again. She could now only stare at her friend in deep embarrassment, as the mental image of what she'd seen refused to go away.
Twilight, in turn, began to blush lightly as the Pegasus' stare remained fix upon her, knowing full well the cause. This begins to make her nervous, despite simply being mildly unsettling, and she takes on a forcefully casual, dismissive air.
"So! It was great to see you..." she announces, rubbing the back of her neck with a hoof. "But I was on my way to Apple Swee-", she pauses and shakes her head, "Apple Acres Swe-", she shakes her head once more and facehoofs, "AJ's place, before you showed up. So if there's nothing else I can do for you..."
The Unicorn concludes with an exaggerated smile and a not so subtle repeated nodding of her head in the vague direction of not here anymore. To her prompt deflation, the Pegasus doesn't seem to get the message - rather, she continues to stare, but returns a slow nod.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Twilight, it seemed, had forgotten Fluttershy's home was in the same basic direction as Sweet Apple Acres, and that the majority of the walk to either could be done along the same paths. And so it was to her visible discomfort that her walk to the aforementioned farm was in the continued company of the yellow Pegasus, in lieu of the heart to tell her to ... well, lets just say not follow her, to be kind.
It wasn't that the Unicorn didn't like the daffodil mare. On the contrary, she counted Fluttershy amongst her best friends without hesitation. It was more an issue of the fact that she was persistently and it had to be said, at this point, rather creepily, staring at the Unicorn, with an expression that actually suggested admiration.
"You really are amazing, Twilight" the Pegasus reports in wonder. "I mean, kissing in public? I could never do that".
"So you keep saying..." the Unicorn retorts in suppressed annoyance under her breath, keeping her eyes fixed ahead.
"What was it like?" the yellow mare goes on to query, presenting a wide-eyed look, "could you feel everypony watching you? Or did it feel like nopony else was there?", she lowers her head and blushes. "I mean, if you don't mind me asking..."
Would you really stop asking if I did? the lavender mare bemoans to herself internally with a roll of her eyes. But she shakes it off and returns a calm, if somewhat curt tone. "Honestly? I only really noticed Derpy at the time. I thought about it just before, and decided I shouldn't care anypony was watching".
"Wow, it was really that simple?" the Pegasus observes in yet further wonder. "You really are amazing, sometimes".
The lavender mare's eye twitched. If she says that just once mo-. She pauses mid-thought, as her ears are made to perk up at an oddly familiar, tiny sound. Did she say something?
"What was that? I couldn't-" Twilight's inquiry trailed off, as a cursory glance back over her shoulder showed her friend now hiding behind her mane, as she often did when, and in the aftermath of, saying something she doesn't quite have the courage to loud enough for anypony to actually hear it.
Whether it was payback, or the Unicorn had just finally decided she'd had enough of only getting half of what the Pegasus says on the rare occasion they actually spoke, she decided just this one, she wasn't going to play fair. The lavender one's horn lit up with a small pulse of magic, which seemed to momentarily vacuum in tiny effervescent particles, and then began to release Fluttershy's voice, sounding rather like it had been recorded on tape, but with the volume up high enough to actually hear.
"I haven't even told the pony I have a crush on. I couldn't. I wouldn't even know how..."
"Wow, Fluttershy. You have a crush?" Twilight observes with a mixture of mild surprise and an impressed smile.
The demure yellow mare replied by fainting. Again.
It was familiar to find the world around her a mass of color and light, albeit significantly brighter this time, as Fluttershy's eyes drifted open again. What was less familiar, though, was that those colors, and the shapes they were steadily defining into, were moving. As her vision finally clarified enough to determine she was on the familiar farm track road to Sweet Apple Acres, the yellow mare found it odd that the dirt beneath her appeared to be slowly drifting by.
Then she got a nose full of a distinctly familiar scent, but at much greater clarity and proximity to the source than she could remember ever getting before. Lilac and something else pleasant that she couldn't identify, accompanied strongly but in subjugation with books, parchment, and ink. In a word, or two, Twilight Sparkle.
"O-oh my..." the Pegasus squeaks softly, as she realized her form was neatly overlaying the purple unicorn's - stomach to back, with her head resting down the side of her neck. Her hooves were just barely off the ground as a consequence of being a little taller than her friend, courtesy of being similarly a little older. Twilight, it seemed, had opted to simply put Fluttershy on her back and keep walking.
"Welcome back" the Unicorn acknowledges calmly. "But just so you know, I'm not letting you near any water this time. It seems to be in your best interest".
The yellow mare couldn't process a response. Her blush was so deep it extended partway up her ears. Even her mane was pi- oh, right, that's normal. Anyway, she was deeply embarrassed, and it was rather clear to see. She could feel her heart beating in double time, but also beneath it, couldn't help but feel another heartbeat. It was steady and calm, not even showing the strain of carrying her weight. It almost seemed too big to possibly belong to such a small Unicorn. But somehow, it was soothing, and made her feel more at ease.
"P-please don't tell anypony..." the Pegasus requests timidly. It was in that tiny voice that was normally difficult to understand, but her head was close enough to the Unicorn's for her to hear it clearly now.
"You faint all the time, Fluttershy" the lavender mare returns calmly. "Pretty confident everypony knows about it by now".
The timid one shook her head softly against the Unicorn's neck. "No...not that..."
"I know" Twilight affirms with a slightly softer tone. "Don't worry. I'm very good at keeping secrets. Plant-pot soil doesn't taste very good".
Fluttershy can't help but submit a soft giggle at the memory, unevenly looping her forelegs around the Unicorn's neck and chest to hold onto her lightly. It struck the Pegasus as odd she didn't feel embarrassed about this, or nervous, self-conscious, even shy. It was comfortable and calming, but it wasn't the physical contact itself - it was a sense, an almost tangible aura that seemed to be coming from Twilight, that somehow reassured her, and made her feel safe.
"Aren't you...going to ask? Who it is, I mean" the yellow mare queries quietly.
The lavender one turns her head down slightly, noting the way she was being held on to, but seems to simply accept it calmly. "That depends. Do you want to tell me?". She felt her friend nod softly against her neck in reply. "Well, I'm all ears then".
"You remember when I was a popular model for a little while?" the Pegasus begins.
"And how" the purple mare returns with a light shake of her head and an amused tone.
The daffodil one gives another small nod of her head. "Well, I got a lot of fan-mail at the time. Most of it was just empty flattery, love letters...things like that. But one Pony in particular...". She pauses, as if in memory, a small smile forming on her features. "she was very supportive, and made the whole thing a little less terrible".
The Pegasus tightens her hold on her friend just slightly, the peaceful smile on her face growing a little more. "I think you know her, actually".
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"...-you hear me?"
The patterned mare groaned in protest as consciousness came with a distinct pain all along her left side. The world was a swaying blur of colors and half-intelligible shapes, but the familiar voice slowly draws her out of her daze. Her first attempt to move informed her she was winded, and the pain in her head wasn't being helped by the incessant wail of junk noise assaulting her right ear. With more than a little protest from her left side, the Pegasus climbs to her hooves, having to fight disorientation all the way up.
"You shouldn't move yet, I think you hit your head" Derpy insists in concern, trying to coax the other mare to sit back down with her hooves.
The darker Pegasus complies, sitting on her flank heavily as she turns her head down to check the music player attached to her left front leg. Sure enough, it was smashed - still powered on, but so badly damaged it was just putting out garbled junk sound. The mare frowns, but simply brings her right hoof across, smacking it two or three times, forcing it to concede to the damage and power off. Nearby, there was a smashed watermelon cart with a few randomly twitching cyan bits sticking out of the mass of busted fruit, not that either Pegasus seemed to notice.
"Hey, look up" the blonde mare instructs, drawing the patterned mare's attention to herself. She leans down, carefully gripping the earpiece from the other mare's left ear and pulling it away, revealing it to have snapped off from its cable. The darker one again frowns to this, but continues to comply to the manipulation of Derpy's hooves, allowing her to repeat the process and pull the other earpiece from her right ear.
"I should take you to see nurse Red Heart..." Derpy continues.
But this only draws a disapproving look from the other mare, who proceeds to stand up on her hooves again. The first attempt to take a step comes with an uncomfortable brace of pain down her left side, and a small shift in her balance she has to widen the stance of her hooves to steady through.
"...will you at least come back to the office and take a break?" the blonde mare concludes, now with a firmer tone of disapproval underscoring her concern.
The patterned Pegasus submits a defeated sigh, lowering her head in conceit. "Alright, Dee"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Elsewhere in Ponyville, another pair of Ponies were drawing close to their destination, thanks in large part to the efforts of one in particular. Though in truth they had been walking along part of the perimeter of Sweet Apple Acres for a short while now, the old familiar sign which designated its proper entrance was still a short distance ahead yet. For some time now the breeze had carried the scent of the apples, only now at this proximity one could practically taste them in it.
The near-legendary delectable taste of the farm's produce and how much she could go for some of it right now, however, was a mere background thought for Twilight Sparkle. As had every moment since its arrangement, distractions aside, her thoughts were primarily centered on a certain gray Pegasus and their ever-looming "private" lunch date in just a matter of hours. She thought it odd she was so calm about the prospect - rationally, she knew there was plenty of cause to be nervous and lack confidence - she hadn't yet actually read a single book on the subject of romance and the many complex variables and nuances to it.
As a subject of study, the Unicorn knew more about the behavior of magic in a vacuum than she did about the procedure and nuances of courting and romantic partnership dynamics. It's not like nopony had ever tried, of course - her efforts to prioritize study over the "distraction" of friendships throughout magic school weren't helped by more than a few attempts to gain her affections, but Twilight had always concluded it was simply the byproduct of being Celestia's protege.
On the rare occasion she did relent and accept a "date" to attend a school function or student social, it was only at the subtle prodding of her mentor, and only ever one with specific other student of the magic school - a particular, slightly older Unicorn against whom Twilight's resilience somehow just didn't hold up. The lavender one never did work out what exactly it was about her that caused it, only that she vaguely reminded her of somepony else.
And it's not like Celestia hadn't tried to teach her about the subject, either. Twilight recalled more than a few occasions when her beloved mentor had suggested a book or tried to start a discussion on the subject of romance, but the Unicorn had always brushed it off as unnecessary down-time from real subjects - just the caring measures of a thoughtful teacher trying to avoid her student becoming overworked or burnt out. She did it in other ways too, of course - walks in the gardens and grounds of the castle, days off to attend Wonderbolts shows or accompany the Princess to the many society functions she had to make an appearance at, girls-night-ins where the most productive thing they would get around to was to see how long they could huddle by the fire without discussing or debating the subject of a lesson before they fell asleep.
No, nothing in the lavender mare's past had really prepared her for how to approach a romantic relationship, but it still didn't concern her. Something inside her provided continual, gentle, but steady reassurance that things would work out. It didn't tell the Unicorn how they'd work out, or how to make sure they worked out - it wasn't anything as plain and direct as confidence - it was an unobtrusive whisper from somewhere she didn't quite understand, that she was sure wasn't there until recently, and yet was comforting and familiar. Somehow, Twilight didn't feel the need to even try and work out what it actually was.
But for now, these musings would have to wait. The sight of the daffodil Pegasus still draped over the Unicorn's back, gently cuddling into her neck from behind was, probably, a heart-warming sight - but it would also almost certainly prove to be to their mutual embarrassment if anypony actually saw it. As peaceful and comfortable as she looked now, Twilight knew full well Fluttershy was liable to spend the next couple of days as a near-mute from the jokes at their expense that were inevitable in the eventuality.
Which was an overly fancy way of saying Twilight would get annoyed, and Fluttershy would spend a couple of days imitating a mouse.
And so it was unlikely to anypony's surprise that Applejack just happened to be standing by the old farm sign when the pair drew near it. The orange Earth Pony was currently preoccupied trying to kick one of its support beams back into a strait position without inadvertently kicking it so hard that she breaks it. This was illustrated by the uneven alignment of her eyebrows in concentration, and the way the tip of her tongue stuck out as she lined up each measured thrust of her hind leg.
The orange one misses her next kick with an awkward stumble upon sight of the approaching pair, simply lost in a long moment of staring at them somewhere between disbelief and confusion.
"...oh. Hey AJ..." horseapples! Twilight greets in an awkward attempt to be friendly, despite her desire to facehoof. "I guess this must look-" ridiculous... "-a little odd", she turns her head slightly toward the Pegasus on her back, who was already blushing profusely.
Applejack returns a slow shake of her head as she replies, "naw ah've...seen weirder things, livin' 'round here". She sounded a bit more like she was trying to convince herself than was probably intended, but gives a second, more vigorous shake of her head and attempts her usual friendly tone. "What can ah do for y'all...?"
Fluttershy at this juncture takes the opportunity to climb down off her friend's back, and attempt to shrink small enough to hide on the far side of her from the Earth Pony. The Unicorn gives a weak shake of her head at this, but decides it better to just move on. "Actually, I came by to drop something off and pick something up" she reports with as casual a tone as she can muster.
The orange mare returns a gesture of her head toward the farm-house, prompting the lavender one - and the daffodil Pegasus still trying to hide behind her - to follow along an idle walk further into the farm proper.
"After discussing it with the Princess, I drafted up a plan for that idea I told you about" Twilight continues, her magic reaching out to open her single saddlebag and retrieve a large, rolled up sheet of parchment from it. For her part, the Earth Pony just listens along in distracted interest. "As you know, the runners in the Running of the Leaves collectively generate minor seismic ripples just substantial enough to make the leaves fall from the trees..."
The Unicorn's magic unrolls the parchment, showing it to be a partial map of the orchard with mathematical formula following a route through it, scribed over the top. "Now, the bulk of the runners tend to bunch up in clusters due to the average gallop speed of the typical Pony, and of course basic crowd psychology. But if the width of the track was carefully controlled, it should be possible to artificially induce them to form a consistent stream with a controlled flow rate..."
AJ was visibly understanding less and less of the explanation, not that the lavender one seemed to notice at this point. "And then by plotting the route through the orchard correctly, it should be possible for them to shake the vast majority of the apples from the trees as they go through it. All you guys would have to do is get the receptacles...the buckets, that is, set out and positioned correctly beforehoof, and bring them in afterward".
Twilight's magic levitates the map in front of the Earth Pony's face as they stop to sit out-front of the farm-house, as though to fully illustrate the proposal. Applejack stares at it for a long few moments with a look that suggested bubbles were going to come out of her nose at any second, but ultimately submits a slow shake of her head.
"Does soun' like a mighty helpful idea there, Twi" she reports, still visibly trying to wrap her head around it, "but th'aint no way we c'n pay all them Ponies for the work. We ain' doin' so bad jus' now, but that's a long ways off doin' great".
"Oh, that's the best part" the Unicorn retorts with an illustrative gesture of her hoof, "you wouldn't have to pay them. When the idea of making the Run longer was put up as a potential for this year, the overwhelming majority welcomed it quite enthusiastically. Technically, they'd be paying you back for letting them use your land as an extension of the track".
She still didn't really grasp how it all worked, but the latter part of it at least, did make plenty of sense to the practical orange mare. She brings a hoof up to rub her chin and slants an eye skyward in thought over it. "All them hooves through the orchard would do a bit'a damage we'd have'ta fix after, but ah cain' ver' well argue how much time 'n work it'd save us..."
After another moment or two of consideration, the orange one submits a shrug of her shoulders, "tell ya what, leave it with us fer now. Ah'll talk it over with 'Mac, 'n we'll get back to y'all about it". The Unicorn seems satisfied with this, her magic rolling the map back up and setting it down on the work-bench near the farm-house door. "In the meantime, y'all c'n tell me what y'came by to pick up".
"Oh, of course" Twilight returns, inherently having momentarily about it. She takes a carefully measured warm smile and looks away, "I'm having a little private lunch date with a certain Pegasus today, and I was just looking to grab something nice for us to eat together. You know - nothing fancy, just a nice little personal meal to share..."
The Unicorn trails off, bringing a hoof up to rub the back of her neck. "Well, I'm sure you don't need all the details. But good old Apple family home cooking was the first thing that came to mind".
Applejack slowly looks back and forth between Twilight and Fluttershy for a few moments of visible surprise, but ultimately gives another shrug of her shoulders and presents a warm smile. "Well shucks, y'all. Ah had no idea y'all had it in ya. Of course, y'just go right in 'n pick out whatever nabs yer fancy".
"Thanks...AJ...?" the Unicorn returns with a tilt of her head in confusion at the sudden shift in disposition. But she shrugs it off and reaches out with her magic, opening the farm-house door and proceeding through it.
The orange one nudges the brim of her hat up with a hoof as she watches this, then turns back to the daffodil mare and gives an amused shake of her head. "Ah didn't realize y'all were so close. But fer what it's worth, ah think it's Jim-Dandy".
"Oh, thank you, Applejack" the yellow Pegasus returns, seeming to calm out of her withdrawal a ways. "I mean, it's true. We don't talk very often, and we never seem to hang out much, but it turns out we're even better friends than I thought".
"Y'dont say..." the Earth Pony returns with a subtle sarcasm, raising an eyebrow.
The Pegasus, however, seems oblivious to it, sagely nodding in reply. Just a moment later, Twilight comes back out of the farm-house, her magic simultaneously slotting a small bundle of apple fritters and an apple pie into her saddlebag. "I left a dozen bits on the table. Is that okay, AJ?" she inquires, pausing between the two.
"W-...a dozen? Now ah told ya 'bout over-payin' me fer-" the orange mare begins in polite protest, but the Unicorn simply raises a hoof to it, indicating she isn't going to hear it, which the Earth Pony hesitantly accepts with a slight mumble under her breath. "Well, alright...y'all just enjoy yer lunch date, y'hear?"
The Unicorn returns a warm smile with a nod of her head in reply, before starting back toward the gate out of the farm. The yellow Pegasus lingers a moment to tilt her head at the Earth Pony curiously, but ultimately turns and takes to a low flutter to follow the lavender one, leaving Applejack stood out the front of the farm-house. She waits for her friends to be a bit too far away to see it, and relents a concerned look with a slow shake of her head.
"RD ain' gonna take this well..."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Twi? Bookworm Twi?"
Applejack rubbed the side of her head with a hoof, visibly still trying to process the information. "We're talkin' 'bou th'same Twilight that makes to-do lists t'manage her free time, right?'
The Earth Pony sat in the shade of a tree under the glaring orange sun of a summer long since passed, wearing a mask of confusion and skepticism as she looked up at Rainbow Dash. The cyan Pegasus hovered a short distance off the ground just in front of her, submitting an exasperated augh! emphasized with a forward gesture of both front hooves.
"I know, okay? I know. It's totally bananas" Dash retorts, floating down closer to her friend and nudging at her own head with a hoof. "But it's like, I just can't get her out of my head. I keep thinkin' about her all the time. And then I try to be...you know, cool around her...", she slumps her shoulders and head heavily, "but she thinks I'm being a show-off".
The Pegasus floats back up, giving the air a frustrated kick with a hing leg and taking a more serious look. "I don't know why. I just...need her to like me back. But it's like, nothing I do works!", she brings her hooves up to hold her head, "man, it's crazy! I've tried...everything! Being nice, being cool, being honest...but we have like, nothing in common besides you guys...", she releases her head and shrugs her shoulders, letting her forelegs dangle down her sides. "So we don't really spend much time together...you know, just the two of us. I keep trying to convince her to come to my training sessions, but..."
"She ain' bitin'?" the orange mare offers, taking a thoughtful tone. "Y'know, RD...Twi don' really strike me as...havin' much in the way'a sense in these things yet...". She can't help but give an ironic laugh, "probably th'only thing she ain', fer that matter. What ah'm sayin' is she jus'...might not be ready fer that".
"Well I am" the Pegasus retorts, perhaps a little childishly, crossing her forelegs over her chest and frowning. "So I guess I've just gotta make sure I'm right there when she is ready".
The Earth Pony can't help but bring a hoof up to her face, pressing her forehead into it and straining to hold her patience. "It don't jus' work that way, RD. It might be some other Pony that gets throu-"
"No way" Dash interjects, landing on the ground and pointing a hoof at her friend, almost challengingly. "Rainbow Dash does not loose. There's no way I'm lettin' some nopony beat me to what I want. You should know that by now".
"Thas' what ah'm afraid of..." Applejack returns, brushing the pointing hoof aside with her own. "How y'all gonna deal with it if yer wrong?"
The Pegasus didn't need to answer, though. That almost intolerably egotistical self-assurance was written all over her face as she turned away and lifted off the ground again in a hover. She was Rainbow Dash - she wasn't going to loose.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The walk back to the library was no shorter than the walk from it, naturally, but it was in largely different circumstances. With the lunch date she was so looking forward to now looming closer and closer, one could swear Twilight Sparkle actually had a slight proverbial spring in her step. The weather wasn't perfect, the day already featured an awkward experience, she had absolutely no idea how the date itself was going to play out, and she didn't care - that curious gentle inner-whisper continued to assure her everything was going to work out.
Fluttershy walked alongside her friend, rather than riding on her back for the return trip. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she was still embarrassed it hadn't occurred to her to climb off at any reasonable point earlier, and couldn't really work out what had possessed her to stay. She also noted, with no less understanding, that comforting "aura" she'd perceived from her friend was still there, but notably weaker at a distance, giving her enough "shy room" to actually wonder what it was.
"You're not planning on trying to attend my lunch date, are you?" the Unicorn jibes, albeit gently and with a smile, as she noted how close they were getting to the library with the Pegasus still following her.
The yellow mare promptly began to blush. "O-oh...no, I wouldn't do that" she insists, looking across at Twilight, "I just got distracted. Do you want me to leave now? I don't mind..."
"You mean to make the trip almost all the way back we just came?" the lavender one replies with a returned glance, "Derpy and I didn't set an exact time, I could have two and a half hours to go yet. I mean, I'd rather not have to kick you out when she shows up, but I'm not about to tell you to scram, either. So if you want to hang out a bit more, I'm not going to say no".
"Well, I would like to talk about..." the daffodil one begins to return, her natural shyness steadily creeping in and lowering her head, "...you know...what we were talking about earlier, some more that is...if that's okay".
The lavender mare visibly contemplates over this a moment with a thoughtful look, until a spark of conception alights her features and she looks across at her friend once more. "Actually, I have a better idea. What you need is a positive experience, something to help you gain confidence that you can do it...", she smiles thoughtfully, "how about we go on a date tomorrow?"
An unintelligible squeak of shock escapes the Pegasus as she nearly trips over her own hooves in double-take. Twilight submits a gentle laugh, holding her thoughtful look. "I meant as friends, Fluttershy - that's exactly why I think it would help you more than just talking about it", she gestures her head at the daffodil mare, "it obviously wouldn't be the same, but it's a start. Something to get you started".
Her blush refused to dissipate so quickly, but Fluttershy took the idea in with a tilted look of consideration - it made a lot of sense, really. Self-confidence was her first and foremost problem, it always has been. Twilight was a mare, one who's own confidence and status she found similarly, if unintentionally intimidating, but came with the safety-net of being her friend no matter what happened. If she could make it through a "date" with her, it wouldn't seem so much of a great hurdle moving forward.
"Oh...but...", the yellow Pegasus' composure weakened, taking a lightly concerned look. "Is that really okay? I mean, are you sure Derpy won't mind? I wouldn't want to be a bother...", her eyes open widely in mild panic, "or cause a problem. Oh goodness, I couldn't ask you t-"
"Fluttershy" interjects Twilight with a carefully measured firmness, arresting the daffodil one's building panic. She relaxes to a reassuring tone afterward, presenting a smile to match, "it's okay. Really. I'll explain the idea to Derpy, I'm sure she won't mind. We'll just have to meet up later to work out the details".
She didn't look completely convinced, but the pink-maned mare submits an appreciative smile all the same. "W-well...if you're sure...why don't you stop by my house for dinner, and we can talk it over then...", she lowers her head a little, "...I mean, if that's okay".
~ To Be Concluded in Side C ~ |
Debts | pre | The stallion chuckled, imagining what the fashionista would even do to tease somepony, only for his smile to fall away and a strange feeling of jealousy to flash through his mind. "What did she do?"
Applejack gulped, shocked by the sudden change in tone. "She just uh, showed off a new dress that was a might bit revealing. I never really considered myself as anything but straight but every since I got this thing, well, you know what happened after that."
Lucky Doo glared at the blushing earth pony for several long seconds before nodding slowly. "Good." He threw up his chin suddenly, and stalked over to where the gear was all ready.
Applejack breathed a sigh of relief, an act that was rather confusing to the futa mare, who merely shrugged that strange thought off and followed her friend, choosing not to think about it too much right now.
"Alright, do you remember how to do all the straps up?" Lucky Doo asked as he hopped up onto the bench and turned over, laying on his back.
The sight was a pleasant one, with the mare getting a perfect view of the stallion's tiny cock resting against his stomach, his very large stomach which was ready to be rubbed if she so desired. The upside down look in his eye made Applejack remember why they were here though, and she trotted over to the table. "Yeah, I remember."
"Good, cus if it isn't done perfectly-" Lucky Doo began.
"It can cut off circulation or be really awkward. I remember." Applejack finished, shooting the stallion a quick glare. "You only told me like a dozen times."
"Heh, sorry." He licked his lips, the stallion getting a pleasant view of his own, namely the underside of Applejack's barrel, wherein her cock stood proud and hard, a small droplet of pre forming at the tip.
"Well then." Applejack began, stepping forward. "I suppose we should get this show on the road then eh?"
Lucky Doo nodded eagerly, extending his legs as far out to the side as he could, waiting patiently for Applejack to get into position.
The stallion didn't have to wait for long though, as the mare seemed as eager as he was, stepping over his limbs and getting close, the tip of her cock pressing against his lips. With practice born of giving dozens and dozens of blowjobs to the mare over the past several days, Lucky Doo opened his mouth wide and eagerly accepted her titanic dick. So easy was the entry to his throat that Applejack merely had to walk forward, sliding her cock all the way inside him in a single long motion.
The stallion shuddered when he felt the mare's balls rest against his eyelids, her cock having plunged deep into his body, his neck bulging as it was forced to take so much of her length in such a short time. Not like the feminine stallion minded of course, he had grown so good at sucking off the mare that his already easily suppressed gag reflex was nearly completely gone by then.
Something that was becoming a point of pride for the submissive stallion.
A twitch from Applejack's sack reminded him of where he was and the stallion shuddered at the feeling of her balls resting firmly against his face, her cock deep and twitching eagerly, waiting for the moment that he would really lavish it in attention. That wasn't yet however, as he didn't want to distract the earth pony while she was busy fastening all the belts, ropes and other things that went into the elaborate set up that now bound his naked form.
All around him the many belts and other fasteners were gripped and in turn attached and pulled tight, the stallion quickly secured in place by the apparatus. Applejack moved quickly and silently, following Lucky Doo's instructions to the letter without hesitation. In no time at all, the stallion felt his body become oddly weightless as it was securely attached to Applejack's underside, the mare's powerful legs easily able to hold up the added weight without even stumbling for a moment.
"Howsat feel?" Applejack asked, tugging at one last belt. "It's not too tight, is it?"
Lucky Doo rolled his eyes, and tapped the mare's leg twice with his hoof, his throat now stuffed full of mare cock and unable to utter a sound.
"Right, uh, two for yes, one for no." Applejack replied.
Again, another two taps.
The earth pony breathed a sigh of relief, her shoulders falling slack. "Oh thank goodness, I was paranoid about getting this wrong."
Lucky Doo grinned around the cock in his mouth.
"Right, we better get moving then, we got a long day ahead of us." Without waiting for a response the earth pony stood up and began to walk away, crossing the barn and pushing the door open.
Her first steps were awkward, too safe and short as she got used to the added weight and the strange sensation of Lucky Doo's throat wrapped around her cock as she walked around. The element bearer was nothing if not resourceful though and by the time she reached the door she seemed to have gained a measure of confidence.
The weight itself wasn't a worry for her, as she had plowed fields for hours upon hours with little rest and no complaint. Compared to the yoke she had worn while doing that, the added weight of the stallion was nothing, which was in large part thanks to the system of belts and whatnot that held him in place, distributing his weight evenly across her body and making sure no one set of muscles carried too much weight.
The feeling of having her cock massaged by the talented throat muscles of the slutty stallion was altogether harder to deal with though and as she neared the door she nearly stumbled, surprised by just how much effort Lucky Doo was putting into his duty.
"So it's going to be like that eh?" She muttered. "Well don't be surprised when you get what you want and it turns out to be too much for you to handle."
Lucky Doo would have simply shrugged at the vague warning, his confidence still riding high since several days ago when he was took a whopping thirteen or so loads of mare semen without issue. Other then some terrible cramps that cropped up when he got home, but he wasn't about to tell her that.
Applejack shrugged, pushing her way out of the barn and into the light of the mid morning sun. "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn ya." |
Debts | Chapter 5 | Applejack reared back, taking only a moment to line up her hooves before delivering a hard kick to the base of the tree. Though this may seem like a short amount of time to line up and deliver a powerful blow, it was a moment longer than usual, which was only made necessary by the fact that she currently had a small pegasus stallion strapped to her stomach. Lucky Doo's added weight meant Applejack had to go about her job at a slightly more sedate pace then usual, which added an extra hour or two to the mare's time.
Not like she minded of course, in fact the prudent mare had set aside more time then what would be necessary for this exact purpose. Time alloted spent twitching and unable to work as she came once more down the stallion's throat was carefully considered, meaning that even now, while she was nearing the end of her day and she hadn't gotten to even half the trees she needed to complete by the end of the week, Applejack didn't worry. She had, after all, done this long enough to know the amount of work she could do if she really set her mind to it.
Apples rained from the sky, landing perfectly into the baskets set aside for just this moment in time. The mare sighed as she settled back onto all four legs, inadvertently thrusting deep into Lucky Doo's throat and once more ensuring that her balls rested against the stallion's face. Something that made the feminine stallion melt, shuddering in pleasure as the mare's absolute dominion over his body was once more made clear.
Not like that wasn't obvious already, as he had spent the last seven or so hours with a dick rammed down his throat. So all consuming was her erection that Lucky Doo was pretty sure he would forever remember every bump, groove and indent in the mare's cock, the image of it burned so thoroughly into his mind that he would dream of it for the rest of his life. This was only made possible by the last five days spent with a dick down his throat for several hours a day, nevermind all the other times he had sucked some cock.
It was only now that he was thankful for all this experience, as it enabled him to stay down there, a cock wedged in his throat for what felt like almost an entire day. Sure, his jaw was beginning to ache, and his stomach has ballooned to the point that it was becoming unpleasant but the stallion knew he wouldn't have long to go before Applejack gave him a break. Or at least gave his mouth and throat a break, as he doubted that the horny mare would be completely burnt out even after dumping numerous loads into his now distended gut.
The thought sent a shiver down his spine, and Lucky Doo sucked harder then he had in nearly an hour, trying to milk the mare for all she left. An act that could be considered redundant by some, considering his stomach was so large that it now pressed up against Applejack's with enough size and girth that it spilled over the sides. Though he hadn't stood on his own two hooves for nearly eight hours at this point, if he had, Lucky Doo would have realized that his cum filled gut now hung nearly to his knees, making him look nearly pregnant if the weight had sat a little lower.
Applejack groaned as she gathered up the baskets, stopping for a moment as she weathered the pleasure that suddenly coursed through her due to Lucky Doo's ministrations.
"Hot damn Lucky Doo. You are one insatiable slut." She muttered while gathering the baskets of apples and placing them in a small group, ready to be picked up at a later date.
"Mmph." Lucky Doo muttered back, affirming his slut status quite well by somehow communicating with a dick so large it nearly reached his stomach resting in his throat.
The apple farmer chuckled and rolled her eyes. Though she didn't show it, she was almost beginning to regret her little decision this morning, as her cock had begun to get a little sore after getting sucked nearly constantly all day. She wouldn't blame the stallion for this of course, but she couldn't help but feel a little miffed that he was down there doing nothing while she was busy getting things done.
The earth pony didn't let herself think that way for long though as she knew such an emotion was not a logical one. With a sigh on her lips, the mare turned and began to trot over to the next tree, catching a glimpse of something small and red out of the corner of her eye.
"Applebloom? What are you doing out here?" Applejack asked, turning to face the approaching filly. "I thought you were hanging out with your friends all day."
The young filly sighed, not shaken at all by the sight of Applejack's friend strapped to her underbelly, the stallion's butt viewable for all the world to see. She had after all, become accidentally familiar with the feminine stallion's form over the last several days. "Sweetie Belle got busy helping Rarity with her dresses." She whined, while pouting, plunking down just beside the tree Applejack was about to buck.
"And Scootaloo?" Applejack asked, readying the baskets around the tree.
"That's the worst part!" Applebloom remarked, throwing up her hooves. "I was trying to help her to learn how to fly by reading her this book thing while she practiced but then Rainbow Dash swooped out of nowhere and told her that she was going to help!"
"And whysat a bad thing?" Applejack asked, raising her hooves and delivering a swift kick to the tree, causing a small rain of apples to land in their respective baskets. "Rainbow Dash may be about as thick as molasses when it comes to most stuff but she's a good flyer."
"It's not that." Applebloom sighed, not noticing as Applejack paused, her face contorting as her cock sleeve began to wiggle against his restraints, eager for more cum. "It's just, I was already helping her, and I thought we were doing really good, now all my friends are busy and I feel useless."
"Oh come on, you are not useless." Applejack remarked, leaning down slightly and flashing the filly a wide smile that was partly to reassure her younger sister and partly to hide the fact that she was desperately holding in a moan. "You may not be able to sew or fly, but you can do stuff they can't."
"I guess." Applebloom sighed, looking down at the ground and poking a rock. "It just doesn't feel that way. Sure I can feed the chickens and stuff and help you with applebucking season but I can't actually buck apples."
Applejack chuckled, raising back to her full height. "I told ya before and I'll tell ya again. You just ain't old enough or strong enough for the real thing."
The filly nearly crumpled in on herself, a dejected look crossing her face. "I know..." She muttered, prodding the rock and flicking it away.
The earth pony sighed, a sigh that turned into a muffled moan when Lucky Doo began to suck harder at her cock, surprisingly the mare by just how much strength he had left after all this time. Applejack ground her teeth together, annoyed that such a tender moment was nearly ruined by a stallion too hungry for dick to tell what was going on around him. "Say Applebloom." The earth pony began, smirking evilly. "Were you able to buck those seedlings?"
"No." Applebloom whispered. "I ain't strong enough to even buck those younger trees."
"Maybe your form just needs some work." Applejack replied, walking over to the filly and smiling down at her. "Why don't you show me what you learned so far."
"R-really?" The filly stuttered, hoping back up onto all four hooves. "I did all the stretches you told me about but it still didn't work!"
"Don't worry about it." Applejack remarked dismissively, suppressing the urge to moan aloud once more. "You might not believe me but I didn't get the hang of it until I was older than you."
"No way." Applebloom gaped.
"Yes way." Her sister replied. "In fact it took me a while to figure it out, but when I did, hooey it was like riding a bike."
"That's so cool." Applebloom muttered. "So how did you learn how to buck apples? Do you have some sort of super secret trick you can teach me?"
"No trick, no secret technique, just lots of hard work and practice." Applejack winked.
"Whoa." Applebloom whispered.
"So why don't you show me what you know?" Applejack offered.
"Where? How?" Applebloom asked eagerly, hopping around and looking from the tree to her sister and back again. "But you already bucked that tree."
"I didn't say you should buck a tree." Applejack replied cryptically, noting the way that Lucky Doo didn't seem to notice their little conversation one bit, the stallion merely continuing to work away at the earth pony's cock.
"Then what?" Applebloom asked, dumbfounded.
"Here." Applejack pointed to the stallion's comparatively small balls. "Just wind up and give em a good hard buck."
"Doesn't that hurt?" Applebloom asked timidly.
"Nah, it doesn't hurt at all actually." Applejack replied. "Go on, give em a good hard buck so I can figure out what else you need to learn."
"Oookay." Applebloom muttered, slowly turning around and looking over her shoulder towards the stallion's exposed backside.
Lucky Doo meanwhile was blissfully unaware of all of this, merely focusing all his energy on the pleasuring of Applejack's cock. Which had begun to twitch and shift around inside him as the mare herself moved her weight from hoof to hoof a little more often than usual. It was subtle, little more than a small movement that was almost imperceptible to most, but not to someone who had spent nearly the entire day strapped to her stomach, his entire world consumed by pleasuring the mare as best as possible. This focus on his friend's pleasure wasn't wholly altruistic though, as he also enjoyed what he got out of it, from the cute moans that Applejack tried to stifle, to the steaming loads of jizz that erupted into his stomach. It was heavenly, and the stallion rode a near constant lust filled high for the last seven or so hours.
But all that stopped when he felt a pair of tiny hooves suddenly slam into his balls.
For a moment his entire body stopped moving, every muscle from ass to head suddenly seizing up in panic. A part of him wanted to run, another wanted to curl up into a tiny ball and lay on the ground nursing his injured stallion bits. In the end both parts of himself lost out as he suddenly felt a surge of pleasure the likes of which he had rarely felt. The pain felt oddly good, and that strange foreign pleasure made his throat suddenly lock up, growing tight and inadvertently milking the mare cock lodged within him.
Applejack stopped and blinked, surprised by just how good it felt to have her dick squeezed and milked after hours spent fucking the stallion's throat. Though he hadn't grown loose by any stretch of the imagination, he had also gained a considerable amount of experience that allowed him to breathe a little easier, and gain a little leeway around the mare cock resting inside him. Which had the accidental side effect of making him not quite as tight as he used to be, until now.
"Applejack?" The earth pony mare looked down at her confused younger sister. "Did I do it right?"
The farmer hesitated, aroused to no end by the feeling of having her cock squeezed and milked by Lucky Doo's suddenly tight throat. "Not bad, you just need more follow through with your kick." Applejack replied.
The filly nodded eagerly. "Can I try again?"
Applejack paused, and after finding that Lucky Doo didn't seem to be resisting or trying to say anything, shrugged. "Go ahead, this time make sure you follow through."
Applebloom nodded, turned around, and wound up before delivering another solid kick to the poor stallion's balls. A blow that would have made him crawl into an even tighter ball then before, had he been capable of that. This time however, the strange pleasure seemed to jump to the forefront, his cock twitching and shooting out a weak jet of seed that splattered against his and Applejack's chest.
The ensuing rippling squeeze around Applejack's cock nearly made her eyes roll into the back of her head and it took all her willpower to stop that potent feeling from reaching her face. Her hooves twitched, as did her cock, and another small rope of seed splattered deep against the stallion's throat, adding ever more cum to the veritable ocean that filled him. The stallion himself was so shocked by the sudden pain, and pleasure, that he could hardly muster a response before a third kick made him cry out.
A cry that was muffled to the point of being inaudible due to the cock in his throat, and coming out as little more than a partially gurgled moan. Applejack didn't notice this sound however, as she was awash in her own sudden pleasure, shocked by just how good it felt to have her cock squeezed in the odd, rippling way that occurred after Lucky received a blow to the balls.
"Like that?" Applebloom asked eagerly.
"Getting there." Applejack began, biting the inside of her cheek and forcing down a moan that nearly ruined the moment entirely. "You just need to keep your weight off your forehooves the second your back hooves leave the ground."
"Right." Applebloom remarked, turning around.
This time Lucky Doo didn't manage a response, though it was once more a half gurgled mess that turned into a confused moan the second Applebloom's hooves once more impacted his sack. This time the pleasure and pain was ratched up to a whole new level and the stallion's entire body trembled as his throat gripped down on Applejack's dick. Resulting in the futa mare getting another healthy dose of pleasure as Lucky squeezed down around her shaft.
The pain that had formerly been only equalled by the strange pleasure was now eclipsed by it, with the stallion's abused balls pulsing with pain. He whimpered pathetically, his hooves twitching, and his body crying out for relief which would not be found anytime soon. Applejack was too far gone, her orgasm coming up quickly due to just how good the abused stallion's throat had become over the last several minutes.
Another kick, and another increase in both pleasure and pain, this time it reached a level that the stallion had never before imagined, and as his poor testicles pulsed in pain, they also began to twitch as seed suddenly exploded up his shaft. The orgasm was as painful as it was pleasurable, his watery seed shooting out with enough force to startle the earth pony he was strapped to.
"You got it!" Applejack replied suddenly, eyes wide as realization suddenly dawned on her. "Why don't you go and show Big Mac, I think he was in the south orchard."
"Really?" Applebloom gasped. "Okay!'
The filly turned and bolted away, vanishing into the trees mere seconds later, her form swallowed up by the flora that filled the farm. The second she disappeared completely, Applejack nearly crumpled into a heap, the orgasm she had been desperate to hold off suddenly arriving with explosive force. She knew she had gotten caught up in the moment, her mind too awash with lust to truly understand what she may have accidentally done, but now that she was given a moment of reprieve from that pleasure and allowed to fully see what she did, she was ashamed, but unable to process that right now.
She was cumming, and hard, harder still then even Lucky Doo's surprisingly powerful ejaculation of seed, which was still going even still. Applejack would have been surprised, or impressed by this fact, but she was too far gone, the grip of her orgasm holding her tight in it's grasp.
The stallion's entire body seemed to pulse with pain intermingled with a pleasure the likes of which he had never before experienced. So strange was the feeling that it almost felt rather alien, as if it was so different from the normal physical pleasure that it nearly felt like something else entirely. Whatever the cause or the reason, it had made him cum, and cum hard, in more than one way no less.
He seemed to produce a lot more seed then normal, and also came a lot harder than usual, but the act was also strangely painful with each pulse and twitch of his shaft sending another lightning bolt of agony through his body. This interplay of pain and pleasure seemed to intermingle to the point that the stallion could no longer tell the difference from one feeling to the other.
So copious was his cum that his belly felt wet, nearly sopping so, his watery seed clinging to his and Applejack's coat. It even began to drip down the sides, and fell to the earth, pooling in a small pond that grew beneath them.
Applejack's hoof trembled and fell, landing on a knee and barely keeping herself from toppling over completely. The orgasm she had was so powerful that it seemed to rob her of her very strength. Unfortunately for Lucky Doo it was her back left hoof that had fallen, meaning he found himself accidentally dragged down her shaft, her face pressed firmly against her sack, and every last inch of mare dick rammed firmly down his throat.
The stallion sputtered, a globule of futa seed spurting past his lips and landing in the pool of seed that grew around their hooves. Her orgasm was simply too strong, too powerful, that it filled his stomach to the absolute limit and then some, his belly straining to contain it all.
Thankfully his orgasm didn't seem to last much longer, leaving him only with the dull throb of his injured sack, and the powerful twitching of Applejack's cock which continued to paint his insides with cum. This seemed to go on for much longer then normal, until nearly a minute later the apple farmer finally breathed a sigh of relief and stood on all four hooves once more. The mare took a long, ragged breath, placing a hoof against her chest and steadying her wild heart beat.
"Are you alright Lucky?" She asked, a hint of nervousness worming it's way into her tone.
The stallion tapped yes on her side, prompting the futa mare to sigh in relief.
"Okay, I'm gonna unstrap you, give me a second." Applejack kneeled immediately and got to work removing the many straps that bound their forms together.
Moving with a haste bordering on desperation, the earth pony made short work of the straps, and she tossed the entire ensemble to the side. Walking back slowly, the mare slowly pulled her cock from the depths of the stallion's body, until finally even her half hard head slipped out of her lips. Immediately she was on him, hooves running across his slimy, cum covered cock and bruised, balls.
"How bad does it hurt?" Applejack asked nervously.
Lucky Door sputtered weakly for a moment before stopping himself and swallowing the spit and seed that clung to the inside of his throat. The garbled mess of sound that came next did little to help Applejack's guilt and her already down trodden features fell even further.
After a moment more of sputtering, wherein Lucky finally seemed to find his voice, the stallion finally spoke clearly for the first time in what felt like forever. "I'm okay, really. It just hurts... a lot."
Applejack winced, an apology already on her lips. "I'm so sorry Lucky, it's just you seemed to enjoy it at first, and it felt so good that I..." The mare stopped herself, her shoulders falling. "I'm sorry Lucky."
The stallion smiled weakly despite the still throbbing pain coming from between his legs. "If we are both being honest, I kinda liked it to." He winced suddenly, a hoof going down to his still tender sack. "Even if it hurts, a lot."
Applejack sighed, her gaze falling, no longer able to look her friend in the eye. "I'm so sorry Lucky, is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
"Well..." Lucky smirked, tapping his chin as he lay on the cold ground. "There is one thing."
Applejack gasped, gripping the stallion's hoof in her own. "Anything."
"It seems only fair that since we got into this whole thing because of an accident that began when one of us got caught up in the moment, that it also end with such a moment." Lucky Doo chuckled, only to wince when the movement made another spike of pain to lance through his brain.
Applejack lifted an eyebrow, releasing the stallion's hoof and taking a step back. "What do you mean exactly?"
"Well, when I fucked up you got a week of me, I just want an hour or two of you." Lucky replied, smirking at Applejack's shock filled face.
"Well I'll be..." Applejack slowly shook her head. "I suppose it is fair isn't it. What did you have in mind?"
Lucky Doo chuckled and leaned closer, whispering into the mare's ear.
Applejack's face ran the gamut of confusion, to arousal, back to confusion, and finally confused acceptance. "Well I'll be, is that all you wanna do?"
Lucky Doo blushed hard, shrugging his shoulders. "It is kinda weird..." He tapped his hooves together nervously, anticipating the inevitable denial and walking back of Applejack's offer.
The mare however, merely shrugged. "Certainly not my cup a tea, but hey. After Applebloom turned your apples into applesauce I figured I owe you that much at least."
"Yes!" Lucky Doo yelled, pumping a hoof into the air.
Applejack merely chuckled and shook her head. "Now roll onto your stomach, yer in no shape to walk the rest of the way back to the house."
Lucky Doo did as he was told. "Your not thinking of carrying me are you?"
"Course I am." Applejack replied nonchalantly. "I don't want you falling before we make it all the way back. You'd pop like a balloon."
"I would not." Lucky Doo replied with a pout, crossing his arms over his chest.
The earth pony rolled her eyes and scooped up the stallion and deposited him on her back, ignoring his frantic wiggles entirely. "Oh don't be such a baby, now get comfortable, and try not to leak all over the place."
Lucky Doo pouted viciously, but still did as the mare said, letting his wings fall slack against his sides as the earth pony easily shouldered his weight and while making her way back to the barn, the belts and buckles that made up the apparatus tucked under one limb. On the mare's back, Lucky Doo smiled despite the still throbbing pain coming from his bruised balls. His day may not have gone perfectly, but in the end he had gotten something truly worth his suffering, and though his bloated stomach made it difficult to get comfortable on the mare's back, his smile grew to encompass his entire face.
This is going to be good. He thought to himself. |
Debts | Chapter 6 | Lucky Doo sat at the entrance to the barn, so excited that he was nearly bouncing from hoof to hoof in anticipation. The pain from the day before was all but gone, thanks to a sympathetic Big Mac who had been quick to give him a cold ice pack and a stiff drink. He wasn't usually a booze drinker, but it had helped to take the edge off things, while still tasting surprisingly good. The older stallion had also given Applejack quite the stink eye for a little while after that.
A fact that made Lucky Doo strangely warm inside, like he had become part of the family over the last week. In the end he had made it clear to the other stallion that he had forgiven her, and that they had come to an agreement.
To which Big Mac said simply. "Keep it to the barn, I have a lady friend coming over."
Lucky Doo and Applejack had agreed, of course, and Lucky Doo spun around and double checked that everything was ready and in position.
A small lumpy old mattress had been laid on the ground, next to a small bottle of water which was being saved for when Applejack finished up, along with a towel, some lube, and several condoms, though he doubted any of those last things would get used. Applejack didn't need to worry about knocking up the porr stallion's ass, and Lucky Doo loved cock far more than anything else.
Still, it was better to be prepared, plus he was considering the possibility of making Applejack wear the condom when they fucked. Not out of any desire to not have a hot steaming load of futa cum dropped in his small intestine, but rather he was genuinely curious if even the xxl condoms could even take one of Applejack's loads.
The stallion imagined holding up one of the condoms that was filled with the mare's seed, the plastic having grown to the point that it no longer even resembled a condom.
Shaking his head, Lucky Doo pushed that thought away and resumed his nervous hoof shifting, staring out the barn door and into the field beyond. The afternoon sun was warm and pleasant, and there was a soft breeze that perfectly curtailed the heat of the sun. Neither of these things interested the stallion, as he had eyes for one thing, and one thing only.
Applejack.
Who was rapidly approaching from the eastern side, panting hard with exhaustion as her powerful hooves pumped vigorously. Sweat poured down her sides, her fur having become slick with moisture to the point that it was a matted mass.
Lucky Doo couldn't resist the sight, and he nearly pranced in place as he saw her coming closer.
Though he could see her coming from a good distance, she moved so quickly that in mere moments the stallion could hear the thunder of her hooves. Though now that he thought about it, he wasn't sure if that was her hooves, or his heart. Either way it didn't matter, as his plan was about to reach fruition.
"Did you have a good run, Applejack?" He asked as the mare trotted up to the stallion.
Applejack stopped, took off her hat and wiped her brow before smiling down at the feminine stallion. "I'm not really sure why you asked me to go for a jog, but I gotta say it was kinda nice. I haven't gone out for a run in ages."
Lucky Doo eagerly rubbed his hooves together, his gaze lingering on her sweaty body, unable to look away from her perfect curves or the way her matted fur clung to said curves. "Oh you'll see." He replied cryptically.
"Err okay." Applejack shrugged. "I ain't exactly opposed to having a little fun after a jog, you know. Not sure why you'd use your payback on that."
Lucky Doo shook his head. "Oh you'll fuck me, but first I had something else planned."
The earth pony raised an eyebrow at the stallion as she walked into the barn. "What did you have in mind? You weren't exactly clear last night."
"Don't worry about that part, just go lay down and let me handle everything else." Lucky Doo replied, gesturing to the mattress he had laid out.
Applejack merely shrugged and walked inside, making her way over to the mattress before flopping down on her side. "Now what?" She asked, shooting him a look over her shoulder.
"You lay there and let me do what I want." Lucky replied as he trotted over to her.
"Err, which is what, exactly?" Applejack muttered, eying him carefully.
"I'm just gonna help clean you up after a long run, is all."
"Oookay then." Applejack shrugged, letting herself relax a little more as she lay on her side, though she kept one eye on the stallion.
Whom settled down on the floor next to the bed and leaned forward, only to stop when he noticed just how tense Applejack still was. "Would you chill out? I'm not going to do anything too weird."
The mare snorted derisively. "It would help if ya gave me a little bit more to go on."
Lucky Doo shrugged. "I'm going to do a whole lot of this." He said, before leaning closer and running his tongue along the mare's outstretched hoof, paying close attention to the innermost part.
Applejack shivered from head to hoof, surprised by the strange action, and the equally strange reaction. It felt oddly good, and though there was a part of her mind that was screaming about how weird it all was, the odd pleasure overwhelmed that feeling entirely. At the end of it, she was left looking down at the stallion as he licked his lips and in turn looked up at her.
"Well, that was something." She muttered.
"A good something?" He asked.
The earth pony shrugged. "It wasn't so bad, so what your gonna do more of that?"
"If you don't mind that is." Lucky Doo replied, biting his lip.
"I guess." She remarked.
The stallion didn't need anymore prompting and eagerly got to work on her hoof, cleaning it free of the sweat that stained it. After that he turned to other hooves, cleaning them in turn, paying close attention to the mare's face as it seemed to twist in confusion, the pony unable to figure out if she was enjoying herself or not.
Lucky meanwhile, was in a world of his own, and he breathed deeply and constantly, inhaling her potent scent to the point that it was all he could smell. A shudder ran down his spine and he silently wished she would always smell like this, but that was a wish he knew would not come true.
Turning back to the task at hoof, the eager stallion continued to work his way up her legs, paying close attention to the grooves that were made by the flexing of Applejack's powerful muscles. His tongue glided across her soft skin over and over, until finally he neared her thighs, wherein he stopped and looked up at his partner. Excitement seemed to flash in her eyes, and in an instant Lucky Doo knew she was enjoying herself, though he doubted she was taking quite as much pleasure from this as he was.
With a shrug he continued higher, before stopping for a moment at her thighs in order to appreciate just how beautiful she truly was. It was almost criminal, now that he thought about it, between the way her thighs were so smooth, and perfect, while still being as powerful as they were. He would have cursed his lot in life, had he desired such a physicality for himself, but that was not the case, and Lucky Doo was merely happy to be able to worship such perfection.
His tongue ran up the mare's thigh in a single, long motion gliding across her matted fur and the smooth texture of her perfectly toned thigh.
He repeated this action several more times until he felt as though he had gotten every inch of her thighs with his tongue. Then he moved lower still, noting the way Applejack's smile had grown considerably since they began, and now sat proudly on her features. With hope blooming in his chest, Lucky Doo moved onto the part that he knew Applejack would enjoy the most as she was quite the sucker for someone who gave her family jewels some well deserved attention.
Lowering himself down between her legs, Lucky Doo quickly got to work, pressing his muzzle against her mammoth testicles. Breathing heavily through his nose, Lucky Doo drunk deep of the mare's potent scent, letting the musky smell fill him to the brim before reluctantly pulling back, a shudder coursing down his spine. They were just so big, and round and despite the fact that they had dumped a load down his throat only an hour earlier, they were as impressive as ever. Which was one reason he so loved lavishing them in attention.
Leaning forward he extended his tongue and ran it across the surface of her sack, paying close attention to every bump and groove that graced that part of the mare's physiology. A shuddering moan coming from Applejack was all he needed to hear and he eagerly dove deeper still, pressing his lips against her balls before popping one into his mouth and suckling gently at it. As he did he ran his tongue across her skin, paying close attention to lavish every inch in love before reluctantly pulling back and letting it fall from his lips.
Lucky paused and glanced up at the mare, noting the way her cock twitched and her chest heaved, the small tell tale signs of enjoyment sticking out even as Applejack tried to hide them. With a smile on his lips, Lucky Doo went back down and did the same thing to her other testicle before switching back and forth. Then, on a whim borne of passion, Lucky Doo dared to try and take both and only barely managing such a feat, her balls so large that the act was a difficult one, and for a moment he didn't think he could do it. With a pop, the other slid in next to it's sister, filling Lucky Doo's mouth so utterly that his cheeks bulged and his tongue was forced to lay flat against the bottom of her mouth.
The stallion remained there for a merely a minute, merely suckling, and putting as much of his attention and love as he could into the act. Until finally he pulled back and let the heavy testicles slip from his lips before laying once more between the mare's legs. Applejack sighed in both relief and pleasure, confused by just how good it had all felt, yet strangely disappointed that he had stopped.
That wouldn't last for long though, as the stallion stopped, and raised an eyebrow, surprised by what he had only now noticed. Leaning a little closer, the stallion peered between the mare's legs and to where her small, bud like breasts were. It was difficult to see due to the angle and the sheer dominance of the mare's cock, but Lucky had been sure he had seen a dribble of something white.
A thought that was proved true when he gently lifted her leg and got a good view of her above average breasts that were leaking a steady supply of apple scented milk. "Applejack, are you lactating?" He asked curiously, glancing up at her.
The earth pony blushed, awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck. "Err, yeah. It's apparently a side effect of the spell. Twilight tried to explain it to me, but all I got out of it is that my muscles are overactive and that somehow translates to lactating."
Lucky Doo licked his lips. "Do you mind if I...?" He asked nervously while gesturing to her breasts.
The mare blushed profusely and looked away. "I mean if you want. It is your turn to be in charge after all."
The stallion grinned. "Okay, just lean a little to your right."
Applejack did as she was told, allowing the stallion enough room to move her mammoth cock out of the way and get a good view at where his goal lay. What he saw made him stop and smile, as surprised by the sudden change as he was turned on by it.
Licking his lips, Lucky Doo eagerly dove in, pressing his lips against one of the breasts, kissing the small nipple before licking up the milk that had already dribbled forth. This time, When Applejack moaned it was a deep, and primal rumble of pleasure that came straight from her diaphragm. The rumble that came forth was a surprisingly loud one, which put a smile on the stallion's lips.
Pressing his lips tight against the mare's teet, Lucky Doo began to suck hard and long, pulling forth a deep mouthful of apple flavored breast milk. It would have been strange if it was anyone else, but by now Lucky had grown so used to the fact that every part of Applejack was tinged by the scent or taste of apples that it didn't even surprise him. It did add a slight sweet tinge to the milk though, making the otherwise average milk a certain spice to it that made him desperate for more.
The scent of milk hitting his nose made him stop just as he was about to continue to suck, and he planted a hoof against his forehead when he realized he had nearly forgotten all about her other teet. Switching to the other nipple gained him another bout of milk that filled his mouth to the absolute brim before being swallowed down and added to the litres and litres of white liquid already swirling around in his stomach.
Back and forth he went over and over, until finally she didn't seem to have anymore left in her, and in his attempts to get more endEd in disappointment. At that point he realized just how much he had drank, sparking a blush and forcing him to pull back and notice the fact that his stomach had gained it's now familiar slosh.
Applejack merely shook her head at the sight, the blush that had grown across her cheeks becoming so bright that it lit up her face. Lucky Doo blushed similiarily, only his was masked by a still healthy and ever present lust for what he had planned next. With a smirk on his face, the stallion pulled back, wiped his lips and let out an unexpectedly loud belch.
"Yeesh, I know we are getting dirty out here, but you could at least cover your mouth." Applejack replied snarkily, holding back back a giggle.
Lucky Doo rolled his eyes. "Oh whatever, miss belches loudly and pounds her chest whenever she drinks cider."
The mare and the stallion glared at one another before they broke out in laughter, with Applejack shaking her head. "Your the worst."
"Yeah at being the worst." He shot back, with a smirk.
This time it was Applejack's turn to roll her eyes and she pushed herself up on her elbow. "So, what's next Lucky?"
"Well, I was thinking next I could get a tit job, but-" He held up a hoof for emphasis. "I get to do all the work."
"Alright." She muttered, shrugging and laying back down. "I guess you want me on my back then eh?"
"Yes please."
Applejack did as she was told and rolled over onto her back, the lumpy mattress actually aiding her and keeping the pony from rolling back over onto her side. "Now what?"
"Now you quit being so damn impatient." Lucky Doo remarked poking the mare in the side. "Just lay back, and trust me."
The earth pony grumbled but did as she was told once more, relaxing her tight muscles and leaning back on the mattress, merely watching Lucky as he hopped onto her belly. With a deftness that the mare would not have guessed was coming, Lucky managed to wiggle his fat butt under her cock and slide backwards. By the end of it Lucky was sitting right between the mare's cock and her tits, using the mammoth cock as a backrest as his comparatively small dick rested between her tits.
Applejack licked her lips, rather intrigued by this development and waiting eagerly for what the stallion had in mind next. It was perhaps, no surprise when he wiggled his butt, getting a better position while maneuvering his cock into position and nestling it perfectly between her breasts. Lucky himself was all smiles, the feeling of her cock pulsing and twitching against his back being almost as erotic as his own dick resting between the mare's teets.
Looking down, Lucky noticed that Applejack was enjoying herself quite a bit as well, and she wore a wide blush and an equally wide smile, her eyes glued to Lucky's dick. Not one to make his partners wait for long, Lucky gripped the mare's tits and pressed them together, the fatty tissue just barely enough to wrap around his cock. A little squeeze and it felt almost as good as the blowjob Applejack had given him nearly a week ago, though not quite as good as that.
"Mmm." Applejack moaned, her hooves twitching as she waited for what came next.
Having seen the look on his friend's face, Lucky Doo began to slide back and forth, pushing his cock in and out of her tits. While this was happening he also extended his wings slightly, using the delicate muscles near the base of which to hold on to Applejack's cock and keep it wedged along his back. Meaning that with every motion he was not only squeezing his cock between the mare's tits but he was also able to give a rather haphazard wing job.
The ensuing glob of precum that erupted from the mare's shaft and dribbled down his back told him all he needed to go, and with that in mind, Lucky began to move a little faster. He also began to shift his wings up and down, while also pressing a little firmer on the mare's breasts, nothing painful, but still another added layer of pleasure that Applejack seemed to enjoy.
Back and forth, over and over the stallion moved, his hips quickly learning just how deep Applejack's tits were while also learning just how much he could work the mare's cock with his back, ass and wings. In no time at all the two ponies had fallen into an acceptable rhythm, with each part moving their hips in time with the other. Every once and a while Applejack's cock would spurt another globule of pre that would cascade down Lucky's back, matting the stallion's fur. While this was happening a thin trickle of milk now coated Lucky's hooves and Applejack's chest, add to that the fact that the stallion's own prick was spurting out it's own weak pre and the two ponies were quickly a mess of pre and sweat.
Not like either seemed to mind, with Applejack not noticing or not caring, while Lucky actively reveled in this aspect of their love making, shuddering each time another blob of pre ran down his back. "How is it?" Lucky asked while continuing to fuck the mare's tits at a fairly rapid pace.
Applejack smiled. "It's surprisingly nice, though something tells me what when I cum there is going to be quite the mess."
Lucky Doo smiled twice as wide. "I'm counting on it."
"You naughty stallion you." Applejack remarked with a chuckle. "I should have known."
Lucky shot his friend a wink, before throwing himself into the act, moving his hips faster and faster, a pace the rest of his body was easily able to maintain. Soon enough Applejack couldn't even keep up, and instead choose to simply lay there as the stallion had first said, becoming little more than a passive participant. Which was perfect for Lucky, as he could feel his own orgasm begin to grow in the back of his mind and he wondered if he should try and hold it off or merely fall into it.
Just as he was considering merely cumming whenever he wanted, he noticed how his friend's hooves began to twitch a little harder, her entire body shuddering occasionally. Combine that with the way that her cock also twitched needfully, while erupting occasionally with a great blob of precum and Lucky knew it wouldn't be much longer for her either. Thus, without words being said, he grinned wide and pushed himself to go faster still.
His body yearned for release, his small balls being squished between him and the mare, but even that little spike of pleasure wasn't enough to convince the stallion to let go quite yet. She was close, and he was determined to make this as good as possible for and maybe even earn himself a nice cum shower.
Pressing back a bit firmer, he wedged the mare's cock firmly between his flanks and adding another layer of pleasure. Meanwhile he stopped moving his hips entirely and wiggled his back, focusing on her pleasure while squeezing and kneading Applejack's tits as moved them back and forth along his dick. The effect was immediate and pronounced, with Applejack moaning louder than ever, her entire body seemingly readying itself for her ejaculation and beginning to spasm occasionally.
After nearly a week spent servicing the mare's every sexual desire, Lucky knew well the signs of her orgasm, and he pushed himself as much as he could. His ass squeezed a little harder, his wings worked a little further, as his hooves gripped and squeezed her nipples, remembering something he had learned on tuesday when he had played with her tits a little.
Her balls churned with seed, telling Lucky that she was mere moments away from a powerful eruption of seed. No longer holding back, he released the hold his teeth held on his bottom lip, his moan growing in volume and mixing with Applejack's own panting moans. The stallion pushed himself one last time, adding on just a bit more pleasure to the already powerful wave of lust that washed over them both.
Sure enough, he could take no more, and as if on cue, neither could Applejack, her mouth opening wide as she moaned long and hard. Lucky Doo smile faded as his entire body shuddered, his cock beginning to erupt with seed, splashing his tiny load between the mare's breasts and making her stomach a cummy mess.
Not to be outdone, Applejack's own orgasm arrived with a shudder, and slightly high pitched moan, one that she only made when she was enjoying herself quite a bit. Lucky Doo smiled to himself as he felt the first pulse of her cock, which exploded over them like an erupting volcano, raining down potent mare seed over the two of them. By the time the second pulse arrived, Lucky felt as though he was covered from head to hoof in cum, something that initially surprised him, only for the stallion to remember just how much Applejack seemed to be able to produce.
The mare herself wasn't able to escape this rain of cum either though, and her fur was covered almost as much as Lucky's was. Great white blobs of seed were splattered all over the room, and a glance up told Lucky that a few stray blobs had even managed to reach the lowest struts that held up the barn roof. He would have laughed at the sight, but a great blob of seed caught his eye, and he watched it fall directly into Applejack's open mouth.
The earth pony's eyes went wide and she smirked, grabbing Lucky around the neck and pulling him for a deep kiss that saw her load pushed into his mouth. Having seen this coming, Lucky Doo eagerly accepted it all, swallowing it down and being surprised when Applejack continued to hold the kiss even as the last dregs of her orgasm petered out and seed rained down all around them.
Their tongues intermingled, touching, caressing, one another before pulling back, and doing it all over again. The delicate dance of passion played out across the pony's mouths until finally they had both long since finished orgasming, and the only sound left in the room was their own panting moans.
Applejack was the first to pull back, and she looked at Lucky with a pleasant, yet surprised expression. "Well I'll be, that was pretty good Lucky."
Lucky Doo grinned from ear to ear. "Thanks Applejack. You weren't so bad yourself. I'm surprised your tits were big enough for that."
The earth pony shrugged. "Guess all that milk made em bigger than usual."
"Guess so." Lucky Doo replied, before suddenly perking up and realizing that he was still sitting on her. "Oh, sorry Applejack."
Applejack merely shrugged. "No big. Now would you mind cleanin us up?"
"Hey I thought I was in charge here!" Lucky Doo replied back in mock shock.
Rolling her eyes, Applejack looked up at the stallion and raised an eyebrow, as if asking "really now?" with nothing more than an look.
"Yeah your probably right." Lucky admitted with a shrug. "Besides, It's not like I was going to do that anyway."
Applejack rolled her eyes and gestured down to her cum coated body and ending at her stomach, wherein Lucky's load remained on her stomach. "Well, hop to it now."
"Yes ma'am." Lucky replied instantly.
The stallion got to work in seconds, leaning down and using his tongue to scoop up seed and swallow it down. As opposed to before where he took several long minutes to clean the mare's body, this time he went a little quicker, not wanting to waste any cum which may fall on the ground. Working from Applejack's tits, up to her chest and around her crotch was easily done, but it took a little longer to get the rest of her body, but when he had he noticed that they were both perfectly hard, their cocks twitching with need. By then they were both more or less clean of seed, save for Lucky's dick and a few spots he couldn't quite reach.
Without prompting, Applejack pushed the stallion down to the ground and loomed over, her powerful form easily dwarfing his own. No words needed to be said, both parties already knowing exactly what was about to happen, and as Applejack's mouth neared the stallion's cock, that idea was confirmed.
The earth pony wrapped her lips around the male's cock and quickly traveled down his aching length, cleaning his cock and swallowing down the seed she found. As she pulled back Lucky expected her to keep going until his prick popped out of her mouth, now perfectly clean. When that didn't happen, he gasped in surprise, his balls roughly being squeezed by the mare's powerful hooves.
The combination of the hot, tight passage wrapped around his prick, and the vice like grip she held over his balls was an insanely pleasurable one and the stallion felt his orgasm suddenly rocket to the forefront of his thoughts. Between the teasing, and the way he had been forced to clean the mare's person with nothing but his tongue, Lucky had already been on the edge, but with this extra dose of pleasure he knew he wouldn't last long.
This time he didn't hold back, didn't try to enjoy the moment, and merely let himself go, meaning he came in a matter of seconds, his cock twitching as it filled the mare's mouth to the brim. His wings twitched weakly, a massive smile spreading across his face as Lucky simply laid there and basked in the afterglow.
When Applejack's face suddenly appeared before his own, he knew what was coming, and he met it eagerly, meeting the mare half way and allowing her to feed him his own cum. This time they didn't remain their for long, with the mare pushing his cum into the stallion's mouth and kissing for a few more seconds before pulling back and wiping her lips.
"That was pretty good." She remarked.
"Maybe we could do it again sometime?" Lucky Doo asked nervously.
Applejack tapped her chin, deep in thought. "I suppose." She shrugged. "But only if you let me use you as a cock sock for an entire day first."
"Deal." Lucky extended his hoof, which was quickly bumped by the mare, before it reached out and pulled him up into a standing position.
"What next Lucky Doo?" Applejack asked, dusting herself off.
"Well I was thinking maybe..." His voice trailed off as a devilish idea wormed into his thoughts. |
Debts | Chapter 7 | Monday was not a pleasant day, and even the golden sun burning bright over her head did little to deter Twilight's unpleasant mood. As if accidentally giving her friend a dick hadn't been enough but the studius mare also hadn't been able to dispel it easily. Sure she had tried all the usual things, yet there it had remained, as thick, beautiful and real as ever. Even know, over a week since this entire thing began it was there.
That would all change now however, as Twilight Sparkle ran through town, a scroll levitating behind her as she dodged and weaved through carts and groups of ponies. "Sorry!" She yelled, narrowly missing two young ponies she had barely noticed.
"Hey watch it!" A parent yelled as Twilight leapt over her shopping bag.
"Sorry!" Twilight yelled again, her hooves galloping hard as she made her way through the market.
The unicorn cursed under her breath, wishing she had figured it out an hour or two ago so she didn't have to maneuver through the market during the busy afternoon crowd. Careening around a corner Twilight looked left and right, her gaze scanning the crowd in search of the one pony she wanted to see more than any other. "Aha!" She announced excitedly. "There you are."
Across the market, in a relatively secluded spot, sat Applejack, her hat low on her head, her attention down something that lay just beneath her apple stall. Not thinking anything of it, Twilight bolted over there and ultimately teleporting the last few feet when a dou of moving ponies threatened to cut off her rout with a large sectional held in their grip. Appearing before the cart with a crack, bang, Twilight startled her friend out of whatever she was doing.
"Who, what where..." Applejack sighed as her eyes met Twilight's. "Oh, hey Twilight. Need some apples?"
"Nope!" Twilight all but yelled, waving the scroll in her friend's face. "This time I got what you need."
"Did you buy me a new mattress? Cus that certainly doesn't look like no mattress I ever seen." Applejack remarked, eyeing up the floating scroll filled with arcane symbols.
"What, no. Why would I buy you a mattress?" Twilight asked.
Applejack shrugged. "Well it's about the only thing I need right now. Can't think of nothin else you can help me with."
Twilight groaned. "Your dick remember? It's a counter spell! I finally figured it out."
The earth pony shrugged. "Don't bother."
"D-don't bother?" Twilight all but shouted. "What are you talking about Applejack? Your a mare, mares aren't supposed to... well okay some do, but not you specifically."
Applejack grunted, her face growing tight a moment before she was able to push the strange expression from her face. "T-that's real nice of you." Applejack muttered before suddenly letting out a low moan. "But you don't need to do that."
Twilight eyed her friend up and down, noticing that most of her lower half was hidden behind the cart. "Err, are you okay?" She asked, watching as Applejack's flush face suddenly drained of color.
"I'm fine, just got a bit of a uh... stomach ache." The farm pony blushed and rubbed her stomach in an exaggerated motion. "Yeah that's right, Apple Bloom tried to cook again, and well you know how that goes."
"Err not really." Twilight murmured, before giving a shrug of her own. "But what do you mean you don't want it gone? I thought you hated it."
"It er, grew on me?" Applejack offered weakly. "Really Twilight it's finE!" She shouted suddenly, only to look down and shoot a dirty look at something just out of sight.
Twilight lifted an eyebrow and tried to look over the cart. "What's going on back there anyway?"
"N-nothing, take these!" Applejack yelled suddenly, thrusting a bag of apples into the unicorn's hooves. "As thanks for trying to take of this thing."
"Are you sure-" Twilight began, only for Applejack to push a little firmer.
"Totally sure, now you go on and get back to the library, I'm sure you put off a ton of projects and whatnot while you were trying to fix this whole thing."
"Well I did put off reorganizing the south wing..." Twilight murmured, tuning away only to stop and look at her friend over her shoulder. "Are you sure your okay with this?"
Applejack's eye twitched. "Totally sure!" She shouted, her voice raising a few octaves near the end.
"Alright..." Twilight murmured. "If you ever change your mind I'll keep the counterspell on hoof."
"Thanks Twi!" Applejack yelled, before suddenly slumping as her friend trotted away. "I told you to wait a second." She hissed.
Lucky Doo giggled, wiping the cum from his lips and swallowing it down. "Sorry AJ, what can I say, I'm a slut for your cum."
"Your just a slut in general." Applejack shot back with a snicker.
The stallion shrugged. "True, but that goes doubly true for you."
"Well ain't you just the sweetest thing." Applejack began, only for her eyes to light up. "You better get back to it, cus I see old lady Tabernacle and she loves to try and barter."
"On it boss!" Lucky Doo replied with a salute, diving back down and swallowing he mare's length in a single swift motion.
Applejack sighed contently, a blissful smile crossing her face. "That's the stuff." |
Every Day Life with Pony Girls | pre | "HIP-HIP-HOORAY!"
"Never mind..." The young man sighed.
"Hello, do you folks need help?" The crowd turned to see the local mountain rangers in their green uniforms approaching. They were relieved they that help had found them so quickly as the rangers went into the crowd asking questions and giving aid to anyone who was injured. Then one approached Pinkie and Spike to check on them.
"Excuse me are you too alright?" He asked
"Yeah, I think we're good, how about you Pinkie?"
"I'm A-okay thanks to you Spike," She said cuddling up to the young man much to the rangers amusement
"Good to here, hey Pinkie don't you want to take off your pony costume?" He asked noticing she still had it on.
"*giggle*..Silly Spike, I'm not wearing any costume I'm actually a pony girl."
"Wait...what? You're a pony girl?"
"Yeseire Sweetie!"
"Then....where's your host? They should have been with you this whole while."
"Oh their probably at the morgue by now," She waved it off.
"Huh!-the morgue!? Pinkie...did you k-kill your..."
"Of course not don't be silly, their morticians and their soooooo boring" The girl explained.
"I see, well little lady that's gonna be a problem. See there's a law that says if you leave your hosts then I as a law enforcer have to take you in to my department and process you until you return. But after a stunt like this we just might just deport you back if the law calls for it." The officer informed the two.
"What? But I don't want to go I just met someone I really like," She said latching both arms to Spike pressing her bust into his chest.
"Ahem....officer surely there's something we can work out here; she doesn't deserve to get sent back for this." Spike pleaded.
"Sorry sir but that's the law, unless you get special authorization I can't let her go, so I'm afraid I'll have to take her into custody."
"That won't be necessary officer! This man does half special clearance," A familiar voice said. The three turned around to see Agent Sunset who came seemingly out of nowhere holding a piece of paper with clear details of Pinkies host transfer to Spike.
An hour later....
Twilight had been worried all day, when Spike had been kidnapped she had frozen almost completely still for a few minutes before she realized that she was breaking the law without Spike nearby. She ran home and probably called the authorities a million times to tell them about what happed but no one had come to tell her anything.
"Oh Bae...where are you?" She asked herself in worry.
"Twilight I'm home," She heard the familiar voice of her hopefully soon to be lover call out.
"Spike?!" She yelled as she raced from the living room to the front door. Hearing the sound of his voice made her heart jump for joy, but when she arrived her joy was replaced with...confusion. Standing at the door was her handsome, caring and hard working host, he was also with Agent sunset but that wasn't what was stopping her from going over there and planting his face with several kisses, no it was the fact that there was a poofy pink haired earth pony girl seemingly glued to Spikes arm and....purring?
"Um...Bea, who is that?" she asked feeling slightly hurt.
"Uh Twi this is Pinkie Pie, she's going to be living with us from now on," He said with a nervous smile.
".....Im sorry what? I don't think I heard you right," she said scratching her head.
"Oh you heard right Princess Sparkle," Agent Sunset said stepping in. "You see I've assigned Mrs. Pie here to Spike because every time we get her a host she runs off in search of a party, but now from what I observe she'll be willing to stay as long as it's with him," The government Agent finished.
"W-what! But I thought Humans were only allowed to have one inter-dimensional guest!" The Princess exclaimed.
"Actually Princess Sparkle there is no law that says that, we just try to limit it to one but since Spike takes so good care of you we figured....why not?"
"That's right! Its gonna be you me and cupcake!" Pinkie said speaking for the first time since they arrived while continuing to cuddle up to Spike making him blush.
"Wait, why did you call him cupcake?" Twilight asked in rage.
" Well cupcakes are my favorite treat and now Spike is my favorite person so I just added one and one together princess Twilight, I thought some one as smart as you could handle basic math like that giggle...Oh my names Pinkie by the way, nice to meet you!" She said giving her a friendly wave.
Twilights eye simply twitched after hearing what she had to say.
"Well you seem to have everything under control here Spike, I'll leave you and your friends alone...and remember, don't do anything I wouldn't do," She winked at him before exiting.
"Well alright, I guess I'll get dinner started. Come on Pinkie I'll show you around first, Twi just wait in the living room for a bit I'll get you alright?" With that Spike left to show his new roommate where she would be staying and left Twilight by herself.
Twilight stood there not really sure what to make of what had just happened, but she knew one thing, she didn't like this, no sir. Not.One.Bit. |
Every Day Life with Pony Girls | An Apple for Today (Edited by Julian the Dreamer) | *Yawn* Came the sound from Twilight's mouth as she woke up for another beautiful day of living with her sweetheart. She hadn't opened her eyes yet so she could enjoy a few more minutes in her Bae's room as she wrapped both arms around his body. She suddenly felt the arm she was sleeping on wrap around her back invitingly. She was kind of surprised as he didn't usually do anything like that when she slept in his bed, but it wasn't unwelcomed in the slightest. Instead she decided to not look a gift horse in the mouth and laid her head on his chest to see if she could just enjoy it a bit longer. As she laid her head on his broad chest the softness of it was almost too much to bear as she nearly went back to sleep. There was however one problem, his chest has never been this soft...
"Hmmm?" The Equestrian Princess made a curious noise in her sleep as she began to run her arms up and down his body; instead of the usually toned and well defined muscles she'd feel when she cuddled with him, she felt smooth curves and soft skin. "*Sniff...Sniff*" suddenly a sugary sweet scent rushed into her lungs so quick it burned. She was in shock for a few seconds until she realized just where she had noticed these features the day before. Her eyes began to slowly open to get answers only to be blinded by the huge, pearly white smile of a wide awake Pinkie Pie.
"Eeeeeeek!" She squeaked in surprise as she jumped back to get a full look at her.
"Morning Twilight, I didn't know you were such a cuddler." The Pink haired menace greeted her. Twilight observed as she got up; she was wearing a pair of pink yoga pants and a baby blue tank top that matched her eyes.
"P-Pinkie! What are you doing in here?" She asked as she got up wearing her usual lavender night gown. She looked around the room for her closest companion to ask him why the latest addition to their household was in his bed, receiving the affection he should be basking in.
"Oh, I saw Cupcake leave early this morning to go do some shopping, and then I noticed you all alone in his room moving your arm around like a baby looking for its stuffed animal. So I decided to come in here and keep you company, you're really good at cuddling by the way," She complimented.
"So... he went to the store?"
"Yeserie sweetie."
"Well, did he say when he'd be back?"
On the road
"*sigh*... iI feels good to get some peace and quiet," Spike said to himself as he walked out of the store carrying bags full of groceries for himself and his house mates. As he walked he enjoyed the peace of the early morning, something he had taken for granted before his housemates came along. Now, it wasn't that Spike didn't like Twilight or Pinkie; it was just that they had really started to shake things up in his normally boring home. "I hope those two are alright on their own-wait. what am I saying? I hope the house is still in one piece when I get back!" The young man worried as the thought of a demolished house entered his mind. He continued to walk until he made it to the fruit vendors, hoping to pick up some apples; however his hopes were dashed as he made his stop onl to see there was no apple vendor there. "What? No one's here? That's odd; all the vendors are here in the morning. Where could they be?"
"RUNAWAY CART!"
"Huh-Ahh-OW!" Spike yelled in pain as a full apple cart hit him from behind and sent him flying into the empty space reserved for the apple vendor. He hit the wall face first and dropped his bags full of groceries, along with a few apples that had spilled from the cart before sliding to the ground.
"Oh sweet Celestia! Ah'm sorry sugar cube, Ah didn't see yah there." a feminine voice with a southern drawl came, apologizing frantically for the sudden and very intimate relationship between Spike's face and the ground.
"Ouch..." Spike said as he squeezed himself from the tight spot and dusted himself off. He remembered that someone had just come to apologize for it; Spike was the kind of person to forgive and forget type so he began to address them. "Hey don't worry about it, believe it or not this isn't the most life threatening thing to happen... to... me... this week..." The young man went on as he turned, only to look up to the owner of the voice. She was a tall blonde woman wearing some cut off jeans, a brown Stetson and a checkered button up shirt that showed off her midriff. Her bust was bountiful; Spike found it difficult not to stare at the massive melons in front of his face, he tried his best to look her in the eye or to try and focus on something else. As luck would have it there was something more eye catching: a pair of pony ears on her head.
"You sure yer alright sugar cube? You seem kindah out of it," She said getting his attention.
"Huh?... Oh! Sorry I just sort of noticed your ears, you are Equestrian aren't you?" Spike asked, looking at the woman that was a little less than head taller than him.
"Yah got that right, partner. Mah name's Applejack, Ah just came over to this dimension to expand mah family's business, I actually thought yah might be Equestrian too with that green hair of yours," She gestured to his spikey hair.
"Heh, yeah this is a long story. So your family has a business? Are you farmers?"
"That's right, apple farmers to be exact. And our business had spread all over Equestria, so when we heard there was a whole new world looking for inter dimensional trade we knew it was destiny saying ¡come on over¡."
"Wow, so you came over here with your family to start a branch here?"
"Well actually no, its just mahself; see Ah was the only one who could since mah sister's young , mah granny is elderly and Mah brother needed to run the farm," She said, sounding slightly depressed. Spike didn't fail to notice that.
"Wow, it must be hard for you to do that since you sound so close to your family."
"Yeah, Ah suppose it is."
"What about your host? Don't they keep you company?" Spike asked realizing she was all on her own.
"Well yah see, Ah don't have a host as yet, since Ah'm here for business purposes, so Ah was given a pass to be on mah own fer a while longer than those here to study culture and whatnot," She explained. She noticed that he'd dropped all his groceries when the cart hit him so she decided to at neast help him pick them up. "Here sugarcube, let me pick those up for yah, it's the least Ah can do."
"N really its fine I can-wow...." The young man said as the green eyed woman turned around and began to pick up his belongings without bending her knees. Spike knew it was impolite to stare, but he'd be damned if this wasn't the most well rounded rump he'd ever seen.
"I really should stop starring before I get an-"
"Hi Spike! Lovely day isn't it?" Said Spike's erection.
"Dammit boner get out of here!" Spike screamed inwardly.
"Aw come on, again? This is like the hundredth time this week."
"Leave now or I'll think about that time we walked in on our granny naked!"
"No! anything but that! I'll leave I'll leave!"
"Uh....yah alright there partner? Yah seem kindah out of it," Applejack asked, noticing that the green haired young man had a focused look on his face.
"Huh?... Oh, uh, yeah. Sorry about that I kinda dozed off for a second," He chuckled nervously.
"Well, here let me get some apples fer yah, on the house," She said, taking a few steps forward until she stepped on some of her own fruits. "Woah!"
"I got you!" Spike said quickly running behind her. He managed to catch her just before she hit the ground; many people turned their heads when they saw the tall woman fall, however what kept their attention was the position Spike and her were in.
"Thanks there sugarcube Ah-" She stopped when she opened her eyes to see his emerald eyes staring back into her own. Spike was currently holding her by her back with both arms while she held onto his neck with her own. Neither of them knew what to do at that moment but they found themselves unable to break their hold in each other. After a few moments of feeling the other's breaths on their faces Applejack regained control and spoke up.
"Wo-ho there lover boy, let's back it up a bit," She said standing up and pushing the young man out of his trance.
"Huh... Oh sorry, yeah, I didn't mean for that to happen-well I did mean to catch you just not make you feel like I wanted you-NOT saying you're not attractive! Definitely not saying that, you're in fact very attractive and I think any guy would be lucky to have you- no wait please don't think I'm coming onto you! I'm just-"
"That's alright sugarcube, Ah think yah have said enough," She said, hoping to try and alleviate some of the awkward tension in the atmosphere. "So Ah noticed yah have a lot to carry, yah want some help?"
"Well... Sure," With that she helped him with his things and walked in the direction of his house, passing by several different shops and stores. Spike decided he should get her something to try and make up for the stuff that happened. "Hey Applejack, did you have anything for breakfast this morning?" He asked. looking back at an indoor restraunt that had breakfast specials on its menu.
"No, nothin' this morning, why?"
"Well I didn't really eat anything either so you wanna grab some grub? My treat," he gestured to the restraunt.
"Well, Ah don't see why not."
"Great, lets go," So the two went into the dinner to get something to eat. However as they walked in they failed to notice a rusty old van pulling up on the other side of the street, its two occupants eyeing the dinner.vTheir next target.
"Okay so this is the place, remember the plan. Get in get the money, get out." The first shady figure explained to his partner.
"Yeah I got it, I'm not a dumbass," The other replied annoyed. After that he quickly reached out and tucked in a long object into his trench coat and put on a pair of shades before calmly walking toward the dinner.
Meanwhile Spike and AJ had sat down and were waiting for a waitress to come take their order.
"Hello, welcome to the Early Bird! May I take your order?" The waitress asked.
"Well Ah guess Ah'll have a small salad," Applejack replied.
"A small salad, you sure that's all you want?" Spike asked.
"Well yeah, Ah don't want to order too much, it would be impolite to..."
"I insist, I'm treating you to it so order what you want."
"Well... alright then. Ah'll have a large salad-no, wo large salads, an extra large veggie burger with fries and....a large soy milk smoothie," Applejack gave her order.
The waitress stood there. wide eyed and speechless; she was about to say something before Spike spoke first.
"Now that's what I'm talking about! I'll just have bacon and eggs please, thank you," The waitress stood there for a second and blinked before smiling and saying their order would be with them shortly.
"So, you're not surprised by how much Ah ordered?" Applejack asked when seeing the green haired man's reaction.
"Not at all, I already have two roommates who both eat a lot, and you know something? I'm starting to take a liking to girls with healthy appetites, heh," The young man chuckled and threw a wink her way, though he honestly meant it. His chuckle caused him to fail to notice the slight blush on her face. She wasn't used to this kind of attention. Spike was about to ask her why she had her hat down before they heard a yell from the counter.
"Oh my god!"
"Shut up and put the money in the bag!" A raspy voice ordered from just a few feet away from Spike and AJ.
"Oh no." Spike said in shock.
"What's going on?" Applejack asked as she noticed all the worried and scared looks of the people inside.
"Everybody just stay down and nobody will get hurt," The criminal ordered as the cashier put all of the store's money in the black bag on the table.
"This guy's robbing the place, and he's got a shotgun which is a dangerous weapon! We should just stay down and it should be over soon," Spike explained.
"What's a shotgun?
"It's basically a small canon, do you understand?"
"Yeah, ah get it. He's a no good thief, where Ah'm from we don't let varmints like them do what they want," She looked back at the thief to see his back was turned. "And Ah aint startin' now."
"What are you talking about?" Spike asked worriedly as he noticed the determined looked on her face.
"Look, his back is turned to us so he won't see it coming; it'll be easier to take away his weapon."
"You're not going to try and take his gun away, are you?"
"Of course not."
"Phew..."
"You are."
"What!?" he whisper-yelled.
"Ah'm Equestrian so Ah can't hurt this varmint without riskin' getting sent back to Equestria, but you, on the other hand, can."
"That's crazy! There's too much distance between him and me. He'd see me coming a mile away and blow my head off."
"Don't worry none, that's why Ah'm gonna use this lasso to tie him up from here like a bull at a rodeo before you go. Ah'm not technically hurting him so it'll be okay."
"I don't think that's such a good idea."
"We go on three, I'll lasso him then you run up take his weapon, got it?"
"Hold on, think about this for a second, please."
"Three!" with that the cowgirl stood up faster than Spike could believe and hurled a lasso at the thief, successfully tying him up around the arms and forcing him to drop the gun suddenly, leaving the criminal shocked and startled by his sudden restriction.
"Spike quick, go now!"
"Huh?..Oh right," Spike then took off, a bit shocked and impressed with her success.
"What the hell!!?" The robber cried out as he realized what was happening.
Back in the rusty van his partner in crime hadn't failed to notice the sudden turn of events. He watched in shock as the thief was tied up by the foreigner. He knew it was over, they would take his partner captive and he would rat him out to the police. He failed to notice Spike ecause he was crawling on the ground, seizing the shotgun. His eyes and his rage were focused on the tall blonde pony freak show; he decided to get some payback before he ran his ass out of there. He looked behind him and for an answer. He removed a few sheets until he found something that would do nicely.
Back in the dinner everything had surprisingly gone according to plan. The thief was tied up, Spike had successfully seized his firearm without needing to hurt him, and everyone was relieved that no one was hurt.
"I gotta say Applejack, I was pretty nervous about your plan but it worked out great. You're a real hero," Spike complimented.
"Aw shucks it was nothing, besides you helped just as much as I did."
"Me? Oh no, all I did was crawl my way towards his gun. I think everyone here can say you are their heroine," The crowd all mumbled words of agreement as they gave their heroine a round of applause. Though Applejack was the focus of the crowd's admiration, she was also the focus of a criminal's hatred. This became apparent as he burst in through the door, aiming the cocked second shot gun at the farmer.
The crowd all screamed as they saw the second firearm; Applejack saw the weapon aimed directly at her. She may have not known what it was going to do but she knew, based on their reactions... that it was going to kill her.
*BANG*
The ear shattering noise rang out as she shut her eyes tightly. Her entire life flashed before her eyes, her family and her friends, everything she held dear as she waited for impending death. But several seconds went by and nothing happened.
"Wh-what... Huh?!" She yelled out as she realized what had happened. Spike had taken the shot for her. This became apparent as his motionless body laid on the ground. "SPIKE!"
Two words crossed Spike's mind at that very moment before blacking out:"I'm dead..."
"Or at least that what I thought... turns out it was just a beanbag shot gun. Heh. Funny, huh?" Spike explained to Agent Sunset outside the restraunt while he sat on an ambulance with bandages on his chest. The agent had shown up at the dinner after she heard there may have been an incident involving an Equestrian and a robbery.
"Funny to me? Yes. To you? I can't imagine why since you've got that huge bruise right on your chest," she said surprised at his attitude towards the very painful looking injury.
"Well you know, normally this would hurt me really bad, but after experiencing all this craziness with Twi and Pinkie I'm getting used to it. That... is probably a bad thing now that I think about it."
"Yeah, pretty soon you'll be begging them to hurt you. 'Harder Twilight, please! I've been such a naughty boy!' 'Burn me pinkie!' AHahahahaha!" The agent burst out laughing at her own imitation of the young man.
"Oh ha-ha very funny. Speaking of Equestrians, where is Applejack?"
"Um, right here sugarcube," Came the answer from behind Spike. "Ah wanted to say.... thank yah kindly for doing what yah did back there."
"No need to thank me, it wasn't like it was gonna kill you."
"But yah didn't know that at the time! And you still took what could've been certain death for yah. But why? Yah just met me and yah still did it," She questioned.
"Well Applejack, to be honest, something just sort of came over me. After you told me about your family and the passion you have for what you do I just couldn't let such an amazing person die like that. You are special Applejack."
That hit her hard; her granny always told her that if someone put themselves in harm's way for you, you are special to them. And you should never let them go because they're as good as family.
"W-well thanks Spike, A-ah think you're really special too," she said, using her hat to hide her blush.
Just then a certain red headed agent had an idea that would save her a lot of time and paper work.
"So you two seem to be getting along nicely," Agent Sunset said. "Miss Applejack, would you like to perhaps have Mr. Draco here to be your host for your stay here in our world?" She asked.
"Really!? YES!-ahem. Ah mean, yes Ah would in fact like that. Thank yah kindly," She answered, embarrassed from her girly outburst.
"Hold on Sunset, is that even..."
"What's the matter Spike? Are you saying that you don't want Applejack here to stay at your house? You certainly have enough space," Spike was about to explain himself until his eyes caught sight of Applejack's increasingly saddening face. Something he just couldn't stand the sight of.
"No, of course not. If she wants to stay at my home she's more than welcome to," He said while throwing his arm around her shoulder.
"Excellent! you two can get a move on then, I'll have some people pick up her belongings and send them to your place. Bye now," Sunset said while taking her leave.
"Well, come on Applejack, let's go home."
"Spike, Ah want yah to call me Jackie. Only people who are special to me can call me that, and after today yah are one of them." She said, hiding yet another uncharacteristic blush from him.
"....Sure Apple-Jackie. Lets go," he said, putting an arm on her shoulder and leading her to his home.
"Yeah, lets go home... lover boy."
Spike couldn't help but blush a bit at yet another nickname he'd earned. It was then that he wondered how Pinkie and Twilight were doing.
*Back at the house*
"Put it in your mouth!" Pinkie ordered.
"No Pinkie I can't, please! Get it out of my face!"
"I promise you won't choke on it!"
"This isn't what I meant when I said 'treat me like a regular pony'!"
"You know you want too! Come on, just the tip!"
"This thing is huge! How were you able to hide it in those yoga pants?!"
"I'll never tell! Now come on, I promise once you start you won't be able to stop," She said trying to push the thick object into Twilight's mouth, getting a white substance on her lips.
"Pinkie, for the last time I don't want a cupcake! Especially this one! How did you even make one this big?" She asked, amazed at the sheer size of the baked good.
"Pleaaaaaase I need to know if its good so I can give a cupcake to Cupcake when he gets home!"
"If you want to, just wait until he gets back; then he'll tell you about, your cupcakes and I'll finally have some alone time with my assistant," she said finally pushing Pinkie away and waiting for the return of her knight in green hair. she just wanted a nice peaceful night with her Bae. She was surprised when he left in the morning without her noticing and was surprised again at Pinkie's extremely hyper activity (she was tempted to run some tests her after all she witnessed the pink haired pony girl could do); the last thing she needed right now was another surprise. |
Every Day Life with Pony Girls | Hormonal Hurricane | The sound of rapidly running footsteps echoed off the halls accompanied by heavy breathing indicating panic or exhaustion...probably both. The source of the sounds stopped in the centre of the hall, believing he was a safe distance he stayed still so he could assess the damage. Blood dripped from his chin, there were a few scrapes and bruises here and there but that was about it.
"How...*pant*..how did this happen? One second everything was fine then there was that explosion and....." Spike held his head trying to figure out how things could have gone south so quickly. "Alright, I got to get out of here and wait for things to blow over and-"
*CREAK*
Spikes head quickly snapped to look behind him and froze still at what he saw. Two glowing lilac eyes that just screamed there you are. They stared at each other, one set of eyes filled with fear while the other one was dripping with hunger. It only however took one set of eyes to blink before Spike took off in the direction of the kitchen, moving faster than he had ever before as he turned every corner with his pursuer giving a chase that was just as determined. After a few minutes he finally lost her and sought refuge in the kitchen.
"Alright, I'll stay here until whatever is happening to them wears off. I mean this is only temporary right?"The young man tried to comfort himself as he hid behind the counter.
Suddenly the sound a door creaking open caught his attention, he looked to his left to see the pantry door was slightly ajar. He watched it intently for a minute hoping it was just his imagination. Against his better judgment he decided to investigate and approached as quietly as he possibly could. Once he was there he grabbed the door handle and pulled the door open quickly. There was nothing there....
"Sigh....I got scared for a sec-" The young man stopped as something dripped on his nose, it smelled sweet, and it was thick and sticky. He wiped it off his nose and looked at it closely for a second before putting his finger in his mouth to taste it. "Its cake batter....but how did it...get..on...the...ceiling ?" His words died in his mouth as he shakily looked up to see yet another pair of eyes staring at his own, only these were baby blue, and inches away from his face. Seconds after his realizing he had company the sound of a slurping tongue sent him once again into run like a bitch mode. This time he was heading for the door, apparently his sudden sprint alerted his other pursuer where he was as he heard the sound of something moving not too far away from where he was.
"The door!" He screamed as he made his finally saw his way out of this madness. "I'll leave, and comeback in the morning when things have probably calmed down," He said to himself as he kicked the door open and jumped outside. He was about to go through the front gate but was stopped cold by lasso tying his arms to his torso and keeping him from making it the extra few inches to his safety. He again turned his head to see the rope lead back into the darkness of his home, and at the end of were third pair of glowing green eyes. The rope then began to pull him backwards towards whatever was on the end of it waiting for him.
He struggled in vain to get out of its grip, his eyes were shut tightly as he put all the effort he could into delaying the inevitable. He looked back one more time as he drew closer to the door to see all three pairs of eyes were ready and waiting for him, he could see the drool on their lips and the hunger in their eyes.
"Oh crap," Was all he could utter before he was yanked back into the house into their arms as the door slammed behind him.
A few hours earlier.....
"Pinkie I think you may have made this cake batter a bit too thick, it's almost like glue," The green haired young man chuckled as he examined the hyper active baker's latest mixture.
"I know isn't it super duper fantabulous!" she responded jovially.
"Fantabulos?"
"Duh fantastic and fabulous cupcake," she said bopping him on the nose playfully.
The young man simply shook his head and smiled at her playfulness, being around her was one of the best ways for him to smile no matter how bad the day before had been. "Okay pinkie yes, It's "fantabulous" but I don't think people will think that about your cake if they find themselves choking after one bite."
The pink haired earth pony girl froze with her classic "oooooohhhhh now I get it" look plastered on her face.
"Oh Pinkie, have I ever told how much fun it is having you around?" The young man chuckled.
Pinkie slightly blushed at hearing that "Thanks cupcake, it's good to know you like having me around, after all," She got closer to him and put her hands on either side of his face. "I Love having you around."
Spike blushed slightly as his eyes opened wide, Pinkie was flirty but not sensuous flirty. She was more playful flirty. "Ahem. Well you know Pinkie we all love having you around too, Twilight hasn't said it but I'm pretty sure she gets her fair share of nerdy fun from examining your movements and behavior."
"Really, you think so!? Wait. Studying my moves?" The pink haired party planner held her chin for a second and stared off into space before looking back to Spike. "You think that's what this ankle friendship bracelet Twilight made me is for?" She asked.
"Ankle friendship...what?" Spike asked in confusion.
"This silly, she gave it to me the other day," Pinkie said as she raised her leg in an impressive display of flexibility, and put it behind her head and showing Spike a rather large metallic ankle bracelet with a glowing red light on it.
"That looks like something you out on someone who's on house arrest," Spike said holding his head. He was also trying to hide the blush from staring at Pinkies long smooth leg, those yoga pants were really doing it for him.
"Oh I get it! This is her way of saying she never ever wants me to be far from her right?" She asked jovially getting closer to Spike while still on one leg.
"...Y-Yeah that's totally what it means Pinkie, she just doesn't want you far away from her," He responded, it wasn't entirely a lie Twilight probably wanted to keep her close to she could see what she was doing. "I bet Applejack likes having you around too, after that party you threw her when she first started staying here you made her feel way more welcome," Spike was right, Applejack certainly did like that little welcoming party Pinkie threw together. Especially since Twilights reaction was pretty...fiery...and not good fiery either, Spike had to cool her off with a fire extinguisher.
"Oh stop it cupcake, I'm just being my normal peppy self," she said blushing and looking away.
"Well, you are peppy but I don't think normal is the word I would use," Spike chuckled. "So do you want to get rid of this cake batter?"
"What? Absotivley not cupcake!"
"Absotivley?"
"Absolutely positively not silly filly."
"Ah...but why? You said it was too thick as well."
"Yes siree sweetie, but there's way more to cake batter than just making cake, just watch me!" she said as she bent over a bit to dip her hands in the thick substance while Spike caught a quick glance of some else that was thicc. "Behold!" She yelled standing up right displaying her batter soaked hands.
"All I see are two hands your probably gonna lick clean in a second."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, oh cupcake, you have so much to learn. Now watch as I become, SPIDER PINKIE!!!" She yelled as she jumped into the air and stuck her super sticky hands to the ceiling and crawled away into other parts of the house.
Spike could only roll his eyes in amusement at her antics; he really enjoyed having her company as well as the company of the other girls. Maybe he could learn to like having a lot of house guests.
"Hello lover boy, Ah'm home!" called a country drawl from the front door. She walked into the kitchen to see Spike.
"Hey there Jackie you made it just in time for dinner," Spike said pulling out a large bowl of veggie salad for him and the girls. "So how was business today?"
"A lot better than before, the first time Ah tried selling business was moving slower than molasses running uphill in July," She replied.
"Well that's great to hear. Pinkie! Twilight! Dinner time," Spike called out.
"I'm already at the table," they heard Pinkie call.
"Huh...I was sure she'd be on the roof by now."
"Say what now?"
"Never mind, here take this to the table while I go get Twi," He said handing the bowl to Applejack and going to get his likely busy house mate. Spike walked into the room to see Twilight at her desk levitating several of the books they'd borrowed from the library and reading about four of them at the same time while writing into a scroll that she would probably send back to her homeland. "Hey Twi, dinner is ready come on."
"Oh Bae, you have no idea how much I've discovered in the past hour," Twilight said looking up from her work. "Isn't it a bit early for dinner though? It was just lunch."
"Twi...its 6 o'clock," Spike said with a deadpan look on his face. "Anyways let's go, as a princess you don't want to seem rude to your fellow house guests would you?"
"Of course not, but remember I told both of them that they shouldn't see me as a princess but as a normal Equestrian citizen here on their own personal mission," She said getting up and following her beloved Bea to the dinner table. "It's actually how I prefer to be treated; even in Equestria I ask everypony to just treat me like another pony. I don't really feel comfortable being waited on like that."
"Well if that's how it is I guess you don't need me around huh?" Spike asked with mock sadness.
"Don't be ridiculous!" Twilight said pulling the young man into a hug, tightly pressing her chest into his. "I'll always need you around, no one could replace you my number one assistant. Speaking of which, I'll need your help after dinner with a few things okay?" She asked letting him go and resuming their walk.
"Of course Twi," Spike replied recovering from her vice-grip like hug. "Helping you and the other girls is what I'm here for," He said with a smile.
They then reached the table and sat down with their other two house mates and ate dinner together. During dinner Spike talked to Applejack about the businesses in the city that may be willing to help her out with spreading the news of her apples and apple products. He also told Pinkie he'd take her to the local bakeries as well as show her some recopies for cakes, pies, and all sorts of pastries to further her goal of opening her own bakery here in the city. Of course Twilight went on about everything she'd learned in the past couple of hours about human history, science, and biology. She'd actually asked Spike if she could study his body a bit closer to confirm what she'd read. Spike was going to agree to it but the look she gave him when she asked sent chills up his spine, so he told her he'd think about it.
After dinner Spike and Twilight went up to her study to open up a shipment of potions she'd gotten delivered from Equestria to see how they reacted to this dimensions matter as well as if its atmosphere would affect its state.
"Alright Twi, how do you want to start?" Spike asked opening up the box to reveal several oddly shaped bottles with different liquids inside.
"Good question, let's start with stacking these on that shelf over there and these three on my table please," She directed him. Spike followed her directions and set everything up.
"So what exactly are these Twi?"
"Well these are actually a collection of pony hormones I had sent here to see if they react differently when in a foreign environment," She replied.
"Wouldn't you have known if pony hormones acted differently when the first Equestrians crossed over?"
"Well I hypothesized the same at first but there are certain times of year when some hormones have greater effect on the biology of ponies and I want to see if they react similarly here or if they show increase or decrease in effectively."
"Wow, you think they will?"
"Not likely, the environments of our dimensions react very similar so I doubt there will be drastic change if any." She said as she took the three bottles and observed them closely. "Okay let's see what we have here-" Just before she could finish a certain pink haired hurricane blew into the room.
"Cupcake, quick I need you," Pinkie pie came rushing in and grabbing onto his arm.
"Pinkie what is it?" he asked.
"I just came up with 267 new flavor combinations for my pies and I need your help to make them! If we start now we'll finish by dawn, oh I just came up with another 37!" She said tugging on him.
"Hold it right there Pinkie!" Twilight said grabbing his other arm and pulling his side into her chest. "Bae was helping me out; you already got your chance earlier!"
"Pretty please cupcake! Pretty please with sprinkles a cherry and a Pinkie on top!" she said throwing herself into his arms. She grabbed his head and pulled his face into her chest making him blush heavily.
"Oh no you don't, we were just having a nice time!" Twilight said determined by jumping on his back, wrapping her arms and legs on him and pulling on his neck restricting the air flow.
"Wait, girls wait I can't brea-"
"What in tar nation is going on in here?" Applejack said walking in and seeing the three of them or more specifically Spike caught in an entanglement of legs, arms and cleavage. She however noticed that Spike was struggling to breathe as well as he stumbled back and forth close to the table. "Y'all don't see the poor boy can't breathe?! Get off him!" She ordered taking hold of Spikes side and trying to pull him out to no avail.
As the mess of bodies was pulled back and forth Spike stumbled back and hit the table casing it and them to fall over. All the bottles spilled but didn't break as they hit the ground, the chemicals began to mix with each other as the four house mates began to get up.
"Ouch, you girls really know how to ride a guy out....forget I said that," Spike said getting up.
"Ah'm terribly sorry there lover boy, Ah was trying mah best to keep these varmint form hurting yah," Applejack apologized.
"Yea cupcake I'm really super duper sorry, I feel I a big meany," Pinkie said looking down.
"I Spike, sorry about jumping you like that I was just enjoying my time with you," Twilight also apologized.
"No girls it's alright, I know you would never want to hurt me or anything." He said stretching a bit. "Let's just clean up this mess and-"
"Wait!" Twilight yelled interrupting him. "These chemicals aren't supposed to mix!" She said as the pool on the ground of mixed chemicals began to glow pink.
"Ohhh its glowing Pinkie like me!" Pinkie said approaching until she was yanked back by Twilight.
"Everyone get down!" Twilight yelled as the four house mates hit the deck just before a huge explosion of pink gas went off. When it was over Spike was the first to get up.
"*cough*....Are you girls..*cough*..okay?" He said as he stood up. When he got no response he turned to see they were all passed out on the floor and rushed to them. "Girls!" he yelled trying to wake them up, he was about to call for help when a hand belonging to a certain Alicorn girl reached up grabbed him by the shirt collar and pulled in into a sloppy kiss.
Spikes face went completely red as he felt her tongue prod his mouth. After a few seconds he parted the kiss and looked down to see Twilight fully awake with glowing eyes and a lustful smile on her face. "Twi what was that for?"
Before he could get an answer he was forcefully pulled back by Pinkie and Applejack and pinned to the floor. He noticed that they also had the same look on their face. He was struggling as they kept him down, and felt a trickle of blood run from his nose as they all began to remove their clothing starting from their bountiful busts to their splendid hips. Spike couldn't understand why they were acting like; they never tired anything so bold.
Either way he knew they weren't in their right mind, and he couldn't give them what they wanted no matter how badly he wanted it too. Spike decided to take action and slipped out of their grip by taking off his shirt and maneuvering around them so quickly it made them stumble. He then quickly ran into the hall as he heard them get up as well.
The sound of his rapidly pacing footsteps echoed off the halls accompanied by heavy breathing indicating panic or exhaustion...probably both. He stopped in the centre of the hall, believing he was a safe distance he stayed still so he could assess the damage. Blood dripped from his chin, there were a few scrapes and bruises here and there but that was about it.
"How...*pant*..how did this happen? One second everything was fine then there was that explosion and....." Spike held his head trying to figure out how things could have gone south so quickly. "Alright, I got to get out of here and wait for things to blow over and-"
*CREAK*
Spikes head quickly snapped to look behind him and froze still at what he saw. Two glowing lilac eyes that just screamed there you are. They stared at each other, one set of eyes filled with fear while the other one was dripping with hunger. It only however took one set of eyes to blink before Spike took off in the direction of the kitchen, moving faster than he had ever before as he turned every corner with his pursuer giving a chase that was just as determined. After a few minutes he finally lost her and sought refuge in the kitchen.
"Alright, I'll stay here until whatever is happening to them wears off. I mean this is only temporary right?"The young man tried to comfort himself as he hid behind the counter.
Suddenly the sound a door creaking open caught his attention, he looked to his left to see the pantry door was slightly ajar. He watched it intently for a minute hoping it was just his imagination. Against his better judgment he decided to investigate and approached as quietly as he possibly could. Once he was there he grabbed the door handle and pulled the door open quickly. There was nothing there....
"Sigh....I got scared for a sec-" The young man stopped as something dripped on his nose, it smelled sweet, and it was thick and sticky. He wiped it off his nose and looked at it closely for a second before putting his finger in his mouth to taste it. "Its cake batter....but how did it...get..on...the...ceiling ?" His words died in his mouth as he shakily looked up to see yet another pair of eyes staring at his own, only these were baby blue, and inches away from his face. Seconds after his realizing he had company the sound of a slurping tongue sent him once again into run like a bitch mode. This time he was heading for the door, apparently his sudden sprint alerted his other pursuer where he was as he heard the sound of something moving not too far away from where he was.
"The door!" He screamed as he made his finally saw his way out of this madness. "I'll leave, and comeback in the morning when things have probably calmed down," He said to himself as he kicked the door open and jumped outside. He was about to go through the front gate but was stopped cold by lasso tying his arms to his torso and keeping him from making it the extra few inches to his safety. He again turned his head to see the rope lead back into the darkness of his home, and at the end of were third pair of glowing green eyes. The rope then began to pull him backwards towards whatever was on the end of it waiting for him.
He struggled in vain to get out of its grip, his eyes were shut tightly as he put all the effort he could into delaying the inevitable. He looked back one more time as he drew closer to the door to see all three pairs of eyes were ready and waiting for him, he could see the drool on their lips and the hunger in their eyes.
"Oh crap," Was all he could utter before he was yanked back into the house into their arms as the door slammed behind him.
Spike watched as they yet again pinned him down, the only thing separating them from him were his pants.
"Time you lived up to yer name mah lover boy," The overly aroused Applejack said as she began to remove his pants only to be stopped by a hand.
"What do you think you're doing? I go first," Objected Twilight
"Nuh-uh Pinkie goes first!" Pinkie said jumping up making her breasts swing as well. The three went into another heated argument over the young man, giving him time to crawl away a few inches.
"Hold it y'all he's getting away!" Applejack called directing them to his escape attempt. Before they could re-capture him however the door flung open revealing a curvy silhouette holding something in her hand.
The trio of horny pony girls were about to address whoever this was when they each suddenly felt slight sting hit their necks. Before they had time to say ouch they each fell unconscious.
Spike watched in partial relief and partial worry as they slept surprisingly peacefully on the ground.
"What's going on? Who are you?"
"Calm Down there lady killer, it's just your friendly neighborhood agent," Mary Sunset said as she stepped forward revealing herself.
"Agent Sunset! What are you doing here?" The young man asked forgetting he was in nothing but his underwear as he got up.
"Well not that it's any of your business but I have some pieces of tech in your house that monitor quite a few things, like the hormone levels of everyone in the house," She explained.
"How is that none of my business?" He deadpanned. "Wait.....hormone levels? That must be what made them go crazy! The hormones in the bottles must have sent them crazy when they spilled over," Spike realized.
"I don't know what you're talking about but okay," she shrugged nonchalantly holding a tranquilizer gun.
"Wait, you didn't know what was going on? Why'd you bring a tranq gun?"
"Oh this was for you actually, I thought they were just getting hot because you were getting ready to rock their worlds "lover boy" She chuckled at the nickname AJ gave Spike.
"Oh haha very funny. Now could you give me a hand with taking them to their rooms? I'll have to explain all of this in the morning to them,"
"Ugh fine," She relented as she picked up AJ while Spike carried Twilight and Pinkie to their respective rooms for the night.
"Nice boxers by the way..."
"Shut up." |
Every Day Life with Pony Girls | Camping and a new Friend part 1 | "Oh this is SO exciting! My first camping trip in the human world! Or really my first camping trip ever since I never really went camping in Equestria either but now I'm really really excited about finally going to camp and meet all the cutsie wootsie animals in the woods and all of the beauty Oh I know I said it but I'm really really Excited!" Pinkie droned on as she skipped next to Spike, AJ, and Twilight as they made their way to a camp site just outside the city.
"Heh, and here I thought Jackie would be the excited one, this was her idea after all," Spike said amused by his pink haired house mate.
"Don't worry lover boy Ah am excited, when yah said there was a camping site around here it left me ichin to get into the dirt and just roll around like a hog on a hot day," The pony girl farmer enthusiastically said.
"I'm glad Jackie, after all I wouldn't be a good host if I didn't show all my girls a good time," he said with a nudge and a wink. This was enough to make the farm girl turn her head away for a second to hide the shade of pink that had developed on her face. "This is for all of us after all, I'm sure we'll all have a great time right Twi?....Twi?"
"Subject seems to be able to speak for long periods of time without need to inhale, conclusion is still unsure," The lavender pony girl in question spoke into a small handheld tape recorder. "I'm sorry did you say something Bae?" She asked turning her attention to him.
"Never mind, you can go on." He replied.
Moments later the group found themselves approaching an open large wooden fence with a dirt road that lead into the woods.
"Oh Oh Oh! We're here!" Pinkie beamed as they made their final approach.
"That we are pinks, alright girls just let me go talk to the ranger so we can get a map of the--"
"LOOK OUT!" Came from AJ as she pulled Spike out of the way of a speeding truck, she unknowingly also pulled him into the valley between her bouncy bust. "Wow, what in the samhill was he running from?"
"Mpph!"Came a muffled sound.
"Huh?...Oh sorry sugar cube!" AJ said releasing him from the confines of her chest, a thin pink line evident on her face.
"Wowwie Zowwie he was driving like an insaniac!" Pinkie commented as she and Twilight went over to check on their beloved house man.
"Are you okay?" Twilight asked holding his face.
"Y-yeah...I'm fine, not the closest I've come to dying this week," The young man chuckled.
"Hey are you folks alright!" Said a park ranger dressed in green pants black boots and a green button up shirt.
"Yeah we're fine, a little shaken up but don't worry, you should probably find out what happened to the guy driving," Spike replied walking up to him.
"Oh I think I have an idea, the same thing that's been driving a lot of folks out lately," The ranger replied rubbing the back of his neck.
"Yah do? Well what in tarnation has folk's running like that?" Applejack asked
"Well, there have been reports of someone or something running around in the woods scaring off people, but what's strange is everyone that was questioned turned out to be hunter ," He explained.
"Hunters, I thought hunting was illegal here," Spike said.
"It is some say that's why it's happening. They've been calling it the sanctuary woods witch, it supposed to be a spirit that's protecting the local wild life."
"Uh Spike, is it really safe to be here with such an entity making itself known?" Twilight asked grasping his shirt.
"I don't know, is it ranger?" He asked the park ranger.
"Well as far as I know it's only been spotted in the deep woods, none of the campsites have reported anything strange," He replied.
"There yah go, ain't nothing to worry yerself for,"Applejack said reassuringly.
"Wait, maybe we should postpone this outing until we know it's really safe" Twilight said in objection.
"Oh oh oh ! Maybe she's just hungry! She could be willing to try out my new tofu flavored recipe!" Pinkie said in her usual excited tone.
"Well, if Pinkie and Jackie don't mind it...I guess we'll be okay," Spike said making his decision.
"What, Spike are you sure?" Twilight asked shaking a bit.
"Come on Twi you're not just gonna let some urban legend stop you from spending time with us will you?"Spike asked putting an arm around her.
Twilight blushed a bit as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders; she nodded her head giving her okay to let the trip continue.
"Yeah, besides if this is anything like those silly billy horror movies I was watching we just have to avoid drugs, walking alone into the woods and making out," Pinkie chirped before looking at Spike. "Well, maybe we could do one of those things~," Pinkie said giving Spike a wink and a kissy face.
Spike blushed a bit but shook it off before proceeding to ask the ranger for a map and directions which he promptly did. It had been about half an hour's hike to the campsite; upon arriving they saw the camp ground was considerably large. From what they observed there was a considerable amount of tents of many kinds, some people even brought RV's and set up TV's complete with game consoles, the sound of crunching chips bags filled the air around them as well.
"Hey Jackie, is it me or are those people not doing camping right?" Pinkie asked.
"No, Ah don't think they are...and only lover boy can call me Jackie," Applejack said in a monotone voice.
"Bea...I am pretty well read in many fields, and while I acknowledge that I shouldn't believe everything I read, albeit painfully, I don't think they are following the guidelines to proper camping," Twilight remarked.
"Yeah, people just don't seem to find joy roughing it these days, it's a damn shame," Spike said shaking his head.
"GASP, Cupcake you said a naughty word! Come here so I can give you spanking," Pinkie said pulling a stool seemingly out of nowhere and sat on it with her knee sticking out.
"No pinkie, this time Ah gotta go with lover boy on this one, this ain't right! This is a gosh darned tragedy!"Applejack proclaimed.
"You still didn't use a naughty waughty bad word."
"Well we can't go over there and make them change that would be rude," Twilight said.
"Well that don't mean diddly for us! We ain't about to move with the herd none, we are gonna do this the right way, the apple way!" Applejack declared.
"That's what I like to hear!" Spike said. "Now let's all start setting up girls."
With that the four of them set up Twi tents, one large one to hold all three of the girls and a smaller one for Spike. They had wanted Spike to stay in their tent but Spike wanting to avoid any awkward turns chose to get his own. A few hours had passed and the moon was beginning to rise, the four of them were around a campfire making roasted wieners.
"Hoooweee the smell of these here wieners is making me so hungry mah stomach is gnawing on mah backbone," AJ said enjoying the scent of the nearly cooked sausages.
"Oh I think mine is ready," Twilight said pulling the sausage away from the fire toward her mouth blowing on it a bit.
"Twilight are you sure that you didn't-"
*Crunch* "Blah!!"
"..burn it..." Spike finished watching Twilight spit out the over cooked meat pole.
The other three enjoyed a quick laugh at watching her clean her tongue of the over bitter meat.
"Ah well that's why I do the cooking at home huh girl?" Spike asked rhetorically. He turned his head to see how Pinkie was enjoying her wiener on a stick; he however froze at seeing just how much she was enjoying it. A noticeable blush formed on his face, Pinkie was enjoying it too much, and she was practically bathing it in her saliva as she maneuvered her tongue over every inch of it from tip to base, all while staring him right in the eye.
"Ugh that was just unpleasant, Bae could we just move one?" Twilight asked getting the last of the bitter taste out of her mouth.
"...huh?! Oh yeah sure let's do something else. What did you girls have in mind?"
"Well when Ah was a filly going camping with mah older brother Big Macintosh right about now is when we would start telling scary stories," Applejack suggested.
"Oh That's a great idea! I got one, the story of the birthday party with noooo cake oooooOoooOOo," Pinkie said waving her arms.
"That doesn't sound very scary, you know what is? The story of the book that was a hundred years overdue," Twilight brought up trying to sound spooky herself.
Applejack and Spike simply gave them unimpressed looks before looking at each other.
"Hogwash Y'all, Ah've heard lullabies scarier than that."
"Yeah girls, I don't think you'll freak anyone out with those bed time stories," Spike chuckled.
"Well do you got a scary story lover boy?"
"Me? Don't you have one? You have done this before."
"Well Ah got some but none that are very scary."
"Hmmm...okay I guess I got one or two that are kind of short, but we should head to bed afterwards okay girls?"
The three women each nodded in agreement and each sat up to hear what stories their man had to offer.
"Alright then..."Spike began telling the story.
One creepy as hell story later.
"...and that was the last anyone ever saw of him," Spike finished. The girls were all a bit shaken up from they had just heard
"Uh...Ah think it's about time we hit they hay y'all."
"Yeah, I think it's in the guide to proper camping that we turn in right about now."
"Yeah Cupcake waddaya say?"
"....." When they got no response their heads snapped back to where he was seated.
He was gone.
The trio looked around frantically but he was nowhere to be seen. They called out his name to no avail, beginning to get worried they got up to go check to see if he had slipped into their tents. They looked inside to see a lump in his tent. The three of them sighed in relief.
"Bea you scared us."
"Yeah lover boy don't scare us like that yah here?"
"...."
"Cupcake?" Pinkie asked as the three of them got into the cramped space to move the sheet, when they moved it was revealed that it was only pillow.
"But if this is just a pillow then where in tar nation is..."
"Abogabogabogaboga!" came a yell from outside, three Equestrians screamed in shock and tumbled inside of the tent causing it to fall apart. "oops, I think I may have go a bit overboard heheheh," The green haired young man chuckled. "Sorry girls...didn't think you'd get that scared."
The Trio struggled to get out of the tangled remains of the tent and each other, from outside Spike could hear them saying "Get off me!", and "Your fat butts in my way!" When they got out and on their feet they stared daggers in Spikes direction earning a nervous sweat from the young man.
"Bae!"
"I'm sorry I'm sorry it was just a little scared for fun," He defended.
"That ain't gonna cut it lover boy, you need to be taught a lesson," Applejack said walking up to him and pulling him close by his shirt collar and smiling.
"W-what are you gonna do?" He asked as he looked into the earth pony's eyes.
"Death by snu-snu!" Pinkie yelled out.
"Now girls let's just calm down, there's no need for that. He was just trying to have a little fun and that's what this is about right? Besides we already destroyed his tent, so he doesn't have anywhere to sleep tonight," Twilights eyes widened as she came up with something. "Hey Spike, since we destroyed your tent you won't have anywhere to sleep, so why don't you sleep in ours?"
"What? W-wouldn't it just get really cramped.
"Actually ah wouldn't mind if yah did, this could be how yah make it up to us," Applejack said a thin blush forming on her face.
"Oh that's a fantabulus idea," Pinkie chirped. With that Spike was brought to their tent and thrown in without a second thought, followed by his house guests all taking a place next to him. The tent had only been built for three people to sleep in comfortably; Applejack took the left side snuggling into his arm while Twilight took the right doing the same, Pinkie being the smallest of the three took the liberty of lying on his chest and wrapping her arms around him.
"Night bae."
"See yah in the morning lover boy."
"Nighty Night, don't let the bed bugs bite cupcake, if anyone's gonna bite you it's gonna be me~"
"Uh..night," Spike said as what Pinkie said reached his ears. He managed to calm the fire in his pants (which he hoped Pinkie hadn't noticed) before going to sleep like the others.
A few hours had passed since the big happy household had fallen asleep in the tent and now slept peacefully. That is until Spike was awoken by natures call.
"I have to pee," He said opening his eyes gorgy though they were. After maneuvering his way through the entanglements of legs and cleavage he got out and walked to the nearest bush to let the waters flow. After he was done he zipped up and turned to head back to the tent, but something caught his attention just before he took the first step.
*Squeek squeek Squeek* came a whimper from the woods.
"Huh?" Spike said as he turned to the thick brush of the woods and stared, he didn't see anything but the faint sound of an animal in pain was audible. Spike couldn't help but feel a tug at his heart when its pained squeals reached his ears, he didn't like to see or hear innocent creatures suffer so against his better judgment he walked in the hopes of locating it. After a few minutes of searching and pushing through he found the source of the noise, a fawn was caught in a bear trap.
"Shhhh, it's okay I got you," Spike said soothingly as he approached its trapped leg. When the creature didn't react negatively to his presence he took it as a sign to examine the trap, he observed a release button on its side. Unknown to him he was being watched from above by something that seemed rather....pleased with his actions.
Spike pushed the button and the creature was set free, it leaped out of its spot and limped away happy to be set free. Spike dusted his hands and got ready to walk away before suddenly being stopped by the sound of moment just behind him.
"Hold it right there freak!" A raspy deep voice yelled.
"Huh?" Spike said as he turned to see three armed men, each of them with double barrel shot guns, hunting gear and very displeased looks.
"Wait...you ain't the witch!" One of them called.
"I'm not the what? Who are you guys?" Spike asked confused as they shone a light into his face.
"Shut up!" One of the thugs said knocking Spike to the ground; he looked down at Spike sitting on his butt. "Your ruined my plan! I was gonna get some payback and hang that bitches head on my wall!" The head hunter yelled in rage at the young man for ruining his trap.
"Maybe we should take him instead, since this witch hasn't shown herself," One of the hunters joked.
"Dammit take this seriously you two!"
""How can we? So far neither of us has seen any proof this thing exists," One hunter pointed out.
"Did you not see what happened to the last guy I brought out here to hunt? He's a mess!" The established head of the group argued.
"He's always been a pussy, that aint proof," The other hunter argued.
Spike meanwhile was listening to the conversation a bit confused, he heard them say something about a witch? They must be talking about the one the ranger warned him about, but if that's the case then they must be hunters. "Wait, hunting is illegal in these woods, so they're not just hunters their law breakers, armed lawbreakers," Spike realized as they three suddenly shifted the conversation back to him.
"Well in any case we can't just let him go he's seen us, and if the rangers hear about this we're all headed to the slammer," One of the hunters pointed out.
"You're right," The lead hunter relented.
"What do we do?"
"Let's just stuff him in the truck, when we're done here we just beat some sense into him," The third hunter suggested.
Spike got a chill up his spine, though it wasn't because of what the hunter had suggested. While the three were deciding what they were going to do to him, Spike spotted something looking down at him and the three hunters, more so him however.
"Hey what are you looking at chump?" One of the hunters asked
"Uh....her!" Spike pointed upwards directing the attention of the all three hunters to the descending figure of the very same creature that drove them out.
"It's her; I told you she was real! Quick shoot her before-" The hunter couldn't finish his sentence before the bat winged witch grabbed onto Spike and took off into the forest night. The two hunters stood silent as they watched the cloak figure fly away with the curiously green haired young man.
"No way..."
"That's impossible."
"I told you she was real! She's been giving us hunters a really hard time, she thought she could keep me out of here after one scare but there's no way I'm gonna lose to witch with a bestiality," The head hunter declared as he directed his partners back to their trucks where they would get what they needed to hunt the witch.
Speaking of the witch, she had taken our green haired protagonist to a cave in and isolated part of the woods. As she landed with the panicking young man, she gently put him down only to receive a terrified shriek before he jumped back to gaze at the clocked figure.
"L-listen, if you're going to eat me you s-should know I'm n-not very nutritious," Spike said as he took a few steps back.
"No please, don't be afraid I only meant to help you," came from the figure in a surprisingly soothing and mother voice.
"Huh?" Spike said as he stopped his retreat and closely watched the figure begin to remove what were apparently plastic bat wings, in reality they were actually a pair of butter colored angelic ones, not like Twilights but still much gentler looking. She removed the cloak from around herself and instead of a horrid and gut wrenching frame; Spike found himself staring at a voluptuous figure, one with breasts as bountiful as Applejacks but not really as tall. Really as Spike approached he couldn't help but notice that she was likely only an inch shorter than himself, as he got closer he noticed a few other things. Her eyes that were at first a brilliant amaranth color were now a moderate cyan that almost glowed, under the cloak she wore a couple of large leaves that served as a figure hugging gown. It also revealed that she had a pair of butter colored pony ears and light pink hair with tail to match, Spike was almost certain he was talking to an angel.
"Are, you okay? I hope I didn't hurt you," She said getting a little nervous as the young man drew closer.
Spike shook his head before responding. "Uh...yeah thank you so much you have no idea how much I owe for-" Spike stopped his talking as the pony girl jumped just before he could shake her hand. "....I'm sorry, did I do something...?"
"No!..no its okay I'm just a little nervous."
"Well Sorry of I startled you, I'm Spike by the way." He said as he gave her a warm smile eliciting her to blush a bit.
"Hi Spike, I'm Fluttershy." |
Every Day Life with Pony Girls | Camping and a new Friend part 2 | "Well Fluttershy, it's nice to meet you and thanks again for showing up when you did," Spike thanked the pony girl as they both finally sat down in the cave.
"Oh well, of course I wasn't going to let those mean hunters hurt you after you saved that poor little dear," She replied. "Besides, I think you helped me too...they were probably going to try and trap me."
"Huh, I guess you're right, they did say something about me ruining their plan," Spike realized. "So hey, I noticed that you're a pony girl. Are you Equestrian?" Spike asked.
"Um yes I am, I crossed over from Equestria as part of a group that was touring the world's forests and noting if there were any different species of animals," She replied.
"So you weren't gonna move here?"
"Well I hadn't really decided yet, but on one trip through these woods I got separated from the group and I lost them, I was so scared at first, I wanted to cry because I felt so abandoned but then the animals of your forest helped me."
"They helped you?"
"Yes, ever since I was little I've always loved animals, and animals have always loved me. I actually worked at a wildlife sanctuary back in Equestria, and I kind of like animals more because they don't judge you or criticize you like most ponies or people do and the ones in this world are just as warm and loving," She beamed.
"Wow, it was just you all alone in these woods with just the animals for so long huh?"
"Well...not all alone, my best friend angel bunny was with me the whole time."
"You have a bunny? Where is the little-OW!" Spike yelled though more in surprise than in pain as he felt something hit the back of his head in a failed attempt to knock him out. "What the!?"
"Angel you stop that now! He isn't here to hurt us he's a friend," Fluttershy scolded to something directly behind Spike.
Spike turned around to see a rabbit that was just a few inches tall, standing next to a small pile of rocks and pebbles.
"Oh this is your little bunny?"
"Yes, and he can be very rude sometimes, I'm so sorry if he hurt you," Fluttershy apologized profusely.
"No its okay, I probably just scared him is all-ow!" Spike yelled a bit quieter this time as another pebble made contact with his head. "Geez...feisty little fellah huh?" Spike said with a small chuckle.
"You have no idea," Fluttershy replied. "So Spike, what were you doing out here, are you with the campers?"
"Yeah actually, I came here with my house mates they're actually from Equestria too." Spike replied.
"Wow, why did you help the fawn?"
"Well I was already awake; before I could go back to bed I heard it crying, it sounded so hurt and helpless, so I just couldn't let it go on like that...." As Spike continued to Speak the moonlight shone into the cave illuminating his emerald eyes causing Fluttershy's face to light up a bit pink. "...and it's never been in my nature to let the helpless suffer like that, even it means I could get hurt," Spike continued. "I guess I shouldn't talk about it like that, you probably get that don't you Fluttershy?....Fluttershy?" When Spike got no response he looked closer and noticed that she seemed a bit spaced out.
"hmm...OH yes!? Of course, I know exactly how it feels, thank you."
"Hey it's cool, no need to thank me I was just doing what anyone would do."
Just then the sound of distant footsteps could be heard, accompanied by the sound of barking dogs.
"Oh my, what is that?" Fluttershy asked.
"It sounds like dogs, but why would dogs be out here....?..oh no..." Spike said as he realized that they had been tracked.
"Oh no they must have followed us!" Fluttershy cried
"And those dogs are going to sniff us out in seconds; we got to move now before they get close!" Spike said. Fluttershy nodded and got into her witch outfit, picking up angel and leading Spike to the entrance of the cave.
"Spike, quick grab onto me!" Fluttershy said as they halted their run on the outside of the cave. Spike reached round from behind Fluttershy to get a hold of her, only to feel a series of pin like bites on his arms. "Angel stop that, we he don't have time for this!" Fluttershy begged as the rabbit reluctantly let Spike grab onto her.
"I think I see them, there just outside the cave!" One of the hunters pointed toward Spike and the witch.
"Good, is the net canon ready?" The head hunter asked as they stopped not too far from their targets.
"Almost."
"Well hurry, looks like they're about to take flight!" The head hunter ordered.
"Done!" Just as one of the three hunters finished arming the net gun the head hunter ripped it from his arms and began to take aim.
Spike had gotten a good grip on Fluttershy and she was now starting to take flight with Angel in her hands and Spike on her back, she did her best to deal with the weight and took off.
"Fluttershy, we should head back to the campsite! The rangers will help you get rid of those hunters," Spike suggested.
"Okay Spike, whatever you say," Fluttershy replied. However seconds after her reply Angel began to frantically jump and squirm in her hands. "Angel what is it?"
The rabbit quickly gestured for Fluttershy to look behind her, upon doing so she saw nothing but a large net open wide prepared to swallow her whole, she turned and stuck her hand out releasing Angel and shaking Spike off in the process.
"Fluttershy!" Spike yelled as the three of them fell to the ground. Though the fall wasn't a lethal one, the landing was hard and Spike was now moments away from blacking out. As he neared unconsciousness all he could her were murmurings of excitement as footsteps grew closer, followed by the sound of something being dragged off, seconds after he blacked out.
Spike woke up about 15 minutes later, he looked up and around to try and get a good bearing of his surroundings. "Fluttershy...are you out there?" Spike called to no avail. "Uhg...my head...what happe-OW!" Spike yelled as a small pebble collided with his head. Spike looked to see an infuriated white rabbit still trying to pummel him. "Angel....where is...? Oh no...those hunters...they got Fluttershy!" Spike realized.
The rabbit simply gave Spike a deadpan look and shook its head before flailing its fist angrily and hopping off in the direction of the hunters.
"Angel wait! We need to work together togeth-"
"phhhhhhttttt!!!" The bunny blew a raspberry at Spike before being on its way.
"....er"
Angel hopped his way following the tracks until he came up to a small clearing where he saw Fluttershy tied up and the hunters all around her drinking to their hearts content.
"Well well well, looks like the witch ain't so tough after all" One of them laughed in her face causing her to whimper.
"What should we do with it?"
"Like I said I'm gonna hang her on my wall. Right above my fire place should be good ahhahaha!" He laughed manically.
Angel charged in ready to fight to the finish for Fluttershy, he was just about reaching the first hunter when a hungry looking dog jumped infront of him.
"Huh...hey aint that the rabbit that was with her?" one of the hunters asked.
"I think it is...heh...you know ripper looks awful hungry. You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"I think I am...ripper...dinner time," The head hunter yelled as the large dog lunged forward. Angel ran as fast as his little legs could carry him into the woods.
"Angel NO!" Fluttershy cried as she watched her rabbit run into the woods. Angel did everything he could to get away from the dog taking twists and turns, but ultimately he couldn't get away and tripped over a stone. Now the dog opened its jaw wide to devour the small rabbit, angel closed his eyes and hoped it would be over quickly. Seconds later he heard the dog cry out before a loud thud hit his ears.
Angel opened his eyes to see the dog was out cold, and standing over it and himself was non-other than Spike, holding a stick and a thankful look on his face.
"Phew...if I had come just a second later you would've been as good as kibble," He said getting on a knee and picking the small rabbit up. "Are you okay?"
He nodded.
"Did you see where they took Fluttershy?"
He nodded again and pointed in the direction of the camp.
"Good. Listen, I know you don't like me...but you love Fluttershy...and that means you don't want to see her hurt right?"
He nodded.
"Well neither do I, I think we can both agree that with someone or somepony like her around the world is a better place. So how about for now at least we put aside our differences and get her out of here?"
He hesitated. He wasn't sure he could trust this human, but Fluttershy seemed to so...why not? He nodded.
"Great, now I've got a plan."
Back with the hunters.
"What's taking ripper so long? It shouldn't take this much time to rip a rabbit to pieces," There was suddenly a ruffling the bushes close to them.
"Ripper is that you? What are you doing get over here!" One of the hunters called to n response. Getting mad the hunter stormed over to the bush to get his dog.
"Heh heh, I guess he's got better things to do," One of the hunters chuckled.
"Dammit dog get out here or I'll make dog food of yah-ahhh!" The hunter screamed as he was dragged into the woods forcefully.
This put the other hunters on high alert as they brandished their rifles and aimed into the woods infront of them.
"What the hell was that!"
"How should I know?"
"Well what are you standing here for, go check it out," The head hunter ordered. The second hunter hesitated for a minute but followed orders and walked over. He peeked inside the bush to see nothing there, no body, no gun, not even any tracks. He turned his back to the bush and yelled back to the head hunter.
"There isn't anything here, they must have-woooow!" He yelled as he suddenly tied up with a vine like a lasso and pulled in.
The other hunter fired his gun a few times and stared of in the direction where his partners disappeared.
"What the hell is going on? Where did they go...? You! You're behind this!" He said pointing at Fluttershy who up to this pint was just watching in shock.
"W-what!? No I'm not honest!" Fluttershy said truthfully confused at what was happening.
"You're lying! This freak shit is all because of your magic huh? Well if you don't stop this shit right now I'm gonna blow your head clean off!" He yelled aiming the rifle at her.
"Leave her alone you cold hearted beast!"
The hunter turned his head and looked to see Spike standing there staring him dead in the eye.
"Wait....you're the green haired little shit she saved earlier, I thought you'd up and run after we caught her," He said aiming his gun directly at him. "Well, there isn't any space on my wall, but theres plenty of space in my trash compacter for yah," He said cocking the gun.
"Well I think there's someone else you should be worrying about right now," Spike said calmly.
"Oh yeah, who?"
"Him. Angel now!" Spike yelled. So like a bat out of hell the white rabbit sprung from a nearby tree and latched itself to the hunters face and began to scratch like a mad man.
"Angel! Spike!" Fluttershy screamed as she watched her rabbit maul the hunters face, meanwhile Spike ran over to untie her.
"Fluttershy are you okay?" He asked as he removed the net and rope. Her answer was to jump and give him the tightest and warmest hug he'd ever received.
"Oh thank you thank you!" She yelled nuzzling him with all her might.
Spikes face went crimson for a bit but he returned the nuzzle, he'd gotten plenty of practice after all.
"No problem, but it's not over yet. Angel over here!" Spike ordered. The rabbit acknowledged his command and ceased his assault on and jumped off as the hunter staggered forward with scratch marks on his face.
"Ahhh dammit you little runt!" He yelled in fury as he tried to wipe the blood from his eyes, he looked around only seeing blurry before his vision finally cleared, however the next thing he saw was the bottom of Spikes boot before passing out.
"That'll teach you to mess with my friends," Spike said as he placed his foot back on the ground from his especially delivered kick.
"...Wow Spike, where did you learn to kick like that?" Fluttershy asked amazed.
"Oh I learned it from a friend; she taught me a thing or two on how about kicking. Man that girl knows how to buck hard....why do I feel dirty for saying that?"
Angel walked up to Spikes leg and pulled on his pants.
"Oh hey good job out there little guy. So does this mean we're cool?"
Angel bunny looked Spike in the eye and gave him a thumbs up before hoping off to his owner.
"Well I guess that's a start, now it's just to get these thugs back to the campsite," Just as Spike said that bright lights shone on him and the people around him, this also caused Fluttershy to jump with far and latch onto him.
"Hold it right there!" A distorted voice ordered from beyond the light. "You are suspected of illegal hunting and kidnapping, surrender now or...huh? Spike is that you?" The distorted voice asked in confusion.
"What the? Who's out there?" Spike called. The lights went off and out from behind them stepped a familiar bacon haired agent.
"Spike, We've got to stop meeting like this," She said stepping out.
"Agent Sunset, what are you doing here?"
"Oh they called me over after you vanished from your tent."
"Who called you ove-wow!" Spike yelled as he was suddenly caught in a soft and tight death trap from three sides.
"Oh bae we were so worried when we couldn't find you!"
"Are you okay cupcake! Do you need me to kiss your booboos?"
"Don't you ever scare me like that again yah hear?" Came the worried calls of his roommates, when he'd gone missing into the night they panicked and called sunset that in turn didn't want to lose her greatest asset-friend and sent help over.
"Yes yes, we're all glad that Spike is safe," It was then that Sunset took notice a rather scared looking Fluttershy. "Who are you?" She asked.
"I..I'm futtershy" She said quietly.
"I'm sorry could you repeat that?"
"She said her name is Fluttershy," Spike said finally escaping the deathtrap of softness and kisses. "She's been stuck here for a while now; she didn't want to leave with the hunters causing so much trouble, she's a bit of an animal lover."
"I see," Sunset said. "Well I'm sure I can arrange to send you back, you'll be home in no time."
"NO!" She cried out getting everyones attention. She quickly realized what she did and reverted back to her shy state. "I..I...Would like to stay...if that's alright."
This time agent Sunset heard her.
"You want to stay? Well...if you still have business in this world I suppose I could find you somewhere."
Fluttershy nodded her head; after all she was still pretty interested in this world's wild life.
"Hmmm now where could I put this poor, defenseless, and absolutely adorable girl," Sunset trailed on as she gave Spike a look that just screamed her intentions to him.
"Sigh...Fluttershy, would you like to stay with me and my roommates?" Spike asked deciding not to drag this on.
"Oh yes please!" Fluttershy cried as she latched onto his firm chest. "You hear that Angel bunny we have a home," She said happily to her rabbit that just rolled his eyes.
"Yaaaay a new friend," Pinkie said happily.
"Well howdy do partner, welcome to the family," AJ said welcomingly.
"...What..?" Came from Twilight.
"Well come on, let's go get the paper work ready," Sunset said as she called everyone back to the campsite. Everyone followed behind until Spike somehow tripped.
"Oh my goodness Spike are you okay?" Fluttershy asked walking over to him and helping him up.
"Yeah yeah I'm fine, looks like this...vine tripped me," He said pointing to vine that looked like it had been set up as a trip wire.
"Well how in tar nation did that get there?" AJ asked.
"I don't know but lets get out of here, it's almost morning," Sunset said getting everyone to move on.
All while a certain white rabbit smiled deviously. Boy was he going to have fun with this human... �@�"ZE |
Every Day Life with Pony Girls | A Fabulous New Addition (Edited by Starblade) | It was afternoon in Sanctuary City, and Fluttershy and Spike were currently walking through the urban streets side-by-side. Well...it was more like side-to-side, as the meek pony girl had been leaning into Spike during their entire trek through the city. More at home surrounded by woodland critters and nature's glory, the pinkette was nervous moving through the city and passing by so many unknown humans.
"A-A-Are you sure they'll have clothes for me there, Spikey?" stammered Fluttershy, holding onto Spike's arm tightly. She was currently wearing a pair of purple jeans and a green T-shirt, both of which she had borrowed from Twilight. The clothes proved to be a bit tight--especially around the chest area--much to the princess' envy.
"They should. This new store is supposed to be designed for Equestrians,byEquestrians. In fact, I'm pretty sure an Equestrian runs it," Spike said, looking down at her. "You look a bit scared Flutters, you okay?" he asked. He was currently wearing green and purple sneakers, a pair of blue, baggy jeans, and a button-up, blue shirt with a white T-shirt underneath.
"Oh um, yes...I'm just a bit nervous to be out here, especially without Angel," she sighed, missing her bunny.
"No need to worry, Flutters. I'll take good care of you while we're out," Spike said, putting an arm around her shoulder.
Fluttershy blushed furiously and looked away from his gaze, but she kept her tight grip on him. It was weird. She only ever really felt safe when she was with her animals. Ponies and people alike never gave her that sense of safety and understanding, but here was someone who could comfort her just as much as her animal friends.
"Well, this is the place," Spike said, breaking her out of her thoughts. The two had arrived infront of what seemed like a strip mall with no shortage of Equestrians making their way in and out of the place.
"Goodness, Spike. It's so big," observed Fluttershy.
"Yeah, the city council was in a real rush to build this place after Equestrians started moving over," Spike replied taking in the sight. "So, shall we get started?"
"Okay, Spike."
Meanwhile...
Inside one of the offices of the shopping outlet, an Equestrian woman was having a heated discussion over the phone. And by the sounds of frustrated sighing over the receiver, the person on the other end of the line was growing more and more irritated.
"My apologies for testing your patience like this, darling. But if I'm going to spread my inspirational sense of style and fashion to this world, I simply can't be housed with just any of this world's hosts, no matter how qualified they may be. I hope you understand, Agent Sunset," the Equestrian said.
"*Sigh* It's alright, Miss. As an agent representing Earth's support for the Cultural Exchange Program, my duty is to ensure that all those who cross over to this world are given the best possible housing that is to their liking. But what I don't understand is what the issue was with the last couple of families I showed you," the red-headed agent replied.
"There's nothing at all wrong with them, darling. They all seemed like fine families...and that is precisely the problem. You see, afinefamily isn't good enough. If I am to stay in this world as an avatar of glamour and fabulousness, I want the ones who are closest to me to be my muse. They must be my partners, my companions, my...."
The curvy Equestrian's voice trailed off as she stared with wide eyes through the open blinds of her office window. The sight of a couple passing by her office had set her artistic spark ablaze. One was a woman with flowing pink hair, and smooth, jade-like skin. Despite clinging to her partner, she moved with a natural sense of grace and poise that many ladies took years to perfect. And within her ill-fitting clothes was a curvy figure that would make most supermodels green with envy. Speaking of "green," the young man whose arm was in the pinkette's embrace was a tall, lean hunk of a human with a spiky head of green hair that, in just the right light, looked like an emerald flame. His eyes carried a soft and caring intensity to them as he looked after his more anxious companion.
"...inspiration," she whispered.
"Hello? Miss Rarity, are you alright?" asked Agent Sunset.
Rarity's lips curled into a devious smirk as she watched the couple pass by.
"Yes, Agent Sunset, I am quite alright. In fact, I believe I may have just found the solution to our little problem."
"How about this one, Flutters?" Spike asked, holding up a lime green sundress. He and Fluttershy had made their way to the nearest clothing store the complex had to offer.
"Oh, um...I don't know...it seems like it would be sort of...tight," she replied.
"Oh. Well, that's okay. There are still plenty of clothes for you to try out. I'm sure will find something," Spike said, exchanging the sundress for another outfit.
For the next two hours, Fluttershy and Spike continued to scower the various stores in the complex, trying to find clothes for Fluttershy. However, even after all that searching, they came up almost totally empty handed. It wasn't just that some of the clothes offered didn't suit her likes; she just couldn't seem to talk to some of the store personnel trying to help her. Every time they tried, Fluttershy would always find herself hiding from them behind Spike's back.
"Oh Spike, I'm so sorry," Fluttershy apologized profusely. "I know we've been here for hours now, but I just can't seem to do this. Let's just go home."
"Hey now, Flutters, there's no need to lose hope. I think the only reason you haven't been able to get any clothes is because most of these stores' clerks are humans. You're just not completely comfortable around all of us, yet," Spike said. It was true, they'd been all over the strip mall and most of the clothing retail stores they'd visited were managed and staffed by humans. "Alright, here's another one," Spike said, pointing to yet another clothing store.
"Do you think this one will be able to help?"
"I sure hope so," Spike replied.
"Help! Stop that man! He just robbed us!" cried one of the clerks inside the store.
Just as Spike and Fluttershy had walked in through the front entrance, they were surprised by the frightened scream of a girl working in the store. They saw her pointing at a man wearing a pair of torn jean shorts and brown trench coat, who was hauling a bag full of money. He was making a mad dash towards the entrance in his efforts to escape.
"Out of my way!" he yelled, shoving people aside as he passed. Looking back over his shoulder, he saw a small group of security guards rushing over to chase him. They'd be on him within seconds if he didn't do something. Thinking quickly, he looked around him in search of someone to use as a hostage. Just ahead of him were Spike and Fluttershy, standing just past the entrance. The robber noticed the sheer terror in Fluttershy's eyes and her trembling form and knew he'd found the perfect candidate. He pulled out his knife from inside his trench coat and rushed towards the two, reaching out a hand towards Fluttershy in an attempt to rip her away from Spike's side.
Big mistake.
Before his hand could reach Fluttershy's shoulder, Spike thrust his hand out and grabbed him by the wrist. Fluttershy jumped in fright and ran out of the store to hide behind a nearby fountain. She timidly peaked her head out from behind her hiding spot, worried for Spike's safety. Meanwhile, Spike had flipped his wrist, twisting the thief's arm into an uncomfortable position.
"Get your hand off me!" yelled the thief, yanking his wrist out of Spike's hand.
"That's what you get for trying to steal," Spike said coldly.
"What!? Why you...!"
The thief raised his knife with his right hand before thrusting towards Spike's chest only for the young man to dodge to the side. Again, Spike grabbed the thief's wrist with his right hand, only this time he followed up his grapple by disarming the thief. He caught the dropped knife with his left hand and threw away.
"Andthisis what you get for trying to hurt my friend," Spike said in the same chilling tone as he grabbed the thief's collar with his left hand before delivering an almost jaw shattering punch to the face with his right.
The security guards made it just in time to find the thief pass out on the floor with Spike standing over his unconscious form. There was a brief applause from the crowd around Spike while the security thanked him for his assistance. Once everything was over and it was safe again, Fluttershy came out from behind her hiding spot.
"Oh Spike, that was so scary," she whimpered, reattaching herself tightly to Spike's arm. "That mean man looked like he was coming for me."
"Don't worry, Flutters, it's all over now," comforted Spike. "I guess we should go ahead and get your clothes, huh?"
Spike turned towards the clothing store and suddenly stopped in his tracks. The security guards were in the midst of ushering everyone out of the store. The employees were still shaken up from the attempted robbery and in no mood to continue servicing customers, so the store was being closed early.
"Oh no! I'm sorry, Spike," Fluttershy said, trying to comfort him.
"It's alright, Flutters. We can try again tomorrow," sighed Spike, feeling a bit discouraged.
"Excuse me, dears, but I believe I may be able to help you," said a feminine voice from behind them.
Spike turned around and felt his heart nearly jump into his chest. There, standing before him, was easily one of the most gorgeous pony girls he'd seen to date. She had moderate azure eyes, an indigo mane and tail, and a pair of white, fluffy looking pony ears. Her attire was just as heart-racing as the pony girl who wore them. She wore a short black skirt emblazoned with a trio of diamonds--which Spike assumed was her cutie mark--a frilly, white, button-up blouse, a pair of dark stockings that showed off her long, sexy legs, and a pair of black stiletto heels. Spike would've drooled at the sight of her if he didn't have self-control. It didn't help that she had this air of class around her that Spike had to admit he found hot.
"Excuse me, darling? Did you hear me?"
"Huh?...Oh! Yeah, sorry," Spike said, coming out of his daze. "What is it that you can help us with, miss....?"
"Rarity. My name is Rarity Belle, and I was hoping to help you with your clothing troubles. I overheard you say you were unsuccessful in getting your friend here some clothing," she said, gesturing to the pegasus girl hiding behind him.
"Oh yeah, that's right. Out of all the places we visited today, none of them seemed to be able to help us."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk...yes, that is the first thing I noticed about this place when I first opened my boutique here. Despite all the potential this place has, it simply doesn't know how to put it to good use. That is why I will be taking over soon. With an Equestrian in charge, I'm certain we will see an overwhelming increase in satisfied customers," she said confidently, placing her hands on her hips.
"Yes, that definitely sounds good for the Equestrians, but what does that have to do with us?" Spike asked.
"Oh! Yes, of course. My apologies, darling, I seemed to have gotten a little worked up there, as it were. Please, I insist that you come over to my boutique setup in the mall, I should be able to fix you and your beautiful friend here with the proper service," Rarity claimed, gesturing in the direction of her store.
"That would be great! We can finally get you some clothes, Flutters!" Spike cheered, holding Fluttershy close. Fluttershy could only let out a small squeak before hiding behind her mane again.
"Excellent. Now, if you'll just follow me..."
Rarity pulled ahead of the duo, leading them through the mall towards her boutique. As they walked, Spike found himself getting flustered at the sight of Rarity's peach bottom bouncing under that tight skirt with each step. At one point, Spike thought that Rarity had caught him staring, but he wasn't sure. However, he was fairly sure that after that, Rarity's hips seemed to have a little more sway in them when she walked.
The trio eventually made it to a small store with a sign that read "Carousal Boutique ~ Earth," and inside, Spike and Fluttershy found an absolutely massive selection of clothing to choose from.
"Wow, this place is amazing," marveled Fluttershy.
"No kidding. This place must be doing well," Spike added.
"Oh of course, darling. In fact, it's the most popular store in this facility. It's one of the reasons why the owners are going to let me manage this place. To spread the success not only to the other clothing retailers, but the whole mall in general. But enough about me, let's get you some clothing shall we?"
"Oh, um, sure," said Fluttershy reluctantly, releasing the young man.
"You stay here, Mr....Spikey, was it?" asked Rarity with an arched brow and coy smile.
"Spike. Spike Draco," Spike replied.
"Well Mr. Draco, don't worry about your friend. I'll take good care of her."
Rarity escorted Fluttershy towards the dressing rooms while Spike took a seat near the entrance. After they reached the dressing room, Rarity sat Fluttershy down on a bench before joining her. The fashionista had a number of questions she wished to ask the shy pegasus girl.
"So, Miss Fluttershy, was it? Could you tell me what it is you're looking for?"
Truthfully, Rarity didn't need to ask what Fluttershy wanted. Years of practicing her craft, her attention to detail, and the added magic from her special talent, allowed her discern the meek girl's character and needs with a glance. And what her skills and talent were telling her now was that Fluttershy was the type of girl who didn't want to show off, but also didn't want to look like a grandma. She wanted to be modest up to a point, yet still look like any other young woman.
In truth, Rarity thought it was a bit of a waste of good material. With Fluttershy's natural beauty, grace, and enviable curves, she had a great deal of potential to model a number of fashionable styles, even a few pieces that were a bit...risque. Oh well, to each their own.
"Oh...well...um, I'm really not sure what I'm looking for. I don't really want any flashy clothes, or...anything too revealing," Fluttershy said, falling into her shy tendencies.
"Hmmm...well darling, you seem to have trouble telling me what you like when it comes to clothing. So how about you just tell me what else you like, anything at all. Well, besides the fine, green-haired gentleman over there," Rarity said, pointing towards Spike.
"What!?? I....I don't...I mean I do, I just..."
"Oh hush now, darling, I'm only teasing; now, out with it. Tell me what you like."
"Well...I like....nature," Fluttershy answered, looking Rarity in the eyes with a straight face.
Rarity shivered. Whenever she thought of "nature," she could only really envision the parts that grossed her out about it: dirt, snakes, rain, dirt, feces, dirt, bugs, and worse of all,dirt!But she knew it was just her personal view of nature that was trying to cloud her mind. She wouldn't let it, not when dealing with a customer...and potentially something else.
"Well darling, let me see what I can get you," she said, getting to work
About two whole hours had passed and Spike was getting bored. He'd played all the games on his phone, and even watched an episode of his favorite anime, 'Bull Frog Cube Super'. It was a wonder that he hadn't dozed off at this point. He wondered what was taking so long.
"Spike, darling, do you think you could help out over here for a moment?" Rarity called.
"Huh? Coming!" Spike answered, as he got up and walked toward the dressing rooms.'What could they need my help with?'Spike wondered. Once Spike entered the dressing room, his eyes flew wide open in shock. Fluttershy and Rarity both stood there with wide smiles on their faces and bags full of clothing by their sides.
"Spikey, look at all the clothes I got!" Fluttershy chirped happily, holding up her bags.
"Yeah, this sure is a...lot?" Spike paused when he realized Fluttershy was no longer in Twilight's clothes. She now wore a lime green sweater, and a pair of sky blue skinny jeans, both of which were a far better fit on Fluttershy's figure than the previous set of clothes. "You changed your clothes?"
"Oh yes, I just felt so good in them that I figured I'd wear them out. I hope that's okay?"
"Of course it is, I'm just surprised at how much you got. Thank you so much, Rarity," Spike thanked. "Where are Twilight's clothes, by the way?"
"Oh, I put them in one of the bags, though the shirt is a bit stretched out," Rarity replied, a hint of envy in her tone aimed towards Fluttershy's well-endowed chest. Of course, she was rather busty herself, just not as much.
"So, how much will it be?" Spike asked.
"No charge, darling," Rarity replied.
"What? You're giving us all this for free?" Spike gasped.
"Oh no! You have to let us pay you. You saved us a lot of trouble," Fluttershy added in.
"I didn't say I wouldn't get paid, I just don't want money," Rarity cryptically replied with a smirk.
"Oh. Well then, whatdoyou want? A favor?" Spike asked.
"Yes, something like that. But let's discuss that later. It will be closing time soon, and I have a bit of work to do," She replied, pointing towards the clock.
"Well okay, thank you again, Rarity," Fluttershy said, hugging her.
After saying their goodbyes, Fluttershy and Spike walked back home with Spike carrying most of the bags, of course. They walked next to each other as the sun slowly set over the horizon.
"I'm really glad we got you these clothes, Flutters," Spike said.
"So am I, Spikey, and we even made a new friend. I hope we can pay her back for all this clothing."
Spike was about to agree when he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He put the bags down, pulled out his phone, and noticed that he had gotten a new text message. Once he unlocked his phone, he discovered that the message was from Agent Sunset. It read,"Stopped by your house to get it ready for your new house guest. Hope she enjoys her stay! ;)"
"Who is it?" Fluttershy asked.
"It's Agent Sunset. She says she stopped by the house to get it ready for my new house guest."
"But I already moved in, and my room was already renovated."
"I know. Who could she be talking about?"
The two approached their house just as a crowd of construction workers were leaving it behind in their trucks. Then, a sleek black car pulled up the driveway. Stepping out from driver's door was non-other than the fashionista herself. She turned around and caught the bewildered duo approaching her.
"Hello darlings, good to see you again," she greeted warmly.
"Rarity?!" Spike exclaimed as he walked up to her. "What are you doing here?!"
"Oh, this is my new home. I'm sure you were informed of me coming."
"I...Agent Sunset. Of course," Spike said holding his head.
"Yes. She told me that if anyone could take good care of me, it would be you, and you seemed like such a gentleman when we spoke earlier. You don't mind do you?"
"Of course not, Rarity," Fluttershy said as she walked up to her. "Please come in. I would love for you to meet the other girls."
"'Other girls,' you say?" She looked back at Spike with a smirk. "So, a bit of a womanizer, is he?" she winked.
"Well...I-I-I...I would love to have you here Rarity, please make yourself at home," Spike said smiling awkwardly.
"I will, darling, thank you; I hope that taking care of us all doesn't tire you out," she said as she walked in with Fluttershy to meet her new roommates.
"Don't worry Rarity," Spike muttered, "If taking care of all these girls has given me one thing...it's endurance." |
Every Day Life with Pony Girls | Technical Difficulties | Hey guys, I'm afraid I've got some bad news. My laptop stopped working a few days ago, I'm not certain what's wrong with it but I'm definitely gonna be put into a forced hiatus.
This also includes my other story spikes night job.
I'm really sorry this happened, I'll try to repair my laptop or get a new one soon, but that may take all of summer.
Again I'm sorry, and if it takes too long and I'm unable to continue, this story will be up for grabs to anyone who wants it. Hopefully it won't come to that.
-Slash17 |
Every Day Life with Pony Girls | Man Vs Rabbit | Spike sighed in relief as he sat down in his easy chair for the first time in what felt like weeks, the young man reclined and let the scarce tranquility of his house consume him. Any other day the house might have been in a completely different state due to his growing number of house mates, today however was different as Rarity not long after moving in decided to take all her new female companions to the nearby spa, it was owned and ran by Equestrians so it went without saying that they knew how to treat their own people.
"I'm glad the girls all get a chance to unwind and bond on their own, being house mates with so many people must get stressful," Spike said to himself as he continued to lounge in his chair. "Now that I think about it Twilight might have needed this the most, I swear it looked like she'd started going red after Rarity moved in."
Flash Back.
"Girls, I'd like you all to meet Rarity, she's the pony that helped me get all my new clothes while at the mall," Fluttershy said introducing the white coated mare to her friends.
"Well howdy there miss Rarity, mah name is Applejack."
"Oh I new friend! Yaay! My name's Pinkie pie."
"Oh hello there, my name is Twilight-"
"PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE!" Twilight was interrupted as a blur of purple zoomed toward her before getting on it's knees and bowing it's head. "Princess Twilight, the one and only Princess of friendship, hailed throughout Equestria as the peacekeeper of nation's, I'm honored to be in your presence," she said before she started kissing the ground Twilight stood on. Twilight was a bit shocked at first but smiled at her.
"Hey now, we aren't in Equestria anymore so you can just call me Twilight. By the way, not to be rude but what brings you here?" Twilight asked.
"Rarity's going to be living with Spike now," Fluttershy said with a smile.
Twilight's cheeks fell and her eyes went wide at that statement.
".... what..."
"Well ah guess that explains the whole herd of people that came rushin' in and out like cattle, they were fixin' up yer room."
"Indeed they were darling, hope you don't mind."
"Are you kidding! Of course not, now we all have a new friend!" Pinkie cheered hugging her.
"This is going to be great," Fluttershy said.
"I'm so glad you think so darlings, because now I have a little treat planned for us all I'm sure you'll all enjoy it. Especially you Twilight, you look like your about to explode...."
Flashback end.
"Now I can finally relax," Spike said reclining. A sudden growl from his stomach told him he needed something to eat so he groaned as he got up and left for the kitchen.
Spike was returning with a bowl of various kinds of chips in hand hoping to enjoy then while watching some TV. He stopped in his tracks when he heard the television flick channels.
"What the...."
Spike approached the chair slowly and cautiously then quickly peered over to see a white fur ball with long ears better known as angel sitting in his easy chair flicking through the channels.
"Oh hey it's you."
The rabbit changed the channel one last time and out of sheer luck it landed on a channel where the onscreen character uttered the words...
"ehhh What's up doc?"
The rabbit looked up at him with a bored look.
"Oh hey it's you....you mind getting off my chair? I uh was hoping to relax a bit today," Spike asked nicely.
The rabbit simply shook his head and went back to channel surfing.
"....*sigh*... alright I guess I'll just crash on my couch," he relented as he moved over to the sofa and took a seat.
Not one second after sitting down did he let out an ear piercing scream that rocked the house. He sprang upwards causing his bowl of chips fall to the ground as he rubbed his behind gently.
"What the heck was....?" He said as he turned to see a pin was planted between the pillows of the couch. He quickly moved over and pulled it out from its place and before he could ask himself where it came from the hysterical laughter of the white rabbit behind him told exactly what happened.
"You little....you planted that there!? Oh wait till Fluttershy hears about this."
The rabbit stopped laughing and looked at Spike with wide eyes for a split second before chuckling and going back to surfing through the TV.
Spike sighed, he knew what that meant. Fluttershy would just scold him at best if at all, this little rabbit really was starting to try his patience even if it didn't look like it. This wasn't the first time that Angel has gotten on his nerves, just the other day while he was enjoying some cider AJ brought home for the girls, the rabbit thought it would be funny to pour some on the ground right as spike was getting up from his chair, he slipped in it and and got his favorite shirt covered in the yellow substance he really hoped was the cider.
Or a bit further back when he poured Spikes home made pepper sauce into a slice of cake, needless to say the taste wasn't pleasant.
"I know better than to to try and reason with this little guy, I'd be better off just watching TV in my room," Spike said leaving his living room. He made his way upstairs with the hopes of just avoiding the little demon by staying in his room. He grabbed onto the door handle and was met with a sudden surge of pain to his hand, he quickly pulled his hand away and held it with his other hand groaning at the pain.
"Sweet galactic grass hoppers! what was that!?" Spike yelled as he looked back and forth between his hand and the doorknob. As soon as he touched it Spike felt a shock of pain, Spike quickly retrieved a thick rubber glove from a nearby closet and opened the door. After swinging the door open and looking at the other side Spike was met with an elaborate entanglement of wires that lead from his doorknob to a joy buzzer hanging under it.
"How did....?" Spike was about to ask himself before the sound of whistling came from behind him. He turned to see Flutteshys little bundle of joy standing in the door way, a carrot in hand and a satisfied look on his face.
The rabbit got him again.
"Is no where I go safe from you?" Spike asked hands on his head.
The rabbit held a paw to his chin as he looked up as if wondering before looking back at Spike and shaking his head at him.
Spike grunted and walked out of how room. He needed somewhere he could just have a moment of peace.
"Maybe a quick walk will calm me down," He said walking out the front door. He was in such a rush he failed to notice a rake that had been laying on the ground in front of him.
*WHAM*
The sudden and intensely sharp pain in his nose brought him out of his thoughts and back to the real world.
Spike held back a curse as he stepped back, the pain in his nose dying down only bit by bit. Soon the pain in hos nose was accompanied by a squeaky cackling the likes of which he'd never heard before. He didn't bother turning as he already knew who it was.
Instead he chose to just continue walking.
It wasn't long before Spike made it to a small park near his house. He sat down in one of the benches and enjoyed the cool breeze in his face. As the pain in his nose subsided he began wondering how he could get the little fur ball back for all the shenanigans. He slumped in the bench as he remembered that Angel was Flutteshys favorite little criter, there was no way he could do anything to that rabbit without breaking her heart and that was the last thing he wanted. He was just about to admit defeat when he heard his phone ring.
He grabbed his phone from his pocket and answered it to hear the voice of the same sweet Pegasus that'd moved into his house..
"Fluttershy?"
"Hello Spike, I'm sorry to bother you but I need a favor, unless you're too busy," she said in her usual shy tone.
"No no I'm not busy, I actually need something to do. So what is it?"
"Well, um, me and angel spent a lot of time living in the woods eating and drinking what we could get, I was scared angel may get sick from something he ate, so I requested that a care package be delivered so that I could take care of him while we lived with you," She said.
"yeah," Spike acknowledged.
"so he's been taking these pills lately and today he's due something different today to help those pills work in his system, and he needs to take it in the next hour or it'll make those pills ineffective. ," Fluttershy said in a bit of a panicked mood.
"Okay okay don't worry calm down I'll help you," Spike's attitude worsened now that he was being asked to help that bunny devil. To be perfectly honest he was going to do this for Fluttershy, after all who could say no to her? "So what exactly is it you need me to give him?"
"He needs to be given a shot," Fluttershy replied.
"A shot huh?" A quick grin made its way onto his face for a split second. It was probably bad that the idea of stabbing that bunny ,even if it was for his own health ,pleased him a bit. "Sure thing flutters, just tell me where the shot is and I'll see to it he gets it in the next hour," Spike said as he began to make his way back home.
"Oh thank you Spike, before you go I should tell you that angel has a terrible fear of needles so i hope he doesn't give you too much trouble," Fluttershy said completely unaware of the wide shit eating grin that seized Spike's face.
"Don't you worry flutters, I'm sure he'll be just fine."
Back at the house
Angel sighed as he continued to flick through channels, nothing he saw amused him and the boredom was beginning to become unbearable. He wished that human was still here for him to mess with, the look on his face when he got pissed always cheered him up. Suddenly the sound of the back door opening and closing made his ears perk up and his lips curl into a smile.
Ask and you shall receive.
The little rabbit jumped from his spot on the couch and sneakily made his way to the kitchen where the back door was located. Upon arriving he saw clear signs that the human had come back, however he wasn't there.
The sounds of footsteps coming from the floor above him caught his attention. He swiftly but quietly ran up the stairs already devising some new way to get on the green haired man's nerves. Maybe a box of pins on the ground? A jump scare of some sort? A surprise nut shot would be a classic.
When he arrived at the top of the stairs he turned his head to get a look at Spikes room. He wasn't in there. The rabbit gave a perplexed look before turning his head yet again to see that it was his caretakers room that was open.
Angel blinked, there's no way Fluttershy would have come back without looking for her beloved bunny first. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a drawer opening and what he thought sounded like a dark chuckle. He hopped over and looked inside to see the back of the man who owned the roof over over his head.
He was a bit surprised at first, then he began to get upset at the intrusion into his caretakers room. He was just about to go over and deliver that punch to the nut before realizing that the human was talking into his phone. He slowly walked over to the door to hear what he was saying.
"Hey Flutters, I found it it was right were you said you it would be," He said in a slightly up beat tone.
Angel heard some murmuring come from over the phone, he recognized it as the sweet tone of his caretaker. what was she saying to him?
"Don't worry flutters, I'll take care of this. You and the others just enjoy the rest of your day at the Spa, okay?," Spike said into the phone.
There was a bit more murmuring on the other end before Spike said bye and hung up the phone.
Spike sighed. "Y'know something rabbit?"
Angel froze in surprise as he realized Spike was aware of his presence.
"Karma is a funny thing. Always has, always will be. Every time I wonder if its even there it gives me a reminder that it is, like this morning," Spike said.
Angel didn't like where this was going.
"Then just like that, wham! a little reminder that its always watching. It came in the form of a call from dear sweet Fluttershy, saying that she needed a serious favor." Spike turned to face him. "A favor involving this little trinket," Spike said with an eerie smile as he pulled the syringe from behind his back.
In that moment Angels white fur turned even more colorless, his eyes turned into pin pricks, and his heart dropped to his stomach which now rapidly rising and falling as he took shaky breaths.
"So, we gonna do this the easy way, or the hard way?" Spike asked as he took a step forward.
The bunny, not even thinking twice, bolted. Spike smiled.
"Good choice."
Angel ran down the stairs to find a hiding spot, looking around the best place to go that wasn't obvious was inside a vase that Rarity had brought with her when she moved in. It seemed just big enough to fit him to he quickly stuffed his furry body into the cramped space. He figured this was a good place to hide out until Fluttershy got back, from there he could just figure something out.
"Aaaangeeeeel, come out and playyyy~ayyy" Spikes voice sounded out.
Angel gulped as he heard footsteps pace back and forth through out the living room. With every step he heard it seemed like spike was getting closer and closer. Then as quickly as it started it ended, there were no more sounds of walking coming from around him. Cautiously he stretched his ears and listened carefully for indication of his presence. Nothing. He poked his head out and looked around the living room to see no trace of him. He sighed in relief. That is until he heard the bone chilling sound of someone slowly exhaling behind him. He turned his head slowly to see the a pair of sinister, hungry, emerald eyes.
"Fouuuuund you." He grinned.
The rabbits head dropped into the vase just as a pair of fluffy feet shattered the bottom of the vase. These fluffy legs launched the bunny, along with the still intact upper half of the vase, off the counter in the direction of the basement.
"....Well I guess its a good thing Rarity didn't like that thing anyway." Spike said nonchalantly.
The blinded bunny continued to run despite that its view being blocked by the vase, this ended up causing the rabbit to run right off the first step into the basement. He immediately fell over and rolled down the steps in the vase until he finally hit the bottom causing the ceramic antique to break around him. Angel rubbed his head as he stood back up, that was hard fall.
"There you are! Maybe watch your step next time? I wouldn't want you to get hurt too badly," Spike said as he walked down the steps.
Angel immediately regained his composure as he ran deeper into the basement, looking around he realized there was an open vent door in the wall a few feet away. With a few swift jumps he dove inside and closed the door behind him before running deeper inside to avoid being seen.
The rabbit jumped further labyrinth, climbing up and crawling through until he reached another vent opening. He peered out and noticed he was now looking into the kitchen. He decided to sit still and wait right there for Fluttershy to come home and get him even if the vent was cold and.....claustrophobic inducing. However the longer the bunny sat there the more he realized it wasn't so cold anymore, kinda toasty actually. The rabbit wiped some of the sweat off his forehead, now it was really getting toasty . Not too long after, Angel realized his sweat was now just evaporating off of him! HOT HOT TOO HOT! the rabbit thought as he jumped out of the vent into the kitchen. He ran around with his tail slightly smoking before jumping into the sink and cooling it off with a sigh of relief.
"I thought I smelled overcooked rabbit," A voice said behind him. He turned around to see Spike leaning on the wall just a few inches from the thermostat. "Maybe next time I'll cook you over a lower heat for a longer period of time."
Angel again ran like mad. Jumping off the counter in the direction on the back door, the sliding door was wide open and practically calling to him. However as he jumped for freedom he found himself tangled in something sticky and clear. Plastic wrap. The rabbit struggled but he just couldn't break free, he kicked and gnawed but found himself almost completely immobile.
"Well Well well, lookie what I caught." Spike chuckled as he stepped closer to his prey. "It was fun chasing you around rabbit but I think its time we end this huh?" The green haired man said as he picked the white fur ball up.
Angel was on the verge of tears, if he could speak in that very moment he'd tell Spike about how sorry he was, how he wished he'd been nicer to him for taking care of Fluttershy and himself. He wanted to say how he promised to behave himself just as long as Spike spared him of this terrible fate.
"Done."
All he wanted was to see his pink haired caretaker one last-- Angel eyes opened.
"You're a real drama queen aren't you?" Spike asked as he carried the rabbit to the living room. Spike sat on the couch with a very confused and shaking bunny in his lap. "Hey there calm down would you?" Spike said as he gently applied some medicine to where he'd injected Angel. "Well that was sure fun huh? Hope you've learned not to start battles you can't win," Spike said putting the rabbit on a pillow. "Sweet dreams." Angel heard Spike say as the medicine started putting him to sleep.
A few hours Later.
"Welcome home girls," Spike greeted his housemates as they walked into the living room. "Wow you girls look great, that Spa really knows how to treat its customers. Spike said noticing how their skin was practically glowing, not to mention how relaxed they looked.
"Why thank you Spikey-wikey," Rarity said blushing.
"Thanks Bae," Twilight said walking up and hugging him for a brief moment.
"Eeyup, Ah feel better than an apple fresh outta the wash," AJ said giving Spike a hug, as well as a face full of her own special apples.
"Hi cupcake!" Pinkie said bouncing by.
"Hello Spike," Fluttershy greeted him.
"Hey flutters," Spike said once the earth pony let him go. "I took care of Angels shot like you asked," He said as leading her to the living room where her sweet little...Angel... slept.
"Oh thank you thank you!" Fluttershy said as she said nuzzling his cheek before going over to pick Angel up. "I can't thank you enough for this, he normally gives me a bit of trouble when I try to give him the shot, he didn't over react did he?" She asked rocking the bunny back and forth between her arms.
"He was a bit feisty, but I could handle it," Spike said smiling.
"Oh that's great to hear, I knew I could trust my....honey," Fluttershy said as her face went ruby red.
Spike rubbed the back of his head, a faint red line on his cheeks as well. "Well, you know you can ask for anything Flutters," If you ever need help with Angels shot again I'd be glad to help."
"Oh thank you Spike, but...Angel won't be getting any more shots. His next treatment involves him taking a different kind of medicine." She said.
"Really? What's he taking next time?" Spike asked.
"A suppository." |
Every Day Life with Pony Girls | Rainbow rescue | It was an early morning in Sanctuary City as Spike had already gotten up to cook his house mates some breakfast. Joining him was his country friend Applejack, who had grown used to helping Spike wake in the early morning hours.
"Thanks again for the help AJ, I really appreciate it," Spike said as he flipped some pancakes he had cooking up.
"C,mon now lover boy, there's no need to keep thanking me like that. Ah'm getting kinda embarrassed," AJ said turning to hide a thin pink on her cheeks while she poured some fresh apple juice into the cups she was going to set at the table.
"Sorry Jackie, I guess I just really enjoy your company." Spike said with sweet smile on his face. A smile his earth blood roommate found almost unbearable as the butterflies in her heart were suddenly fluttering faster. "I just wish there were more people like you who don't just... say....I don't know, gobble up all the muffins I'd made for the girls breakfast today.
"Phlew ould du sumthimmg laig dak?" A certain bacon haired agent said with a mouthful of chocolate chip muffin.
"Speakin of which, not to be rude there agent shimmer, but what brings yah by this mornin,?" Applejack asked as she set the drinks onto the table and took a seat.
"Oh just stopping by to make a routine check on my favorite house hold in the program. Making sure everything is in good condition , you're well treated and fed, which you obviously are," She said taking a bite out of another muffin.
"Well yeah, Spike's a real good feller to us, Ah wouldn't trade him fer the world," She said proudly while spike smiled nearby.
"That reminds me, I also need to check to make sure Spike follows all the rules regarding his interaction with you all," She said scooting herself almost uncomfortably close to the earth blood. "Has he been....affectionate towards you?"
"W-what do yah mean?" Applejack asked. "He's real nice to me and the gals if that's what yer-"
"Does he ever...express his care for you girls physically?" She asked raising an eye brow.
"Sunset..." Spike said in a sigh as he face palmed himself. " I know this is part of your job but c'mon"
"Well Pinkie says his hugs are 'sweeter than a sugar pie' and...ah think she's right." Applejack replied.
"These hugs, do they ever get....intimate?" Sunset asked putting a very short distance between her shade covered eyes and Applejacks increasingly pink face.
"I-intimate?" She asked as she realized just what sunset was talking about.
"Sunset that's enough, don't embarrass her," Spike chastised.
"C'mon I'm just joking there bud. I know you're not that kind of guy." She suddenly looked at AJ and whispered just enough for her to hear... "Even if some wish you were" She punctuated her statement with a wink.
"H-huh!?"
"Morning Every Pony!" The sound of Pinkie's voice drew everyone's attention to kitchen entrance where her and the other girls were standing in their PJ's.
"Morning girls, hope you all slept well" Spike said with a smile as he set down breakfast.
"Morning bae," Twilight greeted as she gave him a hug, she'd chosen to wear actual pajamas this time around much to Spikes relief, the last thing they needed was for Sunset to see that.
"Hiya Agent Sunny!" Pinkie called "You're here early."
"Indeed she is, may i ask what this is a about?" Rarity said sitting down.
"Well it looks like she's here to eat all the muffins," Spike said taking notice as the agent inhaled another chunk of the baked goods.
"Oh haha very funny, actually I'm here with a gift" She said wiping her mouth with a napkin. "Have you guys heard of the up coming Equine talent tournament?" Sunset asked .
"I seem to remember hearing about something like that over the news," Spike said. "It's something like a talent show?"
"That's a pretty bland way of putting it but yes, come this weekend several different groups are gonna be showcasing several of their most mesmerizing talents and performances, some are going to incorporate humans into their acts as part of the general theme of "We can do great things together" Sunset explained.
"Oh that sounds incredible!" Fluttershy commented.
"I'm glad you girls think so, cause I've brought you tickets to go see the show in person at the New Celestial Stadium!" Sunset cheered.
"Wowee! really?!" Pinkie asked as she jumped onto the table.
"Well shoot, that sounds like ah hollerin good time," AJ commented.
"That's great Sunset, I don't know how to thank you," Spike said taking a seat.
"Oh I can think of a certain way~" The red head said in a husky voice as she slid from her seat into Spike's lap.
This caught the greenette off-guard as was evident from his rapidly reddening face. He wasn't the only one however, Twilight had a look on her face that indicated Sunset may or may not be turned into a potted plant in the next 5 seconds, Fluttershy and Applejack seemed rather flustered, Rarity raised a brow as she sipped on her tea while pinkie gave a 'Whaa?' face.
"W-what do you have in mind....?" Spike asked in a shaky tone.
"Make me some more of those fantastic muffins of course!" Sunset proclaimed jumping up. "How about some blueberry this time huh?" She asked with a smirk and a wink.
"Uh....yeah sure no problem." Spike said sweating a bit.
"Great! I'll be back for them later. The event is this Saturday at about 5 PM, you all have a good time!" Agent Mary said taking her leave.
"Miss, are you certain that you want to go through with this? you're injured."
"Of course i'm sure, and this is just a scratch," a raspy but high voice said as the speaker pointed to a few bandages wrapped around her wing. "Sometimes its the risk that worth thinking about, so sign me up now!" She said in a harsh tone.
The person taking names for the show sighed in defeat, the fact that this was the first event of its kind meant that the rules and regulations were't quite yet standard.
"Alright, I've got you down for Saturday night so please take this form and give a general description of your act," The man said giving the cyan feathered equine a paper and pen.
The Pegasus blood took a seat nearby and began to write down what she had planned for the upcoming show. "Aw yeah, this is gonna knock their socks off," She bragged to herself. "A few flips here.....some flaming hoops there.... "She muttered to herself. "Perfect!" With that she returned the form to the registration officer.
"Thank you for your submission, you'll receive a letter soon that will provide you with all the necessary details for your performance." He said putting her form in a folder.
"Awesome," The Pegasus said as she flew towards her temporary living facility.
"Good morning Sanctuary City! I'm your host Doug Domedima coming to you live from the brand new Celestial Stadium," The announcer spoke to the camera and the audience. He stood in the middle of a stadium roughly the size of a the average football stadium.
"Before we begin I'd just like to thank all our contestants for showing up to give us a show we soon wont forget, lets hear it for the inter-dimensional exchange!" He Cowboy-esque dressed man yelled as the crowd of Equine and human attendants cheered.
Among the ecstatic crowd a certain household had taken their seats in the very front row.
"This is super duper incredible!" Pinkie cheered in joy.
"Yeah, ah gotta say Ah'm kinda surprised that these seats are this dang good," AJ said giving the field a look across.
"I can't believe that Sunset said this was just some sort of hurry made stadium, this place isn't small by any means," Spike noted.
"I must say it certainly was generous of her to give us those tickets, I hope she's enjoying those muffins you made Spikey," Rarity commented. "Although from what i saw she may have been after more than that..." Rarity trailed off.
"W-what are you talking about Rarity-"
"Yeah what ARE you talking about?" Twilight asked jumping in her Bae's lap.
"Oh nothing at all dearie's. Fluttershy dear, how do you feel about the show?" Rarity asked the shy pegasus.
"Oh it's all quite lovely, but I'm glad that I could come spend time with you girls and Honey," She responded with a blush.
"I'm happy to spend time with you girls too, you five have been the best friends a guy can ask for. It Wouldn't be right if I didn't show you any love," He finished with a smile.
"L-love!?" AJ yelped in surprise as she covered her face with her hat.
"Oh Spikey stop, you'll make a mare blush," Rarity said with her hands on her cheeks.
"cupcake loves me! cupcake loves me! cupcake loves me!" Pinkie said bouncing around the green haired man.
Of course Twilight and Fluttershy both had similar reactions to Spikes comment.
"W-wait! hold on I-"
"Let the games begin!" The host called as the first act had already made their way to the center of the stadium. The performers were a unicorn female with a black coat and periwinkle mane and a brunette human female, both dressed in lab coats, standing in front a table containing several potions in strangely shaped bottles.
"Ohhhh I recognize these two!" Twilight said as she got on her feet. "They're Double Data Duo! I recall hearing about them on the news!"
"What do they do?" Spike asked.
"They found a way to combine a Equine magic and human science to create something they call Magitek madness," Twilight explained.
The two quieted down as the duo began their act.
First the human pulled out what appeared to be a six foot long quadruped dragon made of robotic parts. At first when she set it on the ground it moved around sluggishly making some roar sounds and even breathing some small flames. Then the unicorn mare stepped up and poured a purple potion on the metallic monster. A few seconds passed and then the par opened up a box containing several more pieces of metal and robotic limbs. In a flash the metal parts came flying out and converging around the dragon in a small tornado or parts.
moments later the alloy animal was now a whopping 18 feet tall, it was now a copperish color and it let out a roar worthy of any monster movie. The crowds cheered and hollered at the achievement of magitek, mystified by its movements.
"Okay that's downright awesome," Spike commented. "I always thought dragons were pretty cool."
The act continued for several more minutes with the duo performing several "magitek" tricks. In one they somehow managed to reverse the effects of fire and ice, causing ice to burn objects to a crisp and fire freezing them solid, in an another they turned an old fashioned crank TV into a holographic machine.
Alas their time came to an end as the two took a bow and moved off stage for a the net act.
Up next out came three teenage earth blood equines, with them they brought several cases upon cases of cups.
"Well what in the sam hill they gonna do with all those?" AJ asked.
"I dunno, but it looks promising," Spike replied.
Seconds after Spike finished talking the trio began what could be called a marvel of cup construction. The first earthpony who was aqua blue all over used his cups to build a two story high pyramid. The second built a replica of the Eiffel Tower that was roughly 12 ft tall. The third and final equine stacked the cups to look like the leaning tower of pizza minus the lean.
The crowd was amazed not just at the art that the trio created with the cups but she sheer speed as which they were built, it was like their hands had minds of their own. The trio continued to put on a show for the admiring masses until their time was up, with a bow they quickly dissembled their cup sculptures and walked away.
"That was incredible," Fluttershy commented.
" Yeah, its gonna be tough to follow that act," Spike said.
Meanwhile watching from the waiting area inside the stadium a blue pegasus observed the competition with almost nervous curiosity.
"Man, those first two acts were really got the crowd going huh...." She said to herself. "Whatever! wait till they get a load of me!"
Later that night.
"Tonight sure has been incredible," Twilight said cuddling up next to Spike.
"Yeah, all these performances have been mind blowing. Hard to believe the nights almost up," Spike said turning back toward the stadium.
"Ladies and gentlemen! I think I speak for all of us when I say our participants have all done an excellent job tonight!" The host announced into the microphone. The crowd cheered in agreement at his statement. "Well I'm glad you think so! cause we have ourselves one more act that I'm sure will knock your socks off! Allow me to present to you the stunt extraordinaire! the speed demon! the self proclaimed fastest from the equine dimension! RAINBOW DASH!"
Suddenly out came a speeding rainbow colored trail from the arena. It dashed up into the darkening sky and froze revealing a pegasus blood with messy looking but colorful hair, she was wearing a black skintight spandex suit, it looked rough around the edges making it look rather old and worn. That however didn't stop the crowd from giving her a warm welcome.
"Wowee Zowee that was fast!" Pinkie said in astonishment.
"Very fast, she's probably the fastest I've seen." Fluttershy commented.
"Yeah, pretty impressive." Spike agreed.
The high flying mare flew around the stadium a few times, stopping every now and again to pose for the crowd. On one circle she paused and hovered right in front of Spikes house hold and an gave the young man a wink before speeding off again.
"what was..." Spike asked himself watching the equine fly back into the stadium. He turned his head when he heard the laughter of his unicorn housemate.
"Oh dear, there he goes again," She said with a snicker.
"What are you talking about?" Spike asked. It seemed as though him and Rarity were the only ones to notice the cyan feathered mares move.
A hush fellow over the crowd as the clouds came down and formed hoops through out the stadium.
"Whats she doin?" AJ Wondered.
"It looks like she used magic to turn the clouds into obstacles for her stunt," Twilight replied.
"Pegasai can use magic?"
"Yes but not like how me and Rarity could, I guess you could call it there own signature magic. They can grab onto clouds like they're solid objects and shape them like play-dough. They can even walk on clouds, back in Equestria they built a city in the sky called Clouds Dale." Twilight explained.
"wow..." Spike attention was drawn back to she show as the mare was now swiftly speeding through the clouds. She did flips, made sharp turns and demonstrated great prowess in Ariel acrobatics.
sigh sigh sigh...."c'mon rainbow.....just one more stunt to go" She said to herself mentally, trying her best to ignore the sting slowly building in her left wing.
A few seconds later what looked like a large seesaw was brought out into the middle of the stadium.
"Ladies and gentlemen prepare yourselves! for Rainbow is about to perform her signature move, the SONIC RAINBOOM!" The host bellowed. "By dropping this 2,000 pound slab of metal and this large seesaw she's going to give herself the momentum she needs to combine with her already impressive speed to give us the show of a life time!"
"wooooow that sounds so cool!" Pinkie commented.
"Yeah, this should be interesting." Spike said as he watched the speedster land on the opposite end of the plank. For a brief moment however he noticed some white straps on her left wing. "bandages...?"
"Ladies and Gentlemen if you look closely you'll notice that Rainbow dash has a small purple crystal attached onto her suit, this is to prevent any magical interference while she is performing." The host explained as the dare devil stood on the plank and waited for the one ton object to be dropped on the opposite end.
"I can do this....I know I can."
In a flash the metal cube was dropped causing the momentum to launch Rainbow into the air at alarming speed. The crowd gasped as she elevated higher and higher, amazed as she had yet to actually used her wings.
As rainbow finally reached her target elevation she extended her wings and began to flap with determination. She drew closer and closer to her target speed....
"almost....got it....." The daredevil whispered to herself as she she could feel the breaking point approaching. A split second later she reached breaking point, but not the one she expected.
With a violent spasm her wing froze entirely. Immediately she veered off course and began to spin wildly in the air.
The crowd on the ground was unsure of how to react, to them this could have just been another trick of some sort. However there was one in the stand who knew better, and realized something had to be done.
"She's in trouble!" Spike declared.
"What? are you sure?" Twilight asked.
As if to answer her question the crowd suddenly gasped as she now began barreling towards the ground at break neck speed. Her right wing had kept flapping after her left one froze and this caused her to change direction straight down, going almost as fast as she first went up.
"HORSE APPLES!" She yelled as her other wing gave out from exhaustion. The wind was blowing on her harshly as she fell, the ground as coming closer and closer.
The crowd on the ground began to realize what was happening as crews on the ground hurriedly attempted to prepare some kind of safety net.
"There's no way to set those up in time," Spike realized. "Twilight can you use magic to get her out of there?"
"The crystal on her suit wont let me! It'll stop any magic to touching her!"
Thinking quickly Spike gave her an idea. "Twilight, teleport me as close as you can to her! I'll rip the crystal off and then quickly catch us with your magic!"
"But-"
"Please!"
Twilight closed her eyes and did as she was asked.
As rainbow now saw the stadium closing in her she saw a flash of purple before second later the green haired man she'd winked at earlier had latched onto her and started speaking.
"Just hold on tight okay? I got you," He said with a smile. Rainbow looked down one last time to see the they'd stopped inches above the ground, surrounded by a violet aura.
"What....magic? the crystal was supposed to-"
"When I grabbed you I ripped it off and chucked it away, my friend nearby caught us." Spike said as she aura gently put down.
"You risked your life for me....why?" She asked feeling her legs go shaky.
"Sometimes it's the risk that's not worth thinking about." He replied.in a soft tone.
A few seconds later, everything went black.
The sound of beeping and a cold chill were the first things rainbow took notice of as she opened her eyes.
"Where....am I?" He asked.
"Oh good, you're awake," came a voice.
Rainbow turned her head to see a woman in a bright red blazer with bright red and yellow hair. However it was the person next to her that caught her attention.
"It's you!" She said seeing the green haired man who saved her life. "you're here...to see me?"
"Well yeah, after you passed out they took you to the hospital. When I asked where your host was they told me you hadn't gotten one yet."
"This is where I stepped in," The agent said. "See I've been getting reports about your antics for a while now and I couldn't find a place that seemed like it could hold you for long and accommodate you for your athletics based visit. When Spike heard you didn't have a host or a real home since you've been staying he offered to take you.
"Really?" Rainbow asked looking at Spike.
'Well yeah, one of our visitors really shouldn't be left alone to recover and live alone, especially one as amazing as you," Spike replied. "I just hope you wont mind taking staying with me and...having a few housemates."
Rainbow was at a loss for words, she smiled and slowly sat up in bed to give him a hug.
"Thank you so much...I don't even know your name actually,"
"It's Spike."
"Well Spike, thank you so much!" Rainbow said with a smile.
Spike looked away briefly with a small smile. "Hey I brought you some soup, I made it myself since I know personally hospital food isn't the best." He said pulling out a bowl.
"Wow really? Thanks Spike, you're a real stud." |
Fillysitting | pre | With a little magic, Twilight made the milk inside warm up and quickly stuck it into her tiny mouth. Blitz quickly rejected the bottle, shaking her head until she was free from the mighty nipple, and began to sob again, not as much from her fear previously, but from the forceful nature Twilight had suddenly taken. Slightly angered, Twilight tossed the bottle to the floor, and started rocking her again.
"Go to sleep, go to sleep, go to sleep so I can too," Twilight sang through her clenched teeth.
The little filly continued to sob more and more, now somewhat scared of the purple unicorn holding her.
"I've got it! Maybe you want a toy. Oh, but I think they are all downstairs. I'll go get one!"
Twilight quickly sat Apple Blitz down in her crib, and began to dash toward the door, hoping this was her answer.
What Twilight didn't see was the bottle she'd thrown down moments earlier. Her foot slipped across it, causing her to flip forward. Twilight crashed into her door, with it swinging open from the impact, and sending Twilight tumbling down her stairs.
"Ugh," Twilight laid at the bottom of the stairs, her body aching from the impact.
"Hey Twilight, what's all the noise?" the voice of a certain baby dragon called from another room.
Spike yawned as he came out from Applejack's room, taking a moment for his sleepy eyes to adjust. As soon as he saw her, he rushed to Twilight to see if she was alright. He could hear the sobs of the scared filly drifting down from the room upstairs as well.
"Twi, you ok?" he asked quickly.
Twilight simply nodded, waiting for the pain in her back to go away.
"Spike," she finally choked out, " Can you go...get Apple Blitz. Just bring her down here. I give up getting her back to sleep."
Without another word, Spike walked casually upstairs. Within a few mintues no more crying could be heard. Instead, shrill giggles replaced any other noise, and Spike came back down, cradling the foal in one arm and tickling her with the other.
"I don't see what's wrong?" Spike asked. "She seems fine to me."
"Put her over there," Twilight had begun to get up and motioned toward one of her cushions.
"Alright Twi. Are you sure you're ok?" Spike spoke quickly, but he was seriously concerned.
"I'm fine Spike. Go back to bed."
Seeing Twilight, once again a complete wreck in appearance, Spike laid Apple Blitz down and quickly darted off, this time opting for his own bed in their room. Twilight looked around, finally finding a few stuffed animals, not thinking about the fact Apple Blitz was still quite unable to walk on her own, let alone play with many toys.
"Now Apple Blitz," Twilight once again was speaking through her teeth, "Its time...to sit here...and play....nice."
A knock at the door startled Twilight Sparkle. She craned her neck with several jerky movements towards the door and stared at it's wooden frame for a moment. Another knock came followed by some muffled voices. Twilight quickly glanced back to Apple Blitz, who was now smiling and giggling at Twilight's once again horrifying appearance. Twilight twitched and tried to not look so angry.
"Come in!" she called hoarsely.
The door swung open and Applejack and Rainbow Dash trotted inside. Applejack looked very happy, but Dash looked rather melancholy. A white sling was strapped around her and held up her front right leg, and some bandages held down her wing on that side as well.
Applejack ran quickly to the cyan filly lying on Twilight's cushion. Apple Blitz's eyes lit up when she realized who was galloping toward her. Applejack scooped her up with her hooves and pulled her close to her chest, dropping to the floor on her flank and hugging Apple Blitz warmly. Blitz snuggled close into her mother's coat. Dash couldn't help but smile, despite her demeanor.
"Hey AJ, where's Twilight? She was just here," Dash asked, noticing the purple unicorn had disappeared.
"Ah don't know sugarcube. I'd figure she'd want ta hear all about the trip ta Cloudsdale," Applejack looked worried. "Ah hope AB wasn't too much trouble fer her."
Dash climbed carefully up the stairs to Twilight's room.
"Hey Twilight, you in there?" Dash called out through the door.
"Yeeeeaaaahhhh. I'm not feeling so well, so your room is still open down there. Go on back in, I'll see you guys later." Twilight finished and tossed herself onto the bed. She'd had enough for a while.
Before anymore could be said, Rarity burst through the front door.
"Oh, Applejack, Rainbow Dash! So good to see you! How did things go with the Wonderbolts?" she asked before noticing Dash's bandages.
"Eh, could have gone better. They want you to practice flying with in a group like the Wonderbolts and pair you up with other hopefuls. Big grey Pegasus messed up one of the tricks and slammed through Cloudsdale and straight into the side of a mountain. Not my best day," Dash looked sad as she spoke.
"They invited ya back sugarcube. Ya got that at least," Applejack walked over to her and wrapped her leg around her marefriend, pulling her close and kissing her on the cheek.
Apple Blitz, who was riding happily on Applejack's back giggled at the pair. She always seemed happier when AJ and Dash were together.
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. But I must ask, is Twilight around?" the white unicorn said.
Spike had just left Twilight's room, and upon seeing Rarity dashed down the stairs as fast as his dragon feet could carry him.
"Hey Rarity! Looking for Twilight?" he got close to her.
"Of course Spikey. Is she in her room?"
"Yeah. But I'd watch it if I were you. It isn't pretty," Spike tried to make a scary face.
"Well, if ya don't mind, we're gonna go unpack and take a nice long rest," Applejack said to Rarity and Spike. "It feel like ah've been hit by several apple carts."
Applejack and her daughter, as well as Rainbow Dash said their goodbyes and retired to their room for the evening. Meanwhile, Rarity headed up Twilight's room.
"Twilight?" she said, cautiously pushing open the door.
Seeing Twilight's worn out, constantly twitching form in the dark made rarity scream in horror.
Ignoring whatever Rarity was screaming about moments later, Applejack laid on the bed with her daughter, watching the little filly roll around, constantly trying to pick herself up but always falling right back down. Her legs were still too wobbly.
"You think Twi handled her ok?" she asked Rainbow in a serious voice.
"Ah, I'm sure Twilight didn't have too much trouble. I mean, how could something that cute be that horrible?" Dash had a good laugh.
"Well if ya helped with her a little more Rainbow, ya'd know just how much work goes into this little filly," Applejack gave a sly grin and pulled Rainbow close.
The two kissed long, their lips locking tightly as if made only for each other. Despite all their time in Cloudsdale, Rainbow had been so tired from each round of the tryouts that she'd crashed shortly afterward every night. Applejack hadn't minded too much. Finally pulling apart, Dash climbed onto the bed at the foot, while Applejack made herself comfortable at the head of the bed. Apple Blitz sat between them, suddenly yawning and seeming very tired. She laid her tiny head down and within moments was asleep. Both Dash and Applejack scooted as close as they could, making a small area between them for the foal. Their foal. Soon both mares were asleep, dreaming of the happy times they hoped they still had ahead of them.
(End Note: So I did finish it after all! I hope everyone enjoyed it, and will come back. I've got one fic currently running already posted, but two sequels are coming to My Old Apple acres Home, so keep watching! Thanks Zev, the best pre-reader ever! And thanks to all my readers, even if there weren't many of you on this fic.) |
Identity | pre | "No!" Ember Light and Lightning Jolt yelled grabbing her back legs and dragging her back inside the cave.
"I didn't mean by myself." She said shaking them off.
"No!" They both exclaimed again when they realized that she meant that they should fight too. She laughed. "I was kidding though in all seriousness we have to find a way out of this predicament. If it is a dragon or something similar it will be some time. Dragons can go a long time without food or sleep. The longer we wait the weaker we will get from hunger and thirst and the dragon thing will be virtually unaffected."
"Well we do have some time to think it over rather than rushing in." Ember Light said nervously rubbing the back of his neck. He glanced out at the creature and quickly changed the subject. "What I want to know is what is going on. Why were we fighting royal guards last night?"
Valentine shrugged, "I could just sense that that guard was up to something bad so I came to check on Lightning Jolt." She said and turned to their new friend. Lightning Jolt stared back at them a moment then just sat down. "I don't know. All I know is those guards came with some written orders saying that they were to take me to the castle. Orders that stated that they were to take me alone. They said that the princess wanted me brought there to be examined by her royal magic scholars. They told me to meet them at the train station for the night train. After we took off they wanted me to stay in the last car, especially the unicorn. The pegasus guard though, let me leave but instructed me to be back when they neared the gorge. I didn't know or care why, I just wanted to get away from them. Their manner was freaking me out." Lightning Jolt laid down and traced circles in the soil with a hoof. "In the end all I know is two royal guards tried to kill me last night. They tried to kill me with a premeditated plan."
Her two new friends stood silently a moment, pondering this. In the chaos of the night before and the focus on just surviving they hadn't though over the details too much.
"To state the obvious there is something very wrong here." Valentine said. "Something that makes no sense. Royal guards would not do that. They do not carry out hits."
"But they did, or tried to." Lightning Jolt replied. "Perhaps my past is something that I really don't want to remember."
"What?" Ember Light asked.
Lightning Jolt looked up at them with a pained expression. "Don't you see? I must have been one awful pony before."
"Hey!" Valentine snapped stomping her hoof. "Do not talk like that!"
"Lightning Jolt, even if you did some horrible crimes Princess Celestia would not have her guards carry out a hit on you." Ember Light explained. "She would have brought you to Canterlot for a trial. She does things by order and law. She is fair and hard when she needs to be but still follows laws. She does not do things by emotion. That is what has made her a good ruler all these years. I know you really don't know about her that much having lost your memory but this is not something she would have done."
"But it just happened." Lightning Jolt argued. "They tried to kill me. Maybe I was really dangerous in my life before and they didn't want to take a chance."
"You?! Some super dangerous pony that Princess Celestia fears?" Valentine asked. She paused and rubbed her temple. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get sarcastic but Lightning Jolt, there is no way your some super dangerous, evil pony that she want's you killed like that. Even the most evil of ponies she will give a fair trial and as powerful as she is you are not threat the she would fear. I don't know what's going on but I know she did not order this."
Lightning Jolt listened as she slowly traced circles in the soil. She was not so sure. What she did know is that ponies from the royal guard had just tried to kill her. It was no random act either but a thought out plan. She was certain that is had to do with her past, one she certainly did not want to know now. She wouldn't mind changing her name back to Jane Pony and live hidden out here for the rest of her life.
Ember Light laid down in front of Lighting Jolt and lowered his head to look her in the eyes. "Tell us exactly what happened, not the short version starting from the moment they showed up." He said. Valentine laid down next to Ember Light as Lightning Jolt sighed and started into the tale. |
Identity | Escape from the cave and cutie marks explained | As the trio passed the time in cave the search was getting into full swing. Princess Celestia had sent her most trusted guard, Shining Armor to investigate inside the castle and the whereabouts of every guard. He in turn had gathered the ponies that he thought he could trust completely and set to work. They interviewed every guard, a monumental task and searched the castle for anything amiss or guards unaccounted for. This was something very difficult since multiple guards would be on leave at any given time. Even Princess Luna woke up from her day sleep to help Shining Armor and his men. It was a serious matter when any pony was in danger but it was something even more grave than that. Small or large they had a conspiracy of some sort within their own ranks. This was something that neither princess would stand for.
Around Ponyville, up and down the tracks and inside all of the towns that the rails ran to ponies searched for any clue that might lead to locating Lightning Jolt or the guards. Pegasus flew through the air searching the area around the tracks till they reached the end of the line. Earth ponies and unicorns searched in the villages and towns. They interviewed every pony that would talk to them to gain any possible clues. None could give them any but a large number joined in on the surch. Fluttershy had even rallied her animal friends to help.
None of them thought about it but it was a beautiful sight. A large number of ponies banding together to surch for a single pony whom many of them did not even know.
Rainbow Dash found herself winging up with the Wonder Bolts and soaring up and down the tracks as well as all the surrounding area. They dipped into Ghastly Gorge just below the lip of the ravine walls and flew its length. They saw the quarry eels leering out at them from their burrows and spotted a huge dragon like creature that appeared to be sleeping. What they did not see was the low entranced cave under the shadow of that beast.
* * *
Valentine and Ember Light had sat silently listening as Lightning Jolt told them everything that had happed when the guards had come to take her.
"What sticks out the most for me is that they had insisted that Princess Twilight Sparkle not send any letters to Princess Celestia until morning," Valentine commented at the end of the tale.
"Me too," Ember Light replied. "If they planned a dirty deed then they would not want Princess Celestia to know anything was up until it was over giving them time to escape. It's a very good thing to know though. If they didn't want Princess Celestia contacted then she did not order it."
Lightning Jolt was not so sure. Having come so close to being killed she did not want to take any risks. "I guess so, but what if Princess Celestia knew Twilight would be upset if it was something serious and she didn't want to explain it to her."
"No, Lightning Jolt," Valentine shook her head. "The princess is not like that. The most she might have done was to take you to trial without telling her the full story at first but that I even doubt. She would not outright lie to her student and she would not order you to be killed and thrown out of a train car like garbage. Not even if you had done something as bad a Discord had and if you had I'm sure that we would have heard about you."
Lightning Jolt could not argue with them but the fear left behind from her near murder and the unknown reason why still lay heavy on her heart. She just shrugged. "Alright, the problem to deal with now is getting out of this cave." She looked at Valentine. "Do you want to fight the dragon thing?" She said putting on a joking grin even though she didn't feel it.
Valentine laughed. "I'd rather not fight to the death unless I have too."
"This cave keeps going." Ember Light suggested nodding towards the darkness behind him. "It's likely to lead to a dead end but we should at least check it out. Who knows there might be a exit... then again we could just end up getting lost in tunnels until we starve."
"Well, it's probably our best bet. Lead the way." Valentine said to the unicorn. He stood up and focused on his horn. After a moment a soft glow filled the cave and they started off into the low cavern tunnel with Ember Light in the front.
"If you don't mind me asking, if creating light is your talent why do often have to focus so much? Many unicorns do it without much effort," Valentine asked.
"It takes extra effort for me to create a small light." He explained. "What would be a small push of magic to most unicorns that would create a normal light would for me, make a blinding one."
"So how did you ever discover that you had your cutie mark?" Lightning Jolt asked just to draw her mind away from the nagging fear inside. "I mean if you can't really see it, how did you know when it appeared?"
He laughed. "I didn't for a long time, no pony did. Well, I take that back, my mom did. She kept insisting that it had appeared but we didn't believe her. I actually got it very young."
"Well, tell us the story." Valentine insisted.
"I lived with my family in a small farming town. This one night a filly from my school had wandered into the nearby forest and had gotten lost. By the time they realized that she was gone it was pitch black. Most of the town joined in on the search, including my parents. In their haste they didn't notice that I had raced out after them wanting to help. I was the same age as the filly and they would not have allowed it. When I got to the forest it was just so dark. I saw a few unicorns lighting up their horns but the space each one illumined was very limited. I thought how great it would be to have a light shining down to brighten up the forest for us. I was too young to understand much of what I was doing so I had no reserve. I lit up my horn and shot light up above the trees with all my might. The entire sky lit up and the ground below was almost as bright as daytime." He paused and laughed. "I remember ponies throwing themselves on the ground in panic thinking some disaster had just happened. I didn't get what their problem was and just called out, 'Hey I lit it up for you, let's go find her.' Oh, the looks they have on their faces," He laughed, "Anyway we found the filly pretty quickly after that and I was the talk of the town. At the time I couldn't understand why. What was the big deal?
"When my mom took me back home and gave me a bath she noticed that the coloration on both my flanks had changed slightly. She said that the hues had shifted. It was still the same colors but how they faded into one another was diffrent. It was very subtle but she noticed. That's moms for you. She showed my dad and siblings telling them I had gotten a cutie mark but it was just the same color as my coat. It sounded too ridiculous to them and they didn't believe her. It wasn't till years later when she found a unicorn who knew spells that would make a cutie mark temporally change color. He used it on me and sure enough, it was there. It was a ball of glowing light and normally it was just the same color as my coat, just like my light usually is."
"Usually?" Valentine asked.
"I can change hues and shape it." He replied. He made the light on his horn tighten into a ball, float off the tip and then begin to grow. Once big enough it began to shapeshift and turn opaque. It was still obviously light or at least it gave off light but you couldn't see through the shape. Soon it had become a perfect mirror image of him. If not for the fact that it was glowing and lighting up the cave walls one would not have been able to tell the difference. Ember Light's horn flashed different colors and so did the figure. "This side of it really doesn't have a use but it is kinda' fun." He said. The figure melted and shrank into a ball. With a flick of his horn he drew it back.
"Pretty neat, I think." Lighting Jolt said. "You could get a lot of bits if you went into entertainment."
"Can you create an image of anything?" Valentine asked.
"Pretty much. Now tell us your story." Ember Light responded. "I don't understand where the flower comes in but are good at fighting with swords or is that just symbolic?"
"I can fight with just about anything." She said looking back at the cutie mark. "But yes, I think it's more symbolic."
"Do you come from a family of warriors?" Lightning Jolt asked but Valentine shook her head. "No I come from a long line of medical and first responder ponies. Everypony in my family is either a doctor, nurse, ambulance cart worker, firepony or some kind of rescue or help pony. It is my family's legacy. I was the odd ball. You see, even when I was a little filly I was always getting into fights. I didn't start them... most of them anyway. When I got older I was in every dojo that I could walk or run to. My family hated it. Their the very peaceful, helpful kind of ponies and that is a great thing to be, me though, I just never felt much of a call for any of those trades. I also loved to fight. Don't get me wrong, I don't like or even want to hurt other ponies. I love the competition. The hoof to hoof or wooden sword matches, I love it and I'm good at it too. I won most of the tournaments that I entered. Even when I lost I was still glad for a good match. Every time that I knew I was facing a good fight it was a thrill. I love a good fight the same way any sports addict likes a good match.
"Anyway I think my family probbly would have been fine if it was just that but my getting to brawls in streets and in school was another matter. They never said it but I'm sure that they thought of me as some kind or reckless, violent pony. I tried slacking off for them but whenever a bully wouldn't listen to reason I resorted to what I knew. I could take it if they threw insults at me but when they picked on other ponies I just couldn't. If they tried to lay their hoofes on some little filly or foal that couldn't fight back then it was on. I could not just stand by and let it happen.
"I always knew that fighting would be my cutie mark but for years it didn't appear. I believe that was because I thought I was to be some grand master winning tournament after tournament or teaching battle skills. My cutie mark did not appear because I had the wrong idea about it.
"So what was it for?" Ember Light asked. Both he and Lightning Jolt were eager to hear the end of her story.
"Well, I had these fighting skills for the same reason my brother had his medical skill, or my sister her firefighting skills and so on." She replied.
"I don't understand," Lightning Jolt said.
Valentine smiled. "Neither did I for a long time." She nodded at her cutie mark. "That appeared the day my sensei explained it to me. I had come into the dojo upset after one of many argument with my family becouse I had gotten into yet another fight at school. I was pretty upset this time and quite worn out from it. The leader of the dojo took me aside and asked why I had gotten into the last fight. It was because of some colts who kept shoving a shy little pony around. He just nodded and told me that I was no different in my purpose than my family members. I helped ponies. I wasn't getting into fights just to fight I was doing it to defend ponies. I did it because I cared about ponies. He explained it simply that the more you cared about something all the quicker you will be to defend it and will do so all the more fervently. My talent was just as important as those my family had. It's best to make peace and avoid fights if you can but there are ponies who will not listen to reason, who will refuses to live peacefully. It like when the princesses defeated Sombra or when Spike did. He wasn't going to be stopped. He didn't care about peace. If you don't fight them then you and more importantly others will be harmed. Don't get me wrong, if somepony is willing, even if your views on life are a different as night and day you can get along. It usually takes both sides to compromise but it can be done; But when a pony is not willing it does not matter how much you push for peace. In that case not standing up to them only makes it all the more easy for them to trample you and others.
"I realized then that, yes I love fighting and was good at it but that was my talent so that I could defend ponies when it was needed. When I realized that my cutie mark appeared. The blue lotus is from the Dojo, the swords for fighting but the heart for the motive, the purpose.
"That's pretty awesome." Lightning Jolt said.
"I think yours is awesome." Valentine said. "How did you get It?"
"Oh, it's no interesting a story like you two have. Rainbow Dash decided to teach me how to make clouds shoot lightning. I was pretty nervous and then scared after I tired and got shocked the first time. Somehow later on I got the gumption to try again and I just started slamming into clouds. They would explode while blasting out their entire store of lightning. Then poof, somewhere during it my cutie mark appeared. It's kind of a useless talent now that I think about it."
"Oh, nonsense." Ember Light replied. "It's awesome and there's no way it's useless."
"I do like it but any pegasus can bust a cloud or create lighting." Lighting Jolt said with a shrug.
"Not all at once." Valentine said studying it. "Perhaps it's symbolic, it's something about your character."
"I don't know, maybe. What could it mean if it is?"
Valentine just shrugged. "If it is symbolic then it's probably up to you to find out."
Soon their discussion was cut short as the cave began to narrow and became more difficult to navigate. They had to duck and crawl under low points or suck in their stomach and squeeze through gaps. It was the worst on Ember Light who was the biggest of the three. It was good that he was in the lead for if he could force himself through then the two mares knew that they could fit. On the up side it felt as if the cave was sloping upwards at least but the problem was that the cave kept getting more difficult. Just when Ember Light thought they were going to have to turn around (Which would have sucked since they would have had to scoot backwards) he saw light that was not his own. He was leading his friends through a low spot where they had to crawl on their bellies when he saw the long line of jagged light cast on the floor.
"I see light!" He called squeezing his frame through the tunnel faster as the two mares cheered behind him. Thankfully the cave winded up enough for him to stand up and though it would be a tight fit he could even turn around now. He never knew that he would ever be so thankful for something so simple as that. As the mares crawled in one after the other they saw the source. There was a crack in the cave roof that reached from the surface all the way down to them. It was at least forty yards up and rather narrow.
"That's going to be a hard climb and a tight squeeze." Ember Light said. "We'll probably have to dig out some of the walls as we go. You two are smaller so you should go first."
"What if you can't fit? We're not going to leave without you." Lightning Jolt responded.
"If I can't fit then the two of you can go for help." He replied. "Besides I can use my magic to help push you up."
"Your magic won't work as well on me." Valentine said walking up to him and looking up at the cave ceiling. "If you noticed that when the unicorn guard tried to grab me with his magic his hold slipped off. I had a unicorn who I used to know cast a spell on me that in simple terms made me to be like a greased pig with it comes to magical holds. The only reason you were able to stop me from falling is because you shaped you magic like bowl beneath us. If you hadn't I would have gone splat." She grimaced slightly. "I never thought that spell could be a disadvantage."
"Either way, I think that you should at least try to get through first." Lightning Jolt said. "I'd rather not leave you down here if we don't have to."
"Me too." Valentine agreed.
"Well stand back if you don't want to get showered in dirt. I'm goanna have to dig." Ember Light said raising his forelegs and starting to paw as the earth. |
Identity | It stinks here | Twilight and Fluttershy had teamed up with several other pegasus to do a slow gird search a between the tracks starting from the rails and reaching a mile away. On the other side another group of pegasus were doing the same. Rainbow Dash and others were high in the air rapidly, searching and double searching every place they could think of. The two groups Twilight was with were slow and low search looking for any subtle clues. This included anything thrown from the train or as Twilight refused to consider, anypony. They also searched for even the slightest hint of any track leading away from the rails. All around them flew birds that Fluttershy directed to fly down in areas of high grass where they could not see the ground look for anything of importance.
"These guys were good." A black pegasus stallion commented. "I don't think we're going to find anything."
"We'll find her." Twilight called back. "Keep your eyes on the ground."
"I'd hate to say it but-"
"Then don't say!" Twilight snapped.
"I just mean that if they were only concerned that Princess Celestia didn't know until sunrise then it's probably too late." He went on anyway.
"Shut up!" Twilight snapped.
"I not trying to be rude, just logical." He explained then jerked up short as a yellow mare thrust her face in front of his. "Listen here mister! A princess just gave you an order so you better follow it or she might have you thrown in a dungeon or banish you or have you banished and thrown in a dungeon in the place she banishes you to!"
"Yes, ma'am!" The stallion replied quickly.
"Good! Remember that!" Fluttershy said and flew back to directing her birds.
* * *
A few miles away sounds of a struggle came out of a tight opening in the earth. Grunts and gasps got louder along with the sound of soil cascading down. With one last grunt a unicorn head popped out of the gap. He coughed then grinned. "I'm almost out!" He called back into the crack only to be answered with coughing. "Oh, sorry about all the dirt." He said quickly and struggled to get the rest of his body out.
"You've,-*cough*-apologized for the umpteenth-"Cough* time! Stop it!" Valentine called up. "It's fine, keep going!"
"Yeah, sorry. I'm almost out. I can get it!" Ember Light called back as he struggled to get his fore hooves out. With a hard jerk his right forelimb came free. With serval more yanks he pulled his left above the earth. He braced them against the ground and pulled with all his might. "Almost there, just-" His face suddenly flushed red. "Who's pushing on my butt?! Stop it! I can get out myself!" He used his magic to grab a nearby tree and pull. Little by little his torso was pulled out of the earth. Then came the hardest part, his flanks. He braced both forelegs on the ground, grabbed the tree tighter in his magic and pulled with all his might. At first it didn't seem like his hind end was going to budge but then the earth finally gave way. He was pulling so hard that when his backside was yanked free his butt and back legs were slung into the air and he literally did a front flip before landing hard on his back. While he was regaining his hoofs a purple head popped out of the ground like a flower. She placed her fore hooves on the ground but had to give little effort since Valentine pushed her up and out. The pink earth pony quickly lifted her head and fore hoofs out of the ground and Ember Light helped her the rest of the way up. He stepped back and looked at them a moment. They were covered from mane to hoof in soil. Sweat had caused it to become plastered to them and they looked like they had changed color. He laughed.
Valentine fixed him with a critical eye. "Have you looked at yourself?" She asked but there was no anger in her voice. Lightning Jolt just looked down at herself and laughed. She sat down and started trying to paw some dirt out of her mane with her hoofs. It did little good with her hoofs being just a dirty.
"You just do this." Valentine instructed and shook herself like a dog. Her two friends just shrugged and followed her example. They created such a cloud of dust that they had to walk a few feet away in order to breathe. They were at least a little cleaner. Only a bath though would fix it though.
"So where are we?" Lightning Jolt asked looking around. Her two friends did the same.
"We," Ember Light announced. "Are in the Everfree."
* * *
In the castle of Canterlot the two royal sisters were pouring over the information that they themselves had gathered and what the guards had brought to them. "Fortunately the workers at the train station take not only a tally of who bought tickets and departed they take a tally of how many get off at each station. It's not specific, just wither their earth, unicorn, or pegasus and male or female. Sometimes they note colors and always take note it their connected to royalty" Princess Celestia said. "Unfortunately you don't have to give your name to purchase a ticket."
"They would have used aliases regardless." Luna replied.
"But it still might have given us a clue, even aliases can have meanings." Celestia said. "We do know that two guards boarded with Lightning Jolt but neither she nor the guards got off at the next stop."
Luna flexed her wings. "The guards themselves did not travel all the way to the next station? The pegasus could have easily flown off. The unicorn could teleport or have levitated but we would have to assume him to be powerful or at least very skilled. The night trains move very fast so if he teleported then where ever he would have appeared at he would still be going the same speed. To levitate off he'd have to slow gradually or it would cause almost the same effect as the sudden stop at the end of a fall."
"Yes, he would." Celestia agreed. "It's also worse than that from what I have found after looking over the rosters."
"Worse? As if we didn't have enough with a conspiracy in our mists and one of Twilight's friends missing under such circumstances." Luna remarked. "What is it, sister?"
"There were two more young adults that boarded the same train but also never got off at the next station or any other station after that."
Luna struck the air with her wings. "Two more victims!" She exclaimed. Neither of the princesses took it lightly when any of their subjects came to harm. "Who were they?"
"A young Unicorn male called Ember Light and a young, female earth pony named Valentine."
A pony clearing his throat caught their attention. They had not noticed Shining Armor walking in.
"What is it, Shining Armor?" Celestia asked. "Have you found any of the culprits?"
"No, your majesty. So far all guards that we have interviewed have been cleared but we still have many more. We did find that two suits of armor were missing."
"At least we found something." Celestia said. "Anything from the searchers?"
"No, ma'am, nothing with results. There were a few pegasus who were night flying and reported seeing a bright glow from the direction of Ghastly Gorge but it disappeared so fast that they could not pinpoint it. I sent pegasus to sweep the area."
"Good, I hope that it is a lead that gets up somewhere." Celestia said. "Anything else?"
"Yes. I think it would be a good idea to have my sister come and help organize." He said. "This is a nightmare interviewing and cross interviewing every pony in the royal guard as well as checking their story out."
"I'll have her sent for." Celestia said. "She's probably about to fly herself ragged anyways."
* * *
"From the stories my friends told me, I really don't want to be here." Lightning Jolt said as they walked.
"You know you can just fly back to Ponyville?" Valentine commented.
"I don't want to leave you two behind." Lighting Jolt replied.
"We'd be fine and are you sure it's just that?" The pink mare pressed.
"Why wouldn't it be? "Lightning Jolt asked not looking back at her.
"Lightning Jolt, do you know why I knew that those guards were up to something? After a long time of being a fighter I learned to read ponies pretty well. That, and the fact that we saw a group of pegasus fly over the trees and we know you did too. You pretended like they weren't there. You even crouched closer to a tree to make sure the canopy hid you."
"They were royal guards." Lightning Jolt replied. "I don't want to give myself up to them."
"I can understand your fear but what do you plan to do?" Valentine asked.
"I'll go to Twilight and my other friends. I want to get to them unnoticed and talk to them first. She'd probably be surprised that I'm back so soon. I don't know what she's goanna say when I tell her what happened but I trust her. I want to talk to her first so I'll turn myself in to her."
"Sound reasonable." Ember Light said. "Don't make it sound like you're a criminal though. You don't know that."
"Alright, but if it's because they did find something out about me I don't think I even want to know anymore. I hope I don't have to hide out here the rest of my life. It's dangerous...and it stinks out here!" Lighting Jolt put a hoof over her nose.
"It wasn't me." Ember Light said. "I blame Valentine."
"It wasn't me either." Valentine snorted then covered her nose too. "It's coming from the forest. She paused and looked around trying to identify what plant was giving off that odor. Then her ears flicked as she picked up something barely audible. "Everypony freeze." She commanded without raising her voice. They froze, looking at her confused.
"Why?" Ember Light asked.
"I'm not sure yet, but just be quiet and let me listen." She said raising her head up as high as she could and swiveling her ears around. Her friends stayed still even trying to breathe softly while she listened. They thought they might have heard things but for them it could have been their ears playing tricks on them.
Years of training and fighting, sometimes even to keep herself from harm had given her a sixth sense that let her know when to take caution. It was not a finely tuned as many fighters for most of her battles were in competitions or against typical bullies, (the most dangerous day of her life was the night before) but she still had one. She was a good fighter but when it came to serious life experiences she really considered herself a rather cushy warrior and untested. She only thought herself to be impressive to ponies who did not know the world of martial arts it all that well, which often happened when she encountered normal ponies. Valentine stood up on her hind legs straining her ears knowing that the lives of her friends might depend on it. After a few moments she identified the sound that had made her alert. It was a soft sound, that of shifting branches, the crush of grass and the movement of plants. She almost dismissed it since it only came as the wind blew but no, it wasn't quite right. Then she felt chills as it dawned her what the reason for such light movements that were lined up with the rustle of the wind through the trees was. Something...no, somethings were stalking them and they were all around. She slowly lowered herself back to all fours.
From her expression and tense pose her friends knew that danger was near. "Lightning Jolt, get ready to fly." She hissed out in a low, urgent voice. "Ember Light get your horn ready. Whatever you do don't run or you will run right into them."
"What is it?" Ember Light asked with his horn already lighting up.
She didn't know for sure being unfamiliar with the forest but she didn't have to answer. Eyes began to glow beyond the surrounding vegetation accompanied with eager growls.
"Timber wolves." Lightning Jolt breathed. As if her soft words was a signal they all lunged from every direction. |
Identity | Of Timber Wolves and Zebra | Lightning Jolt didn't know what all happened in those moments. She only remembered darting and dodging. She remembered yells and howls and a blur of motion. She would have said that it was a minute or two but in fact it was only a few seconds. Somewhere in it she flew off the ground only to butt her head into a jaw of a timber wolf. She felt teeth clamp on her mane and the timber wolf instantly began to spin her around. Just when she felt that she was going to be sick the beast released and slung her across the forest. Dizzied Lightning Jolt shot up through the canopy into the bright sunlight. She was upside and looking at the blinding sun one moment then falling back through the leaves again. Turning her head as she fell she saw the timber wolf running along underneath her with its jaws open wide ready to receive her falling body. She spread her wings while still upside down and rolled on the air. She heard the jaws snap shut sounding loud in her ears and felt her back brush the cheek of the timber wolf as she spun. As she righted herself she soared under the timber wolf's chin and clear of the jaws.
"Thank you so much for that training Rainbow!' She called as she zig-zaged through the branches trying to get back above the trees while just ahead of those jaws. She was not used to flying though obstacles though and while Rainbow Dash had made her a stronger pegasus she still was no olympic flyer. A branch suddenly snagged on a wing causing her to drop to the earth. She hit on her running hoofs, already flapping to get airborne again but it was too late. The timber wolf closed the distance and punted with its nose like she was a pony football. Lightning Jolt shot ahead of the wolf who howled in amusement then gave chase again.
Lightning Jolt expected to smack into a tree but she collided with something, soft, warm and furry. The thing, a sleeping manticore, stood up and roared in anger. Even partially stunned Lightning Jolt leapt off its back and rolled into the underbrush just as the beast spun around. All the enraged manticore saw was the timber wolf running at it. The timber wolf tried to stop but the manticore had already leapt on its face. The air was filled with snarling, roaring and branches flying through the air.
Lightning Jolt wasted no time watching but spun around and galloped away. Once far enough away she zipped up into the air and began weaving through the canopy, desperate to find her friends. Her ears quickly picked up the loud pounding of the timber wolves' feet hitting the ground and flew toward it. She was soon flying over a group that was chasing Valentine. She pumped her wings hard, trying to catch up with the pink pony because she knew that even she couldn't take on all these wolves at once. Valentine suddenly stopped and bucked so suddenly that both her front hoofs were still skidding forward in the soil. Her back hoofs caught the front runner under the chin and kicked his head clean off. The body crashed to the ground breaking in to pieces as Valentine took off running again. The wolves jumped over the pile and kept chasing. It took Lighting Jolt a moment to realize what she was doing. It dawned on her when the pony doubled back again kicking the front legs out from under another wolf. Valentine knew that she had no chance taking on all the wolves at once so she ran but with a plan. No group of animals or ponies could all run at the same speed. There would naturally be some who were faster than others so the groups would become staggered. Whenever one of the wolves got far enough ahead of the others she would suddenly stop and attack it with a disabling blow then run again.
Lightning Jolt cheered inside at this clever strategy but then quickly found out that Valentine couldn't keep it up forever. She stopped for another beast but her reaction was a second slower as she began to tire and that second was enough. The timber wolf dodged her attack and swatted her with a paw. Valentine was sent tumbling across the ground and rolled into a tree where she lay winded. The wolf wasted no time and pounced.
"No!" Lightning Jolt screamed and without thinking about what to do she flew straight at the airborne timber wolf. There was no time to think. She smashed bodily into its back. The Timber wolf shattered and she hit the ground next to Valentine. They covered their heads as timber wolf branches rained down around them. Shaking it off they looked up to see the last timber wolf bearing down on them too fast for them to react. Just before its jaws slammed shut on them it was suddenly yanked back by a powerful force. They looked up to see in held in the air and surrounded by an amber/orange field of magic. Ember Light stood nearby with his face contorted in rage.
"You! Will! Not! Hurt! My! Friends!" He yelled slamming the timber wolf into the ground with each word. When the sentence was finished the timber wolf was just a pile of sticks. Ember Light rushed over to the two mares. "Are you alright?!" He asked as he helped them up.
"I have been better." Valentine replied.
More low growls came out of the forest. Lighting Jolt took a stance with her wings ready to propel herself at the enemy. Valentine tensed up with her hind legs ready to spring and Ember Light stood tall with his horn glowing. The other half of the timber wolf pack stepped into view. The looked at the ponies then to the pile of timber wolf branches, from the ponies to the branches, from the branches to the ready ponies. Leafy ears dropped and wooden tails tucked between their legs as the timber wolves slunk back into the forest.
"Phew!" Lighting Jolt said sitting down. Then they starting laughing the laughter of relief.
"That was a close one." Valentine commented. "Thank you Lightning Jolt."
"Thank you for saving me on the train." Valentine replied. "And thank you Ember Light."
"Just a stallion's duty." He replied. "Come on, let's get out of here. I've heard that the parts reattach themselves." They wasted no time and began trotting away.
"Whoa, Lighting Jolt." Valentine said as they moved. She pulled a twig that was glowing green out of her mane and tossed it away. "We don't want to take that with us." They quickly checked themselves for any timber wolf twigs then kept going.
"Well, we can now say that we survived a timber wolf attack now." Lighting Jolt said.
"And quarry eels and a dragon thing." Valentine added.
"I don't know about you ponies but I think that those are experiences best only lived once." Ember Light said. "Let's see how fast we can get out of here." He picked up the pace but stopped short as somepony was blocking their way.
'What's this I see, the missing pony here, in the Everfree. Of fighting Timber wolves you have certainly hacked it. I found you by all the racket." She said. It was no pony but a zebra. Ember Light and Valentine just stared, a little taken aback by her rhyming everything. Lighting Jolt was less surprised since Spike had told her all about this zebra.
"You're Zecora, the friend of Twilight, Apple bloom and all my other friends." Lightening said rather than asked.
"Yes that is true," Zecora responded, "And they have asked me to help find you."
"They know I'm missing?" Lightning Jolt asked. She had always assumed that Twilight and her other friends had no idea that anything was wrong.
Zecora nodded. "They certainly know my dears, it will be good to alleviate their fears. Of the guards, Twilight asked me to guide, to help them past all the dangers this forest hides." At this Lightning Jolt felt her ears droop and she sat down.
"What is this child, are you not glad? To be found, I would not think you to be sad."
"Well, Zecora," Lightning Jolt poked at the ground with a hoof. "I really don't trust royal guards right now and wanted to go straight to Twilight or one of her friends. What all did she tell you?"
"Not much for there was a hurry, she came and went in such a flurry." Zecora replied. "To me all the details was not explained, just to surch for you was desperately made made plain and I did not ask for all to be explained, the need for a fast surch was certainly quite strained."
Ember Light and Valentine had been standing back not sure what to make of this. They had never met anypony who always talked in rhyme and even more surprising was that Lightning Jolt talking as if she knew her. Valentine finally stepped forward. "Where are the guards?" She asked.
"Those guards, they are not far, just over two hills and there they are." Zecora said nodding behind her.
"Wait here." Valentine told her two friends. "I'll go ask them for details and study them for any deceit since they don't know to look for me. I'll be back shortly." She said and took off in a trot.
When she left Zecora turned to Lightning Jolt and Ember Light. "While she goes to the guards to call upon, please tell me all that is going on."
* * *
Just as Zecora had said Valentine found the guards two hills away. It looked like they had set up a temporary camp to rest and reorganize. It was a very efficient camp as one expected of the military. Interestingly, it wasn't just soldiers here though, regular citizens were mixed in. This was a little comforting to Valentine for if it was something secret that was going on then the royal guards would not have included regular ponies. Not likely anyways.
Valentine walked boldly right into the camp and headed for a brown unicorn guard who appeared to be directing everything. Ponies looked up at her and many stared. It was only then that she remembered that she was covered in dirt and had twigs, leaves and burrs tangled in her tail, mane and coat. She pretended that she didn't notice and most of the ponies began to go about their business again. They probably had other teams out here since it was a big forest so they must be assuming that she was one of them.
The unicorn guard lowered the maps that he had been levitating when she trotted up. "Do you need a medic or any help miss?" He asked.
"No I'm fine. I just want know what is going on." She asked. "What's this search for?"
"You're not from one of the other teams?" He asked.
"No, I'm a hermit that lives out in this forest." Valentine replied. "I never know what's going on."
The guard looked at her with a raised eyebrow for a long moment and even the tough mare felt like squirming under his gaze. "A young pegasus has gone missing. Two stallions posing as royal guards kidnapped her. She was an unknown Jane Pony whom none could identify and had befriended the Princess Twilight Sparkle. We don't know why they did it or who they were. Many civilians have been enlisted into the search since the culprits claimed to be royal guards. I'd say that everypony knows about it by now." He finished still looking at her with a critical eye. To his astonishment Valentine exclaimed, "Ohhhh, you don't know how happy I am to hear that!" Before he could ask why she had taken off into the forest at a gallop. He stared after her a moment then called across the camp to a pegasus guard. "Dander! Follow that pony and see what she's up to."
Dander saluted and flew after her.
* * *
It wasn't long after that Dander and Zecora came walking back into the camp with Valentine, Ember Light and Lightning Jolt following. The ponies in the camp stared a moment at the unexpected appearance of the pony they were looking for. Then a cheer broke out and the unicorn guard looked very pleased. He called for every pegasus that was with them to fly out and call off the search. To Dander he gave specific orders fly to their base of operations and send for a chariot.
While they waited Lightning Jolt and her three friends got some much needed rest, food and water. They passed the time with Zecora telling them amusing anecdotes of her times with Twilight and her friends but from her side of the story.
About an hour later an extra large chariot arrived. It was pulled by four uniformed, white pegasus stallions and the led the chariot with ease and grace. They quickly descended smoothly and landed with such practiced ease that the cart hardly shook.
"This is the royal chariot used by the royal sisters and Princess Cadance for special ceremonies." The head guard announced as he led them to it. "It will be plenty large enough." He ushered the three onto it after they had said their goodbyes to Zecora.
Lightning Jolt hopped in ahead of him, (She was still a little nervous about guards) and moved to the front of the chariot. She hung her forehoofs over the rim as her friends climbed up next to her. "So, we're really going back to Ponyville in style." She said to her friends with a grin.
"We're not going to Ponyville. We're going to Canterlot." The guard said as he stepped aboard. "The Princess Celestia wants to speak with you. All of you."
Before they could let that sink in they chariot took off into the sky. |
Identity | The castle | Many things went through Lightening Jolt's mind as the chariot was flown to the castle. She was nervous about meeting a princess, and namely, the head princess. She had of course known a princess for some time now but with ,Twilight she could hardly think of her as one, not in the manner she thought of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Twilight acted like any regular pony. She lived in such a humble place and she was never putting on airs. She never would have guessed that Twilight was one until she heard other ponies referring to her as Princess Twilight. She was quite surprised and even half believing that they were mocking her for some reason. She could see that Twilight was unusual with both a horn and wings but she never would have guessed she was royalty. It had never even occurred to Twilight to tell Lightning Jolt that she was a princess. She would guess that Twilight herself didn't really think of herself as a princess but just as a normal pony having to fulfill that role. Perhaps all princesses were.
Among other things that went through her head was doubt that she was finally safe. She worried that the guards escorting them were the same as the ones who tried to kill her. Her mind even considered that this search was only a ruse, that the princess really had sent those guard to get rid of her and she was heading right into a trap. She was even worried that the princess royal magic scholars just might figure out who she was and it would not be good at all.
About anything a pony could worry about she did. She battled with her thoughts for a time but finally chose to push it all aside and ignore all the nagging ideas. She had enough problems without worries beating her up. "Ug! I have a bad habit of thinking up all the worst possible things!" She thought.
* * *
In Canterlot two unicorns walked down the hallway away from the direction that led to the throne room. They both wore a shirt with a second long sleeved shirt lain across their backs and the sleeves tied around their necks. One, a male was grey with a black mane. The other, the female was yellow with a white and pastel purple mane.
"We come so close to actually getting an audience with the princess and now it's postponed due to some other 'important' guest arriving." The male unicorn complained in a poor attempt at a smooth and suave voice.
"Don't worry dear," The female replied. "When we do get called back for our audience with her we'll just pretend that we were able to see the princess twice. We'll be the talk of Canterlot then and maybe we'll even get into Fancy Pants circle." Her eyes went starry as she imagined some scenario in her head.
"That's true. Good thinking dear. It's a win win." The stallion said. "We'll look twice as elite and not only that we won't have to tell them that Princess Celestia found some other guest more important than us. Hey! If perhaps we can meet them before we leave. Then we can move up even more. These guest must be very important if the princess changed her plans the very moment she heard that they were coming. This is even better and..." His ears wiggled and a grin spread across his face. "And you know what? I hear hoof steps coming." His voice was that of an eager child.
"Oh! This is so exciting!" The female said and the two unicorns moved to the center of the hall to make sure to get the full attention of whoever was coming. They held their heads high with eyes almost closed and walked with regal stride so they could look as important as possible. When they guards came around the corner they opened their eyes to peek at the guests of Princess Celestia. They froze with wide eyes and their jaws dropped.
The guards were leading three younger ponies, all of whom had their mane and tails twisted and tangled with leaves and sticks mixed in. There was dirt smeared in their coats and they left hoof prints of soil on the carpet. The pair was so surprised that they didn't even think to get out of the way as the guards drew near.
"Excuse me but we must get past." The brown unicorn stated as he stopped up in front of them. The two ponies moved automatically out of the way, still staring.
Ember Light, Lightning Jolt and Valentine stared at them too as they passed. Sure they were dirty in such a clean place but did that really merit those slack jawed, bug eyed looks? Once around another corner their heads snapped back again as they heard them yell out, "She cancelled out audience for those filthy ruffians! Do peasants bathe in dirt?!"
"Ignore them." The guard said. He hadn't even bothered to glance back. "Just some stuck up, high society, expect to be entitled ponies. Their around here all the time. I've tried asking countless times but The Princess Celestia will not let me put them to work. The business ponies can be hoity-toity but they at least provide other ponies with jobs and make products, provide services and so on. These kind just walk around with their heads in the air and demand to be served. Completely useless. I would love to put them to work where they can at least contribute something to society. Perhaps I can at least convince the princess to disallow them into the castle. The statues are of more use than them. Oh, I wish I could draft them, then I could make real ponies out of them then." When he finished they had walked up to a large set of double doors. The unicorn took a deep breath and bellowed out, "Captain Whirlwind here with the escorts that you requested to see as soon as possible."
From the outside they just managed to hear a rather gentle voice on the other side say, "Guards, let them in." The doors were then gripped in magic and were swung wide open. Standing at the other end of the throne room was not just Princess Celestia but also Princess Luna. All three of the escorted paused and stared, especially Lightning Jolt who had never seen so much of a picture of them as Valentine and Ember Light had. They stood tall and regal, more so than Lighting Jolt would have thought that any pony could. Their mane seemed to be made of magic and flowed like water. Lightning Jolt had expected them to look very much like Twilight but only with crowns and robes. They wore no robes or any extravagant amount of items but it was obvious that they were leaders.
All of this made them intimidating, not in the way of one fearing personal harm but, well, how one would feel at approaching and speaking to the leaders of a country. If not for the nudge Valentine gave her Lightning Jolt would have been hanging back awhile.
They walked down the carpet path to the thrones. When the guards stopped and bowed the three did the same not sure how to act.
"Thou may rise." Luna announced as soon as they had bowed. Princess Celestia put a hoof to her mouth to keep from laughing. "I did say bring them as soon as possible and you certainly did so. Next time I'll be sure add that you should let them clean up first if they want to." She said.
"Indeed. That must be most uncomfortable." Luna added.
"It's not so bad." Valentine replied. Her two friends were surprised that she could speak so casually.
Celestia laughed. "I see that though you have been through quite and ordeal that your spirits have not been dampened. Now tell us everything that happened from the moment the guards showed up." She said directing her attention from Lightning Jolt to her two friends. "And you too as well. I want to hear your versions and perceptions of the events. Leave out nothing."
Luna nodded to a guard who had been standing off to the side. He levitated up a piece of paper and a quill as he prepared to record their words.
It was clear that Lightning Jolt was to start. With all eyes on her she cleared her throat, shifted on her hoofs, cleared her throat again then finally started. Her voice was nervous at first but she grew more confident as she went on.
* * *
It took a while for all three to give a detailed version of each of their accounts and the princesses had them sit down on the steps to the thrones since it was taking awhile. They asked many questions as well as had quick discussions intermittently.
"This is quite disturbing." Princess Celestia commented when they were finally finished. "It's all the more important that we find out who Lightning Jolt is."
"Yes, sister but we must be careful who we choose to do that research from now on." Luna said. "I say that we do much of it ourselves."
"Agreed." Celestia said. "We can't take any risks."
"Um..princess Celestia...your majesty.." Lighting Jolt started not sure how she should address them.
"Princess Celestia is fine." Celestia replied. "And what do you want to ask."
"Well....have you found out anything at all about me?" Lightning Jolt asked not sure if she wanted to hear yes or know.
A sad look spread over Celestia's face. She had the expression of one who has failed somepony. "No, I'm sorry, but no pony has identified you and we have found no record of you in Equestria." Despite her apprehension about learning her past Lightning felt her face fall.
"But this world is vast." Luna added quickly. "Thou hast likely come from a land beyond Equestria. We are preparing delegates to request to do some searching in the lands surrounding our kingdom."
"In the meantime I-" Celestia was interrupted by loud and very excited shouts echoing through the doors behind them. Celestia smiled. "Good, they're here."
The doors were smashed open and six ponies and one dragon came stampeding in. Ember Light and Valentine jumped back as they tackled Lightning Jolt. She couldn't make out what they were saying since they were talking all at once but she made out things like "You're alive!" and "I'm so glad you're alright!"
"I had Twilight informed of you being found safe and sent her to gather her friends." Princess Celestia said as they smothered Lighting Jolt. "I'll let all of you catch up and they can get to know your new friends. I'll have the guards take you to the baths as well as prepare accommodations for all of you to stay at the castle." She went on even though she was sure that few of them, if any, actually heard her.
* * *
The guards led the group of nine ponies and one dragon to the baths and spa used by royals which Rarity found to be, "Simply divine." Lightning Jolt and her two new friends were quite happy for a relaxing soak in the sweet smelling water and to have all the elements of the forest cleaned off them. Introductions were made all around and of course her friends wanted to hear all about their adventure in the Everfree. Ember Light had to explain the nature of his cutie mark again. Twilight was quite fascinated by the spell cast on Valentine and she was pretty sure that the dragon that they encountered in the forest was of the same kind as Spike. Spike scoffed at that declaring that that dragon was nothing like him. Rarity assured that they knew that their little Spiky-Wikey was nothing like that uncivilized brute.
All in all they stayed in the spa until well past evening. Finally exhaustion overtook their excitement. It was not just Lightning Jolt and her new friends but her first friends as well. They had all been up at the crack of dawn and had searched for Lightning Jolt nonstop.
They let the guards lead them to their rooms. The princesses had arranged for each of them to have their own room in the same wing of the guest floor. They all slept huddled together in the same room though. Lightning Jolt couldn't help but sigh happily as she listened to all the snoring and deep breathing around her. So many good friends she had and the princesses were willing to go through such lengths to find out her identity. It was there that she realized that she was happy that whatever had happened to her had occurred. Even without knowing her life was before, she could guess that this was probably the best thing to ever happened to her. There had to be something at work here for every bad thing was traded, sooner or later, for something better than before. She didn't know what her life was before her memory loss but she was sure that there was nothing better than this. |
Identity | We have an idea | The group of ponies and one dragon spent the next day at the castle. The princesses wanted Lightning Jolt and her two new friends close and under the watch of her most trusted guards. Lightning Jolt was obvious the intended target and Ember Light and Valentine would likely have also been added to this list since they were witnesses. The search for the suspects and interrogation of the guards so far had turned up nothing more than the missing armor. They had already interviewed all of the guards in and around Canterlot and were spreading out to remote posts.
Twilight and the others had no need to stay but stayed anyway. Twilight took Lightning Jolt, Valentine and Ember Light on a tour of the castle with their guard escort following along. Where ever the trio went the guards were always there with them for the princesses were going to take no chances. Twilight had wanted to show them Canterlot but Princess Celestia didn't want them to go out in public where they would be an easy target. The thing about crowds is that your assassin could be right nearby and you would never know it. Twilight and the trio decided that this was probably the wisest course of action though Lightning Jolt like Ember Light and Valentine hoped that this would not last long. The castle was nice but they didn't want to be trapped in it.
Twilight ended up showing them Canterlot from high windows and balcony views. The trio found that they could point their hoof to just about any building in sight and Twilight could name them as well as go on about their history. Apparently she had read the entire history of Canterlot from the important stories to the foot notes. It was beyond Lightning Jolt's comprehension just how she could remember it all.
From one of the windows they spotted members of the New Wave group that Valentine and Ember Light had mentioned. They were on one of the squares holding their rallies. Twilight grumbled in disgust when she saw them. Valentine and Ember Light tried explaining them to Lightning Jolt but Twilight kept interrupting.
"Come on Twilight, so a few of them don't like the idea of a monarchy. It doesn't make them all bad. I mean their main intent is to make thins better for all ponies." Valentine tried to placate her but Twilight simply went into a rant again. The trio let it drop and continued on the tour on the other side of the castle.
Lightning Jolt made a mental note to check these ponies out when she got the chance. They sounded quite interesting.
Aside from the tours there wasn't much to do at the castle except wait. It wasn't bad though being able to hang out with all of one's friends and dining at the royal castle was quite a treat. Two of the meals were even with the royal sisters. They talked about everything except the issues at hand. In the atmosphere one could almost forget why they were here and for a while they did.
* * *
In the early morning, a couple hours before dawn Lightning Jolt was shifting in her sleep as her mind played out a dream. As transitions from places and events faded into one another as they never would in reality her dreaming mind never took note. Somehow she had gotten from flying practice with Rainbow Dash to trotting around the castle. She could hear her friends muttering nonsensical phrases but she couldn't find them. As she searched the castle trying to follow the sound of their voices she began to feel a heavy weight pressing down on her. As she walked into the empty dining room it finally pressed her flat to the floor. She twisted her head back to look and saw the problem. No wonder she couldn't get up. Princess Celestia was sitting on her instead of a chair. Why couldn't she tell the difference?
Lightning Jolt squirmed but she couldn't get out from under the much larger pony. She tried saying something but her voice came out garbled and her mouth would just not work right. No matter what she did Princess Celestia never took notice and just keep on eating her meal as Lightning Jolt's friends whom she still could not see continued to mutter nonsense and....growled?
She finally woke herself up with her kicking legs. She blinked in the dim light as it took her a few moments for her waking mind to realize reality. She was laying on the floor of her room with her friends all around her. Some were muttering in their sleep or snoring, the growling from the dream. Twilight and Pinkie Pie was laying across her back and pinning her to the floor. She chuckled at her dream then started wiggling her way out from under them. It took some work getting free without waking them but she finally did it. She stretched and popped her back to get out the stiffness one gets from having two ponies sleeping on top of you most of the night. She walked to the window and cracked a shutter to peer out. The night would be over soon but it was still way too early to be up. The problem was that Lightning Jolt was quite awake and she also had to go to the little filly's room. She headed to the door and pushed it open. Just as she expected there were four guards standing outside. Their heads turned to the door as it swung open.
"Yes, miss Lightning Jolt?" One inquired.
"Just in need of the washroom. She replied. They nodded and two followed as she headed down the hall while the others stayed guarding the door.
The castle was grand and large which made it impressive but also created a problem. When one wanted to go anywhere like the little filly's room it was always a bit of a walk. She soon fell into a quicker trot to get there before she felt like exploding. When she came out the two guard were standing outside and fell into step behind her. Perhaps it was because of her first experience but she found it creepy to have two guards following her where ever she went. Did the princesses ever feel that way? Though, while they did have guards all around the castle and going places with them most of the time they hardly needed them for protection. What could defeat fifty guards the princesses could easily take out. They probably only escorted them for appearances. Other than that their purpose was probably more for the fact that the princesses could only be in one place at one time. the two of them couldn't guard or police every portion of the castle and Equestria at one time so the guards had to fill in.
"What are you doing out so late...or early?" A voice that she had heard before interrupted. It was Shining Armor, Twilight's brother. She had introduced him to her. He was normally with his wife at the Crystal Empire but had come at the princess's request since he was their most trusted guard.
"Just..you know, going to the little filly's room." She replied.
"Alright I was just coming to check on things and join the guard for a few hours." He said falling into step beside her.
"Is something wrong?" Lightning Jolt asked worried that the would be assassins had shown up.
"No, it's just that I've learned that if somepony wants to make a sneak attack or slip into a guarded place that these hours are the best time." He responded. "Often with the close approach of morning ponies tend to believe that the danger of the night is over and just look forward to dawn. It's very hard not to do. That gives a pony a window of opportunity to slip in wile the guards are more relaxed and still have the cover of darkness. I came last night to help keep watch as well."
"So, still no clue just why their after me?" Lightning Jolt asked.
"No, nopony has been able to figure out who or why but we are still looking. I think that either somepony has something against you or more likely they don't want to remember something."
Lightning Jolt shrugged. "We could just tell them that it doesn't look like I ever will."
Shining Armor laughed. "I don't think that would work. Don't give up hope though. You just may get it back yet."
Lightning Jolt was about to reply that it was not such a big deal to her when one of the guards gave a shout and Shining Armor tackled her. As they hit the floor light flashed though the corridor and she her heard magic crackling in the air. Shining Armor leapt up and he and the guard raced past her at some opponent.
Lighting Jolt sat up and saw nine ponies battling in the dark corridor. Light flashed as spells were cast and metal clanged as hoofs struck armor. She yelped and jerked back as a spear was flung out of the chaos and landed inches from her.
There were two other ponies standing so still that they might have been statues. They were on either side of the door so they had to be the other guards. That meant Shining Armor and the other two guards were outnumbered badly. That only lasted a few seconds though. The door to the room was flung open and her friends tumbled out with a mix of confused shouts and war cries. They managed to quickly take stock of the situation and rush in, except for Fluttershy who huddled in the doorway trying to muster up courage.
The invading ponies who appeared to be powerful unicorns still fought back but only for a moment. A window at the end of the hall was smashed in and Princess Luna flew inside. "Who dares attack ponies inside my castle?" She roared in an enraged voice and charged down the hall with her horn lighting up.
Knowing that they had met impossible odds the unicorns vanished in a quick flash of light. Luna skidded to a stop and stomped her hoof on the floor. "Cowards! Next time I will make sure that you do not escape!" She snapped. Then her horn flashed and all the torches along the walls lit up. "Is everypony alright?"
Shining Armor and his two guards had taken a few hits but nothing serious. The two guards at the door were still trapped in a freezing spell which Luna undid.
"I believe that we hast become too confident in this castle." Luna said and turned to Lightning Jolt. "I wish now that thou had not made such a public return for then we could pretend that thou hast never been found. That would have made thee much safer. It's too late now and everypony knows that we are safe keeping thee at the castle. That is a problem but we shalt turn it into an advantage. We have an idea." |
Identity | Lunas' plan | Princess Celestia was almost late in raising the sun that morning. She had risen early but only because she was awakened by Luna who told her of the second near miss. She like Luna, Shining Armor and many of the royal guards wereboth furious and alarmed that someponies had infiltrated their way into the castle. Not since Queen Chrysalis had anypony ever accomplished that in the past five hundred years. She and Luna had slipped away to discuss the plan that the Princess of the night had formed.
In the meantime the nine ponies and one dragon had been sequestered away inside of Luna's own room which was now heavily guarded. They waited there anxiously, Lightning Jolt in particular, for the Princesses to return. She lay on the floor next to the bed lost in thought. Twilight was pacing as she was unable to keep still. Ever faithful Spike chased her up and down the room trying to make her relax. Valentine and Rainbow Dash weren't down. They were chatting excitedly over the fight and were soon exchanging battle stories. Fluttershy was hiding under the bed and Pinkie Pie was being Pinkie Pie. She had made Rarity faint with her wild speculations of what the fiends were going to try next. Apple Jack and Ember Light stood next to each other with their fore hoofs up on the window sill as they stared out at the horizon.
Lightning Jolt poked at the floor with a hoof then looked over at the door. Even though she knew that she would never make it out of the castle before her friends or the guards caught her she considered running. That way her friends would not be in danger any longer. She hadn't been staring long when she felt herself being picked up off the carpet and hugged by Valentine so tightly that the wind was crushed out of her lungs. That little pony was strong!
"You have no need to ever feel guilty for just as you would put your life on the line for us we will do the same." She said. "And their hardly on the line with all of us against those goons anyway."
"Could she know what I was thinking?" Lightning Jolt mentally questioned herself. "Yes, she probably did."
"You're not going anywhere." Ember Light said joining the embrace.
"Group hug!" Pinkie Pie yelled leaping across the room.
"You have all of us to count on." Twilight said walking over with the rest of their friends. Except for Fluttershy who just stuck her head out from under the bed and Rarity who was still passed out. Or maybe pretending to be passed out. Lightning Jolt could never tell.
"So what's up with this room, Twi?" Rainbow asked changing the subject. "I would expect Princess Luna to have a more archaic look. You know, since she's been on the moon for so long."
"How should I know?" Twilight said with a shrug.
"It's because I do not live in the past." a voice interjected. Princess Luna was standing in the doorway. "We have finished the details of our plan. Come with us." She didn't turn around and lead them away as one would expect. Instead her horn lit up and their vision flashed white for a second. In the next second they all were standing in a hallway with Princess Celestia and Luna.
"Wa-what? Where are we?" Rarity asked as she got up.
"Can't explain now." Princess Celestia replied. "Quickly come with me." She started off in a brisk trot. The ponies and dragon followed with Luna taking up the rear and keeping an eye over her shoulder. As they passed through more rooms and hallways certain guards that were standing along the walls fell into step. A few others, guards and servants just stepped out of the way and watched. They soon came to the end of a hall with two large ornate doors. Celestia's horn lit up and the heavy wooden doors swung open. They walked inside a decorated room with red carpet while the guards waited just outside. There was a large painting on the wall across from the door. It was of alicorns that none of the recognized and hung over a huge hearth that had amazing delicate designs. To the right and left were two more halls leading off to what looked like two more well decorated rooms.
When the last pony walked in Luna grabbed the heavy doors and shut them tightly behind them. The moment they were close Celestia lit up her horn and focused on the painting. Her magic glowed over one small spot on the picture where a dark purple, almost black alicorn was rearing on his hind hoofs. He wore a gold breastplate with many gems studded in it. It was on a small blue jewel that was a little off center that the glow of her magic rested.
"In this room is something that was a great secret for many generations. This was once the room of more minor royalty," She said. "And the secret is a special feature in case of emergency." With her last words there was a subtle clicking sound like a lock being opened. It was quickly followed by a loud grinding sound as the wall began to move. It groaned as one side of the wall swung outward and the other inwards. When it stopped there was a large gap revealing a room beyond.
"Let's go in." Celestia said so nonchalantly as if she had just opened another normal door.
The group stared a moment longer before following after her. They could sense that the room was large before Celestia used her magic to light all the torches. Once there was light they saw that they were in a large room that looked almost identical to the one they had just left. It however, was larger and a huge table stood in the center of the room as well as over the fireplace this time was a large decorated and detailed ancient map of Equestria and far beyond.
"This is a once a top secret chamber that the minor princesses and princes would hide in during invasions." Celestia explained as she used her magic to shut the hidden door.
Lightning Jolt winched at the sound as it ground shut. "So we're going to stay locked away in here until you figure what is going on?" She asked.
"No, my dear," Celestia replied.
"What?" Twilight cocked her head to the side in confusion. "Then why are we here?"
"To fulfill the first part of the plan." Luna replied walking up next to her sister. "As thou hast heard my sister say, this room 'used to be top secret.' While this was for many years a complete secret for the safety of those who lived in the rooms just beyond this door it is not so much anymore. Ponies talk, even those whose life might one day depend on this hidden place. In past centuries the fact that there is a hidden room back here is known but it how to get in is not. Only my sister and I along with very few guards knows the combination and where the lock is. There is only one way in and one way out and it is through that door. The walls, floor and roofs are lined with a magical barrier that nothing can penetrate or teleport though. Even though it is known this room exists, still the most secure place in the castle."
"So they are staying here?" Twilight asked.
"No." Celestia replied. "But we want ponies to think that they are here. Luna has come up with a rather good plan."
"We shalt make it appear that thou is hidden away in this room. We will have guards outside the second door at all times." Luna took over. "Our intruders seem quite adept at finding out information and because of that we can conclude are very intelligent. If we make a measure too light they will suspect a trap but of course we don't want it too hard so that we can be sure they will try. We shalt even have servants bring meals to this room which the guards will take inside and eat themselves and bring back out the empty plates. They will even tell servants that you have requested items of comfort from time to time all to keep up the ruse that you are in here."
"The walk through the castle halls was also part of the show." Celestia said. "We want their eyes on here while we hide you elsewhere. We can be certain that they will try again. They went through an elaborate ruse the first time and attempted another on only the second night you were here. If they fall for the trap we can capture them and finally find out what is going on. One thing is for sure, if we can't find out who you are then they can tell us."
"Do you think I'm from another country?" Lightning Jolt asked looking up at the huge, elaborate map remembering that they had said that it was likely that she had come from outside this kingdom. On the ancient map Equestria was right at the center and she could recognize some of the places that Twilight had taught her about, though most of them had different names now. Some existing nations were not there and there were others that had not been on the modern maps. Some countries were smaller and some larger though Equestria looked pretty much the same borderwise.
"It's quite likely." Celestia said walking over to the map. "We've already sent some pegasus to the Frozen North." She pointed to the map with a hoof. "They haven't reported back yet and we sent a few delegates to Cinder's Islands." She pointed it islands that were far out in the west sea. "They replied that there was no mare of your description and cutie mark that was missing."
"Twilight never told me about the Cinder's Islands." Lightning Jolt said jumping up on the table and looking at the map. The islands, there were five of them and all together might be big enough to make up a small content. Since they were colored the same hue as Equestria it showed that they were once part of the sister's kingdom.
"We don't have much to do with them anymore. About three hundred years ago Princess Celestia sent some ponies who were causing problems there because-"
"I did not send them, I offered it to them." Celestia interrupted gently. "No offence, Twilight but I can tell it with a little more accuracy."
"Oh, right. You were there." Twilight replied with an embarrassed grin.
Celestia just laughed good naturedly and continued. "There were ponies who became discontent with me and my laws. It's a long story but when I would not change things they became bitter. Those islands were once part of Equestria as shown on the map but were very remote and closer to the other content than Equestria. It's a nice place, last I was there three hundred years ago anyway, but not of much use because of the distance. So I offered it to them along with plenty of funding to start so that they would have a place to do things their way. It seemed the easiest way to make them happy and they kept making a disruptive fuss from time to time. I really didn't think they would take it but they did. Aside from trade they won't have much to do with us. They probably still think of us like their ancestors did."
Lighting Jolt looked at the islands for a couple more seconds. Then she turned her eyes to the rest of the map since Celestia had said that they had already checked there. Though they were not as strong now she felt the same pangs at the idea that she could be looking at her home or someplace she knew and not know it. Somewhere out there were ponies who knew when she had some from and somypony knew why she had a target on her forehead. All of this ran though her head as she scanned the side of the map opposite of the Cinder's islands.
* * *
Many miles away to the north of the castle was the shores of the westward sea that bordered the land. Just out over the water a storm was being pushed out to sea by the local pegasi. Across that vast watery expanse, over the great depths where massive and amazing creatures swam were Cinder's Islands. The only thing that the ponies on them knew about Cinder was that he was the pony who discovered the islands a great many years ago. It didn't matter though, they were their islands now. There were cities and villages on all five islands and they were all connected by at least one bridge. Little ferry boats ran between them and there was boat moored at just about every house that lined the edges of the islands. There were ports for trade though most had ships that looked as if they had sat there for a long time.
In the center of one city that was on the largest island stood a tall stone building. The entire city seemed to spiral out from there. The center of the building was topped with a large dome that held a grand office. Behind his desk sat a well-dressed and somewhat plump stallion. His coat was green and his mane and tail black. With a critical eye he sorted papers. Some he set into different stacks and others he threw into a waste bin. When he pulled a flattened scroll from the stack he snorted. "Those Equestrians! They think we can't take care of our own citizens! Can't take care of their own more like it. The sisters don't even care about them." He crumpled up the paper and then looked up as a tan mare with a feather cutie mark walked in. "Quill, did Fleet send those Equestrians our reply?"
"Yes, sir." She replied and dropped more papers on his desk.
"Good. They probably just wanted a chance to get intel on us. They never liked us." He went on even though the mare didn't seem to be listening. "They should have come up with something better. Seriously, one of our citizens made their way over there and lost her memory? Ridiculous! I knew how to deal with them!" He stated puffing up his chest.
"Want me to empty the trash bin?" She asked in a monotone voice.
"Huh? Sure. Anyway I just told them that we keep good track of all or citizens and no pony was missing. That probably burst their sneaky bubble."
He rambled on as she picked up the trash bin and headed out. "Take this with you." He called tossing the wadded up paper in her direction. She paused and it landed neatly in the bin.
* * *
On the adjacent island a couple walked along the shore. One was orange earth pony mare with yellow hair and a seedling cutie mark. Next to her walked a yellow unicorn stallion whose mane and tail was red. His cutie marks was a ships sail with a hole being patched up. They trotted slowly along the beach together while looking out at the waves.
"Just think of it like this," The stallion said. "Our little Baby Bird who flew into our lives has simply flown away. All baby birds do you know."
The mare nodded and solemnly while still looking across the waves. "At least she can fly now." She said. "She won't have to worry about her lungs and heart condition holding her back. She can fly across the oceans to her heart's desire."
The stallion cleared his throat. "I know that it hurts but don't hold on to wishful thinking. There are no spirits. When a pony dies-"
"Shut up!" The mare snapped at him. "You don't know that! You really do not know that! This is not a time to be Mr. Reason."
He cleared his throat again. "Fine. We should have watched her more closely." He said trying to change the subject. "We knew that she couldn't take care of herself. When...oh whatever their names were, the pegasus and unicorn stallions showed up I thought they had a job for me. I never would have guessed that they had come to tell us that she had drowned on a ship at sea."
"Who would have guessed that she would board a ship that was headed to Equestria?" She yelled. "Why would she go visit there of all places!?" She turned her eyes that were full of fire to a distant house down the beach. It was on a hill overlooking the sea. Below was a dock with a hodgepodge but apparently functioning motor boat tethered to it. "I know who convinced her! I know would have filled her head with his stupid ideas and-"
Honey!" The stallion interrupted stepping in front of her as she prepared to run. "You're going to get a restraining order put on you, again. Besides, she's knows better than to listen to that idiot."
"They should do something about that stallion!" The mare snarled. "He's always caused trouble and he's always against good things! He should have been born in Equestria!"
Inside that house on the seaside the rooms were a mess. The least cluttered areas were table tops and counters. These were covered with stacks of notes, vials and beakers. In the hall next to the door a white and recently washed coat hung over a coat rack. Back and forth across the living room a unicorn stallion raced. A black mane and tail that was full of split ends flew out behind him every time he took off in a gallop. He was packing things in a box by the door while at the same time checking on an experiment that was on the dining room table. It was hectic but he got things done. He raced past one of the windows only to skid to a stop and walk back. He put his forehoofs up on the sill and squinted at the two figures walking along the beach in the distance. Without even looking back he used his magic to grab a pair of binoculars off a table and levitated them over to him. Raising them up to his eyes with his magic he adjusted them and studied the figures walking along the beach. After a couple seconds he sneered and lowered the binoculars .
"It's just you two." He said dropping the binoculars back on the table. "Oh, our poor little sweet Baby Bird." He mocked making an exaggerated sad face. An eyelid twitched and his face scrunched up in anger at whatever was going on in his mind. Then he shook his head and focused back on the table where he had been rearranging vials. He walked up and down the table examining everything and every so often making adjustments. Even as he did though an eye kept twitching from time to time and his lips kept turning from a straight line to agitated sneer with teeth showing. A forehoof jerked up as if he had just touched something hot but he slammed it back to the floor. He set his jaw in a determined line and tried harder to focus.
"Ahhh, Searot!" He finally yelled throwing the vile that he was levitating to the table. "I'll just have to see how you are when I get back!" He snapped at it and then trotted for the door. He levitated his white coat off the rack without looking as he passed it. As he threw it over his back he picked up the box in his magic. He opened the door and hurried down a winding staircase in the hillside that led to the dock. Throwing the box unceremoniously on board he leapt onto the boat. He didn't bother to untie the rope but just cut it with his magic as he headed to the wheel. A quick flick of his magic over the controls and the engine started. Though it seemed to be a hodgepodge of parts from different ships it ran well and was quickly out away from the dock. Instead of using his magic to steer he used his forehoofs. He breathed in the sea air then stared across the horizon and he finally seemed to calm down from his agitated state.
There was a folded up map on the panel above the controls but the unicorn didn't bother to open it. He knew the way from traveling it many times. He pointed it's prow towards Equestria and gunned the engine. |
Identity | Hidden Well | Later that morning Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked out of the hidden room with the eight ponies and one dragon. It appeared though that Lightning Jolt, Ember Light and Valentine had been replaced by three different earth ponies.
"Those are some pretty cool disguises." Spike remarked. "Unless you know them well they wont even remind you of them. Maybe not even then."
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were pacing around the three ponies making sure that the disguises were perfect. Valentine was having the least about of trouble with it though it was a shame to see her pretty pink and red colors gone. They were replaced by a dull brown coat and her hair was a single bland shade of green. For Lightning Jolt and Ember Light it was discomforting not being able to feel one's wings or one's horn. Celestia had assured them that she had made sure he would be able to use his horn and Lightening Jolt her wings if necessary but it would make them visible. She had also taught Ember Light how to recast and undo the spell if needed. His magnificent colors that adorned his coat had been turned into a splotchy black. This made him look like a black stallion that had rolled in ashes. His mane and tail was a dark brown.
Lightning Jolt had been turned grey, a dull grey without any touch of silver. Her hair was black and not even a jet black. On top of that Celestia and Luna had adjusted their appearances ever so slightly. Their eyes were all the same color to make them appear as relatives as well as the similar dull colors. Lighting Jolt looked at if she had put on a few pounds, Ember Light looked a little shorter and Valentine looked a little taller. From looking in a mirror they had to agree, unless one knew them well they would not even remind them of their former selves. Even their voices were slightly on different pitches when they spoke. As an extra measure the colors the princesses had chosen were unattractive for a reason. This would cause any passersby to not likely to look at them for very long.
"Alright, do you remember everything I told you?" Celestia asked after they decided that the disguises were perfect.
They all nodded and the monarchs looked to the other six. "And do you?"
"Aw, come on, why can't we visit them?" Rainbow Dash asked. "What if this takes forever and-"
"Their safety is more important." Luna interrupted. "Thou going on trips over there will attract eyes to their location. Even if in disguises it would bring risks as well as ponies will wonder why thou keeps going there. If this does take time then for the good of thy companions thou must make public trips here in the castle to pretend to visit thy friends and not their true location. All must be done to keep up the ruse until our opponents make their move."
"Come on Rainbow Dash, it's for the best." Twilight said putting a comforting hoof on her shoulder.
"Fine!" Rainbow Dash consented crossing her forehoofs, "But I want to know when their caught. Somepony messing with one of my friends, pffft! That doesn't happen, not with them getting away with it."
The two monarchs gave the ponies and dragon time to say goodbyes once again. Then Lightning Jolt, Valentine and Ember Light stepped back from their friends. The horns of the two princesses lit up and they vanished in a puff of light.
The rest of them walked out of the first room and past the guards, some of which did not even know that the chamber they were guarding was empty. Only a select few did and one would be there at all times. Only he or she would go in to pretend to deliver things to their guests.
* * *
The trio appeared inside a covered wagon that was serval buildings away from the castle. It was a large supply warehouse that had many floors. They of course could not see it. They were on the bottom floor laying on top of stacks of folded blankets. None could stand up with the heavy wooden top closed over them. It was held with hinges on one side and a lock on the other. They all remained quiet not knowing if anypony was in the room. Princess Celestia had told them that not even the pony who was going to pull the cart knew that they were in there. It at least had small cracks that they could peer through but it was limited and moving around could make noise that would be easily noticed in this quite place. Suddenly they heard a heavy door being opened and the sounds of the street now filtered inside the building. They heard a pony walk over to the cat and hitch himself up. With a jerk it began rolling out.
The trip was smooth with the Canterlot streets being so well paved. The wagon swayed slightly with the stallion's movements and the voices of other ponies on the street could be heard clearly.
Now that it was rather noisy the three ponies, ever so gently and slowly inched over to slits in the wood so that they could peer out. Through the narrow gaps they glimpsed well-dressed ponies walking through the streets and decorated buildings lining the path. It seemed as if no pony paid attention to the cart and why should they?It was just another delivery going down the street.
They knew the name of the place that they were going to but not where it was in Canterlot. The princesses had explained before the disguises were applied to them. They were headed to a sort of refugee housing area. Years ago when one of her most trusted guards had retired from his top ranking position but he did want to stop serving. He had founded a church in Canterlot and its main mission was to help other soldiers, actively serving our otherwise. They provided for the needs of their families, physical, mental or emotional recoveries or just providing a place to stay or ear to listen. From there they began taking in refugees from disasters, or war, even if Equestria was not involved. There were the abandoned or those who simply suffered a financial loss, nopony was refused help, save maybe those whose only need was to stop looking for a constant free handout when there were other ponies who actually needed the help.
That was the first reason why the princesses had chosen to send them here. Ponies came and went constantly, either looking for help or coming to volunteer. The second was that though everypony knew about this place it didn't gain much attention for ponies who were without troubles. The third was that it was full of ponies from the royal guard that were retired but had never stopped being loyal soldiers. This way they could be surrounded by guards but not look out of the ordinary. Celestia had sent them a message ahead of time informing them of her plan and setting up their arrival. She didn't want to just teleport them inside any of the buildings since there was always the chance of somepony seeing or hearing and she didn't want them to be seen leaving the castle either. They still didn't know just how wise or observant their opponents were so all precautions were taken.
Once they arrived their main guardian Iron Clad, the founder of the church would make sure than no pony was in that room or any of the connecting rooms. He would then take them further inside and introduce them as ponies who had just walked off the street as many ponies do. He would introduce them by their aliases, Grey Pelt, Evergreen and Ash Coat and they would just become one of the many ponies joining the volunteers. From there they would wait until their attackers were caught.
The trip seemed to take quite a while. Canterlot was a big city. From their views the trio could see that the buildings had become more homely. They were still more upscale than most places in Equestria since this was a capital city after all but definitely more homely. From this they knew that they were getting near the outskirts of the city where the elites did not frequent much. After turning down a few more roads the cart finally rolled up to a large building. They couldn't seem much of it through the slats but it looked big. They heard the pony unhitch and call out to someone. A gruff voice answered back and heavy hoofs walked over what sounded like steps. This pony they took to the Iron Clad since the voice was just what one expected of a guard of that name.
They couldn't hear much of what they were saying since the ponies had moved away. It wasn't long before the delivery pony was paid and they felt the second pony start pulling the cart. When a shadow fell over them they knew that they were inside. Quickly they came to a stop and they heard a door sliding shut behind them.
Lightning Jolt, Ember Light and Valentine still remained quiet since they could not be sure that this was the pony that was to meet them. That was the purpose of the lock, just in case the wrong pony tried to open it. It was a little claustrophobic to be locked inside of a cart but Celestia had assured that they could actually open it from the inside in that was needed.
There was a thud on the outside of the cart that made them all jump. Later they would lean that it was the lock being kicked off. The hinges creaked as the top was opened. The three ponies yelped, even Valentine as they saw the hulk of a pony standing over them. With the extra height and weight included he was double the size of an average stallion. His mane and tail was a dark red and his body grey. Across his face, neck and shoulder that grey pelt was crisscrossed with white lines that were old scars that were left from what must have been horrendous wounds.
"Hello, I am Iron Clad." He said and was apparently trying to make his gruff voice softer. "Princess Celestia sent me to receive you and introduce you to the volunteers. Don't worry I don't eat ponies. They taste horrible no matter how much seasoning you put on them."
When they relaxed a bit he lifted them out of the cart as if they weighed no more than foals. "Do all of you understand the instructions that Princess Celestia gave you?" He asked. They all nodded, still lost for words at the sight of him. "Good, follow me." He said turning around and leading them inside.
They all followed quietly after him. For Valentine, Lightning Jolt supposed, this wouldn't be anything new because of the family she grew up in. She was pretty sure that Ember Light would enjoy it after all they would be lending a hand to many ponies. He was a friendly pony and she thought she would too, though she still hoped their forced hiding would not last more than a few days. |
Identity | The encounter | That short time had become two weeks. While overall it still could be considered a short time it was not the short time Lightning Jolt had had in mind. The refugee camp was not a bad place though. It was huge and far more than one building. The church building was right on the very edge of Canterlot. As need arose it had expanded to the open grounds outside of the city and eventually buying up buildings around it to accommodate the growing number of ponies who came. While it was a bit over crowded and there was nothing fancy about any part of the grounds or the buildings there was just something about it that made it more comfortable than the rest of Canterlot.
One of the best things about it was that one got to meet ponies from all over Equestria, outside of Equestria even. Some she could not even understand their language nor they hers' but yet they found ways to communicate. While most ponies didn't give much thought to this place, all pretty much had heard about it sometime before and for many, when troubles came, they remembered.
The stories she heard made her feel as if she had lived a lifetime and seen places far beyond Equestria. She would often go to bed with tales of far and near, old and new swirling in her head.
It wasn't all fun though. It was hard work and sometimes very sad. One of the hardest parts of it was when somepony brought in a foal that had been abandoned. It was beyond Lightning Jolt's comprehension how anypony could leave one to die instead of at least trying to find a place where it could be cared for. There were also ponies left broken from injuries, some from injuries not physical. Then there were the ponies who came in angry at the world or could not admit that they were hurting themselves and would not let you help them. That was almost the saddest of all. But among all the sadness she also got to experience the joys of seeing hope and joy restored to ponies. That was the highlight of it all. She could see why Iron Clad choose this.
Most of all though, she was simply tired when she retired for the day. There was much to do. She visited with Ember Light and Valentine for most of the two weeks for one to two hours a day since their tiny rooms were separate. Now nopony was going to make any of them work but none of there were about to sit on their hoofs while they were there. Especially since they were taking up a room each and eating their food. Every bit was counted out carefully to be sure they had enough. She was told that sometimes it wasn't enough and Iron Clad would send a letter to the princess who always responded. Most of the time though the wealthy Canterlot ponies donated enough to cover all expenses.
"Some really do care but many I think just do it for attention, you know to stay looking good in the public eye." Willow, the mare who had been their guide the first days that Lightning Jolt and her friends were here. Lightning Jolt often found herself working with Willow and she was quite a likeable pony. One only had to be around her a few minutes to see that she was caring and unjudging. That didn't mean she wasn't going to tell you like it was if necessary, she wouldn't be caring if she didn't.
She was the daughter of a soldier who had died in battle when she was a teen. She and her mother had come here after at first to grieve and heal and eventually had become fulltime volunteers. Both she and her mother were overseers of many things now. Lightning Jolt also wondered if they had a part in the princesses' plan since Willow had made the rooming arrangements. They had been given separate rooms for a specific reason and in specific places as Iron Clad had explained in private. In the rare chance that the plan was discovered by the assassin ponies they would not be able to get at all of them at once. They all slept in rooms off the same hallway that the former guards did so they were always surrounded by them at night. She couldn't hardly ask Willow or her mother about anything for the fact that they might not be in on the plan and then she would have made a major slip up in this well thought out and painstakingly crafted plan. Curiosity would just have to take a backseat to good sense.
Not completely though. In the latter half of the second week she had begun leaving the grounds and traveling a few blocks down the street. From the idle chat of other ponies she found out that a group of the New Wave movement were holding speeches only a few blocks away. With the curiosity to see what it was all about chewing at her from some time and with the answers being so close she couldn't stand it. Well, she had to admit to herself, she could have if she really wanted to.
The retired guars couldn't stay right beside them all the time without ponies getting curious and while they were deep inside the grounds they were pretty safe anyway. Because of this Lightning Jolt was able to simply pretend to go to her room during times she knew that they were least likely to disturb her and just left instead. It wasn't as if anypony guarded the doors so as long as none of the guards were around she could get away with it. She did feel a little nervous the first time but quickly realized that like the place she had come from all anypony saw was Grey Pelt, the little, average weight earth pony.
She had only planned to go once to that square to satisfy her curiosity but because of what she heard kept her coming back. She loved every word that was spoken from the platforms. These ponies of the New Wave were proponents of justice and equality not only for everypony but every griffon, every yak, ect. They spoke of almost nothing but that. There were some that believed that they should do away with a monarch type government and she had to admit that they sometimes had good points about it but that was not their main focus. They were for equality pure and simple. Lightning Jolt quickly found herself pounding her hoofs and cheering with the crowd. She also began jeering along with the rest when the New Wave group had to deal with their opponents. There were, for some reason ponies, opposed to their ideas. They called arguments up to the speakers up on the makeshift stage sometime or argued with them in planned debates.
Lightning Jolt didn't like them very much for sure. "What was their problem? Did they see something wrong with everypony being equal?" She often found herself laughing or clapping with the crowd when the New Wave ponies shot a good zinger at them. She simply couldn't stand ponies like that. Everything seemed fine for them and yet they couldn't stand everypony being equal.
Lightning Jolt knew that she probably should quit coming. She was pretty sure that Iron Clad and the others would not be happy at all if they found out. She seriously didn't want to disappoint Iron Clad for he was a cool guy. Once you got past his frightening appearance he was a good pony, his disposition and outer appearance did not match at all.
Her answer to the problem was to just not get caught. So on the day that began her third week in hiding she found time to slip away once again. She walked through the crowds completely relaxed. A few ponies who had noticed her passing though everyday waived to her and she waived back. There weren't many elite ponies that came to this part of the city so it was easier to fit in.
When she got to the square where the speeches were held she saw that the group had just finished and were dispersing through the crowd. That was fine. They often held more than one a day and perhaps she might get a chance to get to speak with one of them. She didn't want to shove through the crowd of ponies so she made her to a fountain that she had often stood on the wall of in order to see over the heads of other ponies. It was more ideal now since many of the New Wave ponies came this way after speeches. There was a nice public garden down the street and across it were the buildings they rented so maybe she would get her chance when they passed.
As she reached it she recognized several ponies who were standing outside of a cafe' and sipping on tea. They were among the objector crowd. A trio of unicorns and one pegasus. She made a face at them without realizing it. They didn't notice. Lightning Jolt stopped when she realized what she was doing. No need getting them arguing with her. A nasty bunch they were. She sat down the fountain and watched the objectors. What was their problem? How could you object to the New Wave ideas. Perhaps some of them wanting to change from a monarchy she could see reasonable objections since that would take Celestia and Luna, who were good rulers, off the throne but seriously? They objected to everything. All the New Wave Ponies talked about was making everypony equal. It was stupid to object to that! Didn't they understand equality.
The ponies didn't seem really too interested in their drinks and side dishes. They didn't even talk really. They would take a bite or take a sip and then look up again as if they were waiting for something or somepony. Lightning Jolt had nothing else to do so she just sat there watching them. They didn't notice her gaze since she was partially concealed by the ponies moving around street. Suddenly a unicorn stepped out of a shop and walked up to them.
The second Lightning Jolt saw him she felt her legs go weak and she was lucky that she was sitting down or she would have fallen. Her hoofs shook and she could not take her eyes of him. She could only stare at his scarecrow like appearance, his sickly blue-grey coat and his dark eyes. His mane and tail looked like it had been brushed and cleaned a bit but it was still ratty and full of split ends. He still even wore the white coat draped over his back and shoulder. It too had been cleaned but probably only so that he didn't stick out too much in a city like this.
Lightning Jolt lay down on her belly on the wall of the fountain unable to trust her own limbs. She could hardly believe it. It had been so long without a trace of the unicorn being found that she had almost begun to think of him as something of a figment of her imagination or the boogey pony. But reality had stepped in and here he was, very much real.
His eyes glanced around as he whispered what looked like a few quick questions to the ponies. They either nodded or shook their heads. In less than a minute it was over and the ponies dispersed throughout the crowd. The blue-grey unicorn shifted and peered though the crowd. Then he started to move hastily toward the gardens while constantly looking over his shoulder.
Lightning Jolt didn't think about what she was doing. It was as if her trembling legs had minds of their own. She got up and followed after him. Despite being shaky they moved automatically and with determination. She wove through the crowd trying to keep him in sight while still trying to keep from being noticed. He kept looking over his shoulder and walking in a fast trot. When he reached the garden he dipped out of sight behind some plants.
Lightning Jolt crawled through the thick flowers and elephant ear plants. She spotted him standing a ways off the path with his horn starting to glow. At first she flinched thinking she had been seen and was about to blast her, but instead something else happened. It looked like an invisible screen was drawn up in front of him and he vanished. Lightning Jolt blinked at the spot where he just was. He didn't vanish with a flash of light caused by teleportation but it had just looked like a screen was lifted up from the ground. She could see everything that had been behind him clearly but not him. She crouched lower and wriggled and crawled her way thru the plants while trying not to disturb any of them. Luckily there was a bit of a low path under them, probably for critters.
Sure enough as she got up to where the stretch of vegetation ran past the spot where he has stopped she saw him. He was staring hard though the invisible screen with narrowed eyes at the group of ponies who were now walking by. Lightning Jolt saw just who he had been trying to stay ahead of. It was some of the New Wave ponies.
The unicorn never looked away as they passed. His gaze burned fire and his lips were curled up showing teeth. Another thing Lightning Jolt noticed was the twitching eyelid that she remembered well from her first day of memory.
He watched them until they had walked past the trees and plants that formed a semicircle around his hiding place. When they were out of sight he lit up his horn and made the magical wall drop. He wasn't done though. His horn continued to glow as he closed his eyes. Another screen shot up in front of him, then above him. Three more rose up to the right, the left and behind and then they all connected seamlessly.
Now Lightning Jolt saw not an empty spot but a red pegasus pony the same size as the unicorn. He wore not a white coat but an emblem that marked him as one of the New Wave ponies. This pegasus was not motionless like a statue, he moved, his sides rose and fell in breathing and did not at all look unusual. The magic screens became barely visible as they twisted and warped closer around the pony and conformed to him. When it was done nothing appeared out of the ordinary as the pegasus walked out of the trees and in the direction that the other ponies had gone.
Lightning Jolt stared in amazement. She could only assume that this was a sort of magic puppet that moved exactly how he moved. It wasn't was as smooth but pretty much the same thing that the princesses had used to make her and her friends appear to be different ponies.
She waited a few minutes after he had disappeared out of sight and then came out of her hiding place. She looked through the leaves of semicircle of plants so that she could watch without the risk of being seen. She spotted him heading across the gardens and straight for the buildings that the New Wave ponies rented. Since he was wearing their symbol she was sure she knew just what he planned to do.
Lightning Jolt stayed where she was until he got further ahead then left her hiding place and began to run after him. She was trying to time so that she drew near when he reached the buildings. If he spotted her she would simply run past him in order to appear to be somepony in a hurry to get somewhere. Once out of sight she could turn around.
As she gained she saw him up ahead already going inside with a group of the New Wave ponies. Lightning Jolt reached the building a couple minutes later but before she could get to the door a large earth pony stepped in front of her.
"I'm sorry but they need their breaks." He said. "They can't spend every waking moment answering question so you'll just have to ask when they come out for their next speech."
"I'm not here to ask question." Lightning Jolt replied. "I came because a unicorn cast a spell on himself to look like one of you so he could sneak in. He's an insane pony that twitches a lot and uses spells to make ponies lose their memories."
The earth pony just looked down at her like she was an idiot. Lightning Jolt slapped a hoof to her forehead feeling like one. Yes, that would not sound made up at all AND she had just given up a clue as to who she was.
"I'm serious!" She strained the words. "I'm not making this up just to get in."
"Sadly that's not the most outrageous story I've heard from ponies wanting to get in. Mostly it's from jerks that just want to get in so that they can argue." He raised an eyebrow. "You're not one of them are you?"
"What? I'm not one of those stupid ponies! I want everypony to love and respect each other!" Lighting Jolt snapped in indignance. "I like the New Wave ponies and I'm not lying!"
"Sure." He replied with an unchanging expression and didn't budge an inch.
"Please you've got to warn-"
"I don't have to do anything." He snorted. "I'm here to make sure the speakers get some peace and quiet and I'm going to see it done." He stated firmly.
Lightning Jolt groaned then spun around and took off. She was heading straight back to the church and refugee camp to inform Iron Clad about what she had seen. It was a better response than trying to get in the building and see what he was up to herself. That was a stupid one actually. If she was caught she would probably be a goner and nopony would know what had happened to her.
It wasn't a surprise that that unicorn would be with those who hated the New Wave Group but who were the other ponies? More importantly what were they planning to do to the New Wave ponies. Lightning Jolt ran all the faster and even instinctively tried to use her wings only to remember that they were hidden even to her in a spell. She knew Celestia had made it so she could break free if she had needed but purple wings popping out of a grey earth pony would not go unnoticed.
As she fled a pair of eyes watched her from a second story window. The pony had spotted the mare running up to the guard and faintly a sense of familiarity had triggered in her brain. It was so faint that she had had to stare at the pony for a few minutes before she realized just who this pony made her think of. Now she just shook her head as the pony ran off. There was no way it was her. The colors were so different and besides this was an earth pony even.
* * *
Lightning Jolt quickly passed through the square where the speeches were held. She was painting, her heart was throbbing hard and her lungs felt strange but she was not about to slow. Besides they always did when she pushed herself. The church came into sight and she aimed for the front door.
"Hey!" The voice that she knew well cut though her concertation. Her hoofs hit the ground and her legs locked making her skid across the street. She spun around and spotted a pair of ponies. They had dyed their manes and tails magically and wore disguises but she recognized them instantly.
"I'm sorry, I tried to stop her." Twilight said and gave Rainbow Dash a disapproving look. The purple mare now had a red mane and tail and wore a simple dress to cover her wings.
"No one would tell me anything and beside nopony will think it's strange if we leave for a few hours." Rainbow responded. Her mane and tail was also red and her coat almost looked white. "Anyway what wrong? Why are you running-?"
"Come with me now!" Lightning Jolt interrupted while taking off in the direction that she had come. "I'll explain as we go."
Telling Twilight would get the message to the princess a lot faster and this way they could keep track of the unicorn. With him being able to disappear for so long before who knew if they would ever find him again. |
Identity | Smog | "It hasn't been that long so he's probably still in there." Lightning Jolt nodded to the building that was on the edge of the garden. She, Rainbow Dash and Twilight was standing behind a wall of plants and watching the building.
'"Well, we could just burst in and Twilight could rip off his disguise. Then we make his answer for-" Rainbow Dash started only to be interrupted by Twilight.
"No, Rainbow. Remember how the unicorns in the castle just teleported away? He could do the same thing. We want to catch him so that he can't possibly get away. Rainbow you could fly to the castle and get Celestia while we keep an eye on this place."
"Too late, there he is." Lightning Jolt said pointing to the building. The unicorn, still in his red pegasus disguise was walking out the front door. He greeted the guard and then headed across the garden
"We have to follow him." Lighting Jolt said. "If he gets away then we may never find him again."
"On it." Twilight replied while lighting up her horn. She cast and invisibility spell over all of them. "Now remember, he still will be able to hear us so no talking, walk softly and don't get too close."
The three of them followed hanging some distance back from the unicorn. As he wove through the trees he occasionally looked behind him. Whether this was because he could sense something or a usual precaution they couldn't tell. He moved well out of sight of the building he had left. He eventually reached one of the edges where a couple old, weathered buildings stood on the grounds. He carefully walked around the area, checking that no pony was around. Lightning Jolt, Twilight and Rainbow Dash held their breath when he passed them at several yards away. Finally satisfied he turned around and walked straight into a wall. He didn't slam into it but passed right through as if he was a ghost.
The three ponies stared blankly for a few seconds then Rainbow Dash spoke up. "What it Equestria?"
"Hang on." Twilight said squinting at the wall as she used a new spell. After a moment she spoke. "There's a doorway right there. It looks like it was made by magic and hidden by a second spell." Her face scrunched up in concentration as she used her spell to look deeper. "He's in there and it looks like he has made himself at home. These buildings are a historical site and nopony has lived in them for years. He probably choose them so that he could stay hidden but be close to his targets."
"You can cast a spell to make a teleport proof barrier, right?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Yes." Twilight replied with a nod. "I can trap him in a bubble that he can't shoot any magic beams through and nopony can teleport in or out."
"Good. I say we trap him and then he can face Lightning Jolt and explain himself. If that alright with you?" Rainbow Dash said and they both looked at Lightning Jolt.
The pegasus thought it over a moment. The prospect did make her nervous but she wanted to know. She nodded. "Yes but Twilight, can you undo the spell Princess Luna and Princess Celestia cast on me? I want him to be looking at me, not a disguise."
Twilight nodded and removed the disguises and invisibility spells from all of them. Then she focused her magic inside the building.
* * *
The unicorn never saw it coming. He was inside his lair writing down the newest info that he had gathered when a bubble shaped barrier closed around him. He jumped and bucked instinctively at it but it felt like kicking a brick wall. He winched and tried to teleport out. He vanished for a split second only to reappear bouncing off the barrier wall. He sat up rubbing his head in time to see Twilight walk in. "You can't teleport through that nor blast through it." She stated.
Before he could reply Rainbow Dash flew in after her. "It's finally time for you to own up for what you did to our friend!" She declared triumphantly. "You have a lot of explaining to do!"
Lightning Jolt walked in through the invisible door and stopped in front of the barrier. She was now face to face with the pony responsible for her predicament and knew the secret to her past. With all the answers she wanted to demand at the moment no words came to her.
The unicorn looked back and forth from Rainbow Dash to Lightning Jolt. "Baby Bird! What are you doing?! Is this some revenge for parting arguments and me being right? I knew you were petty but this is ridiculous! What has come over you?!" He yelled.
"Petty!" Rainbow Dash yelled at him flying up to the magic cage. "Petty! You call what you did to her petty!"
The unicorn bared his teeth and glared right back at her. "Oh, what did the little Baby Bird tell you that I did? I suppose to her eyes it really does seems like I wronged her."
"Stop calling me that" Lightning Jolt yelled over them. "Stop mocking me! Call me by my name-" She stopped remembering that she didn't know what her name was, not the name she had had before. "They call me Lightning Jolt now." She added.
The unicorn stared at her scrunching up his nose. "Lightning Jolt? How am I supposed to know what new name you decided to call yourself? Are you playing some alias game with these ponies or something?"
"What are you talking about?" Lightning Jolt demanded.
"What are you talking about?!" The unicorn roared back. "What are all of you talking about?!" The room fell silent as everypony took the time to sort through their confusion.
"Ok. Everypony calm down." Twilight said. "Let's start slowly and try to figure this out. Let's ask questions, one at a time."
Rainbow Dash spoke up first. "What did you do to her?"
"Really tick off the little Baby Bird apparently." The unicorn said.
"Stop calling me baby bird." Lightning Jolt growled. "I don't like it. Why do you call me that?"
The unicorn stared at her with a face somewhere between confusion and scorn. "Because it's your name."
"Baby Bird?! What kind of wimpy name is that?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "You're lying!"
The unicorn fixed her with a glare. "No I'm not, but I agree with you. I told her foster parents that it was a horrible name but they don't listen to me just like she never does." He turned to Lighting Jolt. "What? Has your memory suddenly gone as blank as your flank was?" He said in a sarcastic tone.
Lightning Jolt grimaced and looked at her hoofs.
"Yeah, she did you big jerk!" Rainbow Dash yelled at him.
The unicorn's face was covered with a look of surprise and guilt shadowed his expression. He turned away from Rainbow Dash and bent his head down trying to look Lighting Jolt in the eyes. His voice was certainly not like Fluttershy's but he obviously trying to speak in a gentle tone. "Your name is Baby Bird and it's me, Smog. The pony you half hate, frenemy and the one always dragging you out of trouble. Who tries to teach you something useful unlike your foster parents. We live on Cinder's islands. You know the place where ponies thought they had the perfect ideas but when given the chance they created a complete disaster, but still think their way is right. We lived not far from each other. We went to the same school. Do you recognize me at all?"
Lightning Jolt shook her head. Then she looked up at him. "Why did you blast me with magic?"
He took a step back. "Blast you with magic?! As much as I've felt like it at times I've never hurt you or even considered it? If you don't remember me at all then why do you think I blasted you with magic?"
"Because she remembered you when she woke up, you-"
"Rainbow!" Twilight yelled. "Let them talk.
"You remember seeing me when you woke up?" Smog asked and Lightning Jolt nodded. "I was standing guard over you until you woke up. I-"
"Yeah, right! You-"
"Rainbow!" Twilight yelled again. "You don't know all the facts! You weren't even there. Jumping to conclusions is a very bad idea. Remember when we threw that surprise party for Pinkie? Let him tell his side."
"Thank you." Smog said. He gave Rainbow Dash a glare then looked back to Lightning Jolt. "Now, the changelings hit you with a magic blast. I ran to where you landed and kept watch over you until you woke. Even though it was your own dumb fault I didn't want some animal or changeling coming along and finishing you. I warned you but you just had to do it."
Those words flashed in Lightning Jolt's mind. For a second she saw herself sitting the ledge hearing those words for the first time. "I warned you but you just had to do it." She sat down. "Tell me what happed, everything."
"We were on Sea Salt's boat....I guess you don't remember him but I'm not going over your entire life. You came with me onto the main land to prove," He made quotation motions with his hoofs, "That the ponies going to Equestria to join the New Wave Nuts were not changelings. When I found out that they were just trying to use them to get into Equestria I warned you to stay away from them but you wouldn't believe me so we ended up on that boat headed here to go spy on them.
"After the train ride I teleported us inland where their little informing group had gone. You know, the informing groups that travel around telling everypony about the 'glories' of New Waveism. A pretty good plan for a reconnaissance strategy if you ask me since those informing groups go all over Equestria.
"Anyway I put us up on a mountain behind an invisible shield so we could be certain that they could not see us spying. We watched them heading away from the little town and shapeshift. You laughed it off and told me that they were just using the same spells I could even though it obviously wasn't. We got into an argument and you like a stu....Gaaaa!" He paused stomping his hoof and then continued more calmly. "You flew over to them to prove it. I ran after you, trying to grab you with my magic but you decided to fly fast for once in your life. I was too late and they hit you. They knew that you had likely seen them change already and shifted back to changelings so they could combine forces and blast you out of the sky."
"What did they hit me with?" Lightning Jolt asked.
"Those typical blast of theirs." Smog replied. "It was so strong that it sent you flying back to the mountain. I covered myself with the invisibility cloak and sent a doppelganger illusion running in another direction to get them out of there. Then I raced to where you had landed. I thought I was going to have to bring your body back but thankfully found you breathing. I stood over you until you woke, I could see that your cutie mark was gone but I thought it had to do with the illusion, invisibility spell I had been casting earlier. That it must have mixed with the blast or something. I had no idea that you had lost your memory." His tone carried hints of being apologetic. "I went back to the train thinking that you were going to meet me. When you didn't I assumed that you went by your own route in your own time. Also that you were probably still mad at me and didn't want to see my face. You could never stand being wrong. I figured that it was good that you were doing something on your own and taking care of your own self for once so I just left I went back to my boat house on Cinder's Island. I don't often go out to talk with anypony so I never was aware that you didn't come back. From then on I've been focusing on finding out which ponies in the New Wave groups are changelings trying to infiltrate Equestria. Cinder folk are bad enough without them. I'm sorry I didn't know that you had lost your memory. Aside from looking a little roughed up you appeared fine."
Nopony spoke for a few moments afterwards as they, Lightning Jolt especially let it all settle in. Then Smog piped back up. "So why Lightning Jolt? Did your friends decide that they wanted you to sound cool or did you come up with it yourself? It's not a bad name, not bad at all." He gave an amused snort. "It's so much better than Baby Bird anyway." He said the name with a grimace.
"Yes, I myself think I'll go by Lightning Jolt now." Lightning Jolt said. "The towns' ponies starting calling me that after I got my cutie mark back. Lightning Jolt turned sideways revealing her cutie mark. When she looked back at Smog she was surprised. He had gone stiff and his face was a mask of confusion. "Smog?"
"That's not your cutie mark?" He finally said. "The illusion spell must have mixed with the blast after all...but I've never seen it do something like that. I don't understand how it could create a fake cutie mark."
"It is her cutie mark." Rainbow Dash interrupted. "I helped her get it when I taught her how to create lightning. She mastered it fast and can explode storm clouds like nopony I've seen."
Smog looked at her then back at Lightning Jolt. "You got that cutie mark?"
"Yes." Lightning Jolt replied.
"You, you earned that cutie mark? You bust clouds and create lightning?"
"Yes."
"You... Little Baby Bird... actually earned that cutie mark?"
"Yes! Why is that so hard to believe? Do you think she's not cool enough?" Rainbow Dash snapped. "Trust me, it's no illusion pal."
"You, little miss afraid to fly?" He went on ignoring Rainbow Dash. "You, little miss I can't fly fast or run fast? You, little miss I can't help it, I have a medical condition. Little miss I'm too sickly, I'm just too weak..."
"Stop making fun of her!" Rainbow Dash yelled.
Smog looked up at her. "I'm not. The pony I knew, Baby Bird was afraid to live life. So afraid that her conditions were going to come back even though everything had been fixed. Every time she so much as got winded she thought she was about to have to go back to the hospital or even die." He snorted. "She also thought she knew everything and if you disagreed than it was only proof that your wrong but...."
"Well you must have known a different pony then." Rainbow snapped in her defense. "Lightning Jolt is not like that!"
"Huh? I guess I did." Smog said sitting down and looking at Lightning Jolt as if she was a new pony. The purple pegasus looked back at him.
Then she looked back at her cutie mark. "Yeah, I guess you did." Her mind could barely take it all in. Now that she knew she wanted to know she wanted to know so much less from the way he had describe her.
"I know there is a lot more to be explained." Twilight said. "But I want to warn Celestia about the changeling. This is serious. I can see why they volunteered for those informing groups. They can use the position to travel anywhere in Equestria and meet important ponies." Her horn began to glow as she readied to dissolve the barrier.
"Wait a minute!" Rainbow Dash said flying in front of her. "How do we know that he's not lying just to get out of the barrier? How do we know he's not a changeling himself?"
Twilight's horn powered down. "Your right we don't."
"Is there a way to find out?" Lightning Jolt asked hoping a little bit that what he said wasn't true.
"I can take him to the castle and-" Twilight started.
"I am not going to jump through hoops to prove who I am!" Smog growled and looked at Lightning Jolt. "Your look like you're in good hoofs so I'll get back to business" His horn lit up and a green fog began to circle around him completely obscuring him from view.
"What does he think he's doing?" Rainbow Dash asked anypony. "He knows that he can't teleport-" Rainbow Dash's word were cut short as she vanished in a flash of light.
"Rainbow!" Both Twilight and Lightning Jolt exclaimed.
The swirling fog inside the barrier vanished revealing Rainbow Dash inside of it. "What the-!" She exclaimed pounding on the barrier. "How did he do that?!"
"I don't know!" Twilight gasped. "That's not possible! It's simply not possible!" She yelped as she removed the barrier.
"Your right. It's not." Rainbow Dash said and a light glowed for a second over her head and then she vanished.
The alicorn and pegasus stood staring at the spot completely bewildered for a second and in the next Rainbow Dash flew back inside the invisible door. "What the heck just happened?" She had the same bewildered look as her friends. "Twilight did you teleport me outside?"
"What did just happen?" Lightning Jolt asked Twilight.
"I...what...it...Ah! I didn't know that was possible." Twilight yelped. "I never even thought about it. Oh, that was cleaver! He couldn't teleport anything in or out but I didn't even think that he would be able to teleport anything that was outside the barrier to someplace else so I didn't make any spells covering that. He teleported Rainbow Dash outside and made himself look like Rainbow Dash so I would undo my spell. That was a-Wait! Never mind! Now that we know more we can find him again later." Twilight ran over to the papers that he had been writing on and grabbed them in her magic. "It might be true, it might not but we still have to tell Celestia. It's much better to be safe than sorry."
"It would explain how ponies were able to infiltrate the castle like they did." Lightning Jolt offered. She was glad to know that he was not after the New Wave ponies but the changelings that were trying to use them to get at Equestria. He couldn't hardly just tell them since one they might not believe Him. Second whether they would or not he did not know yet who all the changelings were impersonating and they would know that somepony was on to them.
"Yes it would, though we still don't know if he's telling the whole truth." Twilight replied. "Rainbow go back to Ponyville and gather the others. I'm going straight to the castle with everything he's written down." She looked over at Lightning Jolt. "Will you be alright going back on your own?" Lightning Jolt nodded.
It took Twilight a little longer than the other princesses to cover her with the same disguise but in short order she looked like the same grey earth pony again. After making sure that no pony was around they took off in their separate directions.
Lightning Jolt started jogging to the refugee camp to tell Iron Clad what was going on. When she started nearing the square she slowed. It was a few things that Smog had said that kept going around in her head. He had said that they were from Cinder's Islands and from the way he had spoken that was where the New Wave group had come from. "The Cinder folk are bad enough without changelings." From that she knew they were one and the same with where she had come from but they had run amuck with their ideas? That was the part most that enticed Lightning Jolt to believe that he was lying. From what she heard she could not see how that could be. Still she couldn't dismiss it outright either.
The group was preparing for another speech as she passed though. She turned and headed for her usual place on the fountain. She sat down and turned her ears to listen closely and objectively as she could.
A pony was just now announcing the next speaker. "I really want to thank you all for coming here today. Please give a warm welcome to our guest speaker who has come to visit us from the far reaches of Equestria where she has been showing ponies how to live in equality. Please welcome Starlight Glimmer." |
Identity | A chat | Unknown to Twilight and Rainbow Dash Celestia was already about to make such a discovery. She walked down the corridors with serval guards in the direction of the hidden chamber.
"So defiantly crafty imposters then." Celestia said.
The lead guard pony nodded. "The five of them came and said that you had sent them to speak with the trio. Not only was that odd only one was among the guards chosen to be allowed go in there and he would have known better than to bring others with him. Nor did he know the right answer to the coded questions. This appeared to be the same ploy when they first tried to assonate Lightning Jolt. I didn't want them to teleport away again so that's why I let them go inside the hidden chamber then locked it behind them."
"You did the right thing." Celestia replied. "I have a good idea now just who the culprits might be."
They soon stepped inside the first room and Celestia cast a teleportation blocking spell over it before she opened the door to the secret chamber. The heavy door swung open revealing the ponies inside. The mouths of the guards hung open at what they saw. It was not the five guards they had let in but five young foals huddled up in a circle. They stared at them with teary and terrified expressions.
"What?!... their not...what... ?" The guard trailed off.
"Please don't hurt us." One of the fillies squeaked in a pitiful voice. "That mean guard locked us in here."
Celestia snorted and lit up her horn. A flash of green light washed over the foals and after it passed five changelings sat in their place. They stared for a moment comprehending what had just happened. Then they hissed and lunged but Celestia quickly caught them in a levitating spell. "I don't suppose any of you want to explain your reasons for trying so hard to kill a certain pony?" Celestia asked. She only got glares and hisses in response. Not surprised Celestia dropped them on the floor and shut the door.
"That explains a lot." The guard commented.
"That it does. We must find out how deep they have penetrated." Celestia replied. She was about to say more but another guard poked his head through the door behind them. "Your majesty." He said with a bow. "Sorry to interrupt but Princess Twilight sparkle and the element of loyalty have come to see you. They say they have information that is of the upmost importance."
* * *
Out of the main entrance to the castle two unicorns stomped out. "Can you believe it?!" Our audience with the princesses cancelled again! What could be so important that she keeps sending us away?!" The female huffed.
"I know." The male replied. "You would think that the security of Equestria was at stake."
* * *
Lightning Jolt sat on the fountain edge listening with ears tipped forward. Her mind was steeped in confusion. The way this pony Starlight Glimmer spoke of equality sounded so good. Everypony equal, no pony having more than another, it was just so ideal but something seemed not quite right as she listened. It was hard for she had been so gung ho about it such a short time ago but the more she listened with a new mind it just wasn't quite right. Starlight used words like equality a lot but Lightning Jolt was not so sure that that was what she was promoting.
Right now Starlight Glimmer was going on about ponies who were not well off and the equality they could bring them. The thing was that it sounded not like a way to help poorer ponies whom she seemed so concerned for, but a way to stop other ponies from achieving anything, even ones who were poor. She didn't say it so flatly but the way she spoke if you were somepony trying to achieve your dream you were in the wrong. If you had a dream of owning a successful restaurant and went for it you were an evil pony because of all the ponies who didn't have one. If you wanted a better job and went for it you doing something very wrong because other ponies did not have it. Even if you worked your tail off for something, you were wrong to keep it because there were other ponies didn't have it. Giving was good but it is not wrong to enjoy what you earned. Sure some ponies were greedy but she talked like everypony who had something was. Now she was going on about talents. Lightning Jolt's face scrunched up even more. How could some pony achieving his dream of winning the Equestria Games be cruel to other ponies? Lightning Jolt almost shouted out her sentiment as Starlight Glimmer finished the example. His winning would put down the other runners and even worse to those who could not compete at all. He would take the win and promote himself above other ponies and breed conceit.
Lightning Jolt almost laughed. Sure there were bad winners and sore losers but there were plenty that were not. Should all competitions stop because some winners are snobby and some ponies were sore losers? The way she talked if you were a good runner and ran faster than other ponies you were being cruel. What was cruel was to keep a pony from doing what they were good at, from what they dreamed of. Lightning Jolt looked around wondering how so many ponies could be enraptured by this. Had she been? The ponies before hadn't spoken this. Well, now that she thought about it for the most part they had. They simply hadn't been so extreme and up front as this pony. Because she much more blatant each issue some of the ponies in the crowd were shifting with unease with similar feelings.
Her ideas on how to stop bitterness was even worse. Just don't have different ideas or opinions. How could you make everypony believe the same things and think the same way? That was impossible and even if you could, whose way of thinking would it be? Looking at Starlight Glimmer she had a pretty good idea. All of her friends, old and new had different opinions on so many things. Yes, they argued sometimes but they were all still friends. If everypony had to believe what Starlight believed then where was this equality? If nopony was allowed to have their own mind and forced to think how they were told then there would be no peace. That was what would make ponies bitter.
"But the best news that I have come to bring you is that I have discovered a state of true equality." Starlight Glimmer announced as she neared the end of her speech. Everypony leaned forward to ensure that they heard it clearly, even the ones who had been getting uneasy. "I have seen it work and create a beautiful society. One of such utopian peace."
"One where no pony can pursue their dreams?" Lightning Jolt thought.
"All we have to do as a society is give up one thing. One thing that keeps us apart and creates strife. We think it gives us purpose but it really causes such terrible division." She went on fluffing up the point before she stated what she meant.
"Starlight!" One of the other New Wave ponies hissed angrily at her from the back of the stage but Starlight Glimmer ignored her. "Your Cutie mark. You must give up your cutie mark."
Everypony, even those who had been the most eager and rapt listeners now sat slack jawed. Give up what?! What gave them strife and kept them from a perfect society? Lightning Jolt waggled a hoof in her ear making sure that she had heard right. She was not the only one. What that pony had just said was just so out there. Nothing was more inconceivable to a pony.
"You cutie mark makes you think that your better than everypony else. Think about that!" Starlight Glimmer accused.
"Starlight!" Two stage ponies hissed louder.
"Everypony thinking that their better than everypony else. Don't deny it. Each one of you believes that your cutie mark makes you special." She went on regardless, "Don't you deny it!"
She actually had Lightning Jolt starting to look at her cutie mark with guilt, as were many ponies, for that was true. All of then thought that their cutie mark was special. Then a young foal with a fresh cutie mark piped up in a high pitched but clear voice. "Just because I think I'm special it doesn't that I think I better than anypony." His few words stirred everypony out of their daze.
"How could one give up their cute mark anyway?" A stallion called up. "They're a part of us."
"Magic put them there and magic can remove them." Starlight Glimmer replied to a growingly agitated crowd. "I have successfully preformed the spell myself."
"Then why do you still have yours? If it's so good to live without one why do you yourself not do it?" The one question brought everypony into one focus. Starlight Glimmer was lost for words. She started stuttering an answer but suddenly a group of other ponies from the New Wave group rushed up and surrounded her. One began talking to the crowd, reassuring them that no pony should give up their cutie mark. The other tried ushering Starlight Glimmer off the stage. She resisted at first but after a few angry whispers she finally went. They left the stage and the pony at the microphone kept speaking to distract the crowd.
Lightning Jolt wasn't interested in what she had to say and hopped off the fountain. She slipped through the crowd. Ponies hardly noticed her and she was not the only one leaving. Instead of going back to the church and refugee camp she slipped around the stage and the small building behind it determined to see what going on behind closed doors. She didn't have to sneak in the back though. As she rounded the corner she heard the back door slam and angry voices in the air. She ducked back behind the edge of the building and listened.
"I told you Starlight, don't bring up the giving up of cutie marks!" An enraged female voice hissed.
"Which do you want to do Light Hooves?" Starlight hissed back. "Play around or bring true equality? Cutie marks are-"
"I didn't say I disagreed with you!" Light Hooves growled back. "I said that it is not a good time yet. Ponies are like frogs in hot water, you can't go and charge straight into changing them and their ways of thinking. You have to ease into it. Getting rid of cutie marks is too extreme too soon. If you move in little by little and keep promoting each move as for the good of all, then you can change a culture, you can take away what they think are freedoms, yes you can even make them think their cutie mark is a bad thing and they will even cheer you on. You can make them do anything but if you try it all at once you will fail. Eventually you could murder a foal in broad daylight and they'll not only turn a blind eye, they'll defend you if somepony complains. If you ease into the matter making one small change after another they will grumble but they will not rebel. If you continue to remind them of how it is for the good of all ponies then they will soon turn a deaf ear to naysayers. For each new generation the changes will be normal and their starting point from which you can go further-"
"Well I'm sorry but I don't think society can wait that long." Starlight Glimmer interrupted. "I've already made it work in a group on the edge of Equestria. If you would just come and see for-"
"I don't doubt you." Light Hooves replied. "But those ponies are not like Equestrian ponies. Now I am not having you ruin all our hard work. Until you learn to behave you are not coming back to speak here. Go back to your little town."
Lightning Jolt heard the door slam followed by an enraged, "Auugh!" From Starlight Glimmer. From that the disguised pegasus knew that she was alone.
"I'll show her, I'll show everyone." Starlight Glimmer snarled. "Maybe if I could get some famous ponies to see my way then they would-" She stopped when she saw another pony step out from behind the corner. It was that little grey earth pony that she had seen talking with a guard just before she had left to come speak here. A light stir of recognition triggered in her mind as if she knew this pony but no, she knew no grey earth ponies. She probably just looked like somepony she may have known.
"What do you want?" Starlight Glimmer asked her. "No pony is supposed to be back here except New Wave ponies."
"Why do you think that to be equal everypony has to be the same?" Lightning Jolt asked. "It doesn't make sense."
Starlight Glimmer rolled her eyes. "You not being able to understand it doesn't make sense." She replied. "When ponies can do things that others can't it causes problems. It causes jealousy and creates ponies who think that their better. Don't you ever get jealous of pegasus with their wings or unicorns with their horns! Don't deny that you do."
Lightning Jolt almost laughed. "No I've never been jealous of wings and at times I thought about how great it would be to have a horn but there are also unicorn and pegasus that marvel at the strength of earth ponies."
"Then you see, these differences cause strife." Starlight Glimmer concluded.
Lightning Jolt was taken aback. "That's not what I meant at all! A horn would be neat to have but I don't hate you because you have one nor does it make me any lesser than you. Nor would taking it away from you make me any better. Everypony has something special. Differences make us who we are and-"
"And other ponies jealous." Starlight Glimmer interrupted.
Lightning Jolt took a deep breath to keep this pony from making her loose her temper. "Do we not consider it good parenting to teach foals not to be jealous of what other ponies have but instead to use and appreciate what they've got? You could sit there and complain that this pony has more friends than me, that pony had more money than me or those ponies can run faster or jump higher than me and try to take it away from them or you could use your talents to make a good life for yourself. Focusing on other ponies and what they have is what will hold you back and taking things away from them will not propel you forward."
"You mean those snobby ponies who flaunt what they have over other ponies?" Starlight Glimmer said. "Have you seen how the elite of Canterlot act? Or winning athletes. Disgusting."
"Yes but they do not represent every pony. Yes, there are snobby rich ponies and stuck up winners and full of themselves celebrities but there also good ones. Good ones who help other ponies-"
"If they wanted to help other ponies then they would give up what they have and be like everypony else." Starlight Glimmer interrupted again.
Lightning Jolt glared at her. "They are like everypony else. Those things do not change that. If you're so into this then why don't you snap off your horn so you can be like every earth pony who doesn't have one? If you really wanted to help them then you should give up what you have."
Starlight Glimmer looked at her with an unreadable expression then went on completely ignoring the question. "When everypony thinks differently there will be arguments, hate and bitterness. When everypony agrees this will not happen and there will be true peace."
Lightning Jolt felt like punching her in the face. Of course she was not going to answer that question. "No, when you try to force everypony to think the same way there will really be hate and bitterness. Yes there is going to be arguments sometimes but if ponies of different opinions can't get along then we're lost. Even with ponies who have views that seem so wrong to us we can get along!"
"Why?" Starlight snorted, "Why try to get along with ponies who have wrong ideas? That's stupid!"
"Because every idea that turned out to be good seemed wrong and stupid at some point. How about because without them we can't test our own ideas and see if we're actually right. Because sometimes we can believe that we are right so fervently and yet be wrong and we will never know it! Because even if we are right forcing ponies to agree will always make us wrong! I'll debate with you and try to change your mind but I won't tell you that you can't think how you want."
"Good, because you're already lost." Starlight Glimmer replied. "I will make this world equal. How can you think ponies being unequal is a good thing?"
"That is not what I'm saying! I do not want ponies to be unequal!" Lighting Jolt cried.
"It sounds like you do."
Lightning Jolt though hard trying to think of something that would show her. Some example to make her understand. Starlight Glimmer waited while looking down at her with a critical eye.
"The sun and the moon." Lightning Jolt said finally. "You could look at them and could think their unequal but they are not. I know that there was some argument between the royal sisters years ago but they didn't both realize their equal differences and importance."
"Differences cannot be equal." Starlight Shimmer replied flatly.
"Oh, yes they can." Lightning Jolt said. "They both have a different but equally important roles. The way you talk the sun should be the same as the moon or the moon the same as the sun. It doesn't work that way, it can't work that way. We can't have too suns or two moons. I know either way it would kill us but let's pretend that it wouldn't freeze or burn us to death. We and many plants would not get both the warmth and light we need and the beauty and peacefulness of the night. The day is bright and bold, it lights the earth so we can go about our business and helps the plants. One could think it was more important but where would we be without the night? It signals a time of rest and gives cool beauty that the sun does not have nor could ever have. I don't think ponies of the past shunned the night as Princess Luna once thought. They rested in the peace it brought.
"Night and day are part of the same whole only because they are different. Different and equal. They both provide different but equally important things to us. They exist together in a beautiful of balance that can only exist if they are different. The differences between them make that balance. You could try to make them the same thing but it would not work because they were meant to be different and the differences make it work. I mean Princess Celestia and Luna could try to make two of the same type celestial bodies work and make a system that holds but it would not give us the things that we need from both the sun and the moon. There would even be no point in having two guardians of the sky. You could want two of the same but no matter how much you tried neither could not fill the roll that the other could give. Differences make balance."
"Well lucky for me I'm not trying to change the sun and the moon. Whatever gave you that stupid idea? I'm trying to change ponies and make them equal."
Lightning Jolt just stared at Starlight Shimmer. She wanted to shout, "It was just an example!" Thing was, Lightning Jolt knew that Starlight was well aware of that. It was clear that no matter what she said the pony would not listen. She just would not listen. She would "believe" her stance whether deep down she truly believed it or not. It didn't matter what facts you could give or what you could prove. Starlight Glimmer would never be wrong on this. It was the idea she liked to believe and that was that. Lightning Jolt didn't understand this attitude and shook her head turning around. "Equal and alike are not the same thing and this world was made to work with differences and opposites even. Only differences make balance." She said as a parting shot. "Equal and alike is not the same thing."
"No, being the same is perfect!" Starlight Glimmer snapped. "Why don't you come back with me to see my town?" Her voice was now growing into a warm and inviting tone. "I'll show you how much better it is."
Lightning Jolt didn't answer but walked out of sight around the corner. She was not going anywhere with that pony especially to anyplace that ran the way she thought up. Did she herself really come from a place like that? She knew Starlight was more extreme but how much more than where she and Smog had come from? She had to find that unicorn again and ask him many more questions. At the moment though, she as going to find Ember Light and Valentine so she could pull them aside and tell them all that she had learned. |
Identity | Medical condition | It was a little difficult to pull both Ember Light and Valentine aside since the place was so often busy but an hour later they met Lightning Jolt in her room. It was the least likely place that they would be disturbed. They weren't entirely alone but the fourth pony wouldn't talk. Valentine was slowly rocking an infant. The baby girl would cry whenever she was put down so Valentine was giving her mother a break.
"It's good to finally know something." Valentine said when Lightning Jolt was done telling them what had happened. "There was a few things that the New Wave speakers said that I didn't like but after this Starlight character I can't say that I like them much at all. Getting rid of cutie marks! Equal by no pony being their best? Can't even come to different conclusions about things, no talents? It's crazy."
"I had actually never heard them speak." Ember Light spoke up. He had been quiet the whole time. "I came because I had heard good things about them through Equestrian journals, and they seem to speak of them quite highly, so I wanted to see for myself. Though now, I think I have when years ago ponies like them came to my village. Anyway, there's one thing that I want to know," He said changing the subject. "That unicorn... what was his name?"
"Smog." Lightning Jolt replied.
"He was surprised at you getting the cutie mark that you had."
"Yes, he said that I had had a different one before it." Lighting Jolt said looking down at her flank even though her cutie mark had been replaced by a fake one. "I don't know how, but I got a new cutie mark."
"That is amazing but that's not the reason I'm asking." Ember Light replied. "You see when he was astonished about it one of the main reasons was something about you having a medical condition. He made out like you didn't fly or do anything that would give you such a cutie mark because of it. Did you wonder what medical condition he meant?"
"I have but I assumed that it was something that had run its course." Lighting Jolt said. "I mean I'm not sickly like he said and I've been flying hard with no problems. He also mentioned that whatever it was, it had been fixed." She paused and though a moment. "Well often my lungs feel funny when I push myself but I thought that I was just out of shape and I certainly was. Though from the way Smog talked I was like that since he last knew me not some time ago. My heart does seem to have a strange rhythm..." She trailed off with her mind turned inward to pay attention to her breathing and heart. Every beat seemed too fast and her lungs felt strange with each breath.
Valentine broke her out of it when she tucked the infant in the crook of her foreleg and shook Lightning Jolt's shoulder with her other hoof.
"Lightning Jolt." She stated in a stern voice. "Everything you're felling right now is all in your head. You were just fine all the way up till now and you're not about to drop dead now. If you're really worried about it we can just see a doctor which I actually do recommend since we don't know if or what it is. We do have a problem with it though. I don't know all the ends and out of this magic spell and a doctor might discover the wings or something amiss. We'll use one of the papers she gave us to send a letter to her and ask. No one is in here to see Ember Light use his magic and she put a spell on them to make them go straight to her when he teleports them."
Ember Light was already heading for the door to retrieve the papers from his room before Lightning Jolt replied. "I'll be back shortly." He said. "I'm sure your fine though. It can't be much of anything!" He said to Lightning Jolt before he left.
"I think he's as worried as you." Valentine commented.
He was back shortly with the paper and Lightning Jolt wrote her message on it. She knew what Valentine was right in what she said earlier but now she couldn't get it out of her head.
Ember Light made the letter disappear in a flash of light that was the same color of his coat. "She will probably reply soon." He said.
"What do think it is?" Lightning Jolt asked them just the break the silence that fell.
"No idea." Ember Light said with a shrug. "We only know as much as you do."
"Something that may have kept you flying but your flying now." Valentine said without looking up from the baby who had fallen back asleep. "This Smog character could also be a liar. He simply been making stuff up."
"That's true and I hope so." Lightning Jolt said sitting down. "I was a weak flyer when found though. It would match."
"Yes, be we also do not know all the possibilities, just one suggestion." Valentine replied looking up. "We really don't know your personality before. You could have been a book worm that never got out or just lazy. I've heard that Fluttershy is a weak flyer and she's neither."
"That's true though-" Lightning Jolt was interrupted by the flash of teleportation magic. Instead of a letter an armored unicorn now sat in the room with them.
"Sorry to interrupt." He said with a grin. "The princess Celestia wants to see you personally to discuss a few things and they have a hospital facility in the castle. She does not want you going to just any doctor who will ask too many questions and may discover something. I'm here to make sure the room is empty for teleporting you back."
The three ponies gathered up. Valentine pushed the infant into the confused guards' hoofs. "Just rock her gently and if she cries sing softly."
"Uuuuu-excuse me. Sing softly?" He asked looking down at the young filly as if he was afraid to twitch and accidently disturb the baby.
"It's all in the service of the princess." Valentine said with a grin.
* * *
The trio appeared inside the castle in a flash of light. They were in the throne room and Celestia herself was standing on the floor with her horn glowing. There were no guards around with only Rainbow Dash and Twilight standing next to her.
"Now we have a few things to discuss," Celestia said, "But first how have you three been during your time in disguise?"
"Not bad, kind of enjoyed it." Ember Light replied.
"Much better than being locked away in a room." Valentine added which was Lightning Jolt's sentiment.
"So you want to find out what medical condition he was talking about?' Celestia asked and Lightning jolt nodded. "A good idea. Tell me do you believe that the stallion is truthful?"
Lightning Jolt shrugged. "I'm not sure. The story seems a little farfetched but not impossible. He was trapped so he would have reason to lie but that doesn't mean he did. I want to see if I have a medical condition like he said, though if it is true it doesn't mean that the rest of the story is."
"The biggest decider will be whether or not changelings are hiding in the ranks of the New Wave ponies." Celestia said. "I have already set a plan in motion."
"How do you stand those ponies?" Twilight asked. "You know that most of them want to remove you and Luna from the throne right?"
"In stride Twilight, I take it in stride." Celestia replied. "What am I going to do Twilight? Tell them that they can't speak what they believe and lock them all away? Even if ponies do not agree with me or do not like me being in charge I have to accept their right to do so or I will become a tyrant."
"Good point." Twilight grumbled.
"Now, still no memory returning?" Celestia asked Lightning Jolt. The mare shook her head. "Well, I thought I could at least hope. Did you feel any recognition of any kind no matter how slight when talking to the unicorn, Smog?"
"No, as blank as before." Lightning Jolt said. "What plan have you set in motion?"
"One, to check if the changelings are hiding among the New Wave ponies as Smog said. If so I will take action tomorrow when everything is set up. I will not let Canterlot be caught off guard again." She replied cryptically.
"If there are changelings among the New Wave Ponies then does that mean that they've kidnapped ponies and taken their place?" Lightning Jolt asked. "That's what I remember when Twilight told me about the wedding."
"Possibly." Celestia replied. "That is how they get the most amount of love, when it is directed at them. They can feed off love by just being around ponies but when they take the place of a loved one they can absorb all of it."
"It's their food right? So they die without love?" Lightning asked feeling little sorry for them even under the crimstances.
"No." Celestia said shaking her head. "Love is not food for their body but food for their magic. You see changelings can't create their own magic like we ponies do. They can only gain it from us. The more love, the more magical power they have. Once cut off from love their magical abilities decrease. The last thig to go is their ability to change from. They can hang on to it for a long time but eventually without love to feed on that will disappear as well."
"I did a research paper of theories on how they can metabolize love into magic." Twilight piped up. "You see they-"
"Nopony wants to hear that right now." Rainbow Dash interrupted. "Let's get Lightning Jolt to the doctors and see if there's anything wrong with her. Are you not a little bit worried?"
Twilight thought a moment. "Well no not really since after all she had been through she hasn't had a problem. I think either the unicorn was lying or whatever he was talking about is not that bad."
"We still need to find out." Rainbow Dash said.
"I didn't say not to check it." Twilight said in her defense.
"And we will." Celestia said and her horn lit up. Their vision was blotted out by a flash of light and in the next instant they were standing in the medical room of Canterlot Castle. There was a unicorn doctor standing across the room looking over some notes. He didn't seem surprised as the sudden entrance. He had probably experienced it many times before.
"Your majesty," He said with a bow. "What can I do for you?"
"Heart Beat, this Mare needs a full physical." Celestia pointed to Lightning Jolt with a wing. "We have reason to suspect that there may be an unknown and hidden medical condition to be concerned about. We only have the word of a suspicious pony but it must be checked none the less." With a flash of her horn Lightning Jolt's disguise vanished and she was herself again.
As vague and strange as that was the stallion, Heart Beat didn't ask questions but picked up a thermometer and stethoscope and walked over.
"Won't ponies know that we're at the castle now?" Valentine asked as the doctor started examined Lightning Jolt.
Celestia shook her head. "My doctors, like the guards are sworn to secrecy. Notice how he asks no questions."
"What about changelings?" Ember Light asked. "That's the worst thing about them you don't know them when you see them."
"My sister and I have conjured up and cast a spell that will expose any who enter the castle." Celestia replied.
Heart Beat took his time examining Lightning Jolt. He checked her heart rate and sound, her breathing, took blood samples, examined everything from the inside of her mouth to the inside of her ears and the bottom of her hoofs. He had her tell her everything she knew about her own body and clipped off a small piece of a feather to examine it under a microscope. He even had her stand and pose next to Rainbow Dash and an average pegasus body chart as he compared them.
"Wings are too large for your body." He noted. "Any trouble flying?"
"It was a bit hard to stay stable but I learned to compensate." She replied.
"That could be the condition mentioned." The stallion said tapping his chin as he thought. "You are smaller than a pegasus should be, hooves slightly deformed, they make a slight oval shape but it's nothing that will impair your stride." He said looking at the bottom of a hoof again. "Your overall form is a little different from the standard pegasus."
"So what does that mean?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"We she's very slightly deformed." He replied. "In growing her body didn't quite proportion right. Most of it is very minor, such as her legs are very thin compared to an average adult. Except for the wings only a doctor's eyes would be able to tell with most."
"That could be what he meant." Rainbow Dash said looking relived.
"Maybe but it's nothing serious." Ember Light said. "Nothing that would ground a pegasus."
"Unless she was a hypochondriac." Valentine commented then ducked her head slightly, "Sorry, it just could be possible from how the unicorn describe you."
"It's alright I'd rather you try to find out what the problem was rather then worry about my emotions." Lightning Jolt said. "It would be doing me no favors. Though, if it is just that then that would be awesome. I would rather be a hypochondriac rather than actually sick."
"You're also very mildly anemic but not enough to be a problem. Iron pills would fix it." Heart Beat said. "I want to check your insides for a cause of the slight deformity." He said walking into a side room. "It could be that something is going on on the inside that caused it."
"Check my insides?" Lightning Jolt asked.
"With an x-ray." Heart Beat said coming back out pulling a large screen behind him in a magic field. "What did you think I was going to do? Cut you open?" He positioned the screen in the middle of the room. His horn lit up and shot a beam of magic at the screen. The entire thing lit up with a faint humming noise.
"This will show us both your bone structure and organs and we'll know if you've had any past surgeries."
"I don't have any scars so I don't think I have had any surgeries." Lightning Jolt said. "Surgery gives you scars."
"Not teleoperation surgery." Twilight said before the doctor could answer.
"What the hay is that?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"It's a surgery done for ponies that are too fragile to survive being cut open as well as just to prevent scars." She explained. "It takes a very skilled doctor who's also very skilled in magic. They have a pony in front of an x-ray screen like this one and use their magic and teleportation to work inside a pony."
"I find that a little creepy really." Rainbow said.
"It can save a life though." Heart Beat said and then nodded at Lightning Jolt. "Would you step behind the screen please?" He asked. "Make sure to lift your wings and turn sideways."
A little apprehensive about what they might see Lightning Jolt slowly got up and headed for the glowing screen. Then she remembered what Twilight had said. It was almost what Valentine stated had before they came. She had gone this far without problems so most likely it was just the oversized wings and minor details. If Smog was speaking the truth then she probably was a hypochondriac before she lost her memory. She stepped behind the screen turning sideways and lifting her wings as instructed. From her side of the x-ray she could see the blurry shapes of the doctor, Celestia and her friends looking at her. They were quiet a moment then Rainbow Dash spoke up with, "Holy, moly!"
"What is it?" Lightning yelped suddenly feeling a little sick to her stomach.
"N-nothing. It's fine.' Twilight replied but even through the blurry screen Lightning Jolt could see her big, fake, reassuring grin and she felt her legs grow weak as her heart began pounding in that odd throbbing way. |
Identity | Fine or not? | "I know it's not fine!" Lightning Jolt yelled from behind the screen. "Don't pretend it's alright! That helps nothing! Just tell me what it is!"
"I don't know!" Twilight replied in frantic voice.
"What is all that?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"Is she ok?" Ember Light asked in a quivering voice.
Celestia suddenly stomped a fore hoof on the floor and yelled out in a tone very close to the royal Canterlot voice. "Everypony be silent and allow the doctor to speak! You are frightening Lightning Jolt even more!"
Everypony fell silent and Heart Beat cleared his throat. "Lightning Jolt, you are just fine." He said in a gentle but stern voice. "Now please straighten back up so I can see your x-ray better and I will tell you what all of it is." He waited until Lightning Jolt had gone back to her original position and studied the screen a moment before replying. "The first thing I can tell you is that you is that you were born with incorrectly formed organs and you have had multiple surgeries to correct this."
"What is that on her heart?" Rainbow Dash interrupted. "And on her lungs and-"
"Those are implants." The doctor replied and turned back to Lightning Jolt. "Lightning Jolt you told me that your heart seems to have a strange rhythm at times and your lungs can feel a little different when you push yourself. That is because of the implants and the surgery. From the x-ray I can see that both your heart and arteries have been worked on. This kind of work is done when you have narrowing of the arteries. It has been corrected. Your heart was also weak and is partly artificial. I don't know what originally was wrong with your lungs but they have replaced by that of a donor."
"I have the lungs of another pony in me?" Lightning Jolt asked touching a hoof to her chest. That thought creeped her out a little bit.
"Yes you do." He replied. "You must have had a bit of a limp as a child, some trouble in the design in your joints. I won't know quite what unless I was able to see a before x-ray. Your joints in both hips and the bend of you back legs have been replaced by metal ones. There is evidence of surgery on your digestive track as well. To make a long story short you for reason of genetic disease your internal insides must never formed quite right. You were probably a weak and sickly child. This was corrected before adulthood, I'd say just before preteen years or just after they began. Started them anyway. You would have had to keep going back for more surgeries since this couldn't have been done all at once. They also would have had to make adjustments as you grew."
Heat Beat lit up his horn and the x-ray finished humming. "This as well as having the problems while young is what caused your growth to be stunted." He said as Lightning Jolt walked numbly out from behind the x-ray. "The only thing that reached the right size is your wings and I really don't understand with medical science how that happened. You're actually in amazing shape considering but believe me you are not down and out in life. While you will never be a pony of the Equestrian games you are free to live a normal and even active life."
A sigh of relief escaped her friends.
"That's awesome!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed doing a backflip in the air.
"It is quite a relief." Ember Light commented and sat down on the floor. "I k-knew it would be ok."
"You see, nothing to worry about." Twilight said.
Lightning Jolt had heard what they said but had a hard time taking it to heart, her artificial heart. It felt like way much for her right now. She had known that she was small and not very strong but this? A little deformed was one thing but finding that you were full if implants and had one's insides cut up and pieced back together was another. She had artificial joints at this young age? She had either implants or work done on her heart, lungs, (Who's lungs were they anyway?) and digestive tract. Was that all the digestive organs or just some? How many organs were left untouched? Was she really fine or just lucky that nothing had happened so far? She wondered looking down at her slightly oval rather than round hoofs. Then she looked back at her small frame with legs too thin for her body. That was common with young pegasus but not adults.
"After what you have been through I couldn't believe that you were weak with any kind of medical condition that would hold you back." Valentine added. "You out ran a monster in Ghastly Gorge and body slammed a timber wolf. You are one brave and bold pony."
Those words triggered something in Lightning Jolt and she looked back. Yes she had done those things. She was a cloud buster and lightning striker. Her condition had been remedied but she had been about act as if it had not. She tipped her head to look at her cutie mark. She almost heard the thunder clap and saw the flash.
"Like I said those medical conditions have been fixed." Heart Beat said as if echoing her words. "You will never be in the Equestrian Games for your body will not take the daily stressing and extreme over working of muscles that they endure but you are free to run, fly, fly fast and even destroy clouds. You can live as a normal and even active pony."
"You're right. You're all right." Lightning Jolt replied. "Rainbow Dash when this is all over I would like for you to continue teaching me to fly better." She spread her wings as if to take off now.
"You've got it." Rainbow Dash replied.
"Though you may want to take it a little easy." Ember Light commented.
"No, I want to pick up right where we left off." Lightning Jolt replied.
"Alright, it is good to know that you're alright." Celestia said. "Soon we will see about the changelings hiding among the New Wave ponies. This will not be like last time." She stated with a resolute flap of her wings. "Lightning Jolt, Valentine and Ember Light. I want you to go back and stay hidden for the rest of this day and night. If all suspicions are confirmed tomorrow which now I am sure they will be, I will teleport you three back into the castle to keep you safe." She turned to Rainbow Dash and Twilight. "You two go back to Ponyville and gather the others and come straight back here. You don't have the elements of harmony anymore but I still want you by my side. I will explain everything when you get back."
"You've got it." Rainbow Dash said with a salute. "We'll kick those changelings out like we did last time." She punched her hoofs together for emphasis.
"Remember though, make sure that you tell nopony else except your friends and try to make it look as if you're just coming to visit. Our enemy must not know that we're on to them."
"Don't worry, we will." Twilight replied.
"Good now go."
The two took off down heading for the throne room door.
"It will be faster if we just fly rather than take a train." Twilight said to Rainbow Dash as they ran.
"Well I don't know if it will be faster if you fly." Rainbow Dash said. "Why don't you just wait here and I'll go."
"Hay!" Twilight yelled back.
"It's just the truth and this is kinda urgent." Their voices quickly became muffled as they disappeared down the hall. Celestia turned back to the three ponies left. "Are you ready to go back?"
Valentine shrugged and looked at the others. "Ready as we'll ever be." They nodded.
Celestia turned to the doctor. She had no need to say anything. He walked over to a drawer and pulled out what looked like three small coins. "These have a locator spell on them." Celestia explained. "As long as you have them on your person I don't even have to know where you are to teleport you. This so you do not have to send a letter to me first or incase I have to teleport you quickly. Keep them with you at all times. Things may heat up fast."
They looked up from examining the coin and nodded. It looked different from any normal bit and had a picture of Celestia on one side and Luna on the other.
"I may be seeing you soon." Celestia said as her horn lit up. In the next instant the trio was back in their room within the chapel and all three back in their disguises. They were greeted by the sight of the guard trying to sing Hush Now, Quiet Now to the infant who was staring at him with an, "Who the hay are you?" expression. The guard blushed beet red when they all started laughing. Valentine took the infant and went to give her back to her mother while the guard teleported away and Ember Light headed to his room.
Lightning Jolt lay down on her bed. Even though she was under the illusion of being an earth pony again she still tried to flex her wings just to feel them as she anticipated her next flying lesson with Rainbow Dash. She loved flying and couldn't wait to bust clouds again, now more than ever. Though she didn't remember it, she knew that she had wasted much opportunity to fly. She was sure that Smog was telling the truth now because of her being such a weak flyer when her remembered life began and also from what they knew now. What had her life been like before? Not flying, did she fly ever? Even a little bit? Did she run? Probably not. If she had not been young she would probably be in a very unhealthy state. She had been afraid to live. Because of the changeling attack she now had opportunity to live again, opportunity for starting new and she was not going back. As strange as it was she was actually glad that a bad thing had happened to her and would not avoid it if she could go back.
* * *
Now alone in the castle Princess Celestia trotted down a hall that led toward one of the towers. The normally subtle princess now walked with an intent stride. Her hoofs echoed down the corridors with each step. Her wings repeatedly flapped or rearranged themselves at the energy boiling inside her. Her shoulders rolled like that of a lion striding towards his opponent. Her eyes were a fierceness that her student had never known.
"This will not be like last time." She said in a low, strong voice that was almost a growl. "You will not hurt my citizens. We shall have the element of surprise this time!" |
Identity | It begins | Lightning Jolt awoke that morning to what she at first thought was somepony knocking on her door. Then she felt the vibrations through the floor. It was a large walking down the hall. Those heavy hoof steps could only belong to one pony, Iron Clad. She heard him stop at her door and it shuddered as he knocked on the wood.
"I'm awake and you can come in Iron Clad." Lightning Jolt called as she stretched and stood up. The door swung open and Iron Clad's bulky frame stood in the doorway.
"A unicorn stallion has shown up and is asking to speak to you." He stated in his deep voice. "He is a thin and almost an unhealthy looking pony. He is in one of the side courtyards where I have other former unicorn guards keeping an eye on him. Is he a friend, or a foe that we should apprehend? "
"No, he's not an enemy." Lightning Jolt said with a yawn. "I think we cleared that up last night. I do want to go talk to him though."
Iron Clad nodded and led the way. They stopped at a window that looked down on the courtyard. There was Smog standing off by himself as he passed the time by studying a mural on one of the walls. Not far away mixed in among other ponies were the unicorns that Iron Clad had mentioned. They hung about looking as nonchalant as possible without overdoing it. She was pretty sure that Smog was aware of them though. He was a clever pony and from time to time he would randomly glance over the crowd in a pretend casual behavior.
"Are you sure that he is not threat or a breach in security in any way?" Iron Clad asked.
"I'm sure." Lightning Jolt replied as she studied the strange but interesting unicorn. He was at the moment the only link to her past. He was a very strange pony, though. From what she had seen so far was that he was very resourceful and cleaver but she wasn't sure if he was all there considering his odd looks and his twitchy behavior when they first met.
"I don't like the looks of him." Iron Clad commented.
"He is strange." Lightning Jolt agreed. He was strange and he had to have something going on. A nervous disorder maybe. In truth even though she was sure now that he wasn't an enemy it was still a little unnerving. If only she could remember anything about him from before, then perhaps she would understand. Well, she would get nowhere just standing at the window. Lighting Jolt turned and headed for the stairs.
"We will not be far away." Iron Clad stated as he followed her to the ground level.
The old war pony stayed back at the building exit when Lightning Jolt walked outside and the unicorns in the courtyard causally moved to a better vantage point.
"How did you find me?" Lightning Jolt asked as Smog turned around. "I would have thought that the princesses with their centuries of knowledge would have made it impossible."
"I wouldn't have found you if you hadn't come after me. I watched from behind a magic screen as the Princess Twilight put that rather well done illusion spell on you and after you split up with your friends I followed you back here." Smog replied keeping. "So how did you get to be friends with Equestria royalty? I see all the guards hanging around, you must be one important pony now."
"Well not really. The changelings after finding out that I was still alive have made two attempts to end my life. Their just protecting me. It's not that I'm important, it's just that they care."
Smog snorted. "Nice. With all the effort the princesses are giving a complete stranger you would think that your own would have cared more." He said rolling his eyes. "You've gone all the way to being a friend of this land rulers. Your parent's would be impressed, probably not happy, but impressed. The ponies of Cinder's island really hate Equestrians."
"My parents." Lightning Jolt said sitting down. "Who are my parents?"
"They are your adoptive parents really but they love you, at least as far as I can tell. We have no idea who your birth mother or father was." Smog's voice turned a little softer for a moment. "I can help reintroduce you to them when this is over. Well it would actually be better if somepony else did, they hate me and things might go badly. I can still come along though."
"What were...are they like?" Lightning Jolt asked.
"Loud, rude, thought they knew everything, and were always right." Smog stated flatly. Then he put on a joking grin. "A lot like you."
Lighting Jolt thought that she should be offended but almost laughed at the way he was just so honest and blunt. She might have if not for something that he had said wasn't nagging at her. "You said that you would have thought that my own would have cared more, you don't mean my parents, do you?"
"What?! No! Not them. You don't remember but you were born with all kinds of medical conditions, your fine now so don't worry. Anyway your parents were devastated especially when they found out that the doctors didn't think it was worth trying to save you. Stupid!" He growled. "But you were and a chance with a life is worth trying for! If those stupid ponies had known that when-" Smog suddenly squeezed his eyes shut and stomped a hoof down as if to crush some memory. When he opened his eyes he was calm again, calm as his personality went. "So what is the plan the princesses have? Are you just going to hang out here for a long time or what? I take it your friends have told the two head princesses about the changelings by now. That's what they said they were going to do when you parted."
"Yes, Princess Celestia sent ponies to see if changelings are hiding among the new wave ponies." Lightning Jolt explained though she really wanted to know what he had started to mention but she knew better to pry at the moment.
"They'll find some." Smog said with confidence.
"When that happens she and Princess Luna is going to act." Lightning Jolt went on. "They didn't explain just what they were going to do but they gave me and two friends who are here with me... that's another story but anyway Princess Celestia gave us little coins that look almost just like bits. She said it had some kind of locator spell so they didn't have to know where we were to teleport us and they would teleport us back to the castle to keep us safe."
"No hints at all?" Smog asked.
"Well..no, not really. She had Twilight and Rainbow Dash go fetch their friends." Lightning Jolt replied.
"Did she say at about what time she would transport you back when they discovered the changelings?"
Lightning Jolt shook her head again. "No, but I do think that it will be awhile. I may not know what she's planning, I didn't even think to ask but it sounded like she had a lot of preparations to do. I would think that it would take a lot of careful planning to safely remove changelings from amidst the population of-"
Her words were cut off and Smog found himself staring at an empty space in the courtyard. He laughed shaking his head. "Why do ponies and creatures forget over and over again that those two alicorns have been around for more than a thousand years and are quite experienced and learned in how to deal with all kinds of situations? Sure they're not beyond mistakes but much closer than anypony else. Probably why Cinder Island ponies hated them so much." He looked across the courtyard to see the former guards had suddenly taken action the moment she disappeared. They obviously knew what was going on for they quickly began gathering every mare, stallion and foal and ushering them to the main building. One of them stopped and beckoned Smog to follow but the stallion shook his head. "I haven't been tailing those shifters only to hide when it finally goes down." He yelled back then took off out of the courtyard. "I have been waiting for this for a long time." He muttered. As he rocked through the streets he saw more guards moving through crowds carrying large bags. They took what looked like bits out and handed one to every citizen young and old. It was to commemorate a great day they told them, "Just hold on to it and wait, you'll see later this morning."
* * *
"...This city." Lightning Jolt finished as she suddenly found herself standing in the castle throne room. Ember Light who was just waking up with a blanket still wrapped around him was to her left and Valentine was to her right standing in a walking pose with a breakfast tray in her mouth. She looked around then just sat down and started eating. "Muffin?" She offered to Lightning Jolt and Ember Light who was still blinking the sleep out of his eyes.
Across from them near the base of the throne steps were the two head princesses and the former bearers of harmony. Standing behind them was a score of guards with Shining Armor in front. Celestia and Luna were giving out hurried instructions. The guards saluted and quickly ran off down the hall with Shining Armor in the lead. After a quick nod from Luna the six mares took off as well and waived to Lightning Jolt and her friends as they passed. Then Celestia and Luna turned to the trio. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude but the stallions story was confirmed, oh was it confirmed!" Celestia said.
"So what's about to happen?" Valentine asked.
"It's about to get real." Luna replied with a grin before winging out the window.
"Everything is almost completely set up and I am about to go confront the New Wave ponies." Celestia said heading for the window. "There are not only many changelings in their mist but they are aware of it."
"What?" The three ponies said almost all at once.
"Why would they allow it? Are they being held hostage by them?" Ember Light asked.
"No, I can explain later but right now I have to go." Celestia replied pausing with one hoof on the window sill. "Stay in castle. There is a spell cast over it that only ponies can pass through. You will be able to watch from this window." With that she opened her wings and took off. The trio hurried over to the window to watch the princess fly high and circle over Canterlot. On rooftops and flying in the air pegasus guards each gave their nod to confirm that their job was done. Each had an empty or near empty bag. Across the tops of buildings they could see the stage that the New Wave ponies had set up. There was a large crowd gathered in the square as usual and they could see the tiny figures of ponies standing up on the stage. Celestia, after circling around the city shut her large white wings and plummeted like a missile to the stage.
* * *
On the platform was the current leader of the New Wave group, Light Hooves the unicorn mare who had sent Starlight on her way. She and her companion jumped as the alicorn princess landed on the stage. Celestia folded her wings and fixed her eyes on the unicorn. The stallion that was with her started backing away and everypony looking stared silently.
"Well if isn't the despot herself?" Light Hooves said haughtily. "Have you come to order me to shut up? You would try to keep us quite wouldn't you?"
"I never stopped you from speaking your mind, even when it was personal." Celestia replied. "You have large number of changelings within you ranks." A gasp went up from the crowd. The stallion on stage started laughing a little too loud for it to be normal. "Y-You're mistaken, no you just shooting out accusation to discredit us." He said growing in boldness and approached the princess. "You.. your just trying to make us look bad by spouting accusations. Changelings? Could you come up with something better? Seriously, us hiding changelings?"
"I didn't state that you were hiding them just that they were there." Celestia replied then pushed him aside with one of her large wings. "There is no denying what my agents have found."
"What right do you have to spy on us?" Light Hooves retorted.
"So you don't deny it?" Celestia asked.
The mare looked at her for a few moments then responded. "You have done a great evil Celestia. You have not helped those poor changelings with all the turmoil they endure in their homeland."
"Turmoil they caused and continue to cause for themselves." Celestia replied.
"Oh, yeah great princess, why haven't you helped them like we have been doing? Why if your so caring?" Light Hooves replied.
Celestia sighed the deep heavy sigh that only came from who's frustrations had untold depths. "I have tried, oh have I tried! I have tried to make treaties with them and they use it as a screen as they plot. I have tried to let them live in peace within Equestria but they took advantage of it and not only harmed ponies but used it to infiltrate. I tried letting them live with volunteer families to gain the love they desired but they did the same. I have tried to help them in their homeland but they would not change from the ways that caused their problems. Their culture and society is violent. They fight all others and they fight each other. It is their deep belief that they are superior, that their culture is the only culture and that they should press on until they rule over all creatures, till all creatures adhere to their laws, culture and superiority. U can't help somepony unless they help themselves and I am not about to usher them in and keep trying to help them while they plot against my citizens."
"They are not all evil." The unicorn spat. "You can't pretend that every single one is bad.
"True, but we can't ignore what their culture continuously produces." Celestia replied. "We can't pretend that there is no problem either. We can't pretend that the evil ones are the good ones or that many are our enemies by their own choosing."
"You just gave up on them! Those poor changelings have been persecuted for too long. Because of what you've done they were forced to invade a wedding." Celestia rolled her eyes as Light Hooves pointed an accusing hoof at her. "That was your fault! We on the other hoof," The unicorn put a hoof to her chest, "Want equality for all creatures and will-"
"Yet that is only expressed towards those who will help you to your goals." Celestia cut her off. "Your a fake just like those who founded Cinder's settlement. You don't care about equality or even what is best for others, you just care about control of others and you use this front to do it. You only support the changelings to receive support from them."
Light Hooves face turned red with rage but before she could respond Celestia held up a hoof. "Listen, hear that?"
The mare was quickly distracted by the faint buzzing that was growing louder. The ponies below the stage who had been, watching not sure what to make of this now cringed as they recognized the sound. A groan of despair went up.
"What is that?" Light Hooves demanded.
"Your poor persecuted changelings that you've helped into Equestria." Celestia said calmly. "They all came out of hiding to strike just as I hoped they would when I publicly made it clear that I knew that they were here. They probably sent a message back the second I showed up."
A cry of panic went up from the crowd as the changelings began to fill the sky above casting a huge shadow on the city below. Celestia stood up on her hind legs spreading her wings wide as she took a deep breath. Her horn glowed brightly and her eyes rolled back from the tremendous effort. It flooded the streets and even flashed out of buildings. In the next instant half blinded changelings were crashing into each other as they pulled to a stop mid charge to blink at the empty streets. They had little time to think before the blue light that was Luna's magic flashed through the streets and in the place of the citizens stood hundreds of armored guards.
"It's not citizens that you fight this time! Now it begins!" Luna yelled out from where she stood panting on top one of the castle towers. She spread her magnificent dark blue wings and despite being exhausted from teleporting an army she flew straight towards the changings with battle light gleaming in her eyes. Moments later the grand city was filled with the sounds of battle that echoed off the mountain beside it. |
Identity | Battle for Canterlot | "WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!" The New Wave leader shrieked over the noise of the battle. Light Hooves was slumped on the stage and almost lying on her stomach with her forehooves holding her head in terror as the two armies battled above and in front of her. As much as she hated the alicorn she had instinctively huddled closer to Celestia.
"They used you just as you planned to use them." Celestia explained calmly instinctively spreading a protective wing over the unicorn as was her nature. "Thanks to you they were able to sneak in and hide more than they did last time." Her face turned from unreadable to fierce. "Now get out of my kingdom! Any New Wave pony I find still around after this will be arrested and the Cinder Island embassy will not be able to save you from trial!" With that she flapped her huge wings and despite being drained from the massive teleportation leaped into the fray.
Light Hooves scrambled from the stage as serval changelings were slung there by Celestia's magic. She slammed headfirst through the door to chase after her companions who had already fled. "She would have teleported us out too if she was so benevolent!" She screamed in anger at the winds.
* * *
On the rolling hills at the base of the mountain the entire populous of Canterlot appeared in a blinding flash of light. Some just stood confused. Those who had been outside to witness the changeling swarm were either clutching each other or stumbling to a stop in having been transported in mid run. All around were decorated tables adorned with a huge buffet and a field of quilts with even more food and drink was spread out before them. The entire staff of the castle and the refugee ponies were already there.
"Good morning." The head butler of the castle greeted them. "We have been expecting you. The princess invite you to enjoy a royal picnic on this lovey day while they take care of your pest problem. The castle was too small for all of you but this is much nicer, no?"
No pony noticed the two coins laying on the grass with no pony to claim them.
* * *
Back in Canterlot every building was empty as the battle began to spread through the streets. Every building except one. In a high rise and extravagant condo complex was a solitary couple. Across the door was a banner with the words, "Welcome to the anniversary of Jet Set and Upper Crust, two very important ponies who have had an audience with the princess twice."
"...And can you believe it dear? That guard kept insisting that he give me a coin as if I was some common beggar." The stallion, Jet Set said.
"I know the same thing happened to me." Upper Crust responded but kept looking at the door. "I just pretended to take it and then threw it away when nopony was looking.
"I did the same." Jet Set said with a laugh. "When we finally do get to see the princess I am going to report them. Imagin, treating us like beggars. The nerve!"
"Good idea but for now shouldn't our guest be arriving soon?" Upper Crust commented as she got up and headed for the door.
"They should be. Yes go and check and see if their down stairs while I see what all that growing noise is about." Jet Set said and headed to the window with a mind to yell down at some common ponies to shut up. His wife had disappeared out the door before he reached the window. His ears twitched as he picked a louder sound, buzzing. "What is that? Ug, probably horrible flies. I can't let them in, they'll ruin the classiness of the party. Disgusting creatures." He cracked the window open cautiously. The shutters were suddenly kicked off their hinges sending Jet Set skidding across the room. He sat up to see a changeling landing on the floor a few feet away. He screamed in a higher pitched voice than a stallion should and scrambled behind a table. The changeling smirked and started stalking him slowly to enjoy the moment.
"Stay back!" Jet Set squealed in the same voice and began throwing everything that he laid a hoof on. The changeling was bombarded with hors d' oeuvres, champagne and other fine food. It shook it off and charged with an angry hiss. Jet Set screamed and spun around to buck the table with strength that he didn't know he had. He barely heard it crash into the changeling as madly continued to throw everything within reach.
"Honey!" The distraught voice of his wife called. He stopped to see his wife limping towards him from the direction of the door. The fine clothing that she had been wearing for the occasion was now dirty and had a huge rip down the side.
"Oh Honey! What happened?!" Jet Set cried and rushed over to hold her.
"One of those horrible beasts just scrambled out of here and practically ran over me." She cried returning the embrace. "His sharp hoofs tore a hole in my dress but it's just a dress and I don't care as long as we're safe here together."
"What!" Jet Set yelled jumping back and dropping her to the floor. "My wife would never say that!" He grabbed a serving try from the floor and started clubbing the changeling until it managed a mad scramble out of his reach away and shot out the window. Jet Set swung at the air a few moments before he realized that the changeling was gone. Then Jet Set dropped the try and ran out the door calling his wife's name. When he heard her screaming around a turn in the hall his pace doubled. "Upper Crust! Oh. No! Don't you dare hurt her!" When he spun around the corner he saw her flailing, kicking and punching so madly at a changeling that the poor, battered would be attacker fled in worse panic than her. She was still kicking when Jest Set rushed up and she gave him a punch in the nose.
"It's me Honey!" He cried staggering back clutching his nose.
"Jet Set! On, Honey look at the tear that horrid thing made in my dress!" She cried pointing at the small inch long rip. "That uncouth ruffian!"
"That's my girl!" Jet Set said taking her hoof and they raced back to their apartment to hide.
* * *
The battlers in Canterlot continued to spread out throughout the city as each individual and each group of either army tried to gain any advantage that they could. They burst into buildings and smashed up stone work. Pegasus and changelings fought in the air between and above buildings. The streets was chaos of black and armored bodies with biting fangs, swinging spears and kicking hoofs. There was no rule of clean fighting if such a thing ever existed in war. The two princesses flew about scattering changeling and constantly casting spells to keep them from taking on any from except their own.
Princess Luna landed atop a building to take aim at a group of changeling below only to have to jump back to avoid a green blast aimed at her horn. A larger-sized changeling commander landed in front of her with is horn still glowing. With one look anypony could see that he had recently had his fill of love and was full of magic. He grinned, bearing his fangs at the princess and lit his horn up even brighter to show off his power and try to intimidate her. Luna stared unflinchingly back. "This will be fun!" She snorted as she tensed her muscles and readied her magic.
Suddenly and even larger changeling landed next to him. Queen Chrysalis grinned a slow and maniacal grin. "How about now?"
"Ah, ha! The fun has been doubled!" Luna's wings spread wide as she released a blast of energy.
It was a blast that a trio looking out from a castle window could almost feel the heat of. The battle looked like it would come right up against the door step of the castle. It wouldn't matter though for no changeling could enter. For one red maned pony that was not particularly agreeable. Valentine looked on unable to keep still. Her hoofs twitched and almost pawed at the window sill. Her tail flicked back and forth behind her in agitation. Then not far below she saw six friends that she had met recently fighting against the changelings. This made it any harder to obey Celestia and stay inside.
Twilight, still not used to her wings was fighting on the ground and using her magic to pull changelings out of the air. Rainbow Dash was everywhere at once fighting with gusto. Pinkie acted as if it was a game but was no less effective. Apple Jack was bucking the daylights out of any changeling that dared to come near. Even the usually prissy Rarity had no problem joining the fray. Fluttershy was and had been for some time running around franticly and helping injured soldiers get to the field medics. She screamed and ducked every time a changeling flew past. Then she spotted a group of changelings stalking a soldier that was limping badly. Like a bolt of lightning Fluttershy darted over between them. She fixed them with a glare that would have made Valentine cringe. They couldn't make out what she was saying but they could hear the fierce and angry tone carried on the winds. The changelings cowered before her.
'Wow! Remind me to get her to teach me how to do that.' Valentine thought. It was almost torture for the mare to stay up here where it was safe. She was sure that the Equestrian side would win but even then there would still be ponies that lost. There would still be ponies that lost. That thought echoed in her head and sealed the deal.
"Ember Light! Undo the disguise spell that the princesses cast on me. I'm not sitting here any longer and I what to fight as myself!" She stated stepping back from the window.
"What?" Ember light asked and both he and Lightning Jolt stared at her.
"You can do as you want but I am not sitting this out. If I can help only one pony then that is enough but I won't aim for just one." She stated in the same firm voice. "Change me back to myself and teleport me down to the ground. "I am going with or without your help." She added when Ember Light didn't move.
"Alright you win, just please come back alive." He said. In one flash of his horn Valentine was her pink and red self again. Ember Light's horn lit up again and she vanished. Ember Light and Lightning Jolt looked out the window to see the pink mare race off between the buildings.
"I guess I can't just stay here either." Ember Light said stepping back and lighting up his horn. In a flash of ember light and the illusion spell was gone.
"Me too." Lightning Jolt said.
Ember Light hesitated. "Are you sure? I mean with you heart and everything-"
"Me too!" Lightning Jolt repeated stomping a hoof on the ground. "Like Valentine you will not stop me and I would rather be myself." She said firmly even though was terrified at the concept of jumping out into the fray but she was not going to be the only one who reused to go.
"Alright, alright." Ember Light said and cancelled the spell. "Please be careful and don't let bravado get you to do something stupid." He begged giving her a hug. Lightning Jolt nodded and flew out the window before she lost her nerve which she was in danger of doing.
Ember Light was left alone in the throne room. He sighed. "I really hope that I did the right thing." He said then vanished. He reappeared on the pavement below.
"Let me tell you something else! We ponies are not just food. We are not inferior beings for you to dominate!" He heard Fluttershy yell at the changelings. "How dare you come in here and try to terrorize the ponies here! How dare you attack our city again! How dare you try to steal away a pony's loved one! Do you realize how horrible that is?! Go on, get out of here and think about what you have done!"
The cowering changelings turned and fled and the angry Fluttershy scrambled to the side of the stallion while calling for the medics to bring a stretcher. A short time later as they carried him to safety she squealed as two battling flyers collided over head and was back to running franticly about.
Ember Light who had been slinging attacking changelings about in his shimmering orange magic ran to her side ready blast any enemy that came near.
* * *
Lightning Jolt flew slowly over the battle giving any flying fighters a wide birth. Now that she was out here she was not sure what she was going to do. She wanted to help but she was not just scared, she was terrified! Yes she had encountered timber wolves and some monsters but save for body slamming a timber wolf in a freak out moment all she had done was run away and those incidents were nothing like this. The sounds and sights of a full scale battle overwhelmed her. She was shaking so badly that her wings trembled making it hard to fly.
She tried spotting her friends below but all she saw was chaos. She yelped and did a barrel roll to dodge as Luna and two large changelings came hurtling her way. She and the smaller changeling tumbled through the air as they struck at each other with armored hoofs.
The larger changeling, Chrysalis broke free from the fray and swung around behind Luna to strike her in the back while she was distracted. Her magic barely had time to build before white hoofs slammed down on her from above. The magic blast fired off prematurely and hit the changeling commander in the face and the queen plummeted down barely able to recover before she hit the ground. Hissing, Chrysalis looked up to see Princess Celestia bearing down on her. "Time for a rematch!" The princess roared.
Lightning Jolt looked up just in time from the battling titans to spot a changeling flying straight towards her. Lightning Jolt flipped around and zigzagged across the sky. The changeling stayed right on her tail. It sensed weakness in her and was not about to quit. Lightning Jolt tipped her wings and flew up to the clouds with the hissing black pony almost close enough to bite her tail and It was trying too.
Lightning Jolt entered a cloud and suddenly changed direction to lose it. She exited the side of the cloud and began flying towards another to hide. Looking back she thought that she had left it behind to search the cloud in vain. A second later it burst out and charged at her with renewed speed. It was so focused on Lightning Jolt that it never saw the blue and rainbow colored streak come arching up into the altitudes. Rainbow Dash collided with the unsuspecting changeling and they went hurtling back down towards the city.
"Don't you dare hurt my frienddddddd!" She yelled as they plummeted back into the fray.
Lightning Jolt watched them go. She was well above the fight now and could see everything. It looked like a mass wreathing black and silver smattered with various colors in the maze of the city streets. If she had thought that she knew what chaos looked like before, she definitely knew now. She still had no idea how she could help though. She was just one lone little pony. She looked in dismay are her skinny legs that were attached to her small body feeling helpless. Then she remembered the clouds that were all around her. The copious amount of wonderful, useful clouds.. A smile spread over her face and her heart began to beat rapidly as her fear became mixed with excitement. |
Identity | Battle for Canterlot, part two | Some of the royal guards noticed some old familiar faces in the crowd. The retired ponies who worked at the church refugee camp had refused to be teleported out with the civilians. It wasn't surprising, most warriors never truly retired.
Like a juggernaut, Iron Clad came charging through a horde of changelings sending the lucky dodgers flying into the air for their lives. In anger one of the changeling generals gathered them up and they flew down in mass at the earth pony. The huge stallion took a stance with his head low and snorted as he waited for them to come.
They never made it and were literally stopped by bolts out of the blue. A small but very dark thundercloud came spinning out of the sky and crashed into the black swarm where it burst sending lightning and changelings flying in all directions.
Above the huge earth pony Lightning Jolt gave a quick salute then speedily flew to the next cloud. Soon thunderclaps were resounding all over Canterlot's sky and Changelings were repeatedly scattered by lightning bolts. The pegasus ponies either grounded themselves for safety or flew off to find Lightning Jolt more clouds. The massive invading army had to struggle with having to land and trying to hide from the powerful attacks from the sky while still having to fight the army on the ground.
Lightning Jolt had never felt so alive in all of her remembered life and probably never had known anything like this before it. She was terrified and excited as adrenaline flooded her veins. She shot from cloud to cloud in a purple streak. Her blue mane and tail were crackling with static and were frizzed out in a crazed mess. She beat her oversized wings at the air and her half artificial heart pounded in her chest but she did not fear it would give out. She couldn't help but laugh and shout as she flew. It seemed as if none of the changelings could touch her, as if any would dare. Her body crackled with electricity and tiny bolts would even shoot out from her after hitting a cloud. The only reason she could figure that she was not electrocuted on impact was the fact that she was not grounded.
She had no idea how long she flew back and forth across the city busting clouds everywhere. Finally, Lightning Jolt had to slow down to turn more white clouds into thunder clouds and rest her aching wings a bit. As she flew up panting to the first one she never saw the attack coming because she could not hear the buzzing in her ringing ears. She was struck from behind and she felt a sharp shock as electricity passed from her to the attacker. It was stunned but Lightning was worse off from the blow and was sent hurtling down to the city streets. She struggled to recover before her stunned body slammed into the paved roads. She managed to right herself just as she passed roof level but as she started to arc upwards another changeling came hurtling down. It struck her out of the air. She hit the ground and rolled across the street. She was too stunned to move and cringed as the changeling came flying in to finish the job. Then Lightning Jolt almost screamed as the changeling queen suddenly appeared beside her.
"Stop fool!" Chrysalis roared at the changeling and it jerked to a clumsy stop. "Go tell the others that I have ordered a retreat." The changeling quickly spun around flew off. The changeling queen looked down at Lightning Jolt with a grin and then suddenly magical walls fell. There stood Smog. Lightning Jolt squinted trying to read his lips and strained her ears as he spoke.
"You are definitely not the pony I once knew." He said. His horn flashed again and magical walls went up. This time he was a changeling general. "Their leaving this area and you should be safe until the battle is over." With that he took off down the street to find more changelings to give false orders to.
Lightning Jolt sat her aching body up. She understood most of what he was saying. Part of her wanted to wait in safety until this was over. Another's part of her responded with, "As if!" That part was stronger. She gave herself a few more moments to recover, stretched her limbs then took off into the air once again.
The pegasus guards were already turning the clouds into thunder clouds for her. With her body pumping with adrenalin again, Lightning Jolt grabbed the closest one and flew off to find a target.
When a handsomely ember coated stallion saw her he shouted for joy. Ember Light was still running through the streets next to Fluttershy using his magic to protect her and other aid ponies from being attacked. He had always thought that his talents made him pretty much just a show pony and handy pony when one was out of candles but now he had found a new used for his skill with lights. Not only could he frighten off changelings with fake monsters and decoy soldiers he could confuse and hypnotize them with the flashing, color changing light. . He soon found himself running alongside stout ponies of the royal guard and they treated him like one of their own. This was quite an uplifting thing for a pony who had for most of his life been considered to be nothing more than a pretty pony. It made him swell with pride.
He stood up on his hind legs lighting up his horn as four changelings landed and tried to make their way towards Fluttershy and an unconscious guard. The mare dropped to the ground and covered her eyes to protect herself from the light.
"Incoming!" One on the stallions yelled just as another cloud exploded above the city. Ember Light spun around to see changelings raining out of the sky. Ponies ducked and shielded themselves as they came down but most were too stunned to fight. When Ember Light and the other stallions looked back to Fluttershy they saw five Fluttershys all looking at each other with confusion.
"Horse apples!" One of the guards cursed "We're far enough away from the princesses spell to keep them from changing!"
"I'm the real Fluttershy!" All of them cried almost at once.
"No your not!"
"No, I am!"
"It's me! You have to believe me!"
"No! I'm Fluttershy!"
The guards groaned. "Now what? We can't risk blasting the real one? Does anyone know the spell to remove changeling disguises?"
The other guards shook their heads while the five Fluttershys continued to plead their cases all at once and Ember Light scratched his chin. He smiled suddenly.
"Hey look what I can do." He said suddenly with a big grin that confused everypony. His horn lit up and behind him appeared an image of a thirty foot dragon. It was see-through enough to be obviously fake but very detailed with savage claws, evil eyes and a wide open dripping mouth as it stalked toward them. Four Fluttershys stared in confusion while one squealed and ran behind the guards. The guards quickly charged the fake Fluttershys while Ember Light scampered over to the real one who was lying on the ground with both hoofs over her head.
"You knew it was fake." Ember Light said.
"I don't care! Don't you ever do that again!" She yelled. "Now let's get this stallion to safety." She said and ran over to the unconscious guard.
* * *
Serval blocks away a little pink coated and red maned earth pony mare ran between buildings.zxzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz The street was deserted but not for long. A group of changelings that was fleeing royal guards flew down the passage. Spotting her running through the streets they quickly landed and surrounded her.
"Oh look, it's a cute little mare." One who appeared to be the leader said. "What's a pretty little thing like you doing out here?" He asked.
Struggling not to grin slyly she sat down and wrapped her tail around herself. She did her best to tremble and looked at them with wide eyes. "You wouldn't hurt me....would you? I'm not a soldier. I'm no threat, I'm just trapped here."
"Not if you're a good hostage and the princesses will pay for you, maybe not then." He said stalking forward. "Of course if they don't then-" Wham!
Valentine suddenly lunged up and head-butted the changeling right in the face. He fell backwards to the ground wailing and clutching his face. The others stared as they processed what had just happened.
"I would think that changelings of all creatures would understand how deceptive looks can be." Valentine snapped. "Oh, I may be cute but I am a member of the proud and strong earth pony race and no pony to be messed with!"
The changelings hissed and charged at her. Valentine lunged forward to meet them. She punched, kicked, bucked and head-butted every changeling in sight. Her fire for fight had been doubled. They left soldiers to come after someone they thought could not fight! They conquered by attacking civilians, mares and foals! They sought out the weak! Oh, that made her so angry.
Overwhelmed by the fight in the would be victim some tried to flee only to be pulled out of the air by a leaping Valentine. Soon though more changelings came flying down the street in such numbers that she was forced to flee. Oh, how she hated to flee. Some of the changelings that she had been fighting joined in eager for revenge.
Valentine managed to stay ahead of them for a while. She was losing steam but the changelings were as well. She took random turns and even cut through buildings but could not escape the aerial charge. She finally accepted the fact that she could not escape them and she could not likely run long enough to find help. Tears began to fill her eyes but she quickly blinked them away and set her mind to her task. Valentine slammed her hoofs down and skidded to a stop.
The changelings stopped as well and hovered in the air. They held back watching their opponent turn around and stair them down. A change had come over her. Valentine let out a breath and rolled her shoulders, loosening up her muscles. She flexed every limb and popped her back. Then she looked her at her opponents with a steadfast gaze. It was the hard gaze only given by a warrior.
She had always know that this may come. Every soldier, every guard, everypony that fought for their country or others knew that this day could easily come. A day, a battle when they would fight to the death. They did not want it to come but if it did, if they looked at that last dance in the eye they would run to it with no reserve, no cry to live but with all of their being thrown into this last battle. They would race into the fight with passion burning brighter than ever before and there was no warrior more dangerous to face. The changelings heisted seeing this but they were numerous and she was only one. Several suddenly flew down towards her and the rest followed. the lead flyers were the first to be knocked out of the air. Valentine fought like she had never fought before. Everything became a blur as she ran on instinct. She barely felt the blows that got through nor did she care. She had accepted the fact that she would not survive and she was going to make her last moments count.
Finally several changelings managed to seize her while another charged, horn first at her. In the next second the world seemed to explode with a defining sound and she found herself tumbling across the paved road. Still full adrenaline she staggered up to her feet and saw a purple pegasus flying past while pushing a storm cloud ahead of her. She kicked the clouds making another bolt crack over the heads of the changelings. Those who were conscious fled.
Valentine tried calling out to Lightning Jolt but the pegasus was already out of sight chasing after the changelings with her cloud.
Filled with anger after seeing them gang up on her friend Lightning Jolt pursued them halfway across the city. She was exhausted, her transplant lungs hurt and her wings ached but she flew on. The changelings suddenly doubled back to try to frighten her off but she ended up slamming into them into them with her cloud. It exploded sending changelings flying in all directions and Lightning Jolt hurtling across Canterlot. She skidded across a roof top and over the side. She struggled to fly back up but her tired wings only manage a controlled decent to the ground. She collapsed on the road and lay panting with her ears ringing and her exhausted muscles shaking uncontrollably. Her mane was and tail was a static mess. She could smell singed hair and feel the popping and crackling of the energy as it left her. Mostly though, she could feel the ach of her body and knew that she could fight no more. |
Identity | Aftermath | The changeling army began to retreat from Canterlot faster than the princesses had anticipated. This was namely do to Smog. Queen Chrysalis and the commanders had to repeatedly bring back units who had been ordered to retreat by the unicorn that was using their own trick against them. In other cases one commander would get a message to bring his unit left and another to go right. One group would see Chrysalis give the order to retreat and a few moments she would reappear cursing at them for their cowardice and ordering them back. Chaos quickly broke out and many changelings refused to listen to any commander or their queen. Soon after invading army began to give up and flee with all speed back to their homeland. More and more followed.
Above the city Princess Celestia and Princess Luna hovered and watched the changelings flee in growing droves. Chrysalis, battered from her fight with the princesses had screamed curses and promises of revenge before teleporting away. A pegasus captain flew up from the city and saluted.
"Give your report." Luna said.
"Your highnesses, I found the main reason for the chaos. Some ugly, creepy looking unicorn has been using some sort of screen magic to look like the enemy and spread fake orders. We tried talking to him but he just teleported away. All that lightning raining from the sky didn't hurt either."
"Good. We'll have to thank him if we get a chance." Celestia said. "Gather all units who are not injured or exhausted. Half will help sweep the city for any remaining enemies and to find the wounded. The other half will chase after the changelings, not to engage, just to make sure that all of them leave the kingdom."
"We will go to the citizens and find ponies willing to help with the wounded." Luna said. "Dismissed."
The pegasus guard saluted and hurried off to his task.
* * *
Valentine sat on the battle field with her tail wrapped around her feet as the last of the changelings flew away. She had run to her final battle with every ounce of her being prepared, more than prepared, but now here she sat, well alive. It wasn't that she was unhappy, it was that she had been so geared to the fate that it was taking some time for her mind to unwind.
She was so lost that she didn't hear Iron Clad approaching until he was close. She turned and watched him closing the last yards by stepping over the unconscious changelings. "Perhaps," He said as he walked up beside her, "Perhaps you are meant to live another day because you have much more to do." He finished. He did not need to be told what was going on in her mind. He knew it oh so well. He sighed and looked up at the sky for a moment. Yes, he knew it very well.
"Well," He said suddenly. "I know there will be wounded friends and foe alike. I will be needed."
"I'll help." Valentine said hopping up and quickly following after him.
* * *
Ember Light, having been with Fluttershy, was already helping with the wounded. He didn't know much about the medical field but he helped where he could in bringing whatever the doctors and nurses called for. He also moved beds around and assisted limping ponies inside. He caught glimpses of Valentine and Iron Clad as they arrived. Iron Clad who and once been a field medic proved invaluable and Valentine with her family history knew some medical skill and how to handle these situations.
Ember Light, though he helped as best he could wished he could do more but he was limited by knowledge and lack of training. This was a frustration. If only there was something more he could do. Ember Light noticed the group of still fit guards walking in but he didn't pay attention.
"Hey, brother. We're looking for any brave and fit ponies to volunteer for searching the city. Do you want to help?" One said.
Ember Light kept pushing the bed and glanced around to see who they were calling to.
"Hey, did you hear me? I do mean you." Ember light stopped and sure enough they were looking at him. "We need some tough and brave ponies since we're likely to come across a few changelings hiding out. After your actions on the battle field I'd say that you'd fit the bill as much as any soldier."
Ember Light suddenly felt taller. "Yes, sir. I'm coming." He replied and left with the group.
* * *
On the far edge of Canterlot, in an area where the fighting had not reached, Lightning Jolt lay on her stomach on the cold pavement. It actually felt good against her sore body. She had strained her muscles beyond their limits and exploded clouds much longer she normally should have. Being knocked out of the sky by a changeling and that last explosion that sent her hurtling across the city had done its fair share too. Oh, how she ached. Lightning Jolt rolled and lay the side of her head against the cold stone. This brought back memories, her first memories.
She tried listening for the sounds of battle but her ears where still ringing too much. Was it still going on? What was happening? She looked up at the sky and saw no one, changeling or pony. She could probably rouse herself to fly up and at least look but if she did she would be in no condition for battle. For that fact she would have to get up though. If a changeling flew over and saw her she would not have much a chance. With a groan she got up and headed for the overhang of a shop. It wasn't the closest one but she could see that it sold fine cloth which would give her something to lay on and a blanket if it got too cold. The door was locked but there were plenty of rolls outside on display. She folded some up and lay on top hoping that the store owner wouldn't mind. These street were kept incredibly clean anyway. She pulled another on top for a blanket and closed her eyes. With the Deja vu to her first memories she lay there pondering her new life to what she had been before as well as how it had happed. According to Twilight there was no explanation on how her memory had been lost. She had no serious head trauma and no trace of a memory spell.
If she remembered her life before what more would she understand? Would anything change? She could not see herself changing. Yet, she really didn't know that much about it since she only knew a little bit from what Smog had told her. What was she compared to who she was back then? What would it be like to know? Oh, she wanted to know. There was something to be understood here but it was out of her grasp. For the first time in a long time she badly wanted to remember her past and understand as her tired body gave itself up to sleep without her noticing it. She lay still for a time and her breathing slowed to a deep and steady rhythm as she lay peaceful and still beneath the awning . Then her legs began to twitch beneath her small body. Her eyes moved and wings flapped under the blanket in a weak simulation of flying as vivid dreams took over her mind. |
Identity | Memories | Baby Bird was flying away from the mountain and towards the New Wave scouts. She had always both loved and hated that name, often one more than the other at times. She was flying fast, (For her) pounding her weak and undertrained wings as hard as she could. Well, not quite exactly as hard as she could. She felt her heart pounding in her chest which always worried her and this made her afraid to push her limits. She did have to admit that she loved being aloft above the earth, though not more than the fear of her heart giving out.
She was flying toward the ponies whom she and Smog had spied on. Something was wrong but it was not wrong as Smog had said. Of course he was wrong. Stupid conspiracy theorist. SHE WOULD SHOW HIM! Just what all was going on she wasn't sure but she was going to find out and she knew it couldn't be anything like he thought. What was wrong with that pony? She looked below and saw him racing on the ground below. It nagged at her mind that she could not fly fast enough to quickly leave him in the dust as any Pegasus usually could but she ignored that. She couldn't help it, it was because of her heart and other conditions. She could do nothing about it. That stupid stallion had tried to get her to kill herself so many times by encouraging and insisting that she should fly like a normal pegasus. What was wrong with him?
Smog yelled something up at her but she couldn't hear it. She didn't care to. She had heard enough from that jerk. The numerous arguments that they had been through flashed across her brain and she gritted her teeth. There was just something wrong with him. Did he think that he knew more than everypony else on Cinder's Islands? What did he have against the equality that they had accomplished? What was with his twisted ideas of a different kind of "Real" equality? Why couldn't he see that the ponies of Cinder Islands were for making everypony equal and had done it? That pony was messed up. And now he was over here chasing imaginary changelings in Equestria? Didn't he know that the Equestrians were the one's responsible for their country being in the state that it was in? Even if there were changelings invading here, they would deserve it. She would show him though. She would prove to him that they were not changelings. That bigot pony probably just hated equality so much that he could not stand it being spread. That had to be his problem.
Up ahead she saw that she was closing in on the ponies and flew with her all a moment before slacking just slightly and putting a hoof over her heart. Smog was getting further in the distance and she could see that the New Wave ponies had spotted her and were gathering up in a circle while putting their horns together. Baby Bird made a bee line for them so glad that she could finally rest her wings and let her heart slow. She shut her eyes momentarily to blink dust out and if she hadn't her eyes probably would have been seared into complete blindness. In that instant a massive unified blast hit her knocking all the air out of her lungs before she could scream and pain engulfed her entire body. Baby Bird's tiny frame went hurtling over and beyond Smog who was still running desperately. He spun around as she passed overhead and raced after her airborne form.
For Baby Bird the searing white that shown even through her eyelids turned black and she never felt the tree and ledge that her body slammed into. In the next instance the blackness and pain was gone and the impact was soft, or really she felt nothing at all. Baby Bird raised her head and opened her eyes. Remarkably she was in no pain, not in the least. Even her wings did not hurt, nor could she feel her heart pounding from the flight.
What had just happened? She was lying in the field a fair distance from the mountain and Smog was running towards her. Baby Bird grimaced thinking that she was in for another argument and turned her head refusing to answer anything that he was going to say.
To her surprise he ran past her like she was not even there. Confused, Baby Bird watched him continue his charge toward the mountain behind her. So he was going to ignore her then? Baby Bird snorted at his childish behavior and spread her wings. To her surprise she could feel no air push back against them to buoy her up. She stared at them thinking she was just too tired but, no, that wasn't it. She didn't feel tired at all and that wouldn't keep the wind from filling her wings. She stared as the grass waiving around her. She could not even feel the wind as it stirred the blades. To her shock she realized that she could not even feel the grass she was laying on. Shaky with fear brought by confusion she stood up. She watched as Smog continued to run with all speed to the mountain and she looked it up and down to see what he was so intent on reaching. There was a spot of color a ways up on the ledge it but she could not tell what it was.
Her heart! She realized turning her attention away from the mountain. Not only was in not pounding from her flight she could not feel the usual throbbing of it at all. She quickly brought a hoof to her chest but before it touched over her heart her other three hoofs left the ground. In the blink of an eye she could see the entire field, an entire town nearby, the top of the mountain and the tiny dot that was Smog racing to it. She flew upwards so fast that she would have thought she would have felt stomach turn but instead, she felt nothing as she was drawn into the air. There was no resisting it, no more than a gnat resisted a hurricane wind. Before she could truly pounder this she passes through clouds and came out the other side with the conclusion, "I'm dreaming."
The sky she was hurtling towards turned dark and full of stars then bright light enveloped her. In the next moment she was surrounded by nothingness but she still felt the sense that she was moving though she could not tell what direction it was. Then a stop came so suddenly that she crashed on her stomach. It didn't hurt, but she felt it.
"Now I'm waking up," She thought. Faint voices reached her ears. She opened her eyes and raised her head. She got the sense that she was at some sort of cross roads. Strangely, even though she could see clearly she couldn't see what lie ahead down either path. It was something that she could only experience, not explain or describe. In one of the directions, even though she couldn't see what lie ahead, whatever she sensed from beyond it drew her towards it. She started to gather her feet beneath herself but suddenly out stepped a huge pony. The sight of her made Baby Bird slide back to the ground. It was a pony both impressive and frightening at the same time. She was both elegant and strong. A moment later she realized that this was not a pony, this was a horse.
Standing on long slender legs the mares' coat was so white that it glowed. Feathery tufts of hair hung around her hooves with not a fleck of dirt on them. Her wings, tail and mane were a golden hue that glittered in the light with each movement. The feathers and wings were so impressive and huge that they would dwarf a princesses' wingspan.
Baby Bird could do nothing but stare at her. The massive horse walked up and nuzzled Baby Bird until she sat up. Baby Bird blinked at her a moment before speaking the only thing she could think of. "What am I doing here?"
"I would ask you the same thing?" The mare replied. "This is not your path and we have tried for so long to get your attention."
Baby Bird just blinked at her not understanding what she meant. The sight of the mare was awesome but also frightening and she just wanted to leave. Instead she looked past the mare and tried to walk around her but the mare stepped forward and barred her way. "It is not your time. You are not ready for judgement and you still have much to do." She said.
Baby Bird looked up at her. "What!? Why can't I go?" She wined even though she had no idea why she wanted to go so badly.
"Eternity is forever and the life before fleeting. Eternity is a very long time to reflect on what you did and did not do in the time before and it is too long to go in unprepared. A snail could crawl around the earth a thousand times and Eternity still would not even have begun." The mare replied then stooped down to look Baby Bird in the eyes. "Because of the actions of your mother you have been taken off the path that you were intended for."
"My mother?" Baby Bird asked scrunching up her nose. "You mean the one who dumped me? Who cares about her and what do you mean off my path?"
"You were to be amazing." She replied. "You were to inspire many as you overcame. You were to be a hero. We sent ponies to tell her this but she was frightened of the hard road ahead and decided to free herself from your care. So she abandoned you before she left for Equestria. You are still needed there and you can still become the amazing pony that you were intended to be but to do that we must make a new Baby Bird now."
"What... I'm amazing way I am." Baby Bird said stomping her hoof in her usual petulant nature. This horse was starting to sound like Smog. When she looked the huge horse in the eyes she couldn't help but quail slightly.
The mare didn't react with anger. She instead sighed with deep sadness.
"W-why, anyway?" Baby Bird replied in a quieter voice trying to make up for her outburst. "Is it because I can't fly like other pegasus. Is it because of my body? It can't be helped. T-that's just the way it is." Normally Baby Bird would have been a lot more argumentative but the huge, majestic yet frightening being cooled much of her fire.
"Your physical condition is of no consequence. It is here that matters." She said tapping Baby Bird on the chest. "And your weakness was to be your stepping stone. No, there is nothing wrong with your body, it is perfect the way it is, if only your heart and mind can accept it." She said starting to walk around her to stand at her side and wings. She moved slowly, like a pony trying not to startle a butterfly. She looked at her cutie mark and said, "You have focused your life on the wrong talents when you were meant to be more. You were to be an inspiration to others, to bring hope to those who struggled. To be a light for those whose lives have gone dark. You were to be loud and live out loud. Your talent was one to echo across the sky and make everypony look. Will you go back and do this?"
Normally Baby Bird would have argued with anypony or horse that didn't agree that she was 100 percent perfect but she had spent a long time being the weak pony with a medical condition. The pony who was looked after, the one who looked on as others accomplished feats. Living out loud, having talents that echoed across the sky? It sounded pretty good to her. Even though this mare spoke of her as if she needed work, which offended Baby Bird, she also made her feel taller than anypony ever had before.
"Alright." Baby Bird said. "If I can be made all that then let's do it, even if I have to become some 'new Baby Bird'."
The mare smiled. She reached out with one massive wing that was larger than Baby Bird and literally scoped her up on top of it. Then she raised the huge wing and slid Baby Bird down onto her back. When the little pony settled in the center, she leapt into the air with a flap of her huge wings. They were propelled forward with amazing speed by those powerful thrusts. Baby Bird had to hold on tight to her neck as the air streamed through her mane. Then suddenly they were flying just below the clouds. The wind had suddenly stopped streaming through her mane and her tail was no longer streaking out behind her. The mare did not fly by beating her wings anymore. She just shot through the air with her wings raised. Looking below Baby Bird could see that they were soaring over to sea and she could see Cinder's Islands not far in the distance behind them. She couldn't put her hoof on it but she saw the islands differently now. Or perhaps more sensed. There was just something about it that gave her a sense of foreboding that she had never known before. There was like an oppressing dark shadow over it.
Why did we come out here and where are we going? Baby Bird wondered. The biggest question on her mind though was how was she going to be a new Baby Bird? She decided not to ask and just to wait and see.
The ocean passed quickly beneath them and Baby Bird experienced the strangest sensation that she had ever known, especially once they got over land and she could see things happening. It was the sense of time or lack thereof. She had no sense of it. She had no idea how long they flew. However much time passed it all felt like the same moment. She could look below, especially when the mare flew closer to the ground and see things as they happened by yet it seemed to have no time at all. She could watch something that would seem like it would take more time than it would to fly past but there was no sense of slowing.
She saw ponies below just going about their lives but also saw others things, some of which she wished that she had never seen. There were ponies who did not look quite right. Some were just wondering and others just standing like a young mare who stood in a field and stared at the houses on the edge. Most moved slow and somber if at all but she saw another following a group of ponies that looked like his relatives. He was crying and begging forgiveness for hurting them but they never reacted to him. They themselves had grief stricken faces as they walked. The stallion would also scream for help from ponies that passed them but none even flicked an ear.
Baby Bird cringed but soon they were swept out of sight, though they lingered in her mind.
She also saw other white and golden maned horses, both stallions and mares flying two and fro across the earth but she also saw other hideous creatures roaming the same earth. Most were the size of a pony, some were the size of horses. They were disgustingly contorted and roamed about with hungry mouths hanging open. Many, and she did not know just how she knew ,bore sicknesses, malice fear, confusion and other bad things. These were their names and existence. Most of these followed after ponies. Mostly though, they just whispered in ponies ears. It was frightening, she didn't want to look any more and hid her face for a moment.
She peeked tentatively back over the side of the mare only it was not from below but in the air where something caught her attention. Two chariots being pulled through the air. Each one held a large pony with streaming magical mane. One was white and the other was dark blue. Those had to be the despots of Equestria, she realized. The two tyrant alicorns that the Cinder Islands ponies cursed. The white one had to be the cruel Celestia who had forced the Cinder Island ponies to leave but what about the other? Her sister was supposed to psychotic and it was rumored that Celestia had killed her. She didn't look psychotic and she was very much alive. Maybe Celestia had kept her around for some use. She was crazy enough that she would use any advantage, even a dangerous one. Every Cinder Island pony knew that for all her years Celestia was stupid and greedy. She couldn't even understand how equality worked and because of that stupid alicorn Cinder Island was in ruins.
Baby Bird was so focused on those thoughts that she didn't spot the creatures flying with them at first. There was a pack of those hideous disfigured ponies flying after them. They couldn't get to them though. It was because beside each of the sisters two of the magnificent, white and gold horses flew.
With the dark one, Luna it seemed like they could get closer, nag at her more and from just something about Luna, Baby Bird was sure that she was at least somewhat aware of their being there. She stood tall and firm in the chariot with her eyes looking nowhere but forward and gave no reaction to them.
"What's up with that?" Baby Bird asked out loud before she realized it.
"When one even just plays with darkness, and I don't mean the physical darkness that comes when the sun sets, they make themselves more open." The mare said. "Demon ponies follow after the leaders because pulling them astray, making them even a little corrupt does worse than going after just anyone."
"So that was it." Baby Bird thought. That would explain it. Those two princess were messed up in the head by those things. She would have expected them to look more evil though. This fact confused her so she just looked away and back down at the ground. It didn't matter, everypony in Cinder Island knew that they were evil and corrupt. Who wanted to look at those despots anyway?
Below a train was approaching a station and ponies were waiting outside on the platform. Baby Bird studied the crowd below and spotted one pony walking up the steps with two of those demon things following and whispering in her ears. Baby Bird blinked in surprise and did a double take. It was her old mentor, Starlight Glimmer. She had sat in her classes since she was a little foal and Miss Glimmer was a teen. She was a heroin so why were those things following her? Then she remembered the mare's words.
"She must be really important for them to go after her." Baby Bird said remembering the pride that she felt for her old mentor. That pony had taught her so much. "There's no pony like her. She lives her life to spread equality....but why are those things so close? She really did go to Equestria to help spread equality to them like is rumored. They need it. There is no pony as noble as her. You would probably know right? No pony could accuse her of something wrong! We used to have a saying on Cinder's Islands, 'You could take that mare to court but she will only be ruled noble.' That was after somepony actually tried actually to sue her."
The mare was quiet for a time before she replied. "There are many ponies who have their own ideas of what is noble and right, they have their own definitions of what is good or things like equality but instead it is only harm. There is much that mortals on their own do not understand. There others for which it is just a cry to rally ponies to their secret motives." She said looking down at Starlight Glimmer as they passed over. "Everything was defined long ago and everypony is judged by both their motives and their actions. The final court has to be completely just because otherwise the last card of all has been played and lost."
Baby Bird just stared at the back of the mare's head. What did that have to do with her question? What in the world did she mean anyways? She just shook it off as the mare not understanding her question. Past the mare's head she saw the mountain that she and Smog had been on. The stallion could be see running up the circling ledge. She snorted with contempt for him. She was so focused on him that she did not see what was on the higher ledge until the mare landed and slid her off down one wing onto the rock. Baby Bird jumped and gasped then froze with fear.
So far she had been dealing with this as no more than a dream. She didn't even consider it to be real but now looking at her battered body lying on the rock she felt real fear. The sides were not rising and falling with breathing. Instead her body was terrifyingly still. Baby Bird put a hoof to her chest where she could not feel the beating of her heart.
"This is all a dream!" She lashed out because of her fear. "I want it to be over!"
"Then go." The mare replied motioning to the corps with a wing. "Just one thing you must remember afterwards, be bold, Baby Bird, be bold."
Baby Bird raced for her body begging for this to not be a horrible dream. She felt terror like she had never before and suddenly her mind blacked out as she collided with her body.
Panting Smog ran until he spotted the form of Baby Bird laying on the rock. He slowed and approached with his head low and fear covering his face. He crept up to the little form lying in an awkward position while muttering under his voice. "You're not dead. Please don't be dead."
As he closed the distance he saw her sides moving and he sighed deeply. Smog walked around her but save for some bruising and cuts she looked alright. He used his magic to lift her up and set her back down in a more natural position. Then he stood guard muttering under his breath over her stupidity. He never saw the tall horse standing next to him. Angrily he grumbled over Baby Bird and her actions and the stubborn mindsets of the Cinder Island Ponies that had raised her. He cursed everypony from the founders of Cinder Island to her parents. He was so angry that he could not stand still and alternately paced and stomped with his face twisted in frustration. The mare watched him sadly and extended a wind that she draped over him momentarily. He sighed and cooled down some.
"Your time will come." The mare said. She looked back at Baby Bird lying on the ledge. "Just remember to be bold."
* * *
Lightning Jolt's eyes snapped open and she stared out into the streets. Night had fallen and mist swirled over the pavement. She sat up and put a hoof to her chest as the words of the Ponyville doctor came to her. "Your pretty lucky, most magic blasts like that have been known to stop a pony's heart." |
Identity | One dream too short | Lightning Jolt lay on her makeshift bed while staring out into the foggy street as she tried to comprehend the dream. A blow like that can stop a pony's heart, even a partly artificial one. Did that make her heart more or less vulnerable? What did it matter?
Lightning Jolt closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. It was all too much for her. It was probably all a dream but no she remembered things! She relaxed and kept her eyes closed as she let her mind mull over it all. When she tried too hard to focus on any memory it became more vague so she just them roll over her mind just as they came.
She didn't remember everything about her past but she definitely remembered some of it. She remembered herself as Baby Bird. She could remember Smog and Cinder's Islands. She could remember Starlight Glimmer who was her mentor. She could see herself as a filly looking up at her from her desk as the mare taught her classes. She could remember her parents. Her eyes snapped open and she stared out at the fog. She could picture and remember her adoptive parents. Not all that well though. Mostly what she could recall were things that she had thought about and remembered in that "Dream". Sometimes she could pull closely related memories but that was about it. She hadn't thought about them too much, it was mainly when the mare words had brought them to mind. She focused on them awhile wanting to pull every memory she could while her link was still fresh. She could remember their personality pretty well and some interactions came back. Her father was somewhat stiff and a very authoritative sounding pony. Not authoritative as in in charge but on knowledge and different matters. A little too much though. Her mother was more loose but more fiery. Of interactions there was one in particular that stood out, their many responses when Smog or other ponies who made a comment about her, mostly Smog.
"Our Baby Bird is amazing just the way she is!"
That was a nice sentiment but no, it was not true. Lightning Jolt cringed when she remembered her old self. No, she was not fine just the way she was.
Lightning Jolt also remembered her old cutie mark. She looked back at her flank picturing it over her new one and cringed. Her talent was what her parents called supporting and lifting up honorable ponies but no, that wasn't quite it. She was...a lackey for lack of a better term. She had sat applauding as Starlight Glimmer and others like her as they went on and on about Cinder Island Equality and everything that went with it. She spent her time repeating what they said to anypony who would listen. When somepony said something "incorrect" about them she made sure to go over there and set them straight. How dare they? We're they so stupid that they could not understand equality? Maybe they were just stupid ponies who didn't want everypony to be equal. She would tell them though. That she definitely did. She had, in a nutshell, been a pawn along with many others from Starlight Glimmer's class. Running around making sure that everypony knew how "Great" Starlight Glimmer's equality was and how "evil" and "hateful of other ponies" her opposers were. How they could they not want true equality? That "equality" made Lightening Jolt cringe now.
Cinder Island is not a nice place. There were a lot of issues and a lot of ponies like her. There were not a lot of jobs nor economy motion as a result there was a lot of crime. The Cinder Island ponies were not blind, knew that it was bad but it was the blaming. Who's fault was all this? It was all the Equestrians fault. They had oppressed them in Equestria, they had not helped them with achieving perfect equality and they would not live by it so it was all their fault. There was just no way that it was the ways of the Cinder Island ponies. Because of the hoof pointing in the wrong direction nothing there was going to get better. This made Equestria a lot more attractive than Cinder islands but few ever deflected over there. It was because The ponies of Cinders Islands had learned to see Equestrian ponies as ponies who were against equality. This caused outrage and outrage does not listen. She wondered if the Cinder Island ponies would ever open their eyes and look at themselves, if everything would ever stop being the Equestrians fault.
Lightning Jolt sighed as she remembered Cinder Islands. She had never really knew how much trouble was there since it was the only place she had ever know and life there was getting even harder. Nopony could rise above it either because all ponies had to be "Equal". Following dreams was hard too. Just too much work. Regardless though, if you had a dream of owning your own restaurant that was not happening because everypony couldn't run a restaurant or business. If you wanted to build funds so you or your kids could go to the best school that was not happening because everypony could not do so. Now, under Starlight's new ideas you could not even be congratulated for a job well done because everypony would not be congratulated and she, Baby Bird, had gone along with it. Now in Equestria you could not even have a cutie mark? All these ideas did not bring anypony up, it brought ponies down and kept them down. If it was so good why didn't she live by it? If she recalled correctly Starlight Glimmer was quite well off like other politicians and government officials and even after she had her speech on cutie marks here her's was still on her flank. It was amazing to Lightening Jolt that with her past self no matter how contrary or how out there was one of Starlight's agendas she would go along with it. Even in the face of obvious flaws she, Baby bird stood by it because Starlight Glimmer said so and she, Baby Bird was a proud Cinder Island pony.
Lightning Jolt groaned and rubbed her head. This was a lot to take in. She looked back again at her own cutie mark. Like most ponies she had believed that cutie marks were set in stone. That you would get what you would get it when you discovered it but maybe instead cutie marks were much like life. You may have an intended destiny but you still chose your own path whether it be that destiny or not. She apparently always had the ability and innate knack for creating lightning but she had never tried let alone focused on it. Instead she had focused herself on being the perfect picture of a Cinder Island pony and that had been what she had become. She was sure that even if she hadn't gotten her cutie mark replaced that she still could be what she is now. After all your talents put the cutie mark there not the other way around. Cutie marks just don't appear randomly but appear according to choices and talents. Except maybe when you get cutie pox like that story Applejack had told her about but that was different.
Lightning Jolt sighed, laid her head down on the fabric and stared out at the foggy night. She felt mentally exhausted now. She relaxed and let both the vague and stronger memories roll over her mind while trying not to think too much. The pony who was in most of them was Smog. She couldn't remember when or how she had met him but he was always there looking after her, mostly pulling her out of fights when somepony spoke ill of Starlight Glimmer and her ideals. Before anypony knew about her medical conditions and would pass out he was often the one helping her and he simply seemed to just have always been around.
They argued a whole lot too. A lot. Smog was one of those ponies of "Equestrian Ideals". He was often trying to explain problems in Cinder Island ways and she was always explaining why he was wrong. Every argument was always a heated argument. He had also been the first one to say that she should probably check with a doctor to see if she had any medical conditions. Her parents refused for a while, not because there was no merit to what he had said, there was a lot of merit to what he pointed out but because it was Smog who said it. After she had had her surgeries and had had become afraid to fly he had tried again and again to get her to stop being afraid. She had always accused him of being stupid or trying to kill her even though she knew that it wasn't true.
Despite the volatile friendship and her parents telling her not to associate with him she had kept hanging around him. Back then she had told herself that it was because she was trying to make him learn but now she admitted, with shame, that it was because she knew that he would look out for her no matter how hateful she became. Because despite his brash, untactful manner he was a good friend. She would understand why she wanted to be "Friends" if you could call it that but why had he tolerated her? She couldn't understand why. She would have never put up with a pony like her past self for anywhere near that long. He must have patience like no pony she had ever known. It was almost funny. For all the things she accused him of she often fit those accusations better than he did.
Another thing she realized about him was that he was not insane, not in the least. He was stressed, badly stressed. If he had a nervous disorder it was because of that. He was actually a lot calmer the last few times she had seen him. It was mostly from her first impression of him. He was not insane when she opened her eyes, he was seriously ticked off at her stupidity on top of all that stress. That one moment burned into her memory labeled him as insane. A good bit of that stress was probably due to her but he also lived as a pony of Equestrian Ideals in Cinder Island. In a nutshell he lived in a very hostile environment. Cinder Island ponies as expected viewed him almost like public enemy number one. You know, because Equestrian Ideas were dangerous. Why didn't he just leave? He obviously had no problem traveling solo to Equestria. His life must have seriously sucked. Why hadn't his parents left? They were the same.
Suddenly, like an apparition out of her memories Smog walked out of the fog. Lightning Jolt stared at him at first not sure if he was real until he picked her up with his magic.
"Any serious injuries?" He asked.
Lightning Jolt shook her head. Smog simply dropped her onto his back and teleported. They reappeared on top of a building and he squinted into the fog. "I got myself lost in this big stupid city," He said. "The commander of the search party that was sent to find you was only looking in the battle area and the outskirts of it. You're a pegasus and you were all over the sky. You would think that he would know to look much farther out but, nope!."
"There's a search party just for me?" Lighting Jolt asked.
"There's a search party for a few ponies missing in action but don't forget you are the friend of a princess," Smog replied before teleporting to another building. "You're moving up," He said with a laugh then took a more serious tone. "I am glad that you're not the pony you used to be."
Lightning Jolt smiled "I am too. Why did you put up with me?"
Smog shrugged. "I don't know. Perhaps because I knew that you were just so impressionable and I was trying to keep you from being swept up in Cinder Island rhetoric. I failed."
"So was every other young pony," Lightning Jolt replied.
"I guess it's because I was the one to find you then."
Lightning Jolt's expression became confused. "Found me? I was adopted so what do you mean by found me?"
Smog remained silent and just teleported to another building. "You have a new life now so you don't need to keep going over the details of before." He finally said.
"I really want to know." Lighting Jolt insisted. "I mean I assumed that it was a simple as my birth mother gave me up and then I was picked for adoption."
"Yeah, that's basically what happed. She... gave you up alright. Oh, look I can see where they set up base." Smog said.
"Tell me!" Lighting Jolt insisted pulling on his ears.
"Ow! Ok. I...found you in a trash can outside a hospital," He replied. Lightning Jolt was taken aback. She knew that her mother had abandoned her when she found out her medical conditions but not had dumped her like that.
"We don't know if she failed to get rid of you in the womb, was normally discharged and got rid of you after she left or just had you elsewhere and dumped you there so it would be blamed on the hospital if you were found." Smog went on. "I was just a foal myself and was going through trash cans for parts to build engines. Dumpster diving is a common practice there. I heard a weak cry and didn't believe what I had just heard but I looked anyway. I saw a weak newborn filly laying half buried the trash. I freaked out and started screaming my head off for help. Ponies walking the streets just stopped and stared at me like I was crazy. I picked you up in my magic and ran still screaming into the hospital. I created such a commotion that journalist were all over it quite quickly. Because of that everypony wanted you. Somehow your parents got chosen much to my dismay. Maybe it was because they couldn't have any foals of their own. For ponies who could have none of their own they couldn't understand how anypony could coldly get rid of a baby. So I guess they had one saving grace.
"Anyway, I guess because I was the one who found you I wanted to make sure that you were well taught and looked after I guess," Smog finished.
"Well Smog, I know that I would never have said it before but thank you. You were the big brother that was always there and one that I never appreciated. Thanks for putting up with me." Lightning Jolt said giving him a hug.
"Akk! Ok! Let's go now." Smog said quickly teleporting down to the after battle bivouac. They appeared right in the center of the camp not far away from two of the princesses. Luna still in her armor was overseeing and Twilight being Twilight was keeping everything organized.
"Here's one of the pegasus that you were looking for." Smog said using his magic to undo Lightening Jolt's hug and put her on the ground. "She probably needs a checkup." Then he looked down at Lightning Jolt. "You seem too well off to need me now but I'll find you and check on you later."
"Excuse me sir but might we speak with you?" A member of the royal guard asked walking up.
"No." Smog replied teleporting away leaving the stallion blinking at the empty space.
"I was just going to thank him and ask a few questions." The guard said.
Lightning Jolt laughed. "That's Smog."
"You're alright!" Twilight exclaimed dropping her clipboard and rushing over to hug her. "We were worried that something happened to you! The others were out looking for you!"
"I'll have to call off the search party and send them to help with the other groups," Luna said walking over. "I was about to start searching the dream world to see if you were asleep and find you that way."
"Oh, really?" Lightning Jolt asked wondering what she would think of her last dream if she had seen it. "How do you find specific ponies among millions of dreamers?"
"Many years of practice." Luna replied. "Plus it's a natural ability for me. I have actually been checking into your dreams every night since you came to Canterlot just to see if memories would reveal themselves there. Sadly there was nothing."
"Well, that's because you stopped one dream too short." Lighting Jolt said only to gain herself confused looks. |
Identity | Saying hello and goodbye | The next few days went by fairly quickly for Lightning Jolt. The city was cleaned up and the residents settled back in. Twilight and the other elements of harmony went to and fro from the royal city and Ponyville. Lightning Jolt, Valentine and Ember Light stayed at the castle. Lightning Jolt had been invited to join the weather team of Canterlot and she was considering it. It sounded like an awesome job and one of the perks of having wings was that it made Ponyville and her first friends much closer. Well not her very first friends in life but just in her new life. Her very first friend who had been her best friend when she was a jerk on wheels had disappeared somewhere and she hoped he would pop back up again. Twilight too was quite eager to see him again because she wanted to convince him to write down all the spells and tactics that he knew. She wanted to learn them herself and make a book out of them.
Lightning Jolt still didn't have much more memory than when she had awoken after the battle for Canterlot. She was pretty sure that she would never get all of it back but that was fine with her. She was not that pony anymore and too much thought on her past self brought temptations to slip back to her old habits. She was luckier than most ponies when trying to change. Changing was usually a long hard road but if she had had to take it to get from where she was to where she was now she would have.
The fact of the dream too was confounding. She wasn't sure if she should believe that it was real for a while but in the end she decided that it was more foolish to just write it off as a strange phenomenon and coincidence. It seemed illogical to do so but to assume that it was just a coincidence that she brought back real memories with the dream and somehow her mind made up a detailed story and added it perfectly into the events, that her cutie mark loss and inexplicable memory loss was just some strange unexplained happening that went with it and it just somehow fit together perfectly, well. that itself didn't seem logical.
Her friends were quite happy that she remembered some of her past now. she got some strange looks when she told them the story, though. Some believed her, some weren't sure and didn't believe her but it seemed wrong to leave it out.
Now there was just one more thing to do before moving on with her new life. She would need her friends for support on it. She would also need a pony who knew Cinder's Islands because her snatches of memory would not get them around. If he didn't show up soon they would have to go looking for him.
* * *
Smog had spent the past few day cleaning out his hiding places and undoing the magic spells on them. He also looked up the old contacts that had opposed the New Wave ponies and let them know that he was leaving. He took his time because he wanted everything to calm down before he checked on Baby Bird... Lightning Jolt. That name was much better. He had always hated her old name. He had always so hated seeing her being turned into a typical Cinder Island pony and it was such a sad thing to see her so afraid that she would not even fly. Now he was very happy.
When he was finally finished he started out to find Lightning Jolt. At first he started to disguise himself then shrugged it off. What did he need that for anymore? Well, maybe incase the guards or anypony tried to talk to him but he could just teleport away. He knew that she might be in the castle or back with her friends in Ponyville but there was a place that he was going to check first. It was the church where she had hidden. He hoped that she was there for if he went to the castle or Ponyville he knew that there was no way he could avoid guards or her friends. All these ponies being curious, asking questions wanting to know how he did this or that. Twilight being the princess of friendship would probably try to make friends. He didn't want friends. Ponies looked at him funny. He was odd compared to them after all. After having to deal with Cinder Island ponies all his life he didn't want to be around other ponies. Baby Bird was a little different. After all he had found her and she was like a little sister.
Eventually he quit caring about trying to fit in to normal social behavior because it wasn't like the ponies of Cinder Islands would care or treat him any better. The stress had definitely got to him too.
This made other ponies outside of the islands regard him as strange or insane but he, being quite jaded, didn't care. They thought that he was insane already. Many treated him like he was homeless and not in a sympatric way. If you couldn't look past a rough mane and see the pony beneath than forget you. On the other hoof he also didn't blame them really. If you saw a pony that you couldn't be sure of their sanity, then you probably should avoid them.
When he reached the church in front of the refugee grounds there was a pony sitting outside on the steps reading. He didn't recognize her. She was a young mare a bit older than Lightning Jolt and looked like a dainty little thing.
"Oh great, she'll probably freak out when I approach her," Smog thought. To his surprise she simply looked up and smiled. "Hi, I'm Willow," She said.
Smog blinked at her a moment before replying. "I'm looking for either a little grey earth pony mare or a little scrawny purple pegasus mare," He said not sure if she knew Lightning Jolt by pony or disguise.
The mare laughed. "You must be Smog," She said getting up and scampering up the steps. "Come on in. We'll send for her," She beckoned for him to follow.
Smog a little surprised by her jovial and friendly nature followed.
"It might take a minute. We can get you something to eat in the meantime and we can send you to be put in the bath."
"Send me to be put in the bath? What am I a foal?"
* * *
A few hours later Lightning Jolt landed on the steps of the church. A messenger had been sent to the castle to inform her about Smog's reappearance. She met Iron Clad inside who directed her to the cafeteria. When she walked inside she saw Willow and her mother bringing out different new recipes that she was trying. Two stallions and a mare were sitting at a table and taste testing them.
Lightning Jolt walked up to Willow. "Hey where's Smog? They said that he came to see me and there is one thing that I really need help from him with..."
Willow burst out laughing and was quickly followed by her mother and one of the stallions. Lightning Jolt was taken aback in confusion until she looked directly at the stallion who was laughing. "What do you need Baby Bird?" He asked.
Smog sat behind the table no longer wearing his white coat. He was clean from head to hoof. His mane and tail had been shampooed and cropped short to remove the split ends. The most striking of all was the look in his eyes. He was much more calm and relaxed. His barley twitched now. He looked like a completely different pony.
* * *
A few days later Lightning Jolt set out on a ship headed to Cinder's Islands. She had with her Smog to show her to where she grew up, her six friends from Ponyville and the two friends that she had met on the train. Before she moved on with her new life she had to let her parents know that she was still alive. She would need all her friends for support. Not only was nervous just because of the meeting itself but was anxious for an even bigger reason. Her parents were ponies ever fervent of Cinder Islands ways. She was going to have to tell them that she was going to live in Equestria, that she had a mind like that of Equestrian ponies. She didn't know how they were going to take that. The only thing that she could do was to get it done and move on.
When they reached the island that she had lived on Smog led them straight there. Lightning Jolt recognized a few places but not much. Her friends looked a little shocked at the state of the city.
"They ran a beautiful place down into the ground." Was all Smog said as he hurried on. He didn't want anypony to stop them and try to ask the Equestrian ponies why they let this happen to them.
When they went into the outskirts of the city into suburbia her old home came into sight. Lightning Jolt almost got cold feet and ran but she knew that she had to do this. Her parents came out seeing the group approaching their house and Lightning Jolt walked ahead to greet them. At first they reacted with disbelief then ecstatic joy. From there after seeing her cutie mark they went back and forth to believing and being skeptical that it was really her for a while. She told them the story from start to finish and introduced them to her new friends. While they were not practically happy that she was friends with Equestrian ponies and gave subtle hints about it, they were glad that they had helped her. Smog hung back and Lightning Jolt was pretty sure that with the distance and his makeover they did not recognize him. That was probably a good thing.
For most of the story they sat blinking in astonishment and were probably not sure if they should believe all of it. Her father was extremely critical of the dream.
Finally, she had to tell them about staying in Equestria. At first they objected willfully then tried to reason for some time but finally accepted it. At the end of the day they parted on good terms though they were still unhappy about her living in Equestria. Lightning Jolt knew that they likely would never like her decision because of their bias against Equestrian ponies but she knew that she could never live her life as she was meant to here. Perhaps over time as they wrote letters she could convince them of Equestrian's virtues and they would come there. She would so love to see them out of this place. Only time would tell.
On the way back Smog parted with them as he headed to his house stating that he would pack up some things and meet them in Equestria. They were a little surprised as they thought that he was going to stay but were glad.
Smog walked into his cluttered house by the shore and surveyed his belongings. There wasn't all that much that he needed to take and he could probably sell this house pretty quick. He didn't want anything else tying him to here. He didn't know why he stayed with all the stress he got. He was pretty sure that part of it was Lighting Jolt and part of it was that he wanted to help the Cinder Island ponies see beyond those ideas and ways that they thought fixed things. To not be so wrapped up in it all and see reality. Now he had grown quite fond of Willow in a short time and he had a new task, keeping Cinder Island ponies from changing Equestria. The second reason was on a ship heading back to a new, better and probably awesome life. He had spent his trying to make that happen and now it had been done for him and he too had a new and better life ahead of him. |
Identity | Epilogue: Strong as horses | It was a few weeks after the battle for Canterlot and Lightening Jolt had officially joined their weather team along with serval other pegasus. Tomorrow would be her first day but it was today that worried her. When one joined the weather team of the royal city it was customary for the new recruits to show off their skills in the cloudsdale arena. Part of it was so that the leaders could judge talents and experience then put them in the positions that suited them best. The other reason was just an excuse for a competition. Starlight Glimmer and the Cinder Island Ponies would hate it.
In the cloud stadium Lighting Jolt could hear the cheering as the last of the others showed off his skill. She sat on the floor of the empty side stage room awaiting her turn.
She had joined partly because she was flattered by the invitation and partly because she knew that her skills at cloud busting and lighting would be useful. Thing was, that was about it. It was useful. Sure lightning was flashy but try impressing a weather pony with lightning. She didn't know any fancy moves. She hadn't even been flying seriously that long. Sure she was a natural but so was every pegasus.
Not only that, it was the fact of her body, mainly her heart. Her oversized wings gave her an advantage but there was still the fact of what the doctor said. She was free to live an active lifestyle. With training she could fly faster and further than pegasus who didn't train but she would never be an extreme athlete. From what she saw of the others in training those ponies were. They were fit for the WounderBolts. Despite her cool talent for busting clouds and creating lightning she did not have their level of skill and fitness and today she might demonstrate this in front of so many eyes.
She waited listening to the cheers and dreading the moment that the stadium would fall silent denoting her turn.
"Hey lightning Jolt!" A voice called out making her jump. She turned around to see Rainbow Dash leading the cutie Mark Crusaders towards her.
"What's wrong? We just came to see you off." Apple Bloom said.
Rainbow Dash took one look at her and smiled. "I know what you're going through," She said putting a foreleg around her shoulders. "Pretty scary huh?"
"Very much so," Lightning Jolt replied. "I know that I don't have the skills that they do. I'm going to look so green next to them. Then there is my heart and all. No matter what I'll never be an athlete like they are. I can do my very best but it will never be enough."
"Oh really?" Rainbow Dash said raising an eyebrow. "I can recall a certain pony that picked up flying skills very quickly. Then she battled timber wolves and changelings."
"That's different," Lightning almost wined.
Rainbow Dash shook her head. "I don't think that it is and..." She looked around to make sure that other pony was in the room. "There was a time when I was an amateur flyer, "She whispered. " A time when there were ponies better at flying than me. No flyer no matter how awesome ever starts out that way. You are still starting out and I think that your awesome already. You don't have to be the best athlete out there, nor do you have to be one to do an amazing job, you just have to be the best that you can be. Don't worry about the other pones. Just focused on what you can do."
Lightning Jolt finally smiled a little at the encouragement. Then the crowd outside went silent and she heard the announcer call her name. Her ears drooped and her knees wanted to buckle.
"Lightning Jolt your looking at this all wrong." Scootaloo stated
"Yeah, you may still have your cutie mark now but your still one of us." Apple Bloom added.
"And you know what? We have hearts as strong as horses!" Sweetie Belle stated with a stomp of her hoof. "Even a pony who has one like yours. You'll do better than them because your one of us and-"
The trio of little ponies began singing all at once.
"We're the toughest little ponies in town,
"Got the moves, got the mojo, no harder working ponies around.
"We are here for you, will cheer as a team and you'll be the best one out on the weather pony scene.
"We get going when the going gets tough,
"Even though you think your very best is just never enough.
"We're kinda short but so what? We don't get defeated.
We could take a little break but we don't need it.
"We've got hearts as strong as horses."
We've got hearts as strong as horses.
"We've got hearts as strong as horses."
As they chanted the trio nudged her to the stage entrance and marched with her all the way. Lightning Jolt could not help but be swept up in their uplifting song. Not only that, with as much as they cared she could not let them down. As they stopped at the edge of the stage she took off, still nervous but she was going to do it for them. No matter how scared she was she was till going to boldly take it on. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | pre | "We need to run." Buck said and hit me on the flank as he ran past. Argent smiled and began to run as well. I turned and followed suit as we headed back towards the river. Our two fliers were fine for exfiltration and I hazarded a guess we were going back to the river to take a relaxing soak to Saint Clover. Plus we didn't want to be where we had just been when the stragglers started retreating north.
We ran back through the corpse tree grove. The stench as always made my eyes water, the buzz of carrion eaters filling the air as they flitted about. It was a good thing that the plants here had that nice soft glow so we could see the critters instead of enjoying a blind run through the whole damn mess. Or worse, by having to turn our horns into fucking insect-attracting beacons to light our path.
The insects had grown beyond anything I had seen in the surviving books I had managed to rescue over the years. I could see marginal relationships between them and pre-war species, though: Beetles, wasps, millipedes, pseudoscorpions, the errant bird or rat, bloatsprites.
We finally hit the river and half swam, half rode the river current back to Saint Clover. I was thankful to get the blood off of me before it fully dried. The distant detonations had stopped from the battlefield, but there continued to be bursts of gunfire. Radio chatter continued as our teams moved up with cover fire from the air by Sea and Wraps; they were working on clearing what remained of our attackers.
From what I could gather, the survivors of the attackers had fallen back after the two hippogryphs had flown over, tossing mortar rounds on their heads and throwing landmines like frisbees. It was a good guess that the attackers had planned to lock us down once they got close enough to use those landmines. We would have been stuck in the boat while they could just entrench themselves all around us.
We climbed back onto land just behind the palisade that had marked the border of what had been or was being redeveloped within the town. Buck radioed ahead so we wouldn't get shot as we headed for the ship.
"Alright, everyone is in one piece and it took us only half an hour to do it. Now they're falling back." Buck said, offering me his hoof to bump; I took the chance. "No idea if we hit a leader or something, but those mines they had planned to use sure bit them in the ass." He chuckled. "Go get some rest, you're off duty."
I nodded. "Thanks for letting me ride along with you lot, it's been real." I thanked Buck and Argent.
"Keep it up and we can retire." Argent chortled, "Eventually. It's too much fun going out there and kicking ass."
I regarded the mare; I was of a different cut than these ponies, I wasn't a thrill seeker, but I could respect them. "I'll try to not outshine you, yet," I smirked. "Though I don't think I can shine brighter than Argent." I laughed and Buck joined in with me.
"And you know it." She said posing with one forehoof up doing her best to look regal while still dripping wet, before flash drying herself with her magic. "Nothing shines brighter than my flame in the night."
I rolled my eyes as her flash of light left a splotch of discoloration in my eyes. "Would be useful to know how to do that though."
"Tell me about it," Buckshot said. "At least she shares her talents." Argent then dried us both off with her masterful control of fire magic. "Ah, nice and warm. Even if it makes your coat fuzzy and mane frizzy."
I snorted as my mane managed to keep its wavy nature through the flash of heat, though my coat was now fluffy. "You do know that it just means your mane is naturally frizzy, right?" I teased him.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I've been to the interior enough to know that." He sighed as he pulled out a hoofbrush to quickly tame his mane before it got in the way of his eyes. "How about you get on going and go get some rest? You and your whole squad are relieved and have been relieved of duty for hours after all." He smirked. "I guess I should congratulate you for a job well done for a pony who has technically been combat-ineffective this whole time." He laughed.
I rolled my eyes at him. "Yeah, yeah, I'll go home, need to be rested so I can help out tomorrow. Going to be plenty to do then."
He nodded. "We'll handle things out here. Plus with how long it's been the reserves are ready to go to clean up too. Now the other heads of the ship aren't complaining about the hole in the side of it while nopony is within a mile of the damn boat."
"First I'll check on my friends, then some rest. Thanks for the short adventure." I laughed in return.
"Thanks for being our fifth." He said, giving a nod of his head, I returned it before I trotted up the gangway. The other two went back into town. I kept listening but cut my mic feed. I went off to poke around in Medical.
Medical was a mess of ponies resting, more being rushed in to get treated. Suture, the guard's main doctor saw me and pulled me along.
"Moonlight! Oh, I am glad you're here! I could use another hoof." Suture said as he tossed an apron to me.
"I was more looking to check on Winter and Ocean," I replied as I pulled the apron off my face.
"Oh. Well, they are okay. They just need some more rest." He said as he trotted past me pushing a cart full of medical supplies. "They're off in the barracks resting. I need to keep these beds open for ponies in need of more attention."
I nodded. "Alright, let me get something in me to help me focus." I grabbed some Sparkle Cola and Mint-als. I didn't like relying on chems but duty called and it was only for a short time.
The hours went by, one bled into the next as I triaged and applied the best medical care that I could. As the Mint-als wore off Suture refused to let me take another dose to keep helping out. Instead, he asked me to go home and rest. He had concerns about addiction to Mint-al's and I was showing the withdrawal symptoms even if I wasn't fully addicted.
It was a trudge home as I walked the halls, slipping past ponies carrying supplies. I walked past the hole in the ship, where I could see ponies working on figuring out how best to patch it up. Thankfully nopony had lived there; it had been a popular lounge and now it would have to be refurbished, assuming everypony felt lightning wouldn't strike twice. Luckily for me, home was on the other side of the ship.
When finally I got home nopony was awake and the lights were off. I lit my horn and fumbled my way to my room. Once there, I peeled off my barding. There was a bit of blood staining it but I didn't care right now. I took a quick shower, feeling clammy as I came down from several drug highs. I toweled myself off before I laid face down in bed.
Tomorrow there would be a lot to aid in cleaning up but tomorrow was another day and those problems weren't mine right now and I would be damned if I faced them without proper sleep this time. This time, I was going to look after Future Moony.
When I have money again I should get some nicer sheets, these are getting really worn out. I thought to myself as I drifted off.
Congratulations Level up! Welcome to Level 2 and your first perk: First in Class, you took the time to study hard and learn from those who had the time to teach to help you go further. You get +5 to Medicine and Survival per rank! |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 3 - Off Duty | "While you might be off duty, you still represent the guard. So be on good behavior. And try not to make a fool of us or yourself. In addition, you never know when your time off might end so try not to get too drunk."
Saint Clover Conscript Briefing
I woke up to a nasty headache.
I cursed under my breath as I sat on the side of my bed and drank the water from my canteen. Skipping two meals yesterday and using cola and drugs as a crutch to keep moving had been a bad choice.
No, the bad choice was not drinking half my body weight in water before going to sleep, I mentally berated myself. Wincing, I realized I still had my rifle. Ugh, well that needs to go back to my locker. I mean it wasn't that big of a deal but I would rather not forget about it until the next inspection. I turned my attention to the radio squawking on my desk. I really wasn't thinking about anything after helping Suture. Well, I'll check-in on with him to see if he needs a hoof when putting this all back.
Stretching my sore body, I walked out to the common room to find my parents.
"Oh, Moony, I thought I heard you come in. You look like you're alright." Mom said. I nodded, her dark green eyes, one I shared a color with looked tired, cradled by bags.
"It's been a long couple of days. Ended up having to pull..." I tried to count. "Well, a bunch of back-to-back shifts." I let out a yawn as she got out some food for me.
Mom worked hoof and horn to make certain I had a proper breakfast as I joined Dad at the table. Well, more of what passed for a proper breakfast. Dad offered me some of his toast. I waved it off as I massaged my temples to alleviate the headache that I was still saddled with.
"We're glad you made it out of that alright," Dad said. "Did they have you do anything stupid?"
"Vimes was in control of the planning," I stated. "He kept things mostly in a controlled defensive posture for most of it. We got shot up while giving overwatch from the bridge." I felt my tail flick reflectively thinking about the rounds that had hit my helmet; the scatter back that had pelted me. "After that, I ended up getting dragged out with Buckshot and his crew. Went for a swim, got blown up."
Dad prodded me to check I was still alive which elicited a groan from me.
"Throw in the long day before that where I rescued some half-drowned mare before getting roped into helping Suture after coming back from who knows how long with Buck. Yeah, I ended up back late. I mean I'd still be out there if the fight was still going." I finished explaining.
"Sounds like you got to run through the ringer. More like three rounds with an Ursa Minor." Dad offered apologetically. "If I knew this was going to happen, I would have had us just go drinking, instead of hunting mole-rats and then drinking. How's the leg anyways?"
I lifted up my leg and wiggled the hoof. "Ended up getting enough punishment to have a healing potion dumped down my throat so no more injury. It was a pain in the rump though going out on the dunes and off to the lighthouse so I need to properly thank Winter for those rubber boots. They kept it clean and dry."
"Speaking of Winter, how are those two doing?" Mom asked as she set down breakfast. The freshly cooked eggs and hot tea smelled great. I guessed the chickens had laid a few more eggs.
"Well, they're doing pretty well. It seems like they're doing well, anyway. Still..." I groaned as I thought about things. "Well, I'm working on getting myself to accept how things are. I love both of them, they're my friends after all."
Mom petted my mane. "Good on you. I know it isn't easy." I let out an annoyed neigh. "I know, hun. I'm being a bit overbearing."
"No, just, you know it takes time to heal wounds." I sighed. "They're good friends and still care about me. Just the three of us are navigating how to handle things. I'm just glad I can still lean on Sil. Wish I was still as close to the others as I used to be."
"Well, Sil has been thankful for you opening up the library. She's gotten a chance to do something more than what Majar was able to teach her now that she can read our books," Dad said. "Still surprised he couldn't read, but then again, raised on the move with just oral traditions." Dad trailed off.
I just shook my head as I dug into breakfast. Not long after, Silver Shores and Silaha showed up. Those two had become close in the past few years. Silaha had shown little interest in leaving the ship, something Majar was likely very happy about. Given what I had gleaned from the few conversations I had with him it was also what her mother would have wanted as well. A safe quiet life.
"No Cherry today?" Dad asked, teasing Silver for the lack of his marefriend.
"She's busy having to handle the mess with the big old hole in the hull." Silver said. "Moonlight, why didn't you shoot the rocket down?" My brother teased me. I glared daggers at him before poking him with my magic in the chest. "Okay, okay, I get it, sis." He laughed.
"You two and your magic." Silaha chortled with her usual singsong voice before smirking. "Even with all of your magic you still can't get over a few chems?"
I gave Silaha a look. "Right, because you have a cure for withdrawal. I don't think your dad was an alchemist. Or a chemist." I drawled as I flipped my fork over in my magic to point the handle at her.
"Okay, fair enough but for all the touting of your medical knowledge it's funny to me to see you here obviously nursing a headache," Silaha said before trotting over and giving me a hug.
She was a good zebra mare, one I had grown up with and I returned the hug. She also was one of the very few zebras I had ever met which was really just her, and her dad. There had been the odd one or two every year as a bodyguard with merchants but Silaha though stood out with the brown in her coat just above her hooves and along her spine. Her dad had the same markings and supposedly so did her entire tribe, at least those who had followed her mom doing something out east involving spirits. Something to do with horrors unleashed by their anti-Equestria kin during the Great War.
"Yeah, rather be nursing something else." I laughed. I got some looks. "A stiff drink. Come on."
Silaha's amethyst eyes sparkled as she smirked. "Would have helped if you had said that while not staring deeply into my eyes."
"Oh come on! One, I know you don't really swing that way." I snorted. Well, I kind of do swing that way, not romantically as far as I've experienced. "Two, I see you as my sister."
Silaha snorted and rolled her eyes but kept her smirk. She then took a seat by me and sniffed my tea. Instead of being snippy I let her sip at my tea, we were used to sharing drinks by this point. Her stomach growled as Mom prepared her meal so I let Silaha have some of my breakfast in the meantime. It was probably for the best with how quickly I felt full. I'd rather not waste my mom's cooking.
"I'd love to stay. But I need to return my rifle and the radio. Also, I should check in about that mare I fished out of the ocean." I said as I put down my cup of tea.
"You fished a mare out of the ocean?" Silaha asked.
"Yeah, during the storm the other night while on the lighthouse. There was some weird stuff about it." I explained.
Silaha looked puzzled by it. "Are you certain that you didn't fish up something that just looked like a pony?"
I pondered that for a moment then shook my head and gave a laugh. "She was out cold when I found her and I pretty much pulled her apart and put her back together. I would be rather surprised if she turned out to not be a pony." I explained, half expecting foalish giggles from my gathered family. Not even a snicker was unleashed, not even a stifled laugh. "Color me surprised, not even a wisecrack."
Dad smirked. "What, we know when to lay off and this is a bit of a serious subject." I rolled my eyes at the comment, I found that doubtful.
"Anyways, I need to pester some ponies about her. Check on Winter and Ocean as well. Probably pick them up some drinks." I turned to Silaha. "Want to come with?"
"See this pony you fished up? Sure." Silaha said. She had always been interested in odd things. I didn't think she was all that interested in the mare and more interested in hanging out with Winter and Ocean after.
"Alright, let me get my stuff," I said as I got up.
"Don't take too long." Silver said. "I'm also curious about this pony if you don't mind your brother coming along."
"I don't mind, plus you have a bit of status. Doesn't hurt to have other parts of ship leadership poking around." I replied with a snort as I trotted back to my room. Thankfully it didn't take very long to get all geared up. I wasn't going on patrol so it was more of pulling on my saddlebags and throwing on my rifle with its sling.
I trotted back out to the common room. "Alright, let's go find out about this mystery mare and then go see how Winter and Ocean are doing," I said, Silver and Silaha getting up and following me through the door.
As we walked I abused the fact I had forgotten to return my radio to check in with who was on the air. Vimes had gone down a few hours ago for some rest. Constable was still up or back up, I wasn't certain which. Clean-up of the town had continued as I slept.
"Next time remember to put your gear away," said Pocketwatch who happened to be playing dispatch at the moment. "Go pester Suture about your guest once you do, over."
"I know, I was a bit over-exhausted after everything. I'll try not to do it again, over and out." I replied.
"That's all we ask," Pocketwatch replied. "See you around, over and out."
I turned the mic off and passively listened to reports coming in. It wasn't really what I should do, but nopony was going to tell me off for it. Not when I was going to put all of it away in a few minutes and not when I was in no condition to give aid if anything did come up in or outside the ship.
Thankfully nothing happened so instead I just put my gear away once we arrived at the now sparse armory. We would have to replace a few helmets after last night.
My return to Suture was different; most of the beds were now empty which was a good sign even if the good doctor looked rather worn out.
"Moonlight? Are you up already? Well color me impressed. How's the noggin'?" Suture asked as he finished checking a pony's wound dressing.
"Still got a headache squeezing my skull but, I'll live," I answered. "I didn't come here about that though, I came here to check on my mystery mare."
"Ah her. We managed to get some details out of her but she's being a bit withdrawn; raider attack. Had her ship sunk under her? Got attacked by mirelurks. Family's dead from the attack." Suture explained. "She's been rather quiet on the details. Not surprising, considering the traditional signs of trauma. She might open up eventually, for now, she needs some quiet time." He leaned back and sighed. "She wants to at some point leave and go to Dockland, her original destination where the rest of her family is."
"That's a bit of a way aways. I don't think we have a boat for that." I frowned. "Wait, why don't we have a boat for that kind of journey after the whole fucking shit that went down with the town-wide epidemic? You know, the one where my mom and the Buckshots went off to get doctors to save us all?"
He just gave me a shake of his mane. "Sorry, I know we had one for a while but not my job to keep track of that sort of stuff. And what if we needed it while she was being taken to Dockland?"
Silver cleared his throat. "Said boat is out of commission; It needs some major repairs. The other ones are in Dockland or down south. The price we paid for some trade contracts."
I let out a sigh. "Alright, that's reasonable. Guess that will sort itself out in time." I looked down to where Silaha was chatting to some of the few patients still recovering in the clinic. "Well has anypony made a choice on what's to be done with her in the meantime?" I asked as I watched Silver trot off to join Silaha chatting with the other ponies resting up.
"Well, for now, we're letting her heal. To be honest, she's about in traveling shape at this point. You did some fine work on patching her up. Probably helped that you didn't need much more than pulling some bullets and a healing potion. It's nice to see that you've learned pretty well." Suture smirked.
"Well, what I can say, having good teachers goes a long way." I giggled and returned the smirk. "Just glad I could help save some lives with how easy it is to take one."
Suture nodded at that. "If it weren't morning I'd say we could drink to that. A healthy respect for life is rare out there." I nodded in return.
"Can I see the mare though?" I asked.
"Sure, her name's Riptide, a bit ironic given what Winter said on account of what brought her so far out there." Suture chuckled. "She's probably awake at this point and if not, well, she's been resting a lot so don't feel bad if you wake her up poking your nose in on her. If she isn't awake feel free to drop by later. I might even send her to your place once they let me release her."
"Send her to Winter and Ocean's," I replied. "We're planning on spending the rest of the day there with Silver and Sil. Figure those two would enjoy some company while we all recover."
I trotted over to what was more of a brig than a room. From time to time we had to take care of a pony who was combative or had something that needed them to be isolated. I've been in that room far too many times. Excess caffeine, and bad reactions to certain drugs for the combat cocktails. Few other situations. As it was, I knew the room more than I would admit to anypony but Suture. I unlocked the door and trotted in.
"Hello?" I asked the mare, who shifted in response. "Oh good, you're awake. I'm Moonlight Grimoire, the pony who fished you out of the ocean and patched you up. How are you doing, Riptide?"
"Oh, you already know my name," Riptide said as she rolled over. She looked exhausted, which given how I felt probably mirrored her. "Did Suture tell you?"
Her accent was different from the local flavor. Placing it said she was from the south of us mixed with something else. I knew of a few traders who came in by boat from around Applewood who sounded a bit like her.
I nodded. "I was just talking to him for a bit. I'm mostly just checking in on you. Anything I can do for you?"
She shook her head as I heard the door open to reveal Silaha and Silver. "Oh, who are these two?"
"Oh, uh this is my younger brother, Silver Shores," I said as I pointed a hoof at my brother. "And this is my sort of sister, Silaha. Everyone, this is Riptide, the pony I found at the lighthouse."
Upon hearing my description of her, Riptide turned to look at Silaha. "Sort of sister? If my eyes are working right she's a zebra, right?"
"She can see my stripes, right?" Silaha asked, examining her foreleg wondering if her stripes had vanished. I snorted at Silaha's reaction as I couldn't tell if it was mocking or not.
"I can, I didn't know ponies could have zebras as siblings," Riptide answered.
I facehoofed. "She is not a blood relative, we just grew up together." I groused.
"Oh, that makes more sense. It's nice to meet the ponies that rescued me." Riptide said with a smile.
Silver false coughed. "Actually, Sil and I didn't rescue you, we weren't there. That was Moony's friends, Winterwatch and Ocean Spray. If you get cleared to leave you can get to meet them in a bit."
"Oh, well, any idea on that front?" Riptide asked.
I shook my head. "Suture would better know about that. I'll talk to him again about that in a minute. How are you feeling?"
Riptide let out a grunt, I knew that kind of grunt, one of defeat and exhaustion. "Tired. I know I'm physically well. But..." She trailed off as her eyes filled with tears I trotted up to her and offered her a hug. She took the offer. Empathy I had found solved a lot of problems while serving in the guard. It was easier to get a pony to open up by offering an ear, and a shoulder, even offering them a break did a lot. "Thanks." She sniffled into my mane.
"No problem. I'll poke around to see what's holding up getting you released. I mean, other than..." I trailed off. "Well, let's just say, you didn't need to charm me to get me to save you."
Riptide let out a squeak. "Sorry, just, I didn't know who I would encounter given how my day had gone up until then." She responded.
"That's a fair point," I said patting Riptide's mane as I hugged her. "Just a forewarning, that sort of thing is kind of looked down upon."
Riptide nodded as she let go of me. "Thank you, Moonlight." She paused like she wanted to ask something. "If you don't mind, I'd like to have some more time to myself."
I nodded. "I can understand. I'm acquainted with loss myself." I said, giving her a sympathetic look.
"I'm sorry that you are," Riptide said, trying her best to smile. I could tell now where her exhaustion was; she was crying off and on when nopony was in here with her.
The three of us left the room and closed the door. I politely didn't lock it. Riptide wasn't a threat as far as I could tell. She might have been foalish but she wasn't a threat to us.
"Hey, Suture?" I asked as he trotted by.
"Yeah?" He replied.
"What's the deal with Riptide still being locked up? The whole charming thing was." I paused looking for the most diplomatic words I could use. "A precaution." I queried as Silver and Silaha headed past me.
"We'll go pick up some drinks for Winter and Ocean." Silver said before Suture could answer. "Once you're done why don't you just head right to their place unless you get sent a paper chase. We'll just meet you there."
I nodded. "Don't get anything too hard, we want to enjoy the drinking, and after everything else applied to my liver in the past short while I'd like to go light on the liver abuse today."
"Can do, sis." Silver chuckled as he and Silaha left.
"Well, back to the point of Riptide. She did admit to using a charm on you because she wasn't certain about what or who she'd encounter on the lighthouse." Suture replied. "Shame her family didn't come into port before heading further north."
"Yeah, they would have been safe here while those raiders were about. By the way, any news on what's further north?" I asked.
"No, but I've been listening in a bit. Mostly just talk about cleaning up the town but, they're looking at sending some folks up to clear out the Sea Lion Caves and set up a camp there. It's where they think any stragglers are holding up. Once they secure that, go and send scouts further north to see if any other towns got hit." Suture said as he dug out a bottle of water. He looked at it and double-checked it before taking a drink. "Good, that's water. I was hoping I didn't forget to label some alcohol."
I snickered. "I swear I was expecting it to be alcohol."
Suture smirked. "So was I."
I shook my head. "Guess I should go pester Constable then about Riptide."
"Yeah, she's ready for release, physically. We both know it can take a while for emotional trauma to start to heal. Giving her room to move about would definitely help so she won't feel like she's a prisoner." Suture said. "I've already put in my recommendation for her release. With Silver having seen her probably will have a bit of extra leverage on that front."
I nodded. "Thanks, and see you around."
Suture waved as I trotted off. Constable wasn't ever hard to find; he had a habit of knowing when somepony was looking for them. In fact, he was waiting for me, or maybe somepony else in the breakroom adjoined the radio room.
"Moonlight." He said, giving me a nod of acknowledgment.
"Good morning, Constable," I replied. "Was wanting to talk to you about our guest."
"I see, so you finally had a chance to talk to her?" He asked, I nodded. "She's got some kind of luck. I have a meeting in a few hours on what we're going to do about her. We're not going to keep her locked up. Given her testimony, and prying into your head to confirm the spell's effects things check out. The question is more of how to handle her wanting to go to Dockland. We also need to check where we stand after the attack as well as to figure out who's going to get sent up to the Sea Lion Caves and who will get sent further north to do some recon."
"Sounds like my brother should be doing things other than getting drunk with me and our friends." I sighed. "Or did he run the numbers last night?"
Wait, he did come in this morning after I got up. I'll pester him about that later.
"Don't know but if he's off relaxing, he or his boss have probably already done them. For now, I'm going to let Suture know that Riptide is fine to let wander about. The guards know to not let her off the ship though." Constable explained. "You said you were going to be relaxing with Winter and Ocean?"
"Yeah, I figured I should check in on them," I explained. "Those two went down pretty hard yesterday."
"Alright, well. I was already going to put Riptide under your care. I also think that her sharing space with the ponies who rescued her would do some good. I'll have a guard take her to Winter's place." Constable explained. "Don't get too hammered, we need our reserves mostly sober just in case." He smirked as he patted me on the shoulder. "But do enjoy yourself, you three did your fair share."
I paused for a moment as I thought about just fetching Riptide myself. No, let those on duty handle guard duties. "I'll try not to and I'll keep an eye on Riptide."
Once I was at Winter's place I found the door was open. Inside I could hear laughter and music from their radio playing so I let myself in. My family and friends were telling stories, drinking, and relaxing. I put up my bags and joined them. Everypony waved a hoof to me. It was welcoming to be with all of them.
"Shower first, Moony, you're still bloody," Winter said. "Hold on, how are you bloody again? I thought you took a dip in the river?"
I grumbled as I regarded myself and saw splotches of dried blood across my coat. I hadn't done a good job of washing up last night. Then again I was overly tired so it was to be expected.
"Fine but save some drinks for me. Oh, and uh, Riptide, the mare we fished up? She's going to be dropped off here at some point. She's being put under my care." I explained.
"Well, we'll save more drinks then. Now go get scrubbing!" Ocean commanded and shooed me away with a hoof.
I got washed and rejoined my friends and family. A few hours passed with us relaxing, getting inebriated, and remembering our foalhoods. I felt far more relaxed than I had in a long while. It had been too long since I had just hung out with my friends without work forcing us to spend time together. For the first time since Winter and I stopped being a couple we were all just hanging out together. The feeling of heartache didn't move in at any point and happily left me alone as I enjoyed my morning. Things just felt at home the entire time.
I needed to move on and seeing that I could enjoy being around my friends without the specter of the past looming over me meant I could do it. It would be an unsteady path but I could do it. I did understand that it wouldn't be constant though. I just needed to remember this moment, and hold onto it when I felt bad. Clobber those bad feelings over the head with this memory.
There came a knock at the door.
"Come in, the door's open!" Winter called out, his voice filled with joviality and mirth.
None of us were really hammered, we had in the past done the whole drink until we blacked out. Anymore we drank enough to establish and maintain that buzz. Spending the rest of the time chasing the buzz with sips instead of hammering drinks.
Vimes and Constable came in. I swallowed down the urge to stand at attention upon seeing the two guardsponies I respected the most walking in. I spied a Riptide behind them standing in the hall. Constable had said he would send her with a guard to me if she wanted to go somewhere. So why were two of the most senior members of the guard here?
"Good to see you took my advice to heart about moderation while relaxing," Constable said, giving us a smile as he trotted in, Vimes and Riptide in his wake. He gave Riptide space to pass him by and she looked around the room.
I scooted over on the sofa crowding, Silaha a bit as I offered Riptide a spot to sit with us. With a sniff of the drinks, she wrinkled her muzzle and went for the water. Not in the mood to drink, eh? Probably for the best missy, drinking while miserable was never a fun experience for me.
"So, what was the result of the meeting?" I asked as I leaned my head backwards over the sofa, my forelegs set on the back of it.
"Well, given you lot don't look too drunk," Vimes said regarding us. "They decided that with how things are here, and with the turning of seasons we can afford to expend a few ponies to escort Riptide overland to Dockland. Now, sending one pony with her would be... A little too little they felt." Vimes explained.
"As Vimes was saying." Constable continued. "We want you three, Moonlight, Ocean, and Winter to take her overland to Dockland. We figured that the three of you should be more than capable of doing it. Before you go off we'd also like you to investigate and clear the Sea Lion Caves so we can set up an outpost up there." Constable regarded Riptide for a moment. "Given what Riptide told us about a raider settlement to the north we felt it would be good to give ourselves a bigger buffer. After that, it will be up to you to figure out what way you want to take to get through the range. It should be pretty safe; we haven't gotten any reports of any big critters for a long time wandering about out there. Ocean, come by the briefing room for some updated maps, Sea and Wraps are up there doing a final quick flyover."
I lifted my head and looked at my friends. "Well, guess we'll be spending winter inland." I looked back to Vimes and Constable. "Actually, are we okay to have the three of us go? We must have lost a few ponies during all that chaos."
"Given the change of seasons and the number of bodies of attackers we've collected, we should be fine for the winter. If not, I don't think three ponies would make a difference." Vimes explained. "Probably best to sober up first but it's up to you when you want to head out. You've only got a few hours of daylight but the sooner you get prepping the better. Seasons don't wait for anypony."
Winter let out a groan. "Well, we'll start packing. Moonlight, how about you go and let your parents know?"
I nodded to Winter. "Yeah, are we going to get anything for this, Vimes, Constable?"
Constable set out a bag of bits on the table. "Paid in advance, and then some. Figure you lot could use it for getting ready."
Ocean nodded. "Alright, Winter you pack my stuff alright? I think I want to get what they have for us and start reviewing it as soon as I can."
Silaha raised her hoof. "Would it be alright if I came along with them?" I looked at her. None of us could stop her, she was her own mare.
Well, that was out of the blue. Since when did she want to get out of Saint Clover? Hmm, well I'll ask her about that later.
"That's up to everyone else, if you think you won't be a hindrance feel free," Constable stated as he turned to leave. "Somepony let us know when you head out. Take a flare gun to fire off when you clear out the caves."
Vimes and Constable left, closing the door behind them.
"So, I guess I'm going to be an only child for Hearths Warming this year?" Silver joked from his side of the table.
I let out a snort and gave my brother a look. He just smiled.
"So, Sil, you want to come with us? Do you have any barding or a gun?" Winter asked as he got up and trotted to a dresser.
"I don't and I know my dad won't be too happy about this. He's been rather protective of me but..." Silaha looked at the bottles on the table before taking a shot of something stronger than the cider we had been having. "He'll let me go. Don't worry I've got a good reason; I'm not just galavanting off to be with you guys. However... if I'm not here in an hour just head out without me."
"You know, he might have something for you to take with you. He and our dad used to travel together." I added. "Don't know how fitting it will be, but I can make minor alterations."
Silaha gave me a hug before she got up to go. "I'll go talk to Dad. Going with the three of you should make him more relaxed. He knows he can count on you to protect his daughter and one of us needs to do this. I just don't know how he's going to react to having so little time to prepare."
"You can fill me in on the details later once we are on the road." I nodded. "I'll walk with you, I mean, we live next to one another." I paused and regarded Riptide. "Riptide, come with us. My parents probably will want to meet the mare I'm escorting across the wasteland to get back to her family."
"Hey, Moonlight, I'll go pick up some extra equipment for everyone. Not going to let us leave here unless everyone is armed and has some kind of barding." Winter said as he set Ocean's saddlebags on her back.
"Thanks. Riptide looks to be about my size so shouldn't be too hard to find. Get an extra set of barding for Sil, in case her dad doesn't have anything for her." I went to my bag and fished out my bag of bits and caps. "Take what I got and get us everything you can think of. Medical supplies, ammo, guns, barding repair equipment. I don't mind if you burn through what I have."
Winter nodded and packed my bag of bits with his and the one Constable had given us. I got up and moved to leave. Silaha, Silver, and Riptide followed with me. "See you in... How about we all meet at my parent's place? Easier than trying to set a time to meet up."
"Sounds good," Ocean said as she trotted past me. "Oh and Winter? Try not to spread our ammo types too thin."
"I won't." Winter laughed. "Sil, you want a battle saddle or a gryphon gun?"
Silaha blinked. "A battle saddle, it's been too long since I did anything with two-hoof style."
Winter nodded. "Alright, I'll get you a battle saddle then. Didn't want to assume and leave you high and dry when shit hits the fan."
Silaha smiled. "Thanks, Winter."
With that, we split up and my small group headed off toward our families' section of the ship. Eventually, I waved off Silaha as she headed a few doors further down to where she and her dad lived and opened the door to our family dwelling. Mom, Dad, and Cherrybomb, an oddly named mare who had the not-so-obvious talent of repairing things, were chatting over coffee.
"Oh, Silver, there you are!" Cherry said as she waved enthusiastically. The three of us trotted on in and Silver gave his mare a hug and kiss. "I was wondering where you had gone off to."
"Oh, I thought Mom and Dad would let you know I was hanging out at Winter and Ocean's. We just came back from there." Silver said.
"Explains the cider breath." Cherry teased Silver. Riptide and I trotted over to my parents and I gave both of them a hug.
"Who's this?" Mom asked looking at Riptide.
"This is Riptide, Riptide, this is my mom Tender Shores. My dad Dusty Shores, and that is my brother's marefriend, Cherrybomb." I said introducing everypony to everypony else.
"Hi, I'm the mystery mare that Moonlight rescued," Riptide said, keeping a few hoof steps back from everypony and waving with one hoof.
"Ah, well, good to see that you're up and about," Dad said. "So why are you all here? Did something happen?"
I bit my lip for a moment then hung my head. "Yeah. Higher-ups made the call. We're going to respect Riptide's request to go to Dockland instead of waiting until winter is over. They decided to have Winter, Ocean, and myself escort her out there overland. I think part of it is to get us to have more experience further out from home. We're also going north first to do a bit of scouting. Kill two birds with one stone and set up an outpost at the Sea Lion Caves once we make certain it's clear." I explained.
Dad put his hoof on my shoulder. "You'll do fine. This time of the year is a good time to go on a trip." He assured me.
"I know, most raiders have headed south to warmer places. Drier ones too." I giggled remembering how absolutely wet most of our falls and winters were. "I'm not going to ask what Dockland's like because it has been decades since you've been there, Dad."
"Yeah, you'd be better off talking to, well." Dad paused. "Well, I imagine Ocean is covering that side of things right now." I nodded.
"She's probably off doing that right now; after all, it's what her job is. When are all of you heading out?" Mom asked.
"Hopefully before sunset. Constable wanted us to go as soon as we could. Sil is hopefully coming with us." I added.
Dad tapped his chin. "I'll be back." He said as he got up and trotted out the front door.
"He's going to talk to Majar. Those two know how to get the other to see things more realistically." Mom said. "Sil finally decided she wanted to see more of the world?"
"Maybe? She said she had something that had to be done, something that was a good reason for coming with us to Dockland. I didn't push her on it though." I explained. "I'll make certain she stays safe though. Not going to let anypony die if I can help it." I gave a soft smile to Mom. "I know I can't stop us from getting hurt, but, I know I can keep us alive."
Mom gave me a hug. "Knowing your limits is the first step to finding your place."
I smiled at that. "I'm pretty certain my place is in my library. I just finished re-roofing that darn thing. Plus those foals aren't going to teach themselves how to read." I let out a soft sigh as the smile that had been on my muzzle faded away. Mom wrapped her forelegs around me, I hugged her in return.
"Well, maybe you'll find yourself on this trip. Just, don't go chasing after it." Mom said.
"Yeah, I know." I smiled softly. We ended our embrace and I looked at Riptide, she looked a bit worse for wear. Seeing touching family interaction probably wasn't good for her mental health. I waved to her and took her to my room. She sat down on my bed as I began to pack. She let herself cry once I closed the door.
"Sorry," I said, giving her a pitiful sympathetic look as I cleaned my barding.
"No, don't be," Riptide said. "I just." She went quiet for a while as I pulled on my barding. "When we go north I want to see if anything remains of them. If it does, can we stop and bury them?"
"Certainly. It's only right that we do." I said as I strapped the pistol and its holster on my right foreleg. "I know it sounds... cheesy, but you can talk to me whenever. Blame my voracious consumption of Ministry of Peace books. Kind of needed to because." I paused to think of what words to use. "Well, as I said before, I'm familiar with loss."
I felt Riptide behind me and then she gave me a hug. "Thank you." She said as she continued to embrace me from the side. I was still. She was quiet, or had I been caught up in my head and not heard her?
"No problem and don't worry if it takes a long time to recover. It's... not a straightforward or quick process." I said. "Healing hearts is hard."
Riptide was quiet for a moment. "Sounds like you mean that in more than one way."
I looked away from the side she was on. "Yeah, but that's my problem. Not going to lay that on you. You've got your own stuff to worry about. I also have others I can lean on for my problems right now." I replied.
Riptide let go of me. For a moment I felt my heart skip and my brain felt confused. I beat those feelings into submission as she went back to my bed. There was nothing there. It was just the lingering effects of a charm spell, one she regretted using on me. I had known her for a grand total of thirty minutes at most.
I put my saddlebags on my back again and let out a breath. I was mostly ready for this. I hoped Winter would remember to get Riptide some saddlebags.
"Sorry, we didn't find any of your stuff," I said as I climbed onto my bed with her. "Is there anything on the trip to Dockland you'd like me to keep an eye out for?"
"I... don't know. I'll think about it." Riptide answered.
"That's all I ask. Anything to help you along, I'd like to do." I replied.
"Thanks. I'm glad I bumped into some understanding ponies." Riptide sniffled.
I bit back a joke that came to mind that would have been in bad taste. "Most of us are pretty willing to help once we get to know a pony. Or zebra." I smiled. "We're pretty open-minded. Probably due to how many times our town would have collapsed throughout the years if it hadn't been for a helping hoof. Bit of an unspoken lesson we learned: lean on others, you can't make it alone."
Riptide was quiet as we sat there on my bed. I pulled out a book from the personal library I had in my room. It was one of the books that hadn't been properly restored, something I had yet to learn how to do. I gently began to flip through the damaged book as we waited for my friends to return.
"Moonlight, would you mind if I asked you something personal?" Riptide asked.
"Depending on what the question is you may or may not get an answer but go ahead and ask away," I replied as I softly flipped through the pages.
"I... don't recognize your accent. I can place your dad's and your mom's but Sil, Silver, and you? I can't place it." Riptide admitted. I snorted as I closed the book softly.
"Ah, that. Well, my dad is from somewhere in the heartland. My mom is from a small town up north so that's why you can place their accents." I explained. "As for what's going on with Sil, Silver, and myself." I giggled. "Well, when you have three parents raising you with different accents you end up having whatever you call mine. I know Winter said it was part heartland and part southern with a healthy dose of the local flavor."
"Doesn't help that your voice is pretty neutral overall. But, given all that, I guess you're more of a failed southern belle than a regular northwesterner." Riptide nodded. "That explains the odd dropping of g's in your words while talking like everypony else out here. And why do your brother and 'sister' do the same, but not your parents."
I nodded. "Yeah, that's pretty much it. My accent as Winter put it one drunk night is a melting pot of Equestrian accents." I snorted. "I'm just glad that what was the result of it all was something halfway understandable and not some kind of guttural snarling and growling."
"That would be something." Riptide agreed looking at me.
We settled back down for a quiet break while we awaited everypony else to return.
An hour went by before somepony knocked at my door.
"Moony, you aren't already getting it on with Riptide, are you," Winter asked through the closed door.
I let out a sigh as I calmly closed the book. Once the book was replaced on my bookshelf I opened the door. Annoyance filled me and I knew Winter could see it raging in my eyes as I said nothing and kept my calm demeanor. He for his part just grinned at me. I for my part put a hoof behind his head which made him squeak in fear before I locked my lips with his, pulling him closer.
I broke the kiss. "Ya fucker. I'm not ready for that. I've also now known her for like an hour and a half." He tried to hide the blush as I grinned at him, I felt a pain in my chest at having kissed Winter. The teasing I had used to do hurt to do now, it had been a mistake but I kept a mask on my face. What was I saying? I've hopped in beds faster back in my bar crawling days. Ugh, whatever. That was then this is now.
"Fair, you aren't who you used to be." Winter chuckled as he looked away trying to hide his blush. I guess I failed to hide my hurt because he quickly turned to look back at me. He didn't say anything but hugged me.
"Thanks," I whispered into Winter's mane.
"No problem, buddy," Winter replied. "Next time try something smaller."
"Yeah, I was feeling really good earlier. Thought that maybe..." I said, slowly trailing off.
"Shhh, I get it you goofball." Winter chuckled. "I'm here for you whenever."
I realized how much I missed Winter's comforting presence. I bit back my tears and focused on taking some deep breaths and recentered myself.
"Okay, I'm good now. Really should have started doing this healing thing before." I quietly confessed to him.
Winter took a step back. "Hey, you needed to take your time to process things first, so don't worry."
I looked past Winter to see Ocean. She somehow wasn't glaring daggers at us and was instead making herself busy helping Silaha get into a battle saddle. I let out a sigh of relief. "Well, at least Ocean didn't see me kiss you so I won't have to worry about her crushing my throat."
Winter let out a quiet laugh. "Oh, she wouldn't. She's not the jealous one, stop projecting." He booped my nose to punctuate the point.
Wait, she wasn't the jealous type? Had I really had that wrong this entire time? Well, shoot.
"Well, let's get everyone squared away, got Riptide's new gear?" I asked moving away from the subject of heartache.
"Yep, saddlebags, a pistol, I think it's actually your old thirty-eight, barding. Got us three tents, plenty of repair materials, sleeping bags." Winter rattled off the list. "You think we should get a cart?"
I pondered for a bit as I let Winter pass me to give Riptide her equipment. A cart would be useful but it would be a pain in a lot of situations; those trails in the range were often just mud.
Winter had to help Riptide at first get into her new padded leather barding before I took over. With my magic, I adjusted the fit so she wouldn't struggle to get in and out of her new barding. What use was barding if it choked you? Still, though, standard gear load out was acquired for Riptide for when we patrolled: saddlebags, bandolier, and a knife to compliment the revolver.
"Have an answer for me, Moonlight?" Winter asked as Riptide got used to how the revolver reloaded.
"I'd wager that the trails are probably too muddy this time of year. We have enough of us to carry everything. Once on the other side of the range, we'll look at salvaging something if we need a cart. I mean, it would end up being you and me pulling in the end anyways." I answered
"That was roughly about what I was thinking. Plus we don't know the condition of the trails in general. Might have mudslides out there." Winter mused.
I nodded as I tossed Riptide a speed loader to practice with. She took to the gun rather quickly so she had definitely been taught at some point how to handle firearms. I'd probably get more of her past out of her eventually. I wasn't going to go prying anytime soon. I needed to let those emotional scars heal so she'd open up to me in her own time.
I walked over to my parents and my brother. Majar had come over as well and was talking with Dad. He seemed to be in a jovial mood. I could hear them talking about some beast they had taken down back east so that was a good sign. Apparently, it was related to how Majar ended up with Silaha's mother for a while.
"Sil, how's the fit?" I asked as I trotted up to her.
"Little tight. Mind helping with that?" Silaha asked. I took a moment to help tailor her barding making it sit better on her figure. It wouldn't do if the barding was loose, then something could easily slip past what protection it offered. "Much better, thank you, Moony."
"No problem, Sil." I smiled. "What about the battle saddle, comfortable?"
"A bit odd, but I'll get used to it," Silaha replied. I nodded as I regarded it. Winter had given her a shotgun; it was a reasonable choice, with good mid-range support, the bit had options to switch ammo. "Slug and uh, buckshot?"
"Yeah, if we are doing anything at long range, just go with slug shot," I advised Silaha. "How many rounds does it hold if pulled out of the saddle?"
"It's a five-shot tube." Majar answered for Silaha. "One of my keepsakes. Trusty shotgun from way back. Was going to sell it at one point. Got a better one from my travels but well, I didn't want to get rid of it. Feels right to hoof it over to Sil."
"Hey, Moonlight, speaking of, catch!" Winter said as he tossed me a long rifle. I caught it in my magic. "Not as punchy as what we get when going out but figure you'd appreciate having something more than just a pistol and knife."
I pulled the bolt back, it wasn't a powerful rifle, but it was a carbine and it took a few rounds of five five six rounds. "Yeah, this will do nicely, good scope on it too. It'll let us double up on scouting as well."
"That was my thought," Winter said tossing me some stripe clips of ammo and an ammo pouch belt. "Might help."
"Heh, good thinking. Hmm, no removable magazines?" I asked, and he shrugged. "Well, I'll poke around at it later. Maybe it's stuck. Anyways I guess it's time for goodbyes." I said as I pulled on the pouches.
We said our goodbyes. Winter and Ocean's parents showed up as well and it was a bit awkward seeing his dad again after talking to him twice today. Usually that only happened when I really screwed something up. As for Ocean, her family was much smaller as only her mom remained. Regardless everyone wanted to see us off. We were their foals after all, even if all of us had grown up long ago. I couldn't blame them, we were going to be gone for who knew how long trotting into who knew what. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 4 - Clean-up Duty | "After every fight comes the inevitable phase of cleaning up. Sometimes it's just washing up some blood and teeth. Other times it is patching up bullet holes and burying some bodies. Sometimes, it goes on for months.
-Equestrian Royal Guard Manual On Disaster Response
Our five sets of hooves clattered against the metal of Saint Clover's decks as we left home for the last time in what would likely be a very long time. Winter in the lead as usual; he was the one with the best eyes. Ocean was half a length behind him. Behind them Sil and Riptide trotted side by side. As per usual I fell in behind the rest to guard our rear.
When we left Saint Clover the scent of the Ocean and smoke greeted us. It was then that it struck me that this was something I was going to have to get used to: no more noises and smells of the ship. Instead we would be all day and night from here on living out in the open. It was like an indeterminately long patrol duty. My gaze went to the sky as we trotted down the gangplank. The sky above churned and spun as we walked to the dock, windy but not a lick of rain on the horizon.
As we passed my library I had us pause for a minute as I checked it. Winter let out a small chuckle as he sat down waiting for me to return. Sil though went with me to help check on the repairs.
As we checked the repairs I turned a corner and bumped muzzle to muzzle with Riptide who had wandered in. I was too distracted looking for leaks and she was too distracted with her mind elsewhere.
"Sorry." She muttered as I helped her up.
"It's fine, just follow my tail, alright?" I informed her and she nodded.
After another half hour Sil and I nodded in agreement as the entire building seemed to be in good shape and for once dry. As such I let out a whoop as there was no sign of needing to do any further work. It felt nice to leave the place in such good condition.
While we had been checking on the Library, Ocean had gone and informed Dispatch we were heading out for the Sea Lion Caves. Given Ocean had more gear than when she left she had clearly scrounged up a few bits more of equipment.
We pushed out into the ruins of the town itself, past the battle torn palisades to where the fighting had been the worst. As we continued down what had once been the coastal highway and main street we could see the depths of the siege to our home. While we had long ago abandoned much of the town to live within the hull of Saint Clover, Seamane itself was as much our home as the ship was. We knew many of these buildings as places we had explored when we grew up, places we had trained. Beyond that a good number of buildings that had survived the tides of time had now succumbed to the meaningless destruction of the siege, places that were slated to be refurbished and re-inhabited over the next few decades as we finally resettled the town itself. Instead much of our home was an ashland, a dreg heap. It only filled me with despair to see. So much senseless destruction. Of course, that's raiders in a nutshell. Not that any of that mattered now. By the stars, if you listened to some of those still around now all that mattered was click click bang bang.
The devastation kept us quiet company with the smoldering ash and warped metal blowing in the wind as we left our home headed north on the coastal highway. As we kept going we got to the worst of the new scars on the landscape, the front-line. Here ponies we knew, well besides Riptide, were out working checking for 'presents' as well as battle salvage.
The carpet bombing by our air support had made a mess of things here. While it was effective it gave me insight on the cost of warfare. When the battle was over you had to pick up the bits and pieces and find a way to make things whole again. It wasn't just about healing ponies, it was about more than that. Something I had never thought about given every fight I had prior was a skirmish in some ruins or some place I didn't have to care about.
I was left with my thoughts as we continued onward. Our scenery gradually changed, the overgrowth from the hills had subsumed parts of the outskirts of Seamane and now that we were trotting out of Seamane the transition from ruins to grass, ferns, and short trees was gentle. The gentleness of this change was such that one not paying attention likely would have thought the grown over buildings had been merely hills that ferns and trees were growing out of before the terrain smoothed out again.
Doing my part I kept my head on a swivel and looked to the west where the coast lay and the more normal trees that books of the past documented. Keeping an eye on the east as well I saw the swampy low lying land where the river regularly flooded, that we had trotted around the other day. Even from here I could smell the fetid water, hear the distant buzz, chirps, and caws of the life that lived within. As we approached the hills that blocked Seamane's valley we lay in from the next. The bodies were still laying out in the open from where we had put them down. The tents had finished burning hours ago and not even embers remained. The smell of blood, smoke, and burnt bodies made me gag as I smelled it again, I had hoped not to.
As we continued to trot uphill the swamp to the east ended and the forest began. The half bent trees formed by the everblowing coastal winds as if pointing to tell us to go back as we headed towards the Sea Lion Caves.
Riptide broke the silence that had been over us as we trotted towards likely the last raider den.
"It's so alive up here." Riptide gasped shattering the silence we had all quietly agreed to embrace so far on the trot out to the Caves. "I haven't seen this much green since visiting a seaweed farm."
The change was enough from the constant rustle of grass, leaves, and branches in the wind that it made me jump. Given I was looking along the hillside when she spoke I didn't spot if anypony else had a mild heart attack at the silence ending after somewhere near an hour of trotting.
While I caught my breath with my hoof against my chest to force my heart back down my throat Sil carried the conversation for us. "It is rather pretty, I'll agree with that. My father talks about how barren things get the further east you go, or south. Also, a seaweed farm?"
Riptide nodded. "Yeah, a town down to the south near where we used to live farmed kelp offshore. Unlike out here the beach doesn't drop off a sheer underwater cliff." She shook her head and I caught a glimpse of a smile on her muzzle as we continued to trot. "While it isn't the best tasting food, it is better than pre-war food. Was about the only thing that grew too in the area besides some small shrubs."
Hearing Riptide talk about something other than what had happened to her and smile was a good sign from what I knew. It put a small smile on my muzzle as I was happy to see at least there was still some life in her heart. I knew all too well how loss could break a pony.
My mind turned to the information that had been provisioned to us though and I quickly digested it. "Huh, well that explains where the shipments of seaweed come from. Always could tell when one was coming, the smell was unmistakable."I snorted. "Also it makes sense somepony would start farming it too. I think even pre-war it was considered a crop."
I continued, feeling a bit of mirth filling my chest. It was nice to have a conversation with a bit of levity in it. I had hoped things with Riptide wouldn't be constantly morose.
Sil nodded to me before she chimed in again. "So down south, is it pretty brown?"
Riptide nodded. "Mhm it is, it's not totally barren but you'd get your occasional tall tree with leaves on it with lots of scrub grass and dry dirt. As we came up north I saw the coastal hills getting greener and greener, more and more tall trees."
While I was happy to hear more about Riptide's trip up I wanted to head it off before she got to the bad part, so instead I decided to educate her on some of the local flora. "Well, not all of this is a good old growth forest. We got some weird plants out here that aren't in the pre-war books. Case in point, the swamp has what we call corpse trees. Smells like decomposition, glows in various places, and has openings that lead into a trap. They seem to have mutated from a rare carnivorous plant that existed here pre-war."
"Carnivorous plant?" Riptide nervously laughed, her steps a bit more cautious and hesitant. I could see her looking around for things readying to go after her. "As in, it eats ponies?"
That made me snort. Thankfully I didn't know of any highly mobile carnivorous plants. "Not quite, it is a passive eater, has a trap of some kind in it that lures in small critters. They go in and then due to some mechanism they can't come out. Apparently there were a lot of different types of them back in the day, all of them had trouble growing to grow outside their natural habitats." I shook my head. "Then there are harder one's to pin down how exactly they work." I started then hummed to myself. "To put it bluntly you have some that react to things interacting with them, like bear traps."
"We've documented some big enough to enclose around one of us." Sil added with a wince.
"That's terrifying." Riptide whimpered.
"Yeah, but from what I gather unless we were roaming the south on the other side of Equestria we're not really going to bump into anything like that. Also I could point out from the books I have, most samples of plants that ate insects and what not back then were passive partakers. So even if we do find them there's very little chance of us being in danger. More at risk by what it eats than the plant itself." I informed Riptide. "Of course that's assuming the books I have are the grand sum of knowledge about plants of Equestria, which it cited itself to be."
"Well, now I'm less worried about running into horrible plants that want to eat us." Sil giggled.
Riptide shook her head. "And what exactly would they eat to get as big as those trees?"
"Probably bloatsprites and other carrion eaters, so generally nothing to worry about. More worried about eating bodies than making them." I informed the two. "Still have to worry about ponies wanting to make us into bodies."
"Or worse." Riptide muttered.
"Or worse." I affirmed Riptide's statement as it seemed like Sil didn't pick up on it.
It was a while until we got to the Sea Lion Caves, the uphill climb and the wind from the ocean breeze forced up the hills slowing us down. It was pleasant though to smell the ocean again instead of the swamp, or smoke, or most other things. Reminded me of a lot of relaxing times throughout the years. Uneventful patrols that turned into more of us just lazing on the beach watching the waves roll in. Wasn't like a pre-war resort and sunning but beyond that boat trip out to the ocean, I hadn't gotten to feel the sunlight, or for that matter, moonlight.
"I will say though, it is nice to go up here in the hills. Haven't in a long while. The air is refreshing." I smiled, taking in a deep breath. "Heh, one would think I grew up underground with how much I complain about the air in Saint Clover at times."
"I don't know how different it would be between growing up in a Stable with its door open and growing up in Saint Clover." Ocean said. "I mean at least they have hydroponics according to the Survival Guide but they face the same threats nonetheless. Of course there aren't that many Stable Towns out there to compare."
I nodded, then again our news from the rest of Equestria was rather slow to get to us. We had a radio station from up north but it mostly played some... 'lo-fi' I think it was called as well as weather reports.
"Still all of this is a nice change from the burnt out forest I grew up in and around." Riptide said before she stopped to eat some grass that was growing between the cracks in the pavement. "And that was not as tasty as I had expected or hoped, yuck!" She spat.
I let out a giggle as she wiped her tongue off. "Well, magical hellfire did burn most of the world. Then came the radioactive snow and rain. I imagine whatever grows up here was either planted after the fact or didn't present much of a target to get bombed." I explained and punctuated my uncertainty with the shake of my mane. "Though I go and say there isn't much around here and yet Dockland has three craters in it... Well, I guess my point is, the coast was probably too lightly populated to have been targeted where we are and whatever ensuing wildfire just failed to burn all the way out here."
"I guess that makes sense. It is just nice to see it so green and alive out here." Riptide stated. Growing up everything was grey, brown, and black as if the whole world had been charbroiled."
Because of her pause to sample the grass, Riptide had fallen in with me at the back of the pack. Sil decided she wanted to be part of the talkative group and slowed down until she was with us letting Ocean and Winter get a few lengths ahead of us.
"Well, glad to break that illusion, though once past the Seamane range it's going to get a lot less green." I explained. "I know there is some kind of forest to the east of Dockland, but well we won't be going out there, obviously."
"Ah, well, I'll enjoy it while it lasts." Riptide said. "On a different note, how do the other towns make it out here? Seems like everypony would just come to Seamane and stay where it's safe."
Sil spoke up before I could. "Because of family. Or being stubborn in the case of those who are descended from preppers." When Riptide gave her a confused look, Sil went on to further explain. "Uh, ponies who had seen the writing on the wall a long time ago and started 'prepping' for all this by building their own shelters." Sil elaborated. "Anyways, most other towns around here are a lot smaller so they generally get by without all the trade we need. Tend to be more... how to put it."
"They tend to trade us for our purified water for in return whatever they scavenge or grow. Be it animal or plant. Given we have a small population of non-ponies meat isn't... uncommon, nor unwelcome." I answered. I knew there were some ponies who didn't like the idea of eating meat. But, if it couldn't talk generally it was considered fair game. Lot less kind than things used to be but we had to eat as well. "Generally fish, radhog, mirelurks; those are those crabpony things. Blame the Wasteland Guide for the name."
"Oh, so you have meat up here too?!" Riptide beamed as she seemed to take the news in the opposite direction I had thought, given her elation. Sil and I gave her a nod. "That's good to hear, though we're leaving. We'd have fish every now and again since the seaweed farm was also really good for cultivating various fish."
I nodded and pondered that. "Answers a few questions I had on how a town with no deep sea fishing ships came to trade regularly with so much fish and seaweed."
Riptide nodded. "So, something I've been wondering: how bad does it get with raiders up here? Do you ever have towns completely go raider? Like the one to the north?" Riptide asked. "Well, other than the one to the north."
"It's not that common but towns do get wiped out by raiders every once in a while given most of them are composed of preppers and folks they let into their family. We have over the years had a few go dark and when checked everypony is just gone. Nopony enjoys those trips, the place always feels off. The biggest worry for those of us who knew anypony then becomes having to fight them if they went full raider and turned up at our doorstep." I informed Riptide. "Thankfully that was more common a hundred years ago when things weren't as well off as it is now. Then again, maybe that's only because there are less ponies to deal with." I let out a sigh, not liking that kind of thinking, even though it was rational at times.
"Any idea what caused the one up north to go raider?" Riptide asked. "And they certainly did, I got more than my share of time seeing it."
"And bullets in your hide to prove it." I added before inquiring about the town itself. "I don't remember you mentioning that you got to see the town itself. Then again, I'm not privy to what you told everypony else."
She went quiet for a bit, her face carried a look of hurt. It wasn't directed at us, but to me it was likely the hurt was at the memory of what she so recently faced in and around that town.
Given my experience with unfortunate things I knew how hard it could be to talk about them and put a consoling hoof on Riptide's shoulder. "You don't have to tell us right now what it was like in the town if you told somepony else already." I told her.
She nodded before she began to speak once more. "I want to though, to get my thoughts straight and because we're headed there." She took a sharp breath then started speaking, I half expected her to launch into a long winded explanation. "The town was all kinds of wrong. I've never seen so much gore out in the open."
I nodded. "That definitely sounds like Raiders. Almost like a curse makes them enjoy it. Too bad no way to properly study raiders to figure out what makes the most broken of them so broken."
"Probably the lack of hope." Sil offered. "What does it matter if I make that stallion's face into mush, the world is toast!" She mockingly exclaimed, Riptide winced a bit but nodded.
I gave a small nod to Sil as I had considered her point before. "Then of course there are the more sane and rational ones." I began more to myself thinking about what we could encounter. "The Bandits you can actually talk to who mostly go for caravans,they try to extort a tax of some kind. The run of the mill Raider who just swoops in, beats up who they want and takes what they want. Generally more nomadic."
I thought for a moment. "Well outside of fall and winter; they either migrate south or find somewhere to bunker down." I paused and felt the gears in my mind turning. "By the sounds of it, we lost a trade partner to our north to some nomads coming in and slaughtering the place. Part of why we are going this way to clear an outpost. Then again, I wonder how many they have left given the numbers thrown at us..."
"Probably half of what came down. Throw the weaker or less stable at us, let us thin the herd so they have less mouths to feed over winter." Sil said. "According to Dad, that happened to his family. Part of why it ended up breaking down and scattering across the east past the Unicorn range."
"Oh, well, that makes sense." Riptide said, then pointed with a hoof. "Is that the shop up ahead?"
I looked forward and saw that we were getting close to the top of the hill, the roof of the large tourist gift shop looming over the rise.
"That would be the tourist shop for the Sea Lion Caves. Alright, let's stop." Winter said with a nod as I trotted up to catch up with him.
"Hey Winter? Let's get looking for trouble!" I giggled at him with a smirk on my muzzle as I caught up with him. He smirked back as we skulked ahead.
Ocean left us to do our thing and guided Sil and Riptide off the road into the bushes.
"With three of them they should be able to handle any stragglers running up the hill from town." Winter started while we hid behind a rusted out autocarriage. "Well, two, I don't know how good Riptide will be in a fight."
I gave him a nod as I pulled out the five five six rifle.
The minutes dragged on as we scouted out the shop from range. The number of ponies there had to be small given there was never more than one pony on watch outside. Said pony was smoking while keeping watch; their hooves were cracked, blood stained their coat, a patchwork of tires, leaf leather and metal plates making up their barding
"Moonlight, you sneak on up there. I'll come on up once you take him out. We don't know how many more are inside," Winter said. "Those windows are boarded up so I'm not getting a good view of the inside"
I nodded as I felt a degree of pain at having to get close for this. My pistol had a suppressor on it now, but this had to be quiet which meant the knife. "Alright, if anything happens, try not to shoot me in the ass." I sighed.
"I try to only hit that with other things." Winter teased. I felt my cheeks go warm, and not from the emotion of anxiety or guilt.
I trotted off through the bushes, keeping low. Every now and again I stopped to get eyes on the pony on guard. He was certainly strong given his size and he had a cricket bat on his back with barbed wire wrapped around it with nails to hold the wire in place. The handle of the bat had a guard for his muzzle, and a leather strap that was loose. I had seen how that could be used before as a way to swing the bat around. He had the reach game on me unless I used my magic but, floating a knife over to a pony looking in my direction was one of the worst ideas I could think of. Instead I shuffled further back into the bushes to make certain my hornglow wouldn't give away my position and used my magic to make a carriage next to him ping as if a rock hit it.
The raider grunted as he turned to look at where the sound had come from. I eyed him carefully and launched a small rock to land at the corner of the building to draw him in the other direction. The sound of the rock made him curse as he trotted off to the corner I had thrown it to. I pushed through the bushes and pulled my knife out with my muzzle. He had to go down fast and quiet. If he didn't die quickly anyone inside would come out and then things would get messy given we still didn't have a number on how many there were.
I cantered across the distance between us and angled my head at the last second as he turned, having heard my hoofsteps on the broken pavement. I slid to a stop and slid my muzzle up under his, the knife locking his jaw closed as it cut through skin, muscle, bone and finally puncturing his skull to slice into his brain. He went limp on top of me. I pushed his body against the wall and pulled the knife out, wincing as the blood got onto my muzzle and chest. At least this time it had been quick, taking out a pony up close and personal. Even as I pulled the knife out I could see exactly how I had killed him, and knew how I had violated his physiology.
I tried to blink away the images of ponies being torn open from the previous time I had to do this. The memory of the wet heat of their organs falling out after cutting their gut open stuck with me as the scent of blood washed over me.
I shook my head and wiped the blood off of the knife onto the stallion's coat. I quickly checked his saddlebags for anything of use. All he had were more cigarettes, a lighter, and some bandages. Once the quick toss of his bags were done I then dragged his body out of sight and kept the blood in him with my magic. Winter joined me shortly after and we got back to casing the backside of the gift shop.
At some point the backdoor of the shop had left its hinges. I didn't even see it inside the shop itself. The carpet within was a matted mess of moss and plastic in a struggle to coexist. I peeked in to see a lamp on a table surrounded by cards and ashtrays. Between the light outside and the lamp inside, the contrasting light levels were making it hard to see any details. I could only make out two figures within the structure, mainly due to a two way conversation going on between them.
Winter leaned up against me. "How many do you figure?" He asked.
"I can hear two," I said. "I've got a shadow around the cashier stand."
"Well, want to sneak in or shoot 'em?" Winter asked, tapping my rifle on my back.
"You know what, sure. If more are in there I'll duck in and you put down some suppressing fire." I said, laying down on the ground as he stood over me. "Got the one on the right."
"Got the one on the left. On three." Winter said as I took in a deep breath. "One." I started to let out my breath to even my aim. "Two." I got a good crosshair on the mare chatting to the other raider. "Three." He said and we both fired. The sound of the guns going off into the doorway echoed through the building leaving me half deaf as the flash from both of our guns lit up the darkened interior.
I heard another shot and stood up to get out of the way, Winter was still over me making the feat impossible. He let out a startled whinny as I pushed up on him, both of us stumbling back from the doorway. I felt a bite of heat against my cheek, quickly tapping it with a hoof only to find blood as I pulled it back. I had barely missed taking a bullet to the skull. Now bullets were now flying at us in bursts accented with profanity.
"Winter, stay here and fire some shots through the door, I'll go around." I said before I pulled out my pistol from its holster. He looked at me dazed and confused for a moment. "Winter, covering fire." I ordered.
Winter nodded and fired a few rounds into the building; it didn't matter where they landed, so long as it spooked our last remaining unwelcome guest. I got to the front of the building and threw the doors open with my magic to reveal a single stallion who had retreated to hardcover from Winter's position.
"Fuck!" He shouted.
The shotgun held in his magic spun. I dove and fired. His shot missed. My shots went through his chest, shoulder, two in the neck, one at the back of his head. It was hard to miss at such close range.
He gurgled at me as I pulled my knife out with my magic and slammed it into his head, cracking his horn off. I put two more rounds into his chest where his heart should be to make certain he wasn't getting back up. I stood from the cover I was at, my shoulder hurt from hitting the low wall, but it was better than bullets.
"Clear!" I called out to Winter.
He poked his head in from the back door and saw me and gave me a little wave with his hoof then ducked back for a moment. For a moment I wondered what he was doing until he popped back in with my discarded rifle slung over his back.
"Shit, Moony I haven't seen you go that hard before." Winter exclaimed as he examined the body of the stallion I had shot and stabbed. "Are you alright?"
My gaze lingered on Winter as to not look at the stallion whose blood stained my hooves and parts of my barding. "Not really. I'm getting flashbacks to when..." I took a moment to ease my racing heart. "To when I first had to use a knife on a pony."
He nodded as he drew closer to me."I remember you crying in my hooves when you got home from that." He said before he gave my mane a pet to test the waters. "Don't know how I would fare doing it myself."
I leaned into the petting of my mane as I spoke again. "It's why I preferred to do things from behind a rifle or at least a bit back with a gun. It's not as..." I took another gulped breath. "Less chance of all that."
We were quiet for a minute as he hugged me and I got a face full of his neck fur. He ended the embrace and opening my eyes I winced seeing his snowstorm coat stained red from the blood off of me.
His hoof gently brushed my mane again. "How about you go and get the other? I'll double check that the shop is secure, alright?" Winter offered.
Getting the others meant fresh air and getting away from the slaughter house we had created, something that was a good idea so I nodded and headed off.
As I trotted down the road back to where the others had last been it was Ocean that spotted me. I had failed to spot her as my mind was still too wrapped up in what had just happened, that shook me a little as I had expected my perception to be sharper than my knife's edge after a fight, instead it was duller than it's pommel. Ocean waved me down to where she had hidden herself and the others.
"How bad was it?" Ocean asked.
"Four ponies. One outside, three inside. We didn't spot the third until we dropped two of them from the outside. Got a little..." I fumbled for words.
"Given the blood on you, guessing it got up close and personal." Ocean said regarding my coat and hooves. "Given how you're reacting, let's get us all inside. I think you need some time to calm down."
The comment made me wince as I was pulled fully into reality and made aware of how my body was reacting not just my mind. Given my state my reply to Ocean came in the form of a nod as the other two came out from the foliage. Sil was regarding me with concern, concern that was echoed in Ocean's face and now I realized it had been painted across Winter's as well. I was still visibly shaken, and while not physically shaking from adrenaline bleeding out of my system the look I was likely giving them probably told them everything. That and having not had the good sense to wash the blood off of myself after a fight.
As the four of us trotted back to the giftshop my senses began to feel a bit more normal, my anxiety beginning to decrease. I looked up at the sky. I could really go for some rain to wash the blood off of me, I thought, as the smell of blood clang to me.
Once back inside the gift shop I beelined for the restrooms. Inside I found shattered mirrors, broken open medical boxes. The stalls were knocked over. I tried the sink and found no running water. I didn't know what I had expected. I held back the urge to try to scrub the blood off of my hooves. I looked into the shattered mirror, half a dozen partial me's looking back. Tired, bloody, cheek cut. My eyes were wide, I had no idea if it was shock, adrenaline, or exhaustion. I bit my lip and walked away.
Winter was gone when I left the restroom. Ocean looked at me and directed me to what was left of a sofa. Sil I didn't see, nor did I see Riptide. A single push of my hoof was enough to incite me to sit on the floor instead of the moist sofa. Ocean gave me a funny look before testing the sofa herself and settling for the floor as well.
"Where's everypony else?" I asked.
"Sil and Riptide are taking care of the bodies. Best to dispose of them before their smell attracts anything. Winter is checking the stairs down to the caves. Elevator itself is long gone." Ocean explained. "No running water?"
"Yeah, no running water. Think he's okay going down there?" I asked.
"Should be, the door was barred from this side. If anything is down there he'll spot it and hoof it back to us." Ocean assured me.
Though we had both known him for almost as long I had known Winter a bit more than a year longer than her. Regardless, considering we had all known each other close to two decades, that didn't matter much.
I closed my eyes for a moment and took some time to calm down, images of death still lingering in the back of my mind. I could hear Ocean move about the building. It wasn't a large space, enough to hold forty ponies at best. Two registers had been on the counter when we came in, the counter itself faced the main door out to the road. Behind them was a wall that had like once held small gifts for sale.. This lower pit area had chairs and sofas likely for ponies resting or waiting for the elevator down to the caves. Maybe there had once been a projector for films.
Despite being covered in moss near the rear door, further in the carpet revealed itself to just be stuff brittle plastic aged with time. Still, it was better than a soggy rotten sofa. More hooves sounded on the floor as they entered the building from the rear entrance. I figured it was Riptide and Sil given the lack of reaction from Ocean. I tried to stop focusing on the sounds around me, tried to relax my body and focus my mind on relaxing, driving out all other sensory inputs.
* * *
I felt as if something slimy slithered by me, brushing around my hooves as it passed. I opened my eyes. The colors were off, the wind sounded wrong, like a single tinny note held. I looked around as I lit my horn. It was dark. I must have messed up my meditation and ended up passing out instead. My green light bathed the inside of the gift shop. I tried to blink away the blur of sleep in my vision but it persisted.
"Is anyone awake?" I asked quietly, not wanting to be too loud incase everypony was already asleep. There wasn't a response. I didn't like that, somepony should have been on watch. I hadn't been woken up by anyone I could see to take my turn.
I trotted outside and felt the wind on me as singular constant pressure pressing against me. There was no turbulence in the wind. I could smell the sea from up here but something was wrong with the smell, as if some other scent was buried below it. I looked up and felt a mix of awe and terror. The clouds were gone and I could see the stars again though there was no moon in the sky. The cold of the air hit me as I stared out towards the bluff to the north where the sky kissed the sea. The sea glowed, corpses floated on the waves. The wind's constant breeze stuttered and shuffled as the stars watched on.
* * *
I pushed the dream out of my head as I ate. Any thought of it left me feeling cold. Winter had woken me up before dawn during his shift of guard duty. He had with him a deck of cards. I had thanked him for waking me up out of the strange dream before it had become a nightmare. I never did enjoy my dreams. They were always visits to strange places, impossible dreams that left me melancholic upon awakening to the world I had, or outright nightmares. My mind had a surrealist touch at times.
"Feeling better?" Winter asked as we sat out front under what remained of the awning.
I swallowed down the food. "Bit, didn't mean to fall asleep. Anything of note in the caves?"
"Lurk nest. The Raiders tried to clear it, but failed. Explains why there were just four here." He said. "Though Riptide says the next town went raider."
"Did Ocean send off the flare?" I asked.
"Yeah, she did. You were out like a light so we let you be." He chuckled. "You did a lot of heavy liftin'. Even if you didn't do several stories of stairs back to back."
"I shouldn't have passed out," I sighed. "If I hadn't we could've moved on to check the roads ahead of us."
"No worry, I did that." He replied. "We'll take a cart with us but first we have some cleaning up to do."
"Clean up?" I asked, feeling some worry.
"Yeah, Riptide's family. We brought them up here and tomorrow they go back to Saint Clover. It felt right to us to bury them in our cemetery." He explained. "Riptide agreed to it too. It was our best option for giving them the respect they deserve, after all some respect now is better than maybe more respect later. And it's not like we really have a timetable for this whole trip anyways so we figured we could afford to take the time to give her family the respect they deserve."
"Ah, no point in all of us going back. I'll take the cart and Riptide." I offered.
Winter nodded. "She'd appreciate that. We'll do some poking around to figure out a good route through the range." He paused then pulled out a folded square of canvas. "Oh, and Wraps dropped off a new map; she apparently went flying out to check trails for us and spot any sign of raider camps."
"How far north is the site?" I asked.
"It's a few hours. Gregor's Cauldron." He explained, unfolding the map for me. "Agate Point's still abandoned so Riptide's attackers must have come from further north."
"Ah, well, guess we'll be cutting inland around then won't we?" I asked as I looked over the map.
"Probably, for the best." He chuckled. "I don't envy the folks who're going to be stationed here. There's still lots of work that needs to be taken care of. A new transmitter and tower, one of those fancy portable generators, not to mention the roof leaks as bad as your library's." He snorted as he gave my side a jab, making me roll my eyes. "But that is for other ponies to deal with. We got our job to do, they got theirs."
I let out a long sigh. "Yeah, I guess."
"In the name of security." He sighed with me. "Not how we expected the town to grow, is it?"
"Yeah, but that's always something to keep in check." I offered.
"Mmmhm." He nodded.
We sat outside for a few more hours before dawn broke. Riptide was quiet as we left with the cart. I didn't push for any conversation; we had the bodies of four of her relatives in the cart. I hadn't seen them, didn't want to. A few days out in the open would have left them a terrible sight.
While it had taken us hours to arrive at the caves going up hill one would have expected it to take less time to get home by going down hill. Unfortunately this is not the case when hauling a heavy cart full of things you desperately wish to gently carry to their destination. The worst of it wasn't the strain of keeping the cart under control going downhill. No, instead the worst of it was the wind at our backs blowing the scent of days old dead ponies that also casually carried the scent of the ocean and dead fish with them.
Riptide for her part kept quiet the entire trot back but beside me with her head at least level instead of her eyes locked on the cart or her hooves. I had unfortunately made the trip to bury others a few times and been in her hooves before as well as my current position. Both situations were not easy and my heart went out to her, sympathy was one thing the Guard hadn't robbed me of even if they warned us of it being used against us.
When we arrived at the cemetery my eyes scanned over the unfortunately familiar markers. Too many friends were buried here, lost before getting their cutiemarks, snuffed out before getting to really experience life. In more than a few cases even their parents wandered off and disappeared. I didn't understand why when I was a filly but I could now.
It was not easy to lose your reason to go on. It had taken becoming older to realize that hopelessness. Hopelessness could easily become terminal. Part of me even wondered about the wisdom in bringing a foal into the world as it was. There were places like Saint Clover across Equestria, on my more bleak days I felt it was a pointless existence.
Regardless, today was a day I needed to be there for somepony else. I had to remember life wasn't just a series of losses and pain, that our kind was just circling the drain waiting to be finished off. There were happy moments, tender moments, fleeting sparks of life that defined what it was to be alive over the malaise emotion of the world. In these moments we were our best, and I did what I could to be a shoulder for Riptide to lean on, a pony who had lost everypony dear to her. I helped her bury her family, helped her focus on the good times, and remind her already she had some genuine joy.
To lose others was never easy, but friends could help you find the light. Find the light in the depths of darkness our own hearts and minds can sink to in that ocean of sorrow. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 5 - Woods | "Many of the walking wounded in the wasteland have no visible injuries, the wasteland psychologically wounds deeper than anyone could have ever imagined."
-Wasteland Doctor's Field Guide
We returned to the gift shop over the sea lion caves a few hours later. Riptide had ended up resting in the back of the cart. The whole affair had left her emotionally drained which reflected in her physical state.
As one would expect, the drive up the hill was harder than going down. The mist that began to settle over the area didn't help as the cart's wheels were slipping on the now wet moss. The whole affair made me silently whisper a thank you to the princesses for the body I had.
Thinking about myself my mind drifted to comparing Riptide and myself. She was a head taller than I but then again I was about average for a wasteland pony. Malnutrition, minor constant radiation, and the general stresses of the wasteland meant most of us were smaller than those before the bombs. Regardless, ponies were hardy things so while we might have been a bit smaller we were just as tough if not tougher thanks to how things were now. One thing I was happy about was that I still had all of my teeth. That was one thing Saint Clover had two centuries of, friggin toothpaste.
We left the cart with the ponies at the tourist shop. Winter, Ocean, and Sil were ready to head out when we arrived. We took a bit to rest while I let my legs recover and got Riptide to eat and drink something. That seemed to help her a little. Four hours was a bit of a trip, but if need be I knew I could carry a pony for a while. Part of the medic training was being able to carry a pony twice our weight for long distances.
Searose was, as Winter had said, abandoned; a burned out, quiet, husk of a town. We didn't go through the heart of it; there were too many ways we could be ambushed and my gut agreed with that assessment.
The caw of birds and the rustle of critters in the bushes made us jumpy. Winter and Ocean took the lead while I minded Sil and Riptide. Searose, as we trotted around the outskirts of the abandoned town, was host to signs of recent temporary habitation. There were fire pits, fresh tracks, well fresh enough to still be around, detritus from staying a night. My gut told me this had been the staging grounds by the looks of it for the assault on home.
Nothing jumped out at us as we continued to go, our guns were at the ready though. After getting north of the ruins I trotted backwards with Sil guiding me with her tail. Trotting backwards wasn't something ponies were really meant to do but with enough training I could manage and we weren't going terribly fast, given we wanted to be careful. Riptide one time when I looked over my shoulder was looking at Sil and I as we had locked tails with a slight hint of amusement.
Riptide's look I ignored and dismissed, Sil and I had trained together in the guard, and having somepony watching your back was damn important. Princesses knew that I had been on the bad end of an encounter more than a few times due to lacking somepony watching our withers.
The trot north of Yachats was fine, after we had cleared the abandoned town I relaxed a bit but kept throwing a glance back to check that nothing was following us.
An hour later we arrived at Grogar's Cauldron, our approach was met with the smell of rotting flesh. When we drew closer to the ancient shore that was host to a mysterious offshore hole. What bit I knew about this place was nopony was certain where the offshore hole went, but water constantly flowed into it and vanished forever. On the rough rocky ground soaked in ocean spray, we saw numerous rotting corpses left to rot. From fallen Raiders to ocean creatures, from bare ponies to brahmin. This was a site of slaughter, and the air was heavy with the smell of it.
Riptide couldn't bear to even look at the sight so I guided her over the uneven rocks as she cried into my mane. Winter and Ocean kept a dutiful eye out for signs of trouble ahead of us as we headed inland along a smaller dirt road. Sil took up the rearguard.
With a few hours behind us, we had made it quite a ways inland. Here the road turned to mud, the air filled with the buzz and rustle of life just out of sight. The road followed a creek inland, both cutting a path inland through the thick forest around us. The more natural greens surrounded us as we pushed ever-forward away from home.
As the road went higher along the narrow valley we were trekking through we got a good view of the valley ahead. Through Winter's scope, we both agreed on an area of dry ground ahead of us as the road neared the riverbed. It would make for our campsite tonight, a far better alternative than the abandoned scenic overlook which was little more than a muddy pit of gravel and sucking muck.
Winter and Ocean had their own tent which was a small blessing for me. The rest of us set up the larger tent to share. Once camp had been made we got down to making a fire. Said fire sat under a makeshift cover of old tree bark and branches to keep the rain out and diffuse the light. The first watch landed in my lap. Ocean and Winter would take the other two.
The watch was dull, cold, wet, and dark. After the previous week, it was a nice break from the gunfire, smoke, dull orange glow of fire, and being drenched in fear.
One thing I can safely say is that even after being through combat many times before it never stops being as scary as Tartarus. Then again that's why the guard is important, those few of us who carry the scars of taking the life of another so not everyone has to. Not like everyone who went through the guard had to do what we did over the past week.
My mind wandered to thinking about the combat I had done. It certainly feels a lot different between being up close and firing rounds down range toward where you see shapes. Sure I had killed some through a long-distance scope but I never saw their faces, not like when I was at medium range or... I shivered as memories of ending lives with a knife brushed against my mind. That terrible feeling of taking the life of another will never leave me. I really hope it never does, because if it does oh I am not going to feel good reflecting on that.
My thoughts continued to wander for the three hours of my watch, at which time Ocean joined me under the cover of the rain shield of old tree bark. She looked like she wanted to say fuck it and crawl back into bed with her mate. I couldn't blame her given I knew that feeling, especially considering it was concerning her buck. Why did it have to be those two with us? Oh well, skill is skill, even if it stings.
"Hey, Moony." Ocean began before stifling a yawn. "You look like shit. How about you get some sleep? I can imagine Sil will feel a lot better with you in the tent with her." That got me to raise my eyebrow at her. "You know, because this is the first time she's going this far from home, where we're going I mean."
That made me sigh, a deep tired sigh. Ocean was just looking out for me, for us, as she should given she was our leader.
"I guess the past week has been exhausting so I would look like shit." I agreed with her. "Do you need anything before I hit the sack?"
"No, I'm good. Well as good as I can be." She answered truthfully as she used the embers I had kept warm to heat a drink.
The gentle rain had turned into a blanket of mist by the end of my watch, leaving things nice and quiet save for the gentle babbling of the creek next to us.
Crawling into my tent I found the other two mares still fast asleep. Sil's familiar and comforting gentle snoring was present, ready to ease me into slumber while Riptide's breathing was uneven as she lay facing away from me. Once more my heart went out to the mare.
Sil's forelegs wrapped around me as I crawled in beside her, muttering something in her sleep. Her warmth was comforting and so I snuggled into it, what comfort I could have given to Riptide I felt would make her startled and backfire. So I let myself drift off holding my foalhood friend.
With frustration in my heart I awoke in the morning without coaxing, well before Sil given her hooves were still wrapped around me. Her warmth against the cool damp air clinging to my eartips made me briefly snuggle into her grasp. Her familiar scent, gentle breathing and heartbeat kept me company as I continued to awaken; being in the Guard had ruined my ability to sleep in. Begrudgingly I disentangled myself from her clinging hoove, though I had little desire to leave the warmth of the zebra.
Once outside and telling Sil to get a bit more rest I joined Winter under the makeshift cover as I restarted the fire. We then proceeded to heat some water and make a warm breakfast. Mash wasn't ideal but it would do; I didn't feel like eating any of the other options we had on us.
Half an hour or so rolled by then Ocean had decided to join us, quietly leaning on her stallion as they shared a cup of hot tea. Riptide joined us not long after, her eyes unfocused. I offered her my tea and she absentmindedly took a sip only to spit it back out, blushing furiously. Apparently, my tea did its job in waking her even if it wasn't to her taste.
"Well I guess she thought it was something else." I giggled to Winter.
"Ugh, how the fuck do you drink this?" Riptide asked as she sent the canteen back to me. I took a sip of it. "It's foul, I expected water."
Winter spoke up before I could "Moony needs her caffeine in the morning but doesn't like coffee." He explained and gave me a grin. "She can get really cranky if she has to be doing things early after a night watch. Caffeine helps her not shoot first and ask questions later in those situations."
I snorted. "Just don't give me too much caffeine or I'll go back to shooting first and asking questions later."
"And that's why she doesn't get coffee." Winter nodded sagely.
"Even if it would have saved our asses a few times." Ocean teased.
Riptide warmed up some water and got out some seaweed to go with the mash. "I'll just not ask about that. Point being, no feeding the grey unicorn coffee for the sake of not unleashing a living storm of violence upon the wasteland."
"Correct." Ocean giggled at my expense while I just rolled my eyes, chortling.
Winter turned to look at me, smiling as he unfurled a map of the region. "So Moony, you weren't around when we laid out the path. Let me fill you in."
And there was that confused storm of feelings in me. Whatever, breakfast and planning over these feelings.
Winter meanwhile continued with the explanation, ignoring the flashes of emotions across my muzzle. "So we're cutting in here so as to not get closer to Hayshore. We're going to let the others handle checking out the other towns along the shore." He explained as he pointed to spots on the map as I held it up in my magic. "We're going to hit the small town of Fisher and from there to Alsea. Once there Alsea it's north onto Wayhill and then we hit the old Five and go north. We'll deal with what we find as it comes up."
Once his explanation was done I took a moment to magically mark our path out and where we planned to stop for the night each day. "Alright, that's easy enough and we got a number of alternative paths so we should be good." I said, folding and stowing the map. "We'll have a decent view of what's ahead of us coming out of the hills into Wayhill. I like it, things should be pretty calm until we get to the Willamanette valley."
Riptide piped up having listened in. "So how long do you think it will take?"
I rocked my head side to side as I thought about how fast we had managed to go so far.
Ocean answered for me. "Probably three days to Alsea, another three to Wayhill. We should get to Fisher tonight."
Winter nodded at that. "Plus Wraps said it was clear through here. It's a bit surprising that there aren't any raiders out here." Winter said with a dismissive shake of his mane.
Riptide nodded digesting the information. "So it's just going to be a nice quiet trot through the backwoods?" She asked.
Her question made me giggle. "As far as I can tell, yeah."
We took our time getting ready for the trot ahead of us. Winter bid me to wake Sil so I did, or at least tried to; she dragged me back into the warm confines of her sleeping bag in her half-asleep stupor for cuddles. The warmth and comfort defeated my will to go on a cold wet march through the hinterlands.
Half an hour later Winter poked his head in then giggled when he saw Sil with her head against my chest fluff. My cheeks flushed as he gently shook his head at us.
A few minutes later Sil was out of bed and leaning on me, sipping her tea while the rest broke down the camp. While I kept an eye out for trouble and minded Sil, I pondered on why she was suddenly glued to me. Then again we had grown up together so I was as close to an anchor for her out here in the ocean of the unknown we waded through.
An hour later we were several miles inland. Thankfully the roads had mostly dried out over the night. The weather had continued to hold with a gentle mist, the heads of hills were stuck into low lying clouds Through the narrow valleys the wind still rustled through the branches of the conifers, de-leafing the deciduous trees around us. The buzz of the life around us had quieted the further we had gone inland.
A whine steadily built up as we continued to trot further inland, existing over the buzz of the forest life. The noise made me flick my ear as if to bat away a fly buzzing around my head. Without asking I got acknowledgement from Winter by way of a simple look as his own ears flicked instinctively.
Before we could take more than a moment to start scanning our surroundings something slammed into my side. The edges of my vision darkened and my hearing blanked out as I felt the sensation of sailing through the air. Suddenly I could hear that whine again, only louder this time. When I regained my sight again all I could see was chitin.
This was definitely not how I desired to experience flying given I was now in the many-limbed grasp of a giant pony eating insect. The nightmarish vespidae had its massive stinger lodged into my side through a saddlebag and while I couldn't feel it I knew the lack of pain wasn't a good sign. I tried to worm my way out of its grasp but that only made it push its stinger deeper in, its limbs closing on me harder. It was then that I saw movement within what I now knew was the parasitic wasp's abdomen.
Fuck, fuck, fuckity fuck, it's laying eggs! Well those will take a bit to hatch but I need to escape. Now how to-
That train of thought was quickly derailed when the sound of gunfire rang out. The insect foalnapping me staggered and I used that moment to tempt fate by lighting my horn to cast a spell. This proved futile as it acted like a moth to a flame and clamped its mandibles onto my horn, causing my eyes to water and my spell to fizzle out.
Thankfully it proved to be enough of a distraction for my captor, its body shuddering as many more shots cracked into its chitin making it falter in its flight. It was then that I noticed the rapidly approaching trees lining the valley's wall.
"Oh this ain't good." I whimpered to myself as I braced for a crash landing.
Our struggle came to a very abrupt end when the massive wasp slammed into a tree. Having grown up watching other fliers like gryphons and hippogriffs earn either a one way trip to the infirmary or an early grave from such a crash I knew the wasp was done for. We tumbled down to the ground and, as my luck would have it landed with the bulk of the insect on top of me, knocking the air out of my lungs.
With only a brief moment to gain my bearings I drew my pistol and flicked the safety off in my magic as the wasp twitched and buzzed, attempting to get back into the air. I unloaded an entire magazine into the underside of the critically injured creature until it stopped moving; even if it was trying to parasitize me with its young I wouldn't let it suffer a slow painful death. Unfortunately this meant I now had to carry its dead weight on my shoulders as I frantically tried to get out from under the damn thing.
Grunting and panting, I managed to make my way out of the demon spawn insect's deadhand. Pain coursed through me as I laid in the underbrush and caught my breath. Looking at the dead insect and its stinger I remembered the violation of my form caused by it and then immediately checked my side. To my relief I didn't find any wounds though I couldn't say the same for my saddlebags. Examining the contents of the saddlebag I found my busted up tea box filled with small translucent eggs. I froze, my mind failing to comprehend the disgusting sight before I snapped, using my magic to launch the eggs out of sight into the forest.
A minute later my mind recentered itself. "The... The fucking wasp was after my tea? MY TEA?! Why in the actual fuck would a wasp want to lay eggs in my tea?!" I swore as I double checked for a hole on the other side of my saddlebag before giving the insect corpse a glare. "I fucking swear Discord made this thing specifically to deprive folks of caffeine!"
If it had managed to lay any eggs in me I didn't see any. A quick detection spell over my body and the lack of exit hole on the other side of the saddlebag had me feeling relieved. I spared another glance at the insect and pulled out my knife, stalking towards it to make sure the likely dead wasp wouldn't be getting back up. Now that I had a moment to examine it outside of fighting for my life I could see it was a long orange and yellow wasp with horrifyingly long and flexible stinger-ovipositor. The shell of the insect was cracked with it's ichor leaking out around the exposed flesh.
The distant calls of my friends dragged my attention away from my would be foalnapper. I trotted off in the direction of their voices, pushing through the underbrush till I got to the bank of a river running through the bottom of the gully I was in. My friends were looking down at me, waving but I couldn't make out what they were saying.
I made an executive decision. "I'm fine!" I shouted up and made pointing gestures with my hooves, hoping they would understand. "Keep heading for Fisher, that road and this creek go the same way!" Their response was faint and unintelligible, and soon they began to head in the direction I pointed.
Sparing a moment of time, the pellet sized hole in my saddlebag was patched with a bit of tape. I lacked the time to do more but at least it wasn't going to split apart any time soon. The trek upstream was easier said than done at a number of points; algae and moss covered rocks made me lose my hoofing and the stream itself was bitterly cold which drained me while keeping me painfully awake. The only upside I could see was that I got a lot of practice of squeezing my coat out with my magic to dry off. Unfortunately it wasn't as effective as I had hoped for as unlike Argent's method as my technique didn't add any warmth.
Two hours later I finally made it to Fisher. I could see Sil sitting at the top of the thankfully low slope that led down to the creek. She waved a hoof at me and I waved back. A few minutes later I was hugging her as we took a moment to relax in each others' company; the solo trot had been nerve-fraying and given the way Sil looked she was about as distressed as I was.
Before I could strike up a conversation with Sil I was distracted by the scent wafting from Fisher, the smell of rot. Taking a moment to gaze around our new settings I could see a few homes, many covered in what I could only describe as a diverse colony of fungi. Nature was in the process of consuming the town. My eyes slid to what lay outside of the homes; fields untended for who knows how long had grown wild and left to grow and die as the world decided.
Sil noticed where I was looking and gave me a comforting nuzzle, slowly leading us to where the others were.
Winter caught sight of us first. "Oh hey Sil, just in time. We found a terminal for you to take a crack at. I have no idea how it still has power but, eh whatever it means you can have your way with it." Winter said before he trotted up to me and hugged me. "The hell was that thing?"
Sil gave me a nod and trotted off to deal with the errant terminal. I nodded back to her, my eyes following her for a fleeting moment before I answered Winter's question.
"It was some kind of fucked up giant wasp," I recounted. "Honestly fuck if I know what the bastard really was but I do know that it was a toss-up between my tea or me and I got fucking lucky it liked how the tea smelled more." I shook my head. "Thankfully my saddlebag tricked it into thinking it had penetrated my side and it deposited its eggs there instead. I returned the favor by depositing bullets into it and tossing away said eggs."
He nodded at my explanation. "Well, you don't smell too different from the other mares so it must have been the tea." He explained as he ended the hug with a sigh. "As it is, Sil got the shot that made it go to ground. She's remembering pretty quickly what her dad taught her. So how banged up are ya?"
That got me to roll my eyes, the thought of how I smelled compared to the other mares long gone. "Thankfully not that badly. Some bruises and a bit stressed out from the event followed by trotting up through cold water." I answered and rubbed my chest to emphasize the bruised part before continuing. "Anyways, what have you found, anything interesting or of use?"
"Not much, Ocean and Riptide are checking a house right now to see if it's safe to sleep in given, you know, the circus of fungus growing on a few of them." He sighed. "Right now it is looking like the barn is our best bet for a place to bed down. Somepony stored some hay in there and I have no idea how it's still good."
The idea of still-good hay made me curious as to how we could augment our supplies. "Well the barn sounds good, folks are more likely to check houses instead. Not that I don't find it curious as to what happened here, but given how everything is right now--" I said before being cut off by a yawn.
"It's likely nopony has been around for a good while," he finished for me before turning to look at the sky. "It's getting close to nightfall. How about you go keep Sil company, I'll keep an eye out for any trouble."
I gave the stallion a smirk and giggled. "Yeah, more giant insects." I snorted. "Out of everything the end of the world could have given us why is it so common that insects got stupidly big?"
He chuckled at that. "To teach us of our hubris in thinking we ruled the world for one," he said. "And two, because something like giant snakes would make us unable to think straight."
The notion of a giant snake made me shiver in fright. "Okay, maybe." I groused as I headed in the direction of the barn.
Upon entry to the barn, the noise of Sil tapping away at a keyboard made it easy to navigate to where my striped friend had squirreled herself away. I was mildly worried at her lack of reaction to hearing me coming in when I realized I had forgotten to announce myself. Regardless, she could've done with a bit more awareness overall so instead I settled down on the seat of an old tractor and watched her work. There I lay looking over her shoulder like a lazy cat, reading the logs along with her as the minutes dragged on.
Sil finally noticed my presence and cried out. "Fuck! By the stars, Moonlight, you scared me." She squeaked as she held a hoof to her chest while she caught her breath.
I felt a sense of amusement at her given I had done nothing but exist near her. I wasn't even watching her this time, instead gazing out a window to check for the rest of our group.
After a short giggle fit at Sil's expense, I answered her. "I'm sorry, Sil, I really didn't mean to scare you half to death I just don't care about the terminal." I giggled. "Figured I should keep an eye out for trouble given you got a little too engrossed in that terminal."
"Thanks, but you should have told me you were there earlier. I mean sure I would have still jumped, but..." She gave me a soft smile and then rolled her eyes.
I returned the smile. She was a cute zebra I had to admit to myself, never understood why she didn't have a mate already even if she did once complain to me about finding the right one for her. She was one of two I had known and both had brown stripes, which was odd given the ones I had seen in old Pre-Last Day posters were more varied, with different coat patterns akin to crystal ponies.
"I know, Sil, I get engrossed in work as well." I giggled. "Next time wait for one of us to be around before you dive into something otherwise it might not be one of us biting you on the flank."
She grumbled under her breath. "I wish you would."
I turned my attention back to her, having not heard what she said. "What was that?"
At that moment she hopped up on the tractor with me and poked a rib making my eyes water a little.
"Just that I was going to get you for that, so now we're even." She giggled before she leaned against me to wait for the rest of our entourage.
This got a giggle from me as well. I shook my head before turning to more pressing matters. "So I guess you had no joy with the terminal?" I asked her.
She turned her head away from me to the terminal. "Eh, nothing of use." She sighed.
With that I gave a shake of my mane. "Was a long shot that anything out here would be." I said.
She was looking at me again. And I chalked it up to her being worried about the whole being dragged off by a giant insect thing.
Time moved along like a...
Slow moving body of water, bayou? I needed more words to describe low moving flows. Okay let's try again.
As a slow moving evening crawled upon us like a sleepy beetle, the other three eventually showed back up, the mountain mists rolling in behind them. We made camp and with some clever use of cans and string we set up an early alert system; if the doors to the barn were ever opened in the night, the contraption set into the hinge would fall out and make a commotion. We then settled in out of view of the windows before making a small fire on the concrete. For tinder we used some of the excess dry hay. Without much effort I used my magic to ignite our campfire and Winter took to tending the weak flame so it could keep the damp cold out.
First watch was once more in my lap but I was used to that. Ocean and Winter somehow managed to function off of split sleep and I had no idea how since neither were caffeine fiends. Whatever the case may be this meant that I had the painful, psychologically tortuous task of watching the others sleep while also being tired.
Three hours into my watch I was startled by sudden noises. Out came the gun as I let my ears twitch and start to home in on the source of the sound. As I panned my head left to right I suddenly locked eyes with Riptide's who looked embarrassed and scared. With an exhausted sigh I holstered the pistol and took a moment to collect myself with breathing exercises.
"Sorry, I'm just jumpy." I apologized to Riptide while keeping my voice down.
She shook her head. "No, it's alright." She replied as she recomposed herself.
"So, do you need anything?" I asked as she trotted over to me.
"Um, could I have some company?"
I gave her a nod. "That I can do that." I said as I let her lean against me.
There was no need to ask what was wrong. I knew those familiar eyes, I had seen them often enough in the mirror. Trauma was a frightful predator, one that haunted one's dreams oh so vividly long after the events that inflicted it; like a partially healed scar that left its mark forever. Gently I brushed her mane while she let out quiet sobs.
With myself indisposed and the three hours of my watch over, I used my magic to prod Ocean awake to take her watch. She took one look at me comforting Riptide and gave a tired knowing smile before settling down in the chair before the terminal to start her watch. Riptide continued to use me as a body pillow and handkerchief, letting all her feelings bleed out as tears and quiet sobs into my chest fluff. Tired as I was, I soon drifted to sleep beside the mare.
-=O=-
The beginning of awareness was marked by the smell of bread. I cracked my eyes open to see Winter cooking haycakes with the excess hay that was here. I had no idea where he procured the other ingredients but I had long learned to stop asking as the answers invariably made my brain hurt. Upon seeing that I was awake, he wordlessly offered one and in return. I gave him a tired smile as I floated the haycake to my mouth. I had no desire to move with the poor mare by my side fast asleep, actually looking at peace for once. Ocean for her part was sipping a hot drink and making more for the rest of us.
Thank the Princesses for magic, otherwise I'd wake Riptide up.
This morning was less strictly paced than the past two; instead we decided to take it slow for once, letting the general feeling of tiredness settle over us.
Upon waking, Sil saw my predicament and just silently giggled before sticking her head out the door. The way her mane ruffled told me a gentle eastward wind had settled in with a light mist. She joined me with food of her own and sipped at my tea as always. Riptide woke up from the noise of movement around her and the smell of food and caffeine. The mare took a good few minutes before letting go of me with a small blush on her muzzle. Not like I minded the possessive hugging she had given me in her slumber. It wasn't unusual for folks to grab onto an anchor in a tempest, emotional or weather.
Once Sil and Riptide had their morning routines done we headed out. A light rain mixed in with the mountain mist for our trot, the pitter-patter of the rain on our barding and surrounding trees was ever-present as we trekked through ever more muddy trails. The groaning from the trees grew louder as the wind picked up, adding to the cacophony around us. After yesterday all of us bristled at the sound of life in the underbrush. The day was far more anxious than was warranted but none of us felt like having an unexpected flight courtesy of things that couldn't be reasoned with.
When lunch came around we decided to stop under the cover of a turned-over autocarriage. As we ate we saw a few birds and heard of what could have possibly been squirrels or mice running in the underbrush. We even saw proper-sized insects flitting about. It was as if nature had simply ignored the end of our civilization and continued on without us. In a way it was soothing to sit back and bask in the tranquility, even making my mind drift to thoughts about the future. That maybe one day our world would be like this if peace was not found between the remnants of our civilization, only the most sturdy of ruins reminders of the foolishness that had once marred the healed world.
Then again, for some reason, most of Equestria had never healed like it had out here. Did we have clean soil, or did the proximity to the coast mean something? Could it have been the lack of balefire contamination since the only important coastal cities were far to the north and south of us?
Our reality bugged me. It wasn't that folks had gotten so angry at one another that they turned our world into ashes in a fireplace. What bugged me was that islands of nature remained with clean water and farmable land, and yet for a hundred years we had done nothing to improve our nation. Hopefully one day someone will figure out the intricacy of things, the hows and whys, and leave the past well alone. After all, anyone who had been remotely responsible for the blight on our world had probably long atoned for their sins either from horrible undeath or radiation.
With less than an hour of daylight left we crested the last hill separating us from Alsea. The rural town was less green than the hills, almost as if pony settlements were a blight. Worryingly Alsea had some lights on, unlike Fisher, and thin trails of smoke rose from many buildings. All of the signs of life that did little to fill me with ease.
While we were still well within the Seamane range we could now see the valley where our highway out to the Willmanementte rested. Ahead of us was the inevitable interaction with interior ponies as well as the threat of dealing with whatever politics existed out here. Regardless we had accomplished the first step of our journey; we had made it to the interior, kinda.
I shook my mane and refocused on the issue at hoof, Alsea. We needed shelter for the night and with no idea as to who or what was within this town, I turned the safety off on my guns as we made our descent.
"Let's uh, keep away from ponies here," I announced. "Maybe have a moment to rest and recover before we have to deal with the locals and, if possible leave before any trouble finds us."
Winter nodded in agreement. "Right, let's keep an eye and ear open for any trouble."
Ocean nodded too and added. "Remember, our first priority is finding a proper shelter."
As we moved slowly into the empty suburbs around the town, a song started playing on my internal harp of distress. Strings of apprehension tensioned by stress and plucked on by every little noise and movement out of the corner of my eyes manifested as jitters and twitching externally.
To our fortune and my relief, no further signs of life showed themselves. The mists helped cover our entrance and quiet the sounds our hooves made but I still felt the twinges of panic as we toured the dead quiet suburb. The lack of bodies, traps, or movement frustrated my mind. The place screamed trap yet nothing came. I had learned to trust my gut feeling when it came to these things and despite all my anxieties, all evidence pointed to the contrary, that this part of town was dead.
We pushed into an open building, some of its lights still flickering with life. We were in what looked like the main living area. A sofa rotted away to its metal frame, a working radio sat at a table spitting out static and the walls showed markings of mold. We pushed on out through the back door and moved to another house. Reasonably enough we weren't willing to stay in a building with such an obvious mold infestation.
Finding more houses with working radios, we did a little investigation and found the radios tuned to the same frequency. Said frequency was a local radio station set up in the town, likely an emergency broadcast system for the community. Given the lack of music, chatter, or anything but static, it must have been abandoned. The working lights left on were also a curiosity. The place had been hit at some point during the evening or night. Maybe hit was the wrong term, but something had made those who lived here bug out in a hurry. Hopefully whatever that was wouldn't bother us tonight.
Two centuries ago this would've looked like we were touring the neighborhood house shopping. We just had different priorities. As the hour dragged on we hurriedly tried to find a place overlooking Alsea. We had also decided it was best to cut off as many routes of approach to us while also giving us overwatch on the throat of the valley while securing the ass end of it.
Eventually, we found a neighborhood close to the edge of the hill watching over Alsea. The lack of working lights gave us ease of mind, as did the absence of random radio static.
Our trail was a series of lawns, removing fences so as to keep out of sight if anyone was watching the road. Between careful hoofsteps on damp grass and keeping buildings between the large road and us, we kept our presence to a bare minimum. Unfortunately for us every house we wandered past we found caved-in roofs, terrible water damage, standing water, and a few times bloatsprites and other festering insects were feasting on whatever was left. More than a few of the still-standing homes were home to the remains of ponies. The brittle state of the remains spoke volumes as to the age.
Before the end of the neighborhood, we found a mostly intact home whose front door was still locked. Luckily for us, the back door wasn't and we soon found ourselves in a home lost to time that was welcoming of new residents.
While we had before lived in a rather well-kept home it was nothing like pre-war homes. I wasn't the only one of us to find it amusing that we randomly stumbled upon a temporally displaced house given the end goal for Seamane was to restore the town to a state like this. Searching the place we found the calendar had stopped being updated a few weeks after the Last Day which told us everything we needed to know. The prior residents had moved out fancying their chances somewhere else.
The first floor still had furniture throughout, none showing signs of distress from folks fleeing or fighting and some even had covers draped over them. What was probably the most telling thing was the lack of any long-dried blood. The dichotomy between clean and abandoned messed with my nerves but then again I was also used to the time-worn homes where the age of the building couldn't be missed. I was also used to living on a ship with spots of rust, scuffs, and scrapes with the thrum of ventilation.
Regardless this wasn't our home yet and we took our time doing a sweep of the entire house. Half an hour later and having cleared the house of any possible hazards in hiding we had our sanctuary for the night.
We divided the house among us. Ocean and Winter agreed to take the guest room while the rest of us decided to share the master bedroom on the other side of the floor to give them some privacy. Between us we had access to two bathrooms and what was once someone's office. The upside to this arrangement was not only that we were near but also had the edge of the second-floor platform letting us see anyone who came inside.
Finally having some proper downtime for the first time in days, I peeled off my equipment and tested the water. Whatever heating element existed Pre-War continued to function as did the fresh water supply. Oh, the wonders of old-world plumbing please wash the wasteland off of me.
Wiping at the steamed-up mirror, I went about tending to the rest of my hygiene after a well-deserved bath. It was funny brushing with somepony else's toothbrush, but I doubted any mouth bacteria could've survived over the centuries.
Refreshed, cleaned, and with my barding cleaned off of the grime I had gotten from the past few days left me feeling warm and fuzzy. Dinner wasn't long after and was a short, quiet affair that was followed up by curling up with the two mares under my guardianship. To that end, my pistol and rifle rested on the wall, as were the other weapons we had in our care.
My last thought before drifting off was silly but apt given our situation.
I really wish I had packed a shotgun. Guess I'll nab one whenever I find one next. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 6 - Fog | "The fog hides many things and distorts the world. Maybe it is not the fog that distorts and hides things in the fog but the psyche of those who walk in it. A mirror into the mind."
-Unknown
I awoke early again despite having a comfortable mattress to lay on even if it was a bit tight between Sil and Riptide. The upside to sleeping with the two mares sandwiching me was I wasn't cold.
The window displayed a frosty foggy morning. It was only mildly cool inside and I wasn't getting the best view from bed but I could at least see a coat of condensation on the inside of the window, thankfully without a trace of ice on the window sill. I lay in bed and let my mind wander.
Riptide had wanted to share the bed because it was going to be a cold and I had been good at helping her feel safe enough to let her guard down for sleep. Sil on the other hoof was used to sharing a bed during sleepovers from our youth as well as enjoying the warmth I put out. This way we also didn't need to unpack our sleeping bags and it kept us together instead of being separated from the herd in the last bedroom across the house. This had been the second safest option for us as a group. The safest while maintaining privacy for Winter and Ocean.
Riptide hadn't been the quietest sleeper. Throughout the night she had woken me up a few times with her whimpering. I couldn't tell if she was awake or not during it but my heart had gone out to the mare, causing me to hold her close. I had to admit she was made of some strong stuff to not decide to curl up for a few days or months in the safety of Saint Clover before going on this trip. Or worse, to disappear into the wasteland like others who had lost it all. I had... seen that before.
It had been a few years, half a decade maybe since I lost anyone close. I knew ponies who died, but didn't really know them. It had been a while since I had felt loss like she had but I had seen in others and in myself how debilitating it could be. It heartened me to see her try her best to press on.
Riptide shifted against me. I realized I had been holding her and my mind froze as I worried she might get the wrong idea. She just nuzzled her head in under mine against my neck, barely above the thick comforter. I felt relieved that I could have a bit more time to think of a way to make this less awkward.
Then I felt Sil press against me from the other side, her head coming into view as she looked over my shoulder.
"My my..." Was all she said before getting out from under the covers. Sil crept to the master bathroom and politely closed the door with barely a click. The muffled sound of running water began a bit later. It wasn't hard to figure out Sil was getting her turn with the warm water. I frowned as Riptide stirred more, wondering if it was because she had heard the water.
"Moonlight?" Riptide asked in a half-awake tone.
"Yes?" I answered.
"Why are you snuggled up with me?" She asked.
"Because you were whimpering in your sleep and when I held you, you relaxed," I explained.
"Oh." She said before she yawned. "Mind if I stay here for a bit? You're nice and warm and I can feel how cold it is out of bed on my horntip."
"Yeah, go for it," I said looking at the wall while Riptide pressed herself against me for my warmth.
I heard the bedroom door open and I turned my head to see Winter coming in. He stopped and gave me a smirk before quietly backing out. Really, my empathy is going to make this awkward? I rolled my eyes. Whatever, momentary embarrassment that was coming was worth helping a heart mend. It was the right thing to do.
Sil came out from the bath and smiled at me. "Your turn, Riptide. It's nice and warm in there."
Riptide stirred and lifted her head from the covers. "Hot water?" She said groggily. She had a serious case of bedmane which made me giggle even as I got a faceful of it.
"Lots of it. A good way to warm up." Sil answered.
Riptide rolled over me and slid out of the covers. She went into the bathroom and flipped into the tub and soon managed to get the water going after some fumbling and wiggling in the tub. I just lay there blinking in astonishment.
Shaking my head, I got out of bed, not needing to stay in it to warm or comfort anypony any longer. I trotted out of the room to check on the others. Downstairs I saw Ocean struggling with the old kitchen and Sil jokingly giving her advice on how to get the ancient stovetop to work. Winter was sitting at the back as he looked out a window.
"Hey Winter, what's got your attention?" I asked.
"Hoofprints."
I frowned as he pointed them out to me. There were several tracks, but I wasn't certain what they belonged to. The hoofprints weren't like ponies. Maybe a ghoul's given the shape, cracked hooves and all. Didn't know if hooves or anything even grew on ghouls. Whatever the case, the doors were still locked, as if somepony had looked in and then left.
"Well, we can't stay here, that's obvious." I said, "Not that we had planned to."
"Yep, looks like we'll need to go as soon as we're ready." Winter nodded.
"I'll check on Riptide," I said, turning to head upstairs. "She was pretty out of it this morning. You keep an eye on things down here." We both winced hearing something metal break. We looked back to see Ocean holding a rusted valve in her hoof. I let out a sigh. "And keep a nose up for gas."
"Can do." Winter chuckled. "Sil, make certain there isn't any gas coming out of there. We wouldn't want to blow ourselves up." I shook my head as I went up the stairs.
I entered the hot, steamy bathroom and looked at Riptide. I had to admit the warm, wet air was a nice reprieve from the cold in the rest of the house. The mare was lying in the tube with her nose just above the water. Her ears twitched at my hoofsteps.
"Okay, I know you were cold and wanted to relax some more but, seriously, you are just asking for trouble bathing like that," I said staring at the mat of mane that floated in the tub. "Come on, let's get you up so you don't fall asleep and drown yourself."
I put my hooves into the water and lifted Riptide only to find she was asleep. "Seriously..." I muttered. "I swear I am going to have to talk some sense into you..."
I woke Riptide with some gentle shaking. She was embarrassed at me finding her in the tub asleep instead of bathing. Despite her weak protest I soon started helping her wash down, making use of abandoned shampoo and conditioner, and my already wet hooves. She had a scent about her still and pre-war soap would attract less attention than her current smell. It would have been nice to find this place before I got clean in ice cold creek water. Oh well, when life deals you a hand and you have to play with what you get.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to." Riptide said with a deflated look.
"Riptide, accidents happen. I should have thought to check on you before going downstairs." I sighed. "You were acting all dopey but I figured that was just you in the morning so it's my fault as well. You are my ward after all."
Riptide just sat quietly as I finished washing her. She could have easily done it herself, but sometimes the little things are the hardest to do. I drained the tub and helped her towel off.
"I think I smell food." Riptide said as I finished drying her off.
"Guess one of them got the stove working." I smiled as I rolled my eyes.
"Food? Or did you want to wash up?" She asked.
"I got plenty clean in the creek while swimming upstream the other day, I'm good." I replied with a snort.
"Alright, well, let's get down there. I don't want to miss out on food," Riptide said before adding. "I have to keep telling myself to remember to eat. That's been hard to do at times."
"Yeah, I can relate. Just do what you can and lean on the rest of us for what you can't do on your own." I said as we trotted back into the bedroom. I grabbed our three bags and headed downstairs after we got our barding on, Sil's barding laid over my back.
We ate breakfast with a side of joviality. We had crossed the Seamane range and now the real trip began. I didn't like the idea of traveling in the fog but at the same time it would give us cover, which gave us some comfort given this was the last town until we hit Fillymath. Technically we had to go through Fillymath first but the map we had showed the two were basically one city now. Well, back then; growth had made Fillymath creep into Wayhill at some point.
We headed out not long after breakfast. Weapons checked and loaded. Feeds for our battlesaddles cleaned and connected. Barding tight and secure on us. Together we trotted into the deep fog that emanated from the trees on both sides of the valley.
The town was quiet, and I couldn't really discern any scents beyond the cold dampness of the air. Shades of buildings haunted our path as we left, the fog leaving them just shapes rising and falling from the gloom.
There were a few reasons I disliked traveling through fog. First its shifting nature often tricked my eyes with the illusion of movement. Second was how it, like snow, muffled the sounds of the world. Third it made everything slick and wet, causing reflections to spring up and disorient us. Fourth and finally when it was cold enough the fog would freeze on everything while staying in the air.
This morning, thankfully it was only the first two plaguing us. While it was only an hour or two to travel to Fillymath and then to Wayhill I still had my worries as we moved into more and more formerly populated areas. Beyond that I still worried about those tracks that we saw around the house in the grass. I just hoped it was somepony checking us out to see if we were moving in or not and would be happy we were just passing through.
An upside though to the fog was the lack of rain so we were drier and kept warmer as we continued our trek.
The intact buildings we passed still offered up little. We briefly passed a small post-War settlement that had collapsed after they had consumed all that was left in the surrounding area. The place wasn't rotten but it was clearly abandoned, or almost abandoned given the tracks we had seen. The upside to this was there were no signs of ghouls but given the distance from the big cities I wasn't surprised at the lack of undead ponies.
Within half an hour of us leaving the house we had descended down into the valley that would lead us towards the Columbmane basin. The fog was thick here even though we were in the valley now. With only the fog-clad specters of trees and the clacks of our hooves on cracked pavement for company we pushed on.
I kept my holster unlatched, same with the sheath on my knife. Maybe it was paranoia from being used to good vision lines or the bad sense of sound. The rest were on the same page as me, a bit on edge and ready for a fight with anything coming out of the fog. Riptide however didn't seem as on edge as I did about the fog.
One downside to the constant moisture in the air, and likely frequent afternoon rains here was the smell rot as we kept going along the Alsea highway to Fillymath. It apparently wasn't a common scent the closer one got to the cities and heartland of Equestria, the lack of protected wooden buildings out east the likely culprit. However, to even smell the rot like this it meant the moisture levels had been painfully high like this for days or weeks as of late.
The sky above remained its usual placid grey self when I could spot it among the breaks in the fog, the weather unmoved by my desire for the fog to burn off.
I had never seen sunshine on land before. Once as a filly we had gone out to sea a few miles and seen the blue sky and sun. It was a memory I treasured. It was before Silver had been born, so it was just Majar, Dad, Sil, and Mom out there. The sunlight had felt unreal to me then, even more so now as I reflected on the memories of its warmth and just how blue the skies were then. Even as I begged for the sun's return to burn away this fog and warm up the day, I still felt that strange ethereal nature to it. Even the night sky I had seen back then felt unreal. To me the sky was just clouds, to see otherwise was odd.
The morning passed without incident or many words between any of us. Riptide seemed to glisten in the dew as it gathered on us while my mane and coat just flattened and looked depressed. The others were in no better condition. This made me more curious about Riptide and her seeming affinity for water. It was a nice change to have a non-depressive thought in the wilderness as we traveled.
Occasionally I caught Riptide humming something to herself. It was no tune I recognized but she kept it quiet enough that I only caught the occasional note or chord. Maybe it was her way of dealing with the drabness of the fog-smothered road we were on, or maybe it was to take her mind off of the past week. I didn't mind it though; the occasional note or chord was nicer than the occasional spritebot blaring out some pre-war music, or advertisements. Some would even stop broadcasting music for a while, pausing in their path as if their programming had broken down upon seeing ponies once again. They would eventually make a pop and begin bobbing along like nothing happened. The entire thing was a bit unnerving but I shrugged it off since nothing came of it.
For lunch we went off the road for about minutes to an abandoned campsite. All we encountered were a few bloatsprites. Thankfully these were the variants that didn't shoot carapaced, half-developed children at us, instead opting to vomit radioactive and tainted digestive fluids. Since none of us suffered any open wounds we were no worse for wear. The radiation and probably some taint exposure wasn't great, but it was of a small amount and I didn't notice anything sprouting off of us.
Lunch was a simple affair of dried foodstuffs and a mix of fresh food from Seamane supplemented with canned pre-war food, which didn't help the radiation count. Not that we had any way to keep track of our radiation exposure levels.
"When we get to Dockland, or someplace with decent medical facilities we should get our radiation levels checked, possibly get some treatment if anypony's levels are too high." I said, more thinking aloud than directed at any of my companions. "I wish I had a chance to work on something to keep an eye on vitals while out here. Oh well, something to do when we get some down time."
"What, do you have plans for some kind of mobile miniature hospital?" Sil asked.
I snorted at the thought of carrying a miniature hospital on my back. "Not quite. Do you remember pipbucks? Those things stable dwellers have?" I asked then continued after a pause. "Something like that. I've seen a few of them on ponies as they passed through while I was on and off duty. Those damn things have all sorts of useful abilities; medical readouts, friend or foe identifier, magical aim assist, built in radio, inventory manager, and hacking tools. Pretty complicated but very useful, those lucky flanks."
I paused to grumble then continued. "Anyways, even getting something to do a fraction of that would be damn useful."
"Sounds like something anyone wandering the countryside should have." Riptide said. "But what are you looking at doing if it is so complicated?"
"Medical, maybe friend or foe," I started listing the functions. "Radio is... debatable. I mean, seriously, a radio? I don't see a use for one other than to broadcast your position. Hacking tools if I could figure out how to do the interface or a way to store the cables."
"Most of these things I could get from salvaging some medical equipment, pre-war robots, and finding someone's old terminal tools," I elaborated. "But yeah we'll see what happens. The real question is finding a place with all that equipment and the tools to work on all of it."
"If you can, would you make me one as well?" Riptide asked.
"Sure, so long as I figure out how to get the systems to work in harmony," I answered. "Easier said than done, probably."
"Yay!" Riptide exclaimed as she cleaned up the remains of her meal. "That would be very helpful and a nice token to remember you by."
"I'll at least try to make them once we are in Dockland." I said as I followed suit.
"Probably should look to make us all some of those," Ocean said. "Sooner the better, given we have no way of knowin' what's comin'."
"Yeah, you aren't wrong. It's on my priority list for the first town we hit." I glanced off to the side to a lone spritebot silently observing us, slowly bobbing in place. "I'm ignoring the spritebots for the most part because, well, I think if I shot one it would destroy everything in it."
"Fair point. Was just about to offer to blow that one out of the air." Winter said as he lowered his rifle. "Noticed that too?"
"Yeah. Might just be how they are." I stated with a shrug. "I figure they're probably directed ads for any pony they see, but nopony was around to reset them after the ads expired so they error out and go back to their default routine is my guess from what I've seen."
"Hmm, maybe. Best to keep an eye out for them. Y'know, in case they do anything... stranger than just watching." He admitted.
"Agreed. Still unsettling." I nodded with him.
With our lunch done we continued north again towards Fillymath. After that it was on to the old college town of Wayhill, supposedly named for how you could find your way by keeping the hills on one side and the Willmanemette on the other. From there we could either get some watercraft and go up river or north via the Five, depending on how bad things were around the pre-War cities along the river.
For the next few hours, our pace stayed the same, the fog staying thick and heavy to cover our advance. When the fog finally lifted we were met with the ruins of Fillymath. The suburb was a burnt husk, the mangled twisted remains of buildings left to burn in the aftermath of the bombs whistling and groaning in the late evening breeze.
We stopped and I broke out the binoculars while Winter used his rifle's scope to examine the ruins for any movement. I saw no signs of current occupation; there were skeletons, graffiti, and even what looked to be raiders encampments due to the prevalence of cages with skeletons in them. The lack of tarps, barrel fires, random gunfire, or yelling spoke to me that they were likely abandoned. This place was a graveyard, which was fine by me. I didn't know anyone buried here.
"I don't see any activity," I said putting my binoculars down. "Winter, I think it's been cleared out for a while. Not hearing anything either. How about you?"
"I got nothin' as well. This place is dead. Let's let Ocean know so we can move on through." Winter said as he got up.
I nodded as I put my binoculars back into their pouch on my side and sat up to rejoin the other three. Ocean agreed with our assessment so we formed up and began to move into the town using the old highway we had been following north. It cut right through the heart of the town but this way we at least had more options to scout ahead via accessible rooftops. Given we didn't see or hear anything moving, nor any sign of recent fires it was an acceptable risk. With the density of the town's buildings, we also had plenty of hard cover if needed.
"Jumpy?" Sil asked quietly, having long ago picked up more than a few of my nervous ticks.
"Mostly I just don't feel comfortable in a place like this. Not used to it," I replied as I glanced between buildings that I could make details out of through the light fog. "Woods, small towns of a few houses? Sure. This, not really."
"I can relate, I'm feeling jumpy too," Sil replied as she kept close but made certain not to brush against me.
"I've been through a friggen siege of our home, come on Moonlight, get it together," I muttered to myself.
Sil looked apologetic for having not been there for me when we had been under attack but she had been out of the guard for years. It wasn't her job anymore to run into the fire to save others.
We had done a decent job scouting the town from the hill outside and now that we were in it we had five sets of eyes and ears to keep track of everything. I didn't need to be so jumpy, is what I kept telling myself.
We made it a few blocks into town, a lot filled with ruined autocarriages on our right and boarded-up homes on our left before we noticed it: a soft groaning and shuffling. I held a hoof out to stop everyone else silently and fished out my binoculars again, quickly scanning our surroundings. It didn't take me long to spot them. I had heard and seen a few of them before and unfortunately for me, the binoculars gave me a much closer look than I ever wanted.
Ghoul ponies. They wandered aimlessly in the street ahead, among them many half-eaten raider bodies, chewed armor, and guns. Now we knew where the raiders were; ghouls had swarmed and driven them off or at least into hiding.
"Silently, slowly, take one of my knives. Your revolver is going to draw much more of them than my pistol." I whispered an explanation to Riptide beside me. My dad had explained to me how feral ghouls were entirely blind during one of his lectures on critters of the Wasteland. Sound was the main sense that remained for them and while some retained some sight it would be terrible in the twilight surrounding us.
Riptide pulled a knife out of my saddlebag while Winter and Ocean started heading south of us to creep along the fence of the ruined wagon lot. We slowed our pace from our four-beat pace to creeping along a single step at a time, checking around every corner. For the most part, it seemed that the ghouls only infested the north side of town. While this made our detour relatively safer the downside was there were no corpses to loot. I half wanted to go in and strip the gear off the dead raider bodies anyway due to the prospect of money once we found someone to trade with.
We made it another two blocks before we ran into a problem; the raiders had barricaded the street from one side to the other with wood and barbed wire. I couldn't see any signs of a gate on the makeshift wall and the only option was to go up between buildings to the north again. Sliding out of the alley, I checked for anything moving only to be greeted with more corpses. Even if there were ghouls among them the number of bodies missing limbs certainly made for less of a threat.
To my right, there was a partial wall with a section that had collapsed forming a hole. I nodded to Winter and pointed a hoof at the gap before we carefully picked our way through the corpse field.
Once inside the walled-off area, we found ourselves standing in front of what remained of the fire department, a firewagon resting half out of the building, its wheels cracked. The station's flagpole stood bent with two small bits of burned cloth at the top, likely the remains of the Equestrian flag.
Across the street, I could see another intact building with a postwar sign of a crudely drawn gun. To top it all off, the area was filled with cages, chains, graffiti, blood, limbs, and the assorted bodies of ghouls and raiders.
"Guess we'll get a chance to pick up some loot after all," I said to myself before I waved the other three to join us.
Carefully we picked through the corpses. It had been a few weeks at least which left the area smelling more of decay than rancid, decaying bodies. What was left of the raiders had scraps of garments in poor condition. A few had guns, though nothing I felt safe firing, as well as the more notable salvage: an assortment of knives and drugs. I kept some knives, they were always useful. The drugs we kept as they would be good for selling off later; though some had medicinal uses most were recreational such as Dash, Mint-als, and Buck.
As we approached the 'gun' store we stumbled upon some ghouls milling about the alley beside it. They didn't seem the friendly sort if their sounds were any indication. Instead of waiting to see if they were feral or not I decided to pull out one of my knives, making a gesture to the others of my intent before pouncing on one. Sil followed my example and slammed her own knife into their soft skulls before leaving them in, moving silently with me to take the rest out. Ocean, Winter, and Riptide kept an eye out for any stragglers.
My heart thundered as the irradiated ghoul blood ran down my front and I checked for any more surviving threats. Seeing none I began recovering our knives as Sil stomped on ghouls to make certain they were dead. Riptide on the other hand began to work the door to the gunshop to get it open.
I felt awful in a way for killing the ghouls but from what the non-ferals had explained those who turned were in an eternal haze of unlife with memories of the past clouding their sense of reality. The pain, the confused sense of time and place, anypony not familiar to them was seen as a danger which generally meant they reacted violently. At least I could view them as creatures instead of ponies. They looked like us but they had lost who they were a long time ago. It was a mercy, not a crime.
"Got the door, noticed the board on the window was loose and unlocked it from the otherside." Riptide explained as she pushed the door open.
I let out a small giggle. Sometimes all that was needed was good application of situational awareness. I drew a flashlight and my pistol with my magic as we checked the interior of the shack. I felt what small hope was in my heart crumble as the place was full of makeshift weapons. The guns looked like they were made of plumbing and tree bark with few signs of actual, intact old world guns.
"Well, I knew it was too much to hope for, but I'm still disappointed." I sighed.
"Same." Ocean said as she started to dig through boxes.
"Well, let's grab what looks salvageable. At least we will be able to make some bits when we hit a town with someone willing to trade." Winter said, looking at a pipe shotgun before tossing it aside with a grumble. "Half of these look as dangerous to the user as to anypony facing the other end."
I turned around and closed the front door, locked it again before I joined the rest in giving the shop a good toss. However, beyond the pipe guns, knives, machetes, and other guns in desperate need of repairs the shop was a bust. It had been the Raider's armory once but they had clearly gone through most everything to defend themselves.
I wagered their guns jamming was the main cause of their downfall for they had plenty of surplus ammo. A quick look in the back room showed plenty of gunpowder, primers, and casings along with reloading and repair tools. I sat down and decided to make as many thirty eight and nine millimeter rounds I could with what was left. We would always need spare ammo with Ocean's submachine guns around. Once that task was done I set about repairing what remained of the raiders' guns. Three out of four were good for nothing but parts and were jammed so badly I ended up having to use my horn to break their slides open. Not that it hurt the already ruined guns.
At some point Sil and Riptide had joined me in the small room and I was glad that there was enough space for the three of us to spend time together. Sil set to work on her barding, adding some more protective plates to it. Riptide on the other hoof seemed more curious as to how to go about taking care of guns and making ammo over the finer points of barding maintenance.
While I wasn't the best mechanic I managed salvaged as much as I could out of the horrible piles of weapons we had found. I had also found an old map the raiders had been using, scribbled with barely legible notes.
The town apparently had a school and library, the former left empty while the latter they had repurposed to hold prisoners. I doubted anypony was still alive but I wanted to check out the library to see if any books had survived. It was a long shot but while the town was mostly burned down some buildings had still managed to survive, mostly near the fire department. The library, if I was placing it right, was another potentially intact building.
Once we gathered together again, Winter and I poked our heads out the door into the street, his head above mine as we scanned the street.
"Let's go, the coast seems clear." I whispered moving out from below Winter's craned neck.
We slipped eastward down the street then turned into an alley which was the shortest route to our destination. It didn't take long for us to find the Library. Being a brick building with its roof still intact it was in better condition than even the fire department. I didn't spot any ghoul nor raider bodies and I'm guessing the lack of prisoners meant either there weren't any at the time of the attack or the raiders decided they were better off as bait.
With haste we piled into the library and found it was about how I expected; the entrance hall was full of cages, open and empty. Ocean and Winter took up watch behind the check out counters while Sil, Riptide and myself volunteered to clear the rest of the building.
Further back were shelves of books turned moldy from water damage. If anything survived it would have to be further back, I reasoned, where there wouldn't have been as much of a chance for water to have gotten in. As we travelled deeper into the musty library, I was rewarded with a few pre-war books that survived. Unfortunately most were trashy pre-war romance novels. I let out a frustrated sigh and packed them away anyways. While not the best source of knowledge they were still worth preserving given their condition. At least somepony else could use them for some escapism.
As we checked the furthest depths, Sil found a section on spells and among the weathered books only two proved promising. Both were unfortunately beyond my skill to make use of; one would let me repair things with just my magic, the other how to make a focused shield instead of a wall.
I packed the books away into my saddlebags and, seeing nothing else of interest, moved with Sil and Riptide back to the front of the library.
"Well not much left here, but some spoils." I said upon re-entering the front room. "At least nopony was left to starve to death."
"Yeah, and it looks like we're clear to move on to Wayhill." Winter stated as he poked his head up from behind a desk. "Most of the ghouls were by the gun store and beyond the barricade on that side of town."
"Well we should get a move on. We only have a few more hours of daylight and it's probably best to make camp far away from here and closer to Wayhill." Ocean said as she moved for the exit. "If we're lucky Wayhill will have nice ponies in it that'll let us rent a room or two."
"Just two rooms? So the three of us are going to be sharing a bed again?" Riptide asked as she looked at Sil then me
"We do what we must to survive." I simply said with a shrug.
"That so?" Riptide asked, giving me a curious look.
"Winter and I rather not share a room with the three of you for pretty clear reasons. They might have a room for you three that is a couple of beds." Ocean said as we joined her outside.
"I'd wager two beds for our room. One for me and one for the blooming couple." Sil teased as she gave me a grin.
"Oh come on." I sighed. "Just because I was holding her doesn't mean there's anything going on."
"You lot are terrible." Riptide added with a huff.
She fell back to keep up the rear guard with me, leaving Sil and Ocean as the middle of our formation. Winter, as usual, took point.
Riptide and I trotted quietly together as Sil and Ocean chatted ahead of us. She then regarded me for a bit before speaking up. "Sorry if my neediness is making things awkward."
I shook my head. "Don't worry, I'm still getting over some stuff and the dynamic with my friends has always been--" I paused, grasping for the right word. "Well within the realm of playful teasing. We tease because we care."
Riptide smiled. "I can understand that."
I nodded, happy that Riptide could understand that kind of friendship. "Plus they all know that I basically don't have a barn door anymore." I laughed. "I can just take a roll in the hay with anypony. To my own detriment of course; they can tease me about anything at this point because of it."
Riptide looked at me. "Barn door?"
I facehoofed. Of course, not everypony had heard of that term.
"It's a metaphor for what she likes," Sil called back, apparently overhearing our conversation. "And by that, she means she doesn't have a preference one way or another."
I groused at her perceptiveness and prepared to give a more nuanced explanation that would keep my cheeks from feeling they were on fire when Riptide interjected.
"So... anypony?"
I let out a sigh. "Kinda, so long as I feel a connection to them. At least with the whole getting into bed for things other than, uh, what we've been doing on this trip." I replied nervously. "Technically I have a preference for stallions but I haven't done anything since my last relationship." I looked up at the sky and repeated words from a book by some pre-war pony in the Ministry of Peace. I believe it was Heartmender? "Hearts take time to mend."
Riptide was quiet as we trotted away from the ruins of Fillymath, steadily drawing closer to Wayhill. The clouds here were low and with the fog lifted I could see rain ahead of us. Eventually, the mare replied quietly to me.
"I think I can understand needing time for a heart to heal."
Level up! Welcome to Level 3! Well for a minute Cherchez La Filly was in the cards for you but lacking a barn door means you're disqualified from both it and Black Widow. However, given your continued aptitude for weapons and repairing them Gun Nut has been dealt to you as it is ever appropriate. Enjoy your bonus +5 to Firearms and Mechanics. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 7 - Wayhill | "The scars of the past wound the land and the ponies in it long after they are covered over."
-Unknown Wastelander
We left the heart of Fillymath and traveled through the connecting suburbs to Wayhill. I could imagine back in the day how ponies would likely have woken up in Fillymath and walked this same road to get to work in Wayhill. The area seemed like it would have been nice to live in too; here and there I could still see green spaces among the collapsed homes. However, the further we got towards the city the less green we saw and the fog hid less. Judging by the vast number of leveled or burnt-out buildings, Wayhill had likely gotten hit in the War.
An hour further in I started tasting the telltale sign of radiation poisoning as the flavor of blood suddenly filled my mouth.
"I really wish radiation detectors were cheaper," I swore as I dug out some RadSafe. "Alright everyone it's radioactive here, if you haven't noticed by the taste in your mouth. We'll take a pill and I'll keep track of how long we're out here. I hope like hell we can get checked sometime soon for our exposure levels though."
"Should we find another way?" Riptide asked.
Winter spoke up. "No, this route likely has less raiders or other critters if it's the only pocket of radiation around here. Nopony is going to bug us."
"Oh, okay, that sounds good." Riptide said. "How are we going to keep track of our radiation though?"
I grimaced at the question. "Well without a watch I can only take a best guess on how long we're being exposed. As for how I can tell we're being exposed, all I've got to work off of is the intensity of the taste blood in our mouths. If we start showing worse symptoms I'll know the radiation is far thicker than I thought. Oh how nice it's for a deadly invisible force to give us a hint when we tread on it's turf." I explained. "Keeping track of how long I'm tasting blood in my mouth as well as if anyone experiences worse symptoms I can get a range of our exposure and know when we have to call it quits. Suffice to say, it's not ideal."
"Lovely, it's like running from an invisible predator nipping at our hooves." Sil replied.
"Eh, pretty much." I admitted.
We pushed onward, urgently looking for something with some height to climb. Unfortunately it took us longer than expected so our blind wandering put us firmly in the irradiated state and left us feeling all weakened by the time Winter spotted a mostly intact clock tower. While the tower itself was only about five storeys it was taller than the ruins around it. In addition, the melted metal outside gave me some hope that it would give some insulation from the radiation.
Together Winter and I pulled the door out of the way, its groaning hinges almost fused from what must've been the heat or light of balefire detonations. Scrambling inside, we finally got a reprieve from the taste of blood in our mouths, proving the assumption that the clock tower was able to shield us. Despite our exhaustion, we pushed the door close behind us and, a few light arcane blasts later I welded the door back to its frame. We breathed a collective sigh of relief and given the time of day it was probably best to rest.
"Drink this." I said passing out bags of RadAway, first giving one to Riptide. "It's going to taste like mango, even though it says orange flavor."
"Okay?" Riptide answered, clearly confused.
"It's RadAway. It's meant to clear our system of built up radiation." I explained. "Downside is it's going to be a bit awkward in a few minutes given it... well, it goes through you real fast. Suffice to say, I'm glad we have a corner with some walls for privacy."
Riptide went from confused to understanding to a mix of curious and horrified.
"Also never try Grape RadAway." Ocean added as I passed out the rest of the bags. "I tried it once and I'll spare you the details. Suffice to say, the radiation purge works but the flavoring does not. I don't know what it was even close to."
I understood that as embarrassing as it was to explain how RadAway worked at least I now knew the most polite way of saying you'd end up pissing rainbows, having had to explain it to a few dozen creatures by now. Plus one more pony knew not to try Grape Radaway; that stuff didn't just taste bad, I ended up curled up for a few hours and was a mess thanks to it. It purged your system alright just not the way I believe the makers had intended.
We agreed against a fire or any lights, and with our numbers we could keep a constant watch going. Winter had scouted the top floor while we tried to liven up the temporary living space. The square floor plan of the tower left a bit to be desired and was an odd choice given the spiral staircase that went up to where the mechanisms for time keeping rested. Winter, for his part, spent a good while up there though we could easily see him through the mesh stairs. Given who he was I knew he was taking his time looking for paths to our destination.
The next morning arrived, almost too quickly for my tastes. As I regained consciousness I heard crows cawing in the distance. I also heard a few cracks of gunfire. So, this town still has some ponies still alive in it. I let out a soft sigh enjoying the warmth from Sil and Riptide. It was becoming a welcoming feeling to have the two against me every morning. There had been enough floor space in the entry room for tents and with what little strength we all had, had laid out two sleeping bags to lay on with another unzipped on top of us.
I had no desire to get up. It was cold beyond the tent, it was warm in here. We had been walking for more days than I was used to, not to mention waking up early day after day. I had no real qualms with cuddling close to an old friend and what was measuring up to be a new friend.
I felt something unexpected while I laid there contemplating things. I opened my eyes to Riptide kissing my neck. I looked at her to find she was still asleep. Well, this isn't totally awkward at all. I rolled my eyes and cursed Luna for once more failing to keep dreams from spilling over into reality. With my curse of the dead princess done, I resigned myself to waking her up. It might have been a mistake but I didn't want her to do anything in her sleep that she might regret.
Riptide's eyes met mine as she woke up. Her face showed a sign of clear confusion. Then she kissed me. I froze as I was uncertain of what to do. I had made out with others before but this was clearly not right. It took a bit of time for me to come to my senses and gently use a hoof to push her back.
"Uh, you're awake." I informed Riptide.
Riptide closed her eyes and seemed to process her thoughts for a minute as her face turned beet red. I had assumed her face would turn purple given her blue coat but I think at this point she had surpassed normal blushing and achieved over blush.
"Um, your technique was pretty good for somepony I assume hasn't had much experience." I tried to offer in an attempt to defuse the situation.
Sil stirred next to us and looked over at the blushing mare. "What did you do, Moony?" She asked me.
"She was... having a nice dream while making out with my neck?" I explained hesitantly. "So I woke her up and she apparently didn't understand she was awake and we..." I paused. "Made out for a hot minute."
Sil turned my head to face hers. "You were going to leave me out?"
I felt taken aback at hearing that, my brain suddenly having issues processing the teasing despite it being fine before. I knew my cheeks were now ablaze as Sil started to hush herself with a hoof, giggling quietly at me. She then gave me a look as she calmed down and I felt the tips of my ears burning but before I could move to make a comment Sil silenced me with a hoof.
The minutes ticked by before I managed to get my mind rolling again.
Riptide seemed to be on the road to recovery from her embarrassment at least. I felt as if a door had hit me in the head when I finally figured out that Sil was doing this to get the attention off of Riptide. It was working but I didn't enjoy being subjected to this teasing.
If this was to be the tent of embarrassment then so be it.
I kissed Silaha firmly on the lips. I was then surprised at how she really got into it. My heart started doing loops like they had when Riptide had made out with me. Shit, I think I just played myself.
When I broke the kiss Sil was blushing and giving me those eyes that made my heart flutter.
"Okay, that backfired." I blushed.
"Oh it did, but I know you enjoyed it." Sil smirked still in my forelegs. She leaned in and kissed me again. "And just so you know, so did I. To think, a pony is trying to steal my heart and it's the mare who was like a sister to me." She faked outrage looking away with a hoof to her forehead, holding it there for a moment before giggling. "Feeling anything more than just embarrassed?"
I just buried my face in her chest fluff trying not to die from embarrassment from having made out with my not-cousin.
"Well, Riptide, it looks like the heat is off of you." Silaha said as she petted my mane. "And I can firmly say it looks like her heart has mended a fair bit since I tried teasing her like this."
"Is... Is it really alright for us to be doing this?" Riptide asked. "I mean we are all adults but, I mean she's practically bursting into flames."
"Normally she's able to roll with the kicks. My guess is..." Sil trailed off as the two pressed against me with a hug. "Honestly I'm just glad she's not freaking out or crying."
That hurt a little but she was right. At least it seemed like the heartache really only hit me with regards to Winter and Ocean, though really it was just Winter the more I thought about it. Now though I had just made out with two attractive mares who were now hugging me. This was not something I was used to. I had a few encounters years ago like this, but it was less teasing and more seeking out company. They had been cute gryphonesses too. Oh, and there goes my ability to stop blushing. Now I feel a dumb grin on my face.
"What you thinking about, Moony?" Sil asked, tapping my nose with her hooftip.
"Well, uh." I felt my heart in my throat as I answered looking up from her chest. "Just some fond memories, that's all. This reminded me of them and it all makes my head spin."
I felt Riptide lean against me and I could sense the affection for me as she lay her head against my shoulder. "Was it spinning earlier?" She asked.
I squeaked, feeling like I was being swarmed and swallowed to try to calm down. Honesty is the best thing here. Even if it is embarrassing.
"It was." I admitted.
"Then I think." Riptide whispered. "We should get one big bed in Wayhill if they have a place for us."
I locked up again, my thoughts racing. Was I even certain I would be okay with that given I was still defusing my own emotional minefield. Worse, I felt it was not the healthiest thing that she was forming an attachment to me so deeply and so quickly. It could be her replacing the hole in her heart that her family occupied with me. Maybe Sil too? That could work, in time; Sil and I had always been close but I barely know Riptide and Sil's saying... wait Sil is saying...
I felt my brain break realizing the relationship structure that was forming around me. Oh no, Sil is serious. I'm actually somewhat entertained by this. I need to stop. Fuck. Abort, I can't think about this right now.
"One big bed would be interesting." Sil added.
Oh no, worst case confirmed, okay, freak out in three, two, on- my thought process was suddenly derailed by a kiss from both of them.
"I think we broke her." Sil giggled at the look on my face.
I took a minute to recompose myself as the two giggled and tried to tease me even further. My mind had locked up too hard to process their continued comments.
"Okay, one room, one big bed. No guarantees, alright?" I stated firmly. "I don't want anypony getting hurt and by that I mean emotionally speaking."
"Wait." Riptide paused. "Really?"
Sil stopped her giggling. "Finally." Both Riptide and I looked at Sil. "What, you think just because we were raised together I wouldn't have feelings for you?"
Just like that I felt my entire view of Sil and her interactions with me for the past decade get flipped on its head.
"Okay, can we stop with the breaking of my mind for a while so I can like, eat, have some tea. You know a bit more mental processing power to handle all this." I sighed. "You are both lovely mares and I'm certain we are going to end up with a noise complaint at some point but how about we cool off for now and actually get where we need to be?"
I then shook my head before looking at Sil. "I think there needs to be some talking to sort out our feelings, for all three of us. Even if just for my own sake so I can figure out if I can even handle what you're proposing. No offense to either of you, I'm just not so certain about myself."
"Of course." They said together before Riptide nipped at my ear and Silaha kissed me again. They wanted to break my mind in two, I was certain of it! At least this wasn't teasing anymore.
The two mares left the tent at the same time. I felt conflicted as they gave me a parting tease with coordinated flicks of their tails. Of course I had seen so many accidental flashes while in the shower room for the guard that it didn't bother me. Plus unless a pony was going outside of the ship, they tended to not wear anything. So It happened, you got used to it.
It was always the context that mattered though and that just made me flop back down on the sleeping bags as I saw a bemused Winter and Ocean peeking in past the open flaps at me.
Of course they had been awake and heard it all. At least it hadn't gone all the way, even if I still felt dirty somehow. At the same time I felt more confident about actually letting somepony back into my heart. Two at once though? Maybe it would work this time since I was the center and not the third wheel... I thought to myself.
I just hadn't known Riptide for long and didn't want her to get hurt throwing herself into a relationship as an emotional crutch. And Sil, well we grew up together so that was less of a quandary. It made my heart confused, and my mind even moreso. To think I just had to go on a trip across the territory to learn how to love again as well as get two pretty mares out of the deal.
Though one... one we were going to leave in Dockland. I was uncertain how that would work out for us. Maybe after sometime with her family she'd go back with us when the boats were running again. I'd have to get my own place then which meant I really would have to look at finding some kind of work once we got to Dockland.
"You just going to lay there all day, Moonlight?" Ocean asked.
"Thinking, processing." I replied with a sigh. "Someone get my tea going."
Once the tea was ready I took it to the top of the clocktower and took a seat behind one of the few remaining windows. There I got a clear view of what had been the city of Wayhill.
To the southwest was the hill that was the city's namesake. Supposedly it was a distinctive hill back in the day that served as a waypoint for early settlers of Equestria. Now one half of it was covered in long dead, burnt trees and the other side facing away from Wayhill full of newly grown woods. To the east I could see a soft glow on the low clouds and buildings that bent away from what was certainly a balefire crater. I could even see details from here of how the metal structures had melted to the firestorm.
This was my first real taste of the devastation of the Last Day, our civilization's end. Before, I had a loose understanding of the effects of the war but the devastation here was far greater than I had grasped. Seamane was a town that had fallen into disrepair over time due to a lack of industry to support the maintaining and repairing every building in town against the elements, raiders, and the first few years of wild weather. Out here things were of a different magnitude. It wasn't just the slow decline of buildings as time wore them down. This was beyond that.
The closer to the crater I looked the more the world seemed to lose color, becoming a mix of greys, blacks, and green eventually. Closer to our location the faded pastels of paint, billboards, signs, still lingered and clung to their homes. Even now I could see a mist rising from what I could only assume was the heart of the crater of the blast. Maybe it was steam from the intense magical radiation, maybe it was from the falls. All I knew was I didn't want to go in to find out.
The scene stuck with me. Unlike those brought up in Stables I knew some of the horrors of the wasteland but I had never gotten to see the devastation of the heartland firsthand, even from the worn copy of the Wasteland Guide I had traded for. Things back home and even here were tame compared to the devastation in places like Hoofington, Fillydelphia, and Manehatten.
This hadn't been the biggest of cities and yet it had been hit. I shuddered thinking about how Canterlot must look, rubble at the bottom of a mountain. The Wasteland Guide had mentioned that the Canterlot ruins existed but the section on it was ruined. A bit ironic but given what every other section mentioned I could guess how thoroughly annihilated Canterlot was.
Not that I had a reason to go that far east. Instead though my thoughts turned to our final destination, Dockland.
Dockland would likely be hotter than Wayhill considering, from what I understood a trio of bombs had gone off there. One had hit the skyport of Dockland, one the naval base. The last one had fallen short and hit the hillside near the industrial sector. We would be passing through The Mill, the old regional capital. I knew at least one bomb had gone off both there and near the river. Memory reminded me of Dad and Majar's adventures through the valley and I felt a creeping worry worm its way into my mind for the first time about clean sources of water. I would need to find somepony to teach me a radiation purge spell since it was my job to keep us as healthy as possible.
Winter had joined me at some point while I was lost in thought. I gave him a nod when I finally noticed him before spotting some kind of large fortification made of rubble. I pulled out my book of maps and found where we were relative to it. According to it the fortification was in or around an old university.
"You thinkin' what I am?" Winter asked.
"How am I going to handle all this pussy I'm drowning in?" I replied jokingly.
He snorted and guffawed. "That would only be the case if somehow the four of you became my harem."
I regarded him for a moment before responding. "Eh, better than the alternatives of other stallions out here." I teased. In response he covered his chest theatrically in mock hurt. "Yes, yes, I know you're going to say 'you wound me'."
I waved a hoof at him in mock dismissal as we smiled at one another before laughing. It was a good laugh that we both needed.
"Yeah, you got me." He explained. "Everyone's been wondering when Sil would make her move on you. She's been itching to jump on you for years now.".
"Fucking color me surprised." I replied before taking another sip of tea. "Like, no really. Dense as a doorknob on her feelings for me."
"I can't blame you there." He acknowledged, settling down beside me. "You two did grow up together after all. Probably just saw it as just having an affectionate sister, or you grew used to whatever feelings she had and didn't think them to be anything special."
"Probably." I nodded.
"You alright?"
"Probably."
"Probably." He said mimicking me.
"Probably." I said again wondering how long he would take it for. Surprisingly we went back and forth for a few minutes.
"So, no sudden panic attacks?" He asked as he broke our streak of probably's.
I took a long drink of my tea before I gave him a reply. "Well, not the type where my heart feels like I got shot."
He moved closer to me and gave me a hug. "Well, that's a good sign." I nodded as I leaned against him.
"Hey, Winter. You've been doing well holding it together." I said, I looked at him. "Didn't ask how well you handled me getting foalnapped by a giant bug."
"Well." I felt his muscles change as he tensed and then relaxed. "Not well. I couldn't take the shot. Sil could but I was too worried about hurting you. And, well, now we both know why she was so set on saving you. Having hurt you before I was scared of doing it again, especially physically."
I smiled and gave his cheek a nuzzle. "I can understand that. Thanks for worrying about me. Please tell me though, nopony tried to jump off the trail to save me. Right?"
"Uh, well. It was hard to resist going off the side to find you. We were debating what to do while Sil was calling out to you." Winter said. "When you called back and gave us a way to proceed, well, I stopped worrying I had lost my best friend. Well, one of my best friends; Ocean and you are the top two."
I smirked. "Hence why you wanted us in the same bed so you didn't have to pick?"
His cheeks flushed and he looked away. "Maybe but this works for me too even if I can't tell at times if it is just platonic between us or you're going to push me over and--"
I put a hoof to his lips. "Hun..." I paused, looking down as I felt a pang of guilt at using that word. "Winter. There is still hurt in my heart but I understand you and Ocean just fit together better. I still love you." I felt that pang of hurt twist further. "But those two do something to me. I think I might love them too."
"So where does that leave us?" He asked.
"Don't know. How we feel about one another might change with time. For now, keep watching each other's tails?" I offered.
"Just the tail?" He teased.
I shoved him playfully. "Stop making me want to kiss you. You silly goof."
"Never." He beamed. I rolled my eyes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. It didn't hurt and he blushed. "Maybe someday."
"Someday, maybe." I agreed with a nod. "Now, plans?"
"Get you three your own room and get one on the other end of the building?"
I facehoofed. "No, not that part. Good plan though. No, I mean how are we getting to the campus?"
"Well." He paused as he looked over the map. "Given it's a bit hot out there we are going to want to go as quickly as possible. Having spent a while up here last night looking around I'm thinking about this course." He traced out a path on the map. "It shouldn't take long."
"That looks good. Less time means less RadSafe to use up, and less Rads in us." I snorted. "I don't think any of us would look good bald."
He snorted. "Yeah, only one head around here should be without hair."
I choked and hit him on the shoulder. "For fucks sake. Stop thinking about your dick."
"Eh, nah." He snickered, looking proud at himself. "Just wish you would take the lead sometimes. Given the route I think you should take point, because of your reaction time. Having good eyes is great when dealing with fields but block by block? I think your fleet footedness takes the cake."
"So you just want to stare at my ass?" I deadpanned.
"Sure! It is pretty nice." He gave my rear a pat which made me blush. "But, I don't think it's mine to play with."
I huffed. "Keep this up and maybe not." I felt flustered without guilt. "Fuck, why is that not making me hurt."
He looked at me confused. "You know how this is all going to end right?"
"Yeah, I'm going to have a harem." I replied.
He snorted and then doubled over laughing. "Oh come on. It's not like those feelings died for you two." I added before I leaned on him, giving him my most seductive tone. "They really didn't."
This time it was his turn to blush. "Well, let's keep doing some exposure therapy to get you comfortable with things again." He said with a smirk.
"Yeah, not a bad idea. Kinda what I was doing anyways." I looked down at him as we lay there. I rolled my eyes as his face turned crimson. "Yeah, even if I was ready for that, not in the ruins."
"Sorry, you know how it is." He apologized.
"Oh I do. Oh do I hun." I said before I rolled off of him. "Let's get you calmed down then rejoin the others."
He nodded and we took a moment to focus more on the city around us than one another.
A few minutes later with our plan in place we rejoined the rest. I distributed some RadSafe for later and had Riptide take a bit more of the load as I was going to take point. Winter's argument was sound and Ocean agreed with us on how my fleet footed nature would be better served by taking the point. Sil and Riptide were obviously not as happy about the arrangement until Winter pointed out they could watch my rear the entire time. That seemed to make them warm up to the idea.
We cautiously left the tower, leaving the door off to the side to allow anypony else to take shelter more readily. I shook my mane in disgust; once outside I began to taste blood in my mouth again despite taking a dose of RadSafe before we opened the door to leave. I would just have to make do with the taste until we got somewhere less hot. I had hoped we wouldn't use up the limited supply of RadSafe but if this kept up we might have to really dig into it.
"Winter spotted some kind of compound to the northeast so that's where we're going." I commented while keeping my eye on the crossroads just outside the doorway. "Going to be doing some zigzagging through the streets due to debris blocking a direct path."
"Saw a few other places, but they looked abandoned and they're closer to the crater." Winter added.
"To the northeast then." Ocean replied, as she set her saddlebags on her back. "How far out?"
"A few miles. We'll be there in an hour, so long as we don't have any reason to stop or back track." Winter explained. "We should be fine, just gotta keep quiet so we don't draw any unwanted attention."
"I'm ready to go when everyone else is." Riptide said taking her place on the other side of the doorframe.
We headed northwest which was easy enough considering the city was set up in a tidy grid, letting us take a zigzaggy route between the north and east streets. The campus was big enough a landmark that we could hardly miss it.
Unfortunately the best laid plans will always crumble at first contact with an opposing force. In this case it was a band of "toll seekers", or what we generally call bandits. Scouting had given us the lay of the land but not patrol routes, unfortunately. With the heavy urban ruin and being a smidge distracted, we received a swift reminder of how different the cities were from our usual stomping grounds from the group of ponies suddenly trotting on out of an alley. We would need to move slower, quieter, and through alleyways in the future.
For now though we would need to deal with these ponies who were approaching us, their weapons trained on each of us. I shot a look at Winter who wasn't in the mood to give me a reaction, instead he was simply waiting for the shooting to start, as was everyone.
Lovely, then again this isn't our first ambush.
"This is a toll road, so pay up." The lead stallion shouted at us as we drew closer. He had a ramshackle battlesaddle with shotguns. His companions didn't have much better equipment. Random bits of debris strapped to them over some pre-war clothes. The five of them were well set up for filling the street with rounds.
"How much." I asked. I doubted I had the money to pay but maybe I could barter with the chems I had on me. A few of them were a bit twitchy.
"You lot don't look like traders, so thirty five caps or bits, in total." The stallion said, I was surprised with how reasonable it was, then again, to survive you have to be reasonable.
"Fair, would you be willing to take some chems in place of money?" I asked as I slowly and visibly opened my saddlebag with my magic, reaching for a few of the chems I was less interested in. I hadn't gotten any bits or caps back from Winter's shopping spree and I also wanted us to have as much money on hoof when we finally reached some civilization.
"What ya got?" The stallion asked, dropping the trigger bridle from his mouth. A good sign.
"Dash, Mint-als, Buck." I answered pulling out a few doses of each, keeping the Steady, Hydra, and Rage to myself.
"Ten caps." The stallion offered. "And hand over three of those Dash inhalers, plus two of those bottles of Buck."
"Happily," I said, nodding and levitating the caps and surplus drugs over. "Caps and drugs."
"Been a pleasure, alright, you're clear to go." The stallion said, his compatriots already more focused on the drugs than us.
"Well, that was reasonable." I said to Riptide who had trotted up to join me. She gave me a confused look as if wondering why I didn't just apply violence. "What? I don't like the idea of killing unless I have to. Plus we also have a numbers disadvantage, they have a pony on the roof to the left, and they turned out to be pretty reasonable."
"I just... That hadn't ever crossed my mind." Riptide said, perplexed.
"Ponies aren't naturally hostile. So when you get a chance to just deal with them it's great to just skip on past that. Really it is only the most desperate or psychotic who are dangerous." I explained though my thoughts settled onto the Steel Rangers. "Or exceptionally greedy, but that's only after exhausting the other options of extortion, bribery, and good old trading."
"Generally most living outside big towns are just a bit less mentally stable than those inside a wall." I continued as we trotted along. "Not to say there can't be psychos in towns of course." I've had to put down a few in my time. Too little too late.
"So if they had come out shooting?" Riptide asked as we had moved a block away.
"If hostilities engage then it's safeties off, keep shooting until they surrender, flee, or are expired," Ocean explained matter-of-factly.
"Speaking of hostiles, Winter, why didn't you warn me about them?" I asked my spotted compatriot.
"Didn't see them when I was watching the city from the clocktower." He offered. "They were probably camped in some building. What? Do you expect me to spot everything?"
"No, just looking for an explanation is all," I replied. "Then again we're not terribly used to urban environments are we?"
"Nope! Small town ruins, sand dunes, forest, swamp, and caves? Sure thing. Balefire blasted urban hellscapes? Not so much." Ocean snorted. "I think we should all be thankful they weren't hostile."
"That's fair. Let's cut through some side alleys and stay more out of sight." I offered.
"I guess that's more prudent," Riptide replied. "It isn't like we have a magical 'those ponies are mean' and 'those ponies are nice' device to tell us to shoot first or not."
"Eh, if I get a robot or three to rip apart I could probably rig something to at least tell us about actively hostile targets." I shrugged. "I mean it's either that or find a dead stable dweller with their pipbuck. Both work, though I still don't trust a machine to fully tell me the intent of others."
"You better let me help with that," Sil interjected.
"Obviously. As if I could keep juicy tech away from you." I smirked at Sil.
"I prefer the first option," Riptide stated.
"As do I. Also, dead stable dwellers generally mean bad things. They're... lucrative targets; good technology, food, water, better to trade with than kill. Most raiders know that." I explained. "Better to capture and force out the stable's location and ransom them back for supplies, or pretend to be nice ponies so they can set something up for better supplies. Being clever has a better payout than being strong."
"Sounds like that's your virtue then." Riptide giggled.
"Maybe but I've never given virtues much thought." I mused. "Being clever did keep Dad alive before he settled in Saint Clover with Mom so that's probably something that rubbed off on me. Guess Mom's traits rubbed off on my brother more."
"I guess the right sibling captured me" Riptide snickered garnering an eyebrow raise from me as well as Sil.
"And by that, you mean what?" I prodded, curious to fish for Riptide's intent. "What do you mean captured?"
"Well your brother is already taken, you aren't. Also, I'm guessing he is more..." Riptide paused to find the right word. "Academic?"
"One, I didn't know you were that... thirsty." I snickered before explaining. "Anyways, he is just as good with a gun as I am but he's more focused on running numbers. He's in line to take over being the town's accountant or quartermaster. He may be a desk jockey but both of us can take a raider down from three hundred meters with an iron sights on a rifle."
"He's also really good at mixing drinks," Sil added, garnering a small glare from me. She grinned, slowing her pace to drop from the conversation.
"In that case, his main downside would be his lack of medical knowledge." Riptide pondered as her gaze went from Sil to me. "Sil is very good at repairing things so I'm glad she's here."
When Sil joined I hadn't thought of her skills and what they would add to our little adventuring party but Riptide was right.
"You're right on that part, a lack of medical skills can quickly turn a scratch into a grave," I stated as I checked the intersection ahead of us before deciding to take the north road instead of continuing west. "As for fixing things, yeah Sil is great at it. I'm good but she's better."
"I hope I can find a niche in our little group." Riptide sighed. "I can't put a hoof on anything I'm specifically good at."
My eyes drifted to Riptide's flank where no obvious cutiemark lay, just some darker fur in some kind of pattern. It reminded me of Winter's snowfall-like coat, and those sock-like fur patterns he had.
Drawing my eyes back to our path again I spoke once more. "Well, I did pick up a book that teaches how to repair stuff with your magic."
"That sounds rather useful." Riptide agreed. She then quirked her eyebrow and asked. "Wait, why is Sil out of the guard while you're stuck as the guard's repair pony?"
"Simple. She already did her time and is now working for my parents," I said matter-of-factly as I studied an intersection for threats. "Meanwhile I have no foals, no partner, and my highest achievement is maintaining a library. That and studying under two of the different doctors we have as well as being adept at repairing things without magic."
"So you're too important to let go and have no place to be if you quit the guard?" Riptide asked.
"Yeah pretty much. It's also a good way to earn my keep. No having to justify sticking around if I'm part of the guard." I laughed, then let out a groan. "Even with the library and the whole teaching thing gaining traction, I don't think I had any legitimate reason not to get kicked out if I quit the guard."
"How is teaching not a legitimate reason?" Riptide asked.
Sil, for all her good grace, answered for me. "Well, because generally it is left to parents to teach their kids. In addition, we also communally raise our foals. That way the loss of a parent isn't as hard to recover from."
"Wouldn't that make a teacher that much more valuable as they're another communal parent who has no foals of their own to take more attention away from the others?" Riptide asked in return.
"Yes, and that's what folks up top were starting to realize. When you're not close to something going on it is a bit hard to tell the actual details and interactions." I sighed. "Plus being at the top generally means you raise your kids with the others at the top. There is a bit of nepotism going on back home."
"And is that why you're out here with me?" Riptide asked.
"Nah, it isn't entirely the nepotism. Well, probably a smidge." I answered with a shake of my mane. "Sil has her own quest to do and the rest of us interacted with you after you cast some spell on us. There are more than a few paranoid unicorn haters in Saint Clover." I sighed. "It's still amusing that they have fewer issues about Sil being a zebra just because they think her dad and her can't do magic and are thus safe."
Riptide dwelled on that for a minute as I picked our path further on. "Well, I'm sorry for screwing you over." She said to both of us. "Well, except Sil given she wasn't with you at the time."
"Eh, it's fine. It's not like that raider attack happened because of you." I smiled at the strange pony.
Riptide returned the smile. "Thank you for the thought. I've been beating myself up thinking it was. Also thank you for talking to me."
"Hey, not a problem. It helps to talk every now and again even if the subject isn't easy to digest." I paused checking the intersection and recounted the map before I started moving again.
"So... Any plans once we hit Dockland?" Riptide asked.
"I have no idea what's in Dockland," I explained. "I guess learn the lay of the land, sell whatever excess materials we have, and get some better armor and weapons."
"And a spa trip! All this walking is fucking up our hooves." Sil called to us. Apparently she was still listening in and her remark made all of us laugh.
"Okay, I can agree on the spa treatment. I'll join you if something doesn't come up." Riptide said with a giggle, then sighed. "Hopefully my family doesn't make me stick around too long when I get there."
"Sounds like a plan and a simple one at that. Simple plans better handle rough waters after all." I said with a wink. "Though it's still a bit of a way to get there I had planned to reward ourselves. It helps get through the rough parts."
"Mhm." Riptide sounded off.
Her being willing to talk about sensitive things was a good sign, she was opening up and willing to engage in a two-way conversation. Even so, she was still rather odd to me. Personally, I was curious for more details about her and her family, something she had kept tight to her chest for good reasons. I just wanted to befriend her, a mare who lost everything deserves to have friends.
Ouch, yeah that stings a little given I feel like I lost almost everything. Thanks, brain.
As we continued trotting I started feeling much more relaxed. In a moment of introspection, I found the source: Riptide was humming again. A thought ran through my head at that. Musical magic was old, something not used much anymore. I didn't think it was used much even around the Great War but apparently, it was potent. How curious that she uses it passively to relax herself and by proxy the rest of us as well. I'd wager everyone who could hear her right now was feeling its effects but with how quiet she was I didn't think anypony but the two of us did. I was curious if she knew her humming's effect upon others or if she knew it had magic running through it.
I decided against interrupting Riptide's soothing melodic humming. Instead, I wordlessly continued to guide us to the university campus. I'd broach the subject of her music once we were not focused on survival and had some thick walls between us and ponies that would take advantage of us. As curious as I was, the effects were nice and I didn't want to lose them to a suddenly self-conscious mare who may or may not know about her abilities.
We soon arrived at what seemed to be the perimeter wall for the campus. I had expected to see guards patrolling the rubble and instead some rough-looking ponies trotting in our direction. I held position at the edge of a building while I had the others wait back from the intersection in hardcover.
The ponies drew closer and I saw them dressed in what typically showed up on raider types. I mean who in their right mind wore tires with nails hammered through them? Regardless they quickly spotted me, which in all fairness was pretty easy because my blue mane stood out among the grey and red urban rubble. It didn't take the group long to holler and fire some poorly aimed shots.
"Psychos." I muttered before calling out to the others. "Hostiles ahead, spread out and I'll lead them into the killbox."
Everyone fell back while I fired wild shots around the corner, not even aiming as the rifle levitated before me. Then the familiar sight of a grenade, a metallic apple, bounced off the ground in front of me.
"Ah fuck..." I muttered before turning and giving the metallic apple-shaped explosive a good buck. "Buck your apples!" I called out around the corner. The grenade exploded scant seconds later, causing my ears to ring.
Okay, time to run!
I looked over my shoulder as I cantered down the broken street to see a pony poking their head around the corner of the building. I turned to look ahead and noted that I couldn't see my friends, confident they were already lying in ambush.
Suddenly a bullet bit into my flank, making me stumble and then tumble.
"Nailed her!" A stallion cried out as I lay on my back, sore all over and bleeding from the bullet wound.
Note to self, bullet in the ass makes it really fucking hard to run.
The stallion came charging at me and I didn't like that he wasn't just shooting me dead given my low vantage point. The upside was he didn't know about my companions. Looking to my left I saw Sil and Riptide waiting in an alley; they'd have a prime shot on the bastard as he came to claim his prize.
The other two ponies who shot first and were definitely not going to be asking questions later trotted around the corner as if they had all the time in the world. In their defence, they didn't know I had four extra sets of hooves waiting to turn them into holely cheese.
The stallion skidded to a halt in front of me sending gravel bouncing off of me as I just lay there groaned. Playing the part of bait sucked but it had worked as the familiar chatter of Ocean and Winter's guns opened up. To my annoyance the stallion who was initially very excited to see me didn't have his head immediately turn into a blossom of gore.
"Oh fuck!" He shouted. Capitalizing on his distraction, I returned the favor by sending two knives through his neck with my magic.
One.
Bullets clattered around me, whizzing off of the pavement and brick buildings as I lay in the middle of a gunfight using a dead raider as a shield for my rear end. Thankfully we were far from home so I wasn't about to get teased endlessly about this situation. Looking back over my shoulders I saw a bandolier of grenades on one of the hostiles. With a thought, the pins went flying as the pony ducked back around the street corner. The thump and blast wave a moment later told me all I needed to know.
Two.
The third pony came out around the street corner with a tube cradled in their forelegs. Hefting it up onto a shoulder they aimed and I realized it was a homemade rocket launcher.
The actual fuck? I swore internally, pondering how in Tartarus some brain rotten raider knew how to make ordinance like that.
Then he fell on his face and exploded.
Three?
Looking back to the alley where Sil and Riptide had been I noticed they were gone. Given what I could see of said alley they had snuck up behind the last raider and shot him. Then in his last moment of life he pulled the trigger and blew himself and his homemade launcher up. So much for looting that.
The upside was we only had one body to loot, after Winter gave me a teasing look at my situation. Being face down, ass up on the road with a raider's dead face against my dock was not something he was going to let me forget about any time soon. Thankfully he just kicked the corpse off of me and checked the body for loot while I set to work digging out the bullet.
Having done so I then poured one of our few healing potions into the wound and stayed put. It was a bad idea to try to walk on a leg that had who knew how much of the muscle severed. Frankly, at this point, I wanted us to get a carriage so one of us being shot didn't slow us down.
Riptide and Sil returned just as my flank regrew its missing flesh. Sil looked worried. Riptide looked distant.
Getting up we moved on, quietly and with Winter guiding us. I had my fill of taking point for the day. Even with the healing potion, I was favoring my right hind leg as I walked. Sil and Riptide were keeping me company though that was less for my emotional state and more so I didn't get left behind. I really didn't want that to happen considering that last encounter could have ended very poorly for me.
Fates worse than death and all that.
Thankfully it was a short walk to the front gate of the campus. Winter took a while observing the gate and guardhouse that made up the University's entrance to make certain it wasn't raiders running the place. Looking through my own binoculars, the ponies I could see were milling about seemed more orderly and less stained in bodily fluids, even if they were wearing parts of carriages for armor. A good sign but I was reminded that I still had no idea why raiders seemed to universally love stapling garbage to themselves for protection.
Though it might be due to them being so far gone mentally they only remembered they needed to wear something to protect themselves. To be fair, intimidation was probably the point of their outfits now that I thought about it. Who would want to fuck with someone wearing spikes?
After some discussion, we made the decision to approach the gates. The gate complex baffled me with the level of design put into it: two gates, a number of walkways above, and so many damn turrets. Beyond that the gates didn't swing. They lifted so one could just drop them and run, sealing the entrance. Someone with a specialization in civil engineering had clearly built this.
Once past the first gate it closed behind us with a shudder and we waited to be let through the second one. I guess my injury and us not wearing the latest fashion created out of rusted metal and tires helped speed things along.
"Damn, and I thought we were over-prepared back home." Winter whistled. "I want to talk to whoever built this."
"You're not the only one." Sil added.
The second gate opened and we walked forward to be greeted by two earth ponies with light machine guns on battlesaddles and a unicorn with a clipboard.
"State your names and business in Wayhill." The unicorn said with a rather bored tone.
"Trading, rest, information, roughly in that order," Ocean explained.
"Not a caravan, so scavengers I assume?" He asked as he looked us over and saw no cart or brahman.
"Close enough, traveling from St. Clover to Dockland," Winter informed the unicorn. "Couldn't get a ship so we're going by land."
"Alright travelers, welcome to Wayhill. You can get a place to rest on the east side, just look for the old gymnasium." The unicorn explained. "We have doctors and traders around there, given her limp I assume you'll need both. Can I get your names?" He asked.
"Moonlight Grimoire," Ocean said tapping my chest then pointed out the rest of our group. "That's Riptide, she's not feeling so well after a run in with raiders a bit ago. Silaha, Winterwatch and I'm Ocean Spray."
"Do any of you need a cart for her?" He asked as he wrote down our names and, I assumed, descriptions. His eyes landed on Sil and lingered for longer than usual. "Zeb?"
"No need for a cart, she can walk." Ocean quickly explained. "The other one is still fresh to the whole combat thing so she just needs a drink and some time." She paused and looked at Sil, who returned the look. "Is she going to be a problem for you?"
"No, just been a while since any passed through here." The unicorn replied, stowing his clipboard. "Given you're travelers I'd suggest hitting up the scout's office. We haven't done much scouting in a while but they keep as up-to-date information on the region as we can offer there. As for the others, traders have alcohol and there's a tavern by the gymnasium."
His eyes looked over Sil though it was more curious now than anything else.
"Random question, is there free access to some tools for repairs and such?" Sil asked.
"In the trader commons, there is every tool a mechanic could ask for." He politely said. "We find it makes for better commerce if everypony has access to repair their equipment for free if they have the skills."
I nodded. "Thank you."
"Enjoy your stay, keep your noses clean." He said before he and his guards let us pass.
Sil and Riptide trotted with me to the Gymnasium while Winter and Ocean went to check in at the scout's office. Thankfully the place had signposts and a big old stone map of the campus to give us directions.
While we walked, Sil continued to get looks as ponies probably saw a zebra for the first time. I was just happy the looks were curious and any conversations with other ponies indicated they were just happy to see new faces and interested to meet a zebra. We managed to get a room without issue, though the said room wasn't what I had expected at first when we were told to go to the gym.
The gym had been deconstructed and rebuilt into three floors of hotel rooms without windows. All of the bathrooms were downstairs under the building in the old locker rooms. I couldn't complain, it was only twenty caps for one bed for the three of us. We went up to our room and I sorted our stuff between essentials and sellables, leaving the former in Riptide's saddlebags.
"Hey, Riptide? We're going to go get my leg looked at and then see if we can pick up some equipment after." I explained to Riptide. The mare just nodded quietly.
As we trotted out of the gym Sil asked. "Do you think it's fine to leave her here?"
I shook my mane. "Kinda? She seems to need time to process what happened. I suspect she was the one who took the shot on the final raider?" Sil nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, she probably wasn't expecting to see a pony turn into pink mist. That always sticks with you."
"That's fair, Alright let's get your flank looked at," Sil announced. "And while they look over your leg I'll go shopping."
"Thanks, Sil."
Once at the clinic, she stopped me and gave me a bag of caps and a rather passionate kiss, one that I hadn't expected.
"Hey, Moony?" She started. "Thanks for seeing me for more than my stripes." She smiled before trotting off with a certain pep in her step and... yep, totally not going to keep looking at her backside.
Folks are more than their looks. They were also their personality, their abilities, their pasts. It didn't help that Sil was nice on the eyes, plump and curvy... Wait, am I thinking about her like this? I am. Well crap, that's fucking awkward. Hey Cadance? Are you trying to repay me for the heartache? Because I'm just getting an overdose of anxiety instead. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 8 - Programming | "Everything has code, inputs, outputs. In a way, everything can be broken down into a machine, except a pony's heart."
- Pipbuck Repair Technician's Guide
My mind wandered as a stallion checked over my flank to make certain everything had healed right. Thoughts turned to Riptide and my overall feelings for the group. Empathy made me feel for Riptide, but at the same time I knew the best medicine at times was time itself. It wasn't useful to push to talk when somepony wasn't ready to talk. I had in the past lashed out at others trying to get me to talk after things had happened but before I was ready to.
When things between me and Winter fell apart I hadn't been the easiest to talk to about it. We had been a thing for a few years when the whole ordeal with Ocean happened. It had taken a while before I had warmed up to those two again. In the end though, I was happy for them; they made a good couple.
Then there was the time Dad and I had been out and I had gotten ambushed by a couple of bandits. I had no idea where Dad had gone. That was not a fun day having to dig myself out of. I didn't have to kill them but I certainly harmed them. Knocked a couple of them out, and fled after having to string them along with my words. Didn't take me long to be reunited with Dad but I was so furious with him after he explained what happened that I didn't talk to him for a week. Apparently, he was busy hiding from the same group, or so he had thought. They had, in fact long moved away, finding me instead. He just failed to notice and sat under a desk for two hours.
And Sil? I wasn't certain what her feelings were for me, I had always thought of her as my sister, my cousin even. She was family but now she was starting to act like a different kind of family, the type you pick over the type you're born with.
In the end I was given a clean bill of health, aside from having me suck down a radaway of course. I had no idea why this stuff was even flavored when said artificial flavoring tasted so nasty.
I trotted out of the clinic and looked around for Sil, hoping we could focus on making that Pipbuck Zero she was so excited about. Plus I'd like to have something to distract me from her...
Let's not think about her shapely- Oh come on brain, stop it!
While I looked for Sil, I took the time to talk up the traders in the area. Given what the unicorn had said, these folks travelled for a living and would have far fresher information than the town's scouts. Then again, I had no reason to think Wayhill would bother sending folks so far north considering the immediate area was all the town needed to concern itself about.
I found out that a few of the traders were from down south, some even from the heartland out east. The names of the towns nagged at my mind and I soon figured that they were pre-war settlements, probably too small to have been hit. Most had travelled up from Las Pegasus or Applewood along the Five and were going to head back south after business was done. Some were going to go further north with a few from even further north than us in fact. Vanhoover one of them had mentioned, though they were in no hurry to return. From them I gleaned some information of the surrounding areas, and the dangers of traveling the Ninety Nine, Twenty, and Five to Dockland.
The good news was that the Five was the fastest way to Dockland. The bad news was it was the route most populated by the good and bad all throughout. There would be resistance but thankfully there would also be oases of civilization. It was still a better option than heading westward then turning back east like my backup plan had been. Plus the Five had plenty of cover in the form of burned out carriages, ones not likely to explode after having done so a few generations back. Useful if anypony decided to try to shoot us instead of asking for a fee.
A rough plan was now cementing itself but I still had loose information to share with Winter and Ocean, whenever I next had a chance to talk to them that is. We would take the 20 north out of Wayhill to avoid the Wayhill Crater and then take the Five up into Dockland. It would be three days of travel with about thirty miles a day for the first two days then the remainder on the last. We might even take a day's rest in between or the day before Dockland.
Things in Dockland could get rather dangerous from what I understood. The east side of the city and the northern part over the Columbmane were full of bandits, raiders and slave gangers. The east siders would maruade west over an old, unsecured bridge while the northerners would have to cross the Columbmane via boat as most of the bridges in their area had been destroyed, pestering the riverside areas. Riptide had given me a bit of information on the city along the way as well as a destination once in Dockland: a marina on the western side of the city.
While waiting on Sil to find my flank, I went about the task of asking around for talismans, electronics, and other parts for the Pipbuck Zero. I encountered a mix of bemused and curious replies. It seemed Wayhill had mostly shipped in targeting talismans to keep a healthy supply for their turret array. They did have some environmental and medical electronics as well as talismans but I guessed that those were in lower demand.
When asked what I was working on I showed a few traders the blueprints I had for the Pipbuck Zero and a few offered to tweak the design from their experience working on robots and medical equipment. The thought of looking out for Sil swiftly fell to the wayside as folks who had nothing better to do on a slow trading day took to the project like a brahmin to water, time rapidly sliding by as we worked.
We managed to fit a radio, biomedical scanners, and radiation detector, but lacked the Eyes Forward Sparkle. I couldn't afford the equipment to add that feature, not here at least, but I was shown how to do it. Thankfully I was able to get a small screen on it with the use of an electronic watch. From there we were able to get hacking tools to cooperate with it as well as a way to show vitals and a map. I'd have to go break down some robots to properly integrate the systems but spritebots were everywhere so that was something to look forward to.
At some point Riptide had come down looking for us and found some food, given she was eating something while watching me. I only noticed Sil when I got a shock at our hooves suddenly touching. She gently directed me to stop touching the pipbuck so she could upload code to it. Probably for the best too because the forced break made me notice it was already sunset. Still, most of the work was done now and all that was left was for Sil's code to take root in the arcane matrix so the parts all talked to one another.
My stomach started to growl at me, probably from hyper-focusing for the past few hours. "I'm sorry mares and stallions, but it is time for me to take a break and eat something," I said, excusing myself. "My striped friend here will finish up the coding. While we wait to see if it works feel free to copy the schematics."
"Now I know what took you two so long," Riptide said before nosing a tray of something that passed for cooked food towards me.
"I'm sorry about that, one thing led to another. Meant to leave this to Sil; she's a lot better at this stuff than I am, though I got a lot of help and learned a few things." I giggled, feeling a small blush on my cheeks. "I have to admit it was nice to get to meet some ponies passionate about something other than fixing water pumps and patching holes in the side of the boat."
"I think I can understand." Riptide giggled and shook her mane before going back to nibbling at her food.
"I'm just glad she had other ponies helping her. As it is, I can see a few singed bits of fur around her hooves." Sil teased. I rolled my eyes at her before sticking my tongue out. "Careful now Moony, or I'll grab that tongue with my teeth."
I blushed at the thought.
I turned my attention back to the food. It was, or at least I believed it to be from first look some kind of mix of fried waffle, melted cheese curds, and gravy. I shook my mane, took a bite, and decided that it wasn't poisonous. It was pretty good actually, though I wasn't going to make it a regular addition to my diet unless I wanted to add more than a few pounds; I could taste the fat and grease.
"It's something from up north called Poutine?" Riptide explained hesitantly, not certain herself what to make of the meal. She was at least amused by my reaction to the first few bites.
"Well, it's certainly better than eating two hundred year old bags of salt with chunks of vegetables in it." I replied, mocking the amount of preservatives that must be in those boxes of pre-War food.
Riptide let out a soft giggle before returning to eating her own food.
The other ponies eventually came over to our table, having finished copying the blueprints and inspecting the Pipbuck Zero. One of them, a stallion, sat down next to me and put the now reassembled device on the table.
"Here you go, I think this is the best we can get with what we have here." He chuckled. "This does give us ideas on how to replicate pipbucks, though I'm not sure we can salvage some of those abilities those Stable Dwellers can do with theirs."
"Something is better than nothing." I smirked. "And hey, at least this way there's no chance of something breaking and freezing me and everything around me in a localized time disruption."
"Don't joke too hard about that, we found something like that once." He replied and I felt a shiver go down my spine I hadn't thought was possible. "Well we suspected it was some kind of malfunction at least. Everyone frozen in the area turned to dust in a flash once we got close. We talked to the stable in question and they hadn't been open for more than a week."
"I guess whatever allowed them to do that aim assist magic must have gotten damaged and when an outside source of magic entered it, it disrupted the field and ran infinite time." I pondered with a gulp. "On second thought, I think I'll pass on the time manipulating aim assist."
"Not that you have much choice." He chuckled. "Unless you can get your hooves on some Stable-Tec materials that knowledge is lost. Aegis by the way."
"Moonlight Grimoire," I replied, offering a hoof that he shook in return.
"You said you were headed up to Dockland?" Aegis asked.
"Yeah, my friends and I, we're all headed up there. Riptide lost her close family recently while they were in the process of moving to join the rest of her extended family in Dockland." I explained somberly. "I got contracted out to escort her from Seamane after she washed up there."
"Ah, sorry to hear that, Riptide," Aegis said, tipping his head sympathetically towards Riptide. "Well, you two should find Ruby Saddle, she's got a stagecoach and everything. It'll be the same pace as on hoof but having some extra ponies around is always welcome which you're probably accustomed to in your line of work. This time of year is generally safe, but one can never be too careful."
I pondered this for a moment. A carriage would be much safer; lots of ponies would be a bigger risk for any small group of raiders to go after as well as being moving cover. Plus after getting a bullet to the ass I wanted an option for transporting hurt ponies now that we weren't dealing with mud.
"Could you introduce me to her so I can see if I can arrange a trip?" I asked.
"Ah, this time of year she'd be happy to take passengers. You'll still have to pay a few caps, but it's mostly so she can pay for a surplus of grease for the axles." Aegis laughed. "I'll go find her in a bit. You two don't have much on you so you'll fit in her coach just fine."
I nodded. "Well, that makes the trip a lot less nerve-wracking to think about. Thank you, Aegis."
"No problem, think of it as payment for this," Aegis said as he tapped the plans for the Pipbuck Zero. "You have no idea how valuable this is, especially to certain ponies."
Aegis' statement made me curious, something the stallion easily read on my face yet only replied with a smile. I shook my head as I knew I wouldn't get a straight answer if pressed.
"Well it's worth it for the peace of mind," I said as I shook my mane. "Also it's not like it's something really new. It's just reapplying what we already have."
"I know, but we have to start somewhere."
"That we do," I replied, feeling a bit somber as I remembered the feeling of looking over Wayhill from the clock tower. "Something small can grow into so much more."
Sil had joined us at the table at some point and gave me a questioning look at that. Maybe she didn't understand how much any innovation meant in this age, or maybe it was something else. She was a smart mare, smarter than me when it came to technology, so maybe she was just still connecting the dots.
Aegis gave me a pat on my back. "Just got to cultivate it, right?"
"Just keep in mind what you're cultivating. The ponies of the past learned that the hard way." I replied.
"Zebras too." Sil added.
Aegis paused as he sat back, thinking to himself for a moment before nodding. "You're right on that. I'll go get Ruby, you stay here, get your mind off of heavy things. Here, have this, on me."
Aegis set down a glass bottle in front of me. At first, I thought it was one of the various pre-war colas until I took a drink from it. It was cider and not the fizzy kiddy stuff either, this was the alcoholic type. I wondered where he had gotten it from as the taste of pear washed over my tongue mixing with the alcohol pleasingly. I hadn't expected alcohol and pear to work so well together! I did a quick check with my magic to make certain it was just cider and, after confirming that it was happily kept drinking.
Alcohol was nice at times like this, when things were calm and sociable. Even though I still preferred things that didn't remind me of work, of past drinks in the guard that tasted of turpentine.
Aegis returned with a mare I assumed was Ruby. Her coat was a two-tone of cream, her mane meanwhile a two-tone of ruby red which made her name sit right at home with her. Her cutiemark was a saddlebag. My eyes must have lingered on her flank for too long given the eyes she was giving me.
"What?" I asked.
"Well, that's a good first impression." Ruby chortled.
"I mean, you did pose," I replied. "No, I'm not checking you out. I believe Aegis probably told you I'm interested in your stagecoach trip to Dockland."
"Good, I don't swing that way," Ruby replied, which made me scrunch my muzzle as she sat down and pulled out a canteen. "So, it is a four-day trip; two days, a day's layover in The Hill, then finally to Dockland."
"Sounds reasonable," I replied. "Do I have to pull the carriage?"
"No, not unless things go wrong, and they just might," Ruby replied seriously. "So don't get too comfy and keep your guns close."
"Fair," I replied. "How many others?"
"Four more, two pulling, one on the roof, one up front with me," Ruby explained. "Three of you will fit inside--"
"Five of us. We've got two more with us." I interrupted.
"Fine, the other two will be on the top." She went on. "Don't worry, it has cover."
I nodded and before I could talk again Riptide interjected. "How much space?"
"It's no royal carriage, but you three will fit fine with the cargo," Ruby replied. "So long as you lot don't mind being close."
Given the sleeping arrangements on the way over here that wouldn't be a problem, nor was the affection from Sil and Riptide. It would get awkward though if Winter and Ocean wanted to switch.
"That won't be a problem," Riptide answered for me. I nodded in agreement.
"Oh, that's why you were staring then." Ruby snorted, which elicited a blush from me.
"Oh for all that is..." I groused, staring at them. "One, long day. Two, I'm drinking a bit. Three, I appreciate beauty in general. I can look without thirstin'."
"But crossing the Seamane range sharing sleeping bags might mean something." Sil teased.
"And a bed," Riptide added, not helping.
"Not in that way, yet..." I muttered under my breath.
"Plus you two already made out and cuddled a lot." Sil continued her barrage of teasing.
I applied my face to the table and attempted to see if I could phase through it with a slow application of pressure.
"Is she usually this much of a stick in the mud?" Ruby replied as she snickered. I felt total defeat flow through me.
"No, not really. I think she's just flustered and has already had half a bottle of cider." Sil answered. "That's usually when she gets a little silly."
"Is she usually this hostile to sex jokes?" Aegis asked. I had almost forgotten he was there.
"No that isn't it." Sil laughed.
"Seriously, is she just not into it?" Ruby asked.
"No, she's just been burned," Riptide answered. "Prior relationship that went funky."
"Ah, okay we should lay off," Aegis said to Ruby. Part of me picked up a tone of familiarity between them, possibly romantic.
I know that kind of familiarity. I should have known, they were a couple.
"So you two were a couple," I muttered as I dredged my face up from the table. Time to get payback on them, and then I'll deal with Sil and Riptide.
They both looked at me, blinking then said in unison. "How?"
"Spend enough time around other couples and you see it. Plus, I've had a long-term relationship before." I replied with a smirk then let out a snort. "You shouldn't tease random ponies though, it's a bit rude."
"She put us up to it," Ruby said pointing at Sil, causing me to throw an inquisitive look her way. When the hell did she have time to do that?
"Hey, I... I was hoping she'd just go with the flow like usual!" Sil stammered clearly now on the defensive.
I need to teach her a lesson. At least Riptide is just giggling her head off. I can handle that.
"Sil you should know better. Also, I think it's a bit impolite to your potential lover to get her inebrayy-, er, drunk and have strangers tease her." I replied unsteadily. "That said, the alcohol is doing something for me."
"Well if it's anxiety it might be helping." Aegis offered.
"Ah fuck, she realized you two were a couple and asked for help didn't she?" I asked, looking at Ruby and Aegis.
"No, I don't think she did," Ruby answered.
Sil shrugged. "Guess I'm not as good at spotting couples as you are."
I gave Sil a nod to that. "Well, I'm going to take 'er back to our room and get a good night's rest." I eyed Riptide. "You too. Also, when do we leave tomorrow?"
"Around nine? Hard to give an exact time for most of us." Ruby said, pointing at the Pipbuck Zero's time readout.
"Sounds good," I replied then picked Sil up in my magic. "You're coming with me."
"Hey, no fair! You know I hate when you do this!" Sil squeaked.
Riptide snorted. "I think this is a good example of why you should stay on her good side, Sil."
I nodded at Riptide's explanation. "Well, we need to talk and maybe some other stuff," I replied as I carried Sil beside me in my magic, Riptide trotting alongside us. "No bad things per se but there are things that need to be said."
"That phrase always makes me nervous." Sil protested squirming in the air.
"Yeah, me too." I retorted. "But it's accurate."
"Are you upset at me?" Sil pleaded, sounding scared for once. I hadn't heard her scared in a long time.
"You didn't get me angry," I replied soothingly. "Little bit annoyed is all. Like a 'I'm going to boop your nose' level of annoyance. I haven't had random strangers teasing me before. Friends, family? Yeah, but strangers, not really so I'm mostly flustered and embarrassed." I wobbled a little. "Also the cider is hitting me pretty hard. At least I'm fairly certain it's just the cider. "
"You might not like the fact that there is more cider in the room then," Riptide informed me as she got the door to our room for us.
"I mean I'll have it if she doesn't," Sil said.
"Yes but also we'll see, might just be what I need," I said feeling my eyebrows try to waggle. Given Riptide's confused expression, it must have looked strange and, given how my face felt, it probably was.
"That didn't look right." Sil snorted. I eyed the levitating zebra before licking my lips and pulling her close enough to kiss her on the lips.
She just giggled and winked in return. My guess was I had successfully disarmed her anxiety so she was feeling more relaxed now. She was probably still annoyed at being in the air though. At least I had the common sense about me to keep her tail tucked against her stomach.
"Are you okay?" Riptide asked, now out of genuine concern. "That didn't look right."
"Alcohol, low tolerance, always had it," I replied, closing my eyes a moment to get my bearings. "Best if I just sip at it instead of chugging half the thing like I did. Also generally don't have it on a mostly empty stomach. That can do a lot."
"Well, I didn't cast anything on you," Riptide said, booping Sil's nose as she floated about head level in front of us.
"And I can't, and wouldn't, put anything in your drink," Sil added, trying her best to rotate in my magic.
"Exhaustion, alcohol, stress, it's hitting me all at once," I replied nodding to myself. "We are in a situation where I can relax for a moment so I'm subconsciously letting it all come out at once. What has built up over the trip so far and it's hitting like I just had a keg." I paused for a moment. "Maybe more like a keg of whiskey."
Riptide for her part just nodded as we went back to our room. We got more than a curious look, at least it was at me instead of Sil. I kept drinking the cider as I carried Sil up the stairs to our room in my magic. It probably looked like I was probably going to have drunken fun with her. Though it had crossed my mind I wasn't in the mood for that, not entirely. It was hard to tell.
I was surprised to find more interest in doing something like that than I had in a while. I was finding both of them interesting in a way unlike anypony else since things ended with Winter. It was nice to feel like I hadn't lost an entire range of emotions. At the same time, I just didn't feel the need to act on it. Just feeling that desire lightly in my mind was enough for me to feel more whole again.
Then there was also that feeling of not being needed to do something, that lack of urgency. I could finally rest and recover instead of continuing to have that feeling of being half dead, reliving crushed dreams, and all that. I no longer had to just focus on getting through the day; one shift after another, punch in and punch out. Keep my mask on so I didn't get questions that I didn't want to think of answers for.
I let out a snort and rolled my eyes at myself.
No, that was the negative side of my mind thinking. It hadn't helped things that I never really felt like I was doing anything of worth. I mean it was fine even if I wasn't that appreciated, I didn't do it for fame, glory, or wealth. I just wanted to help but even when I did I just never felt like I saw the results.
The fruits of my labor.
My thoughts floated back to my library in Seamane and how the merchant representative saw it as a wasted effort. He had stood in my way for such a long time until my brother and parents danced around him and got it for me anyway. He was fuming for months after that but it was all legal and the guard told him that if anything happened to it he'd get a bullet. A good number of ponies liked the library at least, especially the parents. Some even dropped off their foals for me to teach, others stayed with them and made it a whole family experience.
Ah fuck it, who was I kidding, I grew up in the wasteland, and I wasn't really that sheltered. Sure I was sheltered from the horrors of the heartland wastelands but I still grew up in a ruin. I grew up in a society that demanded everypony do their part; be it repairing the town and ship, keeping the water clean and flowing, keeping everyone healthy and alive as long as possible, and keeping us safe from those who would take advantage of our town.
I grew up being taught that eventually, I would have to take life to preserve my life or the lives of others. I had to learn to be okay with something abjectly against the nature of ponies and be okay with it. I had already done it a few times on this trip and would do it more in all likelihood.
Though my heart and soul cried out in agony over doing so I knew I would have to continue taking lives for the sake of those around me.
I closed the door behind myself as I gently placed Sil on the bed, Riptide joining her soon after given my desire to talk and share the bed tonight.
"So?" Riptide started. I looked at her as I put my things down. "You do know you've been complaining out loud for the past few minutes, right?" she went on. I stood there quietly, Sil nodding confirming Riptide's comments.
"Oh, well that's lovely..." I sighed before I climbed onto the bed with the two and curled up between them, feeling shame overtake me. "This is why avoid harder stuff. Or drinking fast. Does the same thing to me as exhaustion does. Oh well, at least cider tastes nice."
"Oh," Riptide replied sullenly. "Well, I can kind of see why."
"It's fine, didn't know it would hit me like this either. Might just be all these repressed feelings coming out." I replied, giving Riptide a nuzzle, had her coat always been this soft?
"Um?" Riptide asked, clearly confused by my mixed signals.
"I like your humming." I said, "It's relaxing."
"I... thought that I was doing that in my head." Riptide stammered as she blushed profusely.
"Nope, under your breath," I said, and then booped her nose. "Boop, also you have a cute blush."
Sil for her part had been quiet. I guessed she was avoiding any further retribution after having been carried against her will in my magic all across campus.
"I... how is so little alcohol hitting you this hard?" Riptide said as she tried to change the subject. Sil pressed herself against my back. Both of them were so soft. It felt nice and comforting.
"I haven't slept well since, well you heard my rant, but anyway I haven't gotten enough rest since you washed up on the lighthouse," I explained. "It's not your fault, just a rollercoaster of events. Constantly stressed about everything that could go wrong. Now that we're safe in a slice of civilization all of that exhaustion is coming down on me. Add the alcohol and it's making me a mess. Kinda a common thing. Supposedly."
"I'll take your word for it," Riptide said looking at me with her left eye as I leaned against her left side, head still firmly against her chest. "You were that stressed out?"
"She was, I could tell. She is generally a bit more perceptive." Sil pointed out. "Plus after a while, you'll start to notice her little tics when she's out of it or stressed."
I gave her a nod. "Sil's right, we wouldn't have gotten ambushed or foalnapped by an overgrown bee if I hadn't been," I replied with a sigh. "I just didn't know if there were any bits of civilization for us to stay safely between Seamane and Dockland. All the things we've been through and seeing the interior of Equestria for the first time, seeing the true ruins of our world has been weighing on me rather hard."
Sil nuzzled me from one side as Riptide leaned against me from the other, so I did what any greedy lover would and held them close as I lay on my back, pressing their muzzles into my chest.
"I can relate given we grew up with the same stories of the heartland. To see how it is though, to face it all for real for once." Sil trailed off as she held me tighter. "I'm glad to be here with you. I'll leave it at that."
"I... am in the same boat on that front," Riptide added. "While where I grew up wasn't the nicest. It was still a bit nicer than here. Without all of you, I don't know how well I'd fare on my own. Also, I think I'll stay away from alcohol if I'm getting this sappy without it."
"Probably for the best," I said in agreement. "Then again, who knows what would happen if we all got drunk? Buzzed? Probably wouldn't mean much. Sloshed though? Definitely not the best of choices."
"So, we are going to draw straws to see who gets to drink?" Sil teased.
"Eh, I'll pass. Go for it, Sil. Do you mind if I call you that?" Riptide asked.
I floated over a fresh bottle of cider and popped the cap off, setting it into my caps bag.
"Thank you, Moony and you may," Sil said taking the drink into her hooves.
A few minutes passed quietly then Riptide began to quietly hum to herself, then opened up and began to sing softly. I closed my eyes and listened to her heartbeat and singing reverberate through my body, just letting myself breathe. Her song wasn't in Equestrian or Ancient Unicorn. It was something else entirely yet pretty and relaxing all the same.
I felt enthralled by Riptide's singing to a degree. It wasn't so much moving but it made me feel like I was an open book to her. Then her song changed. It was a bit mournful, and I felt the same way. I didn't want to interrupt her song to ask. We all had our different ways of coping with what happened so maybe this was her way of doing so. The song soon became hopeful before ending. She blushed as she looked at us.
"Sorry, that went on for a while." Riptide blushed.
"It was beautiful, though I didn't recognize the language," I said, complimenting her. I felt Sil nodding from behind me as her chin tapped my neck.
"It's... unique." Riptide managed.
"Fair enough." I giggled and felt something well up in my chest. I thought I was going to get sick but then realized no, I wanted to kiss her. I let it drain away, it wasn't the right time for that, and we needed to talk things out.
"I... Thank you for letting me have time to deal with all this." Riptide said, punctuated with a sigh.
"No problem," I replied, giving her neck a nuzzle before blushing and mentally cursing myself. I was trying to have some time for us to talk about things here. The three of us needed to sort things out and it certainly didn't help that I was already entangled in their limbs.
"I, uh. Well, those two raiders were the first ponies I've ever killed." Riptide explained. "Mirelurks, that giant wasp, ghouls, those I've dealt with. But, somepony like us? No."
"You've seen those giant wasps before?" I asked. Riptide nodded.
"Huh, guess they are up and down the coast then," Sil added for me and I nodded in agreement.
I let out a sigh as I pulled the two mares tight against myself once again. Time to do some therapy.
"I wanna talk to you two to... to help me process some stuff. It's probably going to sound a bit scatterbrained as we go through it." I admitted.
"You two remember how shaken up I was after killing those raiders up close at the Sea Lion Caves?" I took a breath to center myself as flashes of warmth and blood slammed through my mind. "And the raider today whose skull I shoved a knife into, watching them see and comprehend what was about to happen?"
"It still haunts me." I went on. "Years ago when I first had to shoot another pony, I stopped remembering my dreams. I had to do it. If I hadn't shot them. Well..."
"I'm not quite following, but keep talking if it helps," Riptide admitted, both of them giving me a sympathetic squeeze. Sil particularly knew about the first time I had to put a pony down. She knew a little too well given she was the first pony to find me after the fact.
I let out a sigh, not certain where I was going either. "Killing doesn't get easier, not even for the raiders. It only does for the truly broken ones. Well, that's probably why they are broken in the first place." I explained. "It's why I hoped they would run away after we returned fire. It's dangerous to chase someone who has had the time to fall back and all that. Maybe they were just bloodthirsty or desperate, not that we'll ever know."
Riptide nodded.
"Still, even if they chose to chase you it still hurt to kill them," Sil said. "At the end of the day, it should always hurt to take a life, especially when talking fails."
Things went quiet for a few minutes.
"I... when I was in that town that went raider north of yours..." Riptide opened up. "They had been catching, cutting open, sacrificing, and eating anything from the sea."
I let myself become the little spoon for Sil so I could turn my attention towards Riptide. Sil's head rested on my shoulder as we paid close attention.
"My family and myself, you probably have figured out looking at their corpses and putting me back together that we aren't normal ponies," Riptide confessed.
"I noticed the scales on some, fins on a few of them," I said. "Sure they were odd adaptations, but you had mentioned you and your family spent a lot of time in and around the water. I figured it was some kind of mutation to that end."
Riptide nodded. "That's why we were targeted, I think. Given what I saw there it only makes sense." She sighed and laid her head on my stomach, looking up at Sil and me with tired eyes. "You haven't had your trade disrupted all season by them so whoever led them targeted us specifically, probably due to our time helping ponies down south. They intercepted our boat and dragged it to their dock after having harpooned it. Most of my family just dove off and made for shore." She hesitated. "I... hid. That's how I saw the town. I wish I hadn't."
I gave her mane a comforting brush with my hoof and bid her to continue when ready. Sil for her part reached down with a hoof and stroked Riptide's cheek, the touches from us seemed to help anchor Riptide in the here and now, calming her as she settled further up on my chest.
Honestly, this wasn't where I had expected things to go but helping Riptide handle her trauma trumped any desire to get laid.
Riptide took a breath. "The town was... like nothing I had seen before. Raiders? Like the ones we saw in Fillymath? They're all about cages, exploitation, and everything rusty from caked-on blood. There?" She shivered. "Everything was slimy."
"Maybe it was just the ocean mist, maybe the algae on everything but it was unsettling." She shook her head before continuing. "There was this constant droning, maybe a choir? Also an altar. I didn't dare get close, everything in me told me to stay away if I wanted to stay alive. There was a lot of magic in that town. These aren't just raiders, something is very wrong there."
I nodded, curious to know more.
"The gravel and sand weren't right anymore either. It was pearlescent, all of it. The streetlights were messed up, the tops like fish hooks with lanterns, blue flames burning in them." Riptide explained evenly. The blue flames reminded me of the buck who had charged me during the siege and that worried me. "There were flayed corpses of creatures that came from the ocean carved open, chairs arranged around them like a buffet. Red streaks of blood ran down the streets into the ocean. There were ponies convulsing in the street. Were it not for all of that, it would look like any normal town on the white sands. Instead."
She paused and took a long breath to steady herself while squeezing her eyes shut. "Instead there was something. It hurts to even try to remember the effigies they had around the town, the symbols make my head whenever I try to hold the image in my mind." Riptide gasped, leaning against me for support. "I don't know what they found but it is wrong."
I gave her a tight hug, letting her take her time to come to terms. Meanwhile, I put her knowledge into my mind, chewing on it and digesting it. The symbol gnawed at my mind and I swore I could hear something; a sort of scratching or ruffling paper sound as I tried to recall it from my mission with the Buckshots.
Could they have come south to attack the town? But why with so much force? Was it due to Riptide? Surely one mare wasn't worth that many lives or did they need to dispose of excess lives? It's sounding more and more like it could have been a sacrifice.
Riptide continued after a moment. "Fleeing, fleeing was terrifying, they were dragging my family back to shore, still alive from the ocean." She shuddered, eyes staring blankly through me. "They bleed them dry, cut out their organs then left their bodies to rot. I watched, I couldn't stop them, I had nothing to fight them with. I don't know what they did, what they took, but the next moment I was able to try to leave, no longer transfixed as if the place was holding onto me."
She felt colder for a moment as I held her. Looking into her eyes I felt something off, as if she was impossibly far away while still wrapped in my legs. Her eyes were transfixed on something I couldn't see, her lips moving without noise. As her lips moved I felt my perspective warp, maintaining eye contact eliciting a scream of pain from the depths of my mind.
I closed my eyes and did the only thing I could think of to try to stop her lips, pushing mine on hers. Maybe that was still the cider making me think that way.
I heard Sil make some kind of squeak. I couldn't discern the nature of it. I felt Sil embrace both of us as I held that kiss. Maybe it was a stupid option but things started to feel normal, well normal enough for our first genuine kiss.
As we lay there, the noise of doors opening and closing in the hall could be heard, but I paid it little mind as I had more pressing concerns. Such concerns as I was laying atop of Riptide with our lips firmly pressed together. The fact that my heart was occupying my throat as it raced. And that whatever had been causing that unnerving feeling was dispelled with said kiss.
I laid on her for a few minutes, feeling her warm up. Riptide's eyes slowly focused on me instead of distant shores, with the mental return of my companion I broke the kiss.
"You two good?" Sil asked.
"I think so." I blushed.
"Riptide?" Sil asked with her gaze moved to our citrine-eyed friend.
"Hi, I'm here." She answered. "Uh, I blanked out, did something happen?"
"Yeah... but let's forget that, Moony say something to her." Sil urged me.
"Um, hi." I stammered.
"This isn't what I expected for my first kiss." Riptide blushed.
"I think we all can say the same." Sil giggled.
"Can I have some of the cider?" Riptide asked. "I think I need it. And now I am remembering what happened, cider time."
"Given what you just told us? I don't blame you." Sil sighed as she relaxed, though I saw a blush on her face.
"I think we all could do with some more drinks. And relaxing." I sighed as I floated over some fresh bottles, tossing the caps into my bag of money.
"So, how far are you willing to take that?" Silaha winked as she gave me a look, that blush still squarely on her cheeks
"However far the cider takes us," I replied.
"Both of us?" Sil asked.
"Yeah, I think... I think I can handle that." I answered. I had experience.
"Well, time for round two with you," Sil smirked.
Round two? Wait I thought that was just a dream...
"Given the look on your face, you remember that drunken romp from a few years ago." Sil smiled.
"Thought it was just a dream." I rolled my eyes. "Well, now I really shouldn't be surprised you love me."
"Wait, you two have done it before?" Riptide asked, looking between us.
"Yes, and to say the least, she's good." Sil giggled before kissing my neck. "Go on, touch horns, I'll manage what you two can't."
Blushes were heavy on all of us, as was the smell of alcohol and other things.
This wasn't like last time with Winter and Ocean. I could feel in my heart that I loved both of them and they both cared for me in turn.
With Sil, it was a natural progression of how close we had been all our lives. For Riptide it was the result of my caring for her wellbeing that had grown and flourished quickly from friends to partners. Maybe this time I could handle something more complicated. Maybe this was the two of them trying to help mend my broken heart.
This didn't feel like they were fighting with one another over me, as it had felt between me and Ocean over Winter. No, this was three ponies coming together out of love and care for one another. While I was the focal point, it was mutual between all of us. We could lean on one another. Two broken mares and one, as far as I knew, healthy mare. This wasn't competitive, it was mutually supportive. I closed my eyes and let the night go where it would. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 9 - Coach Class | "Riding in safety IS riding in style!"
- Ruby Rose Caravan Motto
Morning arrived faster than I desired, my left foreleg vibrated as the finished Pipbuck Zero awoke me. It was nice to see Sil's work had gotten the mess of circuits working. I opened my eyes and tried to move, only to find myself very much pinned by a heavy Riptide on my left, the mare still within the clutches of slumber. To my right Sil was cutting off circulation to my right hoof, which explained why I couldn't feel it.
I let out a happy sigh as memories of last night filled my head. The alcohol hadn't washed them away thankfully. It was a wonderful time. Not entirely unanticipated but I was grateful to get some time with just the three of us. Given how relaxed I felt now, yeah, it was needed. I hoped the other two felt the same way when they woke up and I certainly hoped they would wake up sooner rather than later given how my body was starting to feel.
Instead of just hoping for the best, I decided to do something about it, something that would definitely wake Riptide up, and Sil once I got to her. To my fortune, Riptide did enjoy my method of waking her up. Sil woke up shortly thereafter in the same manner.
"Okay, so, that was lovely, but we should get cleaned up." I chuckled. "AND I really need the little filly's room now."
"She's right; the air is pretty thick in here," Sil added.
Riptide nodded. "We should get moving then or we'll get left behind. Don't want to get trapped in this bed all day."
I let out a snicker. "As if that would be so bad but yes we should get going." We really had in the space of a bit over two weeks gone from strangers to lovers hadn't we?
After a quick trip to relieve myself, I joined the others for a shower. We opted to help wash one another, scrubbing and even giving impromptu massages. We also took the opportunity to clean one another's manes, something we hadn't done in a while.
I had learned to be careful with the little frills on Riptide's jaw, something I hadn't noticed before last night. Was she hiding them? How had she? Oh well, they're cute along with the rest of her. Cleaned, dried, gear gathered and donned, and Pipbuck Zero waterproofing tested by accident, we left the communal showers groomed and ready to get some freshly cooked food.
Breakfast today was an assortment of some kind of eggs, hay, and hashbrowns. I didn't bother to ask what species these eggs came from. The hay I didn't recognize either but it was less distressing as it was fresh. Who knows, maybe Winter had sold some of what we found in Fisher. Finally, there were the good old, regular hash browns. From two centuries ago.
Generous portions regardless and for the amount of money I paid it was well worth it. Ruby and her crew were eating with us, her stagecoach visible behind them.
I started visually inspecting Ruby's stagecoach from where I was seated and found it... interesting. I first noticed that it was coated in clipboards. This immediately struck me as odd; it wasn't that the clipboards seemed to replace the exterior but acted as additional protection, something I had not seen before. It was novel, but the additional cover to those up top was reasonable.
"Wonderin' why it's covered in clipboards?" Ruby asked, having caught my inquisitorial gaze. I gave her a nod. "Well, it's because clipboards, for whatever wonderful reason, are practically indestructible. I mean, some things like cutting tools can deal with them but amusin'ly not bullets."
"Excuse me, what," I said in bafflement. I knew pre-war clipboards were strong but to hear them used for armor was wild.
"No joke! Unless some jerk-off has some major ordinance these suckers will protect us." Ruby explained. "Main issue is the wood behind it bucklin' which makes it harder to, say, make a bunker out of it on the front or top of the driver."
"Ah, load transfer," I said, nodding in understanding. "Yeah, that would be... difficult. Would eat up most of the extra space and weigh a fair bit. As it is the mounting and clipboards probably slow things down a bit."
"Yep, probably room for betterment, but as it is she's pretty solid," Ruby said with pride. "Been through enough ambushes to make me happy with my investment."
"Well, I feel safer already," I admitted. Ruby seemed to beam with pride hearing my words.
"Good! Don't want a client backin' out when we're all rearin' to head out with them." Ruby sighed in relief before elaborating. "Because boy howdy, is it easier to pick off a couple of ponies on hoof and loot them? Lot harder when the group, and by that I mean us, can just keep rollin' on by as you shoot them."
Sil nodded. "That's a good point. Makes carriages a poor choice unless they can set up a barricade and even then probably a lot cheaper for them to just trade instead."
"Yep, though the more organized things are in a region, the harder it is for raiders, turning them into bandits and gangers over just roamin' pillagers," Ruby added.
I tapped my chin with my hoof. Ruby's logic made sense, it would be far easier to pick off a few wanderers than a big group. Far less investment of resources and risk for a more stable reward. Realizing I was staring at my dish, I started working on finishing my breakfast. I wasn't used to eggs as they were an infrequent food back home. It was however a good source of protein which complemented all the muscle-building I had been doing as of late.
"I see why caravans are popular." I nodded. "Carriages must cost two legs."
"For a stagecoach like mine? Yeah costs a bit but then again there are plenty of them layin' around to restore." Ruby chuckled before elaborating. "It all works out in the end, not many get hit anymore."
"Most issues are with ponies who wander too far outside of towns and get taken captive." She went on. "Some bandits out this way do the occasional raid or siege of smaller towns, usually workin' for some of the not-so-savory groups out there. These are the ones thievin' and extortin' all their life. Others still eventually settle down and change for the better."
I nodded. It made sense after all. A parasitic relationship was unsustainable and once established enough it became self-defeating to continue exploiting others so deeply. Those who don't learn probably leave the groups that settled down, are dealt with for messing things up, or die before they settle down.
"Never really think about it?" Ruby asked, seeing me focus inward as I processed her impromptu lecture.
"Eh, yes and no. Was a guard and... several other things back home." I said before letting out a snort at how long my resume had become at this point.
"She also did some part-time medical work," Sill added for me. "And worked on restoring and running our library."
I rolled my eyes. "Was also briefly part of maintenance but ended up just using those skills to do repair work for the guard. The field medic came with my more recent training. Probably was going to end up being either a doctor or teacher in a few years with how things were going."
Ruby nodded, pondering it seemed. Before she could speak, four ponies joined us from securing luggage on the coach.
"Hey, Mom, everything's stowed." One of two unicorn mares said. I could see two earth ponies working on adjusting their barding, the hoops used to connect to the stagecoach clacking lightly.
"Moonlight, this is Wild Silver." Ruby introduced the mare who just spoke, then gestured to the other unicorn mare. "And my other daughter, Night Dust."
"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you." I greeted the two. The two mares shared their mother's cream coat but Silver's mane was, well, silver, while Night's was a deep blue like a painting of the night.
"Pleasure." Both replied nonchalantly, seemingly going through the routine of meeting passengers, neither very interested in getting to know us.
"Well, let's get all of you situated so we can get going, daylight's burnin'." Ruby commanded waving a hoof at us to get moving.
I noticed at this point that the two lovebirds had so far failed to join us. With a sigh, I got up and carried what remained of my breakfast in my magic as I went to hunt down the two stragglers. The first stop was their room, because if anything they were probably getting some much-earned sleep. As for how I could tell they were still asleep? Ocean snored. Loudly. It was a dead giveaway.
I couldn't be too angry at them. After all, this was the first chance any of us had to get some proper sleep. Regardless we had a deadline.
Lacking any of my equipment, I resorted to the polite thing first and knocked on their door. Nothing happened and so I sighed again before taking the last bite of my breakfast. Picking locks without tools was possible but not something I had done frequently. I had time now and no immediate danger that needed that door open immediately which helped me focus.
Leveling my eye with the keyway, I let my magic gently wrap around the handle and into the lock itself. Despite grasping at straws somewhat, I realized all I really had to do was figure out where the pins were, shove them back, and then twist like a key does. No fiddling about tensioning with a wiper insert and then booping pins to see if I can get them to bind.
After half a minute, I decided my approach required more horn lockpicking practice, possibly when I had a day or two to just lay on a mat with a lock out of its housing. Frustrated, I instead opted for the other sensible thing and let my magic grasp the latch, popping it back out. The initial bit took more magic to move but then I heard the deadbolt rotate with a satisfying clunk.
With a tap of my hoof, the door swung open and I could see my two errant companions. They were still asleep and I could see several bottles of alcohol scattered around them, the sheets twisted messily around them.
I could feel my tail flicking behind me in agitation as I scowled at the two. Closing the door behind me, I started to clean up the mess the two had made. We had reputations to form and maintain and a messy room would definitely be a setback. I started with washing the bottles out, giving me a way to dump some nice, cold water on their muzzles and in addition letting me bottle some clean water for the long road ahead. Who knew when we would get a chance at clean water again?
By the end of the hasty clean-up, I decided against soaking the two. That would just make the two wake up in a jolt and I really didn't want either of them to shoot me in a panic. Sure they didn't have their battlesaddles on but Ocean's SMGs could be mouth-fired in desperation. That would likely cause all kinds of headaches, and not just from firing a gun in an enclosed space without hearing protection.
So I made the choice to use my magic to gently close their mouth and noses so that the lack of air would wake them up. Ocean had a bad habit of waking up in the middle of the night because of that, her snoring occasionally causing her to choke and gasp for air from some sort of blockage of his airway. Still, I prepared for the possibility of either of them bolting up awake and beating my ass in delirium as my magic settled around their muzzles.
The things I do for friends...
Winter woke up first and I let my magic fade away.
"Huh? Who's there?!" Shouted Winter jumping out of bed and surprising me by closing the distance before I had a chance to answer.
He was on top of me in an instant and would've smashed my face in if I hadn't blocked with my forelegs. His hooves came down and I felt the unfortunately familiar sensation of bone starting to give. Great, hairline fracture. At least I'm not walking for a few days...
To my utter confusion and surprise, a cartoon version of myself appeared before my eyes, sitting sadly on her rump, her forelegs in slings. So this is what it's like to have EFS. Neat but unfortunately no time to marvel at this! Sil was up for a lot of affectionate kisses and praise for getting the 'Eyes Forward Sparkle' working on the Pipbuck Zero. Another blow to my legs ripped me out of the moment of reverence for Sil's software engineering and back to the present.
Before a third blow could land, I heard Ocean cry out. "Winter! Stop, it's Moonlight."
Laying battered and bruised under Winter I gasped for air. Twenty-four hours ago I wouldn't have expected this to be how I was feeling in this position with him.
"Winter, please it's me, Moony!" I pleaded.
Having hesitated at the cry from his mate, Winter sat on his rump and looked at me bewildered before a look of frustration set in. I tried to move my forelegs and this seemed to get his brain working past his feral protectiveness.
Winter finally voiced his feelings. "Why didn't you knock?" He hissed. I knew him well enough he was looking for a way to downplay his own guilt.
That frustration vanished when he went to touch my dangling forelegs with a hoof and I winced away from him. We had been around one another enough to know each other's body language.
"I'm sorry, Moony." He sighed.
"It's... alright." I groaned before regarding my EFS portrait. Based on the readout and my experience with treating others, this was going to take a healing potion to deal with the hairline fractures in my forelegs. Healing potions that were packed away on the stagecoach. Great.
"As for knocking, I tried that but you two slept through me knocking on the door." I went on. "Loudly."
Ocean trotted over into my vision, her stuff haphazardly slung on her back. She looked down at my forelegs and grimaced.
"Winter. Get off of her, I don't think it's going to help having you sit on her lap." Ocean said and I could hear a minor tone of command in her voice. He scrambled quickly to his hooves and offered one to me to help me up. When they both saw my legs weren't cooperating, I was lifted bodily and put on his back instead.
"By the way, this is going to sound sudden but we probably should get you two some food," I said sheepishly. "Uh, I should have also talked to you both sooner about this but I got us a ride to Dockland on a stagecoach."
Ocean sighed as she started for the door. "I'm glad you found us a safe way but I would've liked to have been in the loop."
"Sorry. Things just kind of happened real fast last night." I apologized. "Then before I knew it ponies got me drunk."
"Well, you'll have to explain that bit to me later. Let's get moving." Ocean said.
"I'm sorry Moony." Winter sighed as we cantered towards the mess hall.
"I'm sorry as well," I said, trying to console him. "I really don't know how you slept through me washing all those fucking bottles and putting them in Ocean's bags."
"You were probably about as exhausted we were last night." He offered.
I nodded to myself as we headed out of the gym-turned-hotel. "Yeah, but, you know how I can't sleep that well anymore."
Winter just gave me a non-committal noise.
Ocean on the other hoof tried to change the subject. "How did last night go?"
"Well, pipbuck works. Could only afford the one though but at least now I can keep a relative track of our radiation exposure level." I explained. "Somepony even got the EFS working -- uh, the thing that gets projected in your eyes to give you information, entirely magical. Didn't think we could fit it but I guess Sil or somepony else figured it out."
"Well, that's amazing but not what I was wondering about." Ocean snickered.
I paused and realized she was wondering about the other half of my evening. "Oh. That. Uh."
"Uh huh, that sounds promising." Winter snorted.
"Shut up you." I hissed. "I'm still processing it. I think we're a couple so, yay? Fuck if I know. My brain is still full of doubts on whether it's okay for me even to let them in."
"But you're trying?" Ocean asked.
"I'm giving it a shot," I replied. "An honest, real try."
"That is good to hear." Winter sounded relieved.
"Yeah, life just kind of needed to slap me in the face a few times, enough for me to sit down and stop looking gifts in the mouth." I sighed. "You two have a good evening?"
"It was a relaxing one," Ocean answered. Winter didn't answer.
"Good. Well, we should have another one tonight in the Mill." I offered. "If I can't patch myself up on the way there, we'll see about somepony there taking care of this mishap."
"You aren't angry?" Winter asked.
I mulled it over for a moment. "No, not really. You scared the daylights out of me though. I'm just glad I'm as tough as I am because I think it's just fractured."
"Can you..." Winter started.
"Yeah, I won't mention it to the others." I nodded. "Oh, and you two won't be sharing the inside of the wagon with us, only room for three in there. Some very solid cover up top though. We'll switch who is guarding Riptide as we go along. Keep it fair who gets rained on."
"Sounds good." Ocean nodded as we got to the tents around the stagecoach.
Sil saw me and her ears flattened, letting out a nicker as she trotted up to me. "Did something happen?" she asked, checking me over.
I nickered in return. "Yeah, waking them up didn't go as planned. They got up, but there was a bit of a tussle."
Sil nuzzled my neck and let me lean into her a bit. "They didn't wake up to Plan A through H?"
I groaned. "Yeah, we'll leave it at that. Let's just get me in the coach while they eat."
Sil leaned back against me. "It happens. Alright, Winter, I'll take her from here, you two get some food in you. I don't think there are any diners to stop at for lunch between here and the Mill."
With the help of one of the pullers, Sil got me into the stagecoach and closed the door. I could have with my magic but I was busy getting seated and fussed over. I finally managed to get comfortable enough to check on my forelegs. Nothing major like a bone sticking out from flesh but it was obvious by how they hung that things weren't right. Riptide for her part looked rather upset at the situation.
"I can fix it and Winter is sorry for the whole thing so don't take it out on him. Accidents happen." I said in an attempt to console her. It got her to take a few breaths at least as I shuffled through our supplies and began to triage my injuries. I wanted to do what I could before we were on our way in case I needed to set anything. Better now than when we were bumping along.
Fixing yourself with only your magic was always difficult. One couldn't hold things where they wanted to, but I was getting better with practice at holding multiple spells and instruments at a time.
By the time I finished fixing my forelegs, Winter and Ocean caught up with the rest of us and took their places on top of the carriage. I would still need a while for my legs to fully heal but in a pinch, I should be fine downing another healing potion or two. There was just a desire in me to hold onto the healing potions for something more dire like holes in ponies.
While Ocean and Winter did their best at laying flat on the roof, Sil, Riptide, and I barely fit inside the cramped carriage and we did our best to try not to move too much. It helped that we didn't have our saddlebags or battle saddles on and I was personally thankful we had washed up before breakfast. As much as I enjoyed the closeness it made doing anything an uncomfortable affair. That left us to enjoy the scenery, chatting, and reading, whenever the wind wasn't blowing the wrong way or I could hold the pages with my magic.
We finally pulled out onto the highway, and every bump on the aged road I could now feel through the centuries-old suspension. To the west, or left as we went north, I saw the healthy green flora of the Seamane range pressing east as it fought to reclaim the land against the scars of the past. To the east, I could see the Cascadia range, mixes of browns, oranges, greys, greens, and whites dominating what I could see with some splotches of other odd colors between them.
Twenty minutes later we were north of the Wayhill Crater, its glow visible even during the day. Just getting in position to look at it caused the radiation gauge to start clicking, giving a minor reading miles away with a direct line of sight. I leaned back from the window. I wanted to avoid what radiation I could but due to the cramped space we all shared the best I could do was make a note to get our radiation levels checked later. I then cursed myself, remembering the spare radiation monitors I had, foreleg mounted. I should get those out for the others when we stop.
Barring the jarring bumps in the road and the constant squeaking of the wheels, the day was surprisingly calm. Riptide's singing, as well as her being pressed against me, kept me company when we weren't talking. Sil was squeezed in on the other side of the coach making this a Riptide sandwich. While part of me wished I was in the middle, Riptide was our cargo so it was best to keep her in the middle where she would be safest from any hazard.
While the coach wasn't faster than walking it was certainly safer and peace of mind was worth the cost. Not to mention part of me enjoyed drifting in and out of sleep while resting my head against Riptide. It had been too long since I let my guard down, emotionally and physically. Eleven days since we had left and the entire time we all had to be each other's guards. Now? We had our own bodyguards and it was time to just rest, something we were all in dire need of.
My thoughts turned to my newly formed relationships. Well, formed and altered. Riptide I had known for the sole sum of just under two weeks but, I also knew not to hold that against a real friendship. Yet I had my doubts about our relationship.
I leaned against Riptide as she napped. We were now a few hours from anywhere at this point and the scenery was rather dull; dead trees with new sprouts fighting to survive around them, fields of centuries of wild crops waiting to be tended to. My eyes turned to Riptide and I felt my heart rate slow, the feeling of melting washing over me.
And that answers part of my own questions about how I feel about her. To feel some earnest affection for this mare and not just lust is a nice change. I think it is about time Cadence cut me some slack and let me settle down. I'm not getting any younger and she makes me feel a mix of things, most of them good. The doubts I know I'll squash in time.
Still, though, I know she cares for me. She cares enough to make certain I'm anchored in reality. She has a sense of protectiveness towards me and not in the motherly sense but more of camaraderie. Fuck me with my own horn, this is a messy mix of loves. I know consummate and romantic loves weren't there yet but platonic and physical ones certainly were. I could already feel it though, the slow approach of romance. It just needs some time to get its slow rear here.
As for Sil... I felt a lot of the same physiological responses looking over at her as I had for Riptide. The romantic love is definitely already there, maybe it always was. I know I reciprocated the platonic but not the physical side of things.
Two different types of relationships, growing and coming to fruition as I cultivate my feelings for these two and they in turn do the same to me. Though I'm not certain who is doing what here. I smirked at my own confusion. Cadance, you really wanted to make up for things going poorly with Winter, didn't you?
I looked up at Riptide, having been resting my head against her chest. She was smiling and it made my chest melt even more.
Yep, that's that romantic love setting in. I wasn't wrong with my analysis.
"You alright, Moony?" Riptide asked, curiosity filling those brilliant yellow eyes.
"Thinking. Realizing how you have already completely I've fallen for you." I replied honestly.
Riptide blushed and shoved my face into her chest fluff preventing me from seeing the rest of her reaction. I didn't mind though. Honesty was the best practice here; it would prevent us from hurting one another, even if it made us into damn fools. Then again, who hadn't been made a damn fool by love?
Probably the Princess of Love, I mused. Curiously I never heard her fate... Sadly she probably died with the rest when Canterlot was obliterated, though the spirits of the princesses have probably stayed with us given the sun, moon, and love's mysterious ways.
The first day of the trip ended with us pulling into the ruined city called The Mill. It had, when the founders of Equestria still walked the earth, been the regional capital. Now it looked a lot like Wayhill. While I hadn't seen a crater, the entire city looked toasted, buildings burnt to a crisp and lightly irradiated given the random clicks every few minutes. We were still a ways away from the heart of the city though, coming to rest in a suburb called Four Corners.
"Well, it's not much to look at." I quietly commented to Riptide as we got out of the coach and stretched. I tested out the patch job on my forelegs and found them to be holding just fine.
"Seen more than a few ruined towns myself," Riptide replied.
Sil took in the sights, less than familiar with blown-out cities, this trip was our first real experience with them.
While I had enjoyed the stagecoach ride to a degree, it had been cramped even if it had been nice to just be in close company with the mares who had stolen my heart. Tonight though I'd resolve the issue of having spent the better part of the day with Riptide instead of Sil. It seemed unfair to just give Riptide all the affection since last night but Sil was practical-minded like me so hopefully she hadn't taken it the wrong way. I was probably just overthinking it. Per usual.
"This way, love birds." Ruby taunted and waved us towards her with her hat.
I raised an eyebrow at Ruby. "Yes, because I was lost in thought about that sort of thing." I huffed.
"I woulda expected as much after the talkin' I overheard on the trip." Ruby teased. "Come on now, let's get our rooms squared away."
I nodded and we followed Ruby while her workers unloaded supplies and made deals with the locals. Thankfully the three of us weren't sharing a room with the rest. With an early start once again for tomorrow, Ruby reminded us not to be late and gave a glare to Winter and Ocean.
Winter and Ocean headed up to their room without a word to us. I suspected the ride up top had not been relaxing and they probably wanted an early night. The three of us that remained began to explore what we could of Four Corners. Well, what was safe to explore, we weren't going outside of the walls.
What made Four Corners safe was the pre-war buildings purposefully collapsed to form the suburb's defensive walls. Strolling atop one of them, we could see into The Mill for a good distance as Four Corners sat on a hill. From our vantage point, we could also see the glow of The Mill's blast crater, its mincing glow reflecting upon the clouds. This was only the second crater we had seen but it wouldn't be a big stretch of logic to deduce that every major population center and regional governmental center was hit.
It only made sense, from what they had taught us about the Great War. The short of it was that the zebras fired because they were afraid of suffering under Equestria if they lost. The bombs were not just to cripple military might but any ability for Equestria to recover quickly. Of course, given both sides had megaspells, it was pretty certain whatever remained of the zebra homelands were just as ruined and rife with madness, mutually assured destruction come true.
Once we had our fill of wandering about, and after picking through some vendors for more parts, we found ourselves at The Dip-pogriff Diner, a little eatery that looked like it had survived the War. The three of us were soon relaxing in a corner booth, enjoying the ability to stretch out. Our food had been ordered and now it was just a course of waiting. I had also gotten our room number and key so we could take our time tonight.
Around us rose the low rumbling of conversation from fellow diners and as we sank into our seats we began picking up the odd conversation or two.
"So I finally went out east. It's real haunting." A stallion at a nearby table said to another. "When you're in the heartland you can see the specter of Canterlot sittin' on the mountain from almost everywhere. Apparently, the place didn't get directly hit with balefire but by somethin' else. Melts your flesh right off ya right quick."
"By the Sisters, I knew the zebras hated Equestria but that's extreme even for them." The stallion's companion replied. I felt equally aghast as he probably did but for a different reason. I noticed Sil's ears were pinned back and though I knew the ponies in the other booth couldn't see her hearing such things must sting at least a little.
I leaned against Sil and comforted her and she did the same to me in return. I think she knew it wasn't her they were talking about nor her parents. Her ancestors were allies to Equestria and refugees, not zebras who wanted to destroy it.
My thoughts turned to Canterlot though. Most of us out here had never gone inland past the branch of the Unicorn Range that cut us off from the heartland. The same range also cut off any view of Canterlot and in the reverse the Cascadia Range. Regardless, even if neither of them were there, Canterlot itself would've been too far over the horizon. Most of us had assumed the capital had been obliterated from the face of the world, like everything out here.
Well, I had. My copy of the Wasteland Survival Guide's section on Canterlot was ruined, which was fitting considering all I had gotten out of the legible parts described the city as burnt ruins. An abandoned flesh-melting city was certainly different from what I read. I had also, with the erroneous information, assumed that being the seat of Equestria's power, Canterlot was burned down due to the zebra's rabid hatred in the end for Twilight and the Ministry mares.
To instead hear that it was turned into a horrific ruin effectively forbidden to all was far worse. We were unable to even bury what remained of those there, unable to recover our history while it sat there taunting us, preserved.
Not that there was anypony left we could be angry at. The ones who did it were long dead and even if they lived past the Great War I doubted our troops in their lands would have stopped short of killing every zebra in their path as retribution. I doubted undeath for those who came back as ghouls would have stopped them honestly. The thought made me shudder, saddened for the souls lost in the endless torment of a war long lost by all.
Riptide had at some point caught on that my focus was on the Canterlot conversation, though said the conversation had moved on to more mundane and less world-shattering subjects at this point.
"There's a chance at some point somepony can find a way to clean it up or counter the effects," Riptide stated. "I mean, we have ways to clean up radiation so why not whatever that stuff is? It's just a matter of resources."
I gave a nod. Plundering Canterlot's vast resources preserved since the Great War had merit but it wasn't my place to attempt. Canterlot was weeks away from here and I doubted I would ever see the Heartland.
I wasn't even certain what would happen to us once we got to Dockland so it would be best to not get ahead of myself. I had figured there was a good chance I would be staying the winter with Riptide and her extended family while running odd jobs throughout the former city. It was that thought that made me more than aware of my current lack of knowledge concerning Dockland. The uncertainty was only the start of the avalanche of thoughts racing through my head.
What was I doing with my life? I had interrupted what training I had been getting to be a bodyguard, fell in love with my ward, and was now halfway to a city I knew nothing of. Then there was the cold desire to avenge Riptide's family, to protect her, and to slaughter those who dared butcher her family. That coldness I didn't like, almost afraid of the detached, emotionless desire.
My thoughts were interrupted when our server returned with our meals balanced on a tray atop his back. He then deftly slid them off the tray and onto the table, a talent I had to admire seeing as none of our food decided to go on an adventure from the move.
"Here are your salads." Our server said, giving a bow before setting out a choice of dressings from pouches in his apron.
"Thank you," I replied, the other two giving similar responses as we began idly picking away at salad.
The salad was a blend of preserved and fresh ingredients. While the taste was noticeably different from what I was used to I could understand the cost-saving measure; not everything was available fresh this side of the Seamane, something about balefire fallout had made it incredibly hard to farm in the region. I didn't mind though, I wasn't used to eating fresh food all the time anyway.
The bits of cooked fish were what caught me off guard and given the spike in my radiation levels I figured that was the reason there was so little of it. I hoped it didn't come from a species that could communicate, that was my one hard rule on consuming meat. Sil was having the same salad I was having, though she seemed to have fewer reservations.
Riptide on the other hoof had been keen to try the fish and got an entire baked trout, which came a few minutes after, alongside her salad. I was happy to pay the extra price, especially once we got to see how cute she looked upon tasting the fish, her eyes lighting up as she held it in her maw.
Unexpectedly, she began tearing into the fish with a voracious appetite that scared both Sil and myself. We exchanged looks and crossed our hind legs. Maybe the aquatic nature of Riptide mutation made her a more predatory type of pony. That or she just really wanted fish. However, I swore I also saw fangs while she ate, which made me question allowing her to do certain things to me the night prior.
I turned my focus away from Riptide's feeding frenzy, slightly regretting picking the corner booth as I was sandwiched between the other two. Instead, I tried to turn my attention to the future, to what would happen once we hit Dockland. I knew what was going to happen with Riptide but Sil I was uncertain.
"Hey, Sil?" I asked.
"Mmm?" Sil responded after a moment.
I was glad she had enough dignity not to talk with her mouth full. "Was wondering what your plans were once we got to Dockland. You didn't come out with us just to chase my flank, obviously."
Sil swallowed before replying. "Well, Dad wouldn't have let me come if it was just to go after your rear." She tapped her fork on the plate for a moment. "So you know Dad raised me alone, along with your parents of course. Anyways, this wasn't because, you know, my mom died. In a reversal of roles, Dad was sent off to raise me after I was born while my mom continued with her work in the tribe."
I nodded, following along, a few bits about her heritage resurfacing in my memory. "Well, a while ago we had lost track of them." Sil went on, looking down into her salad. "A few months later we finally got a lead on a trader that regularly crosses paths with them. It's still been over half a year since then. Dad hasn't had time to come out here and find the pony who talked to the tribe and, well, now I have a chance to."
"So you are going to try to find this trader." I continued for her. "And if not, find any more recent information and figure out what you can?"
"Kinda, I'm going to go a step further." Sil sighed. "I mean, I was effectively raised as an earth pony who just happened to have stripes. I kinda want to know what it means to be a zebra of my tribe. I mean, I know, my tribe is technically yours now given I was raised in Saint Clover and now your mare but..." She trailed off.
"But, you want to at least talk and meet your mom or any other relatives if possible." I finished for her, nodding. "I can understand that. I mean, I never really got to know anyone outside my parents. Tell you what, I'll happily lend a hoof to figure stuff out while we're staying in Dockland. I'll even take a trip out east with you if we get a solid lead and can figure out a way to get there relatively safely."
Sil hugged me. "Thanks, I knew you'd help but it means a lot to me to hear it."
"No problem. I wouldn't let you do this on your own, you're family." I replied as I gave her cheek a nuzzle. Riptide chose that moment to let out a belch, ruining the moment and turning the soft smile on my face into a deadpan look in her direction. "So, did you enjoy your fish?"
Riptide nearly choked and blushed before she gave her answer. "Yes, sorry, got a bit carried away. It brings back memories from when I was a filly."
"That's good to hear, though next time slow down," I said with a strained smile. "You were going at it so fast your teeth looked like fangs."
Riptide covered her mouth with her hooves semi-playfully, as if to check for said fangs. I shook my head and sighed again. Oh by the stars what had I gotten myself into with these two?
Suddenly I heard a blast and loud roaring from outside. I felt myself pop open the holster strap, not even feeling my horn light up as I looked out the window to my left. We were well away from the town wall but instincts died hard.
"Don't worry you three, the guard has it under control." Our waiter explained seeing our eyes drawn to the window. "Likely just some vipers wandered too close to the wall again"
We all looked at him with obvious confusion.
"It's what we call the strange creatures that climb out of the dark places at night." He went on to explain. "They look like pony-sized snakes but don't let that fool you, they come from a hydra. It usually just keeps to itself upriver for the most part but Steel Rangers recently came through and made things worse. You know how they are." He stopped to shrug. "If there is one upside to this it's that the vipers are still a hydra, and thus can be harvested for making Hydra. The medicine that is. Pretty nice bit of income for the town over the scavenging."
I gave him a nod as I closed the clasp back on my pistol holster, letting out a held breath as all three of us settled back down. We're safe. I wasn't this town's guardian and they have their own guard. I could just let things take care of themselves. The town was used to what the Mill had to throw at it most days. I leaned back against the booth as I turned to look outside, taking deep breaths to calm myself further.
I saw the all too familiar grey clouds resting above, a blotch of green reflected onto them to the west. That was likely where the Mill's blast crater was. I had heard that In all these years the necromantic radiation never decreased around the initial blast sites, the ground never recovering. The land around Saint Clover seemed to recover but then again it hadn't been directly hit.
Of course, I doubted ponies carefully monitored radiation levels around the blast sites. Nature in general was probably recovering, mostly in the few gaps where the bombs had been scarce. It still felt as if some horrific spell was still raging on in the heart of those craters as if the balefire itself was an eternal curse upon our land blighting it for good.
Not that it did me any good thinking about it. The resources to wipe away the residual effects of a megaspell required a megaspell in and of itself in all likelihood. This was just how the world was going to be for now. All I could do was take care of those around me to the best ability and not lose my head in thoughts of fixing it all. I wasn't like the Element Bearers of yore, or the Pillars, or the Sisters. I was just a mare with a big heart.
I turned back to the table to see that Riptide had finished her salad at some point and took to staring out the window as well.
I was half-lost in admiring her looks as I checked how her wounds had healed. The cuts on her had healed into scars, ones I could only see because I knew where they were. Her coat was also thin in a few places, then again so were most ponies around. Overall she was looking healthy. No extra hooves, fins, or other things that she didn't originally have.
"Room for dessert?" Our server asked as they came around again. I gave a nod and ordered something for us, leaving Riptide in her own little world.
It didn't take him long to return with a tray of our desserts. I almost drooled at the ice cream sitting on what looked to be brownies of some form.
Sil rushed ahead of us to enjoy dessert and I couldn't help but admire her deft hoofwork, holding a spoon with her hoof. It made me consider working on my hoofwork too. Riptide finally turned her attention from outside to the dessert tray and I offered her a spoon in my magic.
"It's supposed to be good," I said with a tilt of my head. "Don't know if it's all fresh or pre-war but it smells good so let's just enjoy it."
Riptide nodded and we dug in. While it wasn't the freshest I've had, it was still good and didn't immediately make my Pipbuck Zero scream bloody murder. The rich chocolate did its bit to help lift our moods.
It was easy to see that we were all a bit worn out from the ride today, even with the endorphin rush from the chocolate bringing on a more mellowed-out atmosphere to our group. I made the executive decision for all three of us to retire for the night on this positive note.
I paid our bill and we left having deposited a decent-sized tip for the server. I knew back home tipping was dead but I had no idea how things worked out here. Plus I was certain the town needed every cap it could get given its dealings with the hydra and its mutated progeny.
Our accommodations weren't far thankfully and upon checking in, we enjoyed the half-decent mattress, slightly scratchy blanket, and the pleasant surprise of functional central heating for the building. As we settled down, I rummaged through my saddlebags and finally handed out the spare radiation counters for Sil and Riptide which they were both surprised and grateful for.
We spent the rest of the evening winding down. Riptide kept to herself with her humming, Sil fiddled with my removed Pipbuck Zero and I read the magic book on shield magics. I needed to get better at them. I barely even remembered us sleepily converging onto the bed one at a time to catch some rest.
-=O=-
The building shook which startled me awake. I felt Sil shift to my right as she slid out of bed silently. Riptide on the other hoof was still deep asleep, laying half on me and in such a way that I could smell the fish on her breath. I had no idea how she was still asleep. Then I heard a roar of an inequine nature, part roar part hiss, and entirely horrifying was the only way to describe it. It was then that the screaming started.
"Of course, the one night we're here is when the fucking hydra waddles up and decides to attack Four Corners," I muttered as I gently shifted Riptide off of myself.
Riptide muttered in her sleep. "I want more eggs, hun." I just looked at her for a moment contemplating her words. What? I guess she has food on her mind. It was nice to hear that she seemed to be having a good dream given what she had been through.
With a shake of my head, I moved to join Sil at the window. The light outside made my heart stop for a moment, a mix of green and orange light bathing both of us upon opening the curtains. The hydra's silhouette was visible through the smoke and fire, looming just outside the town. It had growths on its back that glowed a sickly green, my Pipbuck Zero clicking rhythmically with each pulse of light.
The chaotic, orange glow of fires threw flickering shadows across the town, shadows of fighting and things moving across town, wiggling. No, slithering.
"Vipers?" Sil whispered.
"That would be my guess," I replied in a hushed voice.
"That roar? Hiss? Whatever it was, it sounds massive which means the hydra must be right outside of town." Sil stated.
"Agreed. Let's get ready to repel invaders." I said as I backed away from the window.
As we donned our barding, I used my magic to shake Riptide awake. I wasn't going to have somepony sleep through something like this; it was just as much a threat to her, either awake or asleep, so she was better off being able to fight back. It didn't take too much work to wake her up thankfully, though she was a bit loopy being roused in the midst of dreaming.
"What's going on, Moony?" Riptide asked with a yawn, stretching her forelegs before blinking at me and then at the window. "Is it morning already?"
"That light is from the fires outside--" I started but was rudely cut off by the sound of thunder, dust, and drywall falling from the ceiling as we all cowered from the thunderous report. "The fuck was that?!"
"Okay, time to get dressed!" Riptide said, maybe even shouted; we were all half deaf, our ears ringing as I finished donning my armor and helped Riptide into hers.
"Let's-" I was cut off again by another volley of booms. We leaned against a wall, huddled together hoping the building wouldn't collapse even as dust fell around us. I heard something fall in the hallway, heavy enough to feel it through the floor.
"Okay, first things first." I began again, pulling out earplugs and stuffing them in everyone's ears. "Now we can go. Hopefully, these cut out most of whatever is fucking exploding. I just hope whatever is going on doesn't blow out the enchantment."
"Do we need to shout?" Riptide shouted, then covered her muzzle when she realized she in fact did not need to. "Okay, these are really nice."
"Yes they are, and they really help when you find a gun without the usual sound suppression talisman," Sil explained, shaking dust off herself. "You know, pipe weapons, most things manufactured Post-War, even some obnoxiously big and loud Pre-War guns. Lovely little things."
I nodded in agreement with Sil's explanation. "Alright, let's get moving," I said, moving to the door now that we had a moment of respite. "If the city is under attack I want to be somewhere with more guns between us and hostiles. If anything we need to regroup with the rest and get any other civvies-"
I opened the door and froze. The horrific serpent-like creature on the other side blinked before greeting me with a hiss, lunging straight at me. I slammed the door shut as I felt the muscles on my face quickly contort into a mask of terror.
"Guns! Get the guns, all of them, now!" I commanded pulling both of mine out as the door split apart, lasting but a few seconds against the serpent before it barreled into the room. The serpent's eyes glowed green, drooling venom as some kind of miasma flowed from its open maw. I saw two vestigial limbs as it slithered its lower half towards us.
"FIRE!" I practically screamed as I pulled the triggers of both my pistol and rifle at the same time, doing so until both clicked empty.
I felt the heat from the muzzle of Riptide's thirty-eight revolver to my left as we unloaded on the scaled beast. The slugs from Sil's shotgun proved more effective, the plastic casings hitting me from the right every time she fired, singing a bit of fur as their heated backends made contact with me.
The viper shrugged off the initial volley of fire, moving rapidly to get to us and getting almost halfway before it lost an eye to one of Sil's slugs. It reared up and hissed in pain as the hail of gunfire removed scales and carved holes into its flesh.
Spent casings littered the ground around us. I had gone through my rifle's ammo strips and pistol magazines and had to resort to manually feeding each round into my weapons in a sort of magical belt feed. I even added arcane blasts of whatever element I could to see what hurt it the most.
The viper finally fell over, our combined barrage thankfully overcoming its regenerative abilities. I dropped my guns, pulled out my knives and started to carve the damn thing up, supplementing the grim task with my magic to flay the flesh from its skull. I wanted to make certain the thing couldn't come back.
"Okay, shotgun slugs are the best for these bastards." I coughed, grisly trophy gathering done. "Need to get myself one sooner rather than later."
We were drenched in sweat and coughing. I didn't even see the little toxin alert on my Pipbuck Zero until we were certain it was dead. The thing must have breathed some kind of poison and by the Sisters, I didn't want to know what their venom did.
Packing away its skull as a trophy as well as insurance so the fucker wouldn't come back to life behind us, we fled our room through the splintered remains of the door. We had all of our belongings in our saddlebags and the rest were stored in the stagecoach which helped our quick exit.
The moment we stepped into the hallway there was an overwhelming taste of copper in my mouth, making me hack up blood. I spared a glance at Riptide who had blood coming out of her nose. Sil had the brighter idea of putting a cloth over her face though I doubted that worked considering her eyes were watering and turning red. I really missed my face mask from the guard at this point.
"Miasma, we need to get out of here now." I gasped before breaking into a coughing fit. I pointed to the exit for the external stairwell; the internal one could be a potential gas trap given this miasma seemed to be heavier than air.
We stumbled to the door, coughing and feeling both our lungs and eyes burn only to find it wasn't opening. I promptly wheeled around and gave it a solid buck, taking it and its frame off the wall. Faster to pick a lock by removing the door at times like this. Riptide pushed past me as I spun around and began firing. I swore and moved out with Sil beside me.
Throughout the town, I could see pockets of miasma where the group of vipers were at their thickest. Even now, right below us, there was one slithering up the light pole to get to us. Without time to reload my magazines, now in my saddlebags together with all those spent shell casings, I was forced to assault the viper purely with ice magic and bad language.
Riptide aimed her revolver where I had frozen flesh with metal, shattering large chunks of the viper. Sil couldn't depress her battlesaddle to aim down and instead moved clear of the door to get clean air. That removed our best weapon for putting down the damn monsters. Fortunately, our strategy was doing well, the viper below us hissing in pain as it died frozen to the pole, unable to regenerate around the missing chunks of frozen flesh.
I hope the rest of this thing's brood are too busy elsewhere in town to come to help it.
Suddenly everything shook. Another loud roar-- no, it wasn't one roar. It was twelve all together, all with different pitches and tones but of the same type. The stairwell we were on began to pull away from the wall from the reverberations. I struggled to form a shield around all of us but it was too much, I couldn't manage it.
Instead, my shield spell wrapped around Sil and Riptide as the metal below screeched, crumpling under its own weight. There wasn't anything more to do so I closed my eyes and braced myself. Immediately the jolt of impact rolled through me and something cold slid through my flesh.
Shouting and screaming greeted me when I could once more sense things. My whole body was shaking violently and it took a moment to realize it wasn't from the terror or the cold. I knew that weakness: blood loss. I was cold from a lack of blood to keep me warm.
"Get her to the clinic, she's lost a lot of blood!" Somepony shouted, I think it was Sil. Her voice was hard to miss. I felt myself dumped onto a cart and could feel every bump as I was wheeled away.
Blood, yes blood. I fell. I felt something puncture me, so internal injuries, likely bruised organs, lots of lacerations, concussion, and poisoning. Hopefully, I won't go septic before someone can get to me. Maybe, just maybe whatever impaled me missed anything important.
Hopefully, Riptide was okay. I heard Sil so she's up at least, I'm not doing a great job of being there for my friends, am I? Still, I did what I could, I shouldn't be hard on myself for hitting my limit. The rest was in the hooves of others. As much as I wish I could just sit up and stitch myself together, that isn't going to happen right now. Please be safe Winter and Ocean, fuck where were they?
I felt my sensations fade away. I felt the bounce of the cart fade away, the sounds end, and the feeling from my body stopped.
hope this isn't how dying feels like. This is a bit too comfortable. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 10 - Toxins | "The body has many ways to fight toxins by itself but sometimes it needs help."
-Wasteland Medic's Guide
Dreams hadn't kept me company. I had grown accustomed to not remembering dreams, having just a disjointed memory of consciousness from when I fell asleep and to when I woke up. This time it felt different as I came back from that void of consciousness. As my awareness came to me the totality of my being blossomed into pain. The pain left me gasping and crying out as it filled the void of my senses.
Time rolled on by and the pain dulled to become background noise, tinnitus for the whole body and all its senses. When I finally opened my eyes, I was met with nothingness. A moment of fear gripped me and left me worried I had gone blind. However I felt no heat of a light source on my body, instead I felt the rails of a cot on either side of me holding me suspended with a scratchy sheet.
Well, I think I can feel everything, and I don't think I'm blind. I don't feel any heat on me but then again I don't think there's a lamp pointed at me. I reasoned.
Gently filling my horn with magic, I attempted to illuminate my surroundings. As the world turned a faded green my head started to hurt. With a gasp for air and squeezing my eyes shut the spell imploded, dropping me back into darkness. The strain of casting alone had felt like someone had driven a railroad spike into my brain through the base of my horn.
Fuck me that hurt. Okay, so, good news, I'm not blind. Bad news, that fucking hurt like somepony kicked my horn's root. I think I need to take a moment to catch my breath and sort out my thoughts. Just think things through. Plan out what I need to do. It is the best thing to keep my mind anchored and from wandering from nasty what-ifs.
Suddenly a roar shook the room. My eyes watered as I recoiled at the painfully loud noise. Beyond that, the roar itself frightened me. In my weakened state I felt so vulnerable and weak like I was a foal again, like when the plague had its claws in me. Then came a burning sensation and an acrid smell in my sinuses that I knew all too well. I held my head off the edge of the cot and just let my body do the rest.
Okay, I'm extraordinarily weak and possibly still poisoned, or whatever the term for having venom in you is. Fuck brain is too exhausted to remember terms, whatever, focus. Okay, so I need to do something to buttress my system so I can help my body recover faster. There's a battle still going on outside and I need to find some way to defend myself because right now I can't even buck somepony. Oh right, the term is envenomed I believe? Whatever, priorities.
Without resisting the instincts of my body, I allowed my system to sort itself out before curling back up on the cot and putting it out of my mind. Focus had to be maintained on getting out of this situation if I wanted to not slide into the pits of despair and panic attacks.
Okay, what spells can I do? I can produce light, but not useful in this situation. Telekinesis, yeah that's not helpful. I can't actually see the toxins and have no idea what they look like to remove them, plus I'd have to bloodlet effectively to do that. Could be useful for getting medicine though.
My thoughts moved on to other magical avenues of self-medicating. Magic blasts? Nope, not unless I needed to blow off my own limbs, cauterize something, or start bloodletting. Wall of Energy? No. Regeneration? That will help the weakness to a degree, but, that's not hitting the base issue, it would be like a bandage for a severed leg. Right, Enhancement, buff my vitality since that seems to be suffering. I need some Buck, chemically do what I could with magic, far less strain and likelihood of immense pain.
I paused and retraced my lines of logic before moving to look for my bags. I doubted I had been separated from them. If I had, well, then things would get complicated real quick. I'd be left with just trying to do some spells to deal with being weak as hell.
Let's run back through what happened. My vitality is trash. Did I get bitten? No, no I never did so anti-venom wouldn't help at all. It was that miasma crap those Vipers spewed out along with fucking taking a collapsing staircase to the fucking barrel. Okay, so definitely some Buck to help my vitality.
My path was clear now of what I needed to do. I braced myself by shutting my eyes as I built my magic into my horn. I could see the light through my eyelids. I put my left foreleg over my eyes to block the light from my horn. I still felt the sting of strain from lighting my horn.
"Okay, magic is still a go, let's see if I have my bags," I muttered.
I opened my eyes and looked down. Under the cot, I spotted my barding lying in a neat pile. I wasn't surprised given I had been impaled in some manner some time ago. I decided to leave exploring my own body for where that was for later and focused on finding my bags. It didn't take too long, though it made me groan seeing I should have leaned over the other side of the cot instead to take care of business. Guess fortune favored me since I didn't hit my own stuff.
I rolled to the other side of the cot and carefully fished through my saddlebags, my hoof still fumbling over a few bottles. I pulled them all out one at a time by hoof. It was slow going but I could put back what I didn't need later. Of course, I'd also look like a drug fiend in the meantime, covered in various chems but looks didn't matter when you wanted to stay alive. At least that's what I tried to tell myself when the chips are down.
Finishing grabbing what I could from my bags I rolled onto my back again and let myself rest as the light faded. When my strength came back I'd relight my horn and sort through what I had managed to grab from my bags. For the moment I needed to breathe and recover some strength. As darkness returned to the room, I let my hooves wander to examine my body. In return, I found that while I still had most of my barding on, my stomach had been uncovered as had my barrel. My front hadn't been hurt but my underside seems to have taken the brunt of the damage. The bandages covered whatever method of treatment had been applied, leaving me in the dark as to what type of injury had occurred.
I could tell from the tenderness where the injury was and it certainly wasn't in a place that brought me joy. The fact I was alive eliminated some of the more nasty injuries I could have gotten, ones that would have left me going septic on a battlefield. Inspecting my foreleg I found my holster and Pipbuck Zero still upon me. With a bit of coaxing, I got the machine to turn on again, though I was uncertain how or why it was off. Unfortunately, the strange cartoonish version of myself in my vision that greeted me was telling me I was in a lot of trouble.
"I think what you are telling me, my little digital friend, is that I'm fucked in all kinds of new and exciting ways." I sighed before laying my foreleg on my chest. I let my eyes close and just breathed.
The same disjointed perception of time asserted itself upon me. Rationally, I assumed I had dozed off at some point, which wasn't a bad thing to do given how hurt my Pipbuck said I was. Thankfully the nap had left me feeling a bit better. I used the light on the Pipbuck instead of straining myself to produce magic, which also proved using magic was what was giving me those lovely painful spikes in my brain and not my eyes hating the light.
Even being blessed with a lack of hyperlight sensitivity, I was still limited with how well I could see given the Pipbuck screen wasn't aligned right for use as a flashlight to sort things that lay on your lap. The upside was that I wasn't in a rush.
Once I had finished sorting the bottles I took a double dose of Buck, which was safe to do if you weren't doing it too many times a day. So long as you don't get addicted of course but doing it once shouldn't cause a dependency. This was likely not the wisest of choices but at the same time, I was deeply fucked up on the physiological side of things and not so much on the psychological side.
The upside of a double dose would be I hopefully would stop feeling like death warmed over sooner rather than later. Once that happened I could start actually working on putting myself back together.
Given it would be a while before I needed another dose of Buck the medicine was returned to my bag, a bit easier this time as I didn't need to cast light from my horn to do it. Unfortunately, things in my bags were nowhere near as organized as they had been but that was fine. It was something to occupy myself with when I was more able-bodied.
The pain from my senses dulled and I began to feel more normal though still weak. The oddity of the situation sank in. Here I was somewhere dark, alone, with no medical equipment. Moving my foreleg to shine the light of my Pipbuck around I could see wherever I was hadn't a lot of space, about enough to move around me with a canvas curtain at the feet of the cot. My gut told me I was in an old utility closet. Given my hypersensitivity at first and my general poor health it made sense to isolate me and keep things quiet. What was strange though was the empty IV bag stand. No bag, no tube, though checking my other foreleg I saw a bandage on my foreleg. So I had been given fluids at least, which explained the odd taste in my mouth. Weird how I could taste an IV bag's contents like that...
Triage must have categorized me as being in the worst case within the survivable category. They did what they could for me and then put me somewhere out of the way where I could recover. Still better than waking up in a makeshift morgue. Still, though this is probably a new record for the number of injuries I've had upon admission.
Giving a moment to regard how I felt and looked, I thought about how much worse my condition must have been upon entry. Poisoned, impaled, knocked out, heavy blood loss? Yeah, those would be low chances. Though, that gives me a good idea of how bad things were whenever it was that I got hurt. High cost, low chance, do what they could to help me and hope I recovered. Which meant a lot of other ponies were hurt and needed to get back on their hooves quickly. I was just a guest in town, after all, not the town guard, for once.
I stretched out and shut the light off. I didn't have any idea how long I had been incapacitated. I hadn't checked what time it was on my pipbuck when shit hit the fan but upon realizing I had my Pipbuck still. I tried to not be too hard on myself for not noticing earlier. I was after all, fresh from having myself skewered and smoked.
I finally felt the Buck finish kicking in. I closed my eyes and rolled off the cot. Or rather I got halfway off the cot before it tipped over, depositing me unceremoniously on the hard floor.
"Ow..." I muttered. The clatter hadn't been quiet and yet I hadn't heard anyone come cantering to check on me.
Another muffled roar, a series of muffled cracks of thunder, and more shaking of the world. My legs refused to work as I continued to lay on the cold, hard concrete floor.
It was fear that was keeping me here. I can't deny it. Just two of those vipers were enough to put me down. Down but not in the grave. I need to grab my gear and show the staff here I'm still alive and bucking. That they can do more for me than just wait for me to recover.
I smirked and croaked. "I'm not dead yet." to myself before pushing myself to my feet.
Before leaving, I politely righted the cot just in case someone else needed it. With a moment to double-check check my saddlebags were secure before I put them on, I was as ready as I could ever be to show whoever treated me that I was alive.
"Okay, let's try to find someone to finish fixing my body. Or at least give me a once over." My voice sounded rough even now, approaching that of a ghoul's.
My resolve softened when there came a pause with the realization that I had no idea which way to head to find help. So then came the tried and true method of wandering until someone found me as I pushed my muzzle through the scratchy, heavy curtain that blocked the doorway.
With my escape from the utility closet, I found that I was in some unused part of a building. The lights here were all dim but not such that you couldn't see, and what I saw was a lot of medical supplies. Well, used medical supplies. I also saw a few other ponies laid out along the hall, still breathing. Given the lack of bandaged midsections, I figured no impalements.
One hoof after another I approached the door. Leaving behind those who I imagined were individuals that required too much work. Or possibly needed more time to heal than triage had beds to spare.
Opening another door, I was greeted with an empty hallway. I was a bit surprised by this. A grunt slipped from my muzzle as I pushed on, taking a moment to softly shut the door behind me. I may have been hurt but that was no reason to be impolite to others who were still healing. After a bit more wandering I took a minute of rest, my shoulder meeting the wall. Being upright was likely a marvel given my condition. Once energy had returned to my limbs I pressed on, trying my best to ignore the small stumbles in my step as I searched for help. A few minutes later I heard voices and looked in that direction to see a better illuminated doorway.
Salvation.
The room was alive with activity and my assumption had been on the money, the triage was overflowing with casualties. If I was in better condition I'd throw myself into helping. Right now though, I felt a bit guilty for wanting help. At the same time, if I could get help I could try to help protect the city now that I was better armed with knowledge.
I heard a noise to my right. Before I could see the source I felt a nuzzle against my cheek as I was pulled away from the wall.
"Oh thank the Stars you're alright," Sil said as she hugged me. I was thankful for her gentle embrace.
"Alright is pushing it. Upright is a more apt descriptor." I replied as I felt a light smile cross my muzzle.
To further my point about being upright I leaned on Sil to support my weight, which she was all too happy to help with.
"Well, I'll take that over what I was afraid of. I'd get Riptide but she's busy helping with triage. I had been helping for a while, but..." Sil slumped against me and I followed her lead. I didn't want to fall over again.
"It's fine. You did what you could and now you're here for me. Riptide can visit in a bit." I frowned. "Any idea what they did for me? I half want to get somepony to help me, but." I looked at the mess of work that was cut out for the medically inclined ponies. "Maybe I should just use a healing potion. I mean we have a few, why the buck not?"
Sil sighed and helped me to my hooves again. She guided me to what passed for a nurse's station. "I'm not certain what they did for you but your shield spell saved our lives. Without that, I think all of us would have gotten skewered and concussed." She explained. "You've also been out for the best part of a day."
I grumbled when I heard that. All that time resting and I was still feeling like crap.
"Well, time to lay down and check myself over." I sighed. Sil for her part guided me to a break room while I nosed back at her. "Can you get me some water?"
"Sure. Just don't go anywhere." Sil replied.
That was not a hard request to follow as all my body wanted to do was sink into the softness of the sofa that she had guided me to. Once on the sofa, my attention turned to giving myself a lookover in the proper light. A frown crept over my muzzle as I found wrappings around my lower body. That was a bad sign; a fair number of important internal organs were down there. At the same time, the coloration was a good sign as there were only a few splotches of red on the off-white cloth.
Oh goody, what internal organ did I fucking ruin? Then again, I'm not septic so maybe they patched me up before that could happen. Just did enough to heal me so my body could do the rest which, given the current workload around here, was the right call.
I gently rubbed a hoof down my stomach and muffled my cry of pain. That would be... well... Let's just hope it was magically healed otherwise that's a few things off the table. Then again, not like it really was 'on' in the first place. Oh well, it was always more likely that Silver was going to carry on the family line. Whatever, there's nothing I can do about it right now. So what use is it fretting over the possibilities?
Even with my own words consoling myself I felt some tears in my eyes. I was uncertain whether it came from the physical pain or the emotional pain. Whatever it was, I let the tears roll freely. It was fine. I just needed to experience the emotion and let the feeling flow through me.
"What's wrong?" Sil asked, setting down a bottle of water on the table.
"Just... felt where the wound was, and it still hurts. Then I went through the list of what was in that area." I answered.
Sil was quiet for a moment then she hugged me. She must have been told what the damage likely was. After a few minutes, I downed the water and pulled out a healing potion.
"I did ask someone to come back here and check on you. But, they're... well you saw. You're on the list to get checked on when they have time." Sil sighed. "Probably best to not drink that yet. Just in case." She rolled her forehoof. "You know, it makes you grow a bunch of tissue wrong."
I put the bottle away. "Yeah, you're not wrong. Can you stay here with me?" Sil responded by climbing up on the sofa with me. I made space for her behind me so she didn't lean on my injuries. She seemed about as tired as I was, even if she didn't look nearly as hurt.
-=O=-
I woke up in another bed. Good money would be on me passing out again. Then came the sounds of stomps and roars. They were louder this time, closer, followed by the answering thunder. That had to be cannons. I tried to get up and immediately found that I couldn't. While I had been strong enough to walk or endure the pain with Buck in my system I now had half a Riptide on me, pinning me by my barrel.
I didn't know how the mare could be asleep on a veritable battlefield. Of course, I didn't know how injured she was. Plus she had apparently been working with those doing triage. With no clocks around I was without a sense of how long it had been since I was last awake.
Hey, your Pipbuck zero has a clock, dumbass.
I groaned before looking at my left foreleg to catch the time. It was then that I noticed something interesting. It had been almost a day and a half since we arrived in town. No, it was now two days, considering it was evening not morning. I really should set the clock to twenty-four hour time. Well, that would explain it. I looked around, as my body told me it was all still there, a positive start to a new day. Not so positive was the ache that coursed through me but the nausea seemed to be gone for the moment. I moved my left foreleg around trying to get a feel for how much of my strength had returned, wincing as I did so.
Upside, I do not instantly want to curl up and die, or reflexively empty my stomach so that's a marked improvement. Downside, I'm in no condition to fight nor am I really good for doing much of anything right now. The major downside is, shit's still being belt-fed to the fan outside and I am nowhere near any condition to lend a hoof with it. I hope Ruby and her caravan are fine, not to mention Winter and Ocean. Not that I would want to run out of town while this shit's happening.
I turned my head to my left and saw an IV drip going into my left foreleg. I also saw one going into Riptide's right foreleg. A third bag was on the IV stand and I initially thought it contained blood. Then I realized what it was seeing as it almost stirred within itself. How it wasn't a deep red but a ruddy grey.
It was Hydra, the drug. If I hadn't known of the regenerative properties of Hydra I would have just pulled the needle out and closed the IV feed right then and there but I needed to be on my hooves as soon as possible, even if it meant this.
I just hope there isn't too much taint. I don't want to grow an extra leg. Regenerating a leg is fine but growing a bonus one isn't.
Maybe it was the slow transfusion. Maybe it was just the nature of Hydra. Maybe it was how much damage there was unseen to my eyes but it was taking a long while for me to feel better as I laid there with naught but time to pass me by.
Oh, wait. The Pipbuck Zero has a medical suite. I can just check to see how fucked up my body is.
I chastised myself for not thinking of it sooner. With my left forehoof in front of my face I manipulated the buttons in my magic. The small read-out transferred to my E.F.S. after a few moments. I had a concussion, lacerations, bruised ribs, and more than a few torn tendons in my legs. I was still missing a good tenth of my blood and had severe toxin exposure of an unknown type.
Well, how the fuck did I walk down that hall then? Or did I fuck up my legs doing that? The toxins must have been from the miasma of the Vipers.
I saw the warning for taint, it had no identifying name for it. But it was helpfully labeled internally as "unknown arcano hazardous toxin", then it was re-labeled to something else a minute later, a process that repeated several times. I shouldn't be surprised by that though. This thing was cobbled together and programmed by us wastelanders after all. I let out a sigh as I just let things do their job.
I can say the feeling of taint is not fun. It's like something worming its way through me. It was as if I could feel something under my skin move, writhe, and act of its own accord. It didn't help that the nausea was coming back.
When I next woke up my left foreleg was asleep, having ended up laying on the metal arm of the bed we were on. I looked to my side to see the IV bags were gone. Checking my time read-out I saw a further six hours had passed. Then my stomach growled. That made sense; it had been around forty-six hours since I last put something in my stomach that wasn't a chem. Probably didn't help, taking Buck on an empty stomach. Also probably why I felt so nauseous after.
With some effort I managed to slide enough of myself out from under Riptide to sit upright and look around, drinking in my new surroundings. Isolation curtains, same canvas as before. The same ceiling I saw when in the nurses' station. I was likely in the same building but there wasn't a rush going on around us so we possibly had been set up in a more isolated spot, not back in the store room with the other intensive care patients.
Okay, well the IV drip kept me alive but my mouth is dry as fuck. My stomach growled again and this time I felt pain from my midsection. And my stomach is starting to eat itself. I need to take care of that.
I looked around the little private room we had and spotted my bags. Unfortunately, they were too far to reach with my hooves, and with Riptide still pinning my lower half it was down to using magic if I wanted my bags. While I was stronger I didn't want to dislodge her. Part of that was out of fear of shifting her onto my wound and screaming in pain. The other was I wanted her to get what rest the wasteland afforded us.
I used my magic to pull the bag closer. I also reached out to catch the bag so I could strain my magic-less in the hopes of pre-empting another headache. Suddenly I felt myself start to slip as my hoof caught under the bag and took its weight. Didn't take long for my face to meet the floor. It was just another injury to be added to the extensive list of injuries. I just closed my eyes and embraced the ground for a minute. I was honestly surprised Riptide wasn't woken up by this. Then again, when I looked back she was still mostly on the bed pinning my legs so she didn't even get shifted.
"Miss?" Somepony asked.
I groaned in reply. In response magic wrapped around me and lifted me back into my bed. My head spun slightly as I felt my sense of balance reassert itself.
"How are you feeling?" The stallion asked as he set me down. Another pony had also entered the little room I had. I noted that the stallion didn't have a horn so I wagered the other pony had been the one who had helped me up.
"Terrible." I coughed. My sight filled with spiraling white and black dots, I decided to preempt them and lay flat on the bed. "I feel like someone crushed me into a wall and then proceeded to stuff my wounds full of salt and worms."
Scribbling came from the stallion as he took notes, his face darting over the clipboard.
"Mind if we do a few tests now that you're rested?" the stallion asked. "I'm Crash Cart by the way."
I blinked. "Uh, I'm up for some medical tests though you might want to poke my Pipbuck Zero for data. Also Moonlight Grimoire."
Crash Cart chuckled. "We know your name already, your friends told us who you were."
"That makes sense, I guess," I replied. "What kind of tests do you want to run?"
"Well, first we'll pull what data we can get off your Pipbuck. Never seen one so compact. What stable are you from?" Crash Cart mused.
"Uh, none? I'm from Seamane. Might know it better as Saint Clover." I answered as I offered up my left forehoof.
"Wait, then how do you have a Pipbuck?" Crash Cart asked as he waved a cart over. The other pony connected a terminal on top of it to my Pipbuck Zero.
"Well, uh. For one, it's not an officially licensed Pipbuck." I started explaining as I tried to look at the terminal's monitor. "Two, we built it out of junk you can find in the wasteland. You can ask Silaha about that since she helped make it. I've only had it for a few days since I built it at Wayhill. Having heard about Stable ponies with their Pipbucks, I realized how darn useful they were and wanted one for quite a while."
"Huh, well that makes sense. Impressive work for a wastelander." Crash Cart said as his technician booted up the terminal and started interfacing with my Pipbuck.
Numbers, code, and various bits of information scrolled past my eyes. Bright lights flashed and made my stomach feel like it had turned inside out. My brain felt like someone punched it. "Nope, this sucks." I squeezed my eyes shut and just focused on keeping my stomach bile down.
"Just hang in there while we look through the medical readouts." Crash Cart said soothingly. "Honestly this is far better data than an oral interview and physical exam could have ever done. We're still going to have to do a bit of a physical exam by the way but now we have a baseline to work with." He paused for a moment. "Oh dear, that batch of hydra had more taint than expected. We'll have to check for any obvious mutations."
I wished I could have seen exactly what he was doing but, lovely, higher chance of mutation. Guess that ruddy color wasn't supposed to be there.
"Miss, if you don't mind, I'm going to start that physical," Crash Cart's technician explained. "Tender Care."
"Okay, just, give me a warning before, you know. I'm still pretty sore." I sighed, submitting to Tender Care's tender care.
Minutes went by as I felt myself get poked and prodded. My ears were looked into, my sinuses and throat were checked, unmentionables delicately inspected, reflexes verified. A small whimper or two as they moved onto my wounds. Riptide was woken up so they could get her off of my hind legs to fully inspect me. That and I had her fetch me something more than the pre-war food I had in my bags.
"Okay, while we can't find anything obvious at this time in terms of mutations there might be a delayed change." Crash Cart sighed looking a bit annoyed. "Could also mean that you've gotten off scot-free. In either case, it would be a good idea to keep an eye on your vitals as it could take time for any mutation to mature. Your vitals are also a bit low but you should be okay once we get some food and bed rest in you."
He paused to flip over a few pages on his clipboard. "We also checked over the two friends you came in with and they're in good health for your information."
"Oh, that's great to hear. Guess Riptide resisted the miasma better than I did." I giggled and looked away. "Sil was smarter and wore something to try to protect her lungs."
"That, and Riptide is a bit taller and was further back in the room when the Viper broke in." Crash Cart explained. "Plus you holding them aloft kept the two of them from hitting the ground as hard or getting cut up as badly as you did."
I nodded. "What about Ruby's caravan and my other friends, Winterwatch and Ocean Spray?" I inquired.
"They helped the guard, got some exposure." Crash Cart explained. "They just need some rest but nobody is really going to be going anywhere for a while with the Hydra sitting on the Five northbound."
"Fertility looks lower than expected." Care interjected, to which I produced a bright blush. "Sorry, we want to check for any mutation. Surprisingly your Pipbuck has some pretty advanced sensors"
"Well, at least it wasn't invasive..." I sighed. "Then again, I did take a fucking stars-damned metal beam to my stomach so not that surprising."
"Well, aren't you observant? You're likely right on in that regard." Crash admitted. "Though with your current... relationship situation it's likely not something you're too worried about, am I correct?" He held a few vials of my blood in the air. "You probably missed me taking the blood as it felt like the shooting pains you've been experiencing."
I let out a groan. "Well, probably. To all of that. I mean sooner or later the wasteland takes away everything from us, at least that's how the saying goes." I tried to laugh. At that point, Riptide returned with Sil. I presumed the two had some food with them given Riptide's directive from the good doctor.
"You need to eat." Crash Cart said as he pushed another cart over, this one covered with various scientific instruments. Microscopes, centrifuges, and other devices for analysis. "We'll keep working on checking you over. We don't really have much to do now that things are calmer."
I gave a nod. I wasn't going to say no to ponies figuring out if there was anything else wrong with me. The food was mostly pre-war, which was fine even after ignoring the wait, why wasn't there any clicking from the rads? I ignored the oddity of the situation. My perceptiveness had been already called into question anyway. It took a while to feel full, though this was a good sign that my body hadn't gone into starvation mode.
It didn't take long for my full stomach to lull me into yet another nap.
Sensations came before recognition as Riptide nuzzled my neck, sitting down next to me and holding her own food in her hooves.
"Glad to see you're awake." Riptide yawned.
"Same," I replied and leaned over to nuzzle her in return.
"You two were out for a good while. Thankfully things outside have quieted down for now." Sil informed me. "I took a few quick trips around town. Helped get ponies out from under debris and whatnot. After the other night, I was glad to see no real bias towards me on account of my stripes."
It dawned on me that I hadn't heard the roars, stomping, or cannon fire in a while. I took a wild guess that the fighting outside had died down. At least I wouldn't have to try to defend a bunch of sick ponies while myself still recovering.
"Glad to hear nopony gave you a hard time. Hopefully, most of the old bias has died out over here, though maybe you look more like a zony thanks to that brown in your coat so you're getting a pass." I shook my mane. "Whatever the case, nopony needs an ass kicking."
"Yeah pretty much," Sil said and nipped my ear. "Though if you kicked anyone's ass in your current condition I think it would forever shame them. I can take care of myself, Moony."
I gave a nod, then a yawn as I let myself lay back down. I felt full and exhausted. "Yeah, well, more rest seems to be on the docket anyway." I laughed, then smirked both of them. I was happy to see both of them doing okay.
-=O=-
I woke up with Sil against me, a rough blanket draped over us. A shudder ran through me. I didn't see an IV bag and the feed had been removed from my leg so I probably needed water given how my mouth felt.
"Get some water to drink," I muttered to myself as I blinked away my blurred vision. "I'm definitely still dehydrated given the headache and how my mouth feels."
I felt a bottle thump against my chest and I reflexively wrapped my right foreleg around it. My vision cleared enough to see Crash Cart fussing with his clipboard beside me. I gave him a slow nod before undoing the cap in my magic.
"Found anything of interest?" I asked, carefully sipping at the water.
"A few particulars but that's from comparing between baseline pony genes and your current genes." Crash Cart explained. "It's a little hard to know what's new and what was already there."
"Fair." I yawned then stretched my forelegs.
"Sorry about having to give you boiled water, there isn't a reliable source of pure water out here." Crash Cart said.
I paused and regarded the bottle. Then I took another sip and noticed the rad counter go off but my accumulated rads didn't go up. I had noticed my rads didn't go up from the pre-war food earlier. Something was off. Was I still experiencing radiation but not being harmed? Was I processing it?
What the absolute fuck? I shook my head. I would need to verify this with more testing.
"That's fine, it's more about managing net rads. It's near impossible to avoid getting them anyways." I assured him before taking another sip. Once again my radiation count didn't increase.
No, this can't be right. I mean, this tracks how much radiation is coming back out of your body as well as environmental radiation. Something is definitely wrong. Did the sensor get busted in the fall? I mean, honestly, that would make sense given I fell several stories. Actually, that makes the most sense. It is pretty delicate.
"Hey, are you certain this is dirty water?" I asked, setting the mostly empty bottle on the cart of scientific equipment.
"It should be, why?" Crash Cart asked.
"Well, my Pipbuck didn't go off while drinking it. No jump in radiation within me." I replied, staring in confusion at my left forehoof. "Can you check it? I think the fall might have broken or damaged the rad counter for my Pipbuck. If not, maybe it's not radioactive? Though... Well, anyways, best to check it. Worst case I have to do some repairs."
Crash Cart nodded and Care came over seemingly out of nowhere with a radiation probe. He lowered it into the bottle and we all heard the clicking, even Sil who was now more than awake.
"Well, that's annoying," I replied before pulling the pipbuck off my foreleg and slapping it onto Sil's. "You take a drink, see if it goes off."
"Well, sure. A good way to check if it's the sensor or not and easier than wiring in a longer probe." Sil replied before tipping the bottle against her muzzle. As she drank I both saw and heard the notification for radiation exposure, perfectly in line with what the probe had accounted for.
"Soooo, it works. It registered the rads going in and staying in, but not me so uh, tada, there's the mutation?" I explained, trying to feel a bit of cheer knowing I was less of a pony now.
Then again I was dating a pony who had fins on her coat, could possibly breathe water, and whose entire family had scales under their coats so maybe I should just be happy I didn't grow eye stalks, tentacles, or a self-aware mane.
Sil on the other hoof was pretty normal, she just had stripes. Riptide was the weird one in the relationship, and well now so was I.
"Interesting. Well, now that we know what to look for we'll do some radiation tests to see how your body is reacting." Crash Cart said, writing feverishly on his clipboard. I panicked a little at those words and he quickly added. "No, no, not on you. We'll test it with your blood, we already have that."
"Oh, right. Okay." I sighed in relief, not wanting to get blasted with radiation for science.
Sil turned the Pipbuck Zero over to look it over.
"You still owe me one." She teased with a nudge.
"I know, I'll look for the rest of the parts when we get to Dockland," I replied and leaned back against Sil. "I owe both Riptide and you one each after all. We've even got almost all the parts for one more right now."
"Now then, I suggest you get back to getting more sleep." Crash Cart said from behind his terminal. Beside him spells were going off, messing with my blood samples. "While everyone else is in good enough shape to travel, the Hydra is still sitting on the Five to the north." He paused and pointed at me. "And you, Moonlight, need another day or two before I am willing to let you leave. Your insides are still pretty mashed and your outsides are still pretty bruised so we need to make sure everything is healing correctly."
"Alright, I'll get some more rest." I snorted. "I have some medical training after all so I know the value of rest."
Sil rolled her eyes and began to pilfer my bags for parts both to make repairs on my Pipbuck Zero and possibly make her own. "Let me know if you need any help, Sil," I added. "I might get cabin fever after all. Also, toss me a book would you? It would be nice to get some reading done."
"That I can do." Sil nodded, smiling at me and pulling out the spell book we had found.
-=O=-
The next two days mostly consisted of us reading and me telling stories from my foalhood in Saint Clover to Riptide, along with more blood tests from Tender. Sil added her side of the story to my own in between working on the Pipbuck Zeroes and by the end of the second day she had managed to fabricate the bones of two more of the devices.
Beyond that Crash Cart and Tender Care were happy to tell us stories of the town's past, about their troubles with a chapter of Steel Rangers that had once resided nearby. The townsfolk sent them packing after getting those magnificent cannons. Nobody ever really picked through the bunker they left behind on account that nobody wanted to give the Steel Rangers a reason to come back.
I also forced myself to do some physical training to see how my body was recovering which mostly resulted in flopping on my belly, face-planting, and twitching from muscle spasms. All of these were common for those exposed to the Viper miasma, which wasn't an anticoagulant but a neurotoxin, lovely.
The third day of rest began with an early wake-up call from Crash Cart. For the second day in a row, I managed to get myself out of bed and walk on my own without the assistance of another or my magic.
"I think I know what the mutation is and, well, it's one of two things, both positive for survival purposes." Crash Cart sighed. He had been working hard to treat everypony along with trying to figure out what the taint had done to me. In part, he felt guilty because I was the only one they treated with Hydra only for it to be contaminated.
"It could be radiation resistance which means it's going to take much higher doses for anything to stick. Of course, given your blood still broke down from high radiation exposure I wouldn't recommend going over the normal limit regardless." He explained. "On the other hoof, since we were just testing your blood you could just have the ability to regenerate, but given blood cells don't go under mitosis we didn't see radiation-induced regeneration. The only way we could test this of course is with, well, either giving you a cut and irradiating you, or seeing if you heal abnormally fast from highly irradiated food and water. As it is, your blood still breaks down at high radiation levels so I can safely say that reactors and blast craters are a no-go."
The information took a few moments to process in my head.
"So, fundamentally I just have a constant dose of RadSafe?" I replied, trying to get the news to click in a nice clean way.
"That would be a good way to look at it." Crash Cart nodded. "Though, if you start randomly healing while in an irradiated area, it might be more of a radiation-triggered Hydra dose with a mix of RadSafe. We've had a few noted cases of such happening up and down the Five." He paused to rub his chin in thought. "I don't know the long-term downsides of this but I have to say you came out of this better off than before, something most can't ever say. Painkiller addiction, permanent disability, things like that are sadly the norm."
I sat down with a groan. So I was still visibly as pony as I ever was even if I had some hidden advantages. At the same time, I shouldn't go off beating myself up over it, considering reports of mutants like me all over the wasteland. The most common being ghouls of course. Still, taint had gotten everywhere so everypony likely had some kind of small mutation at this point.
Well, outside of those Stable Dwellers but they would eventually get something once they stepped outside and ate or drank anything from after the war. In some cases, even wartime items for some reason.
"You should have breakfast." Crash Cart said as he pushed over a cart with food and a hot plate. "And after that, you and your friends should probably get out of town, preferably by today. The vipers are getting active again. It's looking to be the worst fall in the past few years and we might even abandon Four Corners for the winter at this rate."
With a nod, I prepared some tea on the hot plate and nibbled thoughtfully at the food. Worst case scenario, Riptide, Sil, Ocean, Winter, and I, with some Buck and Stampede, would pull the coach while the others were in it and hope we were fast enough to outrun the vipers.
As I ate, I messed with the readouts in the E.F.S. and managed to add the option of a digital readout for a clock onto the compass, though I noticed I had to focus to get either to show up. I much preferred it this way. Far less distracting than having text and symbols constantly in my vision. Then again, I bet Stable ponies got used to it after a life of having a Pipbuck on. Oh well, I wasn't one and this was my device.
An hour passed before the other two woke up. I poured them cups of my tea and watched them quietly, deep in thought even as Cart brought more food and Care helped me with my stretching.
"Is there anything that you know of that draws the vipers?" I asked suddenly. "I know I don't need to but the Five is the lifeblood of the region and we need it clear. It doesn't sit right with me just flee while the town is in danger so I'd like to lend a hoof." I snorted at my own words. "Blame my good nature or my time with the guard back home."
"Uh, no. We never paid much attention to what attracts them or not." Crash Cart answered, tapping his clipboard. "We just guessed it was the increasing population in town and slim pickings on the other side of the river so, no, we don't know why the actual Hydra got up and started stomping around. Thank the Sisters we have those cannons though. Didn't do much but at least it made it back off."
I was left tapping my hoof against my chin as I began to plan. Ruby and the others needed more time if we had to make a break for it and take a longer route. They had been up and about the past day but were still weak. Beyond that, I wanted to keep this town from vanishing off the map due ironically to what was keeping them around, their source of regenerative drugs.
"So where's that Steel Ranger bunker?" I asked. Crash Cart looked confused and a bit worried about what I was planning. "The situation is getting worse, right? Well, sounds like you need more than just ponies up on those walls if you catch my drift."
"Well, you got it right on that account." Crash Cart hummed before nodding. "I approve of this, just don't strain yourself. Let me see your Pipbuck so I can mark its location." He trotted over and stared at the device for a minute before realizing he had no way to input a location on it. "Right, your Pipbuck doesn't have a map. Let me go get one."
Mutation Unlocked! Well, you earned one. It has been applied to your character sheet. Once you encounter a situation in which it activates it will be revealed to you. Congratulations on surviving! |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 11 - Arrogance | "Arrogance was one of the traits of the old world that brought it low. It was also one of the traits that the Steel Rangers kept alive and well within their ranks. Arrogance continues to hold back the new world."
-Wastelander on Steel Rangers
"Okay, like I was saying nopony has been down there except for the Rangers so we have no idea what you'll find. We left it alone once those metal heads left." Crash Cart explained as I looked over the map.
It indicated that the place had been a wartime industrial site. I had expected some kind of cave, or hill, or something more obvious. Instead, it was about an hour south and in fact, we had even passed it on the way in. It seemed to be tucked away in what looked to be an industrial sector of the greater city limits, in particular a site known as Keepsake and Empire Excavations.
"Also given how little you all have dealt with the hydra and its kin let me give you a rundown on where they're at currently." Cart continued, pointing out the major roads. "The Five to the south seems to be clear so your trip south should be fine. North and west? Not so much, so stay to the south.".
I nodded. "They tend to stay more to the core of the city around the blast crater?"
"Correct, and right now it seems they are mostly along the Five to the north and to the northwest around the crater."
With a nod, I folded up the map and tucked it into my saddle bags. I stopped a moment and focused on my compass. I hadn't tried to make use of this feature before but Sil had been messing with the Pipbuck for a few days. Set destination to K and E Excavations. A marker suddenly appeared on the compass before it faded from sight.
"Right, navigation features were part of the spritebots," I muttered to myself. "That makes sense to be part of this. Well, that's nice, getting that marked on my E.F.S."
"Your knockoff has E.F.S.?" Crash Cart asked, looking at it curiously.
"It does. It's made up of the guts of turrets, spritebots, some medical equipment, and computer repair equipment, so it mostly works as intended." I informed him. "Barring when it flashes with random data when plugging into a terminal. Of course, I've only done that once so maybe that's intended. I'd have to ask a Stable pony. Or a Stable-Tec ghoul."
"Curious that it didn't automatically set where you wanted to go." Crash Cart said, tapping his chin.
"I had to mentally think about it and focus on the Pipbuck Zero for it to be so. Don't think it's properly interfaced into my magic field like an actual pipbuck." I replied with a shrug. "It's also not as durable as a Stable-Tec Pipbuck or powered by a diamond so I have to keep gem packs on me."
"Oh, I see. How interesting." Crash Cart said, tapping his chin more as he pondered. "Do you have a blueprint for it?"
It only took me a moment to dig out a copy of the blueprint and give it to Crash Cart.
"Now just plug her back in. Oh and might want to close your eyes this time. I'm going to download the code and see if I can make some adjustments while you're out." Crash Cart explained before sighing. "And try not to come back in more pieces than you're leaving in."
I snorted at that. "I'll try to."
Taking Crash Cart's advice I closed my eyes right as I made the connection. Thankfully the E.F.S. didn't show up behind my eyelids. Regardless, I didn't want to risk anything so I sat on my rump for the few minutes it took Crash Cart to download everything.
"Okay, you can unplug the Pipbuck Zero. I'll get to work on this as I keep an eye on the others here." Crash Cart said. "You get going, hopefully, you'll find something useful."
With a nod, I stood up and removed the connecting wires from the terminal to my Pipbuck. I briefly saw a bunch of symbols in my sight before a no-connection message appeared then winked out.
"Are you two good to go?" I asked my companions for this excursion.
"More than you are," Riptide replied, pulling on one of the straps of my barding with her magic. Sil simply nodded as she pulled on her battlesaddle. I moved to help her secure the straps.
With preparations out of the way and a wave goodbye to Cart, we left the building.
Outside, I got to see how Four Corners was doing for the first time in days. The town was noticeably worse than it had been when we arrived; segments of the wall had been patched with rubble and miasma still hung in the air every so slightly, leaving the taste of blood in my mouth. Looking around I could see a great deal of barrel fires lit in what I imagined was an attempt to burn away the remaining Miasma, or at least dilute it.
The clouds overhead were dark and heavy with moisture, wisps draping down from them to the west. Rain was well on its way. The upside was that we would hopefully be underground or at least in some kind of shelter within the hour.
We followed the street out through the south gate. Outside the gate, we saw teams of ponies digging ditches, building pits, and setting traps. Others were harvesting the corpses of the vipers. Work never stops after an attack, I knew that much from Saint Clover.
The path we took south swiftly deviated from how we had come into the city. We did end up having to make our way through the remains of a collapsed overpass for a freeway as we headed southwest.
"Okay, right turn here," I said while I put the map away. "Then we stay on this street until we hit the industrial area."
"It's actually a nice walk out here," Riptide said looking to our south where the land looked a fair bit less developed. Sickly, windswept fields, possibly wheat or hay, rippled with the breeze, long left to their own devices.
"That it is, it does feel nice to be walking like this again," I replied with a smile. "That and I needed to see something other than canvas and concrete. I was getting close to wanting to chew on that mattress."
"You weren't even bedridden and you were going that mad. That's worrying." Riptide teased.
"Not enough books," I replied dryly.
Riptide shook her head and giggled more before turning her gaze to the sky.
"She's not joking. She's quite the fiend for books." Sil added with a smirk. "We probably should have also brought a cart and stuffed you in it. Would have also made it easier to carry stuff back with no worries of leaving you behind if we had to make a run for it."
I sighed. "Yeah, I didn't think about that. Hopefully, we can scavenge somethin' around the bunker. Worst case there are plenty of broken-down carriages so we can make something out of that. It'll just take a while."
"Hey, Moony, thank you by the way," Riptide said.
"For what?" I asked. I was guessing it was for grabbing her when the staircase collapsed. We hadn't really talked about that night yet.
"For protecting me, even though it meant you got hurt," Riptide replied.
"It's instinct I guess. Or training. A mix of the two really." I answered. "I saw what was about to happen, knew my limits, and did what I could to protect who I could. I made a choice to protect those I loved and do what I could to survive myself. It's what we're meant to do; help when we can, be it for a stranger or our special someones."
Riptide shook her head again, this time with a smile on her muzzle. "I wish I had the foresight to have done the same in return. I was too focused on the danger of that monster."
"As you should have been. If you hadn't it would have gone for us when we hit the ground." Sil replied in turn. "I couldn't get a clear shot and ended up having to act as a rear guard instead. Times like that make me wish that I had a horn like you two."
Riptide nodded before she sighed. "Sometimes I just feel like I'm a fifth wheel on this whole thing, what with the four of you being so much more skilled at everything." She idly held my old revolver in her magic and spun the cylinder before returning it to her holster.
"Well if the Steel Rangers didn't take everything there's a chance we can get a nice upgrade in firepower for you," I replied, trying to cheer her up. "Of course, they could have equally just left the stuff they thought wasn't that useful. Still whatever is leftover is likely better than what we have given their... judicious application of firepower."
"I'm guessing that's sarcasm," Riptide replied, tapping her chin as we trotted along.
"Oh, it is. The standard loadout for a Steel Ranger tends to be power armor, missile launcher, and an autocannon." Sil explained with a laugh. "Or a heavy machine gun and grenade launcher. They will use a balefire egg to take out a bloatfly. To say they don't know what overkill is would be an understatement."
"Then there is a chance they left something behind for us to take," Riptide said excitedly, beaming even. "They probably hoarded like a dragon with as much ammo and ordinance as they could."
That was the first time I had seen her take an interest in weapons beyond self-preservation. Maybe this was her actual personality finally breaking through.
"Yeah, something like that." I giggled. "Part of why I wanted to do this in the first place; to get Four Corners some kind of turrets or land mines to deal with the Vipers."
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Riptide chortled before she broke out into a canter.
"Wait! Shit." I tried to break into a run and let out a cry of pain at trying to keep up with Riptide. Sil politely kept up with me while Riptide kept several lengths ahead of us.
"Well, it's nice to see her full of energy." Sil giggled. "When we head back, you're sitting in a carriage."
"I can't disagree with that." I groaned. "I'm going to need more physical therapy before I can keep up with her."
"That's the right way to look at it." Sil smiled, turning her head to look ahead of us. "I think that's our stop up ahead."
She was right. We had finally entered the industrial part of town just as a light drizzle started. It wasn't filled with endless massive factories like I expected but modest brick buildings with few windows. Nondescript names adorned signage and most lots contained ruined cargo trailers and silos. It was clear a lot of different types of industry called this region home.
It only took a couple of minutes to find K&E Excavations.
The gates for K&E Excavations were left wide open. The fence around the property was made of rusting metal plates so we couldn't see in. With a nod to Riptide, who was still ahead of us we crept up to the entrance and looked in to see a dirt-filled work yard. Sitting in the lot were a few pre-war vehicles caked in flaking paint and rust. I also noted that there were vehicle tracks from after the war, notably fresher than the wartime tracks I had to compare them to. These were flanked by heavyset hoof prints of dozens of ponies. It was an easy bet that these belonged to the Steel Rangers when they left and took what they could so we 'simple wastelanders' couldn't have anything.
I looked over the yard, motioning everypony to stay put as I checked for mines or passive traps as well as straining my ears to listen for turrets and other active threats. Nothing caught my eye and only the wind and the light patter of raindrops greeted my ears. With that I slipped through the entrance and into the yard itself, giving the signal to follow along.
An office building sat at the other end, its windows long blown out and the main doorway devoid of even its frame. It would have housed a dozen ponies at the most back in the day. As we rounded the back of the worksite I noticed something that had been obstructed by the bulk of the building: a berm and within it a cave with a shallow grade.
"This must be it. An underground bunker hidden under a construction site." I stated, a note of excitement and amusement escaping me. I trotted ahead of the rest and lit up the cave with my Pipbuck.
What greeted us was a wall of rocks. I grunted and stared up at the concrete ceiling. This was no collapse, the Steel Rangers had just buried the entrance under rubble.
"Really?! They thought this would stop anyone? Come on, let's get these rocks out of the way." I shouted in annoyance, shaking my head and muttering under my breath. "Fuckers thought this would stop anyone?"
"Um, okay. Are you certain this is safe to move?" Riptide asked as she examined the pile of rocks that blocked our path. Her yellow magic mixed with my green, illuminating the rocks we had begun to move.
"Moonlight's right. We wouldn't have been able to even get down here if it wasn't safe to move these rocks." Sil pointed out, confirming my observations. "Plus given it is a Steel Ranger facility they've built it like a Stable meaning it was meant to survive a near miss of a balefire bomb. The rocks were probably a deterrent for outsiders rather than making it impossible to get out."
I had hoped that if we carved a path down the middle we could avoid having to move everything but in the end, we had to move half of the rocks. This was a blessing in disguise as it let me make a berm to keep the now-gathering rainwater away from the uncovered entrance.
The door itself was unlike the drawn images I have seen of Stable doors, reminding me more of a large bank vault; rectangular, possibly pressurized, and with no actual way to interact with it. Except for the terminal to the side, parts of which were accessible from the outside. Ah, vulnerabilities.
Powering on the terminal, I was greeted with the Stable-Tec symbol followed by a second one which I guessed belonged to the Steel Ranger's. Then the terminal sat idle. I remembered reading that some terminals took a while to fully boot before they let you work with them so I let it sit for a minute. When nothing happened, I pulled out the connector cables and interfaced it to my Pipbuck Zero. The familiar Stable-Tec debugging interface popped up and I grinned. Those lovely vulnerabilities sure were useful.
Yay for standardized technology.
It took a few minutes to slice my way through the various layers of protocols the Steel Rangers had left behind to keep the door locked. Most required a simple level of knowledge on working with a terminal, figuring out which system was talking to one another and exploiting it. Others had required some pre-war history knowledge.
All in all, it took half an hour to crack open the door. Thankfully Sil was a boon for her ability to catch things that I had missed and spotting digital traps left by the scribes of the Steel Rangers.
I let Sil do the honors of pressing the button to open the door, the gesture of letting a zebra crack open a Steel Ranger bunker felt oddly nice. The door slowly swung open, stopping when it jammed partway against the rocks we had moved. That was going to give us less room to maneuver when it came time to leave with our spoils but that was a problem for later when we knew how much loot we had.
Once inside we sealed the door behind us so the bunker wouldn't be flooded. We looked at each other determinedly; we were now sealed in with whatever was left behind by the Steel Rangers.
Now that my Pipbuck Zero was registered in the system as whatever the highest ranking the Steel Rangers had. So we should have free reign of the bunker, in theory. Honestly, I just gave myself full admin privileges to their system and registered all of us as friendlies to the internal security systems so none of them should turn hostile.
However, this would prove most humorous if we encountered anyone in there as I'll pop up as one of their leaders. They probably never thought to change any of the encryption they use because of the "they're just wastelanders, they couldn't ever pose a threat to us" mindset. Of course, it will last all of two seconds before we either get shot or taken prisoner, though two seconds is better than zero.
The entrance hall we were in was, well, nothing special. It was spartan and the only thing of note was some kind of array that clicked as we went through it. I guessed it was some kind of scanner. Moving further we found an elevator that would take us further underground. It seemed to be running on some form of emergency power, which made sense if the Rangers ever planned to return.
"Hope you don't have issues with this," I said to Riptide as we entered the decidedly cramped elevator and selected the first button-down.
"Claustrophobia? No, thankfully." Riptide replied, letting out a breath she probably didn't know she was holding in as the elevator rumbled down.
"Good, because while I may have cracked the door and given us root access to the whole facility, who knows what the Steel Rangers left as a surprise for unwanted guests," I warned, hoping to reassure Riptide and Sil.
"That's fair," Riptide replied with a sigh. "I didn't know you had full access but I was prepared to be on our hooftips." She paused as the elevator stopped, doors slowly hissing open. "Did you happen to get, like, a map or something?"
"Uh, no?" I answered. I brought up my Pipbuck to check anyway and got a rendition of the floor we were on now. "Nevermind I guess I did. No labels for anything but it's fully mapped out."
"Well, that's better than nothing." Sil offered as she swept forward into the dark corridor to clear the way ahead of us.
"Well, dang." Riptide frowned.
"Hold on, let me correct that. There's one label now, the elevator, so I think my Pipbuck is updating as we go along." I explained as we slowly moved after Sil.
"Okay, that's something. I guess it's a blueprint and not what ponies labeled things while living here." Riptide sighed. "Ideas?"
There was a moment of silence as we passed what was a security room, though now it was more of a bunker given its window was a gunport.
"Well, first let's finish this floor," I explained as I waved my foreleg-mounted light around. "From what I'm seeing this floor isn't much more than a security choke point. It's not even the 'first floor' so to speak."
"Once we get down a level let's start looking for plaques and a light switch, maybe even some floor plans." Sil continued for me as we came up to the next elevator. "I don't believe for a moment they wouldn't have maps inside for themselves. They weren't always in power armor, and I don't think the steel heads had Pipbucks."
Once down a floor, we kept together; Riptide took up the rear, Sil the middle, and I was in front. Considering the two horn heads of the group were on either end to light things up, I honestly should have given the Pipbuck Zero to Sil so she had her own source of light. I just didn't want to risk undoing what work we had done to register me on the internal friend or foe systems by swapping the Pipbuck.
After much annoyance and minutes of fumbling around, we finally found a service room and flipped on the fuses. We breathed a sigh of relief at the hum of electric lights as backup power came online. It wasn't much but at least the entire floor was dimly lit instead of pitch black. It had also been a while but I was comforted by the familiar sounds of the HVAC system as it started thrumming all around us. Riptide though looked more than unsettled by the noises.
"This is how it should sound, Riptide," Sil said comfortingly to Riptide, patting her on the side.
"Saint Clover wasn't this loud," Riptide grumbled. "I'm just more used to... well, what passes for nature anymore."
I gave her a nod and moved in to hug her. I could understand how overwhelming the difference in the noise could be due to her short stint in Saint Clover. Riptide took a few calming breaths before steeling herself and we were on the move again.
The layout of the bunker was like that of a tree with the elevator shaft as the central trunk. The floor we were on was decently sized and seemed to be focused on a mix of administration and habitation, along with a solitary firing range.
We concluded our fruitless search and went down to the next floor. Floor two was far more interesting. There was an abandoned hydroponics section and a great deal more living space. While it was just as spartan, it was much less cramped than what was upstairs. This space seemed more suited for actually living in, maybe even raising foals judging by some of the rooms we passed and what remained of classrooms. Steel Rangers had to reproduce somehow.
The third floor held more administrative, medical, and physical training facilities. This seemed more of a shared space between the more domicile space of the second and the militaristic first floor with little else of note aside from its overall floor size.
The fourth floor was noticeably smaller than the previous two. It was instead a mix of varying manufacturing facilities; a mill and a foundry among other industrial features, most of which looked like it was automated and optimized for the compact space. There were also feeds coming from somewhere below, likely to sustain the industry we saw.
"It really is like a tree," I said to myself as I brought up the map again. I mixed some of my own magic with the Pipbuck Zero's mapping system, giving a rendition that the other two could see, this time as a three-dimensional object. This wasn't intended behavior but apparently, the automapper also took into consideration room height. It must have used sound in some fashion, probably infrasound since I never heard it going off, and also because I didn't remember any light emitter beyond the little screen that would account for this.
"Oh wow, look, the elevators go deeper! Are those caves?" Riptide asked, as she poked the map.
"Must be where they got their materials. I can see why they didn't blow the place." I replied half in awe. "I doubt we'd be able to get anything out of them. They probably mined it themselves. Would have made great strength training."
"Yeah, well let's check the last floor before we go down to the caves," Sil suggested. "See if maybe that's where the armory is."
"Sounds good. Hmm, maybe the caves were a backup defense point." I pondered, tapping a hoof. "It would make one hell of a choke point and who knows what they could have stashed down there too."
"After we get done with the rest of the floors." Sil nodded, her curiosity clearly piqued.
The fifth floor was split into two wings where we found what remained of storage. It was also unfortunately more sporadically lit than the other floors as a result. There seemed to be two storage rooms per wing, each labeled simply with a number. Peeking into a random one, I found that it was still full of crates, probably stuffed to the gills before the Rangers fucked off for Princesses knew where.
"Guess they decided to not take everything with them," I remarked, then turned to Sil. "Let's look around for a terminal and see if we can't get a log of what is in these. I'll try to find some kind of labeling system on them."
"One thing consistent about pre-war groups is how they loved to keep logs on everything." Sil giggled. "Also from the looks of it, we probably passed the cleaned-out armory on the first floor. Looks like we're getting scraps tonight."
"Yeah, seems that way but that's fine," I replied with a shrug. Then, against my previous fears, I decided to give Sil my Pipbuck. "It's probably better that we split up to cover more ground. Use this to check on the other rooms while I check this one."
"Will do, can't wait until we can stop trading this one around," Sil said, giving me a smirk before she headed off.
Riptide nodded in agreement as well and left to check the other rooms, leaving me lifting boxes and checking them for obvious labels.
It wasn't until the fifth box that I realized they were indeed labeled. It was just a bunch of faded numbers and letters branded on them but it was something. Curiosity overtook me and I pried open a crate, finding almost a full crate of pre-war food, mostly military rations in sealed tins. I set the crate aside and took one from another stack, pulling it open in turn. It was the same, more rations.
"Food stock room," I muttered to myself, taking a few days' worth of rations for us. It wasn't like the Steel Rangers would miss them.
Leaving the room I took out some chalk and wrote 'Food Storage' on the wall next to the already existing 'Storage Room 4'. With that done I decided to check in on the other two.
The floor wasn't that large on the layout, but the Steel Rangers had expanded each room over time compared to the original blueprint, each storeroom was now rather tall and deep. Humorously I seemed to have stumbled upon the one room neither mare had gotten to yet.
Which of course contained a terminal. Unfortunately, said terminal needed time to turn on so I labeled the room as 'Terminal' before I moved on. Storage Room 2 wasn't empty and contained a very busy Sil using my Pipbuck light to peruse the room's contents. Oddly the Steel Rangers had decided to strip the light fixtures out for this room as well. Part of me was impressed, and the other was annoyed.
"Hey Sil, when you finish here there's a room with a terminal warming up," I said, leaning in to peek over her shoulder. "The room will have some chalk on the outside labeled 'Terminal' so it shouldn't be too hard to find. I'm going to find Riptide and see how she's doing."
"Sure why not? All I'm finding here is some spare parts for... well I'm not certain honestly." Sil replied with a shake of her mane. "I would guess power armor or vehicles? Anyway don't get lost."
"Little hard to do on this floor but I'll try not to." I snorted in reply.
I rationalized that Riptide was in Storage Room 3 because I remember the door hadn't been open when I came past earlier so she must've found a way in. I poked my head into the room, gazed at the crates before me, and cursed. The place was a veritable maze of crates. While the boxes weren't piled all the way to the cavernous ceiling, they were piled high enough that I wouldn't be able to spot Riptide over them. I decided to climb to the top of the boxes instead, not wanting to deal with a box-style hedge maze.
"The great crate maze of the Steel Rangers," I muttered to myself. I used my magic to help reduce my weight for a moment as I climbed the first set of crates. Once on top, I carefully hopped over a gap between the walls of boxes.
To my relief, the crates didn't shatter when taking my full weight. As I walked the walls of the maze, I kept an eye out for any signs of Riptide like her horn glow or a pair of distinctive ears. Luck however was not in my favor. Absent-mindedly, I failed to notice a gap between crates and tumbled down onto my bruised chest. I let out a groan and lay there for a minute. Just another injury and my stomach would just take that bit longer to heal. It was roughly how this week was shaping up to be.
After a bit of self-pity, I picked myself back up with the aid of magic, berating myself mentally to watch my step. Misfortune continued to confound my progress when the next crate I hopped onto failed to support me and I ended up inside said crate. I was eternally thankful for my barding covering most of my soft tissues and the site of my impalement, even if the experience brought about a flash of panic at the memory of the stairwell collapsing under.
With a thought, I lit up the inside of the box to find machine parts yet again. I let out a laugh.
"Well, okay. I'll need to sort these parts to see if any of these are useful." I said to myself as I did my best to stand amidst the bits of machinery and caved-in crate cover. Using my magic, I moved both myself and the entire crate to the floor so I could properly inspect it.
With the lack of pressure to rush off somewhere else, I took my time to pick through the packaged parts I had crashed into. There was a possibility that somewhere among these crates there were parts for turrets. Then again, maybe they were in the room Sil was in or nowhere at all. Either way, this being a Steel Ranger bunker there was some benefit in putting some effort into combing these since they looked moderately important.
I got startled by a sudden noise and spun to face it only to see Riptide lowering her gun from around the corner.
"Oh good. It's just you, Moonlight." Riptide sighed as she trotted from around the box tower. It was nice to see she knew to use cover when approaching an unknown situation.
"Yeah, sorry. I was walking on the crates and this one collapsed on me." I informed Riptide, gesturing to the broken cover. "I decided to look through it. It seems to be parts for some kind of specialized machinery. Nothing like what I'm looking for but it's a start."
"I see, well that's good news. Haven't found a terminal here though," Riptide replied. "I don't know how many times I got turned around but it's one too many." She raised an eyebrow. "Why were you walking on top of the boxes?"
"Well, to have a better chance of catching a glimpse of your ears or horn." I chuckled sheepishly as I rubbed the back of my head, all while my sore body reminded me of how foolish the choice ended up being. "As for a terminal, I found one and Sil should be working on it by now. She still has my Pipbuck before you ask." I raised my left foreleg for emphasis.
"I was going to ask if you lost it in the box but good to know." Riptide giggled and ruffled my mane. "Given how beat up you are, try not to take more risky paths? I don't know how much more bruising your body can handle."
I nodded slowly. "Yeah, I'm already feeling it. Really where I..." I sighed. "Well, whatever. It isn't bleeding again so we're still good for now."
"Remind me to strap you down when we get back to Four Corners." Riptide sighed as she shook her head in disappointment. "I don't want you getting even more hurt before we get going again."
We quickly retreated from the storage room which I helpfully marked as "Parts?" and headed for the room where I had found the terminal. Sil was already hard at work, well on her way through cracking through it. Hopefully, this meant I could take the Pipbuck back when we moved on to another floor.
"Hey, you two. Well, the terminal has logs for what went in and out of each storeroom." Sill stated, eyes glued on the glowing monitor as she tapped away. "No personal data though which surprised me a little. I guess the Steel Rangers wanted to leave as few clues behind as possible so nopony could track them down."
I nodded attentively and milled through the voluminous data with Sil while Riptide levitated down a nearby crate and opened it, sifting through its contents. Then Riptide went on to another, and another, and another as I slowly felt my will to go on drain out of me. My face met the desk the terminal was on as time went on, my ears flattering. Sil patted my mane as she sat beside me and I let out a snort of boredom, the boring nature of the data having defeated me.
"Oh, hey! I found some guns!" Riptide exclaimed in a singsong voice. My ears stood at attention at the sound of a gun cocking.
I immediately stood up and started to make my way to Riptide only to fall forward as my hindlegs decided to stay asleep. I let out a small whine of annoyance. To make things worse, Sil pushed back from the desk at that exact moment, the wheels of the chair rolling over my tail and pinning me in place. I was thankful that pony tails were mostly hair but it didn't get any less painful to have the tail hairs tugged sharply.
Sil too had her own misfortune to contend with. She hadn't accounted for the fact that her chair was a swivel chair and was currently spinning uncontrollably in place. I took a moment to put myself together before grabbing both her and the chair in my magic to stop the spin. Sil stumbled off of it, looking more than a little dazed as she rubbed her right foreleg where she had hit the desk trying to stop herself, before unceremoniously falling flat on the floor. The noise of my grunt of pain and Sil's squeak got Riptide's attention and she trotted over to inspect us.
"You two having fun over there?" Riptide snorted.
"Yes, we didn't find anything interesting on the terminal," I answered. "Plus you looked so happy going through those boxes that we decided to have a little fun ourselves."
Sil decided to make the bad choice of putting a hoof on my lower back to help her stand. Not only was this painful to me but I wasn't the most solid surface on account of my squirming and we ended up becoming entangled.
"Sil, how about we just stop and lay here for a minute," I added with a wince of pain.
"Sure, I'm a bit dizzy anyway," Sil replied, deciding to wisely switch to hugging me. "Holding onto something I know isn't going to move is probably for the best."
Riptide blew raspberries at us before setting a rifle down in front of me to look over. It was of an uncommon make and even at first glance I could see why the Steel Rangers had left them behind; it was a revolver rifle. Earth Ponies and Pegasi preferred belt and magazine-fed weapons.
"There are more revolvers, rifles, and pistols," Riptide added as I looked over the rifle.
Scooping the rifle up in my magic I popped the cylinder out to see what type of ammo it took. Stamped on the side of the barrel was forty-four caliber. Not that great for long-range, maybe one hundred meters, but with a bit of work I probably could swap the barrel out and rebore the cylinder for a better-equipped caliber for longer ranges.
I cycled the rifle, noting how smooth the action felt even in my magic. The Steel Rangers had left it serviced and in good condition. I looked up to see Riptide setting a crate likely containing the rest of the firearms down in front of me. A faded label declared 'Ironshod Firearms Revolving Rifle', one of their earlier products.
Further investigation on the rifle confirmed it via a stamp denoting it as an IF-5 model. Digging further into the crate, we also unearthed nice, regular IF-18 revolvers, which were cut-down successors to the IF-5 using .44 revolver ammunition. Packaged alongside them was a small box of speed loaders.
"Hey, Riptide, you can have my rifle," I suggested as I levitated my 5.56 rifle over to her, along with the spare magazines and ammo. "It's got a longer range than these do while also being magazine-fed so no having to fiddle with individual rounds." I paused and blushed. "I'm a sucker for revolvers and while these have a shorter range the round is good against fleshy things."
"Well, I'm happy to be done with just relying on the .38s." Riptide offered and picked up one of the IF-18s in her magic. "How about I take one of the pistol revolvers as well? They look like they take the same ammo which would make restocking easier."
"Sure, take one, these seem to be in prime condition. What we need now is to find ammo." I said, tapping my chin thoughtfully.
I went back to the terminal and plugged my Pipbuck, now firmly back onto my foreleg, into it and reviewed the extra options that popped up. I quickly did a word search for ammo and started sifting through the results looking for any matching results, hoping to find any leftover boxes of ammunition.
"I'll keep looking through the crates, I guess." Riptide giggled as I focused on the terminal, eyes scanning back and forth over the voluminous data.
"I've looked at that terminal long enough so I'll give you a hoof with that," Sil replied as she moved to help with the crates. "Maybe we can find something a bit better than this shotgun for my battle saddle."
It took a few hours but Riptide and Sil managed to dig up a valuable find: a few crates with simple to set up turrets. We moved these to the hallway so we could easily drag them into the elevator later. We also stumbled upon ammo for the revolvers, though the crate they were in had been packed sideways which resulted in many loose rounds spilling out around us. We were practically swimming in ammo! I let out a giggle and hugged Riptide who looked confused as I kissed her.
"Sorry, I'm just happy to have a major break." I giggled, pulling a .44 round out of the Riptide's collar. "Come on, let's pack this up, and remember to fill up your speed loaders first."
It took us a while to clean up the loose ammo while also filling our bags with what we could, stuffing the excess back into the crate, and resealing it. Yet another crate to take back with us to either sell or donate since the turrets used a different kind of ammunition.
I patted the crate. I had seen what a .44 round could do and while arguably a 5.56 was better, the ability to break bones was a nice bonus. I couldn't help but giggle again thinking about my brand new revolver rifle. More so against the stubborn hides of Vipers.
Riptide for her part seemed to find my state of excitement as a source of amusement. Unlike Sil, who was used to and equally amused by my states of excitement upon finding new 'toys'. Sil, though, shared my love of machines and books and while she wasn't as thrilled as I was about every book, she did enjoy the odd engineering manual or two.
We moved back to the elevators with our spoils. I had been questioning why the place relied on just a single elevator shaft and soon found that it didn't; the upper floors had one elevator shaft supporting four elevators, but on this floor, a spacious cargo elevator joined the regular ones. We walked into it and pressed the button for the next floor down. My mind mentally labeled it as "Roots" given what we had seen on the map.
The car descended slowly, slow enough that all we had to go on was the whining of the wheels as proof we were moving. The minutes dragged on before the doors opened again. At first, there was nothing, but then in the dimness, our eyes caught glimmers of lights. We readied our weapons, widened our stances, and prepared to send the car back up at the first sign of trouble.
But nothing happened, nothing moved. All we heard was our own strained breathing and the drip of water. The heat and humidity down here were terrible, the car having insulated us from the brunt of it on the descent. I had not expected that going deeper into the earth meant that it would get warmer and wetter.
After a minute of inactivity, I cast a light orb spell and floated it into the cavern.
It was then that we noticed the surrounding area was littered with robots. I gasped and almost fired out of instinct. What stopped me was the fact that none had moved nor made any noise. We stared at each other in shock before moving to inspect them. It didn't take long for us to find that most of them were partially disassembled.
"This is... odd," I admitted, holstering my weapons. "A robotic workforce ... oh of course! Steel Rangers, as prideful as ever." I faced Riptide and sighed. "I doubt they would dirty their hooves digging. Supposedly they barely even lift a hoof to maintain their own equipment, instead putting that duty on 'lower members' of their order."
"Sounds like they're a bunch of jerks," Riptide replied as she tapped one of the roboponies. It fell over with a loud clatter that made all of us stop and stand still, listening for something to awaken from its slumber. When nothing came of Riptide's act of wanton destruction we breathed a collective sigh of relief.
"That's putting it lightly," Sil replied before she poked her head inside the barrel of a robopony.
"I'm hearing nothing but the dripping of water so I think we're in the clear," I reassured Riptide. "You keep an eye on things while Sil and I poke around in these robots. See if there's anything left worth taking."
Riptide lit her horn to look around while Sil and I focused on dismantling the stripped-down robot. Unfortunately, the Steel Rangers didn't take with them the grease, rust, and grime on the damn things so I found myself wiping my hooves often. The other bit of bad news was that the valuable robopony brains were gone.
However, there was an upside. For whatever reason, most of the talismans were still intact which meant proper turrets for Four Corners once we handed them what we could salvage. They would have more than just those quick set-up turrets we had found.
"Anything good?" Riptide asked as I put the talismans in my saddlebags.
"Yep, exactly what we want, talismans for making turrets," Sil explained. I sighed looking around at the fleet of roboponies.
"Should we?" I asked, sweeping a foreleg out.
"What, all of them?" Sil asked in return. "How late is it?"
"We've been down here long enough that it's, uh." I paused and summoned the clock readout. "Bit after five in the afternoon now so we'll end up staying the night if we do. Should be safe enough, I locked the big door once we got inside. Didn't want any unwelcome visitors."
"I guess that works. Keeps anypony from following us in and keeps anything down here, well, down here." Riptide pondered. "Also there were some nice beds in the hab block we passed."
"Guess that settles it then. Sorry if this gets a bit boring." Sil apologized as I began getting to work. All that maintenance training at Saint Clover was going to pay off now.
"Hey, it's more time we get to spend together without fearing for our lives or being crammed in a tiny carriage." Riptide teased.
"You're not wrong." I laughed. "It's a nice change of pace to just be doing something and not worry about something trying to kill us."
With that I turned my focus to scavenging as many robots as I could stomach, stripping down and removing what useful parts were left over. In an attempt to keep busy, Riptide helped Sil and me with sorting and storing the parts into spare crates.
As I had originally thought, it took hours to make a dent in the fleet of roboponies. Sil had more drive than I did and I eventually relegated myself to being her spare hooves as we worked through the evening.
Level up! Welcome to Level 4! Your rough times and exposure to Hydra blood have changed you! No scales, yet, but your hide is tougher than most ponies'! Not to words though, just to things trying to kill you. Sorry, your emotions are still just as vulnerable as before. Enjoy the extra five Damage Threshold, even when out of your barding! |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 12 - Delivery | "Courier work is dangerous. Ponies see you carrying stuff and always want to take a look. It's exactly why I got out of the trade."
We were finally done. My poor brain was burnt out and given how it felt, so was my horn. By Tartarus, my horn was practically glowing from overuse as I pulled my muzzle out from the last of the roboponies. On top of all that my coat was also caked in grime from digging around the robotic guts but at least we now had the last of the viable talismans.
Sil, my partner in crime, decided that this was a good stopping point, worriedly staring at my horn as it refused to stop glowing even when I wasn't doing magic. Honestly, I didn't know what to make of it either but blowing on it felt nice at least.
"Alright, we're done for the day." I sighed in defeat, plopping my rump down in exhaustion.
"Let's get you both to those showers we saw on the second level so I can hose you off," Riptide said as she helped me back to my hooves. "Seriously I'm surprised at how fast you two managed to get so dirty."
"It comes with the territory," Sil replied dryly.
We took it slow and easy for the evening, consisting of a shower and a dinner of scavenged MRE's. The MRE's themselves were surprisingly good, even if they were all apple-flavored. The little bags even had some kind of chemical heater in them; you just had to press down on a metal disk to get some kind of gel in the bag to crystalize and heat up. Sil decided we should keep a few intact so she could figure out how to reverse-engineer the crystallization process so we could have heating packs on demand.
Before bed, the three of us decided to do a final check to make certain the bunker was locked down for the night. It was also nice to just walk off the stiffness from contorting myself inside the bowels of machines all day.
I spent the last bit of downtime stretching and laying with my partners, my body still sore despite the shower and walk. I knew part of it was due to my injuries but hopefully, it wouldn't be long till I was back to full strength, or close enough that it didn't matter.
As the three of us lay huddled together with the lights off, my mind started wandering towards our plan. If it worked I wouldn't even need to be on the front lines until- no, not until. I wouldn't even need to fight if all went according to plan.
This wasn't my fight nor were they my people but we were doing all we could to help them anyway. Maybe a few centuries back I would have had some baked-in loyalty to my fellow Equestrian but I didn't consider myself nor anyone else in the wasteland to be one.
After all, it was hard to be an Equestrian when Equestria didn't exist anymore. Regardless, the long and short of it was that until things were resolved here we couldn't move north. Thus I was doing what I could to stack the deck in favor of us getting out of here without being shot at or chased for our tasty flesh.
Morning came swiftly and, after an equally quick breakfast, we lifted the lockdown on the bunker, starting the process of moving the gathered salvage. It took a few trips but we managed to move all the heavier crates up to the surface level, the process taking up most of the morning. My horn still ached from the strain and barely helped with the heavy lifting but I still did what I could. Didn't sit right with me to sit this one out as much as I enjoyed watching them work. At least the manual labor kept me limber.
Now we would need to find a way to haul all these boxes of supplies back to town. I really didn't fancy shoulder-checking a convoy of heavy boxes without wheels several miles.
Just the thought of doing that made my shoulder hurt.
"Alright, let's find something to get this crap back to town," I told the two.
"So... any ideas on that front?" Riptide asked.
"Anything with wheels that doesn't run on combustion." I quipped, then added. "I also managed to figure out most of a Repair spell last night so if you find something banged up I can probably fix it. Well... so long as it isn't one giant block of rust."
"Alright, I'll go trot about and see if I can't find us a set of wheels." Sil nodded, trotting off out of the pit. "You finish hauling the crates up in the meantime."
It took a good half hour to get the boxes up and out of the rocky hole the bunker was sitting in. It wasn't so much the exertion as it was the distance and squeezing the crates past the rubble. My magic was enough to keep things balanced on my back for the most part but I still had to watch my step as I navigated the slippery, rocky slope.
That said it was a bit misty out this morning so while it wasn't raining the ground was still slick with moisture. By the time Riptide and I had finished moving everything up, Sil had come back around to check on us after searching the yard. She even had bandages on her forelegs where her investigations had bitten back.
We quickly ran through our options. One was a massive earth mover. It had no obvious power supply until I found out it ran on unicorn magic which was an odd feature for a Ministry of Technology backed company. It would have made more sense for their technology to work for anypony. As it was, the earth mover was rusted solid and would take forever to magically restore due to its size. Even if we could restore it, I'd have to keep it fed with magic which meant I'd be beyond exhausted by the time we got back to town.
The second option was some kind of auto carriage in the parking lot. As I looked it over, I found that all it required was a magical battery, something that we were in short supply of. I could just power it with my horn but that would hit the same snag of the first option.
The last option was the most promising; a few unpowered carriages sitting in the back lot. Though missing wheels or parts of wheels, there were more carriages than we needed given their carrying capacity so it would be an easy repair job between Sil and myself. We would also be able to take turns resting and acting as lookouts on the trip back.
"Let's go with the regular carriages, everything else is too much work," I said finally, patting one of the carriages. "Looks like we'll see just how much Draft Pony we have in us today."
Riptide and Sil nodded in agreement and began to load the two carriages that looked in the best shape. "How about you two lend me a hoof to fetch the spare parts?" I went on, horn sputtering to life. "We still have to repair these before we go and I don't want to get a headache casting two spells at once."
With their help, we managed to get the carriages moving again within an hour, swapping in the good parts from the other derelicts to the two we were taking. With a bit of magic long rusted parts began to move. It took much less time to get the now-repaired carriages loaded with the spoils of our expedition. Unfortunately, we now had to contend with the muddy yard and the three of us spent even more time just pushing both laden carriages up onto the paved road outside the work yard.
With that ordeal over with, Sil and Riptide got themselves hitched up to them.
"Okay, now for the hopefully easy part." I groaned. "Back to Four Corners."
I was going to take point when Sil held out a hoof to my chest, shaking her head. "Sorry, Moony but we only let you help because it would go faster with the three of us."
"Also because we didn't want to have the extra weight of your rump to deal with." Riptide snorted. "The mud was already making it hard enough."
"Hop on in, we'll get us back," Sil said comfortingly. "You just rest your body and keep an eye out for trouble, okay?"
I thought better than to protest and simply nodded to the two before climbing atop Sil's carriage. These weren't luxury rides but at least they were big enough to carry what we had scavenged.
As we began to roll I simply nodded to myself. They were both right, I was better off resting on the trip back considering I was still in the process of healing. I needed to rest and it was something easy to get while guiding us back and keeping an eye out for any threats.
Progress was slow as Riptide and Sil were unable to go faster than a trot. They made up for the lack of speed with the endurance to keep going, even if at an undoubtedly sedated pace. The trip that had taken us an hour to do yesterday took two the other way around, taking into account the detours around collapsed bridges and buildings that we had walked over on our way.
By the time we returned to Four Corners, I could smell the sweat from Riptide and Sil even through the earthy smells of rain. I smiled at the tired duo, thankful we didn't face any trouble on the way back at least.
-=O=-
"Hey! They made it back everypony! Get over here so we can help unload their carriages!" Shouted the same guard who generously opened the gate for us yesterday. I hadn't even had time to ask the guard to open the gate before he had done it for us.
Before we had even made it fully through the gate a crowd of ponies, more than those living in town, had gathered, clamoring to get their hooves on our supplies.
"Hey! No touching the saddlebags." I demanded when I felt somepony's hoof brush against me as I gingerly climbed down from the carriage.
With a frown, I regarded the crowd as the desire to address them swelled within me. Viewing the throng of equids, I spotted Sil struggling to escape her harness and the crowd as it swarmed us. Riptide gave me a pleading look before I lost sight of her.
It didn't take a genius to ascertain that the three of us were deeply out of our element. Even with riot training in the Guard, I wasn't really used to facing a crowd this size. Ten to twenty? Sure. This? Frankly, I didn't know nearly a hundred ponies lived in Four Corners, but now I did and it did not fill me with happiness.
With a rough push through the crowd, I waded my way to the two mares, got them out of their harnesses, and swiftly dragged them back up onto the driver's seat of one of the carriages, the crowd milling about unpacking the goods like a ravenous swarm of worker ants. For the moment we were safe from being carried off or separated.
I stood to my full height and took a breath to address the crowd, only to cough, killing the swelling boldness in me.
"You can do this." Riptide encouraged me.
Her words strengthened my resolve and I shook off the anxiety. So I took another breath and began to address the crowd.
"Four Corners!" Everypony paused to look up at me but I didn't falter. "The Steel Rangers have indeed left but they unintentionally left a gift for you! I have gathered a portion of it and brought it here. This is what we could find after a day of going through their records, sifting through all those crates they left behind."
I paused and pulled out a bundle of talismans from my saddlebags for dramatic flair. "Now we have the means to make turrets, a surplus of MRE's for food, and a small ammo dump. As of now, we have more weapons to protect the town; forty-four caliber rifles and revolvers! Perfect for punching through those Viper's scales and shattering their skulls!"
I had barely finished my speech when a cheer went up and I found hooves going around me, lifting me into the air. I found Sil and Riptide had been pulled from the crates as well. This was a first for me but as much as I was amused by it, constantly being volleyball-tossed was not helping my bruised body. The hooves touching my rear were also not welcome, though I was certain it was by accident given they shifted to better support me before passing or tossing me. It was, all in all, a strange but positive experience.
-=O=-
"Alright, you go on down there." The guard said to me, patting the turret beside him. "Now that we got these set up I'm going to start tuning them." He turned to Sil. "You, uh? Sil? Go and check on other parts of the wall to see how they're doing. Maybe then we can rest easy for a bit."
"Just remember to load them after you get them to shoot the target and not Moony," Sil replied while I snorted in amusement. "My marefriend is not to be perforated."
She trotted off to help set up turrets on the north side of town while I ventured out to where the mock target was.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a spritebot floating about, warbling out itswartime music and ads. I tried to tune out the tinny music and voices as I kept an eye on the turrets. The targeting talismans, their operation indicated by a small light that cycled between green, yellow, and red, were what I was watching for. As the minutes dragged on and each turret was brought online I found I could barely make out the color from where I stood.
Out of exhaustion, I wound up plopping my rear on the wet street as I waited out the calibrations. Suddenly there was a crack in the air that broke me out of the stupor before the pavement next to me exploded, shards of it biting into my neck. I dove to the side of the street and I grabbed my guns out of instinct, remembering my shield spell and rapidly casting that too.
"Sorry! looks like one of the turrets wasn't cycled to empty the chamber!" One of the ponies on the wall shouted. "You okay?"
"Fine, just a couple of nicks," I called back as I put my guns back into their holsters.
I dropped the shield as I caught my breath. Adrenaline was a good way to bypass the exhaustion, pain, and tenderness of my horn and body but they had a nasty habit of returning. I was tempted to take some painkillers, already retrieving my water bottle but decided against it in the end. The dull aches and constant re-bruising were frustrating but they didn't warrant more medication. Once we got going again I could just rest and recover, or at least that was my hope.
"Why." A tiny, synthesized, emotionless voice asked.
I yelped and fumbled the bottle as I turned to look at the spritebot.
"Fucking Tartarus! Since when the fuck do Spritebots talk." I snapped, narrowing my eyes at the intruding machine. "Then again, I have seen them pause their broadcasts before..."
"Why did you help this town?" The machine asked again in the same tone.
I stood up and trotted around the Spritebot, prodding it carefully with a hoof. I then pushed on it from the side, sending it spinning for a moment before it looked at me again, the cameras whirring as they focused on me. If I didn't know any better it looked almost frustrated.
"Curious. Looks like somepony hacked into the old broadcast system." I pondered, ignoring the question for now. "No exterior tampering. Wonder where the piggyback is from?"
"Perceptive, but not you didn't answer my question. Why did you help them?" The spritebot asked again. "Why did you cooperate with those raiders? Why did you share your invention in Wayhill?"
The last question got my attention. I hadn't seen a spritebot in Wayhill. Wait, no, there had been one, it just wasn't fully functional. Curious...
"It's in my nature, as it used to be in all ponies. You know, help out anyone who looked like they needed help, let alone those who asked." I stated, still staring inquisitively at the spritebot. "We pack bonded nearly instantly back in the day and some of us still have that good-natured disposition, I suppose. It was mutually beneficial in all those cases; sometimes just in the short term like with those bandits but in the long term you get this."
I raised my Pipbuck Zero to emphasize the point. "This wouldn't exist without help from others, my marefriend's too to boot. Also with its design spreading out? More and more ponies will have the tools they need to survive in the wasteland. So what if I don't get a single cap out of it? By the Sisters, I had to pay for it." I huffed, then smiled. "I happily paid for it. I would rather something useful be added to this world for the sake of others than hoard it for myself like those arrogant Steel Rangers."
"I see." The Spritebot said.
"Now then, if you've been watching me you already know who I am. What should I call you?" I probed.
Silence, then. "Watcher."
"Fitting." I deadpanned, pinning my ears back against my head and glaring at the floating robot. "Well, is there something more you wanted other than picking my brain, Watcher?"
"For now, no. You already beat me to the punch about helping ponies. And making friends. You're a curious pony." Watcher replied, then after another short pause. "I'll be... watching."
"Of course you will." I frowned as the music returned with a pop and the spritebot started to bob away.
It then promptly exploded as one of the turrets shot it.
"Oh for FUCKS SAKE DID YOU NOT CHECK THE REST FOR AMMO?!" I barked at the ponies on the wall as I summoned my shield once again. "Or do I have to go up there and do that for you?!" My left eye was twitching slightly as I finished dressing them down from range.
Maybe the instructors had been wrong, I'm not half bad at being intimidating when I need to be.
The ponies on the wall shrunk at my shouting and then made good on checking the turrets for ammo before we continued testing them. I just rested a hoof on my face and sighed.
A moment later a few more shots rang out, this time from behind me, plinking against my shield. I turned around with a snarl, drawing my guns to see raiders charging towards me.
Oh, come on. Really, more bullshit today?
"Fuck the friend or foe recognition. Give the turrets ammo, NOW!" I barked at the wall when I saw that it wasn't just a couple of raiders looking to pick off a pony. Instead, they were just the tip of the spear.
"Who the fuck did I piss off to deserve this?" I begged the sky before firing off the first few rounds of the revolver rifle into the oncoming ponies, watching the leg collapse out from under one of them. "Well, at least the gun works. I really should have checked that when we found these... too late now!"
I aimed again and kept plinking.
The turrets behind me finally opened up, firing indiscriminately between me and the raiders. The upside was that this halted the raider's advance for the moment. However, as soon as the raiders ducked into cover I was the only target that remained for the turrets. I changed tacks and dashed to the nearest piece of cover, using my shield to deflect the worst of the volley coming at me as I put a physical barrier between the turrets and myself.
I peeked over at the now stalled raider advance. Well, the advance here. I have no idea how the rest of the town is faring.
Then came a familiar whistle, one I had heard when Saint Clover was under siege; mortar fire. Like before, I was certain the mortars weren't on the so-called friendly side.
"Well, fuck. Okay, this isn't a raid, this is a siege." I pondered to myself before being interrupted by gunfire chipping away at my concrete cover. I fired a few blind shots in return. "They said the raiders lurked mostly out to the west and so did the Vipers. Something must have happened to push them out. Maybe... yeah that would explain it. Cart did mention the entire town would have to leave if the Vipers and Hydra kept harassing them so it would follow that these raiders could be in the same situation as Four Corners."
"Bitch get out here and fight us!" Cried one of the raiders.
"I'm figuring out what your fucking motives you fuck face!" I shouted back.
"I want your house and to fuck you!" Another shouted back.
"I don't live here and I'm spoken for!" I shouted back.
Lovely, but that answered a few questions. Mentally patting myself on the back, my focus shifted to moving through the ruins in hopes of flanking my attackers. I crept through the abandoned house that currently served as my shelter, staying low, slow, and quiet. Coming upon a hole in the wall of what was once a single occupancy bathroom, my focus switched to memorizing the locations of all visible hostiles outside. As I did so, I swapped from my very loud revolver rifle to the silent pistol; the latter held in my magic and combat knife in my muzzle.
Time to kill. I felt my shoulders slump a bit as that thought washed over me. Well, it's a good thing the thought of killing another person doesn't feel good. Still, that enthusiasm is a bit unsettling. Oh well, address it later when not in a combat zone. Therapy later, slaughter now.
I steeled myself mentally for what was about to happen; to spill blood up close, to take lives, and watch the terror and life drain from their eyes as they understood that moment would be their last.
I kept with the tried and true slow approach as I crept to the next piece of cover, which wasn't as much of an issue as the raiders were still shooting where I had been.
That was until one spotted me out of the corner of his vision. Thankfully he wasn't aimed at me from the start so I had time to dive into the cover of another ruined house before he could get a bead on me.
Well, of course, they would notice, they have peripheral vision; they don't have fucking stupid helmets on.
Falling back to the other tried and true method, I began blasting. Of course so did they with bigger, meaner, and louder weaponry; armaments that decided I didn't need cover and started punching holes through it, chewing away at the building's facade like metallic beetles. Obviously, this wasn't good for my health, so I scooted away keeping low enough to be hidden below the blown-out window sill.
Repositioned, I looked for a swift way to end the firefight while the dense raiders continued to chew away my old cover. Unfortunately, the characteristic metal apples and sticks with volatile cans on the end failed to materialize. This was disappointing because even if I hated the chunky leftovers from explosives I couldn't argue with the results. This was a horrible day to have been saddled with raiders who didn't also enjoy explosions.
Fuck, why don't any of them have grenades?! Raiders love explosives! Okay just think!
Another part of the wall fell away next to me. Okay, think faster, no pressure. They just want to, you know, kill and or rape me and I am fairly uncertain of the order. Actually, they had just expressed interest in taking the town and raping me so honestly that's kinda worse.
I crawled on as the shots caused a wall to collapse at my old position, quietly moving to another spot even as the raiders roared. I had to stay unseen with the hope that I could maneuver to a spot where I could get an angle for a surprise attack. I paused as a sudden thought hit me.
That's right, there was a spell for area denial. What was its name? Right, it was Wall of Elements! Ugh, who the fuck named these spells pre-War? The writer of Ogres and Oubliettes? Actually no, most of these combat ones date back to pre-Equestria mages like Starswirl and his forebears. Wow were we just that bad with naming shit? I paused for a moment and nodded. Yeah, we probably are.
Prior to today, I hadn't had any use for the spell but area denial was on the menu today. Grasping the magic in my mind, I pictured the area I was looking at, visualizing it turning uninhabitable. Then I felt the strings of magic and played them like an instrument, feeling the magic spring forth and take form. I finally opened my eyes and gasped for air.
There was a rush of noise and then I heard screaming. I quickly peered at the area I was aiming for and was taken aback at what I saw, much worse than what I had projected. I had certainly made the area perfectly uninhabitable as pure chaos raged, the raiders caught in the area horrifically maimed as wild elements coursed through them, destroying them slowly.
Fucking Tartarus, I have truly failed. Discord would be proud.
A shudder ran through me as I sat there looking at my failure. With a sharp exhale, I pushed the conflicting emotions out of me. It was time to clean up and soon suppressed shot after suppressed shot filled the air as I executed the poor, unlucky raiders. Even in death, I watched ice encase and crack flesh, the fire burned and melted fur, flesh, and fat. Electricity made their corpses convulse, and pure magic atomized what remained.
Note to self, practice that spells more. I never want to see that again.
Suppressing lingering thoughts about the small atrocity I had committed, my hooves found themselves moving once more. A quick hop through a blasted-out window left me in an empty street away from the throng of raiders. With the wind blowing how it was and a building between the scene and me, it was as if there was no evidence of the thaumaturgical atrocity.
Those from before forgive me for what I have done. May Luna take your souls to eternal slumber and rest from this painful end.
I wasn't a spiritual pony but in times like this, when I felt like I had pissed off something to cause Tartarus to come down on me, it felt right to reach out as I struggled with what I had done.
Dashing down the alley and then climbing up a mountain of half-collapsed buildings, I finally claimed a vantage point of the battlefield. Part of me knew that I should wait for backup but every moment lost waiting meant another mortar in the air. Wasted time was wasted lives. From the east, the sound of gunfire continued, a good sign that the ponies of Four Corners were still putting up a fight.
Reflecting as I plotted the course to the mortars, I felt like I should have returned to gather a group to drive a knife into the side of this assault. I reasoned that this would only make things worse; for all the extra firepower it would have it meant less on the walls to hold the line. There was only one certainty for now: those mortars needed to be gone, now.
The very fiber of my being shook as the world roared.
Ah... Fuck me with a battleship.
The hydra and its ilk had been drawn by the sound of gunfire, and likely the scent of blood. I couldn't afford to waste more ammo on the raiders. I needed to get those mortars pointed at the hydra and vipers one way or another. A temporary truce or just nabbing them would have to do; the monsters were a larger threat than the raiders right now.
While I hated the thought of using the raiders, ponies that they were, as living shields to help the town, they admittedly wanted to kill or do worse to those inside. They had a chance to do better, they still did, and they could prove themselves here and now. Not that I could convince them with words of course but maybe they could see the danger coming and realize they could only survive by doing the right thing.
Raiders are not being idiots, well. I've already seen stranger things on this trip.
As I took in more of the battlefield, I could see the hydra visibly lumbering back towards Four Corners. It might be big but it seemed to be in no rush as it slowly made its way towards the river. Smaller, darker forms of the vipers were already advancing across the said river, gunfire chattering away from the mortar teams on the banks as they tried to hold the creatures off.
Further east where Four Corners sat, fires were obscuring the town from sight, blind gunfire from the walls shooting through the smoke to pin down the raiders. They in turn fired potshots while waiting in vain for the mortars to land home and open up a hole so they could flood into the town, unknowing that they were gradually being sandwiched on two fronts.
The clock is ticking, Moonlight.
With the click of the cylinder of the rifle shutting and a fresh magazine sliding home in my pistol, I was reloaded and ready to get back in the fight. I made a mad dash towards the mortar position. An idea struck me as I regarded the pile of rubble and remains of metal roofing I had to descend. With a piece of sheet metal in my magic, I took the plunge down the mountain of rubble and enjoyed the safest form of freefall I expected to experience within my lifetime.
The surrounding raiders looked on as I approached them surfing upon the metal. Most looked on in confusion and others even cheered on my display of rubble surfing. I paid them no mind since they weren't shooting me. I hopped off the metal once it started skidding across the pavement and galloped towards the thumps of mortars and the sounds of somepony barking orders. Thankfully I had picked the right path to go. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 13 - A Rocky Venture | Chapter 13 -- A Rocky Venture
"Gangs are like hydras; you cut off one head and two more will appear, fighting against one another for the same resources, ignoring that it feeds the same body."
Bang!
The ground in front of me exploded once again. Reflexively my shield formed around me as gears shifted preparing for a fight over a dialog.
"What do we have here? A lone pony comes to play hero?" snarled who I assumed to be the raider leader, a bulky earth pony stallion with a scowl and an absolute mess of a mane. As he came around the corner I saw that his battle saddles were kitted out with four light machine guns, similar to the ones mounted on Saint Clover.
I always found the term light machine gun humorous, having never encountered a 'heavy' machine gun. Regardless, this was the wrong time to ponder terminology as I had four currently pointed at me as well as what I assumed to be rocket launcher tubes. Whoever he was, this bastard was strong.
"I take it you don't give a fuck about the hydra and its kin coming this way?" I shouted as the stallion looked me over with a bemused expression.
"It just means we need to fight harder and faster!" He shouted, his mortar crews hollering their agreement in the background.
"Fucking moron," I muttered.
"I heard that!" He taunted.
I flinched. He wasn't just strong but perceptive as well which was going to make this hard. It helped that I wasn't feeling particularly persuasive at the moment, not unless you counted murder as a convincing argument.
Maybe it was desperation. Maybe it was the large stack of injuries I had accrued. All I knew was I wanted to put the stallion down and be done with him.
"If you won't help. Then I'll just have to take your place." I shouted as I prepared a fire blast. With the loadout he had the best bet I had was to try to cook off his ammo.
"Try me, hornhead." He mocked and I heard the sudden shriek of a mortar coming down.
I let loose my fire spell and hopped backward once it was away. A moment later I was thrown into the air, quickly using my magic to toss myself further from the blast and shrapnel, strain-induced headaches be damned. The shield I had partially formed In the split second before the blast barely protected me from the worst of the pressure wave, fresh cuts opening on my face and legs though my barding caught most of the debris.
That was too close.
"Five feet to the left!" The leader shouted. "Twenty feet to the fore!"
Through the cloud of dust that had been kicked up, I spotted the bastard grinning as he rolled his shoulders, the loud clack of his machine guns racking fresh shells rang through the air. His glee was visible; he wanted to play and was happy I had survived his first attempt on my life.
You have got to be kidding me! This isn't a fucking fair fight but somepony forgot their helmet at home so a good shot to the head should kill him. Make it two; he's a thick stallion so his skull is likely just as thick as his muscles.
"I hope you enjoy dancing in the rain, little mare!" The raider leader laughed as he opened up with his light machine guns. The howl of a trio of mortars sent skyward joined the din.
"MOTHER BUCKING. FUCK. SHIT. NO." I couldn't coherently think or swear as I fired blindly at the raider leader, praying something would connect as I used my magic to perform a combination of telekinesis to hold my guns, fire arcane blasts, and shield myself from the rain of shrapnel.
As good as I was at multitasking spells, I wasn't as good as I needed to be. Dozens of new cuts traced along my coat and barding, bullets glancing off them as I made a run for it. I rolled into a doorway and quickly pulled out a speed loader to reload. My heart was in my throat, my head pounding. The wall behind me shuddered as it was hammered with bullets.
Fucking hell, is this what the wasteland is like? What the fuck is this shit. I thought it was just gangs of raiders wanting shit, extorting ponies. What the fuck is this buck?! This is some fucking comic book bullshit.
I took a deep breath. Okay, calm down. Bastard hasn't taken a hit. I'm not one hundred percent physically but magically I'm doing fine. Just need to get him into a situation where he's at a disadvantage.
A round punched through the wall and cut my ear making me wince. I rolled to my side and started to crawl with my rifle in my mouth, keeping my horn dark as I repositioned.
"Hornheads like you always think you are so tough until the bullets start flying. Oh how I love killing you arrogant fuckers!" The stallion cackled, the gunfire suddenly dying down.
Then the door frame I had been taking cover in just a minute ago exploded inwards.
"Huh, looks like you moved. What a waste of a rocket though, points for not being like the last hornhead!" He taunted as I heard something hollow and metal fall to the ground. I didn't dare look as I continued to crawl amongst the rubble.
"Resume fire on the town. I'm going to keep an eye out for our little miss hero." He ordered. The mortars soon began firing again, their long howl joining the roar of the Hydra and the distant gunfire.
His tactical skill is not what I would expect. Maybe he was descended from a member of the Military? This is dangerous regardless, I need to surprise him. No, he'll expect that. Damn it, I need explosives and trip wire. I can't just try to overwhelm him with physical strength. Not immediately at least. Returning fire is suicide. Random fire from unexpected spots won't cut it. I need to trip him up and get him annoyed. Pocket sand? No, he will just blast my guts out if I stand in front of him and do that. I didn't even get to see if he had goggles or not.
"Ready or not, here I come!" Taunted the raider leader, enjoying his chance to have some fun killing me as the crunch of his hooves drew closer.
Well, that solves the issue of the giant open space between this building and his perch. Unfortunately, he still held most of the cards. Though he really doesn't like waiting, I might be able to use that against him.
I quietly skulked about the ruins, keeping an eye out for the raider boss.
"I see you." He called out. I caught sight of him moments after, seeing that his eyes were glowing. Was it a drug, spell, mutation?
"Fuck you!" I shouted as I unleashed lightning from my horn. The effect was instant as the bolt hit his face and made him scream. His eyes constricted to pinpricks, his body disobeyed him due to the electrical shock, and his machine guns fired indiscriminately. I didn't dare stick around and darted off instead of trying to get a few greedy hits in. He soon recovered and started swearing at me, a few were even creative.
"I'm going to fucking cut off your damn horn and legs for that. I was just going to kill you, now I'm going to fucking torture you!" He screamed as he thrashed about.
I didn't have a line of sight on him but I heard the rubble shift before a section of the building we were in was tossed my way. Without thinking, I put my shield up to block it. I gasped as the shield absorbed the impact and I slid back on the tiled floor. It was a huge mistake to have done that. I felt coldness spreading along my stomach as my injuries opened back up from my attempt at bracing against the impact.
"Huh, oh there are ya!" He laughed, firing over my head. "Give up and maybe I won't kill you after I'm done torturing you!"
Well, a bigger mistake than I thought. He didn't know I was actually here. Fuck.
I snapped off a shot at him, hitting his chest and making him gasp. At least he isn't bulletproof, he's feeling what I'm dishing out.
"I kind of enjoy my body's integrity and autonomy." I retorted. "So I reject your offer. But please, let's keep negotiating."
"Good shot." He coughed. "But it's going to take a lot more than that." He wheezed then, to my horror, began to produce an unholy number of chems. "We're going to have so much fun together now." He laughed maniacally before injecting himself with something, moving on to an inhaler, then a healing potion, and then another injection.
I, foolishly, stood there in awe, partially hoping his heart would just explode from taking all of those chems at once. In all honesty, I was just dumbstruck by the display.
"What?" He laughed. "Are you holding hope I'll put on protection, maybe eat some breath mints first before we get rough?" With those charming words uttered he charged me, moving far faster than he had before.
I gasped for air as the wind was knocked out of me. It quickly became apparent that I had been knocked off my hooves. A strangled yelp escaped my lips, and the sensation of something hard pinning me to the wall filled my mind. Then there was a pop in my back, a painful one as my body tried to deal with the pressure. Then came a crunch, external this time, as the wall cracked and gave way. Thankfully the wall was only sheetrock and rotten wood or I would have been in a lot more trouble. Still, this wasn't good on my already battered and barely healed body.
He didn't stop with one wall and we soon hit another. He was going to keep beating me until he ran out of walls or I ran out of things to be broken. I could feel something wrong in my chest as we hit the second wall, a sharp pain in my barrel as my rib cage moved in a way that wasn't right. Given what had happened so far, it was likely he had broken at least one rib of mine.
Aside from the physical pain, I felt something else. The pull between the grey of hopelessness and the red blindness of endless rage came for me. My mental fortitude was failing. The edges of my vision were turning black. My gaze drifting down I could see the bandages around my lower half heavily soaked in a deep red of my blood.
"How nice of you to have held still. What a silly mare, almost like you wanted me to catch you." He grinned that sickening grin, keeping me pinned with one massive hoof. "Now for that precious horn of yours." His other hoof pressed down on the tip of my horn. "Time for it to go."
Act.
It was a singular thought. I knew where he was going to strike next. Resolve filled me; it was time to violate another cornerstone of magic. Instead of pushing down those emotions filling me I grabbed them and stuffed them into my horn, using them to fuel a fire within me, within my horn. I was going to put every last ounce of magical might left in me to burn his hoof off before he removed my horn.
And so I poured all of my anger, desperation, love, and passion into my horn. Drawing in every scrap of emotion running through me.
The pressure within my horn grew as his hoof pressed down upon it. It felt as if small cracks were forming in the magical bone as his hoof shifted slightly in its angle. Resisting, I pushed more magic into it, tensing up my body to keep me in place. Failure meant being hornless and likely knocked out from the pain if my skull caved in from the followthrough.
Spots filled my vision, twisting into spirals as darkness closed in on the edges of my sight. Conversely, the room itself was getting brighter, and from the shadows cast it seemed to be coming from my horn, the normally green light flaring into a brilliant white as pain flowed back into me. Painful heat spilled from my horn as the magic waited for direction. Too much longer and I'd just remove my own head with the ticking time bomb of magical energy.
But I wouldn't and I couldn't wait any longer if I wanted to keep my horn, let alone my life. Without the certainty of ending this bastard's life, I mentally braced myself for whatever magical backlash was about to happen from the concentrated magic.
And then I let go.
The room became blindingly bright for a second, waves of heat crashing over us. When the light faded my vision was a mess of multicolored shapes and static. My stomach twisted in knots and my brain felt like his hoof had punched through my skull anyway.
We were both screaming in pain when my senses returned. Beyond my clouded vision, I could see that his left foreleg was gone, the left side of his face was black from burnt fur, and at the point where his shoulder met his neck, a furrow was burnt into his flesh. From what remained of his left foreleg fat ran like wax as bone burnt like a wick. He had a stub of a leg now, just a bit of bone past his shoulder. Even if he lived past today he was not going to be the same stallion.
I decided then and there to make certain he didn't live another hour. Preferably not another minute.
Where the ray had hit the ceiling a long channel was cut into the concrete, glowing orange to a hot white where it terminated, liquid dripped and sizzled as the crater cooled. As I lay against the wall breathing the best I could with the broken rib I took in the damage.
For my fortune, the stallion was lost in his injury and hadn't noticed the bit for his battlesaddle had fallen from his mouth, the controls for the left half of his machine gun array severed by the magical ray. Unless he sat down, a horrible mistake, he wouldn't be able to get the bit back in his mouth. For the moment his cannons were silenced.
Gently touching my horn it was warm, wet, and stung to the touch. The fluid that touched my horn was more viscous than blood. Removing my hoof from my horn there were strands connecting to the hoof from my horn of an orange glowing fluid as it was cooling and dissipating into motes of light. This was as clear a sign as any that I had pushed my horn too hard, especially given the surface of my horn now felt smooth. There was a new curve to the sharp point of it too, likely from being pressed on while full of potent magic. Frankly, I didn't know bone could curve like that when heated. I thought it just burned and broke.
"You-!" He started but I wasn't giving him a chance to talk.
Swiftly I got to my hooves and swung around kicking him in the chest and hitting his new injuries. The buck did its job as he gasped for air and I felt the crunch of bone breaking. I winced feeling the pain lance through my body, praying I killed him before bleeding out.
As soon as my rear hooves landed I bounded and made distance between us, leaving the dripping glass of the ceiling as a line between us. The scorched air stung against my horn and lungs, but I was relieved that I could still feel anything, let alone my blown-out horn. Worry ate at the back of my mind about my ability to cast given my horn's condition, more so given it was still slightly glowing from heat.
Giving into curiosity, I tested my horn. Instead of a spell, my magic just failed and the same viscous fluid rolled down my horn and between my eyes, glowing bright enough that they were expressed as pure white with rainbow after images.
Well so much for my magic.
"Time to finish this the old-fashioned way." I spat.
Like a spring bounded forward and spun on my forelegs letting my hind legs spin and at the last moment I gave a proper applebuck to his throat. He choked and sputtered as he struggled, gasping for air as his one good hoof went to it, the other stump wiggled uselessly tossing ash from the remains of it. He fell over and kicked as he gasped for air.
Good.
My teeth gripped tightly onto a knife handle and pulled it out of the sheath on my chest. Now armed, I stalked towards the downed stallion only to get kicked away when I got too close. This time I landed painfully on my already sore back as the knife spun away across the ruined tile floor.
We both groaned as we lay on that cold hard floor. I tried my magic again in desperation and got nothing, not even a rebounding of my spell. For a moment I closed my eyes to ground myself before I rolled onto my side and pulled out a few chems from my saddlebags with a hoof. One hoof slid to my prior injuries to apply pressure as I searched for what I needed.
If you can't beat them, join them.
Stampede, Rage, Buck, Dash. My heart went from wanting to explode to feeling like it took up my entire body. I got to my hooves and drew another knife and ignored my blood dripping onto the floor from my bloody stomach.
It has to be this way, doesn't it?
With a scream, I broke into a canter and jumped at the last second twisting myself in the air intending to slam my hooves into the stallion's ribs. Instead, I found myself grabbed by his teeth and spun using my own momentum, flung back first into another wall. The dust from my impact made me cough as I fought to get back onto my hooves. The stallion struggled to do the same on his three hooves, eyeing the discarded knife between us.
"Alright, tell me. What's your name?" He asked and I could hear the pain in his voice as he leaned against a wall trying to get the bridle triggers to his mouth. "I want to know the name of who's done so well against me. To remember, or take to my grave."
"Moonlight Grimoire, from Seamane," I answered, finally getting to my hooves and drawing another knife. I only had five more before I had to start picking them up.
"Bit far from home aren't you?" He laughed wetly. "Well Moonlight, consider it a badge of honor that you got me this beat up. Not even the Steel Rangers could stomp me but then again they didn't really try. Didn't have anything they wanted, see."
He gave a soft smile. "They call me Rocky Venture because any Venture against me shall be Rocky," Venture said before swinging his body to slam against the nearest wall.
I didn't give a shit how stupid his name was. All I desired was his death; that red-hot desire to rip his throat out, to spill his blood, to spring into action like a gryphon. Old wiring awoken.
Motivation flooded me but instead of launching into action, I stood there. Even as my mind screamed to pounce the bastard and drive home my knife into his throat, to use my talons to rip him apart. Instead, I just stared him down as my body locked up.
A moment too late I saw Venture had used his swing to get the bit back in his mouth. I scurried out of the way as gunfire started back up again, bullets biting into me and ruining what was left of my armor.
While half of him was useless, he could still act as a living turret until I was dead. Thankfully I managed to find cover among a pile of rubble and furniture just out of his cone of fire.
As I lay behind a desk, I could feel blood starting to pool under me, a very bad sign if my medical training was in any way accurate. I half lay there, trying to stay calm as I cradled my stomach out of fear the stitches there would give way.
Mentally I hissed at myself for failing to disarm the stallion's dangerous arsenal when I had the chance. He had chosen to play with me, to toy with me in hoof-to-hoof combat. I was nothing but a plaything to him, he could have fired at any time and put an end to me.
Now though it seemed losing a foreleg had sobered Venture up, which was fine since the pain he gave me was doing the same. There was only one thing left in my mind: ending the draft horse that stood between me and saving Four Corners. The tink of metal on tile caught my attention and I blearily saw the knife I had been holding in my muzzle on the floor.
I had collapsed and blacked out for half a second I realized. My position could not be sustained and I was on my last legs.
Fuck, I can't let it end like this! Come on, get up damn it. Move. Drink a health potion. DO SOMETHING.
My mental commands took root as I struggled desperately to move. Gasping from the pain, I managed to get a healing potion to my lips, though unfortunately, only half the liquid made it inside my stomach. Turns out that inhaling potions is rather ineffective given you start coughing it up.
Regardless half a potion was more than none and it would be enough for now. It had to be. Less jittery now that the healing magic was flowing through me, I quickly pulled out bandages and stuffed the fresh wounds with sphagnum moss. The stinging as I applied the bandages was a small price to pay for survival and keeping my insides where they belonged.
"You're probably just bleeding out back there, aren't you? Be a good mare and just fucking die already. I'm done playing games with you." Venture yelled as I heard something metal hit the ground near me.
It took only a fraction of a second to spot the distinctive metallic apple, because of course everything the Ministry of Technology did involved apples somehow. Years of experience told me what it was: a proper grenade, unlike its cobbled-together wastelander variety. Instinct kicked in and I tried to grasp the grenade with my magic only to find myself grasping for the stars that filled my vision as the spell rebounded inside my skull.
My options were swiftly running out, fleeing had been off the table for some time. Given my physical condition, nothing clever would work so it was time to throw a fastball. Using the one good hoof that wasn't holding moss to my stomach, I scooped up the grenade and hefted it back toward Venture's voice.
"Right back at you, you fucking monster!" I cried out.
For a moment I let go of my stomach to support myself as I let the grenade fly. Once it left my hoof I let myself collapse onto the floor, allowing the ancient tile to hold my body together.
A moment later the grenade detonated, I doubted it had flown far enough to detonate on Venture but it would at least leave him in worse condition than myself. The sound wave was as sudden as my loss of hearing and soon all I could sense was the scent of explosives and blood. I could feel new warm wetness leaking from my ears making me grimace. Given how today was going I'd soon be a rust colored unicorn.
Ringing crushed all other external noise, the loudest sound that of my thundering heart. Bracing myself, I closed my eyes and shakily got to my hooves. It was time to finish this.
No, not yet. Not. Yet. Keep going damn you.
When I opened my eyes it was to see Venture was glaring at me, a small crater bridging the small gap between us. As one, we roared from the bottom of our lungs, our war cries filling the ruin as we stared each other down, sizing our injuries and working up the energy to make our next move. Our last move.
Slowly I drew another knife with my muzzle, holding the hilt firmly between my teeth as I panted and bared my teeth at Venture.
His eyes were focused on me, his ears likely bleeding just like mine from burst eardrums, and his brown hide was covered in lines of red from where he had been cut by shrapnel. His bridle and bit lay severed on the floor. Instead, he had drawn his own knife into his muzzle.
I should have agility in this fight even though he would have strength, at least I hoped so. I had no idea how well he could maneuver with a half-cooked offleg.
Without an exchange of words, I climbed over the counter and stalked towards him, sizing him up for where to strike. Venture for his part stood his ground, waiting for me to strike. He was no fool, keeping himself on a defensive footing. Both of us hurt bleeding animals looking for a way to get the kill on the other for their pack.
Damn.
We stared at each other as we stood lengths apart. I noticed a revolver on his chest, he noticed the pistol on mine. I could see the gears in his head turning, how he could easily land a shot on me if he switched to his sidearm. I knew because I was thinking the same thing.
What a gambit.
A minute passed, and the constant thumping of mortar fire outside continued unabated. We continued to bleed, staining his coat, staining my bandages. I weighed my chances; whether a nine-millimeter round would be enough, whether I could even get a good shot in the first place. He had more blood than me and wasn't bleeding out as I was. If I waited I'd pass out first from blood loss.
Unfortunately, I had to be the aggressor.
A tile cracked under my hoof and I sprung into action.
Loosening my grip on the knife in my mouth, I swung my head first one way then snapped it back in the opposite direction, launching the knife flying at Venture. The attack wasn't meant to harm, I doubted it could even break the skin with how weak I was. No matter the case, the blade flew true and hit Venture on the cheek, cutting his exposed coat.
I didn't stop to even check if the attack had landed. The moment the knife flew free, my muzzle dipped down, and undid the button holding my pistol in its holster. With a fluid motion, I drew the gun and gripped it fiercely in my teeth, the mechanical safety built into the gun releasing with the smallest click.
I closed my left eye as I felt liquid roll down my forehead onto it, sighting down the pistol's barrel, and aimed for the center of mass; for Venture's large, bloody chest. Adrenaline hit hard as I pushed the trigger down with my tongue. Time slowed to a crawl as the trigger clicked to set off the first round.
Remember what Dad taught us. Exhale, pull the trigger and count the remaining rounds.
Eleven. The first shot went wide and hit the shelf Venture had been leaning against. The recoil jarred me a bit as I aimed again.
Ten. This time in my EFS a reticule showed up. The round landed where I wanted it to, slamming into his nose making it blossom into a flower of gore.
Nine. The third shot went low and failed to do more than leave a gash on Venture's throat, his hide was too thick.
Eight. The fourth shot removed his left eye in another blossom of gore.
Seven. His mouth was opened in a wet gurgle. The round went down his throat and out the back of his neck.
Six. The second round into his mouth, teeth shattered.
Five. Round went through his ear, superficial damage.
Four. Round bounced off his skull from the shallow angle of impact and ricocheted into the ceiling. Useless.
Three. Round impacted his bandolier and destroyed the trigger of his revolver.
Two. Round impacted his shoulder with a shallow impact. Stayed inside, likely lodged in his shoulder joint.
One. Round went into his chest, with no exit.
Zero. Round missed and hit the wall behind him. My vision swayed to the side.
Click. Click. Click. Click
The empty gun fell from my muzzle, clattering to the floor as I leaned back against a ruined display case. My hind legs had gone out from under me at some point, my forelegs were weak and shaking.
Venture fell over, dead or in shock it was hard to tell. As if in disbelief, my gaze first turned to my fallen machine of death as it lay there, lightly smoking and demanding more ammo to be fed to it before I slowly gazed back up at where Venture lay.
Blood was pooling around him. He had passed on and the world around us suddenly fell silent.
I felt numb.
There isn't time to reflect on this. What is done is done. We need those mortars, now.
I pushed myself to collect my gun, holstering it before moving to loot Rocky Venture's body.
How do I make them obey me? Sever his head and hold it up so they see I am the strongest?
The idea of severing someone's head was enough to make me feel ill. I quickly pushed the notion aside and tried my best to ignore the reflexive dry heaving. It was also at this point that I felt all the adrenaline leave my system, leaving me hyperventilating and terrified.
The stallion was too heavy to drag outside but proof of death would be required. While deliberating what to do, I stripped the stallion of his gear and greedily drank down one of the three healing potions he had on him. Given his state of being was now past tense there wasn't any associated guilt from taking his stuff.
I felt the healing magic work its way through my system, helping mend my wounds, return strength to my limbs, and giving me a moment of clarity to steel myself for what I had to do.
It only took a few minutes to get his bulky battle saddle tightened around me and the trigger bridle working again. I wanted a backup plan in case any of his crew wanted to take revenge for my slaying of Venture. Four automatic rifles spitting 5.56mm rounds was a good backup plan. The only thing left to do was figure out how exactly to break the news that I had slaughtered the raider king.
Level up! Welcome to level five! That was sure fast but then again you were busy doing stuff that you learned from! This time you're Extra Special for being such a tough little filly so enjoy your endurance going up by one. Maybe you should have taken that point in luck instead? Then again, would just one point fix your dismal luck? |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 14 - Vipers | "In the wasteland, there are many new and strange things created from the release of cataclysmic amounts of wild magic. If you find something not covered in these guides you may be the first to see it, so try to survive so we can update our guides! Remember these guides are how to survive the wasteland so don't get killed trying to expand them!"
-Wasteland Survival Guide Author's note about unknowns
Rocky Venture's body was as heavy as he looked, even with the blood loss he had failed to shed enough weight to not be exhausted to move. Plus his body was now going through the first phases of death and it was... smelly; his corpse had evacuated his bowels when I picked him up and put him on my back, without magic. Carrying the damned bastard's corpse outside was probably one of the worst experiences in my life, thus far.
When I emerged from the ruin, the mortar teams had stopped their bombardment. Another large group of raiders were milling about nearby and to my right. They must have fallen back as the Hydra moved in and were focused on what was once the Rocky Venture show.
Here goes nothing. Fuck me, I really did go with dragging his corpse out for display. Ugh whatever, let's get this over with. Either this works and I get patched up or this doesn't and I'm probably dead. Not like I have barding to protect me at this point, not with everything Venture put me through.
"Rocky Venture is dead! He lies dead by my hoof!" I proclaimed, shrugging off their leader's body and letting it crumple to the ground unceremoniously before resting a hoof on his throat. When no one made a move on me I continued.
"Now, I'm giving you options! Join Four Corners today for the chance of survival tomorrow! Join in fighting back the Hydra and its kin... or flee with your lives!" I bellowed, putting my hoof through Rocky''s cracked skull. "This is your one chance. Make it count!"
Ew... that's brains on my hoof, fuck that's disgusting.
I could feel my muscles tightening into knots which didn't do my battered chest any good. Then again neither did carrying the bastard. I tried to hide my gulp as I waited for the response from the now animated and loud raiders as they argued among themselves.
Soon the entire mortar team packed up and trotted up beside me. A good third of the ponies to my right joined me as well. The stragglers either slunk off quietly or stomped off angrily in groups.
Well, I'll take that. Two-thirds are fucking off which is... probably for the best with the resources we have here. Infighting among the deserters should help keep things safe for a while.
"We can't keep living like we were." One of the mortar crew piped up suddenly, looking around him for nods of support. "We're at your disposal, Miss." Then the ponies, as if instinctively acting on some old habit, kneeled to me.
I felt a degree of anxiety at being given leadership before stomping a hoof to get their attention. And this time not into Rocky's skull.
"Okay, we need to redeploy. Somepony get a white flag ready and follow behind me." I barked out. "Stay a block back so no pony gets shot while I can explain the situation, alright? I'm pretty certain Four Corners will be happy to have more ponies to help, even if there will be some... friction given the prior situation."
"As you command." The head of the mortar team replied. "Oh and what do you want us to call you?"
"You can call me Moonlight," I told them, not wanting my ego to grow to the size of Rocky Venture's.
"Understood, Mistress Moonlight." The assembled ponies chimed together.
I facehoofed but waved it off. We were pressed for time. If we survived I could deal with the terminology of leadership later.
One of the raiders commented that I was bleeding. I looked down where he was gesturing and saw that my old wounds had continued to bleed, dripping blood onto the ground below. I gave him a nod and he wrapped me in bandages while everypony else prepared white banners; the universal sign of surrender and peace. Well, that and Fluttershy's Cutiemark.
Once I was patched up and felt we had enough flags and banners we began the march back to town. The roar of the hydra could be heard closing in and we soon broke into a canter. Time was against us and we needed to hurry even if my body wished to strangle me for doing more than merely exist at this time.
As we made our approach, I waved one of the flags that had been made and, seeing the reciprocating signal, beckoned for the former raiders to follow.
"You're alive!" One of the ponies on the wall exclaimed.
"Yes, and, well this is going to be awkward but I brokered peace with some of the raiders after killing their leader," I explained quickly, pausing to catch my breath. "Most of them left but we have a third of them plus the mortar team who really needs to get set up before the hydra gets here."
The raiders trotted up behind me, keeping their weapons holstered and their white banners flying. At least they were taking my leadership to heart. How strange it was that they followed the strongest. Or as some had said, maybe they were just tired of the lifestyle.
Kill one pony to spare one hundred? Maybe I'm cut out for this. Maybe it isn't all slaughter and bloodshed until one faction is left standing.
I pushed my thoughts out of my head. There was a time and place for analysis. This wasn't the time to think about my place in the wasteland. That time and place was in Dockland with my head squarely on a pillow.
"Head around to the south side so we can get all of you in." The guard finally shouted back, as more pony heads poked over the wall. "Thank the Princesses you bought us enough time to get the turrets calibrated during all that. Your zebra friend is amazing!"
"I know!" I laughed though it drew my thoughts to how the rest of my friends were doing.
"Get in, and get set up. We'll deal with the conflicts later!" Another pony shouted, gesturing hurriedly to the other gate.
"You heard them! Get in there and set up to repel the Hydra and its kin!" I shouted to my small army.
Were they really mine though? It was such an odd thought. I pushed it out of my head as I watched the flurry of activity as both sides came together when we streamed into the south gate. I brought up the rear and followed the last of the group I had recruited in.
The injured were patched up and it didn't take long for combined forces to set about the tasks of getting into defensible positions and sighting in the mortars.
"Which way is it to the command bunker?" I asked, my head still swimming in thoughts. Half of me just wanted to bunker down with my friends until this was all over.
"Command?" One of the guards asked quizzically.
"Town hall?" I offered.
"Just go to the building with the cannons if you want to talk to the ponies standing around looking important." He informed me.
"Thanks. That actually helps quite a lot." I replied honestly.
I pondered another healing potion. At first, I decided against it since I had already had one after getting shot up. That had probably been enough to fuck myself up. Then I glanced down and saw the blood that still was dripping from me. Even with the quick patch job, I was still falling apart as I trotted along.
"Yeah fuck it. I'm actively bleeding out." I muttered as I sat on my haunches and dug into my saddlebags for a healing potion.
As I did, I saw that a few of my books had bullets caught in their covers. I made a note to remove those bullets and repair the books later before downing the potion. Initially, I started feeling better before I felt my mistake manifest.
Metal pushed its way out of the already healed-up surface wounds while the healing magic continued to regenerate tissue. I remembered the broken rib and screamed in my mind realizing how deeply I had just fucked up. I collapsed onto the ground in a pile of agony, blood, and shrapnel.
As I lost consciousness, Winter cantered into view shouting for a stretcher. "You fucking idiot, you forgot the first rule of healing potions again, didn't you?" He grumbled as I felt his hooves working to help remove the shrapnel pushing out of me.
-=O=-
I woke up somewhere familiar. That was nice. I looked down and saw bandages around my midsection. I was covered in them. Given what I had just gone through, that made sense.
I also had a note taped to my chest reminding me not to drink healing potions while having foreign objects in me. The note was politely worded at the very least, which was nice.
Well, that's healing taken care of, though I'm probably never going to be allowed to practice medicine again with that snafu. Oh right, I would've also come in here pumped full of drugs too. That... really wouldn't have helped my case. Brilliant fucking job me.
I was, partially, surprised to find I was not restrained and started to slowly get myself sitting up in bed. This had ended up being far more eventful than it should have been. It was entirely my own fault this time considering I took the path of most resistance and least support.
I also needed to start keeping explosives on me.
"Hey Crash, Care, are either of you free?" I croaked.
Care came into my curtained-off section, glancing down at the note and then looking unimpressed at me.
"Take it easy on, well everything. Your entire body is... It's amazing how you somehow came back in both worse and better condition than you left." He scolded. I flattened my ears in response. He wasn't wrong though, so I just nodded.
"That said you saved a lot of lives today and I can't thank you enough for that." Care continued "And for that very reason, I can't have you dying on us just yet. At least not until this is all sorted."
"Agreed," I added.
"So please stay behind the walls until things calm down, okay?" Care pleaded with me.
"That is a very easy thing to agree to," I replied, my eyes dilating at the prospect of going beyond the walls with the Vipers and Hydra so close. "I am not fucking going out there where I'm outnumbered by Sisters know how many to one with those scalie freaks."
"Good. Now, we haven't finished working on you so could you please lay back down?" Care asked.
"Sure, what do you still have to do?" I inquired.
Cart suddenly pushed his way through the curtains.
"Oh dear. Care you didn't say she was this bad." He said as, quickly checking my triage chart and running a critical eye over me. "Just a moment Moonlight and we'll get you sorted out. Your new mechanical friends are keeping casualties to a minimum so we have time to fix you up."
"Well that's good to hear but--" I didn't get to finish as Cart hit me with some spell and I felt the world melt away.
-=O=-
I felt like jello.
Oh right. That's the sensation of hard-core painkillers. Wee!~
I waved a hoof in front of my face, enjoying the sensation.
Wait. Priorities. How long was I out for?
With a thought I brought up the clock on my E.F.S. before realizing I hadn't been keeping track of time today anyway.
Helpful.
I flexed my limbs and was shocked at how nothing hurt. Then again, I was probably on the strong shit right now. I definitely felt stronger though so I grinned and slid off the bed. Sparing a moment to check my coat in a hoof mirror, I spotted cuts across my front and gaps in my coat that would hopefully grow over to hide the inevitable scars.
At the start of this trip, I merely had a hoofful of scrapes and cuts from the Guard. And the big two from when I wasn't. Now I was truly weathered by the wasteland. This was fine, wounds would heal in time.
I stretched and felt my joints pop then rolled my jaw to loosen it, feeling it move smoothly as always. Hesitantly, I slowly moved my hoof to my horn and gently touched it. Rubbing it, I immediately realized it didn't hurt to touch anymore.
I felt for the grooves of my horn with the frog of my hoof. The bone was altered from the incident; the grooves were less noticeable if not gone and it also felt like my horn had a curve more now. That wasn't surprising given the superheated state it was in while compressed. Smooth horns weren't unique at least, just something rare up here.
I picked the mirror up again and now visually inspected my horn. It was indeed smooth, curved, and wickedly sharp at the top.
I was changed forever now on the outside. Not just the scars either. I was now beginning to feel like a different mare.
Yet I felt better than I had in a week. More like several weeks since I had been bitten by that mole rat. The fight had left its scars on me, that was certain, which was fine. All fights did. This one just happened to leave ones that others could see more easily, ones my coat could never truly hide.
I wasn't willing to try my magic just yet. Not after two incidents of overloading my horn back to back and definitely not with my horn in its new, unfamiliar shape. I'd wait until I felt a more pressing need to start pushing my luck again. Until then I would do just things the good old-fashioned way with hoof and mouth like I was trained to do.
Before putting the mirror away, I noticed that a small part under the tip of my ear was missing and hadn't fully healed. It was as if someone had pulled a stud out from it. I sighed and put the mirror down fully so I could start putting on my gear.
At least I had never been the prettiest mare in the wasteland so it wasn't a real loss to have my looks marred like this. It still hurt what little pride I had held for my own looks in a small way.
As I finished putting my battle saddle on with my mouth and hoof, Care poked his head past the curtains.
"Wait, where do you think you're going?" He asked, looking surprised to see me up and about.
"Is the battle still going?" I inquired, tightening one last strap with a hoof. I quickly moved to add the saddlebags to my load.
"Well yes but... You know what? I've let ponies in worse shape than you go back out there." Care sighed and continued tiredly. "Yes, go fight. Please don't come back in worse shape."
"Hard to be still alive and worse than the two times I've come in," I replied sympathetically. "I'll try not to manage that feat. Do you know where Riptide and Sil are?"
"Riptide's resting, she's been helping us in the O.R. fixing up ponies. She's not the quickest learner but she's good at listening to instructions." Care explained. "Sil took a bullet from a raider before you stopped the fighting so she's resting."
I nodded. "Then I guess this one's on me."
"What do you mean 'on you'? We have plenty of ponies here for that!" Care called to me but I was already heading out the door. "You don't need to risk your life anymore for us, you've already done enough! Damn it, you're no hero! Stop trying to play the part!"
I ignored him resolutely. I needed to pester the ponies in charge to see if they had a plan. How many times in the past seventy-two hours have I ended up out cold? Well, let's not add to the number any more than is needed.
I cantered towards the town hall. The cannons on it were massive, cobbled-together post-war constructs, something I wagered was a goodwill gift from some group to the town. I couldn't imagine the Steel Rangers were happy about them existing but they were history out here anyway.
Also, the Steel Rangers could go fuck themselves.
Ash was falling from the sky as I continued to push my refreshed body towards its destination. I heard a pony scream out and turned to see one of the smaller, scaly bastards slithering over one of the walls. I waited for the guards to scatter before aiming up at it and biting down on the battle saddle's bit.
The volume of fire from my newly acquired guns quickly outpaced the creature's regenerative abilities and left the Viper carved into bloody pieces at the base of the wall. I trotted on almost nonchalantly as the nearby guards stared in a mixture of horror and respect.
Thankfully there were no other nasty surprises on the way. Ponies posted at the doors recognized me and quickly waved me in before tending to their other business. I held the door open for a runner and then pushed past to see the inside of the town hall.
It had been... something before. I was at a loss as to what it might have been. The insides looked like a blend of pre and post-war construction. It must have gone through a couple of dozen partial renovations before another got started in a different part of it.
I got to a group of ponies who looked to be playing a board game with a map of the town. Given the expressions all around the table, they were clearly out of their depth.
Wonderful. Bureaucrats. Well, I won't be talking my way through these ponies. Well, might as well face-plant into it and deal with the shit anyways. I'll get what info I can and then take over the defence of the walls myself.
An Ocean of all ponies emerged from the crowd and stopped me before I got close, directing me to sit back a bit and watch. I must've stood out, as bedraggled as I imagined I was, while she was looking much better, even if she had a few bandages wrapped around likely fresh injuries.
"Been wondering where you went," Ocean whispered. "You alright? You look a bit pale."
That got a snort out of me, I didn't know how anyone looked pale with our coats. "Took down the raider leader and got pretty beat up."
"I heard about that but why didn't you come get one of us?"
"Because I figured it would be faster to try to deal with it quickly and directly than to double back and get support," I explained. "Also, you know how well I can cut through an enemy force."
"You've done that twice now but that doesn't make you good at it, just lucky." She huffed in frustration. Her expression softened a moment later. "What's up with your horn?"
Absent-mindedly I rubbed the frog of my hoof against the damaged appendage. "It was a hard fight and I've been pushing my magic harder than I should have the past couple of days."
"Yeah, but --" She gently ran her hooftip down my horn to its base-- "I've never seen a horn change this much."
"Well, neither have I but right now it's nothing more than a weak point on my head." I sighed trying my magic again just to feel my horn hurt in response.
"Well... It would be good for goring with that point on it." Ocean attempted.
"I mean... I guess, but I'd rather not test it. I feel like it would break off if I tried that." I replied before shaking my head. "How have things been going? I kinda passed out for a while."
My gaze went back to the table where the so-called leaders bickered about what to do.
Ocean's gaze followed my own before answering. "It's kinda a shitshow. As it is, how about you catch a bit of sleep? Things are calm enough right now also, Winter and Sil are helping mop up the town while we catch our collective breath."
"And Riptide?"
"Working with Crash Cart. She's apparently decent as a medic."
"Good, would suck for her to get hurt when we're trying to get her to her family as unharmed as possible.
"I reckon we got off to a rough start given how we found and treated her in the first couple hours of knowing her." Ocean sighed.
"It's fine, she understands why we did what we did."
"And I understand why she did what she did. Doesn't make me feel any less guilty."
I let the words hang for a bit before replying. "I honestly feel a bit guilty as well, mostly for being uncertain about, well, everything with her given how she enchanted me with her voice."
Ocean shared my worried look at that. "Well if she ever turns you against us we'll shoot her horn off, how about that?"
"Please just tackle her and gag her."
Ocean pondered that for a moment, biting back a comment. "You're right that's a better option."
I stifled a yawn with a hoof. "I think I'm going to nod off here, mind keeping an eye on me?"
Ocean nodded. "Sure thing."
-=O=-
The thunder of cannon fire greeted me as I was jolted awake from my nap. I was thankful for the long-lasting painkillers as I didn't have a headache. With a bit of effort, I figured out which way was up and managed to fall out of the cot I was in. I groaned and tried my horn. The soreness that greeted me and the lack of light told me I was just a horned earth pony for the time being.
Well, that's fine, I got trained how to fight without magic anyways. Alright plan, let us get some water and a briefing. Then we'll figure out what I can do if anything.
With some water in me, I knew I would start to feel better in a minute. Sadly there were no magical rehydration methods, or at least none that I knew of. I fumbled with my Pipbuck and lit the room up with it.
I was in a glorified closet it seemed. I just rolled my eyes and opened the door, only to find myself in an unfamiliar part of the building. It took a few minutes to navigate back to the entrance and once I did it wasn't long before I was back to the map room.
Winter and Ocean were relaxing at the periphery of the crowd for the moment. Winter had a few extra bandages on him compared to what I could remember when we got back to town. Ocean waved me on over which drew Winter's attention who waved as well. Both seemed a bit groggy as if they had just woken up as well.
"Good to see you two, surprised someone carried me to a closet." I giggled. "That's twice now I've woken up in one in this town. How are you two holding up?"
"Doing good, you?" Winter replied while Ocean nodded.
"Better, definitely needed some rest." I looked around. "How are things going here?"
"Alright. They're arguing about what to do with the Hydra." Ocean explained. "I think they should just kill it, to be honest. Also, we're likely going back out to the walls in a bit."
"What's going on?" I asked as Winter gave me a bottle of water.
"Another wave of the snakes, though I think the two of us will stick to clearing the ones coming out of the storm drains," Ocean explained. "I know why pony-sized storm drains were built -- gotta have a way to maintain them without digging them up -- but it's really inconvenient right about now."
The three of us quietly laughed.
"So where is Sil and Riptide?" I asked after my paramours.
"Sil is in the armory getting ammo and lending a hoof fixing equipment," Winter explained. "Turns out most weapons don't like running for hours on end."
"I should go check on Sil. I need to check on the guns I looted and my armor is well." I gestured to my naked self. "Yeah, to shreds."
"Frankly, you look fine but if you're going back out there? Yeah, put something on." Ocean replied.
"Yeah, we'd hate to see you get even more scars." Winter snorted as he eyed me.
I leaned my muzzle in close to his ear. I could feel the heat of his now blushing muzzle this close. "Right, you just want another reason to put your hooves everywhere on me, don't you~" I teased.
Winter pulled back and gave me a shit-eating grin.
Then kissed me.
Now it was I who was blushing hard, more so when he broke the kiss to reveal Ocean smirking next to him as I sat there locked up. Then she kissed me as well and I felt the gears in my brain break.
"I think we broke her, hun." Winter snorted.
"I forget sometimes she's not that hard to tease." Ocean giggled with her beau.
At that point, the universe decided to throw a wrench at me in the form of Sil, who had trotted over and proceeded to boop me. My lack of response made her pause and look at our two friends.
"What did you do to break my Moony?" She demanded.
"Smooched her." Ocean giggled.
"Smooched her?" Sil said, standing between myself and the other two. "I'll get her out of it."
It took me a moment to figure out what she meant as she dragged me off, which wasn't hard with her tail draped around my neck. I'd follow her anywhere when treated like this. The only thing I could have asked for was having Riptide as well in that half hour but Sil was more than enough.
Eventually, we pried ourselves from one another and went back out. Sil had given my quad cannons a good tuning and myself a far finer tuning as well, which I reciprocated.
We found ourselves standing outside town hall yet again, looking out on this town whose fate we had found ourselves embroiled in.
The ashfall was heavier now. One thing I had noticed from the reports was that the Vipers had been slowly moving down the west side of the wall. The south and southwest side turrets had been repositioned as a result.
As we both moved to the less defended portion of the wall, I rounded as many of the raiders I had recently recruited as I could. It was only a matter of time until the Vipers would begin to swarm again and we needed all the ponies I could to greet them.
Ash washed over me from the fires in the ruins as I stood alongside the defenders atop the wall, watching the carnage unfold below. Vipers slithered toward us, instinctively avoiding the fires that pushed them into convenient choke points. Mines detonated and took out the first wave. Pits opened up and killed even more vipers with the spikes that filled them.
I looked to the northwest to spot the Hydra, which was currently thrashing against a building; a leg had failed it and its tail bent oddly.
Looks like we can ignore the Hydra for now. It's too busy fighting a... building for supremacy. Maybe to see who was fatter. It's our good fortune that it was not a smart critter.
I felt something well up inside of me again, an unfamiliar emotion. I felt like I was going to vomit but instead, words came forth from my muzzle.
"Listen up my fellow ponies, ignore the Hydra! The fat bastard is too busy humping a building so let the cannons deal with it. Get word to the mortar teams to focus their fire on the biggest groups of Vipers. The turrets will handle the other sections of the wall while we hold this part!" I started pacing, moving down the line of defenders. "These bastards may be hardy, they may be able to regenerate wounds, but they're dumb as fucking bricks! Fire when ready and send these scaly bastards back to Tartarus!"
The ponies around me cheered and Sil looked visibly proud of me.
My throat burned and my eyes watered from all the ash in the air, but I persevered and took up position. I zeroed in on the Vipers wiggling their way towards us and bit the bridle of my battle saddle, letting loose a burst of light machine gun fire.
I was massively unprepared for recoil, the vibrations, and the sheer THRILL of it. The first time I used it was reactive and my mind was elsewhere at the time. Now I could take in every little detail and right then and there I decided there was something about the firepower that felt nice. To see the damnable creatures before me come apart and die.
I felt myself cackling as I fired, switching from target to target and calling them out as I did. I was glad my dad taught me how to work with battle saddles and as a cherry on top my Pipbuck kept the saddle's weapon convergence point in my vision; the circle showing me where my shots would likely land was pretty wide at this range so were the Vipers so it hardly mattered. I could tune the saddle later to get my guns more accurate if I wished to keep them with me.
My laughter ended in a bout of coughing. I paused to wipe my eyes and clear my throat of ash. The former raiders redoubled their efforts in my brief absence, which I was thankful for since it took a good bit of pressure off of me. I still needed to tone back the megalomania and glee at slaughter, even if the raiders around me seemed to enjoy it, falling in line with more zeal.
Well, I guess I am their leader in some fashion. An interim leader at least. They told me that they wanted to settle down so I wonder if they would want to follow me up to Dockland. At least I have a group of ponies out here who would have my back if I came running.
As if to punctuate the point, Sil wordlessly set a pair of goggles on my head and gave me a mask to keep me from having lungs full of ash. I smooched her which got an interesting reaction from the former raiders who cheered and hooted their approval. Despite the burning blush on my cheeks, I returned to calling targets as Sil slapped my flank with her hoof at having finished refilling my ammo feeds.
Occasionally I sent a runner to relay orders to the mortar teams. They seemed more than happy to prioritize my targets over others, and soon a trio of explosions, the first of many, wiped out a wave of Vipers before us.
Bullet casings soon formed a carpet under us and runners with ammo cans became commonplace. I found I couldn't do more than small bursts with my absurd rig of quad light machine guns. Hours of shooting had turned my still-healing sides numb from the heavy vibrations, my ears ringing from the constant staccato of gunfire.
It was fortunate for us then that the onslaught of Vipers had stopped then. Gunfire died down everywhere throughout the town and I let out a tired sigh as a cheer erupted from all around me.
I carefully surveyed the battlefield as the smoke cleared and was horrified at how many there had been. They must have hibernated between meals and as more died even more were being woken up by the call of a feast. It didn't help that some bodies fused and got back up. It meant we had to regularly bombard the corpses with mortar fire to prevent chimeric Vipers from regenerating in the slurry of reptilian parts.
"Half of you go and sweep the town for anything that managed to get inside. The rest can run along the walls to check what's going on, and stick in large teams!" I barked, the ponies around me nodding and scampering off to their duties. "Oh, and a few of you stay here with me. Let's make sure we got them all!"
A few stayed as commanded and I took the moment of peace to cycle rounds through the light machine guns, helping Sil with a round of quick maintenance while we had the chance. I knew such heavy use would require me to do more thorough cleaning when I had some time but for now, this had to suffice.
My ears flicked when I heard further cries of joy along the walls and within the town, which signaled, to me at least, that we had fought off the Vipers.
I huffed and sat on my haunches. This was slightly uncomfortable without barding because a floor composed mostly of brass casings meant there were a lot of little things that could go in many little places. Regardless, I needed to sit and catch my breath.
Take joy in even the smallest of victories.
Even when they come with your hooves caked in blood.
Now that I had a chance to relax, everything wrong with my body came rushing to remind me they existed. My sinuses were clogged with ash, my sense of taste was shot and useless, and my sense of touch was out of whack. My jaw was cramping which would make shooting difficult if more threats showed up.
As if sensing my troubles, Sil helped me flush my eyes and throat of the ash, which wasn't pleasant but I no longer felt like I was breathing through a straw.
"We really need to get a proper mask for me," I grumbled.
"I'll get one when we have a chance to go by the armory. They owe us that at the very least." She consoled me as I coughed up more mucus full of soot.
The painkillers were finally out of my system at least. It felt nice to be clean. As much as I knew how useful combat chems were I didn't want to get hooked on any of them, especially things like Buck. Thankfully there was no reason for me to use them at the moment, even with all the soreness.
Yet I still felt the vigor, the rush that came from battle, that I needed to get more done. We had won the battle. We had slaughtered Princesses knew how many of those slithering bastards and yet my body craved more even as it slowly wound down in the newfound peace.
Food and water were soon given out to all the defenders. I ate without focus while Sil leaned against me having her own share of rations. While I couldn't taste much more than the ash still in my mouth, it was better than the constant coughing fits I was having. It helped that I was both thirsty and famished which let me take in what I needed regardless of the taste.
Okay, mental checklist time. What do we still need to do? We need to sweep the streets and I already dispatched parties to do that. We need to clear the corpses; bury the pony ones and destroy the Vipers to keep from attracting more mutant wildlife. Loot what we can drain what Hydra blood we can.
I finally looked up to where the Hydra rested. At some point, it had been struck dead by the cannons which resulted in it losing a number of heads, though those had taken a while to stop moving after being severed. The main body itself was resting against a building but I couldn't tell if it was breathing or not from here.
I bet we could get a fair bit of Hydra blood from those severed heads alone, though, this Hydra was going to go from twelve heads to.
I counted the number of severed heads, pointing each out with my right hoof before pausing and considering other options.
The Hydra was barely alive. With only one head still connected. It would be easy to finish off but was that a good idea? This town made money off of the Hydra blood they could harvest. Then again, what was to say this thing wasn't some kind of mutant whose heads could survive with just a bit of creativity? Actually no, the stomach is in the body. There are still plenty of Vipers. If those can reproduce then they would still have a supply of Hydra.
I chewed on the Snack Cake as I pondered. We needed a solution.
We? Was I really in any place to choose a solution for this town? Was I really to be the arbiter of its fate? The ponies here were best served by being able to continue existing, weren't they? So wasn't the best option to just slaughter the Hydra and have them bank the blood? That sounded reasonable. Though supposedly it fled after being injured like this so it would be a while before it became a threat again.
No, its children were the biggest issue. Each head would spawn even more soon enough. With eleven heads removed that was, what, two heads per head removed? So twenty-two new heads? Yeah, that wasn't good given the Vipers seemed to come out of the Hydra's weeping neck sores and not its body.
Then again, nopony knew if Vipers reproduced on their own or not. If they did. Well, then the hydra question was a moot one if the Vipers could reproduce.
My train of thought derailed when the building the Hydra was lying on suddenly shifted and collapsed. Though the resulting dust cloud was further out it still made me cover my muzzle.
Another reflexive cough brought my thoughts back to how badly I needed a proper facemask. Full face protection would be useful in so many more situations than I had thought back in Saint Clover. Airborne radiation, airborne toxins, dust, smoke, ash, tear gas. Okay probably not tear gas but at the same time I hadn't expected to be in a town under siege by raiders and then a Hydra.
At this point I had to be ready for anything and a nice full face, gas mask was at the top of the list. Or at the very least a new filtered mask for my muzzle. Sil's offer to drop by the armory got more tempting by the moment.
Regardless, the little distraction was what I needed to gather my thoughts.
Even if I wasn't in a position to be the arbiter of this town's fate I still want a damn insurance policy for that Hydra. Just in case the winds of fate decided to blow against my sails once more.
Hedging bets as they say.
Sil was leaning against me as we relaxed, her nose pressed against my neck as she too took a breather. I looked her over as a minor distraction from the events of the day. Part of me wanted to say fuck it and take her back to our room, let the town sort this out. Perhaps even swing by the clinic, drag Riptide along too, grab some cider, and fuck off for the night.
Reluctantly I turned to the ponies still around me. "Stay here, I'm going to find some explosives," I explained to the ponies around me who looked almost excited. "Just in case, I want something I can shove down that Hydra's damn gullet so we can give it the worst case of heartburn in Equestrian history."
I looked up at the Hydra again. In its new position, I could see that it was still breathing, its neck oozing from injuries and the cysts that gestated more Vipers. For now, it was resting, regenerating, though I knew that wouldn't last for long. We needed a way to drive the fucker off when it got back up.
And I just don't trust that fucker to cooperate either. That bastard is going to wake up hungry and angry so I'm going to need some bait.
I already knew what was going to be the bait, even if I was going to say otherwise while explaining things. I needed to make certain things went off without a hitch otherwise I would then have to work on a backup plan and that would get somepony killed.
So I was going to be bait. Get the bastard's attention when it woke up and run away with the fucker chasing me back to the crater in the Mill then blow another leg off before hightailing it out of there before it could regrow it.
"Moony?" Sil asked.
"Explosives," I replied as we trotted along to requisition said explosives.
If the Hydra got up and resumed its assault I was sure the cannons could put it down, assuming they got a lucky hit and took off the last head or blew out its heart. Well, that's if it couldn't regenerate from just a torso or husk. I shuddered at the thought of something being able to revive from just bits and pieces. It was borderline unkillable unless we pulped the fucker.
That wasn't an option I wanted to consider.
"Delivery system?" Sil asked.
"Bait," I answered.
"Meat?" Sil asked as runners sprinted past us.
"Yep, moving too," I answered.
"No." She stopped me as I eyed a pocket of miasma drifting about near the town hall.
"Yes." I sighed. "It's not like we have a giant string to pull it along. It isn't like fishing."
"I'm not letting you be bait!" She snarled, which startled me.
After a moment to collect myself I responded. "Well, if you can find me a living radhog I'd go with that. As it is for now, someone's going to have to run away from it."
"Why?" Sil hissed. "We could just do a remote bomb on a bunch of bodies."
"Do you want a possibly really pissed off really hurt regenerating hydra that spawns snakes next to town?" I asked her.
"No, no I don't, but there are plenty here who can do it!" She was yelling now, gathering a small, confused crowd. Apparently, this also caught the attention of Winter, Ocean, and Riptide who happened to be trotting away from the town hall.
"What's going on?" Ocean asked.
"She wants to be bait for luring the hydra away." Sil snapped.
I groaned. "Yes, by running with a bomb and dragging it away from town before blowing it up."
"Is your magic even working?" Riptide asked.
I tested it and winced as the magic flowed weakly. "Enough to levitate a bomb off my back into its mouth while running."
"So you're planning on dying." Sil prodded.
I blinked and realized how things looked as everyone was glaring at me. "What? No, fuck no! Dying is not part of the plan, nor is getting all that close to its mouth. I just need it to see me as easy prey and follow me a few blocks before tossing the bomb in its mouth and letting it choke on it."
Riptide locked eyes with me and then spoke slowly. "You are not going off to get yourself killed."
I really wasn't trying to nor would I let myself get killed if at all possible.
"I am not going to let myself get killed," I repeated and then blinked feeling a little off.
She continued. "You are not going to kill yourself."
"I am not going to kill myself," I repeated, the odd feeling was gone this time.
She nodded. "Good, now how about we come up with a better plan with the same objectives?"
Level Up! Welcome to Level 6! Thanks to stacking the bodies high you've earned a new level and perk! Also thanks to all this slaying you've gained a good deal of practice with firearms so now you're now faster with reloading. But that's not all! You've gained finesse with your firearms! Reloading, swapping guns, or switching ammo now costs one AP less to a minimum of one. Speed loaders are now a joke to you. Looks like you'll just have to sell them off now, won't you? Hmm? |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 15 - Hydra | "Most creatures are annoying enough with one head. Brahmin can be annoying with their two heads talking to one another. A hydra? Take a guess how bad they are. All those heads and they get even more when you try to make them have just one!"
-Wasteland Survival Guide, on Hydras
We wound up in the diner where we had dinner upon arriving at Four Corners. It was, surprisingly, still open as normal but then again I knew some form of normalcy had to be kept to help keep people sane. You couldn't constantly stay coiled and ready to strike without eventually breaking. People weren't machines after all and even if we were, those broke too after going for too long without maintenance.
For the moment we were engaging in 'organic maintenance', that is eating, drinking, and relaxing the muscles between our shoulders. Okay fine, I was the only one doing that last one. I had been exceedingly tense for the past hour.
While we were drinking, eating, and catching up on the past few days of our eventful stay in Four Corners my mind was penning a plan for the Hydra. The Hydra which was still out cold on the damaged buildings like a guard resting against a wall, asleep on duty.
Regardless, the patrols outside were constant and repair crews were out in force doing what work they could to reinstate the status quo. Bodies were removed, blood washed away, and miasma cleared.
Riptide's words still rang in my mind. I am not trying to kill myself or needlessly putting myself in danger. Unfortunately, that limited my ways of how to handle the Hydra, which the town seemed willing to ignore for now.
I don't rely on maybes. Maybes were too unreliable for situations like this. Instead, I needed a loose but strong plan. Until we could leave, the fate of this town was our fate as well and it felt wrong not to lend a hoof.
The idea of getting the Hydra to give chase till it was on the other side of the river was still the best plan I could come up with. Of course, it did put me or whoever was doing the running into tremendous danger so what was my solution to that? For starters, I had more people on my side to help with and we could do some groundwork ahead of the chase.
"Mine," I muttered to myself.
In response to that, I got a breadstick stuffed in my mouth by Riptide. "I didn't know you liked bread that much."
"She's a slut for things that start with b's." Winter snorted.
That made me flush as mentally I ran down the list of things that started with b that I enjoyed. That list was longer than I expected.
"Can it! Just because I do doesn't mean that's what I meant." I huffed. "Regardless, I figured out an option for the plan to go smoother."
"And that is?" Sil asked.
"Mines," I said simply. "We plot a course for the runner, then get pressure mines or have crews with detonators to remotely activate minefields after the runner has passed by."
"It also means we can take rocket launchers in case things go sideways," Ocean added.
"Having been inside their armory, I can rig us up with multiple rocket launchers." Sil offered.
"And I can get us some extra medical supplies," Riptide suggested. "Because I doubt this will go smoothly."
"I can scout a path for your run." Winter offered.
It was all coming together now. "Alright, Ocean and Sil go get the explosives. Winter and I will go scout, and Riptide will get some medical supplies."
The other four gave me nods in agreement. The plan was safer and decidedly less suicidal, letting us minimize the risks and deal with the Hydra one way or another.
-=O=-
Getting out past the wall was easy for someone with my reputation. A few of the raiders I had recruited even demanded to come with us for added firepower and safety, though I didn't like how they considered themselves ablative health for the two of us. At the same time my mind went back to how some of our peers in the Guard viewed Buckshot and his group, how they were willing to die for them.
At the moment I still had my quad cannons. Winter had his rifle, the bit held in his mouth as he scanned for threats and a path for this marathon. On the bright side, it seemed that most of the Vipers were dead so we didn't have to deal with those horrible scalie nightmares. It also solidified my opinion of them; all they were, were dumb critters, drawn to the smell of blood and loud noises.
I did a more thorough look at one of the dead Vipers as we passed it. I saw they had not just those massive fangs I had seen our first night here but also a massive snake-like tongue. These things could probably smell pretty well, which given they were weird offshoots of the Hydra meant it would as well.
That was valuable information for laying our trap. We needed to work with the wind for the run as well as hide the scent of anyone giving overwatch. I started marking out spots that Winter considered good on my Pipbuck and put up strips of cloth near them to act as windsocks.
"Been a while since we had a proper hunt," Winter smirked as we finished mapping a few routes to the mostly intact bridge leading into the burnt-out center of the city.
"A couple of years now, but yeah." I agreed with him and I gave him some Rad-Safe. "Pop some, the radiation is thicker here."
He swallowed and gave me a curious look. "Not taking any yourself?"
"Nope, my rad count isn't going up," I answered him as our two bodyguards downed some Rad-Safe too. "Guess I did get some kind of radiation immunity or at least resistance."
"Pretty common mutation out here." One of our escorts piped up. "I don't have it, but word of mouth is if you run long enough you eventually get some form of it. That or organ failure."
"Well, let's hope the rest of us get that immunity because I like my organs not failing." Winter nickered with a smile.
"True that. Too bad we can't just make a copy of my mutation and give it to everyone." I sighed. "Regardless, I think the best option is to get to this bridge and then use the bomb, drop the Hydra into the river below."
"Nah, then you can't make the return trip. Also you're not gonna outpace a falling bridge." Winter pointed out. "Go a block or two into the city and then toss the bomb, then you don't have to slide between the Hydra's legs to double back."
He had a good point. "So how can I, you know, outpace it on the bridge?"
Our other escort pulled out an inhaler. It took me a moment to recognize it: Dash.
"That... might work, though it runs the risk of addiction." I mused. "Would that actually make me faster?"
A different inhaler was offered, this one crudely colored with crayons in some semblance of a rainbow.
"Rainboom." The former raider said simply. "Stronger, longer lasting, and a bit more addictive. One hit shouldn't get you hooked though."
Winter and I shared a look before I took the rainbow inhaler. "In that case, it's worth a try, as a last resort though."
"As a last resort." Winter agreed.
-=O=-
Sil did quick work setting up the rocket launchers, as simple as they were. A honeycomb of rocket tubes sat within a makeshift frame, each sporting a back frame with an exhaust port angled away from their operators. I also saw some insulation between the frame and their sides so no worry of heat transfer hurting them.
As for me, Sil had rigged up a hoof holster that could fit a revolver which would, with what little bit of magic I had and some finesse, let me fire it in a pinch.
"I found a revolver in the stuff we brought back." She stated, strapping said pistol into the holster and showing how to dry fire it without magic. "It uses .454 rounds so it's big and mean."
"Well I prefer something quieter but I can't say no with how tough these scalie bastards are," I said before applying a kiss to her snoot. "Thank you, hun."
"Well, I couldn't just have you run out there with only your faulty magic to protect you." She snickered.
"Yeah, and any barding would just slow me down." I laughed as well. "Not like I'm going to be tackling ponies to the ground and need the momentum to do so."
"Not today, and I should find you some better armor once we're done with this." She lidded her eyes salaciously. "Can't have you strutting about showing off those lovely flanks to everyone."
That comment made me blush hard. "Yeah, the fewer people thinking about my flanks the better."
"How few would that be?" She teased me. "Don't worry, I know you'd rather it just be the four of us at most."
She wasn't wrong. It was a bit weird thinking about others thinking of me in that way, even with all my prior relationships and quasi-relationships. Just too used to being that mare who was just there and not the focus of attention.
Like chatting, sure that's fine, but desire? I was a fish out of water, which was a phrase with a whole new meaning given Riptide and her aquatic mutations.
"Hun, you're doing it again." Sil booped me suddenly.
"Sorry, self-reflection stuff," I replied with that blush still stuck on my muzzle. "Anyways, yeah get me something to hide my butt. Something more protective than that old, plant leather outfit I had."
Riptide took this moment to nip at me. At least I thought it was a nip initially but when I turned to look I saw some needle being removed from my side.
"Steroid." She said plainly. "While it will weaken your immune system it will help make your nerves shut up."
"And... Why would I want that?" I asked as I felt a light coolness spreading from the injection.
"Because while you weren't saying anything I could tell you were in pain. Be it nerve damage or things still healing, this will help with either." She explained as she extinguished the magic on her horn. "The medical ponies here helped me look for such things. If I can head off you having chronic pain I will."
"I..." I was at a loss for words. She had quickly caught up to my medical knowledge and even surpassed me.
Then again it was entirely likely she already had a fair bit of knowledge and was just getting more that I hadn't gotten to learn. I knew chronic pain existed but I didn't know it was, well, preventable or treatable beyond just alcohol or painkillers.
"Thank you." I finally managed. "Right, so we should get moving. The more time we spend here the less time we have in the field to set up and be ready for the beast to wake up."
"You're not wrong. However." Ocean tossed a harness at me. "Put this on. You're pulling a wagon this time, we need it to carry the mines."
I looked at some of the raiders turned bodyguards and they were doing the same. "Right, let's move."
-=O=-
The mines were finally set up. It only took us about an hour with all the people we had.
Each minefield had two people watching over it, both with triggers to activate them and a separate deactivation signal. Sil had been smart to ensure neither the activation nor deactivation signal were the same thing so there would be no panic clicking screwing us over.
Meanwhile, I stood stripped down to a simple harness that held the bomb on my back, ammo for the revolver, a few medical supplies, and of course the Rainboom. Sil had rigged a quick release for the massive bomb on my back so I could buck it and set the fuse off at the same time. I'd have a short window to get cover but that was more so the Hydra didn't get a second try at swallowing me.
Seriously though this is a dumb plan but we didn't have any radhogs to use as bait so this ends up still being the safer bet.
I let out a sigh as I sat on the pavement looking up at the Hydra. The walkie on my shoulder suddenly crackled to life and Ocean's voice poured out of it.
"We're all in position. Up to you if you want to wake the Hydra up now or later, Moony. Over."
I stood on my hind legs and aimed a foreleg at the Hydra. It wasn't a hard target to hit but I wanted to hit somewhere soft, preferably one of the sores or half-formed new heads. Maybe one of the twenty-two half-formed new heads.
"Understood, I'm giving the wake-up call, over," I replied before using my magic to pull the trigger.
The .454 round was loud though the recoil wasn't as bad as I had thought, probably due to the weight of the gun and length of its barrel. The impact was easy to see; such a large round could drop a bear with relative ease and was meant for such large predators, but not ones the size of a hydra.
While it wasn't meant to put down an adult hydra, I did know that sort of impact wasn't something even a creature this size could ignore. And I knew it hurt it, which was good enough for right now.
As if the aggression triggered something within the Hydra, its remaining heads rapidly finished forming as it struggled to stand once more, its main head glaring down at me as its tongue tasted the air.
"Yeah, that's right you fat fuck, I woke you up!" I hollered up at the beast. "Now how about you come and get your revenge so you can have a nice snack to help regrow what I just took out of you!"
In response, the Hydra roared. Turns out twenty-three very large maws all roaring at once stops being a noise and is more of a pressure wave made of pain. My poor ears really weren't getting a break today.
"This is Moony, the Hydra is awake and pissed, I'm running now, over!" I shouted into the walkie on my shoulder as I turned away from the Hydra, landing on all four hooves.
"Roger that, Moony. Just focus on getting to the bridge. Over." Ocean replied over the radio.
Yeah, bridge, that was where I needed to be. Oh fight or flight response how I adore thee, the adrenaline hitting my system letting me tear down the road as fast as I could. Turns were a bit of a bitch but I found it was easier to slide and kick off of walls, carriages, and debris than try to slow down enough to keep my footing on the rain slickened pavement.
I soon passed the first minefield, barely hearing the call out over the radio as I focused on keeping from wiping out as I cantered as fast as I could. A few seconds later I heard a series of explosions and a scream of pain from the reptilian predator behind me.
I wasn't filled with confidence with how little time there was between the arming and the screaming but I dared not look behind me. With how hard I was running I couldn't really afford to ask how much space there was between the Hydra and myself.
I crossed another block in under a minute. How could I tell? My Pipbuck's clock finally decided to show up for once. It also alerted me that my heart rate had elevated to around 220 or so which, given how my chest was feeling, was accurate. Sucking in each breath I kept pounding away at the pavement as more explosions went off behind me.
"Hydra is ignoring us. Holding fire and relocating, over." Came Riptide's voice. She had been the one in charge of our first line of mines.
"Hydra in Minefield Two. Activating, over." Winter's voice came over the radio next followed by more explosions.
"Hydra slowed, again. Keep running, Moony! Over!" He added.
He really didn't have to say it, I knew it. I could see bits of debris fly past me as the Hydra roared in pain, the explosions biting at its legs and tail. Meanwhile, my Pipbuck started displaying warnings of radiation as I drew closer to the river.
It is about 2 minutes along D street, then a left and another left after 40 seconds. Then run along the freeway and across the bridge, that should be around five minutes.
The reality of it was that if not for the stupid fucking Stable-Tec PACER tests they had us run when we were young I wouldn't have been able to keep ahead of the Hydra at all. Yet I was screaming mentally as I heard the damn, ancient pre-recorded lines droning into my skull along with its stupid music.
Damn you Equestrian Military Rememants for keeping this one stupid thing alive. I get it, good training and crap but holy fuck talk about a nightmare earworm. If this was one thing we could have lost to the balefire I would be eternally happy.
The bridge was in sight and I saw a figure of white and brown staring at me from a window. I blanked on who it was because the sheer effort I was putting out made it hard to think for the next couple of minutes as my body burned with strain. My walkie crackled and words came through it but my mind failed to parse them as the PACER test kept going through my adrenaline-addled brain.
Fuck off. Get out of my head. I need to focus on surviving you stupid accursed fitness test.
Crossing the bridge proved harder than expected. There were, annoyingly, a lot of abandoned carriages clogging it up, which made sense; with traffic this backed up most ponies would have abandoned their carriages and fled for safety.
In the corner of my vision, I could see my radiation count starting to creep higher, which confirmed I had a limit on the resistance. Having time to think again now that I had to slow down, I risked a glance over my shoulder after cantering over the hood of an abandoned carriage.
The Hydra was still hot on my tail, its limbs rapidly shedding damaged tissue to regrow stronger legs, staining the streets with gallons of its blood.
That's going to be a nice resource for the town to clean up. Unfortunately, my slower pace meant that the Hydra was gaining on me. I had to be careful with climbing through and around the vehicles. The Hydra on the other hoof just crushed anything in its way and was just taking a direct path toward me.
Why did no one ever clear this for caravans, fuck! I mentally groused as little cuts started gathering on my legs from being nicked by the twisted metal.
Then a wave of intense radiation washed over me as I got to a part of the bridge where the siding was gone and no husks blocked direct sight of the balefire crater. Oh, that would do it. Okay, I need to really get moving.
Another glance back and the Hydra had gained another hundred meters on me while I had gone maybe twenty. And that is way too fast to keep this current pace. Time to break out the drugs.
As I took a hit of Rainboom I realized another thing; the radiation was blocking signals to my walkie and all I was hearing were errant pops and crackles due to the magical interference. No time for backup, no time for retreat.
Then the chem hit my system. I felt off, floaty was probably a better term, but it was a new experience and not entirely unpleasant. As I continued to push through the abandoned vehicles, I felt my vision sharpening as did my hearing. I could hear the beeping of my Pipbuck growing slower.
Then I realized the speed at which I was going. To my senses, I was still going as fast as I had been a minute before. The Pipbuck wasn't beeping slower. I was going from double speed to triple.
The doctor in me screamed at how badly this was going to fuck my everything up. I knew how adrenaline-induced super strength destroyed bodies but the other option was, well, far worse. I really didn't want to learn how it felt to be eaten alive by a Hydra.
With my newfound speed, I pushed hard to the end of the bridge, now easily keeping ahead of the Hydra. The whole time my perception of reality continued to speed up, letting me mentally take stock of my body and surroundings.
My heart rate was at a level that I believe was best described as effectively beyond the update speed of my Pipbuck. To me, it was beating a sedate 180 times per minute, from my perspective. My perspective of a minute which, at the moment, seemed to be about 10 seconds by the Pipbuck's clock.
Again the medical professional in me was screaming that my heart was basically going to explode or already had from the pressure it was putting my system under.
Of course, though that wasn't the case. Rainboom was apparently more than a hallucinogenic and upper. It was made with mystical plants or as some books put it, Super Naturals. Basically supernatural plants with magical effects. Just one of the benefits of living in a magical world.
This meant that the chem had effectively put me in a bubble where time flowed differently than outside of it. This probably also explained why the world around me was taking on a more vibrant, painterly style. No that was probably the hallucinogens doing their thing.
I also noticed something watching me, though that was probably the actual hallucinogenic portion of the chem. I couldn't quite make out what it was due to my distorted vision but it wasn't moving towards me for now so I put it out of mind for now.
I finally trotted down the ramp on the other side of the bridge, moving at least a block up the street to give me some space for later. I then stretched, took a deep breath, and turned around to watch the Hydra, letting it catch up so I could properly test out my speed.
I fired another shot from my leg-mounted revolver before setting off. The way in which the shockwave hit the edge of the bubble as I ran was mesmerizing, as did the tracer round burning through the air. While not super slow, the fact I could track its flight for what felt like five seconds told me I was probably able to do a Sonic Rainboom if I wanted.
Well, if I had wings. I figured that was probably a critical part of doing that mythical aerial maneuver.
The bullet bounced off the side of the Hydra's neck, hitting at too great an angle to dig into the beast. It roared in rage and charged at me.
Now was the time to kick the bomb off.
I slammed my forehooves into the pavement to anchor myself and swiftly yanked out the pin that was keeping the bomb strapped to my back. With the package loose, I bounced it off my back and then gave the explosive keg an old-fashioned, double-legged applebuck, sending it careening up toward the face of the Hydra. The light of its detonator lazily left a blinking trail of red through the air.
When my rear hooves landed I pushed once again against the pavement, launching myself forward.
Now was the time to haul ass.
Cantering wildly down a side street, I stole glances behind myself and watched the Hydra swallow the bomb whole out of the air. Hook line and--
The bomb detonated. The Hydra's chest glowed brightly even through its scales before its heads all vented fire and steam. I could still see it as it began to fall over, dead or disabled, as I took a sharp turn to return to the bridge.
Running as hard as my body could carry me up the ramp to the bridge, I took the more reckless option of hopping from carriage top to carriage top.
My heart was hammering in my chest. We had done it! The Hydra was going to be a non-issue for a good while at worst, though there was no way for me to tell its condition from here and I had no desire to go check up on it. The thing had breathed fire when the bomb went off! If it was still alive after that then I wouldn't want to stick around for it.
Regardless, I returned my attention to not getting hurt by running across rusted carriage roofs.
Too little too late, unfortunately. My hoof slipped on the wet top of a metal cargo container, sending me sliding along its length and then flying through the air when the container ended. I wrapped myself tightly in my magic and hoped it would be enough to save me when I inevitably hit the ground.
Somehow my magic didn't hurt to do, and flowed freely. But I didn't have the time or mental power to dwell on it.
My world became green and then shortly after, black.
Level up! Welcome to level 7! New Perk Added: Armed and Dangerous. Thanks to the abundance of practice you know where to hit to make it hurt more with your preferred weapon: ballistics. Thanks to this every ranged attack with a weapon that uses the Firearms skill now does an additional ten damage. You're a step above just another mare with a gun. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 16 - Afterparty | "Time to put our hooves up and let our manes down!"
Everything fucking hurt.
Good, that meant I was still alive, thank the Sisters above. It felt good even as my body screamed at me.
I shifted to get up, feeling the rubble pressing against me while crazed, manic laughter escaped my lips. I was exhausted, sore, and feeling the after-effects of Rainboom.
Holy fuck that worked! Also, holy shit I need to never touch this shit again or I'm going to turn myself into a pastel splatter by accidentally running into a wall.
With a shove of my magic, I pushed the rubble off of me and took in my surroundings. Fortune had favored me slightly at least; despite going through a wall, I was at least indoors and out of the increasingly heavy rain.
I dusted myself off before inspecting my body for any serious wounds. Beyond some serious muscle strain, the effects of coming down from my fucking drug trip, and adding more bruises to my already thoroughly tenderized body I seemed to be alright.
Surprising considering the dent in the ground. I surmised that I must have slid, bounced, and then skipped right through a wall into the building.
With a moment of lucidity and having gathered my location, I attempted to use the walkie on my shoulder only to find it was busted. The impact must have damaged its internals and even a feeble attempt at a repair spell couldn't get it working again. Thus, I decided to sit down and collect my thoughts.
As I sat watching the water flow north down the Willmanemette River, my Pipbuck continued to click away while the health alerts blipped out one at a time. It was odd seeing my injuries healing and updating in real-time but at least it seemed regeneration fueled by radiation was a thing now.
Well, that's new. Then again, Crash had said it was a possibility and I hadn't checked when I was doing my marathon.
With a flourish of magic, the various health warnings my Pipbuck were silenced. I didn't need to be informed about what I already knew and besides most were certainly just from exertion and the Rainboom's aftereffects.
One thing Sil had demanded was that I take a loaded flare gun with me. Against the siren call of just laying down and resting more, I pushed my head out the hole I had made and sent a flare skyward. Given how exhausted and sore I was there was no reason to push myself further today. The day was won, I was alive, and I had friends coming to pick me up. There was no reason to put myself at risk by moving an inch.
That and I was still feeling the tail end of the high from Rainboom. Frankly, it made me introspective about my perception of time as I sat there with my EFS off, my slowly relaxing breathing the only way to keep track of time. I almost didn't feel myself starting to get cold as exposure began to get to me.
-=O=-
The sky had darkened.
Was it just the weather or had I fallen asleep?
Given that the rain was heavier than before it was likely just the weather worsening. I also didn't have that feeling of discontinuity which generally came from unexpected naps, though the swiftness of the change suggested it has been at least a few minutes. Still, nothing was bothering me as I healed up and waited for my rescue party.
The sound of the gentle breeze and rain falling was rather relaxing and reminded me of home. It likely would be one of the few comforting things in the interior that would remind me of home. So did Sil, Winter, and Ocean but they weren't the same as the smell, sights, and sounds of home, even if they did warm me with their presence.
That brought my thoughts back to Riptide who was also starting to do the same. Well okay, more than started but still not in the same way. Sure she made my heart flutter but she didn't make every place we were in feel like home. Not yet at least and that was fine; with some time that would change.
I let out a sigh, my hot breath fogging in the cold air. Somehow that always made me smile a little.
This whole trip had been a clusterfuck, mostly from how little intel we had. Granted, Ocean was the senior in our group so technically it was her place to get all the relevant information for our trip and not me. When she shared what lay ahead of us it was pretty obvious nobody had taken this path in a long time. It was easy to understand why it was so out of date and threadbare; we had boats that made marching across the Seamane Range a pointless endeavor for us.
Well outside of that one bad year, which was where our most recent information came from.
Thank you, Mom.
Regardless, this whole trip ended up being one long exercise of frustration and on-the-fly planning. Which was probably part of why I was picked for this. Well, that and the obvious exposure to Riptide along with the risk that put the town in. At least now we had better information, newer maps, and hell I had a Pipbuck now.
What was interesting about the updated map was that a lot of rural communities had survived just like on the coast. That was of course until you neared a city, something we had seen on our march east. After Alsea, the green fell away to the necrotic undeath and scorched grey-black world of balefire targets.
With a shake of my mane, I pushed the thoughts away and sat back up, willing my EFS to turn back on. It had been about forty minutes and that worried me.
"Well I feel less dead at least," I told myself. "Still, given the lack of anyone, even with the flare, I best get hunting for them. Good thing I have this revolver."
I fished out one of the precious few spare rounds for said revolver and got myself back up to five shots with it.
"Comical how big these rounds are that I only get five shots." I laughed softly. "If five .454 rounds can't kill something then I need something other than ballistics to do it."
Scanning around with EFS, I noted a lack of bars denoting life around me which was mildly worrying.
"Okay, that's enough resting on my rump. It's time to take a trot." I muttered as I stepped out into the rain.
A glance skyward revealed that my flare was long gone, which might have been the issue. With the weather the way it was, it might not have even lasted the thirty seconds it was advertised to.
Slowly backtracking along my path, I soon found swathes of destruction; the mines had all gone off and I could see more than a few spots where rockets had been used. It was evident what had happened with the others on my wild run out of town. The surrounding buildings lacked any fresh damage so thankfully the Hydra had ignored them.
It was a small blessing it had such a singular mind, which is frankly hilarious given it had twenty-three brains. Whatever made hydras did not do them any favors beyond that regeneration.
A short coughing spree cleared more of the ash that had gotten into my lungs today. After all, I had experienced today, I concluded that I really should've had someone else run from the Hydra; someone who had been smarter than me and worn a mask all day.
Too late for regrets now. Whatever, I seem fine besides a little shortness of breath now and again. Given I'm hacking this gunk up and can just loaf near some radiation to heal I don't have much to worry about.
A red bar appeared in my vision.
Of course, I had to think that.
Taking a moment to spot the supposed threat, I soon saw a bloatsprite bob into view. With a hiss, I slung a weak bolt of ice at it, freezing the monstrous insect mid-flight. It clunked to the ground and I trotted over to stomp on it hard, shattering it into pieces. I doubted it could even still be alive encased in all that ice but I didn't want it to thaw out somehow and send its parasitic young at me.
Okay yeah, nature is just fucked thanks to the last day. Like seriously, the actual fuck is with half of the crap out here.
Pushing aside my mental grumbling, I focused on the long road back to safety; the pouring rain chilling me and the wind cutting through my damp coat.
This had to be the third most miserable shower I have had in my life, which oddly enough cheered me up a bit. Unfortunately, the intrusive thought about worse showers left me a bit depressed given it involved Winter in a way that felt rather awkward to think about now.
Well, this is where making new memories comes into play. Guess I need to get the girls into a shower stall and make some fresh memories to be fond of.
I paused for a second and shook my head. Okay, maybe I should just deal with my issues so I can think back on that stuff with Winter in a fond manner instead of longing, painful desire.
The one downside to having to strip down for this run was that what barding I still had was rather useless against the weather. Frankly, taking a second look at it, it was likely a mix of pre-war fetish gear and... well actually no it was just fetish gear; the detachable hoop was for holding the wearer aloft and it was pretty obvious given it wasn't in a color meant to blend into anyone's coat.
I think I'm keeping this harness. I don't know if I'll ever use it as intended but at the very least I can hook armor pieces onto it. It also does kinda ride up pleasingly.
I felt the warmth of a blush on my cheeks as I stopped in the street, moving in certain ways to better feel how the harness squeezed on me now that I wasn't entirely focused on blowing up a hydra.
Yeah, even if I don't wear this for fighting, this is... arousing.
"Moony?" I heard Sil call out suddenly, her voice making my heart jump.
Looking around I saw a non-hostile bar in my EFS. I immediately started cantering off towards it, splashing puddles as I went. I didn't care about getting wetter, I functionally couldn't anyway because of the rain.
"Sil!" I called back.
"Moony!" Sil responded the passive bar in my vision splitting as I drew closer.
Rounding the corner I saw Riptide, Sil, and two of the raiders who had come with us.
Quickly both of my mares tackle hugged me to the ground, leaving all three of us a bit sore and more than a little dirty. Worth it.
"That is the last time you run off on your own with a bomb on your butt." Riptide teasingly scolded me.
"If it can be the last time, I wouldn't mind. That sucked." I snorted.
"I see you didn't lose the gun or harness," Sil commented while giving me a boop, which I smooched.
"Nope! Also, can we keep the harness?" I asked her.
The two stared at me and then shared a look before I was suddenly deposited unevenly across both of their backs.
"I'll take that as an enthusiastic yes." I laughed.
"Yes, now we just need to get back to town." Sil giggled in response. "Also did you use your flare gun?"
"Yep, once I woke up I leaned out the hole I made and fired it up," I answered. "It should have cleared the skyline but it might have fallen pretty quickly after because of the weather."
"Damn, I was afraid of that when the weather started turning on us." Sil grumped.
"Well next time she goes off on her own we just give her more flares," Riptide said.
"I am amused that you two still think there is a next time for me to go off on my own." I giggled. "I'd rather stick glued to your flanks."
"Well, that's what you're doing until it's time to get out of town." Sil teased before whispering in my ear. "Yes, in that way, and yes, in that harness."
That made me feel warmer than I had for the past hour.
"She's getting a little toasty," Riptide commented.
"She is," Sil said. "We should have her checked up regardless. Then we can get some food."
"And then?" I asked.
"And then you're not leaving our room, possibly not even our bed." She answered.
"Mmm, not our room, we should wash her," Riptide added.
"Good point, she's probably coated in asbestos again." Sil gagged.
I had cleaned up before that, damn it.
"Regardless, someone should probably let the others know that you two found me." I pointed out.
"To all teams, we've found Moonlight. Return to town, Over." One of our escorts said in turn, giving me a cheeky grin. I recognized him as the one to call me Mistress after siding with me.
"Thank you," I replied, giving a polite nod.
"Of course, we'll keep an eye out for anything dangerous, wouldn't want you three to lose the mood." He chuckled, his partner joining him. "Oh, your other friends have also returned and want you to go by the clinic."
It was a good time for some humor, frankly. Things were looking good right now and we needed to reap our reward and rest up, enjoy our victory. A check-up couldn't hurt either.
-=O=-
When we entered Crash Cart's Clinic we were met with an odd sight. Winter and Ocean were already there and looked a little worse for wear but what was more worrying was the anxiety-inducing copy of me lying unconscious on a bed, riddled with visible bullet wounds.
"Okay, the fuck?" I exclaimed. Winter flinched and I heard his bit click as he bit down, though thankfully his gun didn't fire. "Okay, calm down Winter, I've gotten perforated enough today."
I heard Riptide quietly say, "I swear she was going to say penetrated."
Sil replied just as quietly. "I think she thought through what she was going to say, for once."
I gave the two a quick glare before turning just in time to have an Ocean tackle me to the ground.
"OCEAN, CAN YOU PLEASE STOP TRYING TO KILL ME?!" I shouted as something popped in my back.
Strange, that feels a lot better now. I'll need to thank her for that.
Of course once that thought concluded my mind was immediately overwhelmed with screaming in pain as Ocean applied her knowledge of applying pressure to points of pain on me.
"Let her go or I'll kick your head off." Riptide hissed.
"We need to make sure she's a pony." Ocean hissed in return.
That's when I felt a slice along my flank and warm wetness trickled down my leg.
"That good enough?" Sil snapped.
At this point, Cart had arrived having heard the commotion. "Let her up, damn it."
A few minutes later a still shaken Winter and Ocean left us, telling us to meet them in the diner later. Riptide and Sil were reasonably annoyed despite their apologies after the fact.
"I'm tempted to just skip meeting them and go to our room," Sil grumbled. "Have someone deliver us a banquet and call it a day."
Cart sighed as he finished treating the cut. "They're on edge. That thing they encountered has everyone on edge."
I stared at the copy of myself. The longer I stared the more faults I could see in it; it was like a pony made out of bark but with enough features to reasonably fool someone from a distance.
"You know." I mused. "They say copying is the highest form of flattery but frankly I just wanna torch that thing."
"And I would let you do it if not for the stories we've had over the decades about something like this," Cart replied, glaring at the facsimile of me. "Turns out our ex-raider friends have stories about them as well; Leshy I think they called it, some sort of animated wood golem thing."
The name didn't ring any bells but my mind went to whispered tales of changelings as I trotted up to the supposed corpse. "Frankly, I don't give a fuck what it's called. Did it hurt my friends?"
Cart cleared his throat with a cough sensing my aim. "It hurt Winter, started hugging him to death."
I looked back into my facsimile's eyes. Up close up I could see just how disquieting it was; the eyelids were fake and couldn't move, the eyes themselves akin to something between tree bark and that of an insect's eye. Whatever this was, it wasn't mammalian.
Pulling back the blanket I saw three holes that went clean through it, which answered how it was disposed of. The damage to the creature was what I'd expect to see on a tree trunk from the rounds Ocean's guns used.
"Right, do you think it's dead?" I asked, probing the holes with my magic.
I was unnerved by its strange interior; it was filled with roots, moss, and sap as if it was a hollow log except that the flesh had layers to it like rings of a tree.
"As far as I can tell, yes." Cart assured me. "While I'm no botanist it has failed to move since. I intend to ship it to the University in Dockland. They're more experienced with the weird life that has come to call Equestria home."
"Bind it as best you can in whatever box you stuff this thing in," I instructed him. "Don't let Winter know."
"I hadn't planned on telling him." He agreed before adding. "As it is, I hope leaving it in darkness will cause it to cease to grow again. I also really hope this was the only one."
In my short lifetime, I have learned a few things and one of them was that there was never just one.
"Thank you." I nodded gratefully. "Now can I bother you for a quick checkup before we head off to get some R&R?"
"Oh certainly! I feel you deserve plenty of R&R after the time you've spent here in Four Corners." He chuckled while pushing his portable terminal next to me. "Now, let me just plug into your Pipbuck before we start."
-=O=-
I got as clean a bill of health as I could get. A dose of painkillers, some irradiated water, and doctor's orders to get a few days of bed rest were all I needed. This worked out well since the rest of the caravan needed a couple more days to get up to full strength anyway.
I now regenerated from radiation too, go figure. It was the main reason my crash hadn't been fatal, just painful. The downside was another notch to add to the niggling bit of self-doubt of being less pony than I was when I left home, the doubts and fears about losing myself compounding over time.
Of course, those doubts and fears were hard to keep in mind with Sil and Riptide around, more so with how news of my biological changes meant nothing to them. Well, beyond Riptide wanting to drag me out into the water because both of us would be okay in it, though I wasn't keen on trying swimming out; it was fall and cold water was pretty dangerous after all.
In due time, the three of us reached the diner that sat at the street level of our hotel. I was half surprised to see a party in full swing but I remembered we had just bought the town a long extension on its life so a party was warranted.
Winter and Ocean were sulking quietly in a corner booth when I spotted them. Chewing on going up to them, I instead directed Sil and Riptide to join them first so I could get us some food and drink.
"Sure, you know what we want, so we'll see you in a bit," Sil replied.
"And I bet more than a few folks wanna give you their thanks in person," Riptide added.
Sliding through the crowd with skills honed from weaving through the bustling market level of Saint Clover, I made my way to the bar itself. While I wasn't in the mood for celebratory revelry, I did oblige a few ponies with various toasts to both my health and success as well as the town and its new residents.
Thankfully toasting wasn't ever heavy on the alcohol, though I did end up with more than a few sample shots of what they had on tap. The upside was I now knew what I was ordering for myself: something hard, harder than my usual taste of cider.
I had a desire to get drunk and wallow, which nagged at me because it was frustrating to want to get plastered out of frustration and depression on the heels of victory.
Oh well. Sometimes the events of life and the mood you get put into don't line up.
The moment of self-loathing out of the way, I turned to the bartender, ordered our meals, and bought two bottles of Wild Pegasus. I figured I wasn't the only one who would be wanting a drink after this weird day.
With the bottles and glasses in my magic, I trotted to the rest, keeping the drinks and glass well above my head to keep them from getting bumped by accident; something that had, annoyingly, happened more than once to me. It always sucked to buy something and then a few moments later have it break because of someone else's carelessness.
Today I wasn't going to let that happen. Halfway back I bumped into the waiter who had just added to the food my friends had ordered and was trotting away from the corner table. I knew I needed to eat, even if nothing sounded particularly tasty to me. Noodles, potstickers, spring rolls? I'll take them. Sure they didn't mix with whiskey but I kinda didn't care.
I honestly disliked that I didn't care. It made a small part of me burn with frustration.
Joining my friends at the corner table, Sil and Riptide had me sit between them. While I welcomed having the two next to me I also recognized it was a way of trying to stay between me and everyone else. Especially Ocean.
Riptide for her part had just chugged one of the two bottles of whiskey without coming up for air, though it was probably cheating with how her gills were moving. Regardless, she was very quickly getting very drunk and I couldn't blame her.
Ocean and Winter? They split the other bottle and downed it three times slower than Riptide did, so I knew at the very least they tasted it.
Sil on the other hoof was staying sober.
When the waiter returned, I decided to order some apple moonshine. I wasn't mentally prepared to stay sober tonight. As for food, well it was irradiated and for two out of the five of us, that wasn't an issue. Just the fact that I wasn't the only one to worry about the low-level rads from food and drink made me feel less wrong in my own skin.
Regardless, the five of us took our time eating quietly as the revelry continued around us. In a way, it was nice to have the cheer and happiness around us while we were in less-than-stellar moods.
When the white noise of party chatter died down, I heard a voice crackle to life over an old PA system; the same system that had, until now, been playing music since we had entered the diner.
The voice of a well-trained stallion began to flow. "And now for the news! First, we're going to start with our friends out by Dockland. For those of you who don't know, that's the west coast!" He explained. His energy was infectious, to say the least, and a low hum of chatter started amongst the party-goers. "So many of you out west along the Five know about that nasty old Hydra that's been waddlin' about the ruins of The Mill. Well, good news for those who don't live in the immediate area! Someone finally had the guts to take it out, and what a show it was from the reports I'm getting!"
I could feel eyes turning towards us. It was no secret what we had done.
"I have to say, to the mare who served as bait for the Hydra, you're one crazy mare!" The DJ laughed. "Still, you had a plan and, given you didn't die from it, congratulations are in order!"
"Now that the Hydra is dealt with, trade along the Five can get back to normal." The DJ went on. "Of course, our intrepid mare wasn't satisfied with just that. She also put down one hell of a raider warlord just before hoof too!"
Well, that much was true; That stallion had been a brick wall of brutality and a worrying amount of cunning to boot.
"So my hat is off to you, Ranger of Seamane! To you and your friends." He cheered. "Also, bonus points for carrying that big iron on you."
I was rather confused as to how he knew about that detail.
"And that's our news for the day. This DJ needs his shut-eye but, before I leave, in honor of our new Ranger here's Big Iron by-"
I didn't hear the rest as my attention was pulled into a rather lovely kiss from Riptide.
I forgot her un-Equine nature at times and right now I was being reminded of how weirdly flexible her tongue was. And how sharp her teeth were. Both were making me want to make excuses to leave for the bedroom.
"Well, damn, she beat me to it." Sil huffed, clearly teasing.
"Well hot damn, she got herself a title." Winter snorted.
"Ranger of Seamane. Fitting." Ocean snickered.
Riptide came up for air, or rather she let me get some air.
As I hacked and gasped for air, Riptide just gently petted my mane. "Well, she did a lot of hard and dangerous legwork for the victory today."
"I mean she did run away from a hydra with a bomb on her flank." Sil nodded before taking her turn at stealing my breath.
I didn't resist the smooching. It was making me feel more alive than all this hero talk.
"Plus the raiders she dealt with," Winter added.
"And the three of you raided that Steel Ranger bunker, that helped a fair bit." Ocean nodded.
"To be fair, that was Sil's idea and mostly her work." Riptide giggled.
Sil broke the kiss to let us breathe but, as I was about to speak, both Riptide and Sil started making out on my lap. I could feel my cheeks burning hot and yet also made me feel better about our situation; that they loved one another as well made me feel far less stressed out about the whole relationship thing.
Regaining some composure and breaking out of the display of affection, I addressed my non-smooching friends while petting the manes of my two lovers. "It was also your work that prevented me from becoming Hydra Food so thank you. Both of you."
"It was nice that you let us help. I didn't want to have to knock you out." Ocean replied. "And... sorry about trying to do so earlier."
"It's okay. Well okay, not really but you know what I mean." I admitted. "Can you walk me through what happened?"
"Sure," Ocean replied, then took a deep breath. "We were looking for you in one of the few points we thought you might be due to how unreliable the flare was. While searching a building in the area, that thing trotted on in and quickly took to hugging Winter. I guess he was affected by it somehow because he didn't think there was anything amiss."
"Sounds akin to mind manipulation magic," I muttered, my mind going to how we met Riptide.
"That was my thought as well but even knowing that I still had a hard time dragging myself out of some kind of paralysis." Ocean went on. "It was only after I heard Winter start crying out in pain that I shook it off. Even then it was difficult because until we killed it, it perfectly copied you, cries of distress and all. Once the rounds punched through? Not so much."
That was worrying but at least this confirmed it was very dead, given the illusion broke once it took two body shots. "Well great, now we need to worry about copycats."
Winter shook his head. "From what we gathered it's not common, or at least it only goes after isolated targets. It must have not known Ocean was in the other room or it would not have attacked."
With that nugget of information, I had more to work on. "For now, stick in pairs at minimum, regardless of the situation. That should help prevent this from happening again. Also, we'll start with verbal or sign greetings. Thus, if any of us aren't communicative it's a good idea to knock that person out."
Ocean nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's what I was going to suggest."
I sat back in relief just as Riptide and Sil ended their makeout session, both of them deciding to press against me. I quirked an eyebrow. "You two alright or should we?"
"Let's retire for the night." Riptide cooed. "As fun as this party is, I think it would be nice to go relax."
"Agreed," Sil replied in the same tone.
"Looks like you got your hooves full." Winter snorted. "We'll see you in the morning."
"Don't get jealous, hun, you're going to have your hooves full in a minute as well." Ocean teased.
"Just keep one ear open." I snorted. "Come on you two, we'll finish our dinner upstairs."
Levitating our share of food above me, the three of us parted ways with Ocean and Winter. A quick chat with a server and we got our new room number and key. Given the whole affair with the Vipers a few days ago, I figured we were likely set up somewhere closer to the ground in case we had to bail out.
The trip to our room told me just how drunk Riptide was as she had to lean on me to even walk straight. That wouldn't be much of an issue if it didn't also let Sil stay a few paces ahead of us, flicking her tail teasingly as if I needed any more of an invitation.
Thankfully it didn't take long to get to our room and, upon reaching it, Sil helped Riptide in as I set our food down on a small table. They didn't even wait for me to finish removing their barding with my magic before I was dragged into bed, both frequently reminding me of the original purpose of my 'barding' with little tugs to the harness.
Those tugs reminded me that all I had for barding was something more at home in the bedroom than wandering the soon-to-be wintry wastes. While it did keep me warm from sheer embarrassment, it really wouldn't keep the wind out. If anything it helped keep things nice and close to me, which was currently Riptide's muzzle on my flank.
-=O=-
I awoke sometime later, entangled with Sil and Riptide. It had been a fun evening but right now my head was hurting. Hangovers sucked but at least I knew a few things to help them pass, though I lacked any kind of juice or bacon at the moment. Water and something cool to press against my head would have to do. As such, I used my magic to hold the two mares in place while I extracted myself from their loving embrace, replacing the gap with a few pillows for the time being.
Upon entering the bathroom I softly shut the door behind me, letting the green, magical light of my horn be the only source of illumination. Only once the door was latched did I turn on the overhead light and stare into the mirror. I looked... okay. Tired as can be expected.
My once gently curving, spiraled horn now resembled a sharply curved spire, lacking in any spirals. I gently traced a hoof along with it and sadly felt no minute details left off the old spirals.
With a shake of my head, I turned my attention back to the hangover. Opening the tap, I began to drink greedily from the cold water, radiation warnings blinking red in my vision as I did. Not that it mattered, I had accepted the mutation by now. Thinking about it once more, I probably could just remove any negative effects from chems and alcohol by ingesting enough radiation.
This left me feeling a bit off at the thought that I had a method to bypass paying the price for fun times. It also made me realize why ghouls never really cared for chems; given how they regenerated from radiation, they probably did the same for the 'damage' from the 'poison' of chems.
Even caffeine, which made me realize just how shit being a ghoul was. You probably had to ingest so much more to feel anything.
I shook my head again and focused on just treating myself.
With a stomach full of irradiated water, that likely required boiling for safe drinking, I sat down against the tub and turned the light out. In the darkness, with the chill of the water radiating through my core and my head against the cool ceramic, I finally felt some relief start to kick in.
-=O=-
The sound of the door unlatching woke me, my instincts kicking in and I scrambled to defend myself. Then I saw Sil's brown muzzle in the muted glow of my horn light and relaxed, letting my magic flow to brighten the room for her.
"That's where you went. Is everything okay?" She asked, slowly approaching me.
A glance at the Pipbuck clock showed that it had been around four hours since we had come up here, and another two since I slipped into the bathroom to tend to my hangover.
"Just came in here to get some relief from my hangover," I admitted.
"So no existential dread, philosophical suffering, or other similar things?" She asked, stepping in to gently brush my mane.
Before I answered her, I shut the door to keep our conversation a bit more muted. "I mean there is a part of me that questions who I am when I look in the mirror now."
Sil nodded then laid down against me, letting me hold her tight. "It's not just the curved horn is it?"
"That's the tip of the iceberg as they say." I sighed.
"Accidental or intentional pun?"
I wanted to facehoof when she pointed the pun out. "Accidental." I groaned. "But yeah, the mutation, the horn, the new scars."
"Feeling like you're losing yourself?" She asked, giving my chest a nuzzle.
"Yeah, something like that. I still see part of myself in the mirror but my mind keeps focusing on the new things, the changes the world is doing to me."
Sil just held me as I did the same. There wasn't much to say but just the act of confessing my discontent was enough for me.
"Just remember, you will continue to be you." She whispered finally. "You'll be you until you choose to stop caring."
She was right. I wasn't the filly running around the belly of Saint Clover having kicked the head of the Guard in the nuts anymore, nor was I the guard pony protecting our home. I was out here with her, Riptide, Winter, and Ocean. Who I was, what I was, wasn't some static thing. It was what I brought with me and caring about what I brought with me.
"Well one thing has always been true, I care about you," I said as I nuzzled her neck. "And I always have. Maybe not in the way I do now but you've always been there for me and I will always be here for you."
Sil hugged me tighter as we lay there in the mercifully quiet darkness.
-=O=-
Morning arrived, as the good morning alarm from my Pipbuck Zero annoyingly reminded me. The darkness of the bathroom made it near impossible to tell what time of day it was without the damn piece of arcanotech. When I opened my eyes, I saw a cartoonish image of a pony that looked weirdly like myself stretching and being cheerful.
It annoyed me for some reason how the clock now showed the relative positions of the sun and moon for the time of day. How the fuck it knew that I would never know. It even had the lunar phase denoted. Not that I had a way to check that given the cloud cover.
Riptide suddenly opened the door, blinking in confusion at Sil and I snuggling on the cool tile floor, my head firmly pinned between Sil's and the side of the tub.
"That's where you two went off to." She yawned. "Get in the tub."
Sil was still half asleep as I dragged her and myself into the oversized tub, which was more on par with a hot tub.
"Huh, what's going on-" Sil started to ask but was interrupted by me kissing her as Riptide filled the tub.
"We're going to get clean now," Riptide explained. "Well, okay clean is secondary. Let's just relax first before then."
The toothy grin Riptide gave us made me question ever letting her between my legs but the way it was making me feel made me question what I found attractive. Regardless, we had a few hours if not days to relax, which we desperately needed.
And 'relax' we did. Thank the Sisters that the town was more than happy to keep us well-fed while we waited for the rest of our caravan to be ready to head out again.
"So, time for another round?" Sil cooed as she rested sandwiched between Riptide and myself.
Riptide grinned at me again and I lit my horn, making both of them moan. Riptide's horn glowed with her golden magic in response, leading to yet another round of our favorite activity: making one another feel good.
Stars above, I love magic. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 17 - Hoofview | "The Five is the lifeblood of Cascadia. Without it, well, what little ponies out here would be far worse off."
Interview of a caravaneer on the Five.
Another two days went by before we left Four Corners. In the meantime, the Hydra hadn't shown any of its heads ever since I bombed it. Anyone I talked to about it said it was dead and I accepted their assessment as I wasn't a regular monster slayer. Plus if anyone knew when a hydra was dead, dead it would be those who have spent their lives living in its shadow.
Back at the carriage, Crash and his partner had just finished loading a certain steel coffin.
"Listen, you two can keep looking into that... Thing." I explained to the two. "However, I want to see it as little as possible. It fucks with something deep in my mind."
"We understand and we didn't get much out of it hence why we're shipping it to the University." Care sighed. "The testing we did came up... inconclusive. We know it's not a changeling at least."
"In less gloomy news, take this with you, Moonlight." Care went on, pulling out a notebook. "It's a copy of our notes on all of you and... It. You should have a copy. Maybe you'll eventually want to read it."
I took the notebook into my magic and regarded it for a moment. It held not just that thing's medical information but also Riptide's and mine along with our mutations. It struck me that it also gave me a baseline for Sil so I could keep an eye out for mutations or any sicknesses.
All in all, it would make treating us easier. I would want to hold onto this for documentation in case anything happened to us or changed us within or without.
"Thank you, I might be able to read it in a while," I said as I tucked the notebook away in my saddlebag. "I'm just glad Ocean had already put that thing down before I showed up."
"We understand. It was an extremely strange entity and an extremely strange situation; we didn't get much out of it." Crash said. "It is an interesting topic and that's where we'll leave it."
"I can imagine. If I was in your horseshoes I'd be intrigued as well. Just, being so close to the situation was more of a horrifying experience." I admitted with a shudder. Curiosity remained but my horror would curb its influence.
"Entirely understandable." Care replied. "Anything more we can do for you before you leave?"
Nothing came to mind.
For the moment I didn't really anticipate any more trouble. At most, I was expecting someone asking for a toll at gunpoint but there weren't any rough and tumble hoof-to-hoof fights, big shootouts, or monsters to contend with.
As it was, I was thanking the Stars and Princesses that small miracles did happen in the wasteland. One of which happened to be the fact that the stagecoach hadn't been damaged in all the conflict; no mortar hits, no vipers had tried to nest in it and nothing was stolen in the ruckus.
Everyone was also healed up, mostly. Enough to travel at least and after yesterday's check-up with Sil, I was ready to get going. Four Corners had been nice but our stay had been longer than desired and now with things calmed down it was time to move on.
"There you three are," Ruby said in a tired but cheerful voice as we approached. "Everything is loaded but you lot. Unfortunately, Winter and Ocean beat you here so, Sil and Moonlight, you both are going to be up top with the box."
I let out a groan of frustration. "Well, at least everything will soon be loaded. Come on Sil, let's get up top."
"Try to not think about it," Ruby said as she caught my gaze. "It's just going to eat at you. Instead, think about how much good you did here in just a couple of days. Imagine the cap's you'll be swimmin' in if you take up some contracts and pull off repeat performances up in Dockland."
"You five managed to do a whole heck of good in no time." She went on, smiling. "Heck, the way I hear it you, Moonlight, were a one pony wreckin' crew."
I frowned and shook my mane. Whatever had happened here had mostly run on its course. I had just given it a helping hoof. There was no doubt in my mind that the same result would have come to pass with or without me. The numbers would've just been different. One stone dropped into a raging current makes very little difference after all.
Regardless of how I felt about our actions, we had become something of local heroes, at least in the locals' perception. In that regard, I realized we were beginning to shape up like how Buckshot and his group did; an exceptional group of friends who could do the impossible as far as many were concerned.
The reality of it, as I had experienced when I had worked alongside Buckshot and the others, was that good planning and a lot of skill did the heavy lifting.
Maybe I was just being humble but I knew that without the townsfolk or my friends, I couldn't have pulled it off. Maybe I could have gotten past the raiders to assassinate their leader but without fire support from the walls, I would have probably been in a far more sorry condition after.
I had taken him down regardless without backup but then there was the matter of rallying the remainder of the former raiders. Without their unorthodox support, the town might have fared much worse.
We had played a pivotal role in protecting the town certainly but even so, I was under no delusion that someone else wouldn't have stepped up and done the same without us.
Of course, I could never really sit by when there was work to be done. The only way I could ever be certain something was done right was to do it myself. Someone else might have gotten it wrong. Or I would have to live with I got someone hurt by not doing it myself.
"Well, it would be nice to get some more caps. It'll make staying the winter in Dockland a lot easier," I giggled as I helped Riptide into the stagecoach.
Our non-essential luggage, including all my reading materials, went in with those three. Not like I could do any reading while up on the roof of the coach. Once that was done, I hopped halfway up the coach and bounced off of a telekinetic sheet. Sil meanwhile pouted until I lifted her and set her down beside myself.
The two of us did our damndest to ignore the pony-sized metal box closed shut with straps and locks.
"You must be used to taking fewer passengers at a time," Sil commented.
"Yeah, but we make do," Dusk replied. "Keep yourselves lying down and you'll be fine."
I sighed as Sil and I lay on top of the stagecoach together. It was less comfortable than inside the cabin but at least we weren't walking out in the open. We had some cover and could focus on keeping an eye out for threats while the pullers kept us moving.
We were on our way again, finally.
As the stagecoach rolled down the streets I was able to get a good view of the repairs being done to the walls. A new secondary wall and trench were also being built by very busy crews of workers.
Other crews were working on hauling the severed, still unrotting hydra heads. One of the heads we passed even had the end of its neck healed over with scales though it wasn't moving. I guessed it was just dormant without the rest of its cardiovascular system.
At least I hoped it was for the sake of Four Corners or they were going to have a massive hungry snake on their hooves. Ugh, snakes... At least it isn't my problem now.
Half an hour later Four Corners was behind us.
-=O=-
We would be stopping in some place named Hoofview that was along the Five right after it crossed the Willmanemette. I gazed to the east as we rolled north and saw Mount Hoof rising to the northeast; its foothills covered in green, its peak white with snow before the clouds cut it off.
It was different from what I was used to. On the coast, we had no mountains that tall. It just seemed to rise in such a contrast to the rest of the range.
Further to the north, I saw what looked to be a smaller mountain. Its name eluded me but it was certainly flatter. I leaned back and saw a few more peaks clustered together to the southeast and two more even further south, their peaks shrouded in clouds.
To a degree, the world was recovering. It was just society that was lagging behind. I didn't know why but that wasn't my problem, at least not today.
For now, there was one objective: get to Dockland. From there? Keep my friends alive while we get them back to their families. After that? Honestly, I just wanted to keep things going wherever we ended up living, be it back home or somewhere else.
Fixing the world was for someone else. Protecting my friends and family was all that I could do right now. Even if I wanted to do more there wasn't any real place to start at the moment so no point in worrying about it beyond a mental exercise.
Fixing Equestria, let alone the world was a job far bigger than one pony or her four friends.
What gave me solace was the thought that, with time, Equestria would recover as we found ways to work around what was left as the ponies we've run across were already doing. In a way things were coasting from the inertia of the Last Day, ponies afraid to branch out from their little prepper communes for anything more than trading the essentials. Eventually, you'd run out of leftovers to pick through and begin cultivating and innovating once again.
Isolated survival was impossible to sustain after all, which was the case even before Equestria existed with three desperate tribes having to turn to one another to survive, their infighting bringing forth Windigoes.
Though that always made me wonder, given how shitty the situation was now, where the fuck the Windigoes were? Did ponies defeat them for good in the past? Or were those spirits shattered and new spirits of strife started to form to replace them? If so, that would explain a lot about the weird weather that rolled through from time to time. It couldn't all be rogue clouds and the Enclave above causing it.
Farmland returned and the city fell away as the coach continued to roll further north, signs of life returning as well. Sil pushed herself against me to stay warm, respecting my silent thinking as she kept an eye out to our west.
The untamed crops rustled in the wind, ancient trees and husks of their burned-out ancestors bowed together. There was new life growing out here, away from the ruins of the cities. The scene was calming to watch as each thicket of trees passed by, the long grass blowing in the breeze.
Despite this, as the carriage kept its even pace between overpasses and small towns, I was already mentally preparing for the worst but also praying for the best.
After the shattering of the raiders under Venture, I figured many of the stragglers had been dislodging, absorbing, and fighting other smaller ne'er-do-wells. There simply was no other place for those ponies to go but north towards Dockland, Seaddle, Vanhoover, or push east out through the Dulls. The south was already getting too cold to transit to warmer places like the valleys of Applewood.
I shook my mane and looked back towards the west, towards the Seamane Range.
Towards home.
My thoughts turned to how things were going back home. There was little doubt in my mind that things were going well for them. With those weird ritualistic raiders routed and outposts established for the early warning, it would be difficult for such a siege to happen again. Regardless, I knew there was likely a good deal of mourning and grieving after we left, for those who had died in the battle or shortly after from injuries. No matter how well-fought a battle is, there are always casualties. Something we all learned unfortunately at a far too young of an age.
My thoughts drifted back to Winterwatch and Ocean Spray. How had their absences been felt? I knew how my family felt about me leaving but those two still had a bit of family remaining on the ship. I wondered what the watch commanders would be doing to fill the gaps in guard duty due to casualties and having sent us off. Well, I would get to ask when I got back. If.
A shudder ran through me at the memories of how many times I had gotten badly hurt so far in this short trip. How easy it would've been for me to have met my end already. Part of me struggled to push the morbid thoughts out of my head while the rest of me knew I had to process them to stay sane. Let them flow through me, and address them. Suppressing feelings had only ever gotten me hurt in the long run.
At the same time, I also knew when to squash such thoughts, when there was work to be done. Right now I had no task on hoof, no plans to make or enact. So instead my mind had only one task to do, process how close my tale had come to an end.
Mentally I swallowed that bitter pill. If I make it back home.
At the same time, I focused on what Sil and Riptide had talked to me about; how I was neither suicidal nor doing things out of the desire of pain-induced penance for some mistake made recently or long ago. Nor were my actions fueled by the need for adrenaline.
That willingness to toss myself into harm's way was trained, not natural. I've seen it with others in the past; the fear many of my kind have towards violence, towards pain, towards death. Things that I had been taught to unlearn because when you are protecting others there is no space to fret about your own life. Duty was to protect others, not yourself but you were protected through the duty of others to protect you so it usually worked out.
Hours into our cart ride, Sil had come up with other ideas than introspection for how we would spend our time going north. Primarily sleeping and with me as a pillow, a bump caused her weight to shift and make her slump gently against my left side. Given the box containing don't think about it was securely strapped down to my right, I wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.
This was unfortunate because the coach had slowed down a bit, having to be pulled around long-abandoned carriages on the Five. One would've thought somepony would've cleared them by now.
They would have if it was safe. Or...
Nothing happened for the next half hour as I waited with great anticipation to be shot at, maybe even an explosion or the sounds of some horrible beasts assaulting us. Perhaps I was getting used to this interior wasteland nonsense with the growing paranoia.
... Or nopony was around because sitting out in the cold waiting for a caravan to come up the Five for your scrap sucks as an occupation. Caravans probably never bothered either due to how dangerous of a position it is. Talk about a convergence of nopony giving a shit.
To disarm the tension within myself I let out a sigh. Like, sure it was a good thing to be paranoid but Ruby would have told us to be on alert if it was that dangerous; this wasn't her first trip through here.
Come on, Moony you're just overthinking, again. Just relax, and enjoy riding in safety while having a cute mare sleeping with her head on your shoulder. Even if she's drooling and talking in a language you can't fully understand.
Wait, talking? My right ear flicked and twitched as I tried to parse what Sil was saying in her sleep. I gave up after a bit realizing it was her tribe's tongue and as such I could only understand one out of three words, though those I could understand were making me go between confused and distracted. That reminded me that at some point during winter, I had wanted to have Sil teach me more of her tribe's tongue. More so now given we were dating instead of just being best friends and neighbors.
What did those old trashy romance novels say? The filly next door? And I always thought myself to be said filly to some handsome stallion but look at where I am now; I've got two mares deeply in love with me. Guess I really was the filly next door but for some very cute mares instead of a strapping stallion. Then again... I guess Winter fulfilled the stallion role. It's just that things didn't work out in the sequel to that story and now I'm with mares. I wonder how scandalous that would have been in old Equestria.
My thoughts focused on the situation at hoof with my lovers. It was going to be a while until I saw Majar again and had to go through whatever trials of possession he'd have me do for his only daughter's hoof. And then there was Riptide. I was going to see what remained of her family soon and that was mildly terrifying.
I'm going to be seeing Riptide's extended family for the first time and I'm her mate now. Oh Sisters, help me... Cadence if you are watching please give me strength for handling inlaws. And during their time of mourning too. Well if there is ever a time to meet and show I'm here as someone who cares and isn't using the situation for easy sex...
At least she had gotten to meet mine already. My family, upon meeting her, seemed to already know that we would fall in love and be lovey-dovey partners. Then again maybe that was just familial teasing. I hung my head.
My family knows me pretty well but there was no way they could have known I would fall in love with Riptide. I mean that's just silly, right? Did they know that I was going to fall for Sil someday? That Sil was pining for me all this time? Fuck. How out of the loop was I to the feelings of those around me?
I just sighed as the coach bounced again.
This was going to be an interesting couple of days. I think when we made it to Hoofview I would talk to Riptide about what I could expect from her family. Surely her parents had said something to her about them. Okay, I was nervous about this whole meeting with Riptide's family. Why couldn't I have followed the simple rule of bodyguard details and not become involved with my client?
That just made me sigh again. Not wanting to wake Sil up nor worry those driving the coach, I decided not to vocalize my frustrations. I felt like a fool but why shouldn't I? I had been a bit of a fool, and that was fine. I just needed to deal with the consequences as they came up.
Was that how I was viewing this, consequences for hooking up with Riptide? For falling for her? That wasn't the right way to think about the situation or her.
I gave my mane one last shake before leaning my head against Sil's. I needed to get my headspace sorted and thankfully I could rely on those around me to support me.
As we traveled north the land turned ever greener, contrasting with all the browns and yellows along the way. I even heard birds for the first time since we left the coastal range. I hadn't noticed how quiet the towns were and devoid of wildlife that wasn't horrifically twisted by radiation or taint.
Crows were the most common bird that I saw. Smart buggers, a bit bigger than my pre-war books said they should be but radiation and taint could account for that. That or their food sources were possibly bigger now.
I let the sounds of various birdsong fill my ears, hoping they would help me to clear my head.
-=O=-
At some point, I had fallen asleep and was rudely awoken by a bright light cast onto the stagecoach from a watchtower. I shook my head roughly, blinking away the blurry vision and letting out a groan as I heard the door below us open up.
Hearing hooves clattering out, I gently shook Sil awake.
"Looks like we got to Hoofview. Got some kind of checkpoint." I muttered. Sil replied with a yawn.
Dusk motioned for us to get down from her side of the coach and we followed after her soon after. The guards looked over us and through the stagecoach. Thankfully they didn't look in anything we had. It seemed they were more interested in finding someone over something.
Something must have happened recently if they're looking for someone. Princesses, please don't let whatever shows up delay us again. I've had enough of the delays.
Regardless, I just waited. There was no reason to make fellow security ponies stressed out. I knew how it was to be on the other side of this job after all. A few minutes later they finally finished tearing apart the vehicle for any stowaways.
"Sorry about that, we've had some issues with somepony sneaking in at night and stealing things." The stallion said, turning off the flashlight on his helmet. "We didn't intend to dump you on the street. This has just been going on for a month."
"It's fine," Riptide groaned. "It's just been a long week for me."
I trotted over. "Fellow guard pony here, just a bit away from home." I started. "What have they been taking?"
"Food and fresh water, a few bits of junk too. Thankfully it isn't drugs." Flashlight stallion replied, then nodded to the mare with him, a unicorn with a baton on her. "Regardless they leave no tracks which are driving us up the walls. Thankfully they don't seem to bother caravans. Guess they know that if they hit traders then the town would wither. Or they'd get a bigger bounty on their head."
I nodded.
The thief was smart and they were taking more than just food and water. Not chems so it wasn't medical in nature or an addiction. Instead, they were stealing items of some minor interest. How... strange.
I couldn't put my hoof on what it meant. I felt the conclusion was on the tip of my horn.
"I bet it's a pegasus," Baton mare said after helping Riptide up into the coach. I didn't need any empathic special abilities to feel the anger flowing from her.
"Why do you say a pegasus? There's like what three in the wastes that aren't ghouls? Rest are above the clouds if they didn't all die from the rising ash getting stuck in their precious clouds." I spat. "What about a gryphon? Wouldn't that make more sense? You know, they can fly and have those dextrous claws."
"Maybe, but no gryphons out this side of the Columbmane," Baton replied. "Most are northwest and the other side of the river, hence the idea of a pegasus, or one of them bat ponies."
I shook my mane. They were right where the closest communities were of gryphons.
Batponies? Nopony had heard from them since they had their first above-ground colony in centuries sacked in the war. Well that was what I knew anyway and as I've come to learn my information is hardly reliable anymore.
Collecting my thoughts I replied. "Well, we're here for the evening before going up to Dockland."
"You mean Portlandia." Flashlight interjected. I just looked at him confused.
"Er, what? I thought it was Dockland. At least, well, it's where she wants to go." I explained nodding to Riptide. "I know that part is named Dockland due to all the, you know, docks."
"Oh, right." Flashlight said. "Well keep safe going near the docks, I heard there was some big dust-up recently on the west side along the river. Some folks tried to cross the river and other ponies didn't take kindly to it."
Oh joy, nothing is ever simple with this fucking trip.
"Sounds like this winter is going to be a fun one," I replied.
"Staying for the winter in the city?" Baton asked, waving Ruby forward as another pair of guard ponies opened the gate for us.
"Yeah, no point in trying to catch a boat back to Saint Clover," I replied as we walked in with Flashlight and Baton. "No fucking boats running this late in the year and not going to pay the rates for an emergency run."
"Ah, well then Pioneer Square is your best bet, University is a bit south of it, you'll cut through it on the way up." Baton started explaining as we passed through the gate into what remained of Hoofview. "Pearl District is pretty safe though, that's the area around Pioneer. The east side is still pretty fucked but there are a few safe places that have been taken back."
"It's still pretty hot out there. We didn't get knackered like some of the bigger regions but those bombs still left their craters hot. I swear they weren't just big bombs but a curse on our lands, which would fit with everything else the ghouls talk about." The mare went on. "Still surprised Pearl District didn't get wiped out given all the ministry buildings. The industrial part of town got a near miss too; hit the hills above instead, the rads over yonder make it dangerous scavin'."
Behind us, I heard the gate close with a loud clatter.
"Unless you're doing mercenary work, probably just stay in the Pearl." Flashlight piped up. "Lots of ponies out there willing to snatch up any ponies wandering about." He then nods his head at the coach before looking back at me. "Though you two are lucky, being Unicorns and all. Won't get much bothered by the Family, a bunch of Unicorn supremacists. Just don't believe what they say."
I frowned, I knew who the Family were from prior experience, but I didn't know they had made it into Dockland.
"Well, that's pretty easy to do, seeing as plenty of Earth ponies are smarter, stronger, and better in other ways than Unicorns," I said with a laugh and a shake of my mane. "All I have over an earth pony is I can directly do magic but ponies can, you know, target it. They always aim for my horn from experience."
"Anyways, it also helps that my dad raised me to think and work like an Earth pony first, then use magic to augment my actions." I went on, giggling. "Sometimes I forget I even have a horn, well, when I was growing up at least. I'm learning to use it more often."
"Then he raised you right." Flashlight smiled before waving a hoof at the small compound amongst the ruins. "Alright, you lot are going to be sleeping here. Food is just a bit further up the street."
"Thanks. We'll get ourselves set up and grab something to eat. Hope things stay quiet tonight." I thanked Flashlight and Baton with a nod. They returned it and soon returned to their post, leaving us to move further into town.
What remained of the pre-war town was quaint. There were a few two and three-story buildings but most of the town was residential as was expected, including a strip mall of convenience stores. It had been a decent-sized town but nothing special even before the War. The local supermarket had its roof collapse at some point which explained why the town wasn't set up there.
Instead, ponies had set themselves up post-war a good quarter mile away from the overpass of the Five at an intersection. There looked to have been a multitude of restaurants, pharmacies, convenience stores, and other small shops pre-war, with a hotel to the north and regular houses further west behind walls of skywagons, carriages, and rubble.
It had its charm, I admitted to myself. It was rather open to the air but many trees still retained their lush greenery, though the scattered deciduous trees that weren't already barren still retained their orange leaves at this point. Given the number of leaf piles around town, it was easy to tell they were alive.
While none of the street lamps were lit up, there were strings of small electrical lights hung from post to post in places out of view of the Five. The town had likely learned not to be a brightly lit beacon from the most obvious attack vector. I shook my mane, trying not to overanalyze the nice town and see how these ponies had adjusted to the disharmony of the wasteland.
Enjoy the tranquility while it lasts, Moony.
The whole town had a vibe that it had seen less struggle. I felt this with the way the ponies here walked, how they looked around and talked to one another. In Wayhill, Four Corners, even back home there was a level of guardedness from years of struggle. Here? Here it felt almost uncomfortably relaxed as if things had sailed relatively smoothly for them. Even the way the homes were set up told how different things were here in Hoofview from the prior towns I had been to.
There was politeness, kindness, warmth, more than just the oppressive grey that seemed to fill every other town. It was a spark of Equestria that had survived the war, the bombs, and the horrors after it.
It honestly made my heart ache.
I wished Saint Clover had been so warm and happy. It had been warmer than the survivalist nature of Four Corners or the -- well I hadn't paid much attention to Wayhill, but the place was a fortress against both the elements and the wasteland. The Wayhill University campus inside of the wall, while alive, was just that; it hadn't felt like it was thriving, not like this.
Here I saw not just ponies but goats, sheep, cows, and even their mutated cousins known as brahmin for some strange reason. Looking around I even saw a yak and pony couple. Neither gryphons, pegasi, bat ponies nor the more mythical creatures that had only been spoken of like Kirin or Deer. Regardless, this was still the largest spread of species I had seen in a good while, some of whom even helpfully set out to help us set up our temporary encampment for the night.
-=O=-
Riptide approached Sil and me after we had helped set up the camp for the rest. "Your dad raised you like an earth pony?"
"Yeah, though not just him. Majar, Sil's dad, did as well." I replied as I busied myself with setting up our tent. "My dad, if you didn't notice, likes to wear a hat to hide his horn. It's due to a bad experience of ponies trying to break it off when he was a colt so he learned how to live without magic after that."
"Yeah, and my dad found it amusing when they first met," Sil added. "Both of them got in a verbal sparring match over buying goods, for the same group. But when things got heated and they both explained who they were trying to help they laughed at the whole situation and agreed to work together instead."
She giggled and then went on. "They ended up doing more and more work together. Moony's dad didn't have any direction at the time so he ended up living with my mom's tribe for a while. Honestly, it's lucky that Moony isn't half-zebra." Sil teased.
I snorted as I set down our sleeping bags. "Pfft, I mean with how our dads taught us how to fight I might as well be. Just paint some stripes on me." I laughed.
"You two really are sisters." Riptide shook her head, laughing with me.
"I guess, though, things between Sil and I have always been different from that of my brother and I." I snorted. "Of course, I don't have a sister so I can't rule out that, that's how sisters act."
"And yet you know the filly next door and her lover's act." Sil pointed out teasingly.
I bit my tongue to not answer. I must have made a face anyway because Sil stifled a giggle as she stared at me expectantly.
Luckily our stomachs growled at us, reminding us of how little we had eaten today and giving us a way out.
Getting food was easy but this time there wasn't just a town canteen like I had expected, which made sense since this place hadn't been run by former members of the military at its founding. Instead, there were three competing restaurants for us to choose from, which honestly baffled me as this was just at one street corner.
This town was smaller than Four Corners, maybe four or five square blocks, and yet there was so much variety. It must have gotten to me more than I thought given Riptide looked at me with a worried expression before brushing my cheek with a hoof.
"You're crying, are you okay, hun?" Riptide asked. Her eyes looked so pretty and inviting now that I felt the gloom of the wasteland lifted for once.
"I think it might be how alien this place is," Sil replied, her voice betraying how she felt a bit uneasy with how different the town was.
"It's just so beautiful," I replied with a sniffle. "I'm just so used to so much less that it hurts."
Riptide hugged me as I sat on my haunches and let myself cry a bit into her mane. It was best to just let the feelings roll out. These were not emotions worth tucking away to process later. These didn't put me in danger or scare me. They were good, healthy emotions, happy emotions. It felt good to let them out.
"I hope you didn't wipe your nose in my mane." Riptide teased as we finally ended the embrace.
"No, sorry, it was just overwhelming after everything," I replied as I sniffled a bit, using my magic to wipe away the tears. "To see something so... wholesome, so unphased by the wasteland."
"Yeah, it's a bit... overwhelming." Sil agreed.
"So about dinner: spicy, plain but healthy, or mystery?" Riptide asked, pointing to each of the three buildings she did.
One was a pre-war Pinto Burro, its mascot now sporting a distinct difference of wasteland wear. The next was a plain-looking building with a sign labeling it as Veggie Grille. The last one was Pony Joe's. The O's on the Pony Joe's made me think of doughnuts.
I looked at the three options as my stomach rumbled and thought about when and what I had last eaten. Finally, I mentally said fuck it and started for the Pony Joe's. We had skipped lunch and instead fell asleep two hours into the trip. Now it was late, the Pinto Burro looked dark, and the Veggie Grille looked mostly empty and might be about to close. Meanwhile, the Pony Joe's looked reasonably busy.
Well busy for a small town of Sisters knew how many folks. Enough for small raiders to not try to mess with them at least.
"Mystery it is." Sil giggled.
"So it is. Dusk said you two slept the whole trip, so maybe make up for lost calories?" Riptide stated.
"Yeah, we did, and probably." Sil giggled back. "I can hear her stomach from here."
"So that's what that was." Riptide mused.
I let out a groan as I trotted further ahead of the two and entered Pony Joe's.
Upon entering Pony Joe's I was greeted with the all too familiar smell of coffee. Coffee had overwhelmingly been the drink of choice in the guard. Personally, I never could handle that much caffeine. One time I had it I started hearing and seeing things. After that signs were put up warning others to never let me have black coffee again.
Frankly, I agreed with them. I had ended up nearly defenestrating the lead of the Nightwatch at one point. At another I froze two fellow patrol ponies to the ceiling by their boots; thankfully they didn't get frostbite. Nightwatch had not been pleased, to say the least. I couldn't remember the rest but I did wake up the next day strapped down in a medical bed.
At least I knew I could have alcohol and so I was encouraged to drink that instead as it helped me mellow out and loosen my lips. Not that I was the strong silent type. Instead, I tended to just not talk much unless I had something to share at which point I wouldn't shut up. Drunk me also found things far too funny and was willing to jump into talking with new social groups.
The sign on the pay stall said to seat ourselves so Riptide guided us to a nice corner booth where the circular seat allowed us to sit together without it looking like we were waiting for somepony else to show up.
Pony Joe's menu was, unsurprisingly, very pastry-based and coffee-focused. I fiddled with my bag and counted out caps as I figured out what I wanted to order.
A green earth pony mare rolled up to us on roller skates. "Evening fillies, what can I get for you?"
"Coffee, black, and an assorted dozen doughnuts." Riptide answered as she folded her menu and slid it over to 'Skates'. .
"For you, ashen?" Skates then asked, looking at me after scribbling down Riptide's order.
"I'll go for some milk, a dozen powdered holes, and two maple bars," I said, sliding the menu over as well. Given they had milk, the town either had a cache of powdered milk or were good friends with cows. I mused that the latter was more likely given the cows I saw earlier.
"And." Our server started, looking over at Sil. "What will our Zebra cake have?"
Well, for a moment I was worried there but I'll take a pastry joke. Of course, I then totally missed what Sil had ordered due to the intrusive thought.
"Alright, we'll have that out in a few for you mares," Skates said before she headed off with our menus, scooping them up with her tail.
"Okay, I've seen Earth ponies grab stuff with their hooves but I thought dextrous tails were like a gryphon thing," I pondered, watching Skates go with bemusement.
"Powdered holes? Here I thought you preferred them wet." Riptide whispered suddenly into my ear, ignoring what I said and intent on turning my face bright red.
I swore I could have smelled smoke.
"Wow, I didn't think it would be that easy to turn you that shade." She giggled. "I guess it really is easier to do it out of the left field."
"Oh, that's a shade I haven't seen in a while." Sil joined in on the teasing. "I think I last saw that when I first caught her and Winter."
"Oh, you're going to have to share stories." Riptide purred.
I was caught between the two conniving mares who were plotting my death by self-immolation sparked by embarrassment.
"I swear upon the Stars, when we get to Dockland and have some time alone I am going to make the two of you the brightest shade of red that a pony can turn. And then." I hissed. "Then I am going to make certain you can't sit for a week."
Riptide paused and regarded me for a minute before giving me a sly smile. "You're on."
Oh merciful Sisters, what is she?
"Moony, you know better than to swear upon the Stars." Sil huffed, then giggled. "Sounds like fun," she added, both of them smirking at me before kissing me on either side of my muzzle.
This is getting out of hoof. Now there are two of them?! I'm doomed.
The situation had to be stopped before it devolved any further. They had to be stopped before I achieved a criticality of embarrassment and burned right through the seat.
Thus I did the only thing I could think of. With a deftness trained over years of swift hoof-to-hoof training against my fellow guards, I booped both of the giggling mares on their cute noses.
Riptide gave me a confused look in return then snickered. Sil on the other claw just went cross-eyed and stuck out her tongue at me. With the situation disarmed due to strategically timed and placed nose boops, we leaned against one another and relaxed listening to the DJ Pon3 station play.
I had expected to be served resurrected pre-war doughnuts. Instead, these were, while probably baked in the middle of the day given the toughness, relatively fresh. It was a nice break from two-hundred-year-old snack cakes.
Riptide had an interesting reaction to the coffee a few minutes after she had her first sip. I felt her tense up next to me and, looking over her, seemed to be regarding everything around her once again. Maybe I should have intervened by not letting her have coffee this late at night.
Her eyes suddenly met mine and I saw that they were narrower than before, more slits than pinpricks. I found myself stuck looking into them. There was a muffled thud of the doughnut hole I was grabbing falling back to its brethren as my magic lapsed and I felt the world shrink around me. I felt like I had been dropped onto the ocean bottom, the weight of the water around me crushing the air out of my lungs as darkness blanketed everything but Riptide's bright, yellow eyes. Things swam in my vision that I couldn't recognize.
Then with a shiver, it was all over and Riptide looked away with a blush on her face as she went back to having her coffee and pastries. I closed my eyes and slowly took one deep breath after another. This continued for several minutes until I realized I hadn't felt my heart racing, quite the opposite; my heart was barely beating.
I opened my eyes to see my EFS filled with medical alerts and warnings about my cardiovascular system. My heart had apparently stopped and I was pinged dead for a few seconds. That... probably wasn't a good thing for my overall health. I thought for a second about using my magic but decided against it, instead opting to use my hooves to eat.
I knew one thing with certainty: I didn't trust my magic when I was in an unfamiliar mental situation, and oh Sisters I was in one now.
Riptide finished before I did and I shared some of my holes with her without a word as I shifted to the maple bars. Sil for her part ate something reasonably healthy: haycakes with some eggs and a cinnamon roll. Nopony could escape the grasp of pastries here.
While I was certain I was overdosing on sugar for the next month it was worthwhile. I mean by the stars, it's a wasteland, unless you have a town that you know you're going to be living in you have no way of knowing you're going to make it the next hour, why not enjoy myself?
"Hey, Sil? Here are the caps for our meal. Could you go up and pay for it? I'm going to go use the little filly's room before we go back to Ruby and the rest." I said after finishing my share of the meal. Sil nodded and got up with the caps I had sorted out to pay for the meal, with a little more if a tip was required. I had no idea if post-war interior ponies had kept that stupid custom alive or not.
As I trotted past a table I saw a few ponies playing what appeared to be poker. The dealer shifted his head as I was moving past them. "Care to join?" He asked me.
"I don't really do cards," I replied, waving him off.
My eyes were still blurry, most likely from whatever happened with Riptide as I couldn't make out the features of those at the table. One was brown, the other was white with a red and black mane. They had enough players that I didn't need to join in to avoid a guilt trip. I heard an indecipherable noise of either confusion or amusement at my refusal and I scoffed before proceeding to the restroom. It wasn't like this was a casino. I came here to eat, not to play cards.
Once I locked myself inside, I stared into the mirror, looking deep into my own eyes as I got some water to run. I looked mostly fine, a little tired but fine. I closed my eyes as I put my face in the sink and splashed hooffuls of water over my head, letting the water run through my mane and coat hoping to dispel whatever was hanging over me.
When I looked in the mirror again, I appeared just as exhausted. The water hadn't helped and if anything I looked worse which made me wince.
I could see all of the new scars on my muzzle. My horn would never be the same, though my magic was coming back to full strength without much delay. I had made it out pretty lucky. I hadn't gotten any new barding so I was left bare to the wasteland and any more punishment it wished to deal out to me.
What punishment is waiting for you?
I paused. The voice hadn't been vocal, but sounded like it was in my mind. Usually, I just thought to myself in my mind, good old internal monolog, but this was different. Quietly I looked around and saw nobody casting a spell, nor anyone in windows who could have cast one to explain the strange intrusive mental voice. It wasn't the first time I had heard things in my life and I doubted it would be the last time I hallucinated. Given how my face looked, I was probably suffering from the effects of built-up exhaustion.
I just need to catch up on some rest. That's all.
I left the restroom and saw that the poker game had broken up. The same, old stallion was there alone, shuffling a deck.
"How about I tell you your fortune?" The Dealer said with a toothy grin. "You seem to be traveling, maybe it will put your mind at ease. After all, you do look out of sorts and in need of some good news perhaps."
I giggled a little and smiled at him. "Yeah, sure." I humored him.
I didn't have much stock put into cards predicting the future but then again everypony could do some kind of magic. Now that I was up close to the Dealer I could see he was a well-weathered and aged stallion. His worn, grey coat showed the number of trails he had been down. He kept his head down so I could only see his muzzle. The flare for being dramatic was alive and well within him.
"Are you familiar with Luna's deck?" The dealer asked as he shuffled the deck again with his hooves and then had me cut it. Even without seeing my face, he knew I didn't and went on. "Ah, an old tradition. One that was renamed after her fall and restored when she was. Each card frames a different thing, an outcome, an option, or an event. It can tell things that have happened or will happen and what you can do. We can also ask the cards questions if you wish, but, I will tell you now, wait for the explanations to be done before reacting."
It was bullshit I decided. Maybe in the hooves of a Princess, it was a tool for divining the future but in the hooves of some buck? Well, at least he wasn't asking for caps and was just trying to make me feel better so I wouldn't be hard on him.
"So which do you wish to do? Ask a question or a general reading?" The dealer asked as the deck sat beside him.
We ask, but what? That's a fair point. Let's get a feel for what he's doing with his cold reading.
"Let's go with a general reading. Life has been chaotic as of late." I answered.
The Dealer nodded and drew three cards face down. He flipped the three cards over. The first was the tower, then the moon, and finally the hermit. Drawn on the cards were characters I recognized from history; Chrysalis, Nightmare Moon, and Luna reformed, all of which seemed to almost move. That didn't seem right.
"The tower is reversed. It seems whatever is going on you should embrace whatever changes are happening to yourself."
That was pretty broad. Annoyingly I can map it to my mutations.
"The moon is upright, and in the second position is telling you how to care for yourself in these times, by your intuition."
Right, I was already doing that. I'm still not buying that this is accurate in any way.
"The hermit is upright and at the end, telling you when you are lost. Introspection is your guide for finding yourself in these times."
Right, the moon and hermit were saying the same thing. How useful.
The Dealer looked at me, almost annoyed.
"Moony, you ready to go?" Riptide's voice suddenly cut in.
I blinked and was staring back into the mirror in the restroom. A glance at the time readout in my EFS showed a few minutes had gone by. In the mirror, I saw a blurry-eyed mare staring back at me, and for a moment a toothy grin in the window that sat behind me. I spun around quickly but the grin was gone, as well as its bearer.
With a quick shake of my mane, I banished the whole thing as just another hallucination. Then, as I turned back to the mirror to straighten my mane, I saw the three cards. The Tower, The Moon, and The Hermit.
Well, that is not encouraging to see.
A feeling of being watched crept over me as I stowed the cards in a pouch and left the restroom.
"There you are, everything alright?" Riptide asked before giving me a nuzzle.
"Yeah, just a bit more out of it than I thought. Guess it's time to get some sleep." I deflected.
My eyes landed on the table that the Dealer had been at. It was vacant but as we trotted past I heard the shuffling of cards, sending a spike of anxiety through me.
Quest Perk Added: Unwelcome Oversight. Sometimes things do not rest well in the wasteland and reach out to touch the lives of those who still live. These things are best left alone. They may be good or bad but they often are unsafe, dangerous, and unhealthy. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 18 - Dockland | "Keep Dockland Weird? How much weirder does it need to be, it has two fricken names?!"
Disgruntled Dockland Resident
Anxiety had its teeth firmly planted on my throat. In the end, I only managed a few hours of sleep. While Riptide's gaze freaked me out at first, I actually managed to sleep better cuddled up against her as the big spoon. Given Riptide had let out a large sigh when I rolled over to spoon her I got the feeling she hadn't fallen asleep either. Sil had tried her best to be my big spoon but we were equal size so that didn't work that well.
I didn't sleep that many hours. My EFS helpfully reminded me of that fact every time I opened my eyes with a cute rendition of the sun and moon, small deformed versions of Luna and Celestia resting over the time readout.
Sisters help me, the diagram of the two as cute small ponies is really growing on me despite the fact that they were supposed to be super powerful alicorns that moved heaven and earth with their horns.
Growing up I had respected them for their power and their magical knowledge, and, for a short while, a spiritual reverence for them. Still, there was a desire to believe that the Sisters were out there watching over us but I doubted they interacted with us on any level.
Regardless of that, there were more mundane things that required my attention and were worthy of inspiring worry within me. Riptide's family for example would probably be confused, distraught, and distraught at her arriving late and without her family; even though they'd more than likely celebrate the fact that she was even alive. As far as the ponies in Dockland knew, Riptide and her family had failed to arrive and were gone, lost to the wasteland as many others were.
Ugh, questions for the morning and the trip into the city. Oh Luna, of all the nights why couldn't you give me your gentle embrace tonight?
I sighed. Maybe I just needed to bleed off all this excess energy or, more likely, it was the sudden shift in sleeping patterns from an evening pony on night patrol to a morning one. It wasn't that hard for me to go entirely nocturnal all that long ago, which has definitely contributed to me being wide awake at three in the morning.
That and the pit of anxiety currently eating away at me: the fear of Riptide's extended family hating me, or her, or just... us. Certain post-war ponies weren't so open with our sort of relationship, something I'd seen in prepper communities with their hard line on 'keeping the family line going' and all that crap.
Too many unknowns.
I wondered what it was like having an extended family. I had never met my father's side of the family; he had left them long ago, leaving the heartland in search of greener pastures. Ended up going to a lot of places; Manehatten, Las Pegasus (well the ground part of it), Appleloosa, Baltimare, Vanhoover, and then worked his way back down the coast to Saint Clover. Somewhere in all that he had bumped into Majar and Sil's mom and the rest is history.
As for my mom's side of the family, I just never got to meet them. Mom had a large number of siblings growing up but, one by one, the wasteland took them along with her parents.
I gave another sigh and pushed my face into Riptide's mane, trying to block out my EFS. All that did was tune out everything but the greenish EFS. I stopped myself from lashing out in frustration and instead took a long, deep breath, scenting the smell of the ocean in Riptide's mane.
It struck me as silly that she still smelled of the ocean, after so many baths and showers, but maybe it was just ingrained into her. Still, it made me think of home, and that made some of the anxiety wash away, like a wave receding from the beach.
Home...
A pang of sadness reverberated through me at the thought that I wouldn't be home for Hearth's Warming but I hoped that I would have a new family to spend it with instead. Failing that, I still had Sil, Winter, and Ocean; I would pry Riptide away from her family if I had to so we could all have our own little family gathering for Hearth's Warming. While it would hurt not to get to spend it with Mom, Dad, and Silver I would still have the family I chose, my friends and lovers.
What was home then? I guess I needed to redefine it, not that redefining it would make it stick right away.
I suppose home was not where I grew up or where my parents lived. Home was going to have to be where I was most welcome; that was at Riptide's side, at Sil's side, around Winter and Ocean. A place where I could rest and let my guard down, that was home now meant though I guess it always had. I just had it as a fixed location instead of as a concept.
It still would be nice to have some kind of base of operation once we hit Dockland since we would be staying there for winter but I had no idea what kind of space Riptide's extended family had in the city. Pioneer Square had been mentioned as a place to stay so I made a note to see if I could just buy a room instead of renting one out.
I let out a groan of frustration and opened my left eye to check the time. Only five minutes had gone by. Sisters damn me I was too far into my own skull that I was driving myself insane and keeping myself up all night!
With deep regret, I accomplished the feat of extracting myself from two snuggly mares I deeply loved. I selected a thick blanket to take my place and help keep them cozy on this cool autumn night before heading out of the tent. The chill of the late-night air hit me immediately upon stepping outside into the darkness; the lights had been turned off at some point in Hoofview.
"I thought you knew better than to wander off from your post." Ocean's voice chided before I felt her hoof mess up my mane.
Turning to face her I sighed. "Brain is being a fuck tonight. You?"
"I've been on edge." She answered. "Haven't slept well since we stepped out of Saint Clover."
That was something I could relate to; even with Sil and Riptide to help ease my mind, sleep wasn't the easiest to come by since we left, not to mention I was now sleeping lighter due to everything that happened in Four Corners. Waking up to fight the scaly horrors of the apocalypse was not fun.
"Got a vector or are you just wandering tonight?" She asked me.
"Wandering," I replied. "Hoping to find something to distract me for a while,"
Ocean nodded and trotted with me, the weak green glow of my horn guiding our trot through the sleeping town. Both of us had left our stuff back at camp; no need for guns and armor here, plus neither of us wanted to arouse suspicion with the supposed thefts that had been going on.
The cool night air didn't bother me, if anything it was comforting. Hefty mist formed from our breaths as our quiet hoofsteps filled the air. The wind blew softly, whistling through the abandoned buildings around us. Lightbulbs and branches clinked and rustled in the breeze.
"This part of town seems more run down." Ocean mused.
Given the proximity to the Five, I figured it was an active choice to leave these abandoned to keep raiders from having easy targets. Sacrificial buildings you might call them.
One caught my eye though.
"Ah, a bookstore? Of course." Ocean giggled when she noticed me staring.
I rolled my eyes and playfully hit her shoulder. "Yeah, and?" I snorted. "It's not like I have a book on my flank-- oh wait I do."
"Come on, let's get in and out of sight. I know you'll find a way to fill the night with something in there."
The rest of this block the bookstore had sat on was long abandoned and gave a heavy aura of abandonment. Sweeping away built-up dust on the glass front door though, we could see that it had once been well-loved before the bombs. After? It looked like some people had swept through it to find anything immediately useful post-collapse. I doubted anypony had taken time to go through it for the novel pleasure of books.
Entry was simple; I could see the basic deadbolt upon leaning down and to the side of the door. With a twist of my magic, the door was released and swung open.
A wave of fresh air swept past us as we entered but even after shutting the door behind us the air inside still felt heavy, pointing towards some form of rot affecting the place.
"I can see why you don't practice lockpicking much." Ocean teased as she poked abandoned periodicals that were strewn across the floor.
"Why lockpick if I can see the release?" I giggled. "Plus lockpicking is rarely useful. What's going to be in a safe? Prewar bits are about all that will ever be useful in them."
"Fair that but remember that doors exist." She remarked dryly.
"Yes, they are useful, like in Fillymath." I agreed. "Now let's, uh, try to be quick on finding something to do. The air in here might make us sick."
Ocean made a face as she bit back a reply. I hazard a guess that she had wanted to tease me, which wasn't hard. Sexual jokes used to be common between us.
We slowly made our way through the store, cautiously weaving around weak-looking areas while finding all sorts of novels, history books, magazines, and technical manuals. Useful for murdering boredom as well as learning but none of it called to me. In the end, we found a section on magic.
Ah, it always came back to magic with me, didn't it?
My horn lit up as I used said magic to brush over each book, skimming the titles. A lot of what was left were things like teaching your foal basic spells and how to control a foal's magic. 'Earth Pony's Guide to Raising a Unicorn'? Did that happen often enough that they needed a book? I quickly banished the thought with a shake of my mane.
The rest of the listings remained in the more mundane fields of arcane science and so we pushed on into the back of the store, only to pause at the sight of a skeleton. Ocean motioned for me to make certain it wouldn't stand up and pester us for our employee credentials, given we were in the employee-only section now. A magical tap on the hollow skull was all we needed to prove it was not a sleeping undead skeleton. Not that I had heard of those existing outside of monster manuals Winter had gifted me a decade ago.
Ocean soon found an office with a functional terminal and had me chew through its security over the next hour, with me taking my time trying to figure out the password and reset it. While the security wasn't tight they had been clever about it but eventually, I managed to crack the system open anyways; thank the stars for low-security systems having bypasses for repair technicians.
Once inside I noted a few logs still on the terminal, most from before the War but two of them were post-war. However, trying to open them revealed that the directory was corrupted.
I let out a wistful sigh. I had hoped to read something by somepony from before the end. Oh well. With a few more keypresses, I accessed the inventory and was presented with three options: Reserved Inventory, General Inventory, and Unlock Safe.
There was a safe? I hadn't seen one.
I looked around and definitely didn't see one in the office.
Odd.
I unlocked the safe and then selected 'Reserved Inventory', only for the terminal to crash before rebooting. I let out a frustrated sigh and powered it down so I could inform Ocean of my findings. This building only had so much space to it. I've seen a good portion of it with the office and the general inventory section so where is this reserved inventory?
My question was answered when I heard a crashing noise. Cantering over, I found Ocean in a hole leading to the basement; lying on top of a pile of rotted flooring and nursing a bruised ego rather than any actual bruises. I quickly hopped down after her, my magic helping to slow my fall.
"Stop being a majestic fuck." Ocean hissed as I helped her up.
"What? I didn't trust anything I could land on." I replied as I turned on my Pipbuck light.
Soft, green light filled the room, revealing to us rows of dusty shelves. Ocean and I nodded to each other and we restarted our search for anything useful. The light from the Pipbuck reminded me of my own magic, a question for later as the light reflected off of aisle labels and book titles.
As we passed a section on consumer magitek devices, my mind lingered on the oddities of the tech we smashed together to make the Pipbuck Zero. Such as the fact I hadn't had to replace the battery felt wrong unless it's been taking some of my magic to fuel itself. Maybe in our downtime, Sil had figured out how to augment its power supply.
My eyes quickly skimmed through the indexes held in my magic to see if anything held some documentation for the tech. Of course, it was inevitable that I found nothing; Stable-Tec wouldn't have had secrets like how one of their most prized pieces of tech worked outside their facilities.
While not as omnidirectional as my horn light, the Pipbuck light was more reliable in the event I got disabled for whatever reason and as such did most of the illumination for us.
Ocean suddenly pointed to a shelf and the books on them. It took a few moments for me to realize her point; the books down here were definitely not fit for more public consumption.
"I'm fairly certain mares' breasts don't get that big even when pregnant," I muttered to Ocean who just giggled and browsed more of the covers, as did I purely out of curiosity and a little bit of incredulousness. "If I saw a stallion this well-hung I'd probably be more interested in checking their blood pressure or fleeing before they got near me. I can already imagine my internal organs being crushed."
"Agreed, though it does make me wanna see how big you'd get with a foal." Ocean teased me.
"Why do I keep thinking you're just purely straight when all you want is to ride my face while Winter rails me?" I sighed.
"Your guess is as good as mine." She giggled back.
As we continued down the pornographic section of the store I became dumbfounded that what was on the shelf hadn't been annihilated by the Ministry of Image on the basis of sedition.
"How did they get away with making porn of the ministry heads and princesses?" Ocean asked.
"My thoughts exactly. I doubt they agreed to uh... do these shoots." I pondered aloud. "I hope we get to the end of this stuff soon. I am getting tired of looking at all this lewd material."
"Don't blame you, we both have... plenty of chances to enjoy lewd materials when we desire." She agreed. "After all, we just need to ask someone to pose for either of us."
We finally found a section on magic, the not-so-public-accessible stuff due to how advanced it was. Smart decision too to keep these out of laypony hooves; these tomes contained ritual magic.
I reached out to one of the books only to have it disintegrate at the slightest touch. I felt my eyes tear up as I looked at the pile of dust where it had been. It wasn't fair. I had time now.
Ocean gently hugged me seeing how distraught I was. She always did care about me after everything we'd been through and while it did make me feel bad I knew that everything had been forgiven. Still stung.
"Thanks, Ocean." I sighed, leaning into her. "I think I needed that more than I thought."
After a short, much-needed break we moved on to the rest of the tomes. After around thirty or so crumbled to dust, dashing my hopes and dreams in the process, we finally found one that stayed in one piece.
I hugged it gently as I sat on my haunches. This tome I would cherish and take care of. This was my own spellbook now. Its care was my duty.
"Think it will hold up for long?" Ocean asked, looking hopeful it would, at least for my sake.
It was a good question and as my thoughts were drawn to its preservation my mind landed upon the mending and restoration spell I recently learned for taking care of possessions, clothing, and equipment.
"I think I might have something to help with that," I whispered as I let my magic flow into the book.
As the frog of my hoof ran across the spine of the book, I could feel its rough cover smoothen, the loose yellowed pages shuffle back into place and brighten, entropy reversed.
"Time may have hurt you, ponies may have left you alone but I'm here now," I said to the magic book in a soothing voice, petting it like one might soothe a crying foal. "I'll keep you safe."
Ocean gave me an odd look, which I returned.
"What?" I asked, to which she just grinned.
With that adventure out of the way, we turned our attention to the rest of the bookstore. We salvaged one book and with luck, we would get a few more useful ones. Eventually, we managed to find two other books that piqued our interest. Though neither were spellbooks, one described a form of unarmed combat while the other discussed locksmithing.
I had always been curious about how locks actually worked and not the uninformed way I had been taught to pick them.
"Let me read those once you're done. The one on punting apples looks fun." Ocean giggled in amusement though I could tell she was sincere.
"Of course." I beamed.
A quick check of the final backroom revealed that it was mostly filled with dirt. I shook my head and made to move on when I felt something... off, almost like the taste of mint in my mouth. Going on instinct, I began to hunt down the source of it, Ocean keeping a curious eye out as I did.
A half-buried wall seemed to be the source and, upon contact, my hoof went through it, that mint taste in my mouth suddenly going from small but noticeable to strong but refreshing.
"Huh... hidden wall," I explained to a confused Ocean. "Weird that I could sense the enchantment for it."
"I mean... How many active, long-term enchantments have you come across?" She countered.
"Good point. As far as I know, I've never seen one like it." I replied before giggling, tapping my horn with a hoof. "But I guess it makes sense I could sense it with the whole magical antenna on my forehead."
"So what's in there?" She asked, peeking past me.
The illusionary wall had a thickness of nothing so I barely had to poke my head through. To my amusement, I saw the aforementioned safe, half-buried in the dirt.
"A safe, but I say fuck it, let's head out. I ain't diggin' through all that dirt to get someone's tax files and inventory printouts." I snorted.
As we returned from the bookstore I heard something flutter overhead, it wasn't like a bird or an insect, maybe a bat? Looking up all I saw was the night sky. Ocean herself had paused and was looking as well, given the puzzled look she also failed to catch sight of the source of the sound.
"Come on let's get back to the caravan, I don't know what that was," I said to Ocean, and she gave me a nod.
Upon returning to Ruby's camp and sitting down outside the tents where the glow of my pipbuck wouldn't wake anypony up and read the two books. I was going to save the spellbook for the ride into Dockland. Then I could figure out what I could quickly learn from it and what would take longer to study than a few-hour carriage ride.
An hour into reading I was done with the first book and onto the second, now it was around five-forty in the morning. At this point, two guard ponies walked up to me, and both looked annoyed.
"You." Said Nightstick glaring at me as he pushed my book closed with his nightstick.
"It wasn't me I went into the old bookstore when I came out I heard something fly over but I didn't catch what it was. Was around, give me a sec." I looked at the time on my EFS. "An hour and ten minutes ago? It was headed east given the breeze I felt, must have jumped over me and into the air or something."
"And how can we be certain it wasn't you?" Shield said, leaning on his riot shield.
"Uh, simple, this has been going on for how long? Week? I spent roughly that long in Four Corners and I can collaborate with Ruby and her group. A good day of fighting raiders and a hydra shoulder-to-shoulder with the townsfolk. I could barely stand after being poisoned." I replied.
"Mhm. And you were just out for a night's stroll?" Nightstick asked dangerously.
Annoyance with them grew and I let myself wear it clearly on my face as I answered them. "I'm meeting one of my marefriend's extended family for the first time tomorrow. At the same time, they are getting the news that her parents and siblings kind of got killed and flayed by psychopaths." Calmly I placed a bookmark in the spellbook and looked directly into Nightstick's eyes. "So excuse me since I'm a bit stressed out. But, as a guard for my hometown, I know how dealing with bullshit for over a week can make me extremely snippy and suspicious of newcomers."
The two guards looked at one another and Nightstick opened his mouth to speak but I snapped at them. "Back home I was used to rotating shifts for patrol. Which meant that sleeping today in the coach put me on the same night watch schedule as you two and left me laying in bed drifting in and out of sleep overthinking like a complete basket case."
"Fine, didn't ask for your life story, bitch." Shield said, rolling his eyes.
I felt my eye twitch as part of me snapped at them and unleashed my inner watch commander. Instinct told me to make them into glue, an instinct my mom had tried to train out of me after seeing my rage. The anger I inherited from my father, a rage that he had tried to tell me got him into a lot of needless fights. Like it was threatening to do right now. It would be all too easy to just crush their throats, use my knife to silence them, or pull their own pistols on them.
Breath, they're just assholes and they're just doing their damn job, let it go. Plus it really isn't worth it.
"Come on, let's go look around more, at least now we have an idea which way the fucker flies out of town," Nightstick said to shield as the two walked away from me, at some point, they had turned around and gotten a good twenty feet away, and I hadn't noticed.
Sisters help me control myself. I can't afford to lose myself to the wasteland.
I turned my focus back to my book, and as I turned the pages to find where I was, I found myself looking once again at the Nightmare Moon card. I didn't remember placing the card as a bookmark. It was supposed to still be in my bags or had I taken it out without thinking?
This lack of sleep is making me lose it.
The sound of shuffling paper filled my ears as I turned the pages in my magic and placed the card at the end and began to read from where I left off.
Morning arrived with all its subtleties. Between the gentle fade-up of light to the little Celestia posing in the corner of my vision as sunrise occurred. Ponies began their day, some shouts from the town as ponies became aware of the overnight theft but it wasn't my problem today. I hadn't gotten a good look at what it was or where it went, if I had I might have offered to help. Also, I was a bit sour after my run-in with Nightstick and Shield last night. Had altered my opinion of the town a little. I also had other things to do today.
Instead of eating at one of the restaurants again, I had some of my packed pre-war snack cakes and a Sparkle-Cola, it wasn't like the rads hurt me anymore. Though the sugar was probably going to catch up to me.
Guess I'm in that mood today, huh? Well, let's hope we can wash it away by the time we meet with Riptide's family. I want to be neutral, not nearing sour or throat-crushing spine-ripping angry. That would leave a bad impression.
Of course, part of the lack of will to eat out again was the lack of will to deal with the social engagements that it involved. I doubted that the Dealer would be there again. I grunted at my own annoyed mood as I set the drained Sparkle-Cola down and closed the second book having finished it. I was better than this, darn it. Sure I had my anxieties and insecurities but I could handle this.
I sunk my muzzle into the grimoire that I had found in the bookstore. The beginning part was typical of any grimoire. Your typical warnings of not to use magic to harm others, only as a last resort use spells in self-defense to disable. Practice spells with a superior mage. The initial spells were your typical light, telekinesis, shield, and note-taking. Mundane stuff, things nopony would bat an eye at. I flipped back to the index and glared at Luna staring back at me and then moved her aside as I read the table of contents.
This book was broken up into degrees of difficulty to cast, graduating from daily useful spells that were easy to more challenging spells. I smiled seeing teleportation listed, an item recall spell as well. There were some odd-sounding ones of "bend surface" and "magic mirror". All in all, it was extensive and would take time to learn from. However, I did note the dearth of offensive spells or healing. So it was obviously a spellbook from before the Ministries.
I would need to find something to cover those grounds for the Ministry of Peace, as for Arcane Warfare, well, I knew it wasn't popular. The Ministry of Peace though had unicorn medics sent off to war, they didn't fight but healed the injured after battles. Damn brave souls. Arcane Warfare though... The Ministry of Arcane Science would be my only bet. I don't have any idea of any other ponies who would come up with spells for fighting. Maybe the EUP... That would mean the military base that ate a balefire bomb. Well, good thing radiation isn't as much of a concern.
My mind drifted to those cards again and so I pulled them into my hooves again and looked them over in the daylight. Nightmare Moon's card caught my eye and her eyes felt like they were staring back into mine. Given they were given to me by a spirit I wasn't surprised that they all seemed to slightly move. The cards weren't in the best of condition, but the art was beautiful, terrifying, and mystical. In a moment of frivolity and arrogance, I used my magic to attempt to restore them to their prime condition.
Something isn't right. I mean, sure they're likely slightly magical, but they aren't possibly outright magical artifacts. Right? ... I fucked up big time, didn't I? Shit, these are actually cards from Luna's personal deck.
Riptide broke me out of my focus and I looked up at her, my EFS dutifully told me it had been a few hours, and my horn hurt. Taking a glance at the cards it was easy to see they hadn't changed at all. In somewhat freaked-out haste, I stuffed the cards into the spellbook, one for each spell I wanted to research, teleportation, surface bending, and magical marks. I'll figure out what happened later.
"Are you alright?" Riptide asked, the look on her face said everything I needed to know there was worry and she had wanted to ask something else before I had reacted the way I did.
"I'm... anxious, that's why I wasn't in bed this morning. I'm a bit wound up about meeting your family." I admitted, feeling my shoulders relax a little with the admission as I stacked the books with my hooves.
My horn was still steaming the morning air around it. I didn't want to tempt fate this early in the day.
"Oh, well. I am as well, it's been a while if that helps your nerves at all." Riptide replied looking at where the Nightmare Moon card poked out of the spellbook.
"You were really focused on those cards when I came over, anything special about them?" Riptide asked.
"I was trying a spell out on it, trying to restore them, but it didn't work. I don't know why but I kind of got lost in poking at it trying to make it work." I half lied.
"Oh, that's weird. Well, maybe they were made like that?" Riptide offered as she tried to help make sense of the situation.
"Maybe, it would explain why the repair spell failed. Can't make something better than it was." I admitted as I logged her idea as a possibility, a strong one at that. "I'll poke at it later, I found them last night and I've never seen anything like them. When we settle down someplace tonight I'll let you look at them. Don't want them to get blown away while we're riding up the Five."
"Yeah, without glass it might fly out the window." Riptide teased. "I mean we have our magic but why risk it."
"Yeah, those bumps can startle us, lost my place in a book more than I care to admit on the trip from Wayhill." I giggled, those bumps were hard enough to jam my horn into the coach roof and make my magic implode.
As Riptide moved off to help break the camp down Sil caught up to her and asked her. "So is she okay? Her horn smoking isn't normal."
"Apparently she fucked up a new spell."
"Ah, that would do it, still, best if we try to keep her from doing magic for a few hours."
"Agreed, though we don't have the privacy to do it my way."
Sil giggled and gave Riptide a gentle push. "There are a lot of other ways to distract her."
"Yeah, I know, but that way is really fun."
With a shake of my mane and a roll of my eyes, I got to my hooves to help finish breaking camp down and get back on the road.
-=O=-
The trip to Dockland was an interesting one. To be fair in general the trip had been an interesting one, not just this last leg of it. Was mostly about the last leg of the trip from Hoofview into Dockland itself. While where we started out in Hoofview was nice and green the further north we got the more damage from fires was visible, even the air itself felt more sickly and stale. While the scent of death didn't fill my nose there was an expectation of it, but it smelled like old fire and dust. Which was fitting for a balefire-blasted wasteland. Here there were fewer trees and less complex plant life whittling down the number of bushes, ferns, and then eventually just grass until that was sick brown grass. Blackened husks of towns, long sighing structures begging for the touch of ponies once more. No signs of raiders though, no cages hanging off of bridges, no smoke, no nothing. It was quiet and lonely. I wouldn't want to walk this road alone; it was a lonesome road.
We broke east and into another valley, the Willmanemette River was to our right as we sat on the highway hundreds of feet above the banks. Mudslides had closed off the highway on the other side of the Five some time ago. Before us lay a city two craters smoldered within it off to the northeast, and a river far wider than the one we were next to lay to the north. Many buildings I could see were darkened husks on the east side of the Willmanemette but, on the west near us, they seemed tired. The hills were black on the west with burned-out trees, places were bare to the rock of the hills where soil had slid off over the centuries taking buildings with it.
We were still a few miles away but we had made it to Dockland. I felt something in me ease at the sight and the feeling of wonder washed over me. The Mill was a large town qualifying as a city. Wayhill had been a city as well but Dockland was the biggest city between Applewood and Seaddle and it showed. I had no idea how big it really meant until now. The valley itself was just a city with buildings sprawling from the valley wall out to the horizon. Twisted, burned, ruined, battered, but it was there. Two scars from the war were obvious by the green glow and ruins around them, the skyport crater the most obvious due to it even causing the Columbmane to make columns of steam rising into the sky. I knew there was one more crater to the northwest but it was obscured by the hills. The daylight hid any glow from the blast sites.
"We made it, Riptide," I said softly looking out over her shoulder as we drank in the sight.
"Yes, we did," Riptide replied as I felt her relax against me.
"I never thought it would be so huge," Sil murmured.
"Yeah, it just goes on." I agreed with Sil. "I don't think I'll have issues with spending time picking through the city while we wait out the winter."
"Don't go too far without me." Riptide teased.
"I know, I'm going to stick close to Pioneer Square until everything is settled," I assured Riptide.
"Good, I don't want to hear you went out and got yourself killed on the slopes of Mount Hoof or something." Riptide huffed.
In return, my magic ruffled her mane. I understood her worries and I had worries about her, worries about her family and how they'll react to the news. How they will react to me and Sil. Hopefully, those worries wouldn't bear fruit. And it was easy to understand that she didn't want her mare to wander off too far if she was indisposed with her family. But I had the others with me so I wouldn't be going anywhere alone, at least too often.
"That's if your family doesn't just let me in," I added, Riptide looked like she hadn't considered that, or hadn't recently considered it at least. "I'm still going to stick close to the Marina. No point in wandering off and splitting us all up. Just would end up being a headache if we need to group up to tackle something."
"Glad to hear it, hun," Riptide said before leaning over to nuzzle under my jaw.
The coach started to move again as we headed downhill into Dockland proper, it wouldn't be long now. I felt excitement finally flow into me. I was happy to feel some emotions push out the fear and anxiety after the past few days. I was practically giddy. Even with the nibbling worry at the corners of my mind.
We made it half an hour towards Dockland before things went wrong. Of course, things went wrong but, my mood didn't sour, or maybe I had a screw loose. Someone decided to shoot at us and blocked the road with upturned wagons. So I hopped out of the stagecoach and grabbed my pistol. My rifle was stuck under too much other cargo for the time to dig it out. With care and speed, I cantered my way to the side of the Five breaking from the caravan into hardcover to break contact.
More shots rang out as everyone else fired back at the overpass the pullers had fallen back as the upturned wagons were in a kill zone. With a quick look around the front of an overturned wagon, I spotted a few ponies duck down as chunks of concrete were blasted away by gunfire. This wasn't a one-pony operation, which meant this needed to be sorted fast and I was the one in a position to quickly end this. The blockade wasn't going to move so that wasn't an option, even with my magic.
The easier solution was to move closer or so I thought until I felt a tripwire snap on my rear hoof. Trap sprung it seemed as barrels rolling down the off-ramp. Well, that wasn't that bad, with the grasp of my magic they were brushed aside and then gently stacked, they weren't that heavy or even moving fast, to begin with. That is when I felt a searing pain in my hind followed by the thump of a shotgun. Looking back I saw that behind the wreckage of a coach there had been a shotgun set up with a light sensor.
Clever fuckers.
"Celestia forgive me for I am going to flay these bastards alive," I muttered as I grabbed the shotgun out of its mount before I limped forward.
Grasped in my magic a carriage wheel floated ahead and another two to my sides for protection and to set off more traps that might lay ahead. Very quickly my appreciation for my own foresight became a secondary thought. Because there were so damn many fucking traps.
When I arrived at the top of the offramp the carriage wheels were only recognizable as once-circular objects made of metal. They had been made of metal but now they had gone from weathered and whole to what passed for two hundred years of raider target practice. Suffice it to say their protective abilities were exhausted. The brief thought of how bad my head would have hurt if I had tried to use a shield spell instead passed through my mind, it likely was something someone had planned on.
The makeshift shields rolled off after my magic released them, useless for any purpose other than to tell a tale. And my priority was cleaning wounds and making plans now so they'd get to rest until someone else found them. Because one thing I learned long ago was to not leave buckshot in your ass. While doing triage and first-aid I cataloged what the raiders' position had against what I had gathered on my way up. On the trip up there had been more shotguns but easily spotted, and disarmed their ammo was now mine to use against their owners. The downside to that was without anything to hold ammo and weapons my magic was being spread thin doing inventory management. Thank the Stars I didn't have to handle everything with just two talons.
This was a terrible plan, but I had two guns, a shotgun, and a pistol. So it could have been a much worse plan.
At the top of the ramp I looked across the overpass and saw six ponies all in a line like a bunch of smart ponies, they were using the concrete wall between them and the caravan. The curb gave them a nice bit of shoulder-high cover to keep their heads from being perforated by those passing below. Not smart for them as the constant gunfire had hidden the sounds of my approach and now that I was in position I let out a wall of elements to freeze them in place. They felt the ice as it built upon them. It wasn't enough to kill, but it was enough to hurt them, slow them, for some of them couldn't move. Poor raiders, oh well they made the bad life choice of shooting at us.
Up came the shotgun, it was a nice short sawed-off coach shotgun. I just walked forward, letting loose an arcane blast into the nearest pony who had managed to not get completely frozen to the concrete, his legs shattering on impact. Even if he was still mobile the ice had done a number on his flesh and bone, without legs well he was nothing. I finished him with a suppressed pistol shot to the head. The next two were finished with point-blank shotgun shells to the skull. I faintly was aware of the blood splashing on me as I executed the raiders.
I took a minute to loot the raiders of ammo and healing supplies, the guns I left behind. They would have been too much work to make worthwhile. Pipeguns and all. However, I took the magazines and even ejected the rounds out of the chamber. I felt sorry for whoever came through and thought they had a jackpot on their hooves. This was just a bloodbath.
When I returned to the coach I got a splash of water from Night. "No blood in the Coach unless you got shot while in it."
I paused looking at the pool forming around me, there was a fair bit of blood, almost none of it mine. "I only got scratched, guess I got a little too close when finishing them off."
With a thought my magic strained me, pushing the water and blood out of my coat onto the ground around me before I climbed back into the coach. Additionally, the new acquisitions and ammo were deposited with the rest of our gear, never knew when you needed more shotgun shells, pistol rounds, and small caliber rifle rounds. Plus I doubted Ruby and her crew needed my help clearing the road now that those who had obstructed it were dead.
"You probably should have said something and I would have gone with you," Sil said.
She wasn't wrong, but something made me just act without really thinking, training, instinct, or need, it was hard to say what drove me to act that way. Maybe I just needed to blow off some steam, which if that was the case suicidal one-person flanking strikes were a pretty bad way to do that and my ass was very mindful to remind me of that with the fading buckshot wounds aching.
"More ponies sneaking together makes it infinitely more likely that the group gets caught. But, yes I should have two is the ideal number of sneakers." I replied, ignoring the old billboard for sneaker hoofshoes in my line of sight behind Riptide advertising how quiet they were.
"I understand, but." Sil started and then sighed. "I just need to act instead of waiting for permission don't I?"
It was what we were taught to do, but Sil was always cautious, asking before doing in new situations or situations she hadn't been in for a long while. It was reasonable, and as such I couldn't fault her for it, but she needed to get that instinct back. Because that would have been easier with another glued to my ass. Sil more so due to her knack for disarming traps.
"It's probably best when I start going off on my own like that," I admitted. "That or learn how to lasso me."
Sil pondered as she put some thought into the second option it seemed.
Riptide sighed and shook her mane. "Well, you did say that meeting my family was distressing to you, did that help at all?"
I went to answer then put a hoof to my chin and thought. As I sat pondering the coach started to move again as we rolled into Dockland past what was hopefully the last thing stopping us from our destination. Though not our goal, as that was Riptide's family. But, letting loose and putting down those raiders helped? It was, no, it wasn't the act of killing that helped, though part of me was bothered that it wasn't until now I was starting to feel the negative effects of having been up close killing those ponies. I couldn't remember my emotions when I killed them, or my expression, it likely had been one of overwhelming neutrality.
No, what had helped was getting up moving, and doing not just thinking and planning but planning and executing the plan. Though now it began to gnaw at me having done it up close and personal and I felt nothing. I couldn't accept being like that.
"It wasn't about the raiders, it was about figuring out a way to deal with them, and doing that helped. I needed to do something more than sit on my rump and run around inside my skull. Even when doing patrol duty something was needing fixing, some turrets broke down, some generators needed restarting, and a relay needed to be dusted. Somepony needed to be let out of a locked room or somepony needed me to dig a splinter out of their ass. That last one happened more often than I want to remember. Ugh, I've seen so many pony butts because they forget to sweep with their tails and then sit so they get stabbed in the ass." I sighed trying to not think about the rears I had worked on, changing my thoughts to a different type of work and then wincing as instead of Riptide coming to mind first, Winter did.
"That bad?" Riptide asked.
"You end up losing interest in pony's rears when you spend so many damn hours pulling things from them. Sometimes from inside of them. I swear the stupid shit some ponies get up to on their watches is infuriating." I muttered. "The fact that I've had to reference a Sisters' damned magazine twice because they ended up doing something an article was written about says something." I just buried my face in my hooves.
I understood how boredom was one of the worst things in the world but the cure wasn't figuring out if you could fit random things into your cavities. I was just glad I only had to deal with ponies in the guard who fucked up on duty, though apparently, things were a lot better on the civilian side due to bored ponies could just go find a whore or use proper toys.
"Ugh, now I'm thinking about weird things in marehood's again. I don't need to nor do I want to remember this." I whimpered as I tried to crush the memories out of my head. "Please use devices as directed to you morons." I whimpered to myself. "I really don't want to have to deal with that ever again."
I could feel Riptide turn away from me. "Is what she's saying true?"
"She's told me stories in far more vivid detail. And I've seen the aftermath a few times." Sil sighed. "Boredom is the worst thing for a pony in the wasteland, and more so on guard duty. That's all I have to say on that."
I looked up at Riptide to see her face carry a mix of concern and amusement. "Well, I have you but your rants make me a bit scared of what you have gone through. And what you might do."
"Good, on both fronts I think." I finished feeling dumber remembering all the stupid things mares and stallions got up to on their watches. "Maybe this is why Luna blessed me with the inability to remember my dreams, so I didn't dream about this sort of stuff."
Riptide just gave me a nuzzle.
We pulled to a stop and I looked outside, it had taken roughly fifteen minutes from the raiders to get here. There were a series of buildings with skyways between them, the letters "DU" were a shadow on the walls with rubble having been made into fortifications on the street opposite of them. The gate was opened and we were let in as a mist fell over the place. My EFS helpfully labeled this as Dockland University Campus. Looking outside I saw a lot of well-armed and armored ponies, though, no power armor. Combat armor though, battle saddles, and the occasional magical energy weapon. Nopony was outside milling about, just guards. We pulled through another gate past the buildings I had seen into a small park.
As I looked south and north it seemed to extend for a few blocks and once large trees stood as guardians over crops that grew below them. Meger little things. Wait, crops in autumn? That didn't make sense, this was the wrong season for crops. Curious...
I heard Ruby hop off her seat and I opened the door grabbing the book Crash Cart had given me. I had made a duplicate of the book during my insomnia in Hoofview while I had not read it yet it would be of use to give to the ponies here with the... Duplicate in the metal casket.
There were more ponies here in this area behind the buildings, some spared me a few looks, though mostly at my pipbuck. A couple looked to take notes. I couldn't imagine why maybe just making a note that somepony had arrived in town. After a few minutes in the mist, helping unload a few items from the coach three ponies arrived, two earth ponies and a unicorn trailing them. All three were in white coats and one had a cart. I guessed they were here to collect the goods Ruby had brought.
"Hey, here's your shipment, and Crash Cart had us bring an oddity up with us for your biology team?" Ruby said as she nodded to the almost coffin-like box. "It's dead, or should be."
"Great, another Canterlot Ghoul?" The lead earth pony stallion grumbled.
Knowing what the package was I spoke up. "No, it is something... Weirder, definitely not a ghoul. Copied... Me, my looks but not the psyche or anything. Tried to hug a friend of mine to death, I think. It happened when I was isolated in Four Corners and they were looking for me. They couldn't really cut it open, but they were able to confirm that it wasn't like a pre-war changeling." I trailed off feeling the memory of wrongness wriggled through me again.
"Whatever it is or was, it isn't anything accounted for by our limited pool of knowledge," I explained then I pulled out the book Crash Cart had given me. "Crash Cart had given me this to read when I was ready, it details what he found; however, that thing just gives me bad memories. So you should have it if somepony here is going to study that... Things."
"Well okay, consider it in the queue for analysis. Given the box doesn't have any air holes, bullet holes, or burn marks it's pretty safe to say it didn't get out, and it's dead." The lead stallion said.
"Thank the Stars for that," I muttered.
With that, I helped unload the goods Ruby had marked for the University. Once that was done we bid the university farewell and I was informed that if I ever wanted to check in for results on the doppelganger, I could always come back and ask for the Department of Anomalous Wildlife. Apparently given we were with Ruby we were given a pass for returning. I had no interest in returning for now though. I just wanted to just let the University ponies do their thing for a while.
I needed to regain my footing within reality and had other priorities. Plus research took more than five minutes to do. We also still had two more stops to go. First, according to Ruby, was a place in the Pearl District. I figured it was Pioneer Square. While we were in the University District currently. There we would be dropping off everything except for us. Then Ruby and Night Dust were going to walk us to the waterfront where Riptide's family apparently had a town, simply referred to as the Marina.
Another fifteen minutes later we arrived at Pioneer Square, the place I had been told about. Pioneer Square, was apparently named for the ponies who had settled in the area after following the Columbmane early in the settling of Equestria. Though most ponies here seemed to just call it Pioneer now. It was a busy town. Many of the buildings had once been living spaces, government offices, business offices, commercial storefronts, and restaurants. With three blocks together and the old city, trains derailed and turned into walls, there was security, safety, and a lot of ponies. While not every inch of the place was inhabited, it was more populated than I had expected. There were at least a couple hundred ponies living here. All of them were armed, and all of them had known the wasteland to some degree I imagined. Here they had made a home, cleaned away the debris for what was theirs, and used the rubble to block access but two access points guarded by gates.
One thing I did notice was the only ministry building here was the Ministry of Morale, it also happened to be the building that had a spa in it. Go figure, the best way to keep morale up was pampering, food, parties, and all that fun stuff. Oddly, it was right next to the courthouse. Maybe because ponies had too much fun while partying. The ponies in town didn't regard us with much interest as we offloaded goods, I guessed it was common, or with so many ponies living here, we were just more faces a crowd. It was an odd feeling.
In Saint Clover, we had gotten to the point where it was getting close to being hard to remember who was who, but this was a different feeling. I shook my mane and focused on helping unload the stagecoach. I felt it was only proper to help after Ruby had gone all this way to take us here, even if we had paid for passage. As well as for our own food and lodgings. And I had done most of the heavy lifting with regard to threats to the trip.
I slipped on my bandoliers and saddlebags. I was busy sorting out the ammo I had collected into one saddlebag and tucking the shotgun halfway into the other when Ruby walked up to us.
"The others can take care of gettin' the goods to their owners and gettin' our pay. You lot already paid and I aim to deliver you to your destination. So, it's time for us to go to the waterfront." Ruby explained. "It's not a long walk, and it's patrolled reasonably well."
"Moonlight, while you handle that we'll get some rooms for us. Two obviously." Ocean explained as she and Winter stood apart from the rest of us. We did need to take care of that sooner or later.
"Sure, we'll see you two in a bit. Try not to get into too much trouble." I giggled.
"Make certain our room has a big bed." Sil snorted.
"Yeah yeah, we also are going to not get a room next to yours." Winter retorted.
"Hey!" I stammered feeling my face turn red.
"Gotcha." Winter chuckled. "You stay safe."
"Same to you," Sil replied while I tried to get my cheeks to keep from catching fire. I didn't snore that badly.
Night Dust joined us and took up rear guard while Sil and I flanked Riptide. Ruby took the lead for our group. It was clear as purified water that we were protecting Riptide but I wagered out here that would mean ransom over a murder. While the waterfront wasn't that far away on hoof it still took half an hour to get there. During that time I got to drink in the sensation of walking between the towering buildings of a proper city while they didn't scrape the clouds above they groaned, creaked, and occasionally still dropped glass somewhere. Without incident, we made it to the waterfront. While we had been on guard the area was supposedly well-patrolled which meant that this was a trade route to other towns within the ruins of Dockland the Marina was likely one of them. If they had working boats in the Marina I could imagine how they managed to stay separated for so long yet function off of trade.
I looked at the docks across the river. I saw half-sunk cargo ships, even a few still floating military ships of some kind. On this side, there was a mix of sailboats, yachts, and houseboats filling the small harbor. Around the marina was a wall topped with turrets, a few ponies sat in watchtowers, and what surprised me most were ponies swimming in the bitterly cold water while others sat by fishing lines.
"This, well I didn't know what to expect, but this isn't it," I said looking at Riptide.
"This is about what I expected but I didn't think there'd be so many! Do you think they'll throw a party for us?" Riptide asked as she pranced in place.
Sil trotted up beside me and whispered. "Feels overly defensive doesn't it?"
"Yeah, it does. Well, there is only one way to find out how we will be received." I said with a dismissive shake of my mane. "Thanks, Ruby, it's been a pleasure."
"No problem, Moonlight, don't be a stranger if you see us. No free rides though, maybe a discount." Ruby teased as we bumped hooves before she and Night Dust turned to return to Pioneer Square.
"Well, let's go meet your family Riptide," I said with a nuzzle to Riptide. "Let's hope no shotgun weddings are involved."
"Would that really be so bad?" Riptide snorted looking back into my eyes before trotting ahead leaving my cheek with a brush of her tail.
Sil patted me on the shoulder. She started to say something and then just let it die in her throat as she giggled while looking me in the face.
Level up! Welcome to level 8. New Perk added: Suck it Up! Physical Status' now affects you for one turn less. Maybe it's all the physical trauma you're soaking up, maybe it's just that you're learning how to roll with the kicks. So enjoy handling getting the shit beaten out of you easier now! |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 19 - Family | "Family can be a lot of things, those who gave birth to you, those who raised you, those who you choose to be your family. However, family is one thing more important than any of those, family loves you and cares about you unconditionally."
Ministry of Peace Heartmenders Book
We followed Riptide as we made for the gate to the Waterfront Marina as we drew closer. I saw a sign saying Battleship Cascadia Memorial Marina. The memory of explaining the war to foals back home filtered into my mind. The distraction was short-lived as we drew closer and my eyes scanned the walls, the gates, and the open kill zones laid out on the approach to the marina.
As we slowed near the gates a few of the ponies stared at us more at Sil and me than at Riptide as if we had violated some unspoken rule. The weight of those gazes made me lag further behind Riptide. I felt unwelcome which didn't help the whole 'yay let's meet Riptide's surviving family' thing.
"Hey, um, I know this is going to sound a bit out there, but, I'm Riptide," Riptide said trying to hold back her glee to one of the guards as she barely managed to stand in place.
There was something magical in her words but I couldn't capture what it was. But the hint of magic made me pause instead of facehoof at her words.
A breath after she finished I trotted up beside her and felt the other guard's eyes drilling into me as he kept his guns trained on me and Sil beside me.
"I'm Moonlight, this is Silaha. We've been escorting her up from Saint Clover after there was an... Attack on Riptide and her family." I explained, but the feeling of stupidity clung to me as well as the expectation of hearing safeties flick off.
Paranoid much? I mean we are returning a pony to them, not ransoming her. For fucks sake, relax.
"Just a second Riptide, it's your first time here since you were a filly so we're going to lay down some rules for you. One, family only, you know what that means." The buck in front of Riptide said glaring over her shoulder at me making me wince. "Two, it is a time of mourning, we know about the attack, so more than usual, it's just family inside the town. Third, while not a rule, you're going to want to talk to your grandmother to sort out the rest of your family business, and your brother."
Her brother? Wait, somepony else survived! That's great news! That would explain how they knew of the attack. But, why do I still feel this terrible pit in my stomach?
I sighed and sat on my haunches as the two bucks opened the gate with their magic, I wasn't going to be going in, I wasn't allowed to, and I wasn't family. Well, that last statement was something I disagreed with, then again we hadn't been together that long. One could still label it as a fling instead of a long-term stable relationship.
Regardless, yay. Well, that solved that problem.
"Hey, Riptide... We'll be back at Pioneer, I think I saw a spa being advertised there so when you're free we can all go there and catch up. If you get there and we're not there? Wait for us, we're probably out doing some busy work." I said emotionlessly.
I was fighting back everything within me to drag her back. To run after her. To just start crying. All the different options paralyzed me.
"Wait, she should be let in, she's my-." Riptide paused as the guards shook their heads. "She's my marefriend, damn it." Riptide stomped looking angry for the first time I met her. "They both are!"
"Take it up with your grandmother. She'll decide if she can or can't right now. The zebra will stay out though." The buck stated. I felt my guts twist. "And you heard her, she won't be far away. So you'll be able to go back to her soon enough."
"THEY ARE BOTH MY PARTNERS." Riptide barked, I could feel her trembling.
Gently and carefully I put a hoof on her shoulder.
"Hey, it'll only be for a short while, hun," I said, trying to smile but I knew it wasn't convincing.
I caught a glimpse of Sil who looked devastated as well, and I could tell she was fighting just as hard as I was to put on a brave face, to not let her emotions command her and break down the wall Riptide's family was putting up around her. Knowing her, she probably was figuring out how to demolish the walls swiftly and counting on me to figure out how best to neutralize the organic part of their security.
Instead, I just squeezed my eyes shut.
Celestia bless you for the rain, at least they couldn't see the tears of pain. It hurt as I watched those gates close.
"Don't you two have somewhere to be, outsiders?" The other buck said.
The comment made me twist myself to stop my magic from lighting and twisting the buck's neck as hard as I could.
"Yeah, by Riptide as she grieves her family, her family I helped recover and bury at my home with friends I had buried before." I spat glaring at him.
He looked sympathetic for a moment before shifting back to a placid and uncaring expression.
And that tells me something more is going on, damn it. Damn it! FUCK.
"Come on Moony, let's get going. There's always something to fix, even if it isn't what we want to fix." She muttered.
She looked worried I couldn't blame her. I knew she saw through the rain that I was crying. She quietly fell in beside me as we trotted off away from the marina. After a minute that trot broke into a canter as I couldn't contain my emotions as they boiled over. The maelstrom of conflicting feelings, of pain and anger, sorrow and frustration. The need to burn out that energy however could become overwhelming.
By the Princesses damn them, damn Riptide's family, if it weren't for those turrets I would have tried to beat some sense into them with words or hooves.
Another part of me boiled at how they had treated Sil, I knew she wasn't in a better mental state than I, and also desired to end that shitty guard.
Instead of stopping though, I kept going along the road south not thinking. After a few minutes, I slowed and stopped then sat down on my haunches and sniffled as I felt my heart pound and my chest hurt. I stopped blocking my emotions and instead let myself feel the hurt, I let the feeling flow out of me like the rain washed down my figure, my tears down my muzzle. Sil's hoof brushed my mane, I could hear her lightly breathing from chasing after me. I was glad she wasn't saying anything though. She knew I needed to process things that words tended to make me react irrationally when I was in a state like this.
I also knew she was dealing with it her own way and it hurt knowing I was making it worse with my foalish actions, with making her have to deal with my crap. I just felt myself tremble.
I knew I had sat there for minutes but I had been a fool to not hear them. I felt it, a nudge from Sil. and then a few more urgent ones.
"Dumb bitches don't know to get out of the rain." Some buck said as my emotions drained out of me, washed away with the need to deal with something.
The words broke my inward concentration, and I felt something snap in me, coldness spread. A growing need to see fear, to instill it, and harm in the interloper grew. Tendencies once thought buried bubbled up again after years of dormancy. The talons flexed and unraveled demanding blood. To pounce and bury my beak into their throat and rip out their trachea.
A cold emotionless state reclaimed me as a task was at my hooves to be dealt with. Sil had been trying to warn me of the impending threat; the number of ponies was too many for her to shoot on her own with that battle saddle. I had to help somehow now though running wasn't an option given we had guns trained on us. It wasn't a standoff, it was a hold-up.
"Caps, food, water, and chems." A mare said behind me through the grip of her gun.
"Bandits?" I asked as I tapped my left saddlebag which held what they wanted.
"Bandits? Fuck no, Pythons." The buck laughed, I eyed him, earth pony, grey mane, brown coat, shotgun holster on his left foreleg, loose barding, covered his rump, mix of rain gear and protective plates. "I think these bitches are new to town. Let's give them a bit of information since they're payin'. Raiders are rare, it's gang warfare up here."
I nodded. "Yeah only been here for an hour, already had a friend stolen away from me and now I am being robbed. Good start for my first day in the city." I admitted but it only earned me more laughter and ridicule.
So instead I seized the moment and grabbed the knowledge of the teleportation spell.
I flashed behind the mare who was holding me up and unleashed an arcane blast into the back of her skull sending her eyes out the front of it. The buck moved to pull his shotgun out, I did the same. We stared at one another for a moment, the mare's shattered head leaking out onto the wet shattered pavement in ever weaker pulses. Sil stood ready to shoot him if he fired.
"I'm not in a good mood," I explained looking at him as the feeling of exhaustion hit me and annoyance replaced anything I had been feeling. "Put the gun away and you can take your friend's body."
Sil cycled her battle saddle shotgun to punctuate my point, good thing it was a pump shotgun or that would be a shell we'd have to collect.
"You're crazy. I ain't going to try to fight crazy. Don't blame me if more Pythons come for you because of this you don't get away with killin' Pythons." He said spitting the sawed-off back into his leg holster. "Consider yourself warned gangs don't take it lightly when you kill their own."
"I'll worry about it later," I said dryly and left wandering westward into the city ruins away from the Willmanemette.
"Moonlight?" Sil called to me as she trotted up to me.
After a minute I replied. "Sorry."
She shook her head. "I'm not looking for an apology. What are we doing?" She asked.
"I don't know. I just need to move." I replied.
"Okay." She said as she kept following me.
Guilt dragged at me for dragging her through this mood swing but she had been there for me when things went south with Winter. She wanted to be here with me because she was a good mare. I just needed to make certain I returned the favor. For fucks sake she wasn't just a good mare, she was MY mare, and I felt like shit for treating her like this. Now she likely was worried about me as well as Riptide and having her feelings all messed up due to being told to fuck off until her stripes fall off.
And it all just made me angrier, I wanted to stomp, kick, and punch something until it was dust. I needed to burn out the energy these emotions were making me feel.
We wandered around aimlessly for a good hour. We eventually took cover from the rain in the entryway of a building. I tried to enter to only find a magical barrier. Looking inside I didn't see anypony alive, or signs of ghouls. I thought back to the fight and the teleportation spell. It was a short jump, I could do it.
"Hey, Sil, can you stand next to me?" I asked.
"Sure, what for?" Sil asked as she trotted up.
I put my hoof on her shoulder before I closed my eyes and focused on the spot I wanted to go to inside the building past the barrier. Then with what felt like being squeezed through a straw and wrung out like a wet towel we were inside the building.
My insides didn't agree with me on how impressive it was to teleport through a spell barrier or be teleported at all. Instead, my insides reminded me I was mortal and what I did was stupid. To emphasize this I became a weeping mess as my body reminded me of how many ways it could make a mess. Without a doubt, my body was empty of what it could expel within a minute. On the upside, if I ever was constipated or stuffed up again I had a terrible solution, but it worked.
Sil had fared equally as poorly and upon recovering slugged me. "Next time warn me." She hissed.
I rubbed my shoulder where she had hit me. It wasn't intended to hurt but to state her frustration.
"One, I didn't know going through a barrier would do that. Two, next time we teleport I will warn you." I explained. "Honestly good policy to warn before doing that."
"Good." Sil nodded. "Are you okay? I think... we might need to." She grimaced looking around us.
"I'll deal with it, just focus on taking care of yourself," I replied, I felt a tint of a smile on my muzzle at her discomfort.
That wasn't something I liked feeling and it wasn't a good sign either, which gave me far more reason to give these emotions a strong kick to the head. The desire to return to a comfortable level of numbness and stay there grew, it was far more preferable than taking pleasure in the pain of those I love. Still, I felt like my fur was bristling, or... feathers?
The fuck? I shoved the confusing thought out of my head, I was a unicorn, not something else.
A quick scan of the lobby showed that it wasn't as drab as it had looked from the outside. The barrier must have discolored the image of the inside. Once I had cleaned us up we set about refilling ourselves and drinking in the architecture of the lobby. The lobby was spectacularly designed as a feast of color coordination, designs, and architecture.
Then my eyes landed upon the name "Ministry of Image" and it clicked. While I would never forgive the Ministry for its sin of destroying and censoring books I could admire the taste that the Ministry had in design. I trotted around the antechamber looking around and marveling at how well-preserved the place was. There wasn't a single body here. I halted remembering the shield.
Why weren't there any bodies here?
There wasn't anything in here but us and wartime decorations. Not even a layer of dust was on the front desk.
I joined Sil behind the front desk to take a look at what was on it. Looking over it I found a dead terminal, it didn't respond to Sil when she poked the power button. No safe nor chair either, I guessed that would ruin the Image now, wouldn't it? A quick dig through the desk and nothing usable turned up, no files, no clutter. It was eerie how clean the place was, it made my mane crawl. Taking a moment to check the elevators produced nothing. Pressing the buttons the lights failed to light up, dead. Opening the door I found the elevators were a few floors below me, the cables were still intact.
"No power. Guess we're taking the stairs today. But..." I looked at the emergency hatch on the elevator below me. "But, let's do this logically." I popped the hatch of the elevator open and hopped onto its roof.
"Moonlight!" Sil cried out as I hopped down.
"I'll catch you," I called up to her. "Magic's working and all that."
Sil hopped down and I steadied her fall with my magic.
"That wasn't what I expected when you said catch," Sil replied.
"Less strain. Who knows how much magic we might need here." I explained I had no clue what lay ahead of us.
What in the name of the Sisters am I doing? I'm just putting us at risk. And for what?
I groused at myself as I let go of my frustrations. They would only serve to put us in danger if I held onto them. Leaving was an option but killing time to lose any tail was invaluable plus it let me, hopefully, burn out these emotions without causing more harm or causing more trouble.
The inside of the elevator was dark. There wasn't a working light source inside. I lit my horn and saw the car was empty save a bit of dust. I shoved my hooves into the Elevator door and pried it open with a mix of might and magic.
"When did you get this strong?" Sil asked as she climbed through the opening of the doors.
"Don't know. Guess all this has been a bit of strength training." I snorted as the door's emergency release was released. "Or maybe this trip I'm just starting to actually exert myself."
A dumb grin found itself on my muzzle as Sil looked back at me.
Sil snorted in return. "So you're finally working more than your brain?"
"More like my hooves. You know as well as I do that guard work wasn't the most stimulating." I replied as I observed our surroundings.
Sil made a... strange face at me, a small part of me told me she was trying to flirt and found something I said to be amusing or arousing. But it was unsafe to do stuff like that until we secured the building. So my attention went away from Sil's backside to her underside, then back to the building.
Clear one so I can enjoy the other. This is the way.
The basement, unlike the entry floor, was, well, a basement. It wasn't fancy, it was functional. Functionality wasn't overwhelming, it was welcoming to me, at least I knew what everything did. Onward we delved as we began to pick through the basement on the lookout for anything of use.
"I mean, I told you before, Sil. Most of the time if they didn't stick me wandering the dunes or watching some stretch of dirt I was standing by a door or watching supplies. I learned how to pick locks with my magic out of boredom and we weren't allowed to carry lockpicks." I smirked at her as I popped open the weak locks on some drawers with my magic.
"Yeah, I remember. That and gut feelings about ponies. Not like you had EFS to check if ponies were who they said they were." Sil replied while she opened the drawers.
The basement had a few supplies, some unopened bottles of wonderglue, turpentine, and other industrial cleaners. Nothing surprising, I guessed the place had been put in effective stasis after evacuation. Though I was interested in how that stasis was still going, given the lack of magic taste in my head the source of the shield spell wasn't down here. So the spark generators had to be at the top of the building.
"Pretty much. Familiarity with who was supposed to be where. Gut feelings, it bred intuition I guess that's what's kept me going for so long was that intuition." I snorted. "Then again, my intuition was to run towards the mortars since I was trapped on the other side of the wall in Four Corners. Had to do it, I didn't know how long if at all when someone else would be sent to deal with the threat. Ended up eating a few walls for it."
"What exactly happened out there?" Sil asked as she finished pilfering the long abandoned supplies.
"Well, I shot a few ponies. I broke contact and went around the main body of forces so I could get to the mortars as quickly as I could. Got to them, the raider boss was there. Tried to do some diplomacy that failed, explosively so. Naturally, that led to us getting into a fight, he was... one hell of an earth pony." I explained.
I paused in my quick recitation of events to rub my horn. "He had a special hatred for unicorns. So he came after me when I took cover. Our guns ended up not working. He took a ton of chems. Smashed me through a few walls. Almost broke my horn, and as you know the spirals are gone from excessive heat as well as ending up bent as you can see." I continued as I checked a few toolboxes. "I took most of his leg for that. After that, we both were pretty much on our last legs so I threw one of my remaining knives at him and shot him with my pistol. I was lucky all the damn explosions, bullets, and impacts didn't break it."
Sil trotted up to me and looked at my horn and then nuzzled me. I could feel her wordless worry and care for me. I hugged her in return. She didn't know exactly what I had thrown myself into but she knew the trip out with the Buckshots, the giant wasp, being stuck on the wrong side of the wall in Four Corners, and being bait for the hydra. They had all been at best narrow escapes for me, but never attempted to die.
I wasn't suicidal, no matter what others might think.
I nuzzled her in return as I realized I probably left her scared of her choice to open her heart to me. That I would likely one day not return. Maybe that was why she was sticking so close to me now, so if I went, so did she.
In all honesty, my hope was that Sil wasn't that fatalistic. Preferably as little fatalistic as possible, because that mindset can really mess up a person and their life.
We returned to the main floor. I stopped and pondered as we looked over the building floor plan.
Was I really in the mindset to do this? Did I want to do this right now? It wasn't like anypony else really had ease of access to the building to loot it anymore.
Pondering this my haunches were again plopped onto the abandoned tile floor as I let myself feel out how I felt. It wasn't that I hurt and was running from it, the major feeling in me was numbness. Behind that though was the thought telling me I was past where I had to stop and rest. There is something to say about when your body tells you to fucking stop, it generally is best to heed that, unless it meant dying. Right now I just felt like I had been shot, but it was all emotional trauma, no first aid kit or doctor's bag would heal that.
As I sat there letting myself rest Sil plopped down beside me and leaned against me. Her foreleg went around my shoulder and I leaned back against her as we both took a moment. And a mental note formed to talk to Sil about how she was doing, they had directly said no to her on account of her stripes. She couldn't be handling it any better than I.
My stomach broke me out of my state. Because of that the Sugar Apple bombs and Sparkle-Cola were broken out, and the extreme sugar flavor made me wince.
Was everything pre-war so over-saturated with sugar? At least the Sparkle-Cola didn't taste like someone didn't know how to measure sugar when cooking.
"So... I'm pretty certain heat doesn't make bones smooth out and flex." Sil commented looking at my horn.
"I..." I paused. "Well I don't know what else it could have been.
"Yeah, maybe due to it was magic it kinda became pliable as you overcharged it. As in you put so much magic into it the form of your horn became pliable like raw magic?" She offered.
That was a better theory. "Maybe? I don't know, and I doubt we'll ever know." I sighed. "At least it isn't like I'm not used to having a slight curve to my horn, but this is..."
"Decidedly more wicked, yeah." She nodded, and I nodded with her.
I shook my mane and put away the empty bottle and left the empty box on the floor. I had no reason to keep it with me and there wasn't an obvious trash receptacle.
"Well, fuck it, I'm going to get my flank fucking toned or die trying," I said to myself regarding the building layout again.
What lay ahead was going to be a lot of stairs, and my flank wasn't that bad, my stomach was just pudgy and I had no idea what to do for that, though really having extra body fat was a blessing in the wastes. Given I was well away from home where I knew food wasn't in short supply.
Sil giggled at my exclamation. "Really now?"
I felt my face flush.
"You can enjoy the view." I fired back as I stood up.
The lack of barding meant teasing while going ahead of Sil on the stairs would be easy. Finally, some payback.
I found the stairs and began moving up floor by floor. Annoyingly the first six floors all had locked doors and the lockpicks were too tough for me to do. Forethought said to bypass the lower floors and start at the top and work our way down.
To my dismay, we didn't, as I reached the fourteenth floor. My legs burned from all the stairs. The notion of using up my bobby pins on such few doors with unknown payoff was a bad call, however, I could see through gaps in doors and a few even through the keyway. With work, I could see past the door and determine if it was safe to teleport to the other side.
Another few minutes went by and after shifting the door a little on its hinges I could see in the reflection of the tile of the stairway that the other side was clear.
"I'll get the door, just hang tight, hun," I told Sil. With a pop I was on the other side, this time I didn't feel like I went through a straw.
Instead, I felt like I suddenly stopped running and had momentum to me that I couldn't process. I bent my legs to catch myself and recover. After a moment I looked around. This floor was filled with large offices, one caught my attention though. It must have been for the director of this branch. I opened the door to the stairs first so Sil could rejoin me before I began to check offices.
"Useful. Though I don't think that will work on safes." Sil teased.
"Yeah, really won't help if a safe has a dial instead of a keyhole." I chortled. "Need to break out some medical equipment for that."
"Listen to the heart of the machine to find your way." Sil recited.
I smirked. "Something like that. Come on, let's find out if there's anything useful left here."
"Sure, thanks for the show. When we get back to Pioneer I'll show my thanks." Sil teased as she trotted ahead and brushed her tail along my jaw.
"Tease." I fired back with a smile on my muzzle.
"It takes one to know one, love." Sil giggled.
Each office was, of course, locked. Thankfully these locks were easy enough that I could just use my horn to unlock them. That locksmithing book had helped more than I imagined. A few more bobby pins would be only for when my magic would draw attention or be out of commission.
The contents though were uninteresting for each office. Most of what I saw were proposals for posters for other ministries, as well as for each of the princesses. There were also propaganda posters and leaflets that were called to be deployed to the zebras. Given the containers, it was an easy wager that they were to be air-dropped urging the zebras to surrender or call for a ceasefire. Most likely it was a joint project between M.o.I. and M.o.P., it made sense to me. Another office had a list of books to be reviewed for censorship and rewriting, which of course was promptly incinerated by my magic out of disgust.
The final office was the director's office. It refused to unlock for me, but there was a window that was humorously clear so I just teleported in. I clicked the door open once again for Sil. The practice was going to be ingrained soon enough. Once we were able to focus on the room properly we found a scene of disarray. Clearly, the pony who had worked here wasn't as neat as the others. Or neatness was a "do as I say, not as I do" statute here.
Regardless I sifted through the books, papers, dresses, uniforms, boxes, and assorted clutter. The upside was under none of it was a buried pony who died under this clutter. The downside was, well, there wasn't much to loot, the dresses were nice, so I packed a few of them up, with a resizing spell I could make them fit any of us, not that dresses and the Wasteland cooperated. The uniforms lacked any armor value, purely formal wear for soldiers. The books were filled with designs for dresses, costumes, floats, posters, flags, and uniforms. Everything except for something useful in the wasteland.
I sighed and respectfully returned the books to the director's desk. "What a waste of time."
"Not really. Though I'm glad that we didn't see much anti-zebra propaganda." Sil stated as she took the books full of outfit designs for herself. "What? I might be able to do something with them."
"Fair, but yeah, I'm actually a bit surprised by that given you know it's the Ministry of Propaganda and all that." I replied remembering faded posters I had seen in the wastes about keeping an eye out for zebra infiltrators, how it was better to be 'wiped than striped', given how Sil treated me I feel most were missing out back then on how being 'striped' is. "Would have given them the same courtesy I gave to that list of books for censorship and rewriting."
Sil let out a breath of relief. I hadn't known she was worried about my view on the pre-war propaganda crap about zebras. We had grown up together plus I knew what was out there about her kin was at best-inflated bullshit about those fighting Equestria, at worse entirely made up. Not that domestically ponies likely differentiated between refugee zebras and those abroad fighting Equestria.
"I'm glad to hear it," Sil said as she looked over one of the dresses. "Seems like this branch was a lot less about the negative side of the propaganda though."
"Maybe, might have been Rarity wanted a personal touch to it, keep it from going too far or just far enough." I gave a shake of my mane. "Can't rightly pick her brain or you know go poke her terminal logs to find out.
"Fair enough that," Sil replied as she looked at the former branch director. "Shame such pretty things were being made in conjunction with such awful things in such an awful time..."
I nodded. Though I lacked anything to add to that, the whole wartime was a horrible time, and worse it produced some of the most interesting books and tech. Still, the negatives massively outweighed anything gained, and it was hard to think anyone could disagree with how horrid life was now. It was sad to think that such marvels were made in the last few years of the Great War. However, it was in the shadow of the Great War and the war tainted everything that was made. Much like how radiation touched everything out in the wasteland now. Nothing was truly pure or untainted.
"Well, let's get going. I'll check a few doors as we go down but I think it's getting late enough that we should head back to town." I said checking my EFS to see if we had around an hour until sundown. "Didn't check to see if there was a curfew or anything like that in Pioneer. Probably should have."
"Something to ask about when we get back. Well, let's hop to it." Sil offered as she gave a playful tap to my rear to get me going.
With a box full of dresses on my back we returned to the stairs. I looked up at the access to floor fifteen, I had overlooked it as it was utility and not office space. I went up and tried the door for fifteen, but it wasn't even locked. Strange. Opening the door I was hit with a wash of radiation that even my pipbuck crackled at and I saw my radiation exposure level increase for the first time in a while. I slammed the door closed.
"Nope, I'm resistant, not immune," I said as I dug out a RadAway and sucked down the citrusy glowing fluid. I watched a bar showing my radiation exposure draining away back down to what were tolerable levels. "Okay, time to get the hell out of here."
"The fuck was that," Sil asked from the landing below.
"Whatever is powering this place is hot as fuck and I just ate a dose of radiation that would probably have made you into a glowing ghoul," I informed her as I tossed the RadAway off the railing having emptied it. "Also, I have some resistance, but not immunity. The threshold is far lower than whatever the fuck level that was."
"So if you start mutating again that's normal, right?" She asked, I wasn't certain if she was teasing or not as my mind was wracked with a mild amount of panic.
"You aren't! Just teasing." She stammered seeing my reaction.
With that, I took the stairs back down, when I reached the bottom floor I scanned to make certain everything was the way it was. Even the box I had discarded was where I had left it.
"Okay, Sil, looks like nothing managed to follow us in. Uh, ready to get sucked through a straw again?" I asked as I mentally braced myself.
"Yeah I don't see anything in here, or waiting for us outside," Sil replied then took a breath as she braced herself before putting a hoof on me. "I'm ready as I'll ever be."
This time I felt less like Luna and Celestia together had used their combined magical might to wring me out like a dishrag. Instead, I just felt like I was going to pop. I let out a bile-flavored belch that left my sinuses burning before casting a rejuvenation spell on myself just to be careful. It was no healing potion but it was something. For safety, I cast it on Sil as well who was dry heaving beside me. My pipbuck hasn't notified me of any major change in my health at either time.
Psychological? Whatever, we need to get going. Sadly the spell didn't do us much good, I guessed teleporting through barriers just always sucked, good to know.
"You hanging in there, hun?" I asked Sil as I patted her on the shoulders.
"That wasn't as bad as the first time. But, let's try to do that as little as possible." She said before she gave me a weak smile.
"Agreed. It's not a fun experience. Well, let's get to our new home." I said looking north. "That feels weird to say that."
"Yeah, I agree but, it is until after winter at least." Sil nodded.
"Until we hit the trail again. Either for Saint Clover or for finding your mom." I nodded in agreement as we started to trot north.
Pioneer wasn't hard to get back to, it was one of the few electric light sources in the area. Plus the old city tram lines ran through it which made it easy to just pick a bit of rail in the ground and follow them. So we just followed the tram lines back and made our way inside. Once we were within the walls we headed for the old Ministry of Morale building. Once inside we quickly got our key for our room and left a note with reception about what to do if Riptide showed up. I wanted to be certain she wasn't left sitting in the lobby for ages if we were out and about, so I made certain to fully describe how she looked.
With that done I took one key, and Sil took another. This was when we found out our room was on the seventh floor, and the elevators were long dead. Yay, more stairs. We went up and saw the room Winter had gotten us not a bedroom but an office. A large one but it was clearly repurposed. There wasn't a bath of any kind in the room or attached to it, which meant using the rebuilt restrooms on this floor. It made more sense now that they had been called gendered bathrooms. I wagered showers, as well as other facilities, were available there.
For now, this was a fine room to have while it wasn't ideal. It worked for me. I decided against a shower as I had gotten enough rain that all it would do was wash the water out of my fur with more water and I wasn't keen on that. Also having been squeezed out by teleporting through a barrier I was good on the other side of things for a few more hours. So instead I laid down on the mattress as I lifted my bags off of my back and set them down. Stretched out on the bed and just relaxed and let my legs have a break. I noted in my EFS it was only six in the evening.
"I'll be back in a bit, hun. I need to warm up and dry off." Sil said she sounded like she was disappointed when I waved her off with a hoof.
Fuck it, I'm not in the mood to be awake, so this sulky pony is going to go to fall asleep alone. |
Fallout: Equestria - The Ranger of Seamane | Chapter 20 - Obligations | "We all have obligations to others, and sometimes they override what we really want to do. But at the same time it can give you direction when you're overwhelmed." - Unknown
Morning broke with the sound of a bell tolling seven times. A groan escaped my muzzle as I held my head and opened my eyes a little. As clarity grasped me I gave Sil a tight hug as she lay in bed with me. The past day had shown me how close she was to me and how much more I needed to respect that and how much I needed her, as she needed me.
Maybe I had gone through too much of my life with a relatively neutral emotional mindset after my mom had verbally beaten my angry temperament out of me. But as of late my emotional states bounced wildly between fury, apathy, and euphoria. The speed of those changes often left me feeling unbalanced and reflecting upon it the situation made me uncomfortable with myself. The worst part of it was how often these emotions were all consuming or entirely non-existent, zero to eleven in zero seconds flat.
Maybe I was still just an emotionally juvenile filly.
I shoved the thoughts out of my head and out the window. Instead, I buried my face into Sil's mane.
I didn't want to be mopy, I didn't want to be ragey. I want to be me. I want to experience my emotions and not let them control me. I've seen where letting your emotions take control gets you too. After all, I was the one who had to...
That memory and thoughts connected to it were violently ejected from my mind. It was just too painful, far too much to deal with right now. One that I rarely thought about for good reason. It wasn't something to start thinking about now.
With a grumble, I crawled out from under the sheets removing myself from embracing Sil. Now I needed a shower, to get food, and to look at what work there was to do around Pioneer. The key and its lanyard went around my neck as I left. No reason to be unsafe and frustrated.
The bathrooms were mercifully unoccupied when I visited them. When I felt the ice-cold water on my mane I could tell why, the hot water was likely used long before I got to the showers. I sighed and just took a cold shower, washed my mane with the complementary supplied mane and coat shampoo and conditioner. One thing crossed my mind as I washed: I needed to ask how much it was to rent the place out for a few months if not outright buy a room here. Another thought crossed my mind: I didn't even know for how long Winter or Ocean had rented the rooms.
As for the Marina, it didn't seem like it had much space in it for more ponies, then again, good chance I wouldn't be allowed to live in the Marina. Or at least not anytime soon. Beyond that, I didn't have a good grasp of how big it was. And then there was Sil to consider, who wasn't welcome there. Possibly good old prepper xenophobia.
Ugh, this is a mess.
All this in the end meant I needed to work to keep a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs. Well, we all needed to do so, but I had to do my part, it wasn't fair if I didn't. Plus if anyone could it would be Ocean she was our group leader.
However, I feel I've ended up guiding us a bit more as of late. Oh right, she was trying to get me to take charge more. Well, I guess that works out. Even then I feel a leader should do as much work as the rest if not more. That's probably going to bite me in the ass, just like my desire to protect others by doing the dumb dangerous thing instead.
Is my thoughtfulness going to get me killed? Yeah, that sounds right for my fate.
A few moments later I got my thoughts going again. My priorities needed to be sorted and acted upon. Riptide had her to-do list with her family, Sil and I would do things out here to keep ourselves afloat and I'd coordinate with Winter and Ocean on anything they found for the four of us to do. There was a good chance we'd end up scavenging, repairing, and selling stuff that we grabbed on contracts.
With my thoughts in order I finished chilling myself in the cold shower. Sometimes a cold shower is better than caffeine for perking you up. Upon return to our room, I saw Sil was gone and failed to leave a note. I assumed she had gone for breakfast out at a store somewhere or maybe window shopping. Her saddlebags were gone.
While I let my mane dry I sat down with the spellbook from Hoofview as I wrote notes about the teleport spell in the margins. If this had been somepony else's spellbook I wouldn't have but it wasn't. Once my notes were done I tucked the grimoire away and went downstairs with a small bag of caps around my neck with my room key as well. No need to carry everything I owned everywhere.
Ah, the joys of not murder hoboing it across the wasteland. And why is this a saying somehow passed down from the original crew of Clover?
Breakfast was good however there was little in the way of oats. The salt content was tolerable. Things were calm and civil enough that I even managed to have toast and my tea. The effects of a good meal were something I often forgot about. Not only did I physically feel better, but I felt mentally refreshed. Not perfect, but I wasn't mentally gasping for air.
With breakfast over, I inquired about contract work and was directed to what had been a pre-war news recording station in the square itself. Now it was, well, I didn't have a word for it, part bounty hunting, part information hub, part air your grievances at other ponies to some poor couple of deskjockies who then had to try to fill out paperwork to make it into a contract.
There were two desks, helpfully labeled by signs on the ceiling. Well okay, there were three but only two that I could make use of at this point. The first was one for placing a job which I could do but I had no use for right now. The other was where I was now, which was for picking up contracts. Apparently, it wasn't just a bounty board system, they made certain things went to folks able to handle things that really needed to get done. I wondered why they didn't just have the town guard go do it. But, what did I know I was just a simple mare from a coastal town that worked patrol duty.
It took two Celestia damned hours to get to the front of the line. Once there the stallion, his name card read 'Wild Strikes' looked confused at seeing me. "Excuse miss, but this line is for picking up work, placing work orders is the other line.
"New in town, I need some work while I stay over winter," I explained. "I got guns, ammo, armor, medical training, medical supplies, technical experience, and just walked from Saint Clover over in Seamane to here escorting a mare to the rest of her family. And on the account of outside of paying heaps of caps since boats don't run during autumn and winter between here and home, I'm sitting here until Spring rolls around because I don't fancy walking home."
Wild Strikes looked at me then at some listings he had, then at me again.
"I'm also slightly radiation resistant and radiation activated regeneration on account of surviving some taint exposure. If that helps any." I said, feeling the agitation of the ponies behind me.
"Radiation immunity and medical training with technical training and a decent amount of weapons. Well, there are a few options. Give me a minute, we usually give ponies like you, as in those new to the town, things that aren't important to do to feel you out." Wild Strikes chuckled nervously. "I need to double-check some information about those two jobs for you. Good caps, but I need to make certain they are correct."
"Fair, don't rush on the account of me though. Just still trying to get into the swing of things." I explained, and the words made the buck relax a bit. "I try not to do things so haphazardly, and I have three companions."
After a few minutes, two folders were put down on the desk in front of me.
"Okay, so the first job is that we have some bad ponies hanging out around the soap factory on the other side of the river, address and directions in here, point of contact is any of the guards, they can give you more information as to recent activity. Clear them out, full salvage rights, plus two hundred caps." He then pointed to portions of the jobs outlining pay. "As usual around here the main pay is, obviously, salvage."
Then he moved to the second contract. "The second one is a few miles north of the first. Radiation is a bit dense around the Fluttershy Medical Center on that side of the river, so nopony has really had the time to scope the place out other than the first couple of floors at most. Might be ghouls, or robots, but likely nothing in there. Simple job, go in and find what's there, carry what you can then get back here and report what else is there. Then we can figure out what resources are worth salvaging in there. The pay's two thousand caps, bonus for what you bring back." Wild Strikes explained.
I nodded and picked up the folders in my magic. "If you want to read them now, well there's no space, sorry. You did say that you had a room so I suggest you go back and plan things out there." Wild Strikes said. "Do this and we'll make you a profile and chit for you to speed this along."
"I will, thank you," I replied and left.
However, I was poised with a minor problem. I needed some armor if I was going to be dealing with combat. The term 'Bad ponies' was rather nebulous, but, I guessed whatever would do for barding against them. Ghouls though. I felt like something to protect my sorry hide from their teeth was in order.
I went to one of the open-air stalls and got myself some new barding. It wasn't anything special, but it covered more than my old set, the metal bits would help keep ghouls from biting my legs as easily and the pad over my stomach would help protect against shrapnel and kicks from killing me. Hopefully, prevent further impalements. I looked like most merchants I saw out and about though, so it seemed a popular choice in local barding. Probably for the best as it would help keep me low profile. More so after pissing off those weirdos yesterday.
-=O=-
Upon returning to my room I laid out the folders and information about the jobs on my bed drinking in the information, my pipbuck adding both locations into my destinations with helpful waypoints laid out. I folded up the map of Dockland and put it into my pack as I sorted out what I needed and what could stay. I doubted I needed more than two days of food and drink. Mom always taught me to take twice as many supplies when scavenging as I thought I would need. Ammo came next, I would be taking my silent pistol and the revolver rifle, I hid the sawed-off in my bags and cast the recall spell on it. I didn't have a holster for it, but it would be a nasty surprise if I got disarmed.
"Then again, even disarmed of my rifle and pistol I have what like ten knives and the ability to make ponies' skulls explode via magic?" I snickered to myself as I looked over my inventory.
I looked at the grimoire and packed it as well who knew I might have some time to read?
"Now, I need to find Sil and either Winter or Ocean before I head out. I don't think I want Sil going into the radiation with me though..." I muttered to myself. "Maybe have her head back with the first contact while I go to deal with the clinic." I frowned and looked at the map of Dockland again in my EFS. Thankfully having gotten a physical map my pipbuck had updated to include it. From what I could tell there was no logical source for the radiation at the clinic. "Well, one more thing I'm going to have to figure out while there."
I put my saddlebags in my back and double-checked my straps. "Alright, let's go find everyone else and sort things out," I said to myself. "I really do just keep violating my own rule of not going alone..."
A quick check with reception and I had the room number for Winter and Ocean. I also now knew I had a week for the room after that I could buy it if I had the caps. It wasn't stupidly pricey but I was going to need to save most if not all my caps from these two jobs. Checking Winter's room I got no response. I grumbled and went to reception and left them a letter to give the two as I started to search the town for Sil.
It took a further hour to spot Sil. She looked a bit disappointed when she saw me. Apprehension took hold of me seeing her disappointment. After a moment of indecisiveness, I trotted to greet her.
"What's up Sil?" I asked her.
"Just..." She was quiet for a moment. "I had been working on something for you all morning. But I guess you don't need it."
I paused and realized I had been missing barding for the past few days and she likely had gone to find or make some for me.
"I..." I started. "Take it as you have more time to make it even better. Given how things have thrown at us already I doubt this barding will last that long." I assured her.
Sil pondered that for a moment. "I guess that is a better way to look at it. Though, it isn't ready yet. I... Also had hoped we wouldn't be going out immediately."
"Oh." I paused and felt my ears drop. "I... "
Your nature just calls to you to keep moving. Keep acting.
I shoved the thoughts out of my mind. "Well, one of the jobs they gave me is to poke around an irradiated hospital so it's not like I'd have you go in there with me. Probably have you either keep a few blocks back or we'd come back after the first one. Which is to knock off some bad ponies pestering guards around a soap factory."
"A soap factory?" Sil asked, looking a bit puzzled by this.
"Yeah, apparently some of the industry around here is still working. It's just across the river. Probably supplies the town with its soap." I snorted. "Might get a discount at the spa for it."
"I think I'll join you on the first leg of the trip." Sil nodded.
"I need a break anyways, and some things I have to wait to get done anyways," Sil added cryptically.
I gave her a quizzical look but didn't vocalize my thoughts. What took that long to make for barding?
With that, we gathered some extra medical supplies from our room and got Sil into her barding. I was glad she agreed to go with me. But, I still felt bad for ruining her gift to me. The upside was it wasn't entirely ruined given her gift wasn't ready yet this barding was just interim equipment until her little project was done. Which suited me fine plus she had appeared, while I slept, taken my measurements and most of the morning been finding the best pony to make some kind of barding for me. I was a little too curious as to what it was going to look like in the end. But, the best gifts are those we forget about and return as a surprise in the end.
A final check of Winter and Ocean's room yielded nothing, in an attempt to keep them in the loop we hit up reception to leave them a letter. Instead, we got one in return. They had headed out of town on a trial contract as well. Though theirs was more directed and they had picked it up while Sil and I had been sulking about Riptide. It was also more directed in aiming at getting salvage that could be used for making more pipbuck zeros.
This made me realize we could lean into producing those, but with only two of us technically inclined and the hours needed that would be ineffective until we had more resources to lean on between runs. We left a letter to the two of them about our two jobs, the Soap Job didn't seem that hard, but any fight could become costly. And with pay being salvage it would be hard to come out on top of an exchange when most doctors don't take random stuff for payment...
-=O=-
I should have asked somepony who the gangs in the area were. I had been taking the waterfront again when I was stopped by a group of four ponies this time. One with a spiked bat, one with a sawed-off, one with a rifle, and one with two semi-automatic pistols. All were in somewhat matching attire of green and grey rain slickers.
"And what do we have here, another pair of contractors out of Pioneer?" Spiked asked standing on his hind legs braced with his forelegs crossed on the bat.
"This is a toll road, we keep it safe from them Wigglers." Sawed Off sneered.
Wigglers? Is that some kind of wildlife?
"Toll is two hundred caps, for a contractor like you. Don't worry, we'll leave you alone once paid." Rifle giggled, the mare wasn't crazy, just tripping on power. I knew that kind of laugh I had disciplined others in the guard for that behavior before.
"So pay up or we're going to loot you." Pistols said.
"Well, you aren't pythons, who the fuck are you lot?" I asked, I got a feeling this routine was going to be common until word got around. Do I want word to get around about me? Ugh, it probably was me and my stubborn ass.
"Ha, she is new. Nah, we ain't wigglers, Preservers. Paying us helps us keep things the way they are, you understand?" Sawed Off said before letting out a laugh.
Fucking what is with these names anymore? Well, their attention is mostly on me, Sil seems to be an afterthought to them. Right, the Family exists around here, probably isn't uncommon to see a Unicorn bossing around others. Hornheads likely are seen as the de facto leader of any group. Ugh, unwanted privilege.
"Right, you said two hundred?" I asked as I looked at the bridge behind them.
It was a longer jump than I had done before, but I had a good line of sight, I was nice and calm with my mind clear.
"Alright." I hopped back and wrapped my forelegs around Sil. "Teleporting, hun," I said before we teleported, she got her warning.
We found ourselves a good ten feet above the bridge deck, I let out a yelp as gravity took effect and landed with Sil atop of me as we hit a ruined metal carriage.
"Ow, fuck, ow. Sweet Celestia, why is it always my spine?!" I cried to the heavens before I caught my breath.
Sil however seemed far less hurt, probably due to the Moonlight-shaped pillow she got to use for the landing.
"Okay, now where to, pipbuck?" Dutifully a faint line appeared along the road for a few seconds.
Since when did it do that? Actually, that's just probably due to it having a proper map and address to work with for once.
We headed east along the bridge. I looked to the north across the river at the marina where Riptide was and hoped things were going better for her than for me.
"Stay safe Riptide, I'll see you in a while," I whispered to myself before continuing on to the east side of Dockland.
The bridge had a few collapsed segments in the top deck, and no real safe way to get around them, see shear drop off to the crumbled road below.
"So..." I started a part of me giddy about getting to teleport a bunch now that I figured it out.
"So... I didn't enjoy being pulled through reality without notice." She began, and as I opened my mouth she started to talk again. "But it was the right reaction to the situation. But when we do it traverse difficult paths like this, warnings please."
"Of course," I replied.
"Okay then, remember to leave us a bit of time to process the sudden change of location."
I was already tapping excitedly on my hooftips at getting to teleport a bunch of small hops really fast. Sil's words didn't even enter my mind as I started plotting the jumps in my head.
The short quick bursts were ideal practice for the type of teleports that I could likely pull off in combat. So it was a good training regimen even if it was a bit exhaustive. Finally, we got close enough to the other side of the river that I could skip walking the rest of the way. With a pop, we were on the roof of a building and I checked my pipbuck for where we needed to go next.
"I said with time between jumps!" Sil hissed at me.
As I opened my mouth to reply the staccato of gunfire echoed out, and for the first time in a bit, it wasn't directed at me. Nor at Sil, thankfully, instead it was a few blocks to the south. EFS pulled itself up as I thought about where our contract was taking us, it was time to get in position to clear out the 'bad guys'.
Hopefully, these are the same ponies as the ones in the contract. One jump later we were at the street level and nearing the edge of a building to check the street before crossing it towards the ongoing firefight.
"Looks clear, alright, let's get moving, Sil," I told her as she put her hoof on my rump. I wasn't certain if she was doing it so we formed a line or for some other reason. I stored it in the back of my mind to chew on later to look for patterns.
Moving past each street we cleared we hurried down narrow alleys to reduce how much time anyone could spot our approach. Our hooves clattered on the shattered pavement, the worn concrete, and the twice-fired brickways.
We slowed to a crawl as we reached a corner near a walled factory. The gunfire was loud enough that we must be right beside it. A glance around the corner I saw six ponies hunkered down behind a carriage, they were taking potshots at the ponies on the wall around the factory. It was a simple enough situation to resolve so out came the revolver rifle. I got to the corner of the nearest building flanking the ponies firing upon the guards before I opened up.
While I wished I had gotten some grenades Sil opening up with me was more than enough firepower for now. My first shot went high and left a good hole in the carriage. The second shot went clean through the right foreleg of one of the ponies. A third shot I had to hold off loosing as the ponies started firing at me.
Thankfully Sil had looped around to get to a different lane of fire. I teleported across the street to where Sil had ducked behind the building. We hurried off to get another angle on the ponies assaulting the factory.
We got to another alleyway while the ponies continued to fire upon the guards and our former position. I sighted in and fired the third shot and was rewarded with taking out one pony with a clean headshot. I took a moment popping the cylinder open and slotting in three fresh rounds and putting the empties in my bag. We might be able to reload them, but I'd need to see if any shop had reloading tools.
The guards now that they weren't pinned fired a grenade launcher blowing the whole carriage back against the ponies behind it. I ran out pulling out the sawed-off and closed in on the dazed ponies. I felt rounds graze against my face, my leg, and my barrel. I blasted out both shells into the group before following it up with several arcane blasts. One pony was left alive and fled. I let them run but the guards didn't. That annoyed me, I was hoping to track the would-be thief to their nest. I shook my head and picked over the dead instead.
"When two are done come around the corner, that's where the gate is. I'm guessing you're here for work. If not, well, we have work if you're interested." The Grenade launcher mare said from the wall.
"Be there in a few minutes," I replied, the bandits didn't have much of note but some ammo. Their guns were shoddy, but I could sell them off for caps. I took the backpack from one, as it would be more storage space, even if it was a bit awkward. I probably would send our scavenged goods back with Sil so she could sell them off and get us a nest egg going.
The would-be attackers' barding was nothing but rain slickers, with no color coordination between them. I sighed as I left their bodies where they lay, their blood mixing with the runoff. What a waste of life, but it was theirs to waste. Sil caught up to me after as we trotted up and around the corner, as directed, a bit further up I found the gate.
"Alright, so I did pick up a contract for dealing with the ponies who have been giving you folks some trouble," I said up to the guard on the wall as the breeze blew the increasing rain. "Got any information on where they might be coming from, or why they're hitting a soap factory?"
"The why is simple, take it over and ransom it. That's what I think at least, that or somepony else wants it, don't know why, makes money that's probably enough reason." Grenade launcher said. "As for where we haven't had much luck on that further east into the city somewhere it's where any stragglers run off to we don't give chase. Bad idea since they might catch one of us and then we'd have to pay for the rescue."
"Fair. In any case, we'll get lookin'. Those six didn't have anything on them unfortunately no pattern to their clothes so they aren't Pythons or Preservers I'm guessing." I sighed and shook my mane, the rain was getting bad enough, so I pulled out a pair of goggles I had been given and put them on.
"Same to the both of ya." Grenade Launcher said with a nod.
As we departed Sil gave me a small look. I raised an eyebrow and she pointed to a window. I checked it and saw I was bleeding a bit. With the rain, leaving wounds open was probably not a good idea. I started to use my magic to close the wounds.
"Thanks, hun." I sighed. "I know I got a little reckless there."
"Wasn't going to say anything." Sil offered. "I didn't expect them to be able to fire back after taking a grenade that close."
I nodded. "That was my thought as well. Still not used to how the revolver rifle handles. I think I need to adjust its sites. I feel a bit stupid for not having done that before."
"Well, at least you're getting a chance to feel stupid about it." Sil smiled.
"Yeah, that's a good point," I said as I finished closing the wounds on my face.
"Another good point is for us to get to where we're going so we can get out of this rain sooner than later," Sil said with a nod towards the road.
I nodded in agreement and we started to trot eastward again.
> Chapter 21 - Work
"Not every job is what the contract says; we just rate them as best our intelligence and our gut says. Sometimes we get it wrong on how dangerous a contract is so be cautious. Ask around and don't be afraid to cut and run part-way through. What you find out is more useful than another dead mercenary." - Talon's Advice for New Mercenaries, Wasteland Survival Guide
I wished we had bought rain slickers in Pioneer. The rain grew heavier and the wind was driving it into our faces. I was happy with my goggles but it did little to keep the rest of me dry, or warm. I felt a chill start driving its way into my bones starting at my hooves and horn. I let out a grunt as, against better judgment, I used my magic to put up a field of telekinesis to act as a weak shield against the rain.
Thankfully it was only about as draining as a light spell. I just didn't like that it put an effective spotlight on us. Sil sighed as she shook her mane once the magical field was up, splashing me with a bit of water.
"Sorry, habit." Sil blushed as I gave her a tired look.
"It's alright. Want me to wring you next?" I asked.
"What?" She replied.
"Like a washcloth; just high-force telekinesis along your outsides pushing all the water off," I explained. "I've been trying to copy Argent's little trick on drying oneself off with magic, can't get the fire part of it down. Wish I had figured this out years ago. Never show up to a meeting with a wet mane. Oh do some of the watch commanders hate that."
"Huh. Maybe once we get inside," Sil said, taking me up on the offer.
"Alright. Just close your eyes when I tell you to."
As we headed onwards, my pipbuck occasionally clicked as radiation passed through it. I hadn't heard it go off the entire time we had been on the west side of the Willmanemette in Dockland.
I shook my mane as I looked at the burnt buildings. Much of the infrastructure here still stood with minor superficial damage, while some were husks and others still looked long abandoned and in need of love. It was a mix of what I had seen coming up from Seamane; fire, abandonment, and rot from the weather. It made me feel isolated and cold.
I brushed away the broken glass of a busted storefront before hopping through the window. Sil hopped in after me as I wrung out my waterlogged coat. She found the experience novel when it came to her turn, though I had the issue of dumping two ponies' worth of water back outside. The upside was it counted as a shower in my book.
My attention turned towards the inside of the building once we were dry. Mercifully the interior of the building itself was just as dry, even as moisture clung to most surfaces. At least we weren't being rained on anymore.
We decided to lay down and have lunch while I looked over the map of Dockland on my pipbuck. I frowned, noting that the map was a bit loose on its tracking, likely due to it being a cobbled-together device. I had to just go by my gut and our current map to guess where we were.
Time was not an issue for us, we didn't need to be somewhere by a given time instead it was more of a case of we needed to find where to go. More than a few times I poked my nose out the front window to read the street signs to provide a point of reference.
"If they ran this way usually what along this path could they be going to?" I muttered to myself looking at the map and holding it flat in my forehooves. "This would be a lot easier if I knew this side of town." I sighed and hung my head. "Well, whatever, might be smarter to find a place to observe and catch a group as they go to attack the factory. Don't need to stop them, just figure out where they came from for now. Then I can plan from there."
"Hmm?" Sil asked, hearing me talking to myself.
"Just figuring out what to do next," I replied before sighing again. "I should have asked how frequent the attacks were. It could be in an hour or it could be in weeks. Damn it, that was short-sighted."
I groaned and stopped myself before taking a breath. "Still, it wasn't in the file and the guards didn't mention it so there might not be any regularity. That would make the most sense. Attacking like clockwork would be the best way to get your crew killed."
"Means they could be poking at other places, tossing off small timers every now and again for a more established group." Sil offered. "Hazing ritual."
"Could be, that would mean a well-sized compound to hold the group. Still, we need to get a place to get some overview." I tapped my chin as I pondered, then regarded the map again. "Well, there's the highway which loops back to the west side across several bridges that they could have crossed to get here from the west side. That just opens up a lot of options."
I stood up and packed away the map before moving to the window. The rain was even heavier now. "Maybe... I wonder if there's another town on this side. Even with the radiation, there must be."
"Well, there has to be. I remember a few ponies mentioning it. Something about a family running it." Sil said, reminding me of the unicorn supremacists.
Yeah, that's going to be fun to deal with... I had hoped to bury everything about that year. At least this time... Well, they shouldn't recognize me, ugh I just had to learn the hard way they're a bunch of fucked up freaks.
I winced at the brush of those memories, Sil caught it but I started talking before she could ask; I didn't want to talk about it, not even to those closest to me.
"Yeah, would be the likely hub of ponies wandering off to join gangs and bandits." I nodded.
"As well as how anypony on this side of the town survives, hitting what supplies the town every now and again."
"Well, we won't find them unless we get going," Sil said before she looked outside. "Oh..."
"Yeah.." I replied, looking at the sheets of rain coming down.
I hadn't imagined I could get soaked to the bone faster than by falling into the sea. In the little time it took to get outside and cast my barrier again I had gotten drenched by the rain. At least I had the foresight to go first so Sil stayed dry.
She did her best not to pick at my mopey mood as I remained soggy during our search, my waterlogged mane refusing to stay out of my eyes. Thankfully with the goggles it just obscured my vision.
We needed a vantage point. If there was a settlement on this side of the river we should spot the light or smoke from it. Unfortunately, the weather decided I wasn't allowed to see more than two hundred feet at best. The shadows of buildings loomed at us through the rain like specters, waiting to grab you when you turned away.
After an hour of wandering through alleys, we stumbled onto something promising: a construction site for what was going to be a building full of apartments, given what I could still read on the fence. I looked up but the rain turned its rooftop into a mere shadow. That boded well for us as no visible lights meant nopony was living in it so we pushed past the chain link fence and into the building.
"Well, this is a nice change of pace," I said, looking around.
"Certainly, though a little drafty," Sil added. "Looks like they didn't get any windows installed on this floor. Or doors for that matter."
The decor was incomplete, to say the least. At first, I thought there were living plants growing in here until I gave one a bite and found they were made of plastic. Yuck, who made plastic plants?! Shrugging, I made for the stairs.
"Not bothering with the elevator this time?" Sil asked.
"Duh, if this floor doesn't even have lights I doubt it has elevators that work," I explained. "Come now, my silly zebra cake, let's check this place out. We might even have someplace to sleep tonight because I don't know if we're going to wrap up this contract in time to head back to Pioneer."
Sill snorted. "Zebra cake? Really."
"I'm terrible with nicknames, alright." I sighed. "I'll just stick with Sil."
"That's my good filly." She teased me back, I swear my cheeks flash-dried out from the blush she sparked, which only made her giggle more.
The stairwell was far fancier than it had any right to be and gave me a convenient, clear line of sight for several floors above.
Sil realized what was about to happen just as I grabbed hold of her and began to quickly pop us both between floors. She rolled her eyes, seemingly starting to accept I was just going to do this when time was of the essence.
Every few floors I noticed that the interiors were less and less complete. On the ninth floor; there wasn't even a door for the floor. The twelfth floor didn't have carpet past the doorway. Fifteenth the walls were just skeletons for rooms, the floor was bare wood. We stopped and I walked in not wanting to go onto the roof. It seemed that while the bottom floor had lost its glass the top floor had not. Maybe early post-war vandalism I was thankful for the glass that was on this floor as the rain came down. However, I was curious as to how the glass in the city had survived the multiple balefire detonations within the city that were well beyond a point of concern.
As I walked in I heard a rustle and drew my pistol in my magic as I lowered my stance. I looked over my shoulder to see Sil move to block the doorway and get her battle saddle bit into her mouth.
Good whatever was in here we should have cornered.
I slowed my pace and scanned the floor as more rustling filled the air. I pulled out an empty bottle and cast my light spell on it and tossed it to the far end of the floor with my magic. As it flew through the air I got a good look through the floor as shadows shifted, elongated, and collapsed on themselves. Nothing. I turned and shook her head indicating nothing behind us at the stairwell. My ears flicked some more as I heard a rustling clearer, above me on the roof and I let out a sigh.
"Must be something caught on the roof, a tarp or something," I explained as I replaced my pistol in its harness. The shadows continued to shift as the bottle rolled to the far side of the floor. "Well, I don't think with the rain like this I'm going to get a good view of things around here."
"So now what?" Sil asked as she joined me as she rolled the self-illuminating bottle with her hoof.
"Well, let's wait out the rain. I... should... Do we do it here or check the lower floors to see if it's furnished?" I asked.
"Lower floor. I'd rather not sleep on hardwood, though I know you have plenty of experience with that." Sil snorted. What was that supposed to mean? The decks of Saint Clover were metal.
I picked up the bottle and put it in my saddlebag. We headed down a few flights of stairs. I wasn't in a rush considering the rain was coming down hard and we had plenty of floors to check. If the storm didn't break by morning I'd take Sil back to Pioneer and then strike out for the Clinic.
Though calling it a clinic seemed wrong when, if my map was right, it comprised a large campus. I shuddered thinking about it, glad that we were choosing to wait things out here instead of alone in an irradiated hospital with Stars knew what.
A sudden thought hit me as we checked the floors for furnishings. I pulled out the bottle again and I held the glass Sparkle-Cola bottle in my magic as it glowed the deep green of my light spell, its facets changing the luminosity as I slowly rotated it.
"Hadn't thought about how the glass would affect a light spell," I muttered to myself. "I really should consider using some weak light spells on objects when exploring. Would be a great way to mark where I've been."
I pondered and pulled out my spellbook as we trotted along. Sil, seeing me distracted, took the lead, flicking on a shoulder-mounted flashlight she must have gotten in Pioneer when she was out without me.
"Where was that arcane mark spell." I fumbled around the spellbook for a bit before finding it. I winced when I saw the card from Dealer again, quickly shuffling it to the page behind the mark spell and before beginning to read.
While not a simple marking spell, it was potent, making symbols for a ritual, or remotely activated spells, hidden or visible, it could even show other arcane marks or be used to make teleportation networks.
"Sweet Celestia, this is probably why this book wasn't meant for public consumption. Somepony probably would have been afraid sympathizers would use it to create a network to teleport zebras in." I muttered to myself realizing the power of these spells in conjunction.
"What was that, Moony?" Sil called back, poking her head out of a doorway.
"Sorry, reading." I explained before reading further. "Found an interesting spell to either make hidden messages for me or... Well, mark a place so I can teleport to it over a long range. Though I think I can also do that by just carving it into the ground."
Would need a bit of practice with the spell but in theory it was simple. With it I could make things like arcane landmines. Useful, yet terrifying.
"Now I am going to be paranoid that other ponies know how to do this," I muttered, before casting the arcane mark spell on the floor outside the stairwell, infusing an arcane blast into it in the process. Anypony other than Sil or I that crossed that threshold would get an arcane blast fired at them from the floor. Which given that's where a lot of ponies had a lack of armor, would be pretty harmful. "Now I can settle down and rest. Probably take a nap until the storm blows over."
"I found us a bed, hun. Seems most of this floor is reasonably furnished." Sil called from a doorway before tilting her head. "What are you doing?"
"Setting a magical landmine so if anyone but us tries to cross the doorway they get a magic bolt to the underside," I explained. "Which, given that's where a lot of ponies lack armor, it would be pretty harmful."
Sil just looked at me like I was a bit insane. "Well, that takes care of keeping us safe. Guess I won't need to set up the grenade trap on the door then."
I paused. "No... But when did you get grenades?"
"Pioneer?" She replied.
"I really need to make myself a shopping list." I sighed.
"Probably. How about some rest first?" Sil offered as I joined her.
-=O=-
Awareness came back to me as lightning shook the building. I let out a yelp of fear and pain as excess charge ran around me. I could feel the air filled with excess energy and lay low in the bed where Sil pressed against me. I lit my horn, afraid that my pipbuck might channel more electricity. Sil was saying something but the ringing in my ears left her words on deaf ears.
"Fuck." I whimpered as I pressed my head against Sil's and let my horn light fade out.
I dared to open an eye after a minute. We were still alive. I lifted my head and the blanket slid off of me. I saw the rain had let up but I could still hear rumbling and the sound of fat raindrops hitting the windows.
"Okay, fuck, let's hope that doesn't happen again" I croaked as I held onto the lightly trembling Sil.
Sil and I recovered after a while. She wanted to stay in bed which was understandable. Lightning was not fun. Worse when it hit what you were in.
"I'm just going to check on things around us, okay?" I stated.
"Sure, just, be quick," Sil replied.
I nodded. I just wanted to be certain that the lightning strike hadn't set the building on fire.
It was as I started doing my patrol that I realized we were on the fourth floor according to the room numbers. I filed it in the back of my head before pushing open one of the doors. Unsurprisingly there weren't any locks.
The flooring was mostly finished, and interior doors inside the apartment hung open. On the floor I saw signs of habitation, with the empty bottles of water and boxes of food. Fortunately nothing pointed to anything recent. With that inspection complete, I meticulously poked through the rest of the floor.
The windows here were intact beyond a few bullet holes, nothing I couldn't repair thanks to the majority of the glass still being there. The majority of the interior furnishings were missing, though I did note the fixtures for lights were completed to the point that lightbulbs sat in many of them. Not that the light switches worked of course.
As annoying as that was, it was at least something I could work with. While the lack of furniture would make things a problem for housing ponies here, the more technical equipment was here. Heating, showers, sinks, ovens, stovetops? I could make do with this floor.
I eventually returned to Sil and kept an eye out the window for activity below us, though part of me wondered about making this a safe house. While it would probably cost more than just buying a place, having a base of operation on this side of the river would be nice. The radiation was low enough to not need to worry about it, at least on this floor.
I rubbed my forehead. Was it a good idea to hide out so far away from other ponies though? Safety in numbers, let other ponies do the guarding. No need to sleep with a gun under my bed and set up magical and mundane traps. Yet the idea was appealing as I would have another place to store things, a place to operate out of. I just would have to do something to make it harder to access, to hide what I was doing.
"You're being stupid, Moonlight," I muttered. "Just buy a bigger room in Pioneer."
"What's up?" Sil asked.
"Thinking of converting this building to have this floor as a safe house. Enchant the windows to be one way. Fix everything up really nice. Get a generator for some heat. Get us some rain barrels. Some tools so we can work on things. Maybe loot ourselves a computer network. Secure door." I sighed. "Soundproof bedrooms."
Sil snorted at the last item on the list. "For the five of us?"
"Yeah, and anyone else we end up picking up along the way. I imagine at some point we're going to end up rescuing some strays." I giggled. "Be it via contract or just tripping over them."
"You're not wrong." Sil nodded. "Though transporting supplies here would be a bit of a pain in the rear.
"Well, as my reading told me. I can just teleport between marks, so..." I trailed off.
"So you just carve one into the floor here and make a rug or something in Pioneer and we have a magical transport system via your horn." Sil laughed, realizing how much time we would be saving before kissing my horn. "Hornheads, so clever. If you ever wonder why I fell for you."
I blinked. "That can't be the only thing." I snorted. I didn't believe for a moment that was the only reason Sil would go for me.
"One of many reasons and they're hard to put into words." Sil admitted. "I bet you know how it is. That strange feeling in your heart and all that."
I was intimately familiar with it so I pulled her close as we lay in bed, resting my head atop hers.
"I know that feeling all too well," I admitted.
My thoughts returned to the safe house idea. It just wouldn't leave me alone even while I was enjoying some cuddles. There was one big advantage I realized now. I could be certain here no one was listening in. An entirely controlled environment. How useful. Fine, I'll think about it, as stupid and dangerous as this is. Maybe I'll just do both and set up a teleportation network. Will let teleport back here if need be with salvage or a couple of ponies. If it wasn't too far or we aren't under duress. The focus component of teleport range is a bugger but, it's that or-- I blinked away the mental images of magical mishaps I had once read. Yeah, follow spells as directed, don't be like those ponies. As Ministry Mare Starlight wrote.
Sil and I got out of bed once the thunder had moved on, finally feeling safe once the rumbling came a good half minute after the flashes. We then worked hoof in the hoof to start repairing the fourth floor for habitation. What could be done by hoof Sil handled, what required my magic was left to me.
We first spent some time figuring out the best way to secure the stairwell. There were a few spells that could be used in conjunction with an arcane mark to make for good traps. For example, 'bend surface' on the stairs when anyone who wasn't us passed it would prevent anypony from getting anywhere fast and require another unicorn to undo it. However, I would have to remember to update all spell traps every couple of weeks or etch them into the ground like the good old days. Sil and I did a few test runs with some non-dangerous spells to see if that worked and it did, though only once for now.
For now, we just set a few arcane marks to go off with more familiar walls of energy tied to ice. I'd need to practice the bend surface spell before trying it. For all I knew I would end up causing non-Euclidean geometry to occur.
Once we had the stairwell done we began to pilfer the other floors for furniture. Two hours later we had our room, number twenty-six, looking half decent, though without power there was no way to use the oven. It would take too long and use too much magic to power it directly with my horn. The plumbing was hooked up, but the building had no water so we would need to sort out some rain barrels later. Finally, I went to what had once been a communal room of some sort and, once inside, pulled the carpet up to carve the first symbol in my teleportation grid.
"Okay," I huffed, wiping sweat off my brow as Sil hoofed me some water. "Things to buy and/or find: tools for working on barding. Tools for working on guns. Anvil or the like. Maybe go cut up some railroad for that. Sturdy workbench or two between us. What else? Ah. Reloading tools." I paused remembering I was going to the Fluttershy Medical Clinic soon. "Medical equipment."
"If you get medical equipment, snag some terminals. Then we can get to do some fun stuff." Sil smirked. She was a wiz with terminals after all so of course she wanted her domain of expertise represented.
"I'll see what I can do." I offered. "Though I don't know if we can find a network and drag it in here. We should probably look to see if any Stable-tec, Robronco, or other tech companies are in the area where we can go pilfer."
"I'll keep that in mind for when you head up to the clinic." Sil nodded. "I can do a bit of research for us for places to hit up." She was more excited than I had seen her in a while about getting out and doing things.
Maybe because it was just doing something together. Something that didn't involve hurting others.
"I'll leave it to you." I giggled as I wrapped a foreleg around her shoulder and booped her nose with mine.
We sat there for a minute. I think we both were wondering if there was more to come. I didn't feel the mood was right for it. I pressed my forehead to hers and closed my eyes. This was just as good if not better. For all the pleasures of the flesh, there was a simple deep pleasure of just being close to another soul who embraced you.
After a while of enjoying the closeness I continued. "Okay, let's take a look outside anything that looks like a settlement?" We both went to the east side of the building and sat side by side, surveying the region. This building would have been a nice place to live, it had a great view of both the city and the river.
The east side of Dockland was a lot less built up than the west side was, which made it easier to see further now that the rain wasn't blanketing the whole place. Nothing stood out to the east. I saw a few spots of lights but nothing that indicated a settlement out in the stretches of housing and commercial. I trotted over to the southern end of the floor and looked out the window that sat behind the elevators. There I saw the factory, which was easy to spot given it was one of the only places that was giving off steam and smoke. I paused as I let my eyes sweep over the ruins looking for more signs of steam or smoke as the thunder rumbled overhead.
I spotted a few places where I could see steam rising or maybe white smoke, I couldn't be certain at this distance. Three spots to check though.
"Hey, Sil? Do you see those streaks of wood smoke?" I asked as I stood to get my bags.
"Yeah, I think I do, three of them?"
"That would be them." I nodded and giggled. "Maybe not the same one but I doubt we saw two entirely separate sets of smoke trails."
"Why are you being like this today?" Sil snorted.
"Because I want to," I replied as I made for the stairs. Honestly, I was in an odd mood. "Let's get going, I want to have a look at all the ones we can find."
"Sounds good," Sil said as she caught up with me.
Her bags went on with my magic as she tugged straps tight on mine. This wasn't a long walk, but going out into the wasteland always demands wearing armor.
We returned to the second floor and teleported out of the building to street level before heading south toward the three sources of white smoke. I was fairly certain at this point that it was smoke and not steam. I had Sil double-check her battle saddle while I double-checked my guns.
As we neared the first source of smoke we slowed to a crawl, not wanting to trot into an ambush or camp. A caravan of scavengers was inside a worn-out store warming up by a fire. With a cautious greeting, we traded some of our salvage thus far for ammo, food, and tools, as well as information as to our target's base of operation. To this end, they pointed me further south, towards the two other possible locations. I thanked them and bid them a warm day.
The second location was not the bandit nest we were looking for but instead something worse. Given the gore, the wails of ponies missing limbs in cages, the rusted spikes, and more gore we had found raiders, the really really far-gone type. Weren't these supposed to be rare out here in Dockland? I wondered.
"They might not be our target but we might as well deal with them." I whispered to Sil. She nodded and pulled her bit up. "We shouldn't let them sit around and hurt more people."
"Of course only if their numbers aren't too great for us," Sil replied. "Stealth is not optional, I would say."
I disagreed, but sneaking in as far as you can and taking out threats quietly was a great way to turn numbers against them.
We took to an overpass to get overwatch on the raider compound's yard and found ourselves alone up top. I turned my gaze downward and saw a few ponies wandering around, all in that garb of cobbled-together garbage that had been patched up with even more garbage, telltale signs of a raider.
I also saw something that made me wish I hadn't.
Two raiders had taken a cage with the stallion in it and dropped it onto a fire pit. I should've acted but my medical knowledge told me I couldn't save him even if I did. He was clearly doused with something to make him burn faster because his coat immediately burst into flames. The poor bastard. Meanwhile the two raiders were just laughing. Enraged, I lined the first one up in my pistol sights and squeezed the trigger. The shot fell short but the two didn't hear it over the stallion's screams of pain.
Sil glanced at me, looking conflicted about opening with her unsilenced weapons.
"You're plan C. Open up if I fuck up." I explained. "Now for plan B."
"Plan B," I whispered and appeared behind the two.
I dumped two rounds into the back of their heads, whatever scrap that made up their head protection not enough to stop point-blank shots. What was left of their brains was annihilated.
The burning stallion was still screaming. I shot him too.
"I'm sorry," I whispered.
Even if I had put the fire out on him. I couldn't have given him his life back. Upon closer inspection his legs were missing and his eyes had gone while I dealt with the others. Let that never be me.
The door of the only standing building nearby opened and I made myself scarce by hopping over a barricade. Four ponies emerged and one started shouting. "Hey we told you to hold off on setting him on- Oh shit, somepony killed them! Get looking for them, I'm going for the alarm!"
Fuck, they had an alarm? Since when did Raiders have fucking alarms?!
I moved after the alarm pony as quickly as I dared around the debris while the other three began to fan out. If I could stop the alarm I could prevent this from becoming a very one-sided firefight.
It was then Sil began opening up on the ponies in the yard.
Shit she was exposed on the roof. She had no place to hide. Time for plan C.
I popped off a few shots into the raiders from the side as they aimed at Sil. The crossfire proved highly effective and left them dead in moments.
Sil hopped off the roof and I softened her landing with my magic. We cantered around the side after grabbing what guns and ammo we could from the raiders. The best call now was to be scarce and start popping heads rather than strip-searching every body.
Sil stood back as I nosed open a side door only to come face to rear with a mare who had her tail so short it left nothing to the imagination. The stallion she was talking to spotted me immediately and would've yelped had I not slammed his mouth shut with my magic. This didn't help the fact that I was breathing on the mare's delicates and that a door had just bumped her rump. Raiders weren't smart but they weren't braindead.
"What the? Hey, there's a fucking horn head sneaking around!" She shouted before bucking the door in my face.
Well, if the alarm somehow hadn't gone off yet it certainly has now.
I landed on my haunches as blood ran down my muzzle from my nose. I snorted and ejected more blood. Lovely. Well, time to deal with some idiots. I returned the favor with an arcane blast to the door, blowing a hole through the rusted metal before firing three rounds through the gap. I heard a yelp from the raider mare before I yanked what remained of the door open and rushed in.
My timing couldn't have been worse as my barding immediately caught a chest full of shotgun pellets, knocking the air out of me. My eyes watered and my pistol fell to the ground, all while the mare and stallion grinned down at me.
"Well, that was easy." Short Tail chortled looking at me as I tried to get to my hooves. Her buck friend gave me a grin that made me feel like I should be loosening my bowels. "Not every day a new chew toy comes in so fresh."
Come on Sil, what's taking you? I then heard her guns firing elsewhere. Shit, the raiders are engaging her from another direction.
I didn't like the idea of being a chew toy but If Sil got overwhelmed things were going to get worse, fast. Given the poor stallion we saw coming in, I didn't think chew toys got a decent retirement plan.
"Going to take my limbs?" I coughed, earning more laughs.
Right, raiders, some were psychopaths, most operated on a loose ethical code of "we do what we want because a pirate is free, yar har." If I don't do something quick I'm likely going to end up a lot looser and missing a few limbs in a few hours. Don't give in the fear, use it, and turn the fear into fuel.
Can't even see straight, words won't help that.
My vision swam with black and white dots spiraling throughout it. I coughed and blew out more blood from my nose, eventually managing to get to my hooves.
"Oh, you can still stand?" The mare laughed.
I felt myself swaying. I could make out rough shapes of ponies so I charged forward with my horn low at what I thought was the stallion's chest. Instead, I hit a wall which sent pain coursing down my horn skull. Hideous laughter filled the air as I fell over and dry heaved from the pain.
"The bitch is still trying at least. I like it." The stallion laughed as my ears rang.
I looped a hoof around what I could discern to be a shelf and pulled, feeling it give and start to topple over. I scrambled out of the way just in time and heard the two yelp in pain as the heavy shelf landed on them.
"The only fucking going on around here is going to be my bullets fucking the holes I'm putting in you," I said then winced. "Ugh, that sounded better in my head."
"You'll figure out one-liners eventually." The stallion grunted.
I pulled out a healing potion and tried to twist the top off and instead broke it off. With a groan, I just dumped the contents into my mouth and swallowed. My blurred vision and ringing ears faded while the two I had trapped under the metal shelf were working their way free. "Hold on, I'll finish you two off in a second, unless you'd rather surrender."
"And what, get hung?" Short Tail spat then resumed trying to wriggle her way free.
"He's hung, and you're wet," I said with a scrunch of my muzzle; the healing potion really wasn't helping my head. "I got way too close to your rear when I opened that door."
"She's as crazy as us, ha!" The short spiky maned stallion laughed. "And thank you for noticing."
I blew out the last of the blood from my nose and looked down at the trapped couple. "My mare is out there right now killing the rest of your crew. I'm offering you a chance to run. Why? Because I'm not really in a position to kill you."
"Not in a position to kill us?" Spiky Mane asked as he looked at me in confusion.
"I prefer to not fight up close like this," I replied.
"So you rather let us run than upset your stomach." Shot Tail laughed. "What a delicate Pioneer."
I went for my pistol in its holster before seeing it was on the other side of the room where the door was. I rolled my eyes then pulled out my sawed-off shotgun with my magic. "Well, I could just shoot you."
The two froze realizing I had recovered and could accurately aim again.
"Okay, well, um, running sounds nice too. Can we still do that?" Short Tail asked, her eyes pleading.
"Yeah, just don't raise another alarm." I started, eyeing the two to see how they responded. "I mean I probably should still just put you down but you two don't seem like the ones who would light a stallion on fire after delimbing him."
"Those fuckers, we didn't want to harm him, just keep him around as a pet. But no, got to torture every poor bastard we can't ransom off, and the ones we can." Spike Mane grumbled. "We're done with this crew, they've been getting more deranged. We just liked the drugs and sex."
"Fair enough, now git before I give you two some free piercings where you don't want them," I said as I shakily lifted the shelf with my telekinesis, giving a warning wave of the sawed-off in the process.
Sil took that moment to come up to the door. "Sil, don't shoot." I quickly stated. "These two aren't threats."
She looked at me in confusion as the two former raiders scrambled past her to flee. "What?"
"Ugh, this group is apparently going nuts, those two were planning on leaving. And we just gave them the window to do so. Count that as having saved two lives." I wobbled unsteadily, still dazed. "Uh, could I get a hoof?"
As Sil shifted to let me lean against her side, I realized that the two raiders were both without barding and had run off carrying only a bag between them. The stallion especially was having a bit of an issue due to me interrupting them while they were getting ready to have fun.
"That's going to be a hell of a case of blue balls." I laughed, and then sighed when an alarm went off. I picked up my pistol and shoved it back into my holster. "Break's over, time to get to work."
Sil gave me a strange look.
"I'll explain later. Unfortunately time for more killing." I said as I double-checked the sawed-off before setting it back in my saddlebags.
"I thought I got the pony that was originally running for the alarm. Guess this is the actual alarm." Sil sighed.
I heard hooves scrambling about on the floor above us and I hissed as I wished for a weapon with more capacity than twelve rounds. A pony ran down the stairs at that moment, saw Sil and I with our walking arsenal then dropped the machete in his mouth and ran back up.
"Huh, not the reaction I expected," I admitted as I grabbed the machete and held it next to me in my magic.
"Yeah, not mine either. Given the scrambling above, how many do you think?" Sil asked.
"Fuck if I know. Going to be a pain in the ass. Still got the grenades?" I asked in return.
Sil smirked. "Just don't get too close."
"I'll try not to." I giggled. "Though let's wait to use one, might blow up all the gear. Cover me in case any ponies come hearing the gunfire. Might want to keep your ass safe from the stairwell in case of ricochets."
"Alright, I'll wait for your signal." Sil nodded.
I started up the stairs first and as I did I heard something heavy get tossed over with a loud thump. Smart, makeshift cover. I peeked over the top of the stairs and saw three raiders staring back from behind a table that blocked half of a doorway, all with rifles. I immediately crouched as the small stairwell turned into a shower of plaster, the chorus of rifle barks amplified by the small area. After a minute the gunfire stopped though my heart was still pounding as I opened my eyes. I wasn't hurt, however, my heart rate was setting off an alert which I squelched with a thought.
That's the fear of death, my dear Pipbuck. It happens. Tell me when I get hurt or when my heart explodes.
With a small movement, I lifted my head and looked over the lip of the stairs to see the three raiders move the table out of the way to come look for me. I noticed an empty spot behind them and, with a pop, I was behind them, my front falling slightly when I reappeared. Right, the position was maintained when teleporting, so that was something to keep in mind. Or was I just doing this wrong? Whatever, read later, slaughter now.
The three hadn't heard me teleport behind them but they did notice something. I didn't know if there was a sign of when somepony teleported, there must have been some after-effect.
"What was that flash? Since when did random unicorns know how to teleport?" One yelled, clearly annoyed as they surveyed where I once was, somehow knowing what the spell was.
Good Sil must have taken cover to stay hidden. Though this is interesting, teleporting makes a flash. The pop I feel must be due to something as well. It wasn't just mental.
Sweeping that thought aside, I crept up to the barricade they had partially removed, leveled my shotgun at one of them before sending the machete flying into another. The target moved at the last second so it missed her head and instead went along her barrel and embedded into her flank, the pony quickly going into shock as her entrails began to spill out.
Well fuck, that's going to stay with me. I was hoping to keep this a bit cleaner.
Next I let out a blast from the sawed-off. It removed one of the remaining uninjured ponies' heads, turning it into ground meat. Never mind, that wasn't clean at all.
The last unhurt one stared back up at me for a moment before he started to wildly fire at me as he scrambled to the mare to try and help her. I knew it was a lost cause; without some serious medical equipment she was done for.
Fuck, I hate this. I fucking hate killing others. Give me vipers and hydras any day, but people? Fuck no...
More gunfire shook me out of my thoughts and made me duck down and hide behind the cover they had left behind. Then a grenade landed in my lap. I popped my head up and felt a bullet tear into my shoulder as I teleported back to the stairs instead of dealing with the grenade. I landed on my ass facing away from the two who were still alive. The grenade detonated a heartbeat later.
Too fucking close.
"Fucking bitch, just die!" The raider shouted as he fired the rifle with his magic and used his hooves in a futile attempt to stuff the mare's insides back in her.
I felt three rounds go through me and immediately squashed the warnings in my EFS saying where I'd been hit. I would check my medical information later. Instead, I pushed myself upright and then leapt at the stallion, slipping my knives out of their slots and brandishing them.
It was to be a mercy killing for her and an execution for him. The mare had a face of acceptance. The stallion had a face full of fury. I could understand raging against death. I was doing the same.
Was I?
I was clearing raiders to protect ponies. Right now though I was fighting to survive, no other higher moral calling. I could have backed off and left but, no, this felt right.
To remove this cancer. To kill. To sink our talons into them.
I felt another round rip through me before I got too close for him to turn his rifle at me. I let my mass carry me in a tackle against the stallion. His magic imploded as I pushed a knife up and under his left foreleg, going for his heart. Another knife I rammed into the skull of the mare, causing her to go limp and giving her the mercy she deserved.
The stallion and I struggled. He smashed his face against mine, making my magic wink out with the blow. In return, I slammed my hoof against his barrel. He howled in pain before he bit my horn, making my eyes sting with tears. I reached under his foreleg and wrapped the handle of the knife in my knee and pulled down along his ribs slicing his chest open and destroying his left lung.
I felt it getting harder to breathe and took a glance at the EFS readouts to see I had a punctured lung, a damaged kidney, and liver damage. I needed a healing potion soon or I would poison myself to death. I needed this fight to be over with now before any other raiders showed up. Sil I am going to be leaning on you real hard real shortly.
I removed another knife from its sheath and tried to stab him again but he kicked my leg, causing me to drop it, all while keeping a hold of my horn with his rotted teeth. It was clear he intended to break it off with his remaining strength given how he gnawed at it. We wrestled for another minute as our blood commingled and soaked my barding.
I could feel my strength bleeding out of me. Every attempt I made to fight him was rendered moot. I grunted as I had one last option, and it was going to hurt. I was on a lower stair than he was so I used what strength I had to stand on my hind hooves, using my leverage to lift him with me. Instinctively, he wrapped himself around my head and neck with his forelegs. I twisted and fell to bring his spine down on the stairs letting gravity do the job for me.
He let go, his body cushioning the impact for me. I managed to face him once we landed and got my horn to align with his face.
"Bye," I said as I focused my anger on a bolt of magic and watched in a mix of horror and satisfaction as his features were blasted away; coat, skin, muscle, bone, and brain. My magic left a small hole in his head where it had gone through, his body twitching. I slowly rolled off of him, pulled out another healing potion and downed it.
I felt my body stitch itself back together as I heard hooves closing in on my position. I grabbed the three rifles in my magic and reloaded them with the spare magazines Machete had been carrying on her.
Sil now would be a great time to use that grenade.
"Come and get me, assholes," I whispered laying on my back as I listened to the raiders charging in from another room.
They came all at once. A good plan and far more effective because there weren't just three but eight of them. They brandished a mix of bats, sticks, a flail, a stop sign, a pistol, and another sawed-off. I just held down the three triggers held in my magic.
The screams of terror, pain, and death from the raiders washed over me and I felt nothing. I felt numb from it. I hadn't seen these ponies care for one another or try to talk to me. I just classified them as things. Maybe it was the pain still running through me. Maybe it was the instinct of survival.
My plan seemed to work because their advance was slowed by my gunfire as they dove for cover, then ended as suddenly as it began when their cover exploded. That must have been Sil's handiwork.
I dropped the guns and let out a groan. "Good timing."
"We should have just used a grenade." Sil admonished.
"Yeah," I replied. "I didn't see where you went though, didn't know if you could have gotten them on the stairs."
"Sorry about that." Sil sighed.
"Don't worry about it. Let's just clean up. I need to check for anything in me." I said, trying to get to my hooves only to get even more warnings in my EFS. "Oh, that's probably not a good sign."
Well, it could be worse, I could be singing.
Sil looked at me worried. "Is there anything I can do?"
"I..."I looked through my medical readouts. "Okay, we need to take a minute. Uh, do the looting. I want the machete, see if there is a sheath somewhere. And a cache. Raiders love to stash all their shit in a big pile to feel good about themselves. And to know if anyone is taking their stuff."
"Guessing you need time to pull out some metal?" Sil asked.
"Oh yeah," I admitted. "Oh, that's a fair bit of stuff stuck in me. Time for some painkillers."
"Operating on yourself. I'm certain I read somewhere that's a no-no, but I don't think we have an option." Sil sighed. "Let me know if you need a hoof, though you know I'm not so good with internal medicine."
I knew she didn't like looking inside ponies. "Can do."
Level Up! Welcome to Level 9! A new perk added: Horse Reflexes! You're the bane of everypony who tries to take a swipe at you when they get an opportunity to. For this, you gain a bonus of five to your damage threshold when calculating your armor against attacks of opportunity. Bait out those attacks as they can't touch you as you canter away.
> Chapter 22 - The Fluttershy Medical Complex
"The Ministry of Peace was at the forefront of developing new ways of healing everyone, not just ponies but everyone. Beyond that, they were often attempting to find ways to end side conflicts that occurred during the war through peaceful methods. Peace above all else was the mindset of the ministry and its mare, Fluttershy."
- Opening Ceremony Speech for the Dockland Central Fluttershy Medical Center
The last source of smoke wasn't hard to find; the ponies outside the factory were a ragtag bunch and surprisingly non-hostile when we approached. They were being paid to try to take the building or, failing that, make it too costly to operate by needing more and more guards.
However, they were getting tired of having their friends die and it didn't take much to push them to stop; some caps and chems looted from the raiders and they agreed to go back to scavenging. In return, we even got some more food, water, and ammo. I also got a scope that I could fit on my revolver rifle which should relieve a bit of my accuracy issues with it.
"You know I see now why you keep so many chems on you," Sil said. "They're really good for trading out here."
I smiled at her, not wanting to admit to keeping them in case of another situation like Four Corners. "Yeah, you'll find that the people who abuse them will buy them for a high price. Same reason I grab any ammo I find; someone can always use it."
Sil giggled at that. "Oh that is for certain, and if not I could always make something that we can actually use."
I kissed the smart mare on her forehead, closing my eyes to not let her reverse hawk get in my eyes. "One of the great many reasons I love you."
Before we headed out, we swung by the safe house and dropped off our scavenged goods. No need to take everything with me into the hospital and lighter on my hooves meant I could drag more crap out. Sil and I regarded our salvage, picking out what to send back with her before deciding to take a detour from the clinic and returning to Pioneer. It was an extra hour but teleportation cut the trip time down a good deal.
As we stood in the square it finally set in how I was about to do something profoundly stupid. For her part, Sil instead ran a hoof along my face to guide me to look at her.
"Don't get yourself killed, hun," Sil said to me before kissing me on my forehead. I smiled back at her.
"I'll try my best." I replied by kissing her on the forehead in return. "See you as soon as I can and good luck with your research, hun."
"I still wish I could wait for you outside of the heavily irradiated area in case you need help," Sil sighed, the worry in her voice obvious.
Gently, I pressed my muzzle against hers. "If I thought it was an option I'd have you do that but you waiting for me somewhere less hot would leave you standing guard alone."
"The radiation protects you from most people who would trouble you. I know." She sighed again. "I'm going to work on some radios for us so we can keep in touch over long distances."
"That would be very welcome to have. Just find us some way to plug into our ears. Don't wanna have others overhear us sweet talking." I teased her.
"Oh that's a solved problem, earblooms are everywhere and pretty simple to make and repair." She grinned. "I'll also look into finding a way to track one another better. Would make it a lot easier if we could just send out a distress call and find one another even if we're knocked out."
I liked that idea. "Yeah, possibly a way to do so without the pipbuck zero's on us, just in case we have to deal with technofetishists."
Sil pondered that for a moment. "Good idea, and anything you want me to look for?"
Two thoughts hit me. "Enchantments and talismans; books on them, making them, casting them." I went on. "I want to help make our equipment lighter or imbue some other spells into them. Maybe have them use our natural magic so Riptide and I don't have to use our horns."
Sil's eyes widened and I could tell her mind was racing with ideas.
"Oh, I see you won't be bored while I'm away." I cooed before kissing her. "Be a good filly and stay safe."
Sil flushed and nodded before moving away to get to work.
-=O=-
Testing my ability to teleport long distance, I pushed myself to reach out for the safe house rune. With a weird sensation, I opened my eyes and found myself at the destination, albeit a little singed and steaming, my horn lightly glowing as well. Then the nausea hit.
Okay so I can push myself further with teleporting. I'll just feel like I went through an oven while getting my face bucked.
The pain took priority and as such I took some of the stronger painkillers I had kept a hold of. To further take my mind off of the pain, I turned my attention to what supplies I could salvage from something as expansive as the Clinic. In terms of things that would fit in the Safe House? Medical supplies, and lots of them. A good bit of medical equipment. Heck, there were also potential beds to get to, so long as they weren't ruined by now.
With a list noted down in the pipbuck, I was ready to head out. The painkillers were doing their job, maybe a bit more. Sadly the label lacked prewar information on what was in it. Instead, it was just labeled as extra-strength painkillers. I squinted and thought I could see 'one hundred percent certified as non-addictive by the Ministry of Morale', which didn't help my worry that these were addictive.
Then again I wasn't hallucinating so it probably wasn't those kinds of drugs at least.
-=O=-
The trek to the clinic campus wasn't as bad as I imagined. The mist had rolled back in throughout the journey, the cool air keeping others inside. As I trotted down the old highway, the first of the Fluttershy Medical Clinic's buildings emerged from the fog, appearing like the shadow of a fish close to the surface of the water. Though it was a full sprawling complex.
Now that I had a better view of the place, I could see that it was almost as big as the University, a light glow cast over the whole place. If I remember one of Sil's lectures on radiation right, that was the glow of balefire radiation made easier to see by its interaction with the water in the air.
Another block closer and I was at the apex of the highway bridge, letting me see more of the campus' layout even without the binoculars I craved.
Four buildings in the shape of Flutteryshy's cutiemark made up the main part of the campus; Emergency Room, Urgent Care, Long Term Care and Outpatient, with the latter being the shortest at only a few stories and Long Term Care itself far taller. Each building seemed to be connected through the remains of sky bridges to leave more green space between the buildings. Given the glow, I ascertained that the radiation source was between the main four buildings.
In a partial ring around the main buildings were smaller facilities that I guessed were various administrative buildings; from groundskeeping to greenhouses, physical therapy gyms, and just other smaller individual practices that had rented out space.
Trotting towards the shrouded, glowing ruins my pipbuck started clicking, alerting me to the presence of the radiation in the air. I could see why previous attempts were so limited in success. Such a large facility required a large amount of time to search and with radiation like this most ponies could only do so for a couple of hours. For me? I had two or three days with my supplies before I needed to leave. Now where was that radiation coming from?
The rate of clicks from my pipbuck was increasing faster than I expected. Something told me I had forgotten how density changes with distance in a three-dimensional volume, which Sil could explain to me if she was here. Regardless, unless the radiation was lower in the buildings this was going to start eating up my anti-radiation supplies, even factoring in my mutations.
"Okay, so it's far too hot for most ponies to stay long and anyone here will probably hoof it at seeing someone else show up." I rationalized to myself as I trotted towards the Outpatient building.
One thing I did notice was that many windows were still intact; cracked but not gone, a curious trend I was now realizing in the more important buildings throughout the city. This made two ministry buildings and several newer ones I had seen. It must have been due to a difference in materials used in the periods when the buildings were built.
The front door for Outpatient lay open, the metal frame forced inward long ago. I doubted it would ever close. I quickly scanned the lobby and realized, like the Ministry of Image, that the lobby was cavernous. Here though there was a practical forest and this time none of the plants were fake based on the moisture in the air, the damage on the leaves, and how the air tasted.
This would take some getting used to. I didn't hear the sounds of an HVAC system at least which would make hearing things on other floors easier, at least in this building.
I stared back at the gnarled and twisted plant life. They weren't exactly textbook examples but most were well-preserved samples of pre-war plant life, with few mutations.
I trotted to the front desk to inspect the terminal even as my pipbuck continued to alert me to the everpresent radiation. Sadly, the terminal was well and truly shot, which, given the signs of corrosion on the outside of it I would have placed my bet on water damage. There was little doubt the atrium's shattered glass ceiling was the cause of it, the lichen on the walls a good indicator of how wet the building tended to stay.
I rummaged around in the front desk's drawers and found a still working respirator. That worried me. While I would have understood a medical mask, was there something pre-war that had happened that required ponies at the front desk to have a respirator? Let's find answers later when I have access to notes or a database.
For now though, I put the respirator on; there was bound to be black mold here, if not worse things in the air including one less vector for radiation. I paused after slipping it over my muzzle, breathing deep to get used to the more restricted airflow. Why was this still here? I wondered then shrugged. Ponies probably just expected the front desk to already be looted in the first place and never checked, but that seemed silly given everything else seemed cleared out.
I looked around the lobby and kept clear of the plants. While they were mostly normal, I didn't want to disturb whatever lived within this secluded grove, not wanting to risk something venomous or worse created by time and radiation.
Nope, I'm not thinking about pony-eating plants with grasping tentacles.
I spotted elevators amongst the plant life, looking like platforms in glass tubes. Those would be useless to me, their bases lost to the overgrowth.
More stairs then and more working on getting a sick pair of legs and flanks that nopony can ignore. Not that I needed more attention than I was getting from Sil. I thought in an attempt to encourage myself. Plus it's only six floors for this building? Not bad.
Then it hit me. This was one building, a general practitioner building from the front, not emergency or urgent care. Not long-term care, or research, this was just where ponies came for their standard medical care, probably with some administrative stuff higher. I shook my mane and pushed on, moving up a stairwell that went higher.
The second floor wasn't much better than the first; debris, dust, more overgrown flora, waiting room chairs toppled over, the works.
The radiation levels also hadn't dropped, something I had expected to drop a little by going up a good twelve feet which was a bit worrying. I pushed myself to go faster, realizing I was on a tighter clock than I had thought. I need to find what the source of the radiation is. Once I do, hopefully, I'll know where the worst of the radiation is going to be.
The second floor didn't take long to clear considering it was long looted of medical supplies. However, there were plentiful medical tools, which was nice. If I was going to have a medical suite in my base of operations I would need them.
The radiation levels on the third floor was a bit higher, which I suspected came from the big open side of the atrium and made me wonder if somehow the plants were the ones emitting the radiation. Here I started to find where ponies had failed to fully pick through the building, either from running out of time or filling up their bags. I started finding supplies to treat mundane scrapes and bruises alongside healing bandages, doctor bags, first aid kits, and healing potions.
Many locked doors as well, most of which were pretty hard to pick. Sadly behind the secure doors I mostly found useless items like expired vaccines and other medical equipment like empty needles and towels. Oh! But one closet did contain painkillers and some Buck, which I grabbed. While not the super strong stuff it was not as addictive and better than nothing.
The fourth floor looked to be more of the same; a few more bottles of buck and painkillers, some antibiotics which looked to be expired but I snatched them all the same.
The fifth floor was almost pristine. The transition was almost stark to me and made me slow my pace, though I found, to my dismay, nothing of real importance, at least in terms of what I could take with me. The floor was a mix of offices, x-ray machines, and other machines to emulate what a unicorn could do with her horn. Smart, meant no pony had to wait for a unicorn who knew a certain spell to be free.
Terminals up here were locked and probing them left me with little more than medical data, logs looked to have been purged or require a personal login and not a root admin login. Higher security than I had expected for a hospital but it made a small part of me happy to see.
The final floor looked to be offices for the doctors who worked in this building. Going through desks and offices left me with a few Mint-als and some of the stronger, addictive painkillers. The radiation up here was also markedly worse than on the ground floor. Radiation must be released from something above. Damn, that is going to make it hard as fuck to loot things.
I took a break then to have a snack and some water while I looked at a map of the facility. The stairwell I came up with connected to a basement that led to the other buildings. According to what I was looking at, the buildings were connected in sequence of ER, Long Term Care and Urgent care by sky bridges. Long Term Care seemed to be the largest of them at around fifteen stories, even sporting the now darkened Ministry's symbol on it, while ER and Urgent were both nine-story buildings.
Considering ER was the furthest from me the plan was to take the passage at the bottom of the stairwell to Urgent Care, then Long term and then on to ER. From there drop off the stuff I wanted to keep at my base then take the rest to Pioneer to give my report.
"Huh, I am probably going to need to write out what I find here." I shuddered remembering that Pioneer was built next to the Ministry of Morale and having heard the rumors of less fun things there from the other guests at breakfast the other day. The idea of having memories ripped from your head, what the hell did a ministry focused on keeping ponies happy have to do with that? That seemed more of a thing for the Ministry of Peace, removing painful memories, not copying them. No wonder the Elements abandoned us and their Bearers.
I shoved the thoughts out of my head and politely deposited my snack wrapper in a waste bin before heading back down the stairwell. I flicked my EFS back on and saw no bars on it. No friendlies, no hostiles, just how I liked it.
The bottom of the stairs ended in a dark hallway, which didn't surprise me. I was thankful for the open-air design of the Atrium that at least let some natural light in. Now though I needed to switch on my pipbuck light as I trotted into the gloom that led to Urgent Care.
My hoofsteps echoed ahead and behind me as I walked, my pipbuck light only illuminating what felt like a few feet around me. It wasn't long before I felt myself adrift in an abyss where only the green spotlight around me existed. Thick pipes along the ceiling to my left, small pipes along the floor to my right, brackets that held them every twenty feet... If not for the readout of time in my vision I would have thought I had been lost in some horrific void between spaces.
My hoofsteps sounded off and I felt myself fidget then flick my ears, my own sounds somehow feeling wrong. My entire body felt off but my pipbuck said I was getting minimal radiation exposure. I shook my mane and pushed to get to the end a bit faster, thoroughly unnerved.
A door suddenly showed up in front of me and my heart stopped for a moment out of surprise. Relief washed over me as I approached it and I felt all the stress in my back drain when I tried the handle on the door and it swung open.
"Thank the Sisters." I thanked the doorway.
I didn't think I had a fear of small places, not after growing up in Saint Clover but that felt like something else. Like something had reached out and I had barely managed to elude whatever had been down there. That was a terrifying concept, spaces that could just snatch a pony away from reality. I shook my head to get the thoughts out of it.
I spared a glance at the tunnel and swore I saw claw marks on the walls and my hoofprints tracked over by something else's for half a second. What the fuck? Then the moment passed and my vision corrected itself, leaving me alone fighting my brain's paranoia
Quickly ascending the stairs, my pipbuck started to click angrily again as radiation picked back up. Interesting. The passage seemed to be deep enough that it kept out surface radiation.
I carefully peek through the door leading into Urgent Care's lobby and saw red on my EFS. That was a bad start. I looked around for movement and saw it: what looked like a mix of mechanized stretchers and floating spiders, lightly armored and seemingly equipped to assist in dealing with medical tasks. These 'robostretchers' were probably altered from standard roboponies, turning their backs into a bed.
I was wondering if I could take one with me to carry loot when one suddenly turned towards me.
"Patients aren't allowed outside of their rooms, Miss -bzzt- Grimoire." A polite tinny robotic voice echoed out across the lobby.
Okay, that's totally not creepy. Why the fuck does that robot know my name? I haven't said it, or interacted with any tech.
Before I could finish my thought, I felt a dart slam into my chest. Looking down, I saw that it was full of some fluid that was draining into the kevlar behind the ceramic plates. Whatever it was, it was viscous.
It also was a good sign for me to get going again.
For what it was worth the Robopony seemed to glare at me as if annoyed that its trick had failed.
"So I think that counts as poor bedside manners?" I joked before moving to run.
The slower Robopony seemed to be equipped with the syringe launcher and grasping mechanical tentacles. The weird Spiderbot that was now hovering towards me instead had its graspers, surgical implements, medical scanners, and some kind of spiked appendages whirring to life.
Why did they give medical robots weapons?
Unfortunately, that question would remain unanswered for only the Princesses knew how long. My attempt to flee triggered the Spider's spikes to launch out and jab into my neck.
"What the-" Was all I managed before electricity coursed through me and robbed me of my autonomy.
Another dart hit me, this time in the side of my neck. Mercifully the electricity stopped then and I crumpled to the floor, gasping as my body twitched. As I struggled to move, I noticed my EFS was gone and no amount of willing it back made it return, likely shorted from the electrical shock.
"Thank you for your compliance Ms. Grimoire." The Spiderbot cheerfully chimed.
The cheerfulness of it made me desire to stomp the fucker into a chromium pancake. Unfortunately, my body still refused to work and seemed to be weakening, some kind of sedative if I had to guess as my heart pounding made it spread faster.
I didn't lay there for long as the machines quickly collected me and ferried me off to a dark room, sliding me off the back of the extended robopony and onto a bed. At this point, the spikes and syringe were removed.
I whimpered, struggling to not fall asleep in the irradiated hospital for who knew how long.
-=O=-
I woke up when I heard my EFS go off. I blearily opened my eyes to see a stylized version of myself waking up, again.
Right, that notification. Yes, I am somehow well-rested by a tranquilizer induced sleep, ignoring the headache or how it still hurts from being electrocuted. Ugh did the pipbuck reboot itself? Actually, that would make some sense.
I stopped my mental grousing and scanned my surroundings. The room I was in was dark and checking my EFS showed a lot of green bars which, given that they were overlapping, I couldn't get a good count of. Given my prior encounter, likely more robots, currently non-hostile.
Electricity would be the best option for neutralization. Unfortunately, that meant magic. Not the quietest method though a fair bit quieter than a forty-four caliber rifle. I mean sure my nine millimeter could do the job in theory but I wanted to minimize the window of retaliation.
At least the bed felt nice, clean, safe, and warm. The room itself though was dark, quiet, and still. Given how long I had been awake with my eyes open I knew that there weren't any sources of light, even from the outside. I instinctively went to fill my horn with magic and felt something stop it. I gasped for air and instead turned on my pipbuck light, finally bathing the small examination room in green light.
I pulled the sheet off of myself, thankful that I wasn't restrained despite my non-compliance. I don't want to think about how many scav's got that fate. I sighed. Oh why hadn't I studied illusion magic, it would be handy right about now.
The thought of being tied down to a bed made me wince as I tried to stand, the feeling that my body was a lot more wrong than I had previously thought suddenly washing over me. My chin smacked into the side of the bed frame and I saw white dots in my vision spiraling.
Fuck.
My eyes watered and I felt exhaustion grip me, fighting the burning bile clawing at my throat. Fumbling for something to eat or drink, I realized my ability to move properly was completely shot.
With a grunt I tried to move myself back onto the bed while demanding my pipbuck tell me what was going on. I winced, staring at the warning that whatever I had been injected with contained both hallucinogenic and tranquilizing properties. Given what I understood of medicine, the only thing that made sense was that the tranquilizer had degraded into a hallucinogenic.
Trying to stay in the here and now failed as pain ran through me then, ran through where I kept getting hurt and hit.
Then I heard the ocean, smelled it, and felt like I was suddenly deep underwater as darkness and silence took me. The radiation clicks grew more drawn out, longer, quieter, as if I was sinking away from them and time itself was distorting.
-=O=-
"Hey Moonlight," Emil greeted me, standing over me.
The gryphon rooster stood over me, looking down at me with striking brown eyes and a body that was a mix of a red-tailed hawk and mountain lion.
I blinked and flexed my talons as I stood up from the floor of Saint Clover. "The hell did you put in that drink?" I asked him as he offered me his claw to pull myself up with.
"Well, this will make the year a lot easier; no having to carry you or slowly walk in the open to scout things out." He said to himself before explaining. "You did say you'd love to fly with your own wings, and I just so happened to have the solution. Though I expected the process to take longer, I still managed to modify your barding for those fantastic new wings of yours, even if they look like pigeon wings."
I blinked then looked myself over. What the fuck?
"We'll also need to give you a more gryphon-like name." He mused as I took his claw and got up. "Ah, I know a good one, Rayna."
This made me cock my head at him. "Well, I guess that is better than no cover name."
He chuckled. "Your head tilts are adorable."
And that made me flush.
-=O=-
With a groan, I pushed myself up. For a moment, I thought I was back in the hospital bed but I felt waves rolling around and over me. Then I opened my eyes.
The world was black with its edges defined by gold. The edges of the waves sparkled and traced with the selfsame gold. I was lying on some beach, somewhere. Rocks poked through the pitch-black water, their shapes looked like what I had seen of coral in books. Slowly my eyes drifted to the horizon and for a moment I couldn't process it.
The 'moon' was half the size of the horizon itself but it looked to be made of true darkness, a shimmering golden wind flowing around it, spiraling into its surface at the edges.
I was in awe and terrified. Where am I? What is this? I tried to stand again but my body refused to work, as if held down. Then I stared down at myself and found a good bit of it under the surface of the water.
-=O=-
The clicks of radiation came back to me as I gasped for air. EFS popped up and showed my heart rate was elevated, respiration was low, and I was very much still poisoned. Thankfully the slow rate the radiation was building inside me wasn't going to kill me this year but whatever I was injected with was very much not doing me any favors.
Even in the extremely dim light behind the blackout curtains, my eyes stung from the illumination from the EFS itself. My mind struggled to parse what I had just seen.
Then I gasped as I felt pain in my gut again. Looking down, I saw the scars from my recent impalement, an ache from the shots I had taken lingering in my mind, the sensitivity to reality jacked up to eleven. I wanted to pass out again.
-=O=-
The ocean lapping at me was what I felt first, then a deep seeping cold in my stomach. I felt the thump of a landing and managed to open my eyes. Emil was terrified, his claws pressing into my stomach. There was blood on him. His or mine? I couldn't tell.
"Go, we don't have any healing potions." I croaked at him, putting a talon on his chest.
He fumbled with his words, working up the courage to do something useful.
"Please, take them with you, let my family know, and don't forget the map," I told him, a smile creeping weakly across my beak.
His tears slipped free before he gave me his revolver, a three-fifty-seven. "I wish I could do more, I really do, Moonlight."
"What happened to using a gryphon name for me?" I teased as I weakly grasped the pistol. "Go, before they get you as well. Let's not let everything we did go to waste, alright?"
He nodded and I watched him leap into the air. I heard a shot then and, when he didn't fall out of the air, traced it back to its shooter and placed a round into the fucker's skull. At least I wouldn't die unavenged.
-=O=-
I was crying, remembering the year I blocked out. Remembering the pain of why Winter and I couldn't have foals, a pain I knew the source of for so long but refused to face. That my desires were to never be fulfilled, that all I had left was fulfilling the desires of others. Everything I had thought I would be growing up had long been stripped from me.
"I don't want to be here right now." I whimpered. "I don't want to think about this anymore."
The desire to curl up into a ball took over as I struggled to keep memories out of my head, that even that strange beach overlooking a black sun about to devour the world was preferable.
It didn't happen and my mind slipped away again, the hallucinogenic forcing me to relive things I wanted to forever forget.
-=O=-
Confusion of an unknown source racked me as I woke up alive in a hospital bed, staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. My body ached and a quick glance down showed that my lower half was heavily bandaged. There was also a tag on my right claw with some kind of barcode upon it. With no strength to do more, I just lay there, hoping weakly that Emil was safe, as was our clutch.
As I dozed on and off, a unicorn mare eventually entered my room, her coat white, mane red.
"Oh, our mysterious bird is awake." She said.
"Rayna," I replied, a year of being a gryphon had made me default to this new given name.
"Rayna, what a nice and very not-pony name." She giggled. "I will be your attending physician, call me Brightheart."
"Pleasure to meet you, Brightheart," I replied, trying my hardest to be enthusiastic but the energy wasn't there.
"Well, we weren't certain we still had you when we found you. Few expected you to survive." She informed me simply. "Honestly, we're still surprised you recovered but you seemed to do better when we got you back to Seaddle."
Back in this damn city.
"You look unhappy." She said, and I didn't like that I was being easy to read.
"I'm sorry, just, last time I was here I caught a tail that shot me," I replied. "Ugh, speaking of which, the fuck was I shot with and what's the damage?"
She frowned, either at the prognosis or, more likely, my cursing. Weirdo.
"You took a thirty-ought-six round to your... Okay you're not a medical professional." She sighed. "You caught a round to your gut. We saved what we could but it obliterated your reproductive organs."
A twisting pain filled me where the uncomfortable cold numbness sat between my hind legs.
"I... how am I not dead?" I asked. I knew enough that that should have made me bleed out in minutes, if not go septic.
"We're... not certain? We removed some kind of foam that was stuffed in your gut and when an emergency healing potion was used on you, well, your body regrew using that foam as raw materials. Never seen anything like it." She replied, almost sounding impressed. "Most organs regrew with significant scar tissue but, even if you could afford it, I don't think anyone could fix it all..."
I just got sterilized by high-velocity lead poisoning that should have been lethal.
She stood there for a minute before leaving as I curled up and cried.
-=O=-
Fuck this, no, I'm not slipping into this again. I buried this hell for a reason.
I forced myself upright and everything went spinning. With a gasp, I was on the floor again. I growled and slowly got onto all four hooves, even if everything continued to be wobbly. I glared at the EFS, which helpfully told me two hours had passed, while trying to parse where threats were. Unfortunately it lacked enough information on the relative height of a sensor return so all I could tell was that there were non-hostiles, just not whether they were on my floor or not.
Well, back on my talons agai--
I paused and looked at my hooves, groaning as my brain struggled to parse what I was.
Yeah, that's not going to suck at all.
Magic failed me and I touched my horn to find a ring on it, one I was decidedly unhappy to be familiar with. I groaned. Of course, that's what the spiderbot did. Okay, first things first, I need to restore my magic.
I looked around the room and found a mirror. With the light from my pipbuck, I managed to spot the magic suppression ring on my horn but, frustratingly, not a single quick release mechanism. Grabbing it with my hooves and pulling didn't do anything but make my eyes water.
"Well, this is a minor problem." I muttered to myself, my eyes drifting down. I briefly wondered why the robots had left my equipment intact before pulling out my knife, trying my best to try and pry it off. I whimpered again as I nicked myself. "Fucking damn it! Really could do with those talons right now."
It eventually did give as, while trying to twist the ring, it ripped right off, eliciting a scream. I quickly dropped it on the table in front of me and felt blood run down my forehead from where a bit of coat had come off with the adhesive that had held the ring on.
"Ugh, damn it," I swore as I looked down at the ring and then at my bloodied reflection in the mirror. I briefly lit my injured horn and winced a little from the effort.
The nicks on my horn made it hurt to use but grit my teeth and healed myself up. I checked myself in the mirror and, satisfied with the results, moved to sweep the ring into my saddlebag. It was always good to have a way to shut down a fellow unicorn.
Now came the next step, leaving the room, a prospect that I suspected would result in me being strapped down to a bed next time I was caught. This would likely mean a horrible, slow death even with my mutation given I'd have no ability to escape and no ability to treat my radiation.
That's not happening.
I tested the door to find it was unlocked.
Yay.
Then my face kissed the ground again as my senses got fucky. I had gotten maybe five minutes of functionality before whatever was in me decided it was time to go back to trauma detention.
-=O=-
My eyes focused on the black hole ahead of me as the waves lapped at me, the water washing over my wings, my talons, and my beak. I tried to push myself up but started sinking instead, my own feet pressing against my body inversely pushing me under as if the water surface was a mirror. A low howl filled my ears.
-=O=-
I gasped for air and writhed as a pony stepped back from my view, a stethoscope and vials of my blood held in her magic. Somehow I knew there were reasons for this and relaxed, sinking into the bed as I lay on my side. My right wing slid off the bed and its impressive span meant it splayed out on the floor. My tail meanwhile hung off the foot of the bed as a pillow was moved between my right foreleg and head so I could rest.
My body was forever changed by this trip, becoming a gryphon being the first of those.
A blink and I was flying with Emil, having just left Saint Clover, the jarring transition making me pause for a moment before my overlapping persona sank back into the mind of the me who had once experienced this.
"Hey, Rayna, you alright?" Emil asked, gliding in closer to me.
"Sorry, still getting used to being a different species." I admitted. "Like I get that our towns cooperate on this every, what, five years, but I never heard about one of ours being made a gryphon for the whole recon duty."
He laughed at that. "Usually no but I'll admit I've been looking for a mate, and over the past month we connected really well while I was busy figuring out who would join me."
I cocked my head at him but kept my focus on the world around us as I instinctively locked my wings to glide.
"Still cute how you do that. Anyway, it was down to you or that zebra, Silaha?" He explained and I gave him a nod. Sil was my foalhood friend and basically cousin with how we had been raised together. "Well you and I connected better. Plus you mentioned wanting to fly, and well, you seemed down for being a couple."
He wasn't wrong. Unlike other flings I had in the past, he felt more right even if he wasn't someone of my birth species. He made my heart flutter unlike anyone else had before.
But becoming a gryphon was a whole different story, though it simplified my questions on how we would satisfy my desire to have a family; two gryphons would have gryphons, easy. Of course that would have to wait until the end of this stint, giving us plenty of time to get close and decide if that was what we wanted.
"Now there are some ground rules for flight." Emil went on. "First, stay well below the clouds. As much as you want to see the sky above, the Enclave are also up there."
"Who the fuck are the Enclave?" I asked, making him laugh.
"Okay that's simple, the remnants of the Equestrian military within the Pegasi population who have gone full nutjob." He explained. "It is a full-on military dictatorship up there and they do not like anyone who isn't Enclave. And if you're not a pony with wings? They won't even let you fall to your death."
"Okay then, I guess going out to the ocean is the only option to see the sky." I sighed. "Which, yes, is how I've seen it before."
"Pretty much. Gryphons and the pegasi up top are not on good terms due to a difference in opinion in how many of the roosts we built during and after the war actually belonged to us and not the so-called Equestrian Government." He continued. "Suffice to say, there was a war and we lost so we're stuck on the other side of the clouds."
That gave me some painful new insight into gryphon politics. "Understood, avoiding the clouds as much as we can."
"Good girl." He teased and I blinked at the praise.
"That's a good girl." Brightheart consoled me as she finished looking over me. I nodded. A few places still hurt but I was mostly healed, not that I wanted to really exist.
"Why are you helping me if I have no money?" I asked.
"Well, because you're good practice. We need to know how to take care of creatures other than ponies." She answered and I could tell she was genuine. "While yes we mostly care for other unicorns there are plenty of others in the wasteland and everyone needs help."
"Then... when can I leave?" I asked again. It had been a month already.
She fidgeted at that question. "I... I don't get to make that call."
My feathers bristled as I glared at her, my talons gripping the edge of the bed in frustration.
"Rayna, there is no need for that, I'll go ask, but you're also a bit of a curiosity." She explained. "I mean, how you healed was amazing, we all feared the worst."
Why do you care? You just admitted unicorns take priority so what was another dead bird?
"And... your genetics came back weird." She went on. "We're trying to document all creatures we come across to better understand where we've all come from."
That made me cock my head.
"Oh so you're not familiar?" She asked.
"I'm uncertain what you mean." I answered. Genetics was... not a topic I knew that well. All I knew were the broadest strokes, that it was what made you physically you and were a host of traits passed on from parents to children.
"You... well your family recently had ponies in it. If I didn't know better, I would say your parents were both unicorns but you're, well, a gryphon." She explained. "Beyond that, there is just a general weirdness that we have yet to figure out, likely related to gryphon physiology."
Ah, great, good thing they don't know my real name. Fuck I need to get out of here, now.
"Your expression changed, what is it?"
"I... don't like being a test subject. I would like my stuff back and to leave," I explained.
She backed away as I looked at her like a cat, my tail flicking in annoyance.
"I won't hurt anyone, I just want my stuff and to be shown to the door." I continued. "Study my blood all you want but I'm done here."
-=O=-
The first thing I saw was the bloody ring on the floor as I squirmed to get up again. This time my EFS told me it had been another hour and my body was not happy with the position I had laid in for that entire time. My brain felt wrong on many levels as I sat up, flexing my nonexistent talons. The state of my brain approached scrambled as I checked for my wings and scowled before fishing for Emil's revolver only to find my silenced pistol.
"This shit is fucking with my head far too heavily." I sighed as my magic formed into talons over my hooves. Instinctively, I held my pistol like a gryphon would have. "That's... I used to do this."
The memories this shitty trip had returned to me were unwelcome but also made me feel more whole. I really needed to apologize to Winter and Ocean after this. It wasn't their fault Winter couldn't give me a foal. I had blocked so much out, that I didn't even remember how I stopped being a gryphon or how I got back to Saint Clover.
Then the world wobbled and I threw up, gasping as another round of pain washed over me before evening out. I forced out a growl and had a magical talon slash at the door, popping the handle off. I felt all kinds of wrong but I needed to move before any more undesired trips down memory lane.
With my newfound freedom, I pondered where to go next as my pipbuck light illuminated the dark interior of the hospital hallway. What safe places would I as a 'patient' be allowed to be? Safety likely lay within other patient rooms as the machines here were set to knock us out and stuff us in them. I doubted they checked on us after that.
Us? I am pretty certain nobody else was alive here, at least not without being a ghoul.
I sighed as the passive markers in EFS stared back at me in my vision, inviting my curiosity.
There wasn't much I could do honestly. Anyone or anything trapped like I was, was likely long dead or drugged out of their gourd and thus impossible to move. I turned my mind to the task at hand and looked up and down the hall. I couldn't see anything moving but I did spot a bathroom labeled by a sign that hung from the ceiling.
Good, a place to hide. Given there weren't any facilities in my room I wouldn't be surprised if the robots considered it a safe space. I snorted at the term. Relative with the rads ticking away anyway. Would I die? Fuck how exactly was my body really reacting to all this radiation? Whatever, the upside is that the 'resistance' meant that I was taking way less compared to the normal person. I might need to pop the RadSafe or RadAway soon regardless.
Ugh, this is not going as planned. Focus Moony, task at hoof.
Time was a factor but thankfully a smaller one for me so it was safe to take it slow for now. Mental math gave me two days roughly at this exposure rate. To keep a small profile, I crouched down and slid the door nice and wide. With the door cleanly out of the way I slipped out into the hall and crept down the hall.
So long as I don't slip into that drug-fueled hell I should be fine. EFS showed I was still poisoned but the levels showed it was significantly lower which is why I just felt hungover.
Toggling through the settings in the pipbuck EFS, I forced it and the auto mapper to stay up in my vision. Tracking threats and having an updated map was a very nice combination to have.
I need to talk to Sil about making the tracking work with that automapper, or at least a general distance and direction. The weird system this has is useless if multiple targets were along the same vector.
At the moment my options for escape were a stairwell along with an elevator shaft. The lobby below me likely still had the robots that knocked me out and I definitely didn't want to deal with them.
Prying on other patient doors showed me a variety of scenes. A note of sorrow filled me when I saw the beds containing skeletons, my knowledge telling me these were pre-War patients, caught here when the bombs had fallen. They died coming here for help they never got. It hurt the pony in me that had been trained as a medic.
It hadn't been safe in the hours and weeks after the bombs. The black rain, the radioactive snow, it would have been too hot to be outside. Here at least there would have been a chance with enough ways to purge radiation but the abnormal levels of radiation probably threw a wrench in that.
While most bodies had been clad in wartime dresses and suits, I saw a small number of pony skeletons in a mix of rain slicker and police riot gear which I liberated. Other 'patients', I realized, weren't pre-war and these wore barding that was more survivalistic in nature.
There was also some office space, likely for the nurses and technicians, but nothing that pointed to a medical supply room. After taking stock of my supplies, I proceed up the stairwell to the next floor.
"Patient." I started and quickly faced a wandering robot just past the door. An electrical buzzing filled the air as it paused, searching for a name. "Moonlight Grimoire, your room is not on this floor. Please return to your floor for your safety until the lockdown is over."
"I need a nurse," I stated in the hopes that it would override its protocol and start looking for a nurse.
A brief electrical buzz filled the air again. "Your request has been filled, a nurse will be sent to your room when one is available. Now please return to your room and wait."
I took a few more steps into the hallway and could see the floating spiderbot as well as a few open patient rooms around it. I couldn't distract the damn thing, it had three eyestalks that covered every direction.
Choice time, fight or flight.
I focused my magic into an electrical arcane blast and unleashed it onto the spiderbot.
"Ms. Grimoire-" Was all it got out before it fell to the ground, deactivated.
My magic reached out as two disembodied talons, which made me flounder for a split second before I swiftly dragged the remains of the robot into an empty room. I quietly shut the door behind me and leaned against it while standing on my hind legs, panting as I waited to see if any EFS markers changed colors.
Thankfully no changes materialized, which made sense given this one hadn't turned red before I took it out. I had no idea how long it would be out of commission so I started to pull the darn thing apart to make sure it stayed down.
The poor thing was fried, the better part of two centuries of work without maintenance had done a number on it. A few undamaged talismans were still of use at least. Though I didn't have a way to make use of them for now, I had an idea to integrate the hover charm as a way to negate some weight in my packs. Aside from that, its darts were still good and I even found a small reservoir of healing potion, which I drained into a few empty potion bottles.
"Okay, well, talk about a restock." I cheered to myself as I scooted the spiderbot to the side and paused to think about my situation.
The spiderbots, or as my pipbuck called them "Nurse Healy", (Celestia, who named it that?) were a good source of resources but I needed more than healing potions. I also was in a good situation where the place didn't seem to tag me immediately as hostile which meant if I just acted fast enough I could make it through this. I spared a glance out the small window at the door and caught sight of a floor map on the opposite wall.
"Progress," I muttered as I studied the map more trying to divine where to go next. "Okay, those three rooms down the hall past the office area look to be different. Might be something useful there."
I slowly swung the door back open with my telekinesis, which weirdly now looked like ghostly claws even if my horn still glowed from the effort. Looking up and down the hallway on either side revealed nothing out of the ordinary and I breathed a sigh of relief. Deciding I needed a way to orient myself in the dark, I then grabbed a broken panel from the Nurse Healy and cast a light spell on it before placing the softly glowing metal right next to the stairwell exit.
Wish I had a way to hide my horn glow though. Duh, that's why so many unicorns wear hats! Shoot, why didn't I think of that? I need a spiffy hat. Okay, that's on the list for when I get back to Pioneer.
With that sorted, I banished the telekinesis talons, turned off my pipbuck light and started down the hall, feeling my way with my hooves. Having EFS up kept me a bit more relaxed as I at least had some measure of the layout. Thankfully the hall posed no challenge even if it did take far longer to maneuver than I would have liked.
Maybe Sil could make the EFS do a weak night vision spell so I could just see the edges of things. Kinda like... that blackhole sun beach... thing. What the fuck was that? Whatever, maybe that was the weird stuff Princess Luna saw in the space between dreams, assuming that was how things worked.
Yellow-pink intertwined light filtered through some ancient, partially closed blinds. Electric colored lights. I got to the window and sighed as I looked outside, seeing stray lights flicker to life as dusk settled over the city. Amazingly, centuries later, between war, weather and ponies being ponies, some of this district's underground power grid still survived.
Wait, that meant something was powering the city. How and where? Pioneer also had power but I had assumed it was just something local. What if the grid was mostly okay? Interesting something to work on later. Huh, would you look at that; the yellow on the Ministry of Peace sign still worked, though the two of the three butterflies have burned out.
What did worry me was that while the floor I was on had no power, the main hospital and the lower floors of this building did. Something above me was causing circuits to fail.
Banishing the distractions, I started combing my surroundings in earnest before finding something very off about this floor; the staff areas had no bodies, only the patient rooms. If non-employees were shoved in patient rooms where were the staff? It nagged at me though. Where were the nurses, the doctors? Had they tried to leave to get help? Ugh, questions for a better time.
"Ma'am, please return to your-" I cut the robot that had appeared as if from thin air off with another blast of lightning, the blue light bathing the room I had entered. I panted in panic before nausea and a familiar pinprick hit me.
"Damn it, stupid tranquilizers." I swore as I pulled a tranquilizer dart out of my neck, pushing onward urgently and using a wall to support myself. It would take a bit for the drug to take full effect so I had to hurry.
The closest room had nothing of use in it save for a large X-ray machine. The next was a bit more interesting since it seemed to store a limited supply of pharmaceuticals. I doubted many were good this long past the expiration date but there might be some that got stronger with time.
Unfortunately, there was another spiderbot in here.
"Excuse me ma'am only-" I cut it off with another spell, the strain making me fall onto my barrel as my hooves went out from under me.
"Damn it, come on Moony, get back on your hooves. There's got to be an antidote in here." I encouraged myself.
There was a terminal in here, hopefully with the information I needed, but just as I turned to close the door I let out a gasp and slipped again. I had hoped my liver would have processed the tranquilizer by now but I guess not.
Damn it.
I focused on the door, barely shutting and engaging its lock with the glowing talons of my telekinesis before the room blurred and my hind legs failed to carry their share of the load. I turned my head--
Mistake.
I was on the floor now, shaking like a leaf in a storm. I closed my eyes and just let it happen, let my body tremble and quake as I struggled to figure out what this was. I only had two doses of tranquilizer, there was no way this could be withdrawal already? No this is my body trying to fight it way too hard. Fuck.
It hurt as my muscles contorted and twitched on their own, almost like one giant spasm in every muscle I had been using since I got up. I tried to whimper but could only cry. It would be okay, I told myself, there wasn't anything to fear. Not yet anyway. It was only a problem if it didn't stop on its own.
My muscles burned when they finally fell under my control again. I was exhausted, physically and mentally. Not only was I exhausted on all fronts, I now felt like I had the hardest workout in my life. I slowly opened my eyes and found I could finally move. Instead of trying to push on I just put my foreleg under my head and let myself drift off as the chemicals took hold.
I just lay there on the cool tiles. Rest was the only option, as much as I hated sticking around somewhere as hot as this longer than I had to.
Okay so sleeping in an irradiated hospital, twice, may not be the best idea but with no way to move all I can do is sleep it off.
So I slept. It wasn't going to be restful but at least it wasn't chemically induced.It was also for the most part safe.
The robots don't seem to patrol this area and, even if they did, I took out the one that was on duty for this room. The radiation here also wasn't too bad and, Tartarus, it even feels like a slow healing potion was working on me instead of eating away my strength. Could be worse. Likely will be tomorrow but that's future Moonlight's problem. |
Familia | pre | Celestia grins a toothy smile and moves with the bird on her nose.
"Luna, do you think daddy will let us keep it?!"
"Maybe. He let us keep you." Luna responds.
Celestia blows her cheeks out while the deer children laugh.
You let out another sigh, masked by their laughter, and turn back behind you to find the buck gone. Shame washes over you, at what the boy said and your own realization. There was no danger here, at least none that could readily occur. The girls were smart and these children had parents as well, parents who would go just as far to protect their children as you would.
You feel the fool and back away from the bush, content to have the little ones have their fun Once you exit the forest and REALLY start heading home, you decide to make it up to the girls by preparing for their new pet.
"And...done." Anonymous says, slotting the last book into place.
You blink twice and shake your head, having lost track of time. "Wah-huh?"
"Did you space out, Twilight?" Anonymous ask chuckling his old chuckle.
"I...guess. Nice story though."
"Thank you. I love stories about the big moments in the girls' lives.
"Why'd you tell it?"
Anonymous looks down at you and cocks an eyebrow.
"Well all your other stories had sort of a...moral or a point I guess that related to my life or princesshood, what's this one?"
Anonymous stares at you for a long time and then shrugs. "Cute things are cute?"
"Anonymous!"
"Alright fine! Always trust those who are important in your life and give them the space they need to grow or SOMETHING. Happy now?"
"You threw that together just now!" you accuse pointing at him.
"Maybe!"
"That's a waste of time!"
"Did you like hearing the story!?"
"Yes! It was cute to imagine Princess Celestia getting what I'm guessing was Philomena!"
"That's right it was! If you thought, it was cute then that's all the point you need!"
You shut your trap and look up at Anonymous with narrow eyes. "You win this round..."
"I win every round, I practically invented the game. Same time next time?"
You go to the door and find Anonymous already there holding it open for you.
"Sure, do you want me to bring anyone or...?"
"Let's see where life takes us, Twilight."
The two of you exchange a smile and you fly off. |
Familia | Prodigal Son. | You crest the next hill before you and finally see Anonymous's cottage in the distance. You catch yourself smiling without knowing and wonder how he'd had such an effect on you in so short a time. It had only been about two months since you began visiting Anonymous for your princess training and you'd heard a lot of his stories.
First trips to the beach, how Celestia grew to love all things sugary, and what morals he had imparted onto the princesses you'd spent your life venerating. The strangeness of it all had already dawned on you when you were in his presence. Somehow Anonymous projected an air to him that made you want to trust him implicitly. It was like he would subconsciously pick up on what you felt a father should be and became that person.
You smile as you go over the next hill. Thinking about that got you thinking about your own dad. You remembered his face when you had been accepted into Celestia's School or when Shining became a captain or gotten married. He looked proud and unshakable, and happy that his children were achieving the heights he wished for them. You wondered, did Anonymous have those same feelings with the Princesses when they had ascended to the throne?
Would Anonymous and your dad get along if they ever met?
You chuckle and approach the door, knocking on it with your hoof. "Twilight, is that you?" you hear from behind it.
"Hello in there, Anonymous! I'm here for our meeting!"
"Of course, dear. I'm afraid I quite literally have my hands full in here, can you let yourself in? The door is-" You hear him mutter something too quiet to perceive and the door lock clicks open. "-now open!"
You let yourself in, all smiles, to the cozy little cottage. "I have so much to tell you Anonymous! I've finally explored my new castle and-"
You finally catch sight of Anonymous with a tray of cookies in his hands. You also catch sight of who is standing next to him.
Your jaw drops to the floor.
"WHAT IS HE DOING HERE?"
You smile looking out the window as you watch the snow pile up in the backyard. The cold and wind outside battered against the home, but your study stone walls kept it out and the warmth of the fire in. The commotion behinds you hurries your to removal of the turkey you were cooking in your oven and head into the living room.
"Easy now girls, don't knock it over!"
Celestia and Luna each flutter around a mounted fir tree you'd put in your living room, decorating it with magic ice crystals from the deer forest and baubles of gold. On the top of the tree rested a wooden carved star that you'd made in your free time, and beneath it was a collection of gifts covered In white sheets.
"Sorry daddy!" they say as they touch down.
You smile and chuckle to yourself as you set the table. Each year since you had taken the girls in, you had slowly introduced more and more of your traditions from the holidays back home. One year just the tree, another year stories, or another food. Last year was the first with presents and this one was the first where you're surprising them with the presents.
You catch the girls eyeing the gifts as you cut the turkey.
"Giiiirls. First food, then toys."
Celestia snaps back to reality and stands up straight. "Y-yes daddy!"
"Oooookaaayy..." Luna says, fluttering over to the table.
"And go feed Philomena, Celestia!"
You pull your seat out and grin to yourself. They were going to love what you got them.
"And now the best for last..."
Celestia tears the sheet off the present with her sister and the two of them gasp. In shock. "YOU GOT US A SAMOPHLANGE!" they both cry out in joy.
"OH MY- GAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Celestia cries.
"YES! YES! YES!" Luna exclains.
"Girls, the neighbors will hear!"
What neighbors? Didn't matter.
The girls run around the living room and bowl over each other. That was the last of the presents you had obtained over the last year that now sat spread around the room. You sit in your chair and smile down at the girls when they stop in front of you.
"Thank you daddy! We love you!" they say in unison.
"I love you too, girls. Did you get me anything?"
Luna's eyes bug wide at the task you reminded her about, but Celestia nudges her. "In our room, remember?"
"A-aye. Beneath the toy chest." You hear them whisper.
You keep your act up and tilt your head to the side inquisitively, the girls see that and zip off in a flash. "Berightbackdaddy!"
The girls zip in and out of their room and hide behind your chair
"Close your eyes!"
You cover your eyes with your hands.
"I'm blind as a bat now."
You hear them fluttering behind you and feel a soft warm cloth drape around your neck, the girls saying "Okay!" as soon as it's snug. You take your hands off your eyes and look down at the red and gold scarf draped around your neck.
"Wow! Girls I love it!"
The little fillies beam with pride and joy and jump up on your lap, hugging you tight.
"Aspen and the others helped us make it!"
"We love you, daddy."
You hut the girls close and hug them tight.
"I love you girls too."
For a blissful moment, everything was harmonious and peaceful in the world.
"...Daddy?"
"Yes Luna?"
"What is that present?" she asks.
You open your eyes and glance over to a still covered box hiding behind the tree. "I don't remember that one..."
You set the girls down and go snag it, sitting down with it on the floor with the girls flanking you. You'd gotten every gift and counted them, you remembered and kept track of them all. Did you forget one?
"Well girls...let's see what else you got!"
You throw the sheet off the gift and take the top off the box.
"...Who the Zog are you?"
He, as you gather from his high but a bit raspy voice, looks down his little snout at you. "I'm Discord."
"What's a Discord?" Celestia asks.
He narrows his eyes in impish annoyance. "I'm a Discord!"
"Why art thou in our Chrissy Mas gifts?"
"Oh...I knew I was forgetting something." Discord reaches into the box he came in while his rear floats into the air and carries him with it.
Oh great. He can float.
The child presents a letter to you. "I couldn't read it."
You take the letter and give it a once over.
"Hey partner! I saw how well you were taking care of the girls and was hoping you could take in this one as well. He's been lonely since he popped up and I think he and the girls can become fast friends. His favorite food is chocolate milk and he hates bedtime. Work in the galaxy is going well, but one of my creations is causing a ruckus! I'll never make skeletons again! Give the girls all my love and keep that disposition we all love so much! Signed, Red."
You blink twice reading the letter again while Discord cleans his ear out and smells it.
"...Girls. This is Discord. He's going to be living with us from now on."
The girls take a long gasp of air behind you and look each other in the eyes with big smiles.
"WE GOT A LITTLE BROTHER!" they exclaim.
"Wait what-" Discord gets no further before the girls leap over your shoulders and embrace him, nuzzling his face in a hug-pile and probably smothering him.
"Blech! Ew! Ach! Get off! I'm the big brother! THE BIG BROTHER!"
You sat there watching the revelry still looking over the letter. Just like your partner to gift you a boatload of work for the holidays.
"And that, Twilight Sparkle, is why you find me here today." Discord says, munching on a cookie on the couch next to Anonymous.
You shoot an annoyed scowl at Anon. "You could have told me Discord was your adoptive son."
Anonymous shrugs. "He doesn't like me advertising it."
You glance over to Discord. "I find that hard to believe, Discord loves an audience."
Discord munches on another cookie and opens one eye at you. "While it may be true that I am often...GRANDIOSE-"
"Especially when you were younger." Anonymous says.
"-yes, especially then. While I may have been known to be grandiose, I will have you know that he is telling the truth. I mean can you imagine what it would do to my reputation if ponies knew I had a perfectly normal and boring father? Not to mention the commotion it would bring to his doorstep..."
You cock an eyebrow. "You're actually protecting him?"
Discord sighs and considers the distance for a moment. "You cannot live with someone for the formative years of your life and have them be an ever-present nugget in the back of your mind without developing a rapport, Twilight."
That was not the answer you expected. You watch the old man and the Draconequus shoot idle glances at the other and send light elbow jabs out between held back chuckles.
"He's a softie underneath all the fur, Twilight." Anonymous says.
"I'm sure..."
A timer in the kitchen rings and Anonymous and Discord jump to their feet.
"The cookies!"
"Twilight help us save this batch! They're almost perfect!"
"What do you mean sa-AHHH!" Discord pulls you in a magic grip as the two rush to the kitchen and enlist you in their father-son cooking brigade, whether you liked it or not.
Maybe now you understand where Discord gets that from. |
Familia | Advanced Placement. | Daddy-hood was a full time job and it started at the crack of dawn. You were fine with it, you'd sleep when you were dead. Whenever that would be.
Before the sun was up, you climb out of bed and head to your bathroom. It had taken you a while to learn how to make your own toothpaste, but it'd be worth it. Plaque was not going to worm its fingers into the home of your children, no matter how much cake Celestia tried to fit in her mouth at once.
You lock eyes with yourself in the mirror and think about what you had to do today. It was Tuesday, that meant that it was school day. The lack of any formal professionals meant that all the kids had to be homeschooled, much to at least one of their chagrin.
Most lesson plans you thought up before they woke up and tried to do your best with. You weren't exactly the most learned man back on Earth. Hopefully a solution that offered more insight would appear.
Once you were clean you headed out into the kitchen to start breakfast and soon enough the kids join you at the table. Well, two of them.
Celestia and Luna come trotting out of the hallway just as you put breakfast on the table. You take a scant moment to smile and note how big they were getting in their years here, Celestia almost came up to your chest now.
Wait, only them?
"Girls, where's your brother?"
"Probably sleeping in..." Luna says, taking her seat at the table.
"I'll get him, daddy!" Celestia exclaims, heading to the door. She opens it a crack and peaks her head in. "Discord? Papa says it's time for br-"
You hear a snap and the door gets shut in her scrunching face.
"We could have told you that would happen." Luna says.
Celestia takes her seat and you go bang on the boys door, he was always like this in the morning.
"Discord! Eyes up! It's breakfast time!"
You get a pathetic groan in response. "Sixty more minutes!" he cries.
"Now! Discord!"
"This is torture! You're torturing me!"
"If I was torturing you, I would have made no pancakes for you!"
You hear the sounds of someone rocketing out of bed and then a snap of fingers. You turn around and find Discord sitting at the table with a bib around his neck and knife and fork in his hands.
"That was all you had to say."
Little snot.
For slamming the door in his sister's face, Discord was the first lesson of the day.
"UUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGG." he groaned.
He didn't like lessons.
"Sit down, young man."
Discord puts his hands on his hips. "I resent that! I'm not a man."
"It's a turn of phrase now SIT."
You reach out and push Discord's rear onto the couch, he grumbles and pouts. "I'll turn your phrases you..." he trails off into mumbling.
"WHAT was that?"
"Nothing!" he screams with both hands up as you sternly look at him. "Relaaaaaax pops, you'll give yourself an ulcer if you keep that up!"
You can imagine what he said, but part of working with him was playing his game.
"Have you been practicing?"
"You know I have." Discord says while blowing on his eagle claw.
"Snapping a door shut isn't the same as learning to control your powers."
Discord rolls his eyes. "There you go using that word again..."
"Mm?"
Discord makes yappy gums with his hands and rotates his head around with a screw sounds. "Control control control control! That's BORING! Where is the fun in everything being controlled?!" Discord points to the oven. "I bet the oven would be MUCH happier cooking when it wanted to instead of when you tell it to!"
He leans over the back of the couch and holds his fist up. "AM I RIGHT, OVEN!?" The oven releases a small cloud of smoke from itself. "See!? He's with me!"
You simply look at him unamused. "You haven't been practicing, have you."
"Have so."
"Discord."
His eyes drift to the side. "I have! Hey! What new thing are you gonna teach me?"
"Discord."
"I bet it's math."
"DISCORD."
"WHAT?"
You take a breath. "If you didn't practice and can't control your magic, it's okay to tell me."
Discord visibly twitches near the eye. "There's that word again."
The boy snaps his fingers and you look up just in time to see the bucket of water fall on your head. "And don't say it like I can't do stuff!"
After setting up a quick lunch, you come out of the bathroom with a towel over your head and already find Luna sitting on the floor.
"...Sweety? Did you let yourself in?"
"We heard commotion..." she says, looking back behind her. "Why does Discord sit in the corner?"
"He knows what he did."
"THIS IS CRUEL AND UNUSUAL! I WILL HAVE YOU IN COURT!" he cries, facing the corner and pouting on a stool.
You ignore him and sit on the chair Luna sits at the foot of, grabbing the tome used to teach her. With the girls, it was all about magic spells...which you knew nothing about. Luckily, you had devised a way to get in touch with your partner and she penned something for you.
"Now...where did we leave off, Lulu?"
Luna nods matter-of-factly, instantly sure of her studies. "Upon the origins of Arcana and its place in the metaphysical ordering of the cosmos."
You nod, pretending you know more than you do.
"Of course..."
You flip a page to a diagram and show her, reading what it says. "The power of Arcana you and your sister tap into is a result of the natural ordering of the universe and as such, is one of the most prominent magical energies in our world. It is the antithesis of destructive magic, entropy and disorder."
"Did someone call me! My ears are burning!"
"STAY IN THE CORNER, DISCORD!"
You look back down to Luna. "Because of the nature of Arcana and of the planet, it's closely associated with-"
Luna dismissively waves her hoof. "Yes, yes, the natural Drudic magics of the Elk and Deer, we know. Get to the part on the dreamscape and shadowlands!"
You blink twice. "Did you read ahead?"
"Thou were teaching us too slowly!" Luna catches herself yelling and flattens her ears. "Uh...we are sorry, daddy..."
You bend down and pet her head. "Don't be, sweety. I'm proud of you! Proud that I have such a clever little filly for a little girl."
Luna giggles and Discord piques up. "If she's so clever then why were you able to get the bucket off your head before I was gone?"
Luna fidgets and turns to her brother. "If thou had made the bucket the appropriate size, he would not have!"
"What."
Luna's eyes bug and she looks back at you again. "Uh...hehe..."
Celestia sits on your lap and Luna sits on another stool in the corner next to her brother. While the evening sun comes in through the windows. "This is poopy." She says.
"Got that right." Discord answers.
"Quiet over there, you two! Time out means quiet!"
They both pout.
"Now... You flip the book to another bookmark. "Celestia, I can only guess you read ahead too, where are you at now?"
Celestia looks at the contents of the book like a well cooked meal. "Mmm? Oh, I didn't do that."
"Excuse me?"
Celestia turns her big pink eyes up at you. "I haven't read ahead a page, daddy."
You look at her, finding that a bit hard to believe.
"Luna? Tell me the truth and I'll give you dessert."
Luna's shoulders pop up nearly an inch and she looks back at you. "No papa! She's telling the truth!"
"How come I don't get an offer?!" Discord wines.
"You'd try to lie anyway is why."
Discord blows a raspberry at your correct guess.
Celestia smiles up at you.
"Okay then...well..." you turn the page again. "Due to the role in ordering the world Arcana has, it often forms a tight relationship with the ordered events of our world and thus the easiest avenue to travel if you're looking to affect them."
Celestia nods an understanding nod. "I see...and the leyline paths crisscrossing the planet spread the Arcananic influence and offer more avenues."
Okay that sounded too smart.
You flip through the book pages, but find no reference to what Celestia said. "...Huh?"
Celestia giggles. "It's easy, daddy."
"Know-it-all..." you hear Luna pout.
This was getting too strange.
You set Celestia down and look at her. "You just know things and your sister read ahead three chapters. Are you two little geniuses keeping something from me?"
The sisters exchange a "We-share-a-room-and-whisper-a-lot" glance and then look back at you.
"...Some insights came to us. B-but we were going to wait until you covered that chapter to show you!"
You sigh and stand up, signaling for Luna to come over as well. "Girls, you know I want you to try and be honest with me whenever you can. If you have something you want to show me about your studies, don't ever be afraid to."
The sisters glance again at each other and nod. "Thou may want to sit down."
"And don't be afraid! We know we can do this..."
You can't really relax when they tell you that, but you sit down for their sake. Celestia and Luna close their eyes and point their horns at the window, their horns glow with magic and for a second you think you see the sun beyond the window twitch.
You blink and look again, surely that was a trick of your eye.
The sun stops its decent across the horizon and seems to waver, before dropping down much MUCH faster than you'd seen it before. In barely a moment it crawls behind the hill in front of your house and ushers in the blackness of night. Meanwhile the room fills with silver light from the window in the kitchen as the moon rises at the same speed as the sun.
"Oh my god, girls..."
You look down at the two of them adjusting the heavenly bodies with their magic at such a tender age agape, suddenly feeling very small. The two finish their magic and release it together, having successfully heralded the night and looking up at you.
"Well?"
"What do you think?"
Before you can talk, you hear munching next to you. Discord floats next to your ear with a bag of popcorn. "I think it was neat! Imagine how funny it'd be if you made them switch super fast!"
You want to answer your girls, want to show them how amazed and proud you are, but all that comes out is "Discord, who said you could get off your stool?"
Later that night, later that early night, you put the kids to bed and stand out back by the oak tree over the hill and close your eyes. You concentrate on your heartbeat, centering yourself and blocking out all other distractions save the sound of the wind in your ears.
When satisfied, you speak aloud.
"Can you hear me?"
Nothing comes at first, but a gust of wind from the hills brings "Loud and clear" in the familiar, but seldom heard voice of your partner. "This must be important, you never try and hear from me like this." The wind says.
"You're darn right it's important!" You used to swear more, then you had kids.
"The girls surprised me today! They lowered the sun, Red! They reached out with their little magics and pop!" You clap your hands. "Pulled the sun right from the sky and sent it on its merry way!"
The wind is silent for several moments. "Yes...I thought they might by now." It says, finally.
You sigh and lean against the tree "You could have warned me..."
You feel a soft breeze brush against your cheek almost apologetically. "Anonymous, you know I can't. I left those children here because a proper upbringing, a NORMAL upbringing is more important than anything else for their futures."
You don't say anything.
"Would you honestly not treat them any differently if you knew what they were capable of?" you hear.
"I might be more resistant to letting them have temper tantrums."
The wind wavers in a chuckle.
"I just don't know, Red...If I'm supposed to be this form of stability to them, why do I feel so powerless if I think about controlling an outburst?"
The wind blows against your back. "Parents aren't kings. You can't force a child, or any living thing for that matter, to bend to your will by words alone. Sooner or later, they have to make the choice to listen. You need to find a way to make them want to listen to you if you long for the peace of mind you're after."
"Remind me again why you're not the one raising these three if you have so many answers?"
"Because I already have the best man for the job on it." She says.
You sigh again and notice the height of the moon in the sky.
"Right...goodnight, partner."
"Sleep tight, Anon..." you hear before the wind becomes just wind.
You turn and head back to the house to climb into bed, trying to put your concerns to rest along with yourself. |
Familia | Lil' Matchmakers. | "Lulu, wake up."
You groan and pull your pillow over your head. "Nuuuhhhh..."
Your sister nudges you with her snow once again and makes her hair fall in your face. It always smelled like wildflowers no matter how often she insisted it didn't.
"Lulu we need you! Get up!"
You seethe for a moment under the blankets, she never understoo- Father wouldn't like you acting like that, so you rise up to a seated position with your eyes barely cracked open and mane all mussed up. Even through your dreariness, you can make out Discord and Celestia standing next to your bed.
"What. Time is it."
"Almost lunch." Your brother says.
Almost-
You take a deep breath and calm yourself. "Both of you are well aware that I do not awaken until after noon at the earliest. Please come back later."
In the recent years you'd found it impossible to go to sleep while the moon hung in the sky, only finding the doziness overtake you once the sun began to rise. Father had worked himself ragged for a day figuring out how to re-arrange your schedule and now you ate "breakfast" with your family and then went to bed.
Your head is almost back on your pillow before Discord snaps his fingers and turns it into a flopping fish. You only need a second touching its slimy scales before you leap in surprise from the bed and flutter in the air shrieking.
"D-DISCORD!"
"Awake now?" he says with a smirk.
"DO NOT TEST ME, CHIMERA! BROTHER OR NO YOU WILL FEEL MY WRATH AND I-!"
"Lu' would you settle down and listen to what Pinky here has to say!?"
You glance over to your sister who is prancing back and forth like she needs to relieve herself and biting her tongue. "Fine."
"WE'REGOINGTOGETDADDYASPECIALSOMEPONY!" she blurts out.
You don't say anything, but you hope your expression says it all.
You land next to them, suddenly very awake as Discord snaps your fish back to a pillow. "Pardon me, sister, but I believe I heard you say something incredibly foolish."
Celestia shakes her head and bites her lower lip. "You must have misheard, because we're going to get daddy a special somepony!"
You point with your hoof. "No, see, that is the incredibly foolish thing I heard."
Celestia's smile quickly turns to a pout. "Lulu!...Always so cynical!"
"Is all this because you have been making goo goo eyes at Prince Aspen lately?"
Discord smirks and glances down at Celestia. "You know I'd been wondering the same thing..."
Your sister's coat turns from alabaster to red and she scrapes her hoof on the ground. "B-both of you shut up!"
You and Discord hold your forelimbs to your mouths and laugh.
Celestia composes herself and takes a step towards you. "Lulu, I am serious! How many years have we lived here with daddy?"
You recount the time in your head, the seemingly endless parade of days under his supervision. "...Many."
"And in all that time have you known daddy to even ONCE have met someone special?"
You start to get what she was putting down "I have not..."
"Us neither..." Celestia said, looking downtrodden with Discord, though he'd try and hide it.
"Like in his stories, love is one of the most important things in the whole universe! If daddy can't or won't find it on his own, we'll just have to help him!"
"How utterly egotistical." you say.
"Oh you know what she means. I remember pops' stories too. If love weren't so important, that Loaf of Meat guy wouldn't do anything for it."
"Except that one thing." Celestia corrected.
"Yeah, except that." Discord accepts.
You rub your snout. You knew they weren't going to let you sleep until you helped them, and your rest had already been broken...
"You had a plan, I presume?"
Celestia nods enthusiastically. "You remember those small tribes of little ponies daddy sometimes takes us to observe??"
You nod.
"Aaaaand do you remember the one from the unicorn tribe who wears the hood?"
You think for a minute. "Sssssomething the Clever?"
Celestia locks her sparkling eyes with yours and her smile just gets wider.
Father let the three of you out to play under the guise you were going to play with Aspen and his friends. Little did he know that you had made a detour to a rocky valley just outside of the area the tribe of horned little ponies had settled in. It was odd to you that they only had one or the other, horns or wings, but you didn't give it thought right now.
Instead you were just bopping your hooves on the ground you lay on and watching the dirt cloud up in the air. "Tia, this is dull as a post."
"Quiet Lulu, they'll hear us!"
You push yourself to your hooves and annoyedly blow your mane from your face.
"Who is going to hear us. THE EMPTY VALLEY?!"
This time both Discord and Celestia turn and shush you.
"UHG."
You roll over onto your back and look at the sky. It was daytime, you could be sleeping now. "You two haven't even told me your plan."
Discord and Celestia both look each other in the eye and grin wildly.
"Well, Discord thought of it." Celestia says.
"See, we invited the old man and Clover to this spot." He says.
"But we pretended we were the other one in the letter!"
"And so when they get here..."
"They'll find THAT!" Celestia says, pointing to the valley floor past the rock you hid behind.
You take a peek. "...They'll find some sandwiches, still water, and a blanket?"
"It's called a picnic, Luna, and they'll find it and fall in love!" Celestia says.
You cock an eyebrow and look up at her. You didn't understand, she was supposed to be smart.
"Tia neither of those two things are remotely related."
Celestia scoffs. "Don't ask me! It was Discord's idea!"
You turn your head to your brother. "Well?"
"Well what?" he answers.
"Where did you come up with this idea?"
"I read it in a trashy romance novel once. Or, I will. In a thousand years. It's too complicated for you, Lulu."
"Oh. Great." you thought.
Celestia gasps and points to the picnic. "They're here!"
Despite your protests, you still climb to your hooves and peer over the rock. From one side of the valley you see father walk past the rocks with his old weathered walking stick in hand, while from the other side approached a small off-green pony with a rich emerald mane shrouded in a dusty old cloak.
Celestia shushes the both of you three times each. "Shush shush shush! We need this to go off flawlessly!"
"Okay! Settle down..."
Father and Clover were too far away for you to hear what they were saying to one another, but it was easy enough to watch them.
Celestia sighs wistfully. "This is the part where she falls into his arms and they declare their undying love for one another..."
"...I believe this is the part where they look this way, sister."
"Give them a moment, Lulu. All will be well." Celestia says with a cheer.
"Sister I think they see us."
"See us watching their love unfold!"
"Celestia, they're walking over here now."
Father looked confused, Clover just looked annoyed.
"Discord, what did the book say we should do now?" Celestia turns around after she doesn't get an answer. "Discord?"
You glance over where Discord was standing and see the tiny speck of him on the horizon hightailing it out of there.
"OH THAT ROTTEN-"
"It's not that we're mad at you per say, girls..." father began, glancing awkwardly at Clover the Clever. "But...matters of the heart are usually best left to the people involved."
"Especially important that they KNOW one another first." Clover says.
Celestia sits next to you, both of you turning your faces to the ground, and sighs.
You guess apologizing will have to fall to you, like always. "We are very sorry for what we did, Miss Clover. We were...mislead."
Celestia turns to look at you. "But Luna! Discord said that in the book he reads-"
"Celestia, what is the one thing I keep telling you about Discord?" father says.
Sister sighs and closes her eyes again in shame. "That Discord lies..."
"Mhm..." Father holds Discord up by his tail, retrieved by a magical spell quickly performed by Clover after you'd told him that your brother had run away. The Draconequus nods. "He's right you know, about everything."
Discord sits still for a moment. "Except that."
"...And that."
"And that."
"And tha-"
Father clamps Discords mouth shut quickly. "Do not do that."
Discord gives a thumbs up.
Clover the Clever gets closer to you and Celestia and seems to be inspecting you. "I'm dreadfully sorry about this, Ms. Clover. I try to teach my children to be respectful, but we're all unused to neighbors." Father stammers.
"There was no harm done..." the hooded pony says as she looks the two of you over.
"...What?" you ask.
"May we help you, Miss Clover?" Celestia says.
She backs off, but continues to watch you. "Horns and wings...curious." With that she trots back around you and past father, casting a glance back. "Good day to you and your...interesting brood, Anonymous."
"And you, Mrs. Clover." He responds.
Once she's out of sight, father looks down at you with his textbook disappointed face. "Come along, you three. Let's get you home and think of an appropriate consequence."
"I would like it noted that I thought this was a horrible idea from the start."
Father was liable to go easy on you if you made things clear to him!
"Yeah well I want it noted that you're a butt." Discord says.
Father was less likely to go easy on you after you tried to thwack Discord with a stick for being so cowardly. |
Familia | Teenage Dirtbag. | "THOU ART SUCH A PEST!" you hear shouted from the hallway.
"Oh boy, here we go..."
You set your dish down and storm into the hallway. "GIRLS, GIRLS, THE DEER KINGDOM CAN HEAR YOU! WHAT IS WITH ALL THE RACKET!?"
You find Celestia standing in Luna's door, Luna sat at her desk, with a handwritten tome floating between them in both their magical grasps.
"SHE IS STEALING MY BOOK!" Luna shouts.
"LUNA WON'T GIVE ME THE STUPID BOOK!" Celestia yells.
"TIS NOT A STUPID BOOK, I WROTE THESE NOTES MYSELF!"
"AND I NEED IT YOU LITTLE BRAT!"
"HEY! HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY!" You step in and tear the book from the air, standing between the two girls so they both must look at you. "This isn't how we solve problems in my house! Both of you settle down and explain this to me or neither of you get the book!"
"BUT DA-" they both start, but you interrupt them with a stern "NOW!"
Both Celestia and Luna bite back whatever curse they were about to utter and take a moment to swallow their anger before glaring back at each other.
You can feel the daggers passing you between the sisters' eyes.
"Sorry." Celestia says.
Luna chews her apology for a minute before replying dryly with "Yeah."
The daggers continue to fly between them before Celestia turns and walks away.
"Tia-"
"I'm going to my room." She says before a door slams.
Great. Just great.
Luna sighs behind you. "Wonderful...may I have my book now, father? And my privacy?"
You hand the book back to Luna and watch as she opens it "Do you know why your sister is like that, Luna?"
The Night Pony narrows her eyes a bit. "Maybe she sat on a pinecone. My privacy?"
Right. No help here.
You leave and walk out of the room and feel the door get shut right on your butt the second you're out.
"Oh, this family is finally getting good."
You look down the hall where Discord is leaning against his doorframe munching popcorn. "Do you think one of them will run away? Can I have their room if they do!?"
You sigh and rub the back of your head.
"Go finish the dishes, Discord."
"Hah! You MUST be joking!" Discord turns in the hall and goes back to his room, shutting the door.
Gor rammit. You cut your losses and turn the knob to Celestia's room, heading in to find your daughter on her bed with her pillow over her face.
"Tia."
"What, father." She responded.
She was being testy, she'd been testy for months now.
"Are you going to tell me what in Tartarus is going on with you?"
"Nothing."
You feel your eye fidget. "It doesn't seem like nothing."
Celestia doesn't say anything but uncomfortably shifts on her bed, you hear her lightly groaning under the pillow.
"Tia?"
Celestia throws the pillow off her head in your direction, but it bounces harmlessly off the wall.
"Hey!"
She pushes herself up and stares at you. "Perhaps it IS nothing because, just perhaps, THIS is who your precious little girl is now, father!"
You just stare back at her. "Are you serious?" is all you can ask.
"UUUHGGG." Celestia grabs the pillow and drops it on her head again before screaming "GET OUT!"
You want to scold her but you also don't want another fight, so instead you just throw your hands up and walk out. The door slams shut behind you.
Now you stand at the intersection of three doors shutting you off from each of your children.
"Fantastic..."
Neither Celestia or Luna came to dinner that night, each saying nothing when you asked them what was wrong. You lean against the railing looking over your back yard and faithful play tree, now a mighty oak touching the sky, and sigh at the moon.
"I guess I should be happy they let this happen..."
You hang your head and shake it, what were you going to do with those girls? Maybe it was time to get in touch with their mother...
"Penny for your thoughts?"
"Huh?"
You look up behind you where the resident draconequus lazing around on the roof of your house. "What little there are, anyway." He says.
"Discord, you might as well clean the gutters while you're up there."
He kicks his leg leisurely and tsks you. "Now now pops, you don't want three angry children, do you?"
You sigh heavily and turn back to the moon, hoping to lose some of your sorrow in its pockmarked surface. You always felt so old looking at the moon, you remember it being much less blemished when you first arrived here.
"Low blow..." you groan.
"...That's a matter of perspective." Discord says after a moment. You feel the air ripple behind you and he slithers up next to you. "Is there a REASON this is breaking you up so bad?"
"In all the years that I've taken care of the girls before you came, this has never happened. They were always sweet little dumplings and this new attitude from both unnerves me."
Discord scoffs. "Shows what you know..."
"What?"
"What I mean is you may be dad, but you don't understand what it's like living with you."
You furrow your brow. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Discord coils up into the air and floats. "It means what it sounds like! You don't know what it's like living with you, being us. Whatever is going on with Celestia, she's OBVIOUSLY keeping it locked away inside her and away from you for a reason."
"Very helpful..." you grumble.
"And WHATEVER it is, she's been talking in her sleep so much that it's keeping me awake. My beauty sleep schedule has been DECIMATED."
Talking in her sleep?
"Hey now..."
Minutes later, you stand over Celestia as she sleeps, trying to be as quiet as possible while she tosses and turns.
"Luna, are you ready?" you whisper.
"This is absurd!" She yells while still whispering.
"It is not absurd! Your sister is clearly troubled by something and she needs our help! You're the only one who can dreamwalk so she needs YOU."
"She STOLE my BOOK!"
"I will help you MAKE another BOOK! She is your SISTER!"
Luna screams in silent frustration and makes her horn glow "Fine but I am not forgiving her so easily! SHE will be making the new book!"
Luna unleashes the magic in her spell and the shadows on the wall close in on you until all you see is blackness The blackness recedes from a vision of the front door of your house and suddenly you're alone. That was fine, Luna just needed to maintain the connection, not be here, she had been practicing enough to do that.
You watch as the door to the house opens and a single bag is tossed out by a familiar voice; your own. "Alright kids! You've ambled around here long enough, time to go off and make something of yourselves!"
A loud WHOMP comes from the house and Celetia, Luna, and Discord fly in an arc from the door to right next to the bag.
"WHAT!?" Celestia cries as she hits the black dirt.
"Good luck! I'm rooting for you!" Your doppleganger says as he shuts the door.
Luna and Discord rise to their feet and brush themselves off while Celestia looks at the door in shock. Discord is the first to speak. "Well, guess that's that. I heard about an island called Eden a ways up North? Think I'll check that out..." He begins to float up to the blackness and gives a halfhearted wave "Don't wait up, sis."
Luna looks to the sky as he goes and floats up herself "The stars...they're calling to me, sister. I need to answer them..."
Celestia's head whips back and forth watching them go and she bites back tears. "N-no! Wait you two! You can't go! We have to stick together now!"
Her pleas fall on silence as Discord and Luna vanish away. Celestia doesn't waste any time galloping to the door and banging on it with her hooves.
"Daddy! DADDY! PLEASE LET ME BACK IN!"
You wanted to watch from the shadows as tears streamed down her face, but your legs wouldn't stay still.
"PLEASE DADDY I'M NOT READY YET! I'M NOT READY TO LEAVE YET! I'M NOT READY TO BE ALONE!"
You step from the shadows but let yourself pause just from the edge. Celestia slides down the front of the door and hangs her head, crying openly and hitting her hooves against the hard wood. "I'll do anything you ask...I'll help you around the house, I'll never raise my voice...please don't make me go..."
"Sweetheart, is that what you think will happen?"
Celestia turns her head in the dreamscape and finally spots you. Her eyes were red with strain and tears flowed freely down her gentle face. "D-daddy?"
You choke back what you saw.
"You-- do you think this is what would happen?"
Celestia gets back to her hooves but holds herself back, looking away from you. "Birds need to leave their nest eventually, Daddy. It's a law of nature."
"Sod the birds."
The distance between you both vanishes under your strides. "Is that why you're acting this way, Celestia? You're pushing us all away."
Celestia jumps slightly and refuses to meet your eyes again. "If I'm going to leave...I-I want it to be on my terms. It'll s-save trouble later. You will not miss me if you detest me before I go."
"Celestia..." You get down to your knees and wipe away the tears on the side of her face. "...you big dummy."
"Huh...?" Celestia turns around to face you, shocked. You give her a smile.
You run your hand through her mane slowly. "Honey, birds only leave their nest when they're ready. I would never send you all away before then..."
Celestia sniffs. "Then why are you teaching us so much? We learn so much every day and you make us go watch the new pony tribes or do so many things we never used to do! Why else but our eventual exit would you be doing that?!"
Silence fills the dreamscape for a moment, but you still pet her head. "...It is for when you leave, Celestia, I'll give you that. But that isn't ALL there is to it."
"The day you three leave- I promise that it will only be after the day when you're all ready to go. It would be the worst thing I could ever do to you if I forced you out early."
Celestia rests her head in your hands. "You wouldn't ever hurt us..."
"Not ever on purpose, Celly..."
Celestia sniffles and shudders "I was so mean to all of you..."
You pet her head some more. "We'll deal with that when we wake up."
"Did someone say "wake up"?" you hear Luna say.
"Wha-"
"YAH!"
"GAAAH!"
You and Celestia jump a foot as Loon pulls you from the dreamways, making the little blue alicorn titter. ""Aha! You should both see your faces!"
Both of your faces were your annoyed faces.
"Very funny, Luna. You could put Discord's standup act to shame."
"I heard that!" you hear through the wall.
Uhg.
You turn back to Celestia and rub her back while she collects herself. "Are you okay?"
"Yes..." Celestia says. "Yes, I believe I'm...better, thank you for coming to find me, daddy..."
"Does this mean you're done being a huge beeeeeeeeeeee..." Luna begins, but trails off when you shoot her a stern glare. "...eeeeeeeeeeehind pain? A huge pain in the behind is what I meant to say."
"Of course."
"I...am, yes, sister. I'm sorry for what I did to you I was--I was being dumb."
Luna chews the inside of her cheek and takes a few steps forward, lightly smacking one of her hoofs against Celestia's shoulder. "Indeed, thou were. We are happy to see that such behavior has passed."
You take a deep breath and lean against the bed.
"It's not hugging and making up, girls, but right now I'll take it."
All is at peace in the house for one shining moment.
"I'll need to get in touch with Aspen when the sun is up..." Celestia says.
"Mm? The Deer Prince? Why's that?"
Celestia sheepishly rubs her hooves together and averts her gaze, why was her face getting red? "I-In my haste to make you both weary of me, I may have...requested he and I spend some time together...alone."
"...Oh. I see."
You push yourself up and walk out of the room.
"Daddy?" Celestia asks.
"Where are you going, father?"
"Gonna go get my whacking stick, girls."
The two alicorn youths look at each other. "But you do not have a "whacking stick"." Luna says.
"I do now."
You hear Celestia climb out of her bed and chase after you. "No! You don't have to- daddy! DADDY!" |
Familia | TNG. | "Princess Twilight Sparkle to see Princess Celestia?"
The guard at the palace gates looks over his clipboard and nods to you with a smile. "Welcome back to Canterlot, your highness!" He opens the gate ant ushers you in "Always nice to see you!"
"You too!" you call back.
Today was the day you were supposed to go visit Anonymous, but Princess Celestia had called you to Canterlot instead. Her letter was vague as to the reason, but an official summons was an official summons. Anonymous was the kind of guy who wouldn't get upset about princess business, anyway.
The path to the conference room was one you were more than familiar with from the gate, even before your princess duties manifested themselves. You remember back when you were a little filly receiving lessons from Princess Celestia how she would always let off steam having come directly from a conference or another just before. Eventually you had asked to see the room she was so annoyed with and remember being a bit disappointed to see nothing but an average meeting table overlooking the city.
"I guess everything seems more intense to a filly." You say to yourself with a giggle.
Finally you come to the room and head inside, meeting your first surprise of the day.
"Oh! Anonymous, what are you doing here?"
The old man with a freshly trimmed beard looks up from his teacup. "Oh, hello Twilight! You'll have to forgive me if I don't greet you but an old man like me can't be roused too easily after he's had his tea! Hohoho!"
You chuckle to yourself and walk in, shutting the door behind you "I don't mind, but what brings you here? Is this what Celestia's summons was about?"
"Heh. I'm sure Celly just wanted us all to meet."
Us? You don't get to ask before someone else speaks up. "Poppy, do you have enough tea? I'm sure I can find us more."
Wait, you knew that voice. It couldn- You whip your head to the other end of the room and find that it's EXACTLY who you think it is.
"WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE?!"
-Anon PoV-
You press down one last time on the suitcase and click it shut.
"There...that should just about do it I think, hmm?"
You turn and look back at the owner of the suitcase. Celestia's eyes were wide with tears and her bottom lip trembled.
"Tia..."
"DAAAAAAADDYYYYYYYYYYY-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y!" she cries through snotty sobs as she throws herself onto your shoulder.
This had been a common occurrence the last few weeks so you knew at this point to just keep quiet and pat the back of her neck.
"Tia. TIA! It's alright! This was your idea!"
"I DON'T WANT THIS IDEEEEAAAAAA!" she bawls.
You pat her neck again.
"She still screams?" you hear behind you.
"She still screams."
Luna comes out of her room with a suitcase of her own and rolls her eyes. "Let me, I suppose..."
She goes for Celestia's bag but gets swatted away by a magical hoof. "I can doooo iiiiiittttt." Celestia says through sobs. Luna scoffs. "Come now sister, compose thyself! T'was our own decision to go to the tribes of ponyfolk and establish a nation! You saw what their division almost did those winters ago!"
You feel your shoulder getting wetter. "BUT I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE DAAAADDYYYYYYY!"
Luna grunts in annoyance again.
"It's fine, sweetheart. I expected this. Can you get the door?"
As Luna opens the front door, you begin to lead Celestia through it.
"Ooookay, okay sweety, let go."
Celestia does as you instruct and takes her place next to her sister, you stand before them and smile slowly.
Luckily, you'd been practicing for this.
"...Look at you two...so big now, so wise!" You take a few steps closer and run your hands through their manes, thinking back to when those two little fillies ended up on your doorstep.
"When I was first asked to raise you, I was scared I'd mess it up, did I tell you that?"
"Only every other year." Luna says with a sarcastic scoff.
"Well it's true. But look at you both now..."
You sniff and pull a tear back into your eye. "My little girls...going out to make the world a better place. I was scared when you both first came here, but now, now I feel...lighter. Like I know that everything went as it was supposed to." You pull the two of them closer and wrap your arms around them. "I promise, you two both taught me more than I ever could have taught you...I know you're both going to do fantastically with the other ponies!"
The girls sniff and hug you back. "Oh father..."
"We love you!"
"I love you too, gir-"
"Oh blast it STOP, this is giving me cavities."
The three of you turn to where Discord is leaning in the doorway. "I think I'm gonna yak" he says, gagging on himself and coughing up a small six inch high yak from his throat that runs off around the back of the house.
Your boy smiles down at you and strokes his cultivated billy goat beard "Discord, when YOU first came here, you were the biggest pain in my butt I'd ever experienced. Whereas now-"
"Now I'm the cultured and erudite master of random chance that keeps your dreary life from becoming completely malaise?"
You blink a few times wondering when his diction evolved. "No, now you're a sliiiightly smaller pain in my butt." You say, holding your finger and thumb an inch apart.
"Tch. You're all love, pops."
You hold both your arms out.
"...No." he says.
"Yes."
"No, dad."
"Yes, dad."
"Dad, I'm serious, I'm not going to hug you." he says crossing his own mismatched arms.
"Hi Serious."
Discord's pupils shrink and he jams a finger of his lion paw in your face. "DO NOT-"
"It's nice to meet you."
"I'M WARNING YOU!"
Your arms are still out. "Youknowhowtomakethisstop!"
"GAGH!" Discord stops his hoof in annoyance and puts his arms around you, tugging you in for a good-bye hug.
You enjoy a moment in your first son's embrace.
"...I'm dad."
Discord vanishes in a flash of light and reappears behind his sisters. "There you go! You ruined it! You know this is why people have trust issues!"
"Thou art such a drama queen, brother."
"Oh who asked you."
The three children all look to each other and share a small smile. "You know" Discord begins" Living with you two wasn't as much of a hassle as I thought it might be, I could PERHAPS be talked into doing it again sometime soon."
The celestials sisters glance at each other and then say "We couldn't." in unison.
Discord's face falls. "Hah. Aha. Aha."
The three snicker to themselves.
"You'll write?" Celestia asks.
"Oh maybe once or twice, if I'm in the MOOD." Discord says.
Luna winks at her sister. "Worry not, we can track him down."
A long silence hangs in the air for several heartbeats, and it's up to dad to break it. "Go, get out of here, all of you have grand destinies to meet that you can't do on my doorstep."
The three turn their gaze to you now and nod, then Discord floats off. "So long! Farewell! Auf-wiedersehen, you three!"
Celestia and Luna nod and then fly off themselves, waving goodbye with tears in the corners of their eyes as well.
And you stand there, grinning like a mad fool beaming with pride watching them go.
That night you stand by your favorite tree and talk to the wind with a glass of milk in your hand.
"Ah, you should have seen the three of them, Red. If I was as proud as I was, I can't even begin to imagine your reaction."
The wind swirls among the grass and up to your ears. "I promise, it couldn't have been as beaming as yours."
You take a sip and ponder that. "How does that make sense? They're your creations, them realizing their destiny has got to be a point of pride for you, right?"
"Who is more worthy of praise? The one who built the house, or the one who made someone want to live in it?" she asks.
You take another sip. "...Deep."
"I try."
"Come on though, not even a bit?"
The wildflowers chime with a melodious chuckle. "I'm happy that the three of them are taking their first steps into a larger world. They have a lot to do in it." You nod, that was true. "But I'm also happy for you, partner. You proved my hunch right."
"Hunch? What hunch?"
The stars in the sky seem to look down on you with grace and gratitude. "That it doesn't matter where something comes from, what matters is what we do with it while it's here."
You nod and smile to yourself. "Yeah, I think I understand that."
"Good, because it's about to be put to the test." Your partner says before the wind abruptly stops and you hear something hiss from your house behind you.
"Huh?"
What was that noise?
You hide yourself behind the tree and peak back at your domicile, never having seen it be this threatening before.
"Heeeello?"
There! Off to the side, you see movement, black on black darting to the shadows underneath your porch.
"Hey! Who's there!"
Silence is your answer.
You gather your courage and creep closer towards the deck. "I saw you run under there, you might as well come out!"
No answer, but you hear something shuffling around down there. Your curiosity overrides your survival instinct now, making you lean down and look in through the hole it must have squeezed through.
"Is it a raccoon?" you ask out loud.
"I am most certainly NOT!" is your high pitched response.
You jump back a bit and an awkward silence sets in.
"U-uh...I mean...you heard nothing, pale thing! Now away with you!"
"I can't go anywhere." You tell the little voice "This is my home."
The voice is quiet again, not having considered that, perhaps.
"I know you're in there now, what are you?"
You hear shifting and a slight rumbling sound. "Hungry..." it answers, pathetically but earnestly.
The sky smiles down at you when your feet start moving on their own. "Hold on."
You head inside the house and grab a basket of cookies you and Celestia had made a week or so prior. Once you return outside, you have a seat next to the hole and put one in your mouth. "See? Yummy."
Then you offer one to the darkness. "Would you like one?"
"...What is in it?" asks the voice.
"Uhm...dough, chocolate, and love?"
"...Stay right there and do not move." The voice says wearily.
You do as you're asked and let her walk closer to you just as the moon shifts slightly and you get a good look at her.
"My...you're certainly a unique one."
-Twilight PoV-
"Stop yelling, by the Progenitors." She says rubbing her hooves against her forehead.
"Not until someone tells me what is going on! Why are you here, Chrysalis!?"
"To receive a splitting migraine, it seems!" she retorts.
Anonymous chuckles with a slightly pained look on his face in the seat next to her. "Quite the set of lungs on her, huh?" he asks.
Chrysalis nods. "Quite so, Poppy."
She said it again.
"Don't tell me..."
"Don't tell you what?" Anonymous asks.
"I invited them here, Twilight."
Princess Celestia enters the room over your shoulder and bows her head. "Apologies for my lateness daddy, matters of state."
Anonymous smiles warmly. "You never need apologize to me, Tia."
"I- But- She-"
"One at a time, Twilight." your teacher answers.
You take a breath. "Will someone PLEASE explain to me what is going on?"
"You're smart, Sparkle." Chrysalis says next to Anonymous. "Guess."
Celestia walks around the table and sits on the other side of Chrysalis, getting narrowed eyes and a tighter mouth from the Changeling.
"Uh...nevermind, I think I figured it out."
"Your mastery of the obvious is as developed as Celestia's then."
"Be nice." Anonymous chides.
Chrysalis takes a deep breath and utters a faint "Sorry." Under her breath.
Celestia beams and nuzzles her head. "I forgive you."
"Joy. Of joys." Chrysalis bites out.
"Little sister~."
"DO NOT. Call me that." She spits out again.
Both Celestia and Anonymous laugh to themselves.
"I- Why did you call me here, Princess?"
Celestia looks down at you with motherly affection. "Today it has been decided that you will learn about the...other members of our extended royal family."
Chrysalis is still uncomfortable. "Of all those that I could have to tell this tale to, Sparkle. It would HAVE to be you."
"It could be Cadence again." Anonymous says.
"Objection withdrawn." |
Familia | Divided Attention. | "Poppy! Poppy! Up up up up!" you hear through your sleep.
Your body moves without thinking, honed by years upon years upon years of raising two little girls at the same time. It turns over towards the door and shoots your hands out to catch the insectoid missile flying towards you.
"Aha! Got you!"
Chrysalis laughs heartily and wiggles her dangling hooves. "Only because I slowed myself down for you, old timer!" Her wings buzz as she beams at you. Chrysalis's time living with you had started as you'd expected, with a distinct lack of trust from her as she adapted to her new environment. You would often catch her leering at you around corners while you cooked in the early days, trying to decipher your true motive for taking her in, or perhaps even thinking that it was her you were going to toss in that soup pot.
But, your practiced parenting method of persistence and nurturing had slowly chipped away at her chitinous exterior and brought a bigger and bigger smile each passing day. You were overjoyed as time passed and she became more and more affectionate towards you. It seemed that any time you showed her even the slightest bit of love, she'd shine almost as bright as Celestia.
Chrysalis hops out of your hands to the floor and you throw your feet over the bed.
"Shall I make us some breakfast?"
"You can if you want to, but it all tastes the same to me!" she says, running out into the hall.
That girl...guess eating bugs or whatever she subsisted on before you found her ruined her sense of taste.
It's quickly out into the kitchen for you where you start mixing up some pancake batter. Chrysalis takes her seat at the table while you work and even from here you can see her constantly fidgeting.
"Is everything alright?"
"Of course!" she claims, glancing over away from you.
Ahuh...
You continue making the food and bring it over to the table once they settle and sit across from her, letting you get a really good view of her glancing behind you.
"Whaaaaaat?"
Chrysalis giggles. "You haven't seen it yet...?"
Seen what? You look behind you at what she was glancing at. Overtop the fireplace, where you'd placed all the drawings and accomplishments Celestia, Luna and Discord had made over their years with you, there was now an ENOURMOUS drawings of Chrysalis riding on your shoulder while the you walked through a sunny field with your house down at the bottom of a hill.
So large, in fact, that it covered up every other drawing.
"Oh..."
Once you finish breakfast and finish...appreciating Chrysalis's artwork, you kneel to her level. This was perhaps the most important part of your parenting technique. In getting down close to eye level for whatever prospective child was living with you, you could figuratively put yourself on the same level as them and show you meant no harm. Horses weren't a hunting species, after all, it was best not to look like a predator.
"Well Chrisi, what do you want to do today?"
The little Changeling rubs her chin with her hoof. "Well-..." Before she can get it out, however, a knock comes at your door "Huh?"
"Who could that be?
You walk over and open the door, beyond which is the largest deer with the widest wingspan on his 30-point horns anyone had ever seen.
"ANONYMOUS! HELLO!"
The King of the Deer was very...enthusiastic.
You bow. "Your Highness! A pleasure to see you!"
He laughs through his full beard of soft fur and shakes his head. "You have known me since I was a boy, Anonymous! For you, my name will ever be perfect."
You smile and nod. "Aspen then. What brings you to my home?"
Aspen's face grows a bit more serious. "The Deer grow more concerned. Night has been lasting longer than it has since back before my father's time, and all the world's creatures have taken notice."
All except one, it seemed.
"Uh...Chryssi? Do you know what the king is talking about?"
"Huh? Oh. Uhm..." she strokes her chin again "You know, I do remember waking up when it was still dark out more often lately."
Huh.
"Could it be just a change of the seasons?"
"Perhaps." Aspen answers. "But he who raised the moon would know more than any in the land."
Aspen was a flatterer.
"Of course, official business and the like...Chryssi, is it alright if I help Aspen with his problem before we play?"
Chrysalis had on a wide, if oddly tight grin. "Sure!...Great!" she says.
Aspen takes a seat across from your favorite chair in the living room, the two of you spending a bit of time wondering aloud how the changing seasons could explain the extending nights. Chrysalis, meanwhile, sat with her back to you playing with a simple doll of hers. You guess she was admiring Aspen's coat with how intense her eyes looked when she was looking at him.
Regardless though, you had other things on your mind. "Apart from a changing lunar phase, orbital drift, or just a new weather pattern appearing, I'm afraid I don't have any real answers for you, Aspen."
He strokes his chin, looking both concerned and distant. "Has Princess Luna perhaps contacted you at all? Given you any insight as to something new she may be trying?"
You shake your head. "My oldest daughters spent many years with me, I do my best to give them the space they need to develop on their own."
Aspen clearly isn't entirely pleased with that answer. "She would be the one to know above all others..."
"She would, indeed...but there are times when we shouldn't immediately seek out the one who has the answers at hand, there are times when it helps us more to find them for ourselves."
Aspen sighs and nods, understanding. When he opens his eyes, they momentarily lock onto Chrysalis. A loud ripping noise and a flash of green draws your attention to her as well.
"Oh no!"
The head of her sheep doll drops to the floor in her magical grip and drops to the floor.
"P-Poppy!" whines sniffling "Dolly is dead!"
You get off the chair and kneel to her. "Oh no...well, maybe we can-"
You're quickly joined by King Aspen. "What was that you were mouthing, girl? "Leaf"? You want leaves?"
"Huh?"
Chrysalis chuckles and swallows. "Heh...I-I'm sorry, your highness?"
"Well, no matter!" he says, taking the doll with all points on his horns glowing. "I can fix this in no time." Magic trickles down from his horns and weaves itself through the doll like an ultra-fine thread. In seconds, the head of Dolly the Sheep was re-stitched and knitted itself back onto her body.
"There we are!" he says, giving it to Chrysalis.
The little changeling takes it and lowers her eyelids in thanks. "Yes...thank you..." she mutters. "Daddy, I'm going to go play outside. May I get you something before I go?"
"That's very nice of you, Chrysalis."
Your little girl beams brightly at your praise.
"Aspen?"
The deer king strikes his chin. "Well..."
Chrysalis had been a very good girl and helped Aspen with what he wanted, but you couldn't help but wish she hadn't. While you and the Deer King had had pleasant conversation, topics ranging from how you were adapting to Celestia and Luna living so far away to Aspen's own children, it was wrought with disaster. In serving Aspen tea, Chrysalis had spilled it on him. When you tried to make it up to him with a snack, the top of the salt Chrysalis had offered him had come undone and spilled its contents on the snack. Both times had turned out well enough, with Aspen happy lapping up his spilled drink or proclaiming he "loved salt!" when the spill happened, but it still put you on edge.
It only got worse when Aspen went to the bathroom and found himself locked inside of it.
"Apologies about the door, Anonymous."
"Please, Aspen. Don't apologize. It will be easy to get back on its hinges."
Aspen's ears flick as he sips his drink, mostly salt in it rather than sugar. "Mm...I will send a missive to Canterlot, ask Celestia if she is aware of why the nights have been lasting as long as they have."
You give him a smile.
"If there's anyone who can get an answer from her, it's her ex."
Aspen chuckles at you. "You're being modest."
"Not at all."
"Now I know you are."
You simply smile at him.
"There is not a secret Celestia could keep from you if you walked up to her and asked. Her subjects revere her, but you must know that she reveres you." he says.
You smile and silently sip your tea. "I'm just her father, nothing more."
You see Aspen's ears rotate around and twitch again.
"Is everything alright?"
Your words surprise Aspen, making him jump a bit. "Now that you mention it..." he begins "I swear I hear something...coming out on the wind, something even I struggle to hear..."
"What is it?"
Aspen gulps and looks at you with shrunken pupils. "Anonymous...it is a voice repeatedly saying "Get out. Get out. Get out."
...A-huh.
"I...see?"
"Anonymous, is your home haunted?"
You almost choke on your tea. "I promise, Aspen, my home is not haunted."
"If it were, would it be a guardian spirit? Or could there be a boogieman-nay, boogieMEN inside this house?!"
You stare at Aspen to hear him say he's joking but he...doesn't.
"Watch, I'll prove it to you. Chrysalis!"
"W-wha! Yes poppy?!" she calls from just down the hall, it sounded.
"Do you hear any strange voices saying "get out"?"
"Nnnnnnnope! N-no voices here! Hehe!" she says.
"See?" you say, returning to Aspen. "Nothing unusual."
He calms. "Thank you, Anonymous. I'm sure you're right."
You hear the loud THUMP of something hitting your walls as you sit again.
"Are you okay, sweetie?"
Chrysalis comes out of the hall and heads for the front door, walking slowly but with purpose and looking unamused. "I stubbed my hoof, it's fine. I'm going to go outside for a minute."
"Hey wait a minute, what could possibly be outsi-" The door shuts behind her. She was gone.
"...Children." Aspen says sympathetically.
"I'm used to it by now."
You turn back to Aspen. "Now, where were we? I could come visit the Deer lands to consult with your astronomers and see their findings, maybe they have information I can explain away and this whole thing can be one giant misunderstand-"
A flash of emerald light comes in from the windows behind you followed by Chrysalis's voice.
"Poppy poppy! You and ESPECIALLY King Aspen leave the house and come out here quick! There's been a uh...magical fire! Yes!"
Oh what now!? You and Aspen rush outside to find nothing but charred grass and Chrysalis with a stick she said she wanted. Within moments she mentions how late it's gotten and pushes you inside, asking you to help her take a bath.
Your actions decided, you can only wave goodbye to the Deer King and wonder what had gotten into your daughter. |
Familia | Growing Up. | It was scheduled to rain in Canterlot today. It wasn't a common occurrence, but with the sheer number of gardens present throughout the city, it certainly needed it every so often. Dark grey clouds hung in the sky out the window of the Royal Library, and from your desk you could see Anonymous sitting quietly in chair by looking out it.
You look up from your book for the third time in five minutes and glance at him, seeing if he'd moved from his frozen position at all and sighing when you saw he did not.
"How long?" you hear from behind you.
The heart in your chest relocates to your throat. "Gyah! Don't scare me like that, Chrysalis!"
The Changeling Queen stands motionless in the doorway and looks down at you with unwelcoming eyes. "How. Long. Sparkle?"
That gaze hurt to meet, but you stay strong. "I've been in here a few hours, and he was here before me. He hasn't moved since."
Chrysalis seems to lose interest in you just as fast and looks over to the corner. "Yes...that sounds about right."
"Is it important?"
Chrysalis turns her emerald eyes back to you. "The story is not mine to tell. Nor also is it my place to say you cannot ask him yourself, though I would if I could." Chrysalis turns and walks through the door, speaking without even facing you. "Take caution, Sparkle. Poppy does not enjoy dark rainy days at all."
"What? Why? Why are you even HERE?" you ask, closing your book.
Chrysalis pauses to emit a sharp and explosive sigh. "Part of this "family togetherness" headache I agreed to is occasional tea with my siblings...peacefully at that." Chrysalis shakes her head and continues down the hall and out of sight. "The things I do for that human..."
You watch her go and close your book, walking over and carefully approaching the old man from behind.
"Anonymous...? Are you alright?"
"Hrm?" he stirs "Oh, hello Twilight. Yes, I'm fine, sorry to worry. I'm just...so tired on rainy days."
"Chrysalis mentioned you don't like them...how come?" you ask, coming around to his front.
You see Anonymous crack a smile as he stares at nothing out the window. "She's a good girl...even when her attitude is bad. For all her bluster, I've never seen somepony appreciate help when her heart is broken like Chrysalis." He turns his eyes and looks down at you. "Rain...reminds me of one of the hardest nights for my little family...almost a thousand years ago..."
Anon POV
"Poppy, poppy you need to wake up now."
You groan and turn over in your bed. Chrysalis should not be up this early...
"No...I don't...and neither should you be. Go back to bed, sweetheart."
The LAST thing you needed was another night owl like Luna. Living with that little girl for so long had destroyed your circadian rhythm.
"Yes, poppy. We do."
You peel one eye open and see Chrysalis looking at you in the darkness of your bedroom from the hall. "No, sweety. All this darkness tells me that it's probably barely two in the morning, and two in the morning is "daddy sleeps for another four hours" time."
You throw your blankets over your head and try to shut your eyes with a yawn, you felt groggy for some reason. "So let's try to get some sleep while we can before morning comes, hrm? You can crawl up here with me if you can't sleep..."
Chrysalis crawls all right, crawls and leaps onto your stomach and forces the air out of you with a grunt. "Poppy, we need to get up! It is almost noon!"
You are about to scold her when that clicks. "I'm sorry?" You take your blankets down and look her in the eyes. "What did you say?"
Chrysalis buzzes her little wings. "The sun normally shines off the tips of the mountains around eight in the morning, you told me...and that will often wake me up when you don't. I got up today on my own and wanted to let you sleep, honest, but I'm starting to get really hungry..."
But that didn't explain-
You gently move Chrysalis off you and pull back your curtains, seeing the pitch black of night outside. On your writing desk, you glanced at your clocks, a broken one that was right at two random times a day that Discord had made and a normal one made by the girls for you. Sure enough, it said it was almost ten thirty. You feel your stomach clench as the thought of the girls comes up and you look out the window again.
"Something is wrong..."
You and Chrysalis rush out to the back porch and consider the sky. The sable expanse sits as still and perfect as it did each night, but life as normal continues around you. Birds chirp away in a frenzy around you and the small woodland animals scurry to and fro, trying to make sense of all that was going on. They weren't alone. You gaze up at the stars in the sky and wonder immediately what state the girls were in. Were they hurt? Were they in trouble? Was there anything you could do?
You silently kick yourself for allowing such responsibility to befall the two of them and for the world to need them in such a state, but you quickly drown those thoughts with simple hopes that they were both okay.
A tugging on your pant leg returns you to the back yard as Chrysalis tries to get your attention. "Poppy...what is going on?"
Any parent could tell you that if your child was afraid, your first duty was to calm them, and so instinct kicks in and you spring to action.
"I'm sure nothing, Chryssi..." you lie, kneeling to caress her. "You needed some breakfast, right? Let's go get you fed."
"O-okay..." she responds and letting you pick her up.
You focus entirely on the child in your arms, or at least try to as you head indoors and don't give the outside a second glance while you still could.
It began to rain over breakfast and the darkness became ever more suffocating outdoors in the ensuing hours. You took a glance at one point and saw the moon vanish behind the clouds carrying their rain. Every effort was made in the interim to keep Chrysalis focused on you and not at whatever calamity was causing this eternal night outdoors, and right now that meant study, of which your little one was a natural.
Chrysalis's horn glows bright green as she points it towards one end of the couch and dashes towards it. You hear space getting sucked into itself before Chrysalis exits triumphantly on the other side.
"Tadaaaah!" she exclaims.
You clap excitedly from your chair. "Very good, little one! You may be the fastest learner I've ever had."
A bit of red takes her chitinous black face as she when she whiles over to you. "Yes, I am! The taste of the experiences hangs in the air here like a nectar, but only one such as I can pull them from their home and figure them out."
Chrysalis hops up onto your lap and silently demands congratulatory headpats. You oblige.
"Mhm. This is all related to how you "eat love"?"
"Yep!"
"What's that feel like?"
Chrysalis rubs her chin in thought. "Mmm...I cannot remember... Ever since I came here, I've never had to do it."
You chuckle and pat her some more.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"Mhm..."
Chrysalis is silent for a moment more. "Poppy...?"
"Yes hon?"
"Some of what I taste in the air here...it sort of tastes like what it's like outsi-"
A knock on the door interrupts Chrysalis and turns her sentence into a startled yelp and a dash to your side, putting you between her and the door.
"Chrissi?"
"Th-that feeling...whoever is responsible for the night time outside is at the door!" she shivers.
The knock comes again, this time more rapidly.
"...Stay behind me." You say as you rise from your chair.
The single thought that runs through your head as you grab the fireplace poker is "What in the world are you doing?" You'd never protected anyone like this before, you'd never even been in a fight before, but if who or WHAT ever was behind the sky was on the other side of the door. You turn the knob and creek it open.
Whomever was out there might be able to answer your questions about the girls, they might be able to tell you what happened to Luna and-
"Celestia?"
You push the door all the way open and lower your poker.
Celestia stands in the doorway, but so much different from the last time you saw her. Scrapes and soot covered much of her body, and she looked ragged and tired. The feathers on her wings were frayed at the edges and the horn on her head had a crack running through it.
However the most extraordinary difference was her mane, once bubblegum pink and now a rainbow of pastel colors that even now tried to flow in the wind, despite the torrential rain battering it down.
Celestia's face hitching and meeting an eye filled with a sadness you'd never seen before grips at your heart.
"...Tia?"
"D-daddy..." she says through her tears.
You hold your arms wide and let her nearly collapse into them. Celestia buries her face into your shoulder and sobs, you can hear her whisper "sorry sorry sorry sorry" under her breath.
"Sorry? Sorry for-"
Only now do you look past your doorway and see the moon hanging in the sky with its new face.
"...No..."
Celestia continues to weep into your shoulder and collapses to the floor.
"No...no no no..." |
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