“Permanent Vacation”
Operation: Geological Gunman
I awaken, casually stretching myself and hearing joints pop. I roll out of bed and plant my feet on the ground, heading over to my dresser to grab some clothes.
“About damn time you got up!”
“Good morning to you too.”
“Not the time for this shit! We got trouble!”
I freeze, my eyes going wide. “What?! Why wasn’t I informed sooner?!”
“I’ve been trying to warn you! Get dressed and grab your gear, they’re going to be here any moment!” I scramble around my room, throwing on blue jeans and a dark blue t-shirt. Just as I hostler the Diamondback, I hear my front door slam open.
“Come out, little pony!” A deep, gruff sounding voice echo’s throughout the house.
“Promise not hurt!” A similar sounding voice says. The way these two voices sound kinda gets me thinking that not all of their synapses are firing properly.
Heavy footfalls echo, getting louder. Shit, gotta hide. I activate the Cloak and Dagger, and just in time too, as my door is flung open. I scowl at the sight before me. A Diamond Dog, looking exactly like they do in the show albeit a bit more bipedal instead of that gorilla walk they had, looks around my room. “Nopony here!” The Dog turns around and heads back outside with me slowly following behind.
Outside stands another Dog. “Every house searched?”
The first Dog nods his head. “Big red pony still protecting building with ponies?” I smirk. Good, Mac is leading the resistance against them.
The second Dog shrugs. “Check. Then see boss.”
As the two head towards Town Hall, I slip back into my house and disguise myself as one of the Dogs. Stepping back outside, I follow them but maintain my distance. “Agent, give me a sitrep on the situation.”
“As far as I can tell, the Diamond Dogs started rounding up everypony in town about two hours ago. Our place was the last one they hit.”
“And the Elements?”
“Taken, but not sure where.”
“Was Spike able to send a message to the Princesses for backup?”
“Wasn’t able to. By the time Twilight and him found out, it was too late. You got a plan for saving them?”
I smirk. “Of course I have a plan. I’m gonna tail these two back to wherever they keeping the townsfolk. Then, I’ll carefully extract them back to…” I glance around at the town. Dogs wander around, probably still searching for any stragglers. “A safe haven.”
“Contacting Celestia and Luna would be easier.”
I shake my head. “By the time they mobilized the guards, the Dogs could have gone to ground and we may never find them again.”
“Good point.”
“Still, I’ll rescue Spike and have him send a message asking them to secure the town.”
I idly finger my knife and Diamondback, really not wanting to use them but probably going to anyway. I want to do this with as little bloodshed as possible. As we near town hall, I see a ring of Dogs surrounding the building. All the windows are boarded up. I hang back and act like I’m checking down an alley for any ponies while my targets head towards a Dog standing by the front entrance.
Once their talk is finished, they leave the area and head for the southern outskirts of town. Following, the green scenery is slowly replaced with rocks and dirt, painting the land in an almost dull grey and brown. The Dogs head straight for a hole in the ground. Without hesitation, they dive in, one after the other. I head over and look down the hole, seeing nothing.
“Is this the only way?”
“Do you see any other option? We don’t have the time to find any other way to get to where they’re keeping them.”
Sighing, I jump into the hole. Instead of straight descent like I expected, the tunnel slopes into a slide of sorts that twists and turns, some rocks in the wall, somehow, providing illumination. I look down and see a bright glow coming up. As soon as my feet leave the slide, I hit the ground and roll, my knife drawn and ready for any surprise. Seeing nothing, I stand up and brush myself off. Looking around, I’m in a central chamber with multiple tunnels branching off in random directions.
“Great. Now how are we gonna find them? This place must be a maze!”
“I’ll mark each room we’ve been in with an x on the floor.” I crouch down and draw an x off to the side so as to avoid it being disturbed. Standing back up, I pick a random tunnel to follow. In all logic, this must be the Diamond Dog base of operations so I’ll eventually find where everyone is being kept. Going along, I mark each room in come to, be it a dungeon with empty cells or an armory. Guards don’t give me a second glance as I march along.
Coming up to a tunnel exit, I hear moans and plinking sounds getting louder and louder. Stepping out into the chamber reveals it to be massive with multiple levels, but my eyes aren’t drawn to the chamber. They’re drawn to the ponies being chained up, forced to dig under the watchful eyes of the Dogs. Some of the Dogs have whips, and a couple of ponies already have rips and tears in their clothes from the flogging. On the unicorns, I notice a black ringed rock faintly glowing blue around their horns. As for the pegasi, ropes are tied around them to pin their wings. One could taste the despair and dread hanging in the air.
I clench my fists. “These bastards are going to pay dearly for this.”
“Not right now, I hope. Too many guards to stealthily save the ponies.”
“But I can’t leave them like this!”
“We’ll get them out, trust me.”
I walk through the chamber, watching as ponies look at me and cower, some desperately trying to work harder at the sight of my gaze. Just what did these Dogs do to them? I make my way to another tunnel on the ground floor, seeing that it branches to the left or right. I choose the right path, looking for any opportunity to free the town.
As I walk down the tunnel, a scream of pain and a voice reaches my ears. “That all you got?!”
That raspy voice… Rainbow. I sprint down the tunnel, slowing down as I approach a chamber off to the right. Stopping outside it, I cloak before sliding around the corner. I resist the urge to gasp. I’ve found the girls, forced to watch as Rainbow, chained to the wall with her back out, is flogged over and over by a Dog, with another guard beside him, laughing at Rainbow. Her entire back is cut and red, showing that she’s been like this for a while. At the back of the room sits the little runt leader of the Dogs, Spot, on a rock throne, smirking at the suffering before him.
“You got the perfect opportunity to strike. Use it wisely.”
If I plan this right, I should be able to get the girls out of here. Moving into position behind the throne, I glance out to make sure I won’t be seen. De-cloaking, I ready my knife to strike. “Pony learn lesson?” Spot says. I glance out to see him stand up and move forward a bit. Perfect, makes my job easier.
Rainbow grunts as the whip comes down on her back. “I learned I’m gonna kick your ass when I get outta here!”
“Agent, instant kills on a backstab or is that Team Fortress Two logic?”
“It’s a freaking knife. Of course you can instant kill someone with it! But as for your question, yes, instant kills on backstab. Go nuts.”
I move in behind Spot, my knife ready to plunge into his neck. Just as I go to strike, Fluttershy’s sobbing stops me. “Please, don’t hurt her anymore,” She chokes out between sobs.
Spot laughs. “Fine. We stop soon. Then your turn, yellow pony.”
I feel my blood boil. “This bastard needs to die!”
“Show him no mercy!”
Before Spot can move, I slap my hand over his mouth and plunge the knife into the base of his neck. His body stiffens up and a muffled mmph escapes his mouth before he goes slack, his life ended in an instant. Wrapping my arms around his, I drag him behind the throne and prop him up out of sight. I quickly search him, pulling out a set of keys. Pulling out my disguise kit, I hit the button to rescan the area, tapping out Spot’s face once I find him. Stepping back out after disguising, I walk back to where Spot was. “Enough!” Everyone looks at me. I smirk and hold my left hand out. “Bring whip here. Me teach yellow pony lesson.”
“Don’t you dare lay ah finger on her!” Applejack shouts, earning her a slap across the face from a guard.
The guard with the whip walks over to me while the other guard drags Dash back to the girls to chain her up. Once the whip is in my hand, the guard turns around. Before he can go too far, I drop the whip and repeat what I did with Spot. Instead of dragging the body behind the throne, I lay it on the ground. I look up to see that this has gone unnoticed by everyone.
The last Dog manhandles Fluttershy over to the chains, while everybody else cries out to leave her alone. I calmly walk towards the Dog, motioning for the girls to stay quiet as I enter their field of view. The Dog shoves Fluttershy towards the chains as I move in behind. I raise my knife.
“Boss ready?” The Dog says.
I smirk. “But of course.” Before the Dog can react, I drive my blade into its neck. This time, I don’t bother muffling the scream of pain. As the Dog slumps forward, I shake some fresh blood off my knife before replacing it my pocket.
“Blake!” Fluttershy wraps her arms around me and sobs into my chest.
“Boy, are we happy ta see you, Blake!”
I pat Fluttershy on the back, and then push her away. “While I’m happy to find you six, we got more important matters on our hands. Namely, getting out of here.” I toss Fluttershy the keys. “Get the girls out while I hide the bodies.”
Fluttershy wipes her eyes and nods her head, rushing over to the girls. “Where have you been, Blake?” Twilight asks.
I heft up one of the bodies and drag it behind the throne. “No time for questions, Twilight. Plenty of time later for the Q and A session.”
“Thank you for the rescue, darling.”
I snort as I drag the second body behind the throne. “Don’t thank me yet. As long as we’re down here, it isn’t safe.” Dumping the body, I head over to the girls just as Fluttershy frees Pinkie. “You doing okay, Rainbow?”
Rainbow grunts. “Never been better.”
I turn to Twilight. “And what about you, Twilight? Is your magic working?”
She shakes her head, pulling the ring off her horn. “These rings are Nullstone, able to prevent any unicorn from doing magic as long as it is worn and for two hours after removal.”
I shake my head. “Damn, would have been nice to have some backup. But I don’t want to put you girls in any more danger.” I draw my knife and motion for them to follow me. “Stay behind me, and stay quiet.” Everyone nods.
Back in the tunnel, I go to the right and continue walking. Further down, I see another chamber coming up on the left. I slide up against the wall and motion for the girls to do the same. Peeking around the corner, I count five guards, Aloe and Lotus, Cheerilee, and the Crusaders. The ponies are being forced to mine. I clench my fist. Not even children are fucking safe from them. I turn back to the girls, motioning for them to stay quiet and stay here. I disguise as a random dog and draw my knife before turning the corner.
Now, how am I gonna get them out of here? Scootaloo throws her pickaxe on the ground. “Just you wait until Rainbow Dash gets here! She’ll beat you all!”
One of the guards draws a whip, stalking towards Scootaloo. I gulp. Please, don’t do it. “Pony want lesson?”
Scootaloo’s eye widen as she backs away. “Don’t you hurt those fillies!” Cheerilee shouts.
The Dog with the whip promptly turns and whips Cheerliee, causing the Crusaders to gasp. “You leave her alone, you bully!” Sweetie yells.
“Yeah! Why don’t ya pick on someone yer own size?!”
The whip Dog turns back to the Crusaders, a menacing smirk on its face. “All ponies need lesson.” The Dog raises the whip. The Crusaders huddle together, whimpering.
BANG
The sound echoes throughout the chamber as the whip Dog falls to his side, a new hole in his head. All movement stops as the Dogs look to their fallen companion, then to me. I train my Diamondback, now crackling with blue energy, on the nearest guard. “I’m gonna put you down like the sick fucking dogs you are!”
“Blake!” Everypony yells.
One of the guards points at me. “Get pony!”
The guards rush me. The nearest one jabs a spear at me. In one fell motion, I sidestep to the right and draw my knife, using my left hand to plunge it into its neck. I push off the Dog, firing at the next Dog. He falls forward as the newest hole in his chest starts bleeding. The two remaining Dogs back off, glancing at each other. Smirking, I calmly walk forward, firing a round at each of their legs. They fall to the ground, screaming in agony. I walk up to them and put them out of their misery with a final bullet to the head for both.
I stand there, staring at the dog I just shot. Did… Did I really just do this in front of ponies? So innocent to this stuff, especially the Crusaders? Did I really just take another life? Why did I enjoy it? I shake my head. Bending down, I search the two dogs for any keys. They don’t have any, so I move on to the third dog I shot.
Just as I bend down, I hear a voice behind me. “Pony drop weapons!”
I spin around and draw the Diamondback, pointing it at the voice. Shit, this ain’t good. The girls are standing there, hands in the air, as a row of Dogs stand behind them, spears pointing at them. In front of them are the remaining two Diamond Dog leaders, Rover and Fido. Even if I fire at them now, I won’t be fast enough to kill all these Dogs.
“And you broke rule number one of every shooter, remember to reload your gun after every encounter.”
I raise an eyebrow. “And if I refuse?”
“Then we hurt ponies!”
God damn it. They got me cornered and they know it. Sighing, I toss the Diamondback and my knife on the ground. “There, you got my weapons.”
Rover laughs. “Good! Pony get on knees!” I comply. I hang my head as I put my palms together and keep them close to my body. “Tie pony up! Take to the Pit!”
Fido laughs, walking towards me with a burlap sack and some rope. He throws the sack over my head, blocking my vision. I can feel the coarseness of the rope tighten around my wrists. His paws search me, finding my disguise kit and Cloak and Dagger. Damn, I had hoped they wouldn’t find the watch at least.
“Agent, send me the next loadout. Get it here as soon as you can.”
“Got it. Pulling everything now.”
I’m roughly picked up and pushed forward, causing me to stumble. “Pony move or make move.” Fido says. I walk forward, being guided by pushes from Fido. Due to the sack, I have no idea where I am or what’s around me. “Pony stop now.”
I stop, listening to everything around me. Faintly, I hear what sounds like a growing crowd. We stand like this for a while, giving me some time to think. Maybe I could extract some info from Fido? “So, what exactly is the Pit?”
Fido chuckles darkly. “Pony find out soon.”
“Well, that was helpful.”
I hear movement from in front of me. “Pit ready now.”
“Pony go forward,” Fido says, roughly shoving me forward.
I walk in a straight line, the sound of cheering getting louder and louder. At one point, the cheering becomes deafening. A paw grabs my shoulder, pulling me back. The sack is yanked off my head. I cringe and blink my eyes from the sudden brightness, stumbling forward as I’m pushed from behind. I’m barely aware I’m falling off a ledge. Acting fast, I twist myself so I land on my side.
Grunting, I push myself into a sitting position before standing up. Looking around, I’m confirmed that the Pit is actually a circular arena, a locked door behind me. On the ledge surrounding the circle sit rows upon rows of Diamond Dogs, each one having a pony on a leash beside them. Directly in front of me are three thrones, two of which are currently being occupied by Rover and Fido. Spike sits in a cage, a rope around his mouth and his claws tied up, on the third throne.
Rover raises his paw, silencing the Dogs. “This pony killed our kin. This pony killed Spot. Today, we kill pony!” The Dogs in the crowd cheer wildly.
I chuckle lightly, slowing rising in both volume and laughter. “You think you can get rid of me that easily? Any Dog you send down here with me won’t be walking away!”
Rover scowls. “Pony don’t have weapon! Pony’s hands tied! We kill you!”
I shrug, thrusting my hands forward. “Oh, this?” I rapidly rub my hands together till my right hand slides free. I pull the rope off my left hand, tossing it over my shoulder. “This is just a minor inconvenience.”
“So pony get free of ropes. Big deal! We still kill you!”
I hold my hand out, motioning for them to bring it. “I hope you aren’t fond of the men you send down here.”
Fido points at me. “”Kill him!” Two guards jump down into the arena directly in front of me, each one carrying a spear and laughing.
I smirk. “How soon on those items, Agent?”
“Still working on it. What you’re asking for requires more than simple illusion magic.”
I sprint towards the guard on the left. The guard stops moving. He shoves his spear at me once I’m in range. Sidestepping to the left, I reach out with my left hand and grab the shaft of the spear. Pivoting, I bring my right elbow around, smashing it into the Dog’s head. As expected, the Dog lets go of the spear to grasp at its head. I pivot again, bringing the spear around. Before the Dog can move, I jam the spear in the back of its head.
As the Dog falls forward, I use the momentum I’ve gained to launch myself towards the other Dog, spear still in hand. I hit the ground in a roll, going right under the Dog’s spear. I shove upwards with the spear, rewarded with gurgling from the Dog. The Dog falls backwards, the spear firmly lodged in his throat.
Not a sound is heard as I stand up. I look at the crowd around me, sitting in shock. I spread my arms and slowly spin in a circle. “Are you not entertained?!”
Rover shakes his head before pointing at me. “Get in there and kill pony!”
I point at Rover and Fido. “How many more Dogs are you gonna send down here to die by my hand? How many are you willing to lose?” I laugh. “I can’t believe that you’re the leaders of the Diamond Dogs!”
Fido snarls. “We lead Dogs. We—”
I scowl. “No, you don’t. A true leader is on the field with his men, not hiding behind them like a coward. If I am such a big threat to you, then get down here and face me. Or are you too scared to face me, letting your men die in your place?”
Rover growls. “Dogs not scared of you!”
I cross my arms. “Then prove it. Fight me like the Dogs you say you are, or die like bitches!”
“Fine! We show you!” They both leap off their thrones down into the Pit. Perfect, those idiots fell for it.
I rip the spear out of the Dog’s throat, snapping off the spearhead. Grabbing that, I chuck it at Rover. He calmly sidesteps it. I brandish the rest of the spear like a staff, ready to keep my distance. As they draw near, I lash out, aiming for the legs. They easily jump over that. I just barely duck under Fido’s retaliation punch. I spin to the left, smacking Fido in the back with the staff. He doesn’t even flinch.
“Heh, pony having trouble?” Fido says.
I shrug my shoulders. “Just testing the waters, you mangy mongrel.”
Fido snorts, his eyes going beet red. “Pony will regret that!” The Dogs in the crowd cheer.
“Oh shit.”
I gulp. “Oh shit indeed.”
With a howl, Fido leaps at me with a speed surprising for someone of his size. He unleashes a fury of punches at me. It takes everything I have to leap out of the way of each punch. I see a short opening for me to strike. Swinging at his head proves to be a mistake. He grabs the staff and yanks. I let go of the staff as I’m forced towards him. Before I can jump back, his other paw wraps around my neck. He lifts me up off the ground. I pound on his arm and kick my legs, trying to break free. His grip tightens slightly.
He pulls me close to his face. “Pony not tough now.”
He walks to the center of the arena, spinning me around so I’m facing Rover. “Any last words, Pony?”
I glance up at the ponies in the crowd, seeing every single one sitting in shock. Some are even trying to hold back tears, yet failing miserably. I’m… I’m sorry that I failed them. I tried saving them, but I couldn’t. There’s so much left unsaid, so much I wanted to experience. God, what was I thinking, trying to be the lone hero?
“Knock that sappy shit off! Hand in left pocket, now! The rest of your loadout will be along shortly.”
I reach down into my left pocket, feeling a round and smooth object there. I run my finger along the edge of it until I find a little knob on the top. I push down on it, smirking. “Thanks, Agent.”
“Well? Pony has last words?”
“Yeah, I do.” I spit into Rover’s face, scowling. “I fucked your mother!”
Rover slowly wipes the spit off his face, glaring at me. “Snap pony’s neck.”
The Dogs go wild while the ponies scream out in horror. The pressure on my throat tightens ever so slowly, cutting off more and more air to my throat. “Anytime this thing going to work?!”
“Give it a second! The rest of your loadout is here as well!”
There’s a sharp snapping sound as I fall to the ground, air swiftly filling my lungs. I look down and see myself, my neck twisted at an unnatural angle. I smirk and pull out the Dead Ringer, watching as the meter on it rapidly decreases. Shit, gotta move! Standing up, I run behind Fido and pull out my Spy-Cicle. With the amount of noise currently going on, be it from the ponies crying in agony to the wild cheering of the dogs from my apparent death, I should be able to de-cloak safely.
I snap the watch shut, hearing the all too familiar sound of a Spy de-cloaking with the Dead Ringer. I almost spin around on instinct but remind myself it’s only me this time. Before I’m discovered, I plunge the Spy-Cicle into Fido’s neck. Not a sound is heard from him as his entire body freezes solid, foot reared back to kick my fake corpse. Smiling, I walk out in front of Fido, seeing that Rover is heading for the door. I turn my back to him and face the frozen corpse of Fido.
The entire arena slowly goes quiet as people start noticing me. “Dogs keep cheering! Pony dead!” I hear Rover say.
“Sit! Stay! Freeze! Play dead! Good dog!” I laugh.
“Pony should be dead!”
I turn around, Rover pointing directly at me with his mouth wide open. I smirk. “Don’t you know? You can phone in just about anything nowadays, even death.”
“But pony body right there!” He shifts his pointing to my corpse.
I reach down, and with a sickening squelch, rip the head of my corpse off. I notice of couple of the ponies in the crowd cover their mouths. I stare into the empty eyes of the head. “Alas, poor Yorick! I never knew him.” I shrug my shoulders, tossing the head over them.
Rover lowers his paw, glaring at me. “What pony do to Fido?”
I jerk my thumb behind me. “Froze him.”
“When Fido free—”
I laugh, holding my Spy-Cicle in front of me. “You don’t get it, do you? He is dead, frozen inside and out! It doesn’t matter what you do to try and save him, he is truly dead!”
“Then I kill you!”
I pocket the Spy-Cicle, glaring at Rover. “Fine.” I stalk towards him, cracking my neck and knuckles. “I’m going to enjoy watching the blood slowly drain from your body.”
Rover sprints towards me, his right paw hooking towards my face. I block it. I swing a left hook and connect with his face. Rover stumbles back, but recovers quickly enough to thrust a fist towards me. I jump to the left, grabbing his arm and twisting. Rover cries in pain even more when my fist connects with his face, then his gut. Rover clutches his gut and bends over, only to meet my knee connecting with his face. He falls backwards.
I jump on top of him, relentlessly pounding his face. With each punch, my grin gets wider and wider. I stop my punching to see Rover spitting up blood, his face swollen and battered. I stand up and grab him, dragging him over to a wall. I slam him up against it, pinning him by using my left arm to push up against his throat.
I draw the Ambassador, pushing the barrel on the side of his temple. “Give me one good reason to not blow your fucking brains all over this wall. After all, I’d hate to leave even more a mess,” I snarl.
Rover genuinely looks afraid, trembling under my gaze. For the briefest of seconds, Rover’s eyes dart over my shoulder.
“Targets on your six!”
I look at the Ambassador, the bright metallic sheen giving off a reflection of what’s behind me. Six Dogs, all armed with spears, are slowly coming up behind me. I smirk. “Excuse me for just a moment. I need to send my Ambassador here out to improve diplomatic relations. Until then, you think of an answer to my question, okay?”
I head butt Rover, then spin around. The Dog closest to me gets a new hole in its head. I calmly walk forward as the Dogs rush me. I easily put down four of the Dogs, only missing once. With the clip empty, I can’t shoot the last Dog as he thrusts his spear towards me.
“Second verse, same as the first!”
I repeat what I did before, sidestepping to the right and drawing my Spy-Cicle before jamming it into its neck. With a slight chink sound, the Dog freezes in place. I withdraw the Spy-Cicle and place it back in my pocket. “Where do I get ammo for the Ambassador?”
“Think about it, then reach into your pocket.”
I reach into my pocket, feeling the speed loader for the Ambassador in my hand. I reload the Ambassador, smirking the entire time. “It would seem our diplomatic relations have taken a rather drastic turn, wouldn’t you say, Rover?” I turn around and raise an eyebrow.
Rover is standing away from me, a crossbow pointed directly at my chest. His eyes are wide and he trembles with every breath. “P-Pony dies now.” His voice quivers with each word.
“Can we toy with him some more? Please?”
I sigh, thrusting my left hand in my pocket and prepping the Dead Ringer. I spread my arms out to the side, nodding my head. “I know when I am beaten,” I motion to my chest, “Go ahead and take your shot. But you better not miss, cause I won’t.”
Rover hesitates, the crossbow shaking slightly. “Kill him, boss!” This cheer must steel Rover’s resolve since he now grips the crossbow with purpose, grinning ear to ear as his finger pulls the trigger. I don’t move or react at all to the bolt hurling towards me.
I feel a slight prick. A death scream escapes my lips as my corpse falls to the ground, the bolt piercing clean through my chest. I look up to see Rover grinning ear to ear as he slowly lowers the crossbow. “And that is how Dogs kill pony!”
“Admirable shot,” I say, causing Rover to stare wide eyed and open mouthed at my corpse. I de-cloak, the sound of the Dead Ringer being the only thing heard. I point the Ambassador at Rover’s head. “Now, it’s my turn.” I switch my aim to his left foot and fire. Rover screams in pain and falls to the ground, clutching his foot.
Rover stops his screaming long enough to stare at me. “What are you?!”
I stride forward, Ambassador still pointed at him. “I’m the nightmare you fell asleep to and woke up still in.” I stand over him, smirking the entire time. “Now, where were we? Ah, yes,” I snap my aim to his head, “You were going to tell me why I shouldn’t kill you!”
“We let you go free!” Rover shouts.
I shake my head. “Not enough to warrant sparing you.”
“We let all ponies go free too!”
I cock my head to the side and shrug my shoulders. “Gotta do better than that, Rover.”
“We never bother town again! Promise!” Rover holds his paws up in front of his face.
I smirk. “Now you’re talking my language.” I grab Rover and pull him up. Spinning him around, I put him in the classic hostage position, left arm around throat while weapon stays pointed at head. “You’re also going to give back everything you took from me, got it?”
Rover nods his head. “Release ponies! Bring pony’s items!”
The door out of the pit opens as the Dogs leave the area, bringing their pony prisoners with them. I wait until everyone is gone before leaving the Pit, Rover walking with me. The door opens into a large antechamber, able to hold everypony from town. At the front of the crowd are the girls, the Crusaders, and Spike.
Twilight holds her hands out, my stolen items in her grasp. “Here,” She gulps, “Here’s your items.”
I nod my head. “Hold on to them for now. Is everyone present?”
“As far as I can tell, sugercube.”
I press the barrel of the Ambassador harder against Rover’s temple. “You going to show us the way out of here.” Rover eagerly nods his head. “And if any of your Dogs try to stop us, I will end you without a second thought.”
Rover gulps. “Ponies will be safe. Me guide ponies to safety.”
I take the lead, the crowd of ponies following behind me, as Rover gives me directions to leave this godforsaken place. Any dogs along the way stand out of our way, glaring at us. We twist and turn through a maze of tunnels and rooms before coming to a tunnel that slopes slightly upward. Up ahead, I see sunlight streaming in from the tunnel exit.
Outside leads to the dull, barren land from before when I previously entered the Diamond Dog hideout. Stepping off to the left, I watch as the ponies leave the tunnel, looks of relief on their faces to finally be back in the warmth of the sun. Some ponies are being supported by others, making my grip on Rover tighten. Two Dogs flank the entrance to the tunnel as the last of the ponies steps out. I walk back in front of the tunnel, my back to the ponies.
“Oh, and might I add that any Dog still in town will be personally executed by me?”
“Dogs leave town?” One of the Dogs flanking the tunnel nods. “Town free of Dogs.”
I nod my head. “Good, good. Now, what shall I do with you?”
“Pony got what pony wanted!”
“He’s right, you know. You got what you wanted from them.”
“But he still needs to remember my threat! He needs to remember all the pain and suffering he caused to the town!”
“I’m not saying that. Just don’t kill him.”
I loosen my grip on Rover, but only a little bit so he doesn’t break free. “You kept your end of the deal, so I’m letting you go.” I hadn’t noticed how tense Rover’s body was until his body relaxes. “I like to think of myself as a reasonable man. That is why I’m only going to break one of your kneecaps.”
Rover’s body tenses back up. “What?!”
I bring the Ambassador around to the back of his right knee and fire. A new hole goes clean through his leg, Rover screaming in agony. I release my grip and push on his back, sending him falling to the ground. I bounce my aim between the two Dogs watching. “Take him back to your pathetic hole in the ground.”
The Dogs cautiously move forward, glancing from me to their fallen, only leader. They drag Rover towards the tunnel mouth, a trail of blood right behind him. Right before they enter, Rover yells back, “You not pony! What are you?!”
“I’m a goddamn human! Remember the name Blake Quinter, for it will be a name feared amongst the Diamond Dogs!” I stand there as the drag Rover into the tunnel, my Ambassador still pointed towards the entrance.
Sighing, I hostler the Ambassador and close my eyes. How many lives did I ruin today? Not just within the Diamond Dogs, but with the ponies too? The purity and innocence of the town, so casually tossed out the window once they saw me, the monster that I became. So easily taking the life of another… It felt so right to take every single one, yet so wrong. Seeing everyone I care for suffering… I just couldn’t stand to the side and do nothing. But was it the right action to take?
“Um… Blake?” Twilight says.
I slowly open my eyes and look up. I hold my left arm out to the side. “My stuff, please.” All my stolen gear is magically placed in my hand. They won’t even come near me now. I shove the disguise kit and knife in my pocket, holstering the Diamondback on my left hip. I put on the Cloak and Dagger and immediately cloak.
I can’t let them see me, and I can’t look at them. I avoid them all like the Black Plague as I slowly move back towards town.
I slam the shot glass back on the counter. Not sure how many I’ve had at this point, but I don’t care. Maybe passing out and forgetting about today would be a good thing.
Getting back to town was simple enough. Finding a place to avoid everyone, well, that proved to be much harder. I went to the only solace I could think of, The Drunken Mare. The door wasn’t even locked as I strode in, grabbing the first bottle of whiskey I saw, a shot glass, and tossing more than enough bits on the counter to pay for the bottle. Sitting down on a stool, I proceeded to drink it all away.
Not sure how long it’s been since I made it back. Pouring another round, I swirl it around in the shot a bit before downing that.
“Look, don’t beat yourself—”
I grind my teeth. “Agent, stay the fuck out of this.”
“Alright, fine. When you want to talk, you know where to find me.”
Sitting in silence, I pound my fist on the counter and hang my head. Why did I have to accept the Elements stupid offer? Having to take lives just to protect the Element Bearers? Look at what it cost me and everyone in the town. All the evil in the world to threaten the Elements Bearers was staring them in the face the entire time. Me.
I hear the door open and close. Hoofsteps echo throughout the empty bar, getting closer. The stool to my right slides out and someone sits down. I glance over and raise an eyebrow. Fluttershy… Fluttershy is the one who found me. She doesn’t say a word, just looks everywhere but me. I turn back to my drink, pouring another shot. Again, I swirl it for a bit before downing it.
I sigh. “Why? Why are you here?” Out of the corner of my eye, I see her finally look at me.
“You need somepony to talk to.”
I snort. “Like that’s going to do any good. Who’s gonna listen to me after today?”
Her hand grasps my wrist. “Well, I’m here, aren’t I?”
I shake my head. “And that’s just it. You’re the only one. Everybody in town just saw what I could do to them, and how far I’m willing to go to do it.”
“Yes, yes they did.”
“How I didn’t hesitate to end the lives of those Dogs. How every single one felt oh so right, yet oh so wrong. The looks of fear on their faces just before I ended them. It felt so… empowering.” I sigh and hand my head, “I’m a monster, and now everybody knows it.”
“Did you enjoy killing those Dogs?”
I sit in silence, thinking things over. “No,” I finally answer, “I didn’t enjoy it one bit. If I could have found any other option, anything at all, I would have avoided killing them.”
Her grip on my wrist tightens. “And everypony knows that. We’ve all been around you long enough to know you. It may not have been the best option for rescuing us, but it was the only option you had. You did what was right.”
“Was it really? I killed in front of all of you with no remorse. This town… This town was so pure, innocent, and carefree. Everyone in town so harshly introduced to the evils of the world. All because of me.”
Her hand runs up and down length of my arm. “They were going to be introduced to it at some point. As much as you want to believe everypony in Ponyville is innocent, it isn’t very true. We’ve all seen or done things that lifted that veil from our eyes, allowing us to see the world for what it is.”
I slam my fist on the counter and turn to her, tears stinging my eyes. “Don’t you tell me you’re not innocent! Have you ever had to look into the eyes of another creature, waiting to see if you bring them life or death?! Watching as they die from your hands, your actions?! The lives of others weighing on you?! Fucking say it to my face!”
Fluttershy does something I never expected, something I never thought her capable of. She slaps me, tears running down her face. “Don’t you ever say that to me! I’ve had to look plenty of animals in the eye and hear them beg me to end their misery and suffering! I had to put so many of my animal friends down because I couldn’t save them! If only I had found them sooner, I could have saved them, saved myself, from having to go through it all! That feeling right now, that feeling that you did the wrong thing?! That’s how I felt for weeks after I did it the first time!” She breaks down crying right in front of me.
I sit there with my mouth open. Dear god, what was I thinking? How could I be so inconsiderate to her? I lean over and wrap my arms around Fluttershy, pulling her into a hug. She sobs into my chest while I tenderly pat her back. Once she clams down enough, I ask her, “So, how did you deal with it?”
She sniffles before smiling. “I realized I was doing the right thing. If I didn’t put them down, they’ll have suffered even longer. If I didn’t do anything, I’d feel guilty for not trying my hardest to save them. I don’t enjoy it, and I never will, but it needs to be done.”
We sit in silence before I gulp, my throat suddenly dry. “Fluttershy, look at me and tell me what you see.”
She leans away from me, eyeing my entire body. She cups the side of my face with her hand and smiles. “I see someone who risked life and limb to save his friends, family, and an entire town. He may have done some things in his rescue that may seem questionable, but he had no other option, other than losing everyone he cares for. He did what he felt was right at the time.”
“But—”
She shakes her head. “Please, let me finish. He may not enjoy what he must do, but he does it for those he cares for. He knows he may, and most likely will, have to do these things again. He will feel remorse over the things he did, which is only natural. These emotions are what define him, showing the world what kind of human he is. In time, he will learn to accept these emotions, for that is what makes him a human, and not a monster he claims to be. Above all else, I see a hero that everypony will look up to and aspire to be.”
I pull her back into a hug, tears flowing freely down my face. “Thank you. Thank you for this,” I mumble. Once I calm down enough, I lean back and chuckle after replaying what just happened in my head. “Since when did you become so assertive and motivational?”
Fluttershy plays with her hair. “Well, while you were gone for those two months, the motivational speaker, Iron Will, came to town. I attended his session and learned some things about standing my ground and sticking up for myself.”
I nod my head. “And you’re better for it.” I stand up and sigh. “Now to deal with the rest of town.” Fluttershy follows me out of the bar. As I head up the stairwell, I apologize to Agent. “Look, I’m sorry for snapping at you back there. I just came back from a very dark place, and I just wanted to be alone for a while.”
“It’s alright. I understand how hard this job must be for you. I was only trying to help us both out.”
“And I thank you for at least trying and respecting my decision to be left alone.”
“Just don’t try to push everyone away next time. We’re a team, a family. We’ll all get through this together.”
I step out into the middle of the street and look to my right. Empty, like I expected it to be. May as well head to town hall, since I’m sure that’s where everyone is. Turning to my left, I jump back in shock. The entire town fills the streets. The girls (Fluttershy somehow silently making her way over to them), Celestia, and Luna stand at the front of the crowd. Nobody makes any movement as all eyes stay locked on me. My hand hovers over the Cloak and Dagger. I can’t do this. I can’t face them, not now!
“You can do this! Remember what Fluttershy said to you. Stay strong, for them and for you.”
Sighing, I cross my arms. “I hate it when you’re right.”
Celestia and Luna step forward. “Blake Quinter, it has come to thy attention that you have saved the town today from Diamond Dogs. Is this correct?” Luna says.
I nod my head. “Yes.”
“And you did this alone?” Celestia says.
Again, I nod my head. “I couldn’t stand by and do nothing as everyone I care for gets hurt. I didn’t want to drag anyone else into danger.”
Celestia and Luna both smile. “Then, on behalf of Ponyville, we thank you for their safe return.” My eyes go wide as Celestia and Luna bow to me, the town following suit. They… They really are grateful for their safe return, all of them. They can look past what I did to see me for what I really am, a hero. I wipe the tears from the corners of my eyes.
Everyone stands back up, smiles on their faces. “We shall never forget what thou did today, Blake. We understand that thou may feel horrible about thou actions—”
I hold up my hand. “Please, Luna, I have come to terms with what I did today and will most likely be able to in the future.”
Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure this will happen again? You sound so confident another event requiring your intervention will happen.”
I shrug my shoulders. “The future is always in motion, always changing. Nevertheless, I will do again what I did today.” I stand up tall, shouting so the crowd can hear me. “I will do what is necessary to protect everyone here, no matter what. What I do will never get any easier, nor do I expect it to. But as long as I remember who I’m doing it for and why I’m doing it, I will remember who I truly am. The hero of Ponyville, protector of its residents, scourge of evil, Blake Quinter!”
I throw my fist in the air as the residents of Ponyville cheer. I will do whatever it takes to protect this town. Bring it on, Equestria! I’m ready to face whatever you have to throw at me!