//------------------------------// // Chapter 25: Arms race // Story: Hatred of the Anti-Brony // by Angrywritingskills //------------------------------// The next morning I slept in later than usually. I must have woken up at nine which is two hours later than usual. But even though I woke up I stayed in bed. For a good hour I laid on my back and stared up at the bottom of the top bunk. My hand found itself touching the bandage. It felt so weird. I pressed my hand against it and felt a flare of pain which indicated where the wound was. I wonder how long I will need it on. Hope it doesn’t get infected or anything. I mean it’s a sizeable hole and it would probably be best to get professional medical attention. But I have no way to pay for that so I think I’ll just lie here instead. I was thinking about things. These things I think of are really horrible. They are familiar and common thoughts but they’re horrible. These thoughts were what I used to imagine doing to the mane six when I had time alone. I would spend hours thinking of revenge schemes when I was an anarchist. But this time I imagined more than the mane six. I imagined it would be a room full of ponies. They would be blue, yellow, green, pink, purple, and completely covered in blood. It would be better than the mane six because there would be more. Besides I probably will never get a chance to kill another mane six ever again. Eventually I got out of bed. It felt a bit awkward without a shirt and I was beginning to get cold. Almost forgot how close it is getting to winter time. Usually they keep it warm but due to the holiday season they crank the temperature down. What pisses me off is they seem to do this so suddenly that people can’t adapt fast enough. One day it’s all warm and sunny then suddenly it’s ball numbing cold and there’s white stuff everywhere. Fucking ponies. What are they trying to kill us? There was basically no one in the cafeteria so it must be late in the morning. I’m not too bothered right now except I kind of want a shirt. Other one is covered and blood and torn and I don’t really think it’s a good idea to be seen out in public without something covering this bandage. It really draws attention and I don’t want people or ponies asking me if I needed help. Because I do need help but not the kind they would think I need. I need help eradicating ponies. “Hey Jim catch.” I heard Jess’ voice from behind me. Before I had time to react my head was draped with something. “I said catch!” Jess repeated. I took off the t-shirt that landed on my head. It was a dark blue Nike shirt. Nice I like this color! Or at least what looked like a Nike shirt. The symbol was different. It looked like a ‘U’ instead of a check. “Thanks Jess.” I said putting the shirt on. It was pretty big on me but I’m used to it. I usually wear things bigger since it covers up my skinny body. At least I did when I had the choice to. Now I wear things big because hand me downs and donations are all I can get. “So Jim, what’re you doing today?” Jess asked. She was getting ready to leave. I guess she was waiting for me to wake up since she’s usually out the door by now. “Um probably something that won’t piss you off.” I replied. “Good that’s a start.” Jess smiled. She began to walk away but stop and turned to me. “Jim.” “Yeah.” “Thank you.” She said. “Thank you for that apology. Not many people here have that kind of decency. They really don’t.” “It’s no problem.” I grinned. “Just something that people are supposed to do. I was raised to respect what others do for me.” “I’m sure the others were too.” Jess said. “They just forgot. But thank you anyways. It means a lot to me.” “Alright you’re welcome.” I said as she walked off. Then I quickly remembered something and ran to catch up with her. “Hey Jess, wait.” I yelled as I caught her. “Do you know what happened to that black jumpsuit of mine?” I had given it to her to be washed and I was anxious to get it back. It was one of my only possessions I have and I have memories embroidered in it. I’m not gunna wear it but I want it back. “Pfft, oh that old thing?” Jess giggled. “I threw it out.” “Oh okay.” I twitched my head. “It’s okay. It was old and dirty anyway. Not to mention kind of weird. I mean a guy wearing a jumpsuit with an anarchy symbol on the back. Heh. Fashion disaster!” Wait a minute, what the fuck am I saying? “I mean, you fucking threw it out!” I exclaimed capturing how I actually felt. Damn that was weird. “Are you serious?” Jess questioned. “You literally just stated reasons why. Which is kind of odd, never do it again.” I grabbed Jess by her shoulders. “When is trash day?” I asked frantically. “Let go of me pervert!” Jess suddenly screamed. With cat like reflexes she gave me an uppercut to the jaw. I let go of her in exchange for now holding my mouth. Seriously, again with the mouth? “Oh, um, uh, sorry.” Jess awkwardly tried to apologize. “Yeah I should have told you I have a problem with people touching me. See it has to do with… actually let the boys explain. I really have to go.” With that she left me holding my probably bruised jaw. Well whatever because I have a jumpsuit to get. I hopped outside and sprinted around the corner of the shelter. Alongside the wall of the shelter was a big purple dumpster. The reason it is purple is because it reflects Equestria or something like that. A tourist told me that once. I think the color is stupid and looks totally out of place. Anyways my heart was pounding as I hoped I would find what I was looking for. I opened up the top and held my breath. Then I dove in like it was a swimming pool. I’ll admit I’ve done this before although I’m not proud of it. It’s amazing what some people will throw away. There is just so much loot to be gained from dumpster diving. Still this is not my favorite thing to do. The smell is terrible and you can get really dirty. But luckily for me the jumpsuit was on the top layer of trash so I was fine. I hopped out and although I probably smell of garbage I have what I want. I dusted it off and was about to head inside when I noticed something out of place. Parked alongside the shelter was an orange pickup truck. It is an odd color for a car which is why I noticed it so quickly. I cautiously walked towards it. When I was in front of it I noticed that sleeping alongside it was an old friend. “Holy shit it’s Frank!” I exclaimed. He was sleeping with his head down and his back against the back tire of the truck. Damn was it a nice truck. “Hey Frank wake up!” I began kicking him. After a good couple of kicks he made grunting noises and began to open his eyes. “What? Hmm, no. Leave me alone.” He said as he closed his eyes again. Time to step it up a notch. I knelt down and began shaking him. “Wake up ya old man!” I said shaking his shoulders. This got him awake and his first reaction was to attack. His eyes widened and he pushed me away. It was pretty hard and I felt back to the ground. For whatever reason I found this funny so I was laughing the whole time. Frank rushed to his feet and was grabbing his truck. I was busy laughing on my back. Still don’t know what is so funny. “Holy shit.” I heard Frank murmur. I stopped laughing and looked at him. We stared at each other for a minute. He was still trying to piece together what is happening. “I had a feeling I would be seeing you again.” He finally murmured. “Well I never thought I’d see you again.” I said dusting myself off and then picking up my jumpsuit. “Thought for sure you’d be hiding somewhere after that little incident.” “Oh believe me I still am.” Frank remarked. “Had a feeling something was gunna happen so I high tailed it out of there. How’d you get away with it anyways? I mean other than that other thing you did.” Oh fuck, I forgot he knows. How could I forget that? So that means he’s the only other one with knowledge on that convention. That makes him potentially dangerous. What if he has told someone about the gun he sold me? “It was mostly luck.” I explained. “I planned to just walk away from it all but a friend helped me out. Then he was shot.” A thought hit me. “You didn’t have anything to do with that did you?” Yeah he totally could have been the person to sell the gun to Darius’ killer. I mean who else could have done it? I stepped towards him which must’ve freaked him out. Guess I have that crazy look in my eye that frightens people. “Whoa man.” Frank held his hands up. “I’ve sold to a lot of people. Sorry that someone you know was killed but I don’t decided what people do once they get a gun. Actually after your stunt I got a lot of new customers so it’s not like I keep track.” “Hey about my stunt.” I took another step towards him. “You may want to keep your mouth shut about that. Just a suggestion.” “Don’t worry kid.” Frank grinned. “I’m an arms dealer; I don’t need any attention. By the way I never learned your name.” “It’s Jim.” I stated. “Look just never speak about what you think I did to anyone. Got that?” “Yeah, yeah Jim I understand.” Frank said. I won’t lie; I don’t really trust him. All it would take is him just happening to mention me and then it spreads. Then in no time all of Equestria will know of my identity. This is not paranoia but just general thought bringing up possibilities how this could go wrong. It could all end with this man. It would be better if he just disappeared. I couldn’t do it but I bet Drake would do it for me. Yeah he would totally do it for me. All I would have to do is make up lie that involves Frank and then Drake would cut him apart and throw him in the garbage. That would be awesome. But I don’t think I could do it to the old guy. I mean he was the reason I’m still here and not in jail. Without his sale to me I wouldn’t have come out from the assassination. He’s the reason I was able to get away with the assassination of Fluttershy. If not for him I would have never left that con and never would have met Darius again. Frank is a good guy that is my conclusion. I should be thanking him not planning his death. Geez for a minute there I was really scaring myself, thinking I’m some sort of psychopath that kills without remorse. Ha-ha. “Jim you still with me?” Frank asked snapping me out of my state of thought. Must’ve been really deep into how I was gunna deal with him that I forgot he was still there. “Yeah I’m still here. Sorry I was just planning how I was gunna kill you.” I decided to be honest with him. “But then I decided that you’ve done so much for me that you’re cool.” Frank’s eyes bugged out and he put his hand on his heart. “Part of me wants to know because of curiosity and the other part knows I don’t want to know the answer.” Frank commented. That’s a good way to look at it, if I do say so myself. “That’s a nice truck you got there by the way.” I pointed to it. It wasn’t anything special. There was nothing cool about it except for the paintjob. It was a basic pick-up truck. But I can bet what it holds in its bed. “That where you keep your guns and shit?” “Shhhhh, shhhhh!” Frank shushed me. “Quiet about that.” He looked both ways down the side of the shelter. “You don’t know whose listening.” He’s right I don’t know. There could be ponies in the clouds listening with their big pony ears to our conversation. Then when we least expect it they’ll swoop down and take us away. This isn’t paranoia talking; this could actually happen. I need to watch my back. “Hey quick question.” I whispered. Frank eyed me suspiciously. “It ain’t about the guns. Besides I have no money left.” “Alright then ask away.” Frank said in talking volume. “What the hell are you doing here?” I asked putting my hands on my hips. “I told you already. I high tailed it after you did you know what.” Frank answered. “No I mean for specifically why are you here? In this city, in this place.” I held my hands out to emphasize my point. “Oh well that’s a long story.” Frank exhaled. “I have time.” I crossed my arms and sat on the ground with a grin. Frank raised a cautionary eyebrow. “What I was tired of standing.” I answered. “Then let’s sit in my car. There’s no need to sit on the ground like a kid.” He unlocked the truck doors and we climbed in. “Alright where to begin?” He said closing the door once he was in the driver’s seat and I was in the passenger. “Start from when I left to do you know what.” I suggested. “Alright.” Frank said with a yawn. “Sorry I haven’t been getting sleep lately. Need an actual bed. Anyways, after you left I decided I should leave too. So I hopped in my truck and got out of there fast. From then on I’ve been traveling. I can’t stay at hotels or anything because they’re looking for me. I know I told you my sales have increased but so has the danger. They’ve been looking for me. Had a couple close calls but they’re mostly off my track.” “Who are they?” I asked intrigued. “Ponies in suits and men in suits.” Frank explained. “Probably government people looking for me but occasionally I had heroes come after me.” “Heroes?” I said with a grin. That’s funny there are no heroes in Equestria. Everyone that calls them a citizen of this place is evil in their own way. “Oh yeah. Usually humans that knew who I was and wanted me gone. I believe one of them tried to shoot me with a gun I sold him.” Frank shook his head. Damn that must have been ironic. “How ungrateful.” I commented. “That’s what I thought.” Frank smiled. “So after a while they died off and I found myself here. And since I can’t stay anywhere I’ve been sleeping in my car. It’s been uncomfortable.” Tell me about it. It took me a good three years to get used to sleeping in my Jeep. And even then I still prefer a bed to sleep in. “A while ago I was approached by this nice girl that asked me if I wanted to stay at this shelter. So I did but it went wrong.” “I heard about that.” I said remembering the brief comment Jess made the day I arrived here. Something about chasing a guy off. “Yeah you were trying to sell weapons and Jess kicked you out.” “I’m sorry but how do you know that?” Frank asked. “I live here now.” I responded. “That nice girl found me and took me in. I believe it was a day after she kicked you out.” “Oh that’s great.” Frank laid his hands on the steering wheel. I can tell he regrets what he did. I know it’s not my place to decide but I think he deserves a second chance. Heck they even gave Tirek a second chance. Too bad he had to be put back in his place. Actually not too bad he’s like all the other ponies. Anyways I have an idea. This is the least I can do for him. “Hey Frank.” I started. “Since you helped me do you know what. I want to help you. Well actually now that I think about it, I want to help you but you have to also help me.” “Oh so you want to make a deal?” Frank smirked. I could tell he was getting into business mode. “Yeah and it’s really easy for you.” I explained. “In fact you’re getting the better part of the deal. See I can get you into that shelter. You may have to apologize to Jess but I can get you back in. And all you have to do is let me borrow some of your weapons.” “Borrow?” Frank questioned. “Yeah borrow.” I repeated. “I would like to use some of those guns but not right now. I may ask for them in a week and I may ask for them in a month. Whenever I want them though you have to supply. Got that?” “Is that all?” He asked. “Just guns to borrow for a while and the ammunition too I assume.” “Yep.” I nodded. “You just give them to me when I want them and then I’ll give them back.” Don’t know how trust that last part is. I could misplace them or not be able to give them back. Frank took a second. He looked out the window. I know he wants this. This is the deal of a lifetime. Sure it could backfire because if I do go through with what I’m planning to do then he might have to pack up and leave again. “Alright.” He finally said. “It’s a deal.” We shook hands to cement it. “But I highly doubt that you can do it.” “Oh me too.” I agreed. “But I used to highly doubt that human in Equestria fics would one day be canon.” “What?” Frank cringed his face. “Human in Equestria fics?” “My little pony fanfiction.” I stated to help jog his memory. “It was a part of the brony movement on the internet before all of this. Faggots wrote wish fulfillment stories about going to Equestria and fucking the main charters. Fimfiction, Past Sins, Fallout: Equestria, My Little Dashie, tentacle porn that came after the season four opener. Come on man!” Frank gave me the strangest look he’s ever given me yet. “Boy I don’t know what you’ve seen in the past but keep it the hell away from me.” “Ah whatever!” I exclaimed hopping out of the car. “Bronies ruined everything.” I ranted. “Ponies are to blame. Twilight Sparkle is a cunt. I killed Fluttershy.” I covered my mouth after saying that last thing. I looked to see if anyone was around to hear that but only Frank could have heard. But then I remembered. I looked up and searched for the pegasi in the clouds. But I couldn’t see them. Must be wearing cloud camouflage or maybe they were the clouds! “Frank watch the clouds make sure they don’t move!” I ran inside the shelter and slammed the door shut behind me. I scanned the room looking for Jess. But I soon remembered that she would be gone now. At least the shelter was still open which is odd. I looked behind me to the door and found a note on it. It read that due to the changing weather conditions the shelter would be open during the day. I smiled. There’s Jess again looking out for us. How incredibly nice and convenient of her. I went back outside and beckoned Frank to come in. He was a bit nervous but he tip toed inside. I sat him down and got him a lunch. Nobody was serving it so I went behind the counter and got it myself. Usually Jess gets one of the girls here to help her but this place doesn’t serve lunch so no one was servicing. But I still brought Frank’s food to him and he scarfed it down. Like all homeless people he was hungry all the time. From there on we continued with conversation. Mainly about how each other’s life was going and how we ended up here. Basically just small talk to pass the time since we have nothing else but each other’s company. Eventually Derek, Rodney, and Jones joined us and the conversation took a turn for a more engaging conversation. Somehow we ended up talking about Nightmare Night or Halloween as it should be called. “I can’t believe I missed Halloween!” I stamped my fist on the table. “Again why do you care?” Derek said with a flick of his hand. “And it’s called Nightmare Night for the record.” Jones added. “Fuck you!” I pointed a finger at him. “It’s called Halloween. And I care because I was gunna dress up again.” “Pfft really?” Rodney snickered. Hey grown ass men can dress up for Halloween! It just scares a lot of moms. “Yeah really.” I retorted. “It was fun. I ran through the streets dressed up as a dead confederate soldier.” “Are you serious?” Jones held his head. Guess he understood that one. “Really a confederate soldier? The hell’s wrong with you?” Rodney snarled. “No it’s worst that what you’re thinking.” Jones remarked. “He was a Klansmen.” “A Klansmen?” Derek snorted. “Like a Ku Klu Klansmen? You motherfucker!” “It was funny!” I giggled. “This year I was gunna be Hitler but I forgot!” “Alright, Jim shut the fuck up!” Rodney growled. “This topic is over.” “Yeah whatever.” I said with a wave of my hand. These guys don’t understand my humor. Darius did but he’s gone. We used to have a blast fucking with people. I still remember the year he convinced me to do black face and then go to a party with mainly African Americans. I went in there ready to get my ass handed to me but Darius had a plan. He began defending me and saying I was his brother from Africa or something. He kept this up until everyone there was convinced that I was black either out of actually acceptance or because they didn’t know what to think. Then he encouraged me to start acting the part so I starting trying to pull off a racist black caricature. Oh gosh how racist I acted! Looking back I don’t know how I didn’t get shot that night despite the fact I was acting so racist I would have been knighted by the KKK on the spot. But I guess the reason is because in that moment race wasn’t an issue. Darius always had this kind of ironic racial humor that just made race so hilarious. He was abused because he wasn’t black enough so to him if a black man wasn’t black then he could be whatever he wanted to be. Race was never a real thing to him since we are all just human. Wish he was here so he could make people understand that. I at least want to hear if that is a good way to think about things. I don’t really know if Darius was right in the head all the time. A moment of silence came and in it I remembered a question I had earlier. “Hey can someone tell me why Jess doesn’t like to be touched?” I asked. “Oh God what did you do?” Jones groaned. “Nothing?” I said defensively. “I just grabbed her shoulders and she called me a pervert.” “That sounds like her.” Jones nodded his head. “Well Jim notice how Jess usually treats the girls a bit nicer than us guys?” I do notice that. She never gets one of the men to serve the food. “The reason for that is Jess doesn’t really trust guys to get along with the women that much. See how this place is divided by sex?” I looked around and noticed for the first time that the cafeteria was divided by gender. Girls were on the left and guys were on the right. “The reason for that is Jess encourages it. She’s very protective over her girls.” Jones beckoned me closer. “You wanna know why?” he said a bit above a whisper. “Sure.” I whispered back. “Rape.” Jones said so quiet I almost didn’t hear him. “Rape?” I repeated in a normal speaking force. “Shut the fuck up!” Jones waved his hands. “Be quiet!” After a quick look around the cafeteria he then returned to a calmer state. “But it’s that reason that Jess doesn’t trust us. Sure she may treat us nice but that little thing will always be over our heads.” “I don’t understand.” I shook my head. “She can’t think all of us would do that. I mean I understand it a bit because some of the guys here… but not all of us! Why does she even think that?” “You should probably ask her.” Jones suggested. “Don’t expect an answer though.” Then as if knowing someone was talking about her, Jess strolled through the door. Frank glanced her way and I stood up. Guess it’s time to work my magic. Human magic, not unicorn magic. I walked up to her. “Hey Jess. How was your day?” I greeted her. “Fine, fine.” She said putting down her purse. “Didn’t find any more homeless so I guess that may be it for a while. I just” She stopped when she finally spotted Frank who quickly looked the other way. “Is that who I think it is?” She asked. “Yeah it is but” My words did nothing to stop her from walking briskly over to the table. “Wait I can explain!” I lunged in front of her. She stopped and crossed her arms. “I’m listening.” She stated coldly. “Well you see, I uh.” Damn I had this whole speech of logically things to say but I forgot about it as soon as I talked about my Halloween plans. Damn you Hitler, even in death you make people suffer. Guess there is only one option left. “Please!” I wailed. “Please, please, please!” I fell to my knees and hugged my arms around her waist. “He had nowhere to go and it’s getting so cold out. And he has no food and no job. Okay well he has a job but… please?” Just then Drake too walked through the door. He witnessed the scene I was making and grinned. “Ah Jim.” He cooed. “I wonder what I could do to get you on your knees.” “Drake shut up! That’s gay!” I shouted. “Get the hell of me!” Jess pushed me off her. I returned back to my feet. “Come on Jess you have to.” I pleaded. “He’s my friend and there is plenty of room left.” “I don’t care, Jim.” Jess said. “He had his chance and he blew it.” “But.” “No buts Jim.” Jess glared. “… but. But he’s won’t sell guns anymore. Come on.” I continued despite her firm stance. “I thought you looked familiar.” Jones said to Frank. “I remember you were asking around if someone was interested in what you are selling. You’re a very engaging business man.” “Thank you.” Frank said very quietly. “Oh so you were the one selling guns.” Rodney said. He reached into his pocket. “I got the cash.” He slammed a stack of bills on the table. “Lemme see what ya got?” “Erm well.” Frank stammered. Guess he could feel Jess’ red hot glare on him. Must be burning him up. “Derek.” Rodney beckoned. “Yo.” Derek slammed another stack on the table. “We got the paper show us the gats.” “Why the fuck are you guys homeless?” Drake asked eyeing the money. “We enjoy the lifestyle.” Rodney smirked. “Now where the guns at?” All eyes were on Frank. I really feel sorry for the old guy. Not only that I feel guilty. I brought him into this and I told him it would be alright. Now he’s gunna have to run out of here. The only comfort I take is I gave him a meal before this is over. “I’m sorry.” He started. “But I’ve learned my lesson the last time. I can’t sell my wares to you people. I appreciate the offer but I don’t think this is a place I want to arm. So I have to decline. Thanks anyways.” “Smart man.” Jess stepped forward confronting Frank. No I can’t allow her to push him away. “Jess you would let this man starve and freeze to death on the street?” I growled. “What the hell’s wrong with you?” “Shut the fuck up Jim!” Jess hissed my way. I could feel the force of her frustration. It immediately stopped any future attempts at speaking up. She looked at Frank. “Where are the guns?” “Locked away in my truck which is parked on the side of the building.” Frank answered. He was nervously rubbing his fingers. I wonder if he has arthritis. My mom always warned me that cracking my knuckles would give me that. I bet Frank could really crack his knuckles hard. Jess held out her hand. She still had this hard look on her face. “Give me your keys. I’ll keep them safe and make sure you don’t try anything.” Frank without question tossed them over. “Ask me for them back if you want to drive. If I’m not here then ask one of the girls.” With that Jess left us. Everyone was kind of confused as to what happened. “So uh what now?” Drake asked looking around to each of us. “Am I in?” Frank asked looked directly at me as if he suspected I knew. “I assume so but I’ll ask her anyways.” I ran off to her. Personally I want to know why she let Frank stay. I doubt it was because of my speech although I delivered excellent Pathos. “Hey Jess.” I greeted her over behind the food counter. “Jim close your eyes.” Jess sternly commanded. I put a hand over my eyes for good measure. All I heard was a cabinet open and close. When I thought the coast was clear I looked back to see Jess standing there with her arms crossed. “Alright whadda ya want?” “Nothing.” I said holding my hands up. “I just wanted to thank you for letting Frank stay. It really means a lot to me.” She has no idea how much it means. “I just came to ask why because you looked ready to tear his head off at first.” “What did you think I was just gunna let him starve and freeze to death?” Jess asked. I would be lying if I said no. “Yes actually.” I nodded my head. “You looked ready to tear his head off. Really thought you didn’t care.” Something I said must haven’t gone well with her. She kind of put this depressed face on. “I care a lot you know.” Then she went back to normal. “I just wanted to see if he had learned his lesson. Which he did? I’m just wondering why you want him back.” She put on this sneaky smile. Really sly how she turned this conversation against me. Think of an excuse stupid! “Oh you know.” I still couldn’t think of anything. “I just felt sorry for him.” “Can I guess the real reason?” Jess grinned. I shrugged. “You’re gay lovers.” She stated rather happy with herself. The thought of that made me sick and awkward feeling. “Ew no!” I gagged. “He’s like fifty something, I don’t know. That’s weird! Why would you think that?” “Geez Jim no need to get all flustered up.” Jess laughed. “I don’t really need to know the answer.” “Well good.” I said. Really glad she isn’t pushing it. The more she doesn’t know the better. I should probably mention to him that our deal will remain silent but I bet he can infer that. “Well I guess I’ll see ya later Jess.” I waved goodbye. “See ya Jim. Good job staying out of trouble this time.” She called. I gave her a thumbs up. Yeah I’ve been a good boy today. Been on my best behavior and brought someone in to the shelter. That definitely deserves a pat on the back. While I was busy actually patting myself on the back, Erik and Casey walked through the door. They saw me and gave me these looks. I stopped and stared back at them. “What’s up boys?” I said nonchalantly. “Are you on drugs?” Casey asked with general concern. “Of course not.” I said rather proudly. Haven’t done hard drugs in my life. “He’s crazy Case.” Erik said. “Like Drake but a bit more obvious.” Damn how do they know already? “So you guys have a good day?” I asked politely. “Yep.” Erik nodded. “Case here got me a job. Lent me a suit. Thanks again for that.” “It’s no problem.” Casey shrugged it off. “Wow a job that’s great!” I exclaimed. Seems at least one person is doing what Jess has always told us to do. “Where you work?” “At a hardware store.” Erik stated proudly. “It’s right down the street from,” He paused. “Casey you tell him.” “Right down the street from a strip club.” Casey smirked. “Oo a strip club?” My mind boggled. “Yeah a pony strip club.” Erik rolled his eyes. “Not exactly my thing.” “Oh.” I died a bit inside. “Me neither.” “Thought so.” Erik said. We sat down. It was late afternoon and things were quieting down. People were eating and settling down for the night. As for me I’m never settled. I have these thoughts swirling around in my head. Ideas that would come into existence and then be forgotten. It wasn’t overwhelming but I was quiet as I thought about them. Usually these thoughts I can control. When I would get down time I would think about things like this but now I can’t stop. My prognosis is I’m just really excited. And I guess I should be. I may be getting the opportunity to do what I love to do. Make ponies suffer. Before we went to bed I turned over to Erik’s bunk that was across from me. He was just starting to go to sleep so I would have to act fast. “Hey Erik.” I kept my voice low so I wouldn’t disturb the people that were asleep around me. “What is it, Jim?” He asked kind of tired sounding. “Would you mind if I tagged along with you to your job?” He gave me this weary look. “Mind if I ask why?” “No reason.” I responded. “Right.” He put his head down on his pillow. “Sure you can come. Don’t hang out with me though. I kind of want to make a good impression.” “Okie dokie artichokie.” I made an ok symbol with my hand before turning my back to Erik. “I thought you didn’t like ponies.” I heard Erik say. “Huh?” I turned back to him. “You just said what Pinkie Pie always says.” Erik said sleepily. “No.” I frowned. “She says okie dokie lokie. Totally different.” I gave a short laugh. “And what’s now different from the show is Pinkie is no longer so okie dokie. Am I right?” “Sorry I don’t really remember the show that much.” Erik turned over finishing our conversation. “Okay neither do I.” I lied as I turned over myself. The truth is I remember almost every goddamn scene from that show. It is plastered into my mind and worst every minute I’ve lived in Equestria I’ve been reminded of it. I think of it as a curse that I’ve gotten used to but every now and then it catches me off guard.