//------------------------------// // Chapter 41 // Story: Linkin Pony - Recharge: Revamped // by Kaciekk //------------------------------// When SpinningNote’s team returned to the camp, they reported back everything they had found in the wasteland. CharmingRhythm agreed to assess the issues at a later date, for the team had returned to the damage from the earthquake. Just as Spinning thought, it was a minor quake. Objects outside and inside apartments had fallen over, and a section of the gardening tent had caved in on itself. Besides that, the damage was minor, and no pony had gotten hurt.  The rest of the afternoon and the day after were focused on repairing the camp. Everyone played their own part in cleaning up and was able to fix everything in no time at all. While it had been a minor issue to correct, Rhythm took this as a lesson for the future of his camp. They would need to secure the camp for future earthquakes; ensuring objects be tied down, and especially reinforcing the supports of the gardening tent. When all had been done, Rhythm finally gave time to consider the threats his friends had found. His mind whirled at the idea of another source of Hybrids, as well as a creature as dangerous as a dragon. Recalling the picture Spinning painted in his mind, energy crystals collected around the dragon, something sparked. Rhythm remembered a basic fact: dragons were known for eating crystals. Could it be possible this dragon was feeding off energy crystals? Was that even possible? Was the energy dangerous to the dragon, or did it empower it? Rhythm shuttered at the thought of the dragon breathing pure energy instead of fire. Still he tried to tell himself that it was an outlandish idea, and that the dragon could just be collecting the crystals because it was drawn to shiny objects. Pushing the thought of the dragon into the back of his mind, Rhythm considered the Hybrids in the mine. For once he thought he’d rather take on those Hybrids instead of the other option. If the mine held many Hybrids, perhaps a camp of them, the solution was quite simple. They would have to collapse the mine entrance so no Hybrid escaped. Sure it would be disappointing to lose another source of energy crystals, but Rhythm decided it wasn’t worth the risk of Hybrid activity. After a few days, Rhythm felt physically and emotionally exhausted from trying to figure out how to deal with these threats, alongside his usual work from the camp. He had only rested one day after his draining journey to and from Haythorn. He longed for a break, but most of all, he found he was missing his wife. Rhythm had seen Heartfelt before and after the mission to Haythorn, but it wasn’t quality time together. Finally he decided that he’d go back to the city to spend time with her, and while there he could check in on HyperBlitz and SweetHooves. Rhythm addressed that he was leaving to BlazingFlair and SpinningNote who sat in the main room of the base. Both of them ensured that they would tell the other two members of their team as well as the camp. “Oh, oh! Can I be in charge this time!” Blazing begged with a hoof up in the air. “I mean, I’m not going to be gone for long, but if you want to, sure,” Rhythm replied, amused. “Yes!” Blazing grinned in triumph. Spinning lightly punched him on the shoulder. Rhythm chuckled at his friends and made his way out.  The way to Los Pegasus was filled with the sound of music buzzing from the radio. Classics from centuries ago, with a few newer songs produced by groups of friends just like Rhythm’s team. He was glad he still got the chances, while rare, to express his true passion by making songs. Even if he couldn’t do it all the time, he understood why. The world needed fighters, not artists. But art and music would always be important to ponykind. As he neared the outer suburbs of the city, Rhythm saw more Hybrid activity, just like the last time he had passed through here. He wondered if he should be worried, and if the sentries had all of this under control. Surely city officials would be addressing this. Trying not to pay mind to it too much, Rhythm passed through and made his way to Hyper’s apartment. Rhythm used a blue hoof to knock on the door, just for HyperBlitz to open it shortly after. For a split second Hyper looked confused, then his expression softened to a welcoming smile. “Rhythm.” “Hey, Hype,” Rhythm greeted with a head dip and entered. “You’re not here to ask me to come back to camp, are you? ‘Cause I was gonna come back soon, I’m just not ready,” Hyper said. “Oh, no, no.” Rhythm shook his head. “You can come back whenever you feel like it. No rush. I wanted to come visit Heartfelt. And make sure you two are doing alright.” Rhythm acknowledged SweetHooves who had just entered the room. “Well, she’s at work right now,” SweetHooves informed him. “I think she’s off in a few hours.” “Good to know,” Rhythm replied. “I might go check up on her and come back here and wait. Actually, why don’t I do that now.” He made up his mind quickly.  “Alright, we’ll be here when you come back, if you wanna talk,” Hyper told Rhythm. “Of course, I’d love to. Actually, there’s some things I need to tell you about....” Rhythm paused for a moment as he walked towards the door.  “Not now, it can wait!” Hyper insisted with a wave of his feathered wing. “Go see Heartfelt.” “Right,” Rhythm nodded and left the apartment.  Through the city streets, Rhythm observed ponies going on their everyday lives. It was a blessing most ponies didn’t have to worry about dangerous threats within the inner parts of the city. Rhythm hoped that would stay the same, despite the threat of Hybrids on the outskirts of the city. Entering the Resistance building, Rhythm’s gaze instantly locked on Heartfelt halfway across the wall. Her eyes were set on a screen in front of her, and she hadn’t even taken notice of her husband’s arrival. Rhythm tapped on the desk to get her attention. She peered up. “Rhythm? You’re back already? What are you doing here?” Heartfelt questioned. Her eyes were dark, and she hadn’t greeted him with the warm smile Rhythm had grown used to. “I came to see you,” Rhythm answered honestly. “Really? So, there’s no other reason you came here?” Heartfelt seemed confused. “Nope.” Rhythm shook his head. “Huh. That’s sweet,” Heartfelt said through a forced smile. Her expression became dull again, her eyes flickering down at the desk. “But, I’m busy right now. Could we talk after I get off work?” “Oh. Yeah, of course,” Rhythm stated. He turned around and waved his tail. “I’ll see you in a bit then!” As he walked out of the large door, he couldn’t help feeling disconcerted by his wife’s dismissal. It wasn’t like her to push him away like that, and he couldn’t shake the expressionless face she wore off his mind. She looked so unhappy. Outside of the building, Rhythm heard someone call his name to the right. He stared over and saw a dark grey Pegasus waving at him. She had a curly white mane that was up, and was outfitted in a sentry guard uniform. She was an old friend of Rhythm’s from school. They had kept up with each other afterwards, but it had been a while since they had last spoken. “Serenity! It’s good to see you,” Rhythm replied as the Pegasus met up with him. “How’s it going?” “Oh, good. Just reporting for duty, you know,” Serenity shrugged. Her dark blue eyes were lit up with energy. “What about you?” “Actually, I’ve been working on an assignment the past few months. I have to build a new camp,” Rhythm disclosed. “Really? That’s great! It sounds exciting,” Serenity said. “A lot more than I expected it to be honestly,” Rhythm let out. Something had just crossed his mind. “Actually, can I ask you something?” Serenity gave a nod to signify him to keep going. “I’ve noticed there’s a lot more Hybrids around the edges of the city. Do you have any idea what that's about? Is everything going okay with the defenses?” Serenity sighed. “I suspect it's because a few months ago the president discharged some of our sentries. Something about not having enough budget to pay them.” She shook her head, disappointed. “Ever since then we’ve been having a harder time fighting off the Hybrids. And now that some of us have been dispatched to aid Haythorn, I’m afraid the situation will get worse.” “Well that’s no good,” Rhythm grimaced. “Maybe Clarity will eventually realize she needs those sentires back. Protection of the city is one of the highest priorities.” “Yeah, maybe. I’m just glad I got to keep my job,” Serenity said. At that moment, a different sentry called out to her. “Listen, I gotta get going now.” “Of course. It’s good talking to you Ren. And, good luck,” Rhythm told her. She nodded in farewell, her hair bouncing along with her. “Yeah, and you too. Good luck with your camp!” The grey Pegasus trotted away and met up with her companions. Rhythm thought about what she had said and what it meant for the city. Los Pegasus is one of the most well guarded Resistance cities, and surely the president would realize that was worth maintaining. Rhythm returned to the apartment and settled down to talk with Hyper. He unraveled everything that had happened the past few days. The earthquake, the dragon, and the Hybrid mine, as well as discussing his possible solution to the latter. At last the door opened to Heartfelt stepping inside. “Heartfelt, welcome back,” Rhythm said warmly. She took a quick glimpse at him. “Yeah, thanks.”  She trotted past him and placed her bag near the couch. Rhythm swiveled around and got close to her. Finally Heartfelt tilted her head up to him, and Rhythm pressed his horn against hers. “I missed you. I know we just saw each other but it wasn’t really quality time,” Rhythm explained. “Yeah,” Heartfelt stated, aloof. Hyper took one glance at them and then one at SweetHooves. He used his wing to usher SweetHooves along out of the living room and into the kitchen. The Unicorns stood alone. “I see you’re wearing that necklace I found,” Rhythm pointed out the blue gem around her neck. “Why wear that one out of all the other ones I’ve got you?” “Because you found this on your mission and thought of me… so, it makes me think of you while you’re out on your mission,” Heartfelt told him, sincerely. Rhythm thought of how endearing that was. He wasn’t able to come up with a response quick enough. Hyper and SweetHooves reentered the room. “SweetHooves and I are gonna head out. Might do some shopping. We’ll see you in a bit,” Hyper announced, giving Rhythm a nod of acknowledgement.  As they passed by the couple, Rhythm’s gaze followed Hyper’s until they left out the door. Rhythm knew what he was doing: he was making sure the two of them got alone time. Rhythm was grateful for Hyper’s consideration.  Rhythm sat down on the couch and Heartfelt mimicked. “What’s wrong, babe?” He asked with concern. Heartfelt gave a drawn out sigh. She pressed her muzzle into Rhythm’s shoulder. “Everything has been so overwhelming lately. You’re never here. I hate my job. SweetHooves got hurt…” “SweetHooves’ injury isn’t something you could control,” Rhythm assured. He wrapped his natural foreleg around Heartfelt, and nuzzled his chin against her head. “I’m sorry I haven’t been here. You know this mission is important to me, but… you’re important too. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, being away from you and all.” Heartfelt drew away and looked at him again, sadness in her eyes. She then moved her face away, her gaze falling to the floor.  “I wish there was something I could do to make you feel better,” Rhythm thought aloud. He placed his forehoof on her knee. He couldn’t stand to see her so dispirited.  “I know you do,” Heartfelt mumbled, her voice fragile. “You always do.” “I know! How about you come visit the camp?” Rhythm suggested. Heartfelt looked at him, uncertain. “You should get away from work and the city for a bit. After All, you’ll need to get used to the camp if we’re going to live there.” “I guess so,” Heartfelt accepted.  “You don’t have to go now. Maybe sometime this week? See if you can work it out with your boss?” “I’m sure I can,” Heartfelt said.  “Great. Then we can definitely spend more time together,” Rhythm assured, pleased with this idea. He hoped this could help Heartfelt in some way. He’d do anything to lessen the pain of her depression.