//------------------------------// // Chapter Three // Story: Another Life // by Ironwolves21 //------------------------------// “Sergeant! We need to move!” Riot pulled at the red pegasus who was pinned under a bit of debris. Wild yanked himself free, wings motoring to get back into the air. “Thanks Cap! Alright, we’ve got wounded up ahead, they need help!” Wild called out to any remaining soldiers, soaring ahead, flak bursting in the air around him. Riot yelled as he popped over the trench edge, firing at the muzzle flashes coming up the hill. “Hold on Sergeant! I'm right behind you!” He galloped with his head low, so he wouldn’t receive any stray rounds in the face. He came up on the red pegasus as who was trying to stop a small soldier from bleeding out. “We need to get them out of here! Right now!” Wild pulled at the smaller buck, who was barely out of colthood; the soldier writhed and screamed in pain from the shrapnel in his belly. The sounds of his anguish were shortly drowned out as a heavy mortar shell crash several metres away from them, collapsing a section of trench. “Hold on Wild, I’ll try and wrap his wound, then we’ll lift together!” Riot practically had to scream to be heard over the thunderous crash of artillery fire and the snap of high velocity rounds that pinged barely a half metre over their heads. “You have to pull him, there’s more wounded up ahead, I can get them out, I’ll be right back!” The red pegasus took to the sky, wings pumping, disregarding Riot’s warnings. The captain swore loudly just to hear himself. He pulled out the last of his morphine, then plugged the other soldier with it. “Just hang on soldier!” His measly roll of bandages barely held the wound together, but when coupled with his magic they did the job. Riot started to pull the buck towards the medical bunker that was a few hundred metres back. When Riot was this close to him, he could hear the pony whispering, pleading. “M-momma I d-don’t wanna die.....n-not like this...I’m g-gonna come home to you, momma...” Riot grimaced as he ensured his grip on the buck. “Hold on! We’re almost the-” KAARACKBOOOOOM Riot was thrown across the trench by the artillery round. He hit the side wall and tumbled down; his ears bleeding and the world consumed with roaring silence. Riot tried to stagger back to his hooves; his efforts made hellish as parts of the crumpled trench pinned him down. After a moment of struggling, Riot grasped the bucks front hooves and resumed dragging him to the triage centre. The captain stumbled into the medical bunker with the young private in his grasp. One of the medical ponies ran over and said something to Riot, who could only shake his head and shout. “This soldier need medical attention! Shrapnel in the gut!” The medic balked, looking at the private, then at Riot. He shook his head, then pointed at the buck. Riot scowled, then looked down. His expression turned to one of sorrow when he saw the top half of the buck, and the long trail of blood and severed entrails that replaced where his entire bottom half should have been. “Captain!! I need your help out here, there’s ponies who need us! Lets get moving!” Wild shouted, shaking Riots shoulder. A wounded mare clutching him, a stump of a hind leg dragging behind her. It sounded like the sergeant was yelling at him through a long tube. Riot merely nodded, dropping the bucks dead hooves and moving out of the medical bunker. Riot blinked rapidly as his left eye’s sight was tinted a heavy red. He galloped down the trench, narrowly avoiding a mortar strike. Wild was trying his damndest to pull two ponies at once, shouting at himself, yanking the hooves of a pair of soldiers, slowly pulling them across the ground. Riot looked around, and quickly found a fairly unwounded soldier huddled in the corner, clutching his rifle and his helmet for dear life. Riot shook the bucks shoulder, drawing his attention. “Come on! We need more hooves to help get these ponies to the medical centre!” “W-what? F-fuck no! I-I’m not going out there!” The pony continued to cower, hooves over his head. “Sorry kid! I can’t hear you! Any piss poor excuse will have to wait until we’ve wiped these bloody mongrels!” Riot pulled the buck to his hooves and pointed to a mare who lay wounded on the ground. “Get her to medical!” The private squeaked in fear and did as he was told, pulling the mare away, tears sliding down his face. Riot rounded about to Wildman, taking one of the ponies. “Come on! There’s a break in the shelling!” Riot lifted the wounded buck up, placing him over his shoulders as he broke into a gallop. “Hurry up! All able hooves, I want guns the line!” He waved over a pair of intact ponies, who started setting up a medium machinegun. The red pegasus smiled as best he could, pulling a wounded pegasus buck with him, hovering across the trench. The ground shook under Riots hooves, and the side of the trench exploded as underground charges ripped through their lines. Riot began to roar an order, before the ground beneath him exploded. The air was forced from his lungs as the concussion tossed him into the air like a ragdoll. Riot hit the ground with a dull squelch; he wheezed weakly as his hoof pressed against his neck, where a hefty chunk of sizzling shrapnel had embedded itself into his flesh. A large brown form burst forth from the ground, snarling and howling as it locked onto it’s nearest target; Riot. His eyes went wide as he was pressed to the ground by the Dog kicking him down as its shiny rifle lifted up in an attempt to bayonet Riot to the ground. Riot clenched his eyes shut as his horn flared. His fallen rifle lifted up and barked loudly, a short burst shredding through the dogs flimsy barding and into its vitals. The heavy body fell on top of the captain, pinning Riot down as he coughed up blood. Riots head fell to the side, just in time to see a flamedog team loose their weapons contents into the trench, and onto Wildman and the ponies he was trying to save. The red pegasus turned, trying to cover himself as the flames licked at his armour. Wild burst into flames, his one wing flailing uselessly as he screamed silently. ____________________________________________________________________ Riot awoke with a start, his jacket fell to the floor as he bolted up in a cold sweat. He coughed heavily into his free hoof as he fought for breath. It was just getting into the afternoon, Hunter would be getting out from school soon, and Aurora was at work. Riot lifted off the couch, but was almost floored by a heavy wave of nausea brought on by the smell of cooking flesh. He staggered into the bathroom, quickly emptying his stomach's contents into the small toilet. He continued to vomit, the filth being poured out of his body. He heaved a few times, and pulled away. Riot washed out his mouth in the sink, and looked into the mirror. To put it lightly, he looked like hammered shit. His eyes were bloodshot, and had bags under them; his face was pale. “Fuck...” Riot placed his hoof on the mirror; letting it slide down slowly. He touched the scar on his neck, the memory now fresh in his mind. Death, destruction, betrayal. Was this all his life had left? Was this the only thing he was going to have happen to him for the rest of his life? Would every little thing he loved be ripped away before he’s allowed to die? Riot moved into the living room; his flask levitated over to meet him. He could only scoff at what it entailed. “I'm sorry Mumbles.” Taking a long swig out of the flask, he tossed the empty thing onto the table. “I’ll prolly die cold and alone...But at least it won’t be sober..” Yeah, great. A sad, broken drunk who can’t tell the difference between reality and hell. It was no wonder that Aurora had left him for a school teacher. It was about three o’clock, time to go get Hunter. He thought about his own appearance. There was no way he could walk up to a schoolyard looking like he did, he didn’t want to traumatize the foals. The buck splashed some water on his face to regain some color. Looking up in the mirror...Well it was a small improvement, but an improvement none the least. Riot popped open the little bottle labeled Tylenol, and downed a pair of them. He shuddered as they went down, but quickly made his way to the door. It dawned on him that he had slept in for the first time in what felt like years. Riot let out a breath. It almost felt wrong. Almost. __________________________________________________________ The trot to the schoolyard was quick and uneventful, everypony seemed to be keeping their distance for one reason or another. Riot found his way to the school, and sat down on a small bench that was across from the door. He heard a small bell being chimed from inside, and a long sound of movement from many ponies. The first ones out were the Cutie Mark Crusaders, with Hunter trotting along behind them. Riot waved to the colt, catching his attention easily. The colt galloped past the trio of fillies and over to his father. “Hey, Dad! I missed you! I wanted to wake you up for breakfast, but mom said you’d had a hard night. Are you okay?” Hunter asked, head cocked to the side. Riot nodded slowly, standing up from the bench. “I’m fine little buddy, just tired.” He ruffled the colts mane. “You wanna get something from Sugarcube corner?” “Sure, that sounds awesome!” He said excitedly, waving goodbye to the trio of fillies. Riot led the colt down to the shop, but when they arrived, Riot saw somepony he wasn’t expecting to see until that night. Sitting down in the corner booth, Mrs. Cake trotted over, oblivious to who Riot really was. “What can I get you, dearie?” She asked, smiling brightly at the pair. The blue mare squinted slightly at Riot. “Do I know you from somewhere?” He looked up at her with a flat gaze. “I wonder if that ‘one night deal’ is still good?” Her eyes popped open, and she blushed in embarrassment, pulling a bit with her apron. “O-oh, I see, so.....what is it you need?” “I’d like a coffee, and a long john.” He looked over to Hunter. “And whatever he wants.” “Banana split, please!” The colt said, smiling up at her, oblivious to why she was blushing. “Alright then, dears. I’ll be right back with your treats.” She said, trotting off, tail hanging low. Riot shook his head, hiding a weak smirk. Placing his hooves on the table he focused on Hunter. “So, how was school? Spend much time with your friends?” “I had fun, I’m starting to really get the math stuff, Featherweight has been an awesome tutor.” He said, swinging his rear legs slightly in anticipation of the sugary treat. “I’m glad to hear that... Have those two fillies been giving you trouble?” Riot rested his cheek in the cusp of his hoof. “They try to, I don’t care though! Having so many friends helps me through it, especially the Cutie Mark Crusaders! The four of us get it the worst, for not having our cutie marks yet, but if we stick together, we can ignore those two dinks.” He says, lightly flicking his hoof at a napkin. “Language Hunter.” Riot leveled his gaze at the colt as the plump mare passed by the counter, still working on their food. “What? Dink isn’t a bad word.....” He said, crossing his hooves. “Hunter.” The young colt sighed. “Yes dad.” He said flatly, without much conviction. “You and mom use worse...” “It’s not a very bad word, but it can hurt someponies feelings. You need to be considerate of others, even if they don’t deserve it.” Riot poked the colt in the shoulder. “Yeah...I guess you’re right.” Hunter said, smiling widely; seeing their food coming to them. “Here you are, Dearies. Enjoy!” Mrs. Cake said brightly. “Just holler if you need anything.” She said, redness still creeping onto her features. “I’ll keep that in mind. I may order a Cake causeway before we leave.” Riot smothered a shit eating grin. The chubby blue mare burst into a flaming blush that consumed her entire being. She turned tail, and scooted back to the kitchen as quickly as possible. Riot smiled broadly as he dug into his large donut. If anything, he could always enjoy the suffering of others. He watched with tired happiness as Hunter dug into his banana split without mercy. Sipping at his coffee, Riot looked about for a moment. “What’s up, dad?” The young unicorn asked, looking at his father, ice cream matting his lower lip and jaw line. He looked over at the colt. “Hmm?” “You’re looking all around, like you’re merecat or something.” He said, taking a spoonful of banana into his mouth. “I’m fine Hunter, just looking around.” Riot smirked at the colt before stealing a spoonful of ice cream. “Besides, you know your Pa ain’t afraid of nothin.” “Hey!” He squeaked, as a mouthful of his ice cream escaped. “I know, you’re the strongest pony in the world.” Hunter said, polishing off the banana, and going to work on the last scoop of ice cream. “Heh, you’ll be bigger than me one of these days kiddo.” He smiled at the colt. “All big and masculine, having to beat the mares off with a stick.” “Nuh-uh!” He said, waving his hooves. “No way I’ll be bigger than you. And why would I want to hit mares with a stick? That’s mean.” He said, finishing the ice cream, pushing the dish away, and wiping his lips. Riot stood up and placed the dish on the side next to his empty coffee. “I dunno Buddy, you eat way more than I did when I was a colt. As long as we keep you movin about and such, you’ll be as big as your Pa here.” Riot motioned towards the door with his head. “Come on Hunter, I’ll pay Mrs. Cake and then we’ll walk home. “Alright, Dad.” The colt said, stretching his hooves languidly, smiling happily after the large dessert. He stood from the table, and waited near the door for his father. Riot trotted up to the till and brought up a couple bits. “How much do I owe ya ma’am?” The mare squeaked, blush working its way back up her face. “S-six bits, Sir.” She said, looking at anything but the grey unicorn. “How’s the hangover treating you?” Riot spoke quietly so no-pony but here could hear. “I beg your pardon?” She said, pulling back slightly. “I have nothing of the sort....Ow.” The blue earth pony said, putting a hoof to her forehead. He frowned knowingly as he looked at the mare. “Maybe take it easy on the brews tonight ma’am.” Riot nodded to her as he placed the bits on the counter. “See you later.” He trotted towards the door to where the bouncing colt was waiting. She looked down, slowly making her way back to the kitchens. “Ready to go Hunter?” “Mmhmm.” The colt nodded, opening the door out into the steadily-dying sunlight. _______________________________________________________________________ Riot sat down on the couch, going through his bug-out bag. Hunter was sitting in the kitchen finishing up his homework. Riot pulled out his shirt from last night then gave it a sniff. “Gehhh...” Tossing the shirt into the laundry hamper, he set his eyes towards his room. Hearing a set of keys outside the front door, Riot stood up and went to the room. His rear disappeared from sight just as the door opened. “Hunter, I’m home!” Aurora called, hanging her jacket on the rack, and stepping into the front room. The colt got up from the table, and galloped at his mother, jumping into her hooves. “Well, somepony’s affectionate today!” She said, nuzzling the unicorn. Hunter nodded rapidly. “Daddy took me for ice cream after school!” He smiled broadly before scampering back into the kitchen and to his homework. The mare breathed out loudly, collapsing onto the couch on her back, hooves sticking up into the air, wings laying out lazily. Riot stuck his head out from the bedroom door, then smiled once he saw that the mare was facing away from him. Sneaking silently across the floor, Riot approached the mare from behind. Popping up behind her, Riot wrapped his hooves around her shoulders, letting them play along the mares chest. She squeaked, putting her hooves over his. “H-hi Hun....” He smiled broadly, kissing her cheek. “Hey love.” The bat pony nuzzled back into him, smiling widely. “I-I missed this.....” She whispered. “Mhmm.” He nuzzled back at her, his hooves playing with her tufts of hair. The mare let out a short breath before hugging his head and neck. “D-do you have to leave for work soon?” She asked, turning around on the couch, so she was facing him, hooves around his neck. He gave her his best loving smile as he kissed her muzzle lightly. “In about an hour or so.” Riot licked her, causing the mare to squeak in surprise and cover her nose in embarrassment. She wiped her muzzle with a hoof, and kissed him back, rubbing her hooves into the back of his head. “W-we have time....” The mare asked, moving her rear hooves apart slightly. Riot sighed happily as he embraced her closely. “I want to spend some time with you and Hunter before I go.” Nipping at her neck, he spoke quietly. “We can play later...” The mare smiled widely, pulling his head into her neck, nibbling his grey ear. “Alright, momma needs to relax, first.” She said, laying back on the couch, tail flicking slowly. “Sounds like momma needs a massage.” Riot stepped around the couch and sat down next to her, working his hooves around her shoulders and spine. “Mmmm... Yes she dooooes...” Aurora purred in delight, wiggling her hooves, tail flicking faster. Riot smiled as he wrapped his hooves around her, pulling the mare into a tight hug. He nuzzled her neck as he spoke. “I love you Aura...” Nipping at her ear, He worked back towards her wings. “I l-love you so much....I’m so sorry.” She said, wings trembling in anticipation. He grimaced heavily, fighting back emotions as he nipped at the fur that lined the base of her wing. “It’s alright Aura.” She looked at him, wetness making her eyes shiny. “I-it’s not alright..... We ended last night on a bad note, and I thought you would still be angry.” Aurora curled up under his hooves, surrendering herself to his ministrations. “You were just worried, that’s all.” He nuzzled her back, kissing along her neck. “I forgive you.” The bat pony’s tears began to slide down her face, just as Hunter stepped into the room. He trotted up, curling into his mother’s hooves. “Why are you crying, Momma? What’s wrong?” He asked, looking up at her. “No, it’s okay. I’m just really happy.” She said, hugging him to her chest, leaning back into Riot. The stallion kissed her neck softly, stroking her mane. “It’s alright Love.” He laid down next to her, hugging the mare tightly. The mare sighed in contentedly. “Both my big strong stallions.” She said, hugging them both, as Hunter nuzzled her. Riot looked up at the clock as it slowly began to tick down to when he had to leave. Hugging the mare tightly against him, Riot kissed at her neck. “I-I don’t want you to go, we can support ourselves without you taking a job too...” She said, kissing at his neck, as Hunter faked gagging at all the affection between his parents. He shook his head. “I know love, but I need to keep my hooves busy.” “Alright....I’ll see you when you get home, right?” She asked, nuzzling Hunter with her wing. “Of course Aura. I’ll always be here for you.” Riot kissed her softly, feeling her lips upon his. She yawned, pulling Hunter closer, and closing her eyes. Hunter mimicked her motions, tired after a long day at school. Riot stood up, lifting the mare up and placing her against the back of the couch. His magic pulled over a large blanket, draping it over the two forms. He kissed Hunter on the forehead, then nuzzled against Aurora. “I’ll see you two in a few hours. I love you both so much.” Both ponies began to snore quietly, wrapped in each other’s hooves. Riot smiled, and slipped a new shirt on before heading off to work. _____________________________________________________________________ Riots hooves carried him towards the club; he bounded down the steps and pushed into the door. He trotted towards the bar, tossing his duffel bag behind it. Riot shook his mane about before looking up at the booths that lined the one side of the club.. Vinyl was squeaking and giggling, a certain red pegasus nibbling and playing at her neck. She blanched when Riot came into view, pushing Wildman onto his ass. “Hey there, Tiger.” She said, smiling nervously. He waved a lazy hoof as he lit up a small cigarette. “Howdy.” Wildman stood as well, clapping the grey pony on the shoulder. “Hey, Boss. Vinyl said I could stay here and be eye-candy, and I get free drinks!” He said, smiling widely. “Yay.” Riot grabbed a bottle of water from the duffel bag and waved it in obviously fake happiness. “Might as well head out now then.” “Alright, don’t hurt anypony too bad, alright?” Vinyl asked, trotting up into her DJ booth. The door closed behind her, but Riot could see Wildman’s eyes still glued on where she had been. Riot shook his head, then trotted towards the door. Wild trotted up to the bar, plopping himself down on a barstool. “Gimmie the best you got, Berry!” He called, just as Riot left earshot. Riots hooves clattered up the short flight of stairs and into the chilly autumn night. He leaned up against the wall, finishing off his smoke just as the first pony came into view. It was Mr. Cake; Or at least, Riot assumed it was. He had seen the stallion at Sugarcube, but hadn't spoken to him. Mr. Cake trotted up to Riot, grumbling under his breath. Even though he looked pissed, Riot knew the gangly pony wouldn’t be able to cause any real damage. Riot waved to the buck. “Welcome to the Horseshoe. Five bits at the door.” “Thanks. I just need somewhere to fill up on cheap booze.” He said, passing his bits to Riot, and going inside. “Don’t cause too much trouble and have a good night sir.” Riot rolled his eyes as the door clicked closed. “Poor bastard. I know the feeling.” He plopped the five bits down into the heavy box he had brought with him for storing the money. “Hope this works tonight.” The next ponies were the mint unicorn, and beige earth pony from the night before. They smiled widely as they passed, the minty mare flicking her tail up into his nose, dropping a sixth bit into his pocket. “Have a good night ladies.” He smirked widely at the tip. The next pony was the butter yellow pegasus from the night before, looking sheepish as she gave Riot an extra ten bits for his trouble the night before. “I-I'm sorry for how Buck acted... He's really a nice pony once you get to know him.” She said, looking down as She trotted in. Riot held his hoof up, holding it on the ponies chest. “Hold up lass.” The mare squeaked in fear, her eyes going wide. “Just what the hell were you two doing last night?” Riot looked over the buck quickly. The mare struggled with her words for a moment, before Riot rolled his hoof. “We...Buck said that he needed something from a friend, that it was for something he was making.” The mare gulped audibly, her eyes flitting about. “He needed something. From a friend.“ Riot ran a hoof down his face, grumbling loudly enough to make the mare pull away. The mare squeaked out something inaudible, and started backpedaling slowly away. Riot held his hoof up, halting her. “Look, you seem like a nice girl, so I'm not gonna blame you for your coltfriends choices. Just... Think about what your doing alright? And tell your 'Buck' to stay away from the club. For his own good.” The mare nodded quickly, her eyes the size of dinner plates. “T-thank you si-sir.... I-” “Just go in already, I don't need a line building.” Riot managed a weak smile as he waved her in. The rest of the arriving ponies were without incident, or real interest. He still garnered many tips from the mares, and still a few from the stallions. The last pony of the night was a certain blue earth pony, looking sadly at the ground as she walked. “Evening Mrs Cake. Looking for your husband?” Riot asked her as he leaned against the wall. “Not really.....we had a bit of a falling out....I’m just looking for a place to drink.” She said, walking to him, giving him her bits. “Then you may want to wait until tomorrow.” “What do you mean? My bits not good here anymore?” Riot sighed heavily. “I don’t want to be breaking up a fight between you and Mr. Cake tonight ma’am. I can’t stop you from going in yet.” “Damn it. He’s already in there, isn’t he?” She asked, sliding down the wall, coming to rest on the ground. “Yup. Since you’re the only one out here I’m moving inside to make sure nothing bad’s happening.” He pushed off the wall and opened the door. “Alright...” The mare sighed, closing her eyes as the back of her head met the wall. Inside, Riot was nearly consumed by the throng of ponies before him. He trotted over to the bar, placing the heavy box down behind it. “Busy night eh Berry?” “Busybusybusy, cannot talk!” She said, rushing to fulfill each pony’s order. Riot shook his head slowly before reaching down for a beer. He looked up at the DJ booth for Vinyl, but couldn’t see her in the dark. “I’m gonna take the boss a drink, back in a moment.” Riot levitated the beer over his head as he pushed through the crowd. She opened the door at his knock, and smiled. “Ooh, got me something to drink, did you? How thoughtful.” She said, taking the bottle in her magic, and sipping at it as she worked. “How’s the night coming, Tiger?” “It’s dark.” He gave her a halfhearted smile before turning tail and heading back down the stairs. “Aww, leaving so soon?” The white mare asked, hopping off of the DJ table, and turning towards the retreating buck. “You hired me to do a job Boss.” He shrugged his shoulders and scanned the crowd. “Alright...Tell Wild to come up here and see me, if you find him out there.” She said, waving a hoof towards the gyrating crowd. “I think he’s in the bathroom making use of the holes you drilled.” Riot disappeared into the crowd before she could speak again. Wild came trotting out of the bathroom, with.....Big Macintosh behind him. The red pegasus giggled, and thwapped the huge earth pony with his tail. Riot shuddered , his guts churning as his brain filled in the gaps. He looked away from the pair, and continued his vigil over the crowd. “See you next time, Big guy.” Wild said, sending the large stallion back into the crowd. “How’s the night going, Captain?” Riot shrugged. “I’m not a Captain anymore Wild.” “Oh yeah, that’s right.” He said, scratching his chin. “I’ve been using it so long, I might not be able to change. I think I’ll stick with it.” Wild continued, scanning the crowd. “Mr. Cake could use some cheering up, why don’t you drag him into the bathroom?” Riot turned towards a mint unicorn who had obviously had too much to drink. Her friend from before was nowhere to be seen. “Already tried. He wasn’t in on it.” Wild said, sighing before breaking off in a moment. “Lovely. Back in a second.” Riot trotted over, lifting his hoof up in time to stop the mare from falling over. She stumbled over again, still being held by the buck. “Easy there, I’m gonna walk you too the bathroom. You’ve had a bit much to drink.” “Mmfine.” She mumbled, trying to stand on her own, and failing, falling back into Riot’s hooves. Riot wrapped his hooves around her shoulders, then started the walk towards the bathroom. Halfway there he grunted in frustration, then hefted the mare over his back. His magic wrapped around her muzzle, ensuring she wouldn’t spew everywhere. The minty mare mumbled through the magic gag, wiggling slightly as they entered the dirty tiled room. As Riot placed her gingerly down on the floor, he could see the nausea building up. She grasped the toilet as the magic disappeared. Riot held the mare's mane as she hurled violently into the bowl. There was a muffled noise from the stall opposite, and a sound of something wet on fur. “Keep it down next door, will ya?” A mare’s voice came out, and then stopped suddenly with a wet sucking sound. The mint mare with her face in the toilet bowl looked up for a moment. “B-bonbon?” She asked weakly. The sound stopped again. “Lyra?” The voice asked, the stall door being kicked open. The same beige pony from before trotted out, wiping her lips with a hoof. “Hey! What gives!” Wild’s voice carried over from the stall opposite. Riot deadpanned, his look becoming foul and dark. “Shut the fuck up Wild.” “Riot?” The voice of Wildman asked. “I’m out bro.” He said, opening the stall, and trotting out, pulling up his stained combats. Riot looked at the confused earth pony. “You.” “W-what?” She asked, wiping her lips again. His hoof pointed at the mare curled around the toilet; whose mane he was still holding. “Hold her and make sure she doesn’t drown.” She sighed. “Alright.” Bonbon sat next to her friend, holding Lyras mane with her hooves as she stared at the ceiling with a bored expression on her face. “Every time we go out, every time.” She growled angrily. “And I was just starting to have fun.” Riot shook his head slowly. “I told her to slow it down.” He pulled out of the stall and moved towards the door. “Have fun.” The beige pony laughed weakly. “Yeah. Fun. Damn it Lyra. Next time you do something like this, your ass is getting stuck up against the hole while it happens.” She said irritatedly. “B-but I wuv yoooouuuu...” The door closed behind Riot, leaving the mares behind. He made his way over to the bar, where he fished out a small glass and filled it with water. Berry breathed out loudly, sitting back against the bar, panting slightly. “That was crazy...” She said, given a lull in the action to breathe. He nodded, agreeing fully. “Yup... Hey, I thought this place was supposed to be going belly up? Why are there so many ponies?” She laughed breathlessly. “You mean you didn’t notice?” Riot cocked an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” “Word travels fast in small towns.” The bartender said, patting him on the shoulder. “Word gets out that The Horseshoe has a new bouncer, a real sexy one, it spreads. Then everypony comes to get a good look, and maybe a shot.” She says, wiping the bar with a dirty rag. “And then a second one shows up, our friend Wild. Sure he’s nothing pretty, but he gives out what these mares need most.” She finishes, sliding a few beers to a customer. Riot nodded slowly. “Yeah, that makes sense. There’s an acute lack of bucks, and the ones that are in town are either taken or too busy fucking the other bucks silly.” She laughed. “Yeah, the odds aren’t exactly stacked in a straight mare’s favor.” “Heh. Yup.” Riot looked about, watching some of the ponies file out. “No fights over the cock though, that’s a good sign.” “Yep, these mares are good natured to one another. It helps matters that some mares are gracious enough to share. Sometimes you’ll see a stallion with two, or three mares at his side.” She said, leaning back, putting her hooves behind her head. “Yeah. Then you get ones like Wild, then ones like me.” He shook his head slowly. “Wonder how long it'll take these mares to realize I ain't interested.” “Heh, lots of mares are going to be disappointed with that one.” Berry said, putting a hoof on his shoulder. “But I understand feel for yah.” “It’s my choice in the end.” Riot ran a hoof down the length of his face, then down his neck to the fat scar that still sat there. “My choice to make.” “Mmhmm.” She said, nodding. “It’s good to see that, I’ve seen some mares who treat the stallions they attract like property, trading and bartering using them. It’s kind of fucked up.” She finished, watching the crowd build up momentum again, as the song changed. “Yeah. I don’t think Aurora would do anything like that...” His sentence trailed off and the buck was soon lost in thought. “Well, I guess it depends if the stallion is okay with that.” Berry shrugged. “But it’s nice, seeing a buck who really appreciates the monogamy thing.” “Seems like I’m last again.” Riot shook his head as he reached for the bottle of water that sat unopened in his bag. “Last? What do you mean?” She asked, pushing the bottle away from his hoof. “Last buck out, last buck alive, last buck to stay true to his marriage agreement.” He grabbed the bottle and took a swig from its neck. “Hey! Don't you sit at my bar being angry, while drinking fuckin water!” She said, nabbing it from him. “And being last ain’t always bad.” “It’s a nice treat for Aurora, but it’s not exactly being shared with anypony else.” He pulled a second botle out and waved it in front of the mare. “Yeah, selfish bastard.” She says, reaching for the item. He pulled it out of her reach just as she neared it. “I paid for it with my own bits.” He smirked at the mare as she pouted angrily. Taking a long pull off the bottle, he tossed it into his bag. She waved a hoof at him, before guzzling back from a bottle of whiskey. “Good stuff.” She said, offering it to Riot. “I’ve had stronger.” “You’re not supposed to drink bleach and motor oil.” Riot held up a hoof and shook his head.. “Everclear, bleach, moonshine, equal parts, mix well.” The tipsy pony said, drinking down some of her whiskey. “That would explain the shaky hooves and the twitchy eyes.” “Hey, my hooves are plenty stable.” She said, holding the shaking appendage in front of his eyes. “See? I don’t see any shaking.” The mare finished, her eye twitching as it does, overriding the movement. “Uh Huh, sure. I bet that nerve cluster right there.” He poked her neck with a hoof. “Is corroded to all fuck.” “Just a little bit.” She said, holding her hooves slightly apart. “Got told to go to the hospital to have....something, done to it. Didn’t go, not enough bits.” Riot exhaled slowly. “You know, I knew a soldier that was a lot like you.” “Who was that?” She asked, taking another long pull. “Gunny Ironhide. Drank like a skunk and swore up and down he could blow the head off a gopher from 50 metres while being piss drunk.” Riot chuckled softly at the memory. “He was supposed to go and have that nerve cluster fixed after he shot himself.” “What ended up happening? Dead?” She asked, over the lip of the bottle. “Nah, I think he’s deadlifting bears somewhere up in the Stalliongrad wilderness.” Riot rubbed his chest in memoriam. “Crazy fucker.” “Oh well, at least I don’t know if it’ll kill me, yet.” She said, leaning back. “Whatever, I’ve got more time to drink and fuck, instead of worrying.” “How much would the surgery cost?” Riot glanced back from the crowd to the mare. “To fix your kidneys I mean.” “Lots.” She said, closing her eyes. “How much?” He steadied his gaze on the tipsy bartender. “Fifteen hundred.” She said flatly, downing the rest of the burning liquid. “No way, that shit should be around two hundred flat. That unicorn’s talking out his Canterlot ass.” Riot nickered hotly. “That’s how much it is now, maybe two years ago it was two hundred for me, but not now.” She said. “Fuck that, I could perform that spell in me fuckin’ garage.” Riot spat into the sink as the music set wound down. “R-really? Do you think you could?” She asked, worry making it’s way into her features for the first time. “Maybe when I was younger. I doubt I could fix a paper cut now.” He looked at her, placing a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “Pity. I’ve fixed worse in shittier conditions.” “Damn. I-it’s been so long with this shit....” Berry looked hopefully at him, putting both hooves on his chest. Riot frowned deeply. He didn't want to see Berry suffer, but a regen spell was more than likely out of his reach. “If I fuck it up, it could kill you.” Riot stared at her, but doubt lingered in his features. “But-” “But I don't care!” Berry grabbed his collar and shook him. 'If there's a chance, fuckin do it!” Riot nickered, hoping sincerely that he wouldn't fuck it up. “Alright... When we close I'll give it a shot.” Berry pumped her hoof, and called out. “Drinks on me!” She immediately regretted this decision, realizing that she was the one who would be giving them out, instead of some other bartender. She laughed nervously. “Can I have a hoof? Riot nodded, grabbing a cooler full of brews. “You got it.” The rest of the night passed uneventfully, Riot and Berry handing out piles of drinks, the room slowly emptying. The night came to a close, the last of the ponies filing out. Vinyl left the DJ booth, stretching. Wild was sitting at the bar, draped over two stools, legs splayed out, tongue hanging out of his mouth in exhaustion. Riot shook his head, sending a short spray of sweat out. “Whoo, that was a great night, more ponies than I ever remember showing up before.” Vinyl said, sitting next to Wild, draping a hoof over his neck. Riot nodded, looking at the overflowing box of bits. “Yup, we made about three hundred at the door, and almost a thousand in drinks.” He looked up at the three ponies in front of him and grinned. “We’re out of alcohol though.” Berry put a hoof to her face. “Worst idea ever.” Wild smiled up at them. “Hehe, I made twice that in tips...or maybe I’m just seeing double...” He blinked rapidly. “I think there’s a hole in your pocket Wild.” Riot let out a short laugh as the bucks eyes went wide. “W-what?!” Wild rolled over, and collapsed to the floor. “Damn it.” Riot chuckled mirthfully. “That's what you get you lecherous bastard.” There was a knock upstairs, interupting any recourse. “Riot, get that, will you?” Vinyl said, tossing her head as she lifted Wild up, and dusted him off. “Yup.” Riot pushed off of the bar and started towards the door. There was another knock, this one heavier and faster. “Hold on! I’m comin dammit.” Riot pressed on the release hinge on the door. The door opened, and Riot let out a cry of terror; slamming the door shut. There was another knock, and a mutted voice sounded out from the other side. Riot groaned, his head meeting steel several times before he pulled open the door again. A mare walked in, throwing her hooves around his neck. “Hello, Ashie!” Riots eyes clamped shut as he forced a brief hug in return. “Hey Kep. What are you doing here? More importantly, how the hell did you find me?” “Well, I followed the other ponies, of course! Nothing can keep us apart.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I missed you, big brother!” Riots features were those of a horrified buck. He forced a grin onto them as the mare let go. “So. How have you been?” He pushed the question out to keep her occupied while he thought up how to murder himself. “I’ve been great!” She smiled. “Take me to see your friends! You work here, lemmie see!” Kepler said trying the squeeze past him. Riot nickered as she squeezed past him; the mare breaking into a half gallop as he smacked a hoof into his face. “Why Celestia? Why?” “Woah, Riot you look different!” Wild’s voice came back up the stairs. “But just as sexy.” Riot cringed painfully as he trotted down the short hallway. “God dammit Wild...I’m going to murder you!” When he reached the bottom, Wild was already on his hooves. He took Kepler’s hoof in his, and kissed it lightly. “Nice to meet you, female Riot. Hello, male Riot.” The stallion said, waving. “Two Riots, I can’t tell you what I’m thinking right now.” Riot held up a threatening hoof. “You better cease all though in that head right fuckin now, or so save me Celestia I’m blowing it off.” He giggled, and kissed Kepler’s hoof again, leaning back. “So, who is this?” “My baby sister.” He growled out, staring bayonets at both Kepler and Wild. Vinyl giggled, but it was obviously forced. She kept her eye on the grey mare as she stood near Wild. “A twin, perhaps?” She asked, with just the slightest of bristlings of her neck fur, watching Wild and Kepler. Riot peaked over his hoof, his face twisted in pain. “Eight years younger, looks the bloody same.” He scowled heavily. “My wonderful sister Kepler.” Berry grimaced slightly. “What’s wrong, Riot? I would have thought you’d be happy to see your sister.” She spoke quietly, not wanting to draw much attention. Kepler was too busy chatting with Wildman to notice the action around her. Riot sat next to Berry and rubbed the bridge of his nose; along yet another scar. “Yeah, not really. Whenever she shows up things go badly. For me. Always.” “I’m sure things will be fine.” Berry said, putting a mulberry hoof on Riot’s shoulder. “Look, she’s getting along with everypony just fine.” “For now.” Riot shook his head slowly. “Anyways, I think I promised something along the lines of a regen spell for you.” “D-do you really think you can do it?” She asked, looking up at him. Riot flatened his lips together and shook his head. “Nope. I can't do shit like that anymore.” Wild turned his head. 'What are you doing Cap?” His eyes brightened. “Are you gonna have sex with Berr-” The stallion spat out the last sylable as Riot sent him to the floor. “Wild, you of all ponies know better. I will beat you so bad your dozens of children will all be born bruised.” He ignored a glare of diapproval from Kepler. “Question still stands Tiger.” Vinyl asked, standing next to Riot. “What are you doing to my bartender? I thought you weren't going to cheat.” Riot groaned in defiance. “She wants me to use a regen spell on her, but I haven't done anything like that since-” Riot cut himself off before he dredged up memories he did not want. “Regardless, It didn't work then, and I doubt it'll work now. Vinyl cocked an eyebrow. “It's a regen spell, how badly can it go? Really man, it really wouldn't hurt to try.” Vinyl shot an angry glare over at Kepler and Wild, who were right back into it. “You two, give Riot here some space so he can work his magic. The pair offered no resistance, getting up almost immediately.“Ooh, Riot. She’s a good one, enjoy yourself!” Wild called, trotting up the steps, with Kepler taking the rear. Riot snarled at him, causing the red buck to retract any stray limbs. Riot shook his head as he pursed his lips together. “Welp, fuck it then. If I gotta, I gotta. Go lie own or some shit. I'll be over in a moment.” Berry nodded breathlessly; quickly making her way over to one of the couchs. She laid down, and Vinyl sat down next to her. Riot ran a hoof through his mane before heading over. 'Okay, I'm gonna have to put my hooves on you Berry, you alright with that?” “Mmhmm.” The bartender said, breathing once or twice, and then focusing hard on that one place of her stomach.. Riot placed his hooves on her stomach and a spot just around her waist. “Now take a deep breath.” His horn began to glow brighter and brighter. “Imagine that you’re completely healthy and s-safe.” His own mind flickered, giving him the image of a lemon yellow stallion, blood gurgling rapidly from a gaping tear in his throat.. “Nice even breaths.” His magic moved into the mare, easily finding the spots with the aid of his hooves. Riot broke into a light sweat. “You-you’ll make it home...” The magic wrapped around her kidneys and liver. He could feel the gross amounts of damage done to them through alcohol abuse and other things. The buck grimaced as his features grew hard and focused. In a moment, it was over. Riots horn died out completely. He kept his eyes clamped shut but let his hooves fall to his sides. Berry was panting, and Vinyl was holding her sweat-slicked body in place, keeping her from getting off of the couch during the spell. She’d been screaming, and writhing in pain the whole time, but Riot was too busy with the casting to realize. Riot wheezed in pain as all of the air was forced out of his lungs, forcing him to the floor. In a moment, air came back in as he gasped. The stallion whiped his eyes, but didn't look up. The blood on his hooves wouldn't go away, not matter how many times he blinked. “Y-you did it, Riot....I think she’s okay....” Vinyl stroked the mare’s back, cooing softly. To her, there was no blood, and desite a little pain, the whole thing had been a success. “I-I’m fine.” Berry said, trying to stand on the couch, but had no strength in her limbs. Riot shook slightly, his hooves clattering down onto the ground. “It's alright Mumbles... Ju-just hold on...Just don't die......” He clutched his head tightly in his hooves. Vinyl looked at him, shocked. “A-are you okay?” She asked, moving to him, taking his head in her hooves. Riot curled against her, his bloodshot eyes clamped shut as he tried in vain to seal the ragged tear in his best friends throat. The ony responsible had run, and Riot hadn't chased him in fear that Mumbles would die.. [sizes=2]“Celestia, there's so much blood...” He shuddered, cowering under his hooves. His friend clutched at his uniform, mumbles's final words reduced to gurgles of blood and flem. Vinyl took his head, cradling it in her hooves. “Shhh, shh, it's alright Riot, I'm here.” She slowly stroked his mane. He shook violently in her hooves. Berry was just sitting up, holding her head and cursing loudly. “What the fuck did you do?” The mulberry mare said, whimpering. “A-at least there’s one place I don’t hurt...” She said, prodding her stomach, where her liver was usually screaming. Riot seemed to not hear the mare over the sound of Mumbles' death rattle. He was holding his neck, coughing violently. “I'm so sorry Mumbles...I'm so sorry...” “Easy Riot, easy... I've got you...” Vinyl said, kissing his forehead, stroking his mane. Berry shook her head, wincing at the pain. She looked up, hoping to vent some pain and anger on the stallion. “What the fuck did you do to me? What, no anesthetic spell? Asshole.” She said, standing up, shakily walking over to the bar, and filling a huge glass with the dregs of every alcohol that they had on tap. She downed the thing in one go, laying her head on the bar. “Wake up.... Wake up....” Vinyl repeated, sliding her hooves down Riot’s back, and kissing his face. “Come back to me, Riot.” The dead stallion in his hooves faded from his vision. Riot could hear words being spoken to him, but nopony was left alive but him. He looked up towards the clouds, watching as the sun beamed happily across the wasteland of death and destruction.. Riots eyes snapped open; he was clutching at fur and cushion. “Ffuuck... My head.” He sat up, rubbing his eyes roughly. “Did I get run over or something?” “I'm here...” Vinyl blinked, her hooves still curled around his neck. “Oh thank Celestia, you’re alright!” She said, kissing him on the lips, enraptured with happiness. Riots hooves curled and his eyes shot wide at the kiss. He blinked rapidly as the mare broke off. The DJ blushed madly, pulling away. “Y-you’re okay, that’s great.” She giggled nervously. “Y-yeah, I’m fine. Just feel like crap is all.” He rubbed the back of his head, looking about. “Did it work? Is Berry alright?” “I think so, but she just nearly offed herself with alcohol, so we won’t know for a while.” She said, touching her lips with a hoof. “Gorram it, I just fixed that damn liver!” He hopped up, running towards the bar just as the tanked mare started mixing her next drink. “No, fuck off.” The purple mare said, pointing at him with a hoof. “I just had surgery without anesthetic, on a fucking vital organ. I’m going to kill this pain the one way I know how.” She said, downing another one of the horrible-tasting concoctions. “NO! I JUST FIXED THAT DAMN THING!” Riot dove over the bar, tackling the mare to the ground. “It was supposed to be a painless spell!” “It wasn’t.” The already-tipsy mare said flatly. Riot sputtered. “It was your idea anyways!” Vinyl came up behind the pair. “She’s right, she was in pain and screaming the whole time.” Riot looked up, confusion etched on his muzzle. “What? I didn’t hear any screaming.” He looked down at the mare. “If you hold still I can use a painkiller spell.” She went to drink again, only to have the bottle wrenched out of her grasp. “You’re not killing yourself! Your liver can’t take that kind of beating any more!” She growled, groaned, and rubbed her eyes. “Just fucking do it already. I don’t want to feel this anymore, my whole body hurts.” Riots horn lit up, and a small line of magic went to the mares forehead. She yelped at the contact, but was quickly relieved of the pain that racked her body. “Ohhhh, yes.” She said, eyes rolling up. The next thing that came from the mare was a quiet snoring. Riot pouted for a moment before looking back up at the white DJ. “Should I move her to a couch?” “Y-yeah...” She said, looking worried. “just bring her back over to the couch you used.” Riot lifted the comatose mare up, quickly carting her over to the couch. “I don’t suppose we have any blankets?” The DJ’s head shaking was the only answer he needed. “Damn... Fuck it.” His jackets contents were emptied into his pants pockets, and the leather bomber was spread over the mare. “I hope she doesn’t puke all over it...” “Riot.....what do you remember after casting the spell?” Vinyl asked, as the grey stallion stood up. “The headache. Why?” He trotted over to the bar, replacing his soaked shirt with the fresh one. “I’m gonna need more shirts at this rate.” “Y-you started whispering to somepony, begging them not to die...” She said, putting a hoof on his neck. Riot flinched away as she touched the edge of his scar. “I-I don’t remember any of that...” His eyes fell downwards. “It’s alright, I comforted you, made sure you were okay.” She nodded somberly, looking into his eyes. “I...Thanks...” Riot looked up at the mare. “I don’t know what’s going on anymore...” “What do you mean? Has something like this happened before?” She asked, concerned. He nodded slowly, sitting down against the wall. “In the park, a couple days ago...” “What happened?” She asked, sitting next to him, putting a hoof on the side of his face. “I attacked Big Mac apparently.” “Celestia...Why would you want to do that?” Vinyl asked, cocking her head to the side. “I thought he was the enemy, and my enemies met bayonet and bullets.” Riot shook his head slowly. “If he had been anypony else, or even just a bit smaller, I might have killed him.” Vinyl pulled back in fear, being close to such a strong pony who could crack at any moment. But she swallowed her fear, and moved closer, putting a hoof over his shoulder. “T-that’s terrible....” She said. “Y-you should see a doctor.” “I don’t know who to see though... I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” He grasped her hoof tightly. “I remember Pinkies fuckin..Cannon, going off... then black. I remember casting the healing spell on Berry, then fuckin....Black.” He lied. Clutching at his head, he worked the edge of his one hoof into it. “Umm. I really don’t know.....go to ponyville general, and see if anypony can help you, I mean, what if you had the same thing as you did with big mac just now. Both me and Berry would be dead.” Riots eyes went wide in fear. “Oh Celestia...What if it happened while I was home...With Hunter and Aurora?” His hooves shook with fear at the thought of killing his own family and not realizing it. Vinyl cringed as the stallion stared down at his hooves. “Alright, you can stay here with the two of us tonight, and we’ll get you to the hospital in the morning, how does that sound?” The DJ asked, bringing herself closer to the scared stallion. “I...I don’t know Vinyl...I...” He clenched his eyes shut. “Maybe I should just leave...Go wander off into the Everfree.” She whapped him in the head with a coaster. “No, bad pony.” The mare’s face hardened. “You’re going to get better. You’re staying here tonight, and then you’re going to the hospital.” Riot looked up at the mare, his eyes filled with pain. “Vinyl...” “No. You’re staying away from your family, and there’s nowhere else for you to go.” He groaned in defeat, accepting her ruminations. “Alright Vinyl.” Riot shook his head, then placed a hoof on her cheek. “Thanks for helping me out down there.” She blushed under his hoof, and stood. “Come on, I rent the place above this. Bring sleeping beauty.” The mare said, heading up the stairs. “I’ll go send the lovers home.” “I...I don’t know what to say to Aurora.” He looked about before lifting up the sleeping mare. He reached out with his magic, grabbing his duffel bag and the money box. “Might as well deal with it when my brains not fucked.” Upstairs, Vinyl trotted up to the door, and peeked out. “Hey, you two, get over here a minute.” The pair looked up as they finished making out. Wild blushed, waving weakly as he stood over Kepler. “O-oh, hi Vinyl....” He said, foreleg wrapped around Kepler’s neck, while his other hoof lay on her belly, and had been inching lower just seconds before. Kepler smiled broadly as she waved. “Howdy! Did brother mess something up again?” The mare asked with a happy smirk. Vinyl bristled, trying to keep calm. “It’s time for the pair of you to leave. Riot is staying here tonight. Go home.” She said, turning around, and trotting back inside, closing the door with a bang. Vinyl came up next to Riot as he carried the comatose Berry punch up the stairs and into Vinyls home. “Where do you want her?” “Toss her out on the couch.” She said, nearly a growl. Riot did so, placing the mare down on the couch, then removing his jacket and placing a small blanket over the mare. He smiled slightly without looking at the DJ. “Alrighty.” “Alright, come on.” She said, bringing him into the only bedroom. “Here, this is you, I’ll snuggle up to the drunkard.” Riot grunted. “I can just sleep in the corner, I've handled worse. It is your bed after all.” Vinyl blushed again. “I... Maybe I should keep an eye on you, make sure you don't do anything silly in your sleep.” She said, looking away slightly. “I...Fuck it. I'm not going to argue.” He frowned tiredly; taking off the shirt. “I’ll keep the pants on though.” “If you need to.” The mare said, sliding into the blankets. “They are pretty uncomfortable. But I’ll keep em on.” He clambered onto the bed, slowly making his way up. The white mare pulled the blanket over herself, sighing as Riot came to rest next to her, bringing the blanket over himself as well. Vinyl snuggled into him slightly, taking in the warmth from his long fur. Riot laid there for a moment, exhaustion finally starting to overcome him. Vinyl sucked in a breath; scooching in closer and she nuzzled his chest. Despite her assumptions, Riot didn't do anything to fight it. “Night Vinyl...” “G-goodnight.” She said, warmth spreading through her body, congregating at the space between her haunches. Riot silently prayed that he wouldn’t have any dreams that night, and that he would be able to be fixed in the morning. _________________________________________________________