Chapter 7
Krrrrrraaccck!
“Owwww!”
Snapp! Crunch! Pop!
“Uugghhh, careful.” Mac sat up, despite Aloe’s protest. His back made all the noises you’d expect a burning tree to make. After a slight repose, he laid back down on the massage board. Aloe continued to press into his back, much slower this time. Next to him, Rarity was getting her own massage, although hers was much more enjoyable.
“Macintosh, are you alright over there?”
He huffed, his back rising with each breath. “Yeah...it’s jus’ been awhile since mah last massage.” Mac could feel his vertebrae start to adjust to the movement, and he relaxed into the table. “Ya’ll seem ...ta be enjoyin’ yerself.”
“Oh yes, I get one at least twice a month, maybe more.” She turned her head to look at him. “You should get them more often. I hear it does wonders for sore workers.”
“Ain’t got the time.”
Rarity pouted. “That’s a shame. Seems like you could use it.”
After their massages were finished, they proceeded to the mud bath. They entered a large round basin, filled with a mixture of hot water, scented oils, and...well, mud. Rarity lowered herself, cooing at the heat.
“Do come in, Mac. It’s...marvelous” she said with a mischievous grin.
Mac nervously got in, wishing he had thought to bring someone with him. He sighed, now mostly submerged across from Rarity. “Gotta admit, this...” he waved at the mud, “...is pretty nice.”
“I told you.” Rarity closed her eyes, dipping her shoulders into the solution. “Hey Mac?”
“Yeah?”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Umm...Ask away.”
“How do you feel about Twilight?”
Mac raised an eyebrow, looking at Rarity, whose eyes were still closed. “Twi? Why, she’s certainly the smartest pony Ah know. She always willin’ to give a helpin’ hoof. Heck, she even helped me wit' mah...” Mac stopped. Most of Ponyville still thought he’d only suffered an accident. His family, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Pinkie were the only Ponyville residents who knew the truth.
“She helped yo with what, Mac?” Rarity inquired.
“Umm, ..she was helpin‘ me study.”
“Study? What ever for?”
“Ohh, umm....” Mac racked his brain for an excuse. “Mah hard cider license is expired. Ah gotta renew it.” He threw on a wide grin. “Eeyup. Can't serve it without that paper.”
“Ah yes, of course.” Rarity inched closer. “So, is that why you’ve been spending so much time at the library?”
“Well, yeah.”
“You’ve talked about her deeds, but what about Twilight personally?” Rarity scooted closer through the warm muck, much to the chagrin of Big Mac.
“She’s...well, really nice. She’s sweet an’ helpful. Twi’s saved mah farm more than once, and that ain’t no easy feat. Could always use to get out more, though.” Mac took a thinking pose. “Other than that, all Ah can say is, that Ah’m proud to know her.”
“Yes, yes that’s all well and good. But I guess what I’m trying to get at is...” Rarity moved to Mac’s side. “Do you like her?” She winked to make sure Mac understood her.
Mac blushed, from both the forwardness of the question and the heat in the room. It was times like these that he thanked Celestia for his red coat. “Umm...”
“Oh come now, Mac. We’re both adults, you can tell me.” She gotten even closer, grinding against Mac’s side. He felt someponies hoof on his inner thigh, and he happened know both of his lay outside the tub. Rarity cooed and fluttered her eyes, flaring more then just Mac’s blush.
Ya’ll gotta be buckin’ kidding me! NO. Please not right now! His mind shouted to his second, more primal mind. “Well....A-Ah,”
“Because, you know Mac, I’m single. And as far as I know, you’re single.” Rarity rested her head on his shoulder. “I know this may be a bit forward, but..,”
“Me an‘ Twilight are together!” Mac belted. He quickly scooted away, throwing a hoof over his mouth. Rarity looked at him, embarrassed.
“R-Really?” She realized how close she’d gotten. “I’m sorry Mac. I’ve acted so boorish recently. I just thought...” She smiled. “Twilight’s a very lucky mare.” Rarity got out of the tub, poorly hiding her disappointment.
“Let’s get out and clean up. We’ve...we’ve both got things to do.”
Mac watched her walk away, still holding the hoof over his mouth. OH CRAP! Why the hay did Ah say that. He twitched nervously. Ah gotta talk ta Twilight.
“You did what?” Twilight looked at Big Mac, befuddled. She paced back and forth, going over the incident in her mind. “W-Why would you say that?” She blushed lightly.
“Ah don’ know, Twilight! Ah’m so sorry!” Mac sat in a large felt chair, also thinking over the events at the spa. “Ah...Ah just panicked. Rarity was gettin’ all close, an’ she was askin’ about you. Ah jus’ blurted it out!”
Twilight sighed deeply. “Why didn’t you jus’ tell her how you felt? That you didn’t feel that way?”
Mac looked away from Twilight, mumbling something. “What was that?” She asked.
“She wouldn’t have believed me, Twi.”
“And why is that?” The was an edge in her voice.
Mac strained to avoid Twilight’s eyes. “Because...well...” He took a deep breath. “Look, Twi. She was really close. An’ it was hot in there. Blood was..flowing, ya’know?”
Twilight facehooved. “You have got to be kidding me.”
“Twi, Rarity’s a very pretty mare. Ya’ll can’t hold that against me.” Mac folded his arms, frowning.
Twilight giggled. “Okay, you’ve got me at that one.” She walked up to Mac, smiling. “It’s fine, Mac. I understand. but what are we going to do about it? She’s gonna find out soon if we don’t act the part.”
“What are you suggesting, Twi?”
“Well, if you want Rarity off you’re back, we’re...going to have to act like we’re together.” She shook her head nervously when Mac’s eyes shrank. “Not like that! I mean, holding hooves and stuff.” Twilight blushed crimson. “Just until Rarity backs off, okay?”
Mac nodded in agreement. “Thank you so much, Twi.”
“Oh, it’s nothing Mac. I...”
Macintosh held his hoof up to silence her. “It ain’t nothing. Ya’ll are helping me with that book, and now ya’ll are helpin’ me with Rarity. That’s more that Ah deserve fer gettin’ ya into this.” He hugged Twilight, who was blushing even more now. “So thank you.” He trotted home, feeling a little better about his situation.
Twilight sat still, unable to speak. What did I do? She climbed up her stairs and flopped onto her bed. I’m just setting myself up for disappointment. Again. He doesn’t really like me. Not like that. Twilight turned onto her back, looking up to the ceiling of the library. Well, maybe it’ll develop from here. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Another two weeks passed without any word from the Princesses. Mac continued his daily routine, now with the added trouble of having to act like Twilight’s coltfriend. It wasn’t hard, she was a great friend, and wasn’t hard to look act either. But Mac disliked the deception of it, even though it had been his fault. Unfortunately, news travels fast in Ponyville, causing Mac to resort to his two standard words whenever somepony questioned him.
Mac was arriving home from the Ponyville library when he saw something he’d never believed he would.
“Rainbow, what’s wrong?” Mac asked. Rainbow Dash was sitting on the porch, sulking. Her shoulders slumped, and Dash’s usual strong confidence was nowhere to be seen. She didn’t met his eyes when he spoke.
“Nothin’s wrong.”
“That’s obviously ain’t true. Ah thought we talked ‘bout this? Ya know you can tell me anythin’.”
“No, I can’t!” she snapped.
Mac took a step back. “What’d mean be that?”
“Just...let’s just go. We’re wasting time.” Dash took off towards the forest at a brisk pace, with Mac catching up behind her.
AJ watched as her brother and best friend leave Sweet Apple Acres. She was working by a section of Golden Delicious apple trees. A blue blur whizzed by her, nearly blowing her hat off. She held it tight, peeking up to see Soarin, well, soaring over her orchard. Twisting and banking, he flew with a joy few seemed to have. He pulled right, circling back and landing next to Applejack. Today was the first day she’d trusted him enough to start apple-bucking. He done pretty much every other job around, and this sort of felt like graduation to him.
“Okay. I finished my fly-by, and I’ve come to a conclusion.”
“An’ what would that be?” Applejack questioned.
Soarin smiled wide. “Those are apple trees.”
AJ laughed hardily. “Great job. If Ah ever need a detective, Ah know who ta turn to!” She turned to him, smiling. “Follow me, we got a few trees to harvest.” She led him into the orchard, dragging two apple carts along behind her. She stopped at the the first large tree, detaching the carts. She motioned to Soarin. “C’mere, let me see yer buck.”
Soarin glided over, landing softly. He raised a sultry eyebrow, coupled with his trademark smile. “I’ve been waiting to hear you ask me that all week.” He trotted towards the tree seductively. Well, as seductively as he could. AJ did all she could to keep from bursting out in laughter.
Soarin squared up against the tree. He lowered his head nearly to the ground, priming his hips for assault. “Don’t worry, miss tree” Soarin cooed. “I’ll be gentle.” He swiveled on his front hooves, cocking back his back legs. Jutting them out straight, his legs struck the tree, which shook to its core. Soarin’s efforts, unfortunately, went unrewarded.
“Not a single apple” Soarin groaned. He was trying very hard at this apple-bucking business, with no success. “AJ, I’m no good at this. Can’t I just use wind or something?” He hoped.
Applejack shook her head no. “That ain’t the point, sugar cube. Ya’ll could jus‘ use yer fancy wingdings, but then...what would ya’ll learn?” She smiled back at Soarin. “Try it a few more times.” AJ waved her hoof down the pathway, two rows of similar apple trees lining up down it.
“Oh, great” Soarin moaned.
“Don‘ worry. Imma take the left one, an‘ ya’ll take the right...”
That still left a large amount of bucking in Soarin’s incapable hooves. He tries his best; he really did. The first tree took three full bucks to eject his fruit, as well as the next. The third tree took five bucks. As Soarin continued, his bucking skill actually got worse. By the time Soarin made it to the last tree in his row, Applejack had been finished for about twenty minutes.
“...*pant....*pant...” Soarin collapsed under the last tree, pawing at it weakly.
“Get up, lazy-flank” AJ chided. “Ya’ll can’t be that tired, with yer flyin‘ around an‘ all.”
Soarin answered with a low groan, slowly moving to his hooves. “I...just...can’t get it. How do ya do it so, so easily?”
AJ shrugged, then looking at Soarin’s previous attempts at bucking. Most of his hoof-prints were off center on the tree. “Soarin...” AJ moaned. “Take a look at this.” She showed him the bucking pattern he’d used. “Yer hooves aren’t centered, you ain’t gonna do anythin‘ like that.”
Soarin looked puzzled. “What’s the difference?”
“Ya won’t shake the tree the same.”
Soarin still didn’t put it together. AJ shot him a disappointed glare. “Jus‘ put yer cart on.” She buckled into hers. “Ah think we got enough apples fer today...Aaagrh!” Applejack grunted as she tried to pull her cart. She flexed her front left leg, which shot pain up to the small of her neck.
“Damn it all!” AJ growled.
Soarin trotted over concerned. “What’s wrong, ‘Jack?”
AJ squinted back at Soarin. “Where’d you learn that name?”
“I dunno. Came up with it, I guess?”
Applejack hummed. “Ah think Ah pulled somethin’. Must’ve bucked too fast.”
Soarin sat, switching his concerned face to one of understanding. “Well, that’s no good. Lay down.”
“What?” AJ took a painful step back.
“I said lay down. I’m a pro athlete, remember?” Soarin poked at her neck, making AJ hiss angrily. “I can help.”
Applejack looked into his eyes. Being the element of honesty, she was excellent at picking out other ponies deceit. One thing she’d learned was that it was always in the eyes. Applejack looked into his, they shared a striking resemblance to hers. The glimmered in the light of the evening, a dark green hue. Though Soarin’s eyes were much darker than her own, Applejack saw a lightness to them, a happiness. Like nothing that happened in the past few months affected him. He had...trusting eyes.
Applejack sighed, hoping she wouldn’t regret what she was about to do. “Okay, Soarin.” The two walked under the shade of a bucked apple tree, AJ limping tentatively. She laid down on her stomach, stretching her legs out. She recoiled slightly when Soarin’s hoof made contact with her neck.
“You okay?” Soarin asked.
“Yeah, it’s just...really sore.” AJ grimaced.
“Right” Soarin breathed softly.
He brought his hooves down gently on AJ’s shoulders. She looked up at him suspiciously. He looked back. “What? You can’t just go straight at it.” He smiled with the same warmth Soarin always seemed to have. “Trust me. I know what I’m doing.”
Applejack settles back down as Soarin started his ministrations. He started massaging in circular motions, slowly working up and down her shoulders. Moving towards the neck, Soarin lighten his pressure. He rubbed smoothly, careful not to aggravate the already tender area.
Applejack could almost feel the day’s labor melt off her. He groaned happily from underneath Soarin, wondering how the hell he knew exactly where to push. Wooaah...nelly. Ah could git used to this.
Soarin started to work the area a little harder, now that she was warmed up. He sped up his technique. AJ moaned louder than she would have like, earning a snicker from Soarin.
“Oooh, right...there.” AJ whispered, Soarin still working the same neck joint. His hooves gotta be magical, she thought. Ah can never tell him that, though. Not after this morning... Over the past months, they built a strong friendship, mostly based on teasing each other. It resembled AJ’s relationship with Rainbow Dash, though it...felt different to her. After Macintosh left, she’d snuck into Soarin’s room.
It was then that AJ realized her deeper feelings for him. There had always been a spark, whether they were working the fields or just talking. She loved the way Soarin was interested in her seemingly dull topics, like how the weather cycle would affect crops. He never faked excitement.
More than that, Soarin had a good heart. After all that’d happened, having been blown up, sewn up, assaulted, and generally hurt, Soarin seemed to take it in stride. It was like he was invincible, something Applejack tried to convey. AJ was tough, but the way things were going now, she needed someone to lean on. And Soarin seemed like the perfect pony.
By the time Soarin started to slow, her neck felt completely new. But AJ wasn’t ready for him to stop. Soarin lifted his hooves.
“How ya feelin’?” He asked.
“Umm...still a bit sore?” AJ’s face struggled to keep composure. It ain't technically a lie, she told herself. The rest of hr body was tired, too.
“Oh, o-okay.” He restarted his massage. “Better?”
Applejack sighed deeply. “Much.” Soarin keep his shiatsu innocent, not daring to move down AJ’s back on his own. At least she’s enjoying herself, he thought. Soarin was happy to make AJ feel better.
AJ turned her head slightly towards Soarin. “Lower,” she moaned. Soarin moved his hooves down below her shoulder blades, working them tenderly. He gleamed that he had done well by AJ’s praise, which came in the form of more happy groans.
“Keep goin’, right there...“ Applejack cooed. Soarin up’ed his speed again, sliding down to the small of her back. Hearing the cracks of her spine, Soarin realized that she’d probably hadn’t been feeling too good for quite a while.
“When’s the last time you got one of these?” He asked.
“Don’t....remember” she sighed. “Been busy.”
“That’s not a good excuse” Soarin said. “That means you prolly should be gettin‘ more.”
AJ grinned. “Well, it’s a good thing yer so good at ‘em.” She looked into Soarin’s eyes. “Lower?” she asked, a hint of arousal in her voice that she’d not intended to be there.
“Umm...” Soarin stopped. He had no problem continuing, but, well...the spot left to go was her flank. Soarin wasn’t sure if she was comfortable with this. There was also the fact that if Mac happened to drop by, being comfortable would be the last of his worries.
“Um, if I go any lower...” Soarin smiled sheepishly.
AJ thought for a second. “Ah’m fine with it if ya’ll are.”
“Alright...” Soarin went to work, rubbing and tending to the area around Applejack’s plot.
She giggled. Soarin liked to act the playcolt, but he was as innocent as Applebloom when the moment of truth came. AJ was surprised at how good Soarin was at this. If she didn’t know better, she’d assume he was related to one of the those spa ponies.
The rest of Soarin’s massage was done in silence, interrupted only by Applejack’s moans. The sun started to set, bringing an end to their relaxing break.
“C’mon, AJ” prodded Soarin. “Think we should head back now.”
Applejack looked up from her belly. The sun sat half way past the horizon, radiating an orange-red glow. The sky faded into a maroon twilight as one’s gaze drifted from Celestia’s star. “Yup...yer prolly right.”
AJ rose to wobbly legs. She stretched out, letting her newly rejuvenated muscles fall into place. She beamed at Soarin. “Ah really can’t thank ya’ll enough...”
Soarin patted her on the shoulder. “Anytime. We do it in between practices, normally. Stunt flying pretty risky, gotta stay limber, ya’know?” He hooked into his cart, and started heading towards the barn.
Applejack felt a shudder run down her spine. Ah kin get that...anytime ah want? Watching Soarin trot away, Applejack’s eyes started to wander his outline. Working on the farm had improved Soarin’s already impeccable physique. His shoulders bulged slightly, where they didn’t before. Soarin’s back was smooth but strong, rippling with each step or flap of his wings. AJ’s drifting eyes eventually made in to Soarin’s flank.
Looks hard, she thought. It was powerful, that could be sure. He had to launch himself into the air on a regular basis, so it was easy to reason his legs, and flanks, were strong. Now that's sumthin' Ah kin get behind, she thought, chuckling from her own terrible pun. She knew that Soarin most likely noticed her staring, but right now, she didn't care. AJ couldn't take her eyes off them.
“Hey,” Soarin called, “See anything ya like back there?” He chuckled, flicking his tail side to side.
She grew an 8 mile smile, hooking up her cart and rushing to catch up to Soarin.
"Hey now, yer the one that jus' got done feelin' up mine."
They trotted back together, both laughing. AJ walked with more of a spring in her step. She looked over the Everfree forest, seeing a dark cloud looming overhead. Hope things are runnin‘ smooth out there.
“Faster.”
“Ah going as fast as Ah can!”
“Then go faster!” Dash had been miserable the entire practice. Mac had climbed walls, jumped through rings. Hell, he’d even bucked over a tree. She was still driving him, far past his tolerance level.
“Stop!”
Rainbow floated down next to him. “You need a wider stance. You’ll lose balance if your hooves are that close.” Mac stood in front of rows of randomly placed wooded pegs. He had been jumped from one to another, trying to balance and failing gloriously. Dark clouds swirled overhead, becoming an ominous setting.
“Think we should head back? It’s gettin’ late, an’ them clouds don’t look good...”
“You haven’t finished it yet. I’ll be damned if we’re ending early today!” Dash said to him. He could see Dash was...angry? No, not angry. She was definitely upset, though. Mac leapt forward onto the obstacle, falling again. He climbed to the starting point, and tried again. And fell. Again.
By the last time Mac tried, a steady downpour was obscuring his vision. Dash met him at the bottom of the planks.
“Mac!” she shouted, pointing towards the cave within Danger Chasm. “We gotta get inside!”
“What about gettin’ home?”
“That’s a no go!” Dash replied. “It’s an Everfree storm. I can’t do anything about it, and it’s too dangerous to try and walk home!”
Mac grabbed her tail, following her through the storm. Mac could barely see three feet in front of him by the time they made it to the cave. Mac shook himself, and Dash followed suit. Macintosh’s sack lay on the back of the cave. Mac pulled out a large, hoof-woven blanket, as well as a bag of food.
Dash sat against the left side wall, while Mac was against the back wall. “Ya’ll gonna finally tell me what’s wrong, Dash?”
“I talked to Soarin’, but...he apparently he didn’t feel the same way.”
“Well, Ah can safely say he don’ know what he’s missing.” Mac smiled. Dash looked him in the eyes, feeling the genuine warmth they emitted.
Dash broke eye contact, her cheeks rosy. “Also, I heard about you and Twilight.”
Mac face fell. “You heard about that?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, I’ll make sure it don’ take away from any o’our workouts.” Rainbow shot Mac a dirty look. “What?” Mac was taken aback at her fury. Was it somethin’ Ah said?
“Dash, come here.” He patted the ground next to him. Rainbow moved next to him, holding herself from the cold. “Yer shiverin’. Take this.” He handed Dash the blanket, and she quickly wrapped up.
“T-Thanks...” Dash shook, not having much body to keep herself warm. The storm raged outside, accented by bright flashes of lightning. The wind picked up, whipping by the entrance and back drafting into the cave. Dash turned into Mac’s chest to shield herself from it. Dash was still scowling, but it was hard for her to stay too upset in her current position.
She looked up. Big Mac’s mane blew in the wind, tousling around his emerald eyes. He looked down at her, still wearing the same warm smile he always did when he was around her. She rested her head on Mac’s chest, relaxing into him. Damn, Dash thought. I thought I worked out a lot. She could feel every knot, every tense muscle contract and relax with each of Mac's breath. Her body involuntarily shook, bit from the storm, a bit from the handsome stallion that lay before her.
“You still cold?” She nodded, nibbling on a bit of trail mix Mac had passed her. The night’s wind shook her to the bone, and trying to stay in her current position was becoming a hassle. Mac drew her in closer with his massive arms. Dash sighed, sending warm breath around Mac’s center and a tingle down his spine.
“Kin’ Ah tell you somethin‘, Dash?”
“Sure, anything Big.”
Mac cleared his throat. “Ah’m.. Ah’m not actually datin’ miss Sparkle.”
Dash looked up at Mac, confused. “Then why is that the only thing I hear around Ponyville?”
“Well, Ah kinda had this ‘date’ with Rarity...”
“WHAT!?!” Dash spat, raising herself to Mac’s eye level.
“She tricked me. Believe me, Ah didn’t do it by choice.”
“Uggh, sounds like her.” Dash settled back into Mac, with him pulling her closer. She gave him a questioning look. Mac shrugged. “Ah’m cold too, ya know.”
“So, how does that make you and Twilight a couple?”
“Ah made a stupid mistake” Mac spoke regrettably. “Rarity was gettin’ too close for comfort, and Ah jus’ panicked. Now, Ah gotta put on this hold charade fer a bit, let alone figure out what’s goin’ on wit’ mah body.”
“Must..be rough” Dash yawned silently, draped her foreleg over Mac, hugging him close around his barrel and rested her head on his chest. Mac was a bit taken back at this, but he didn’t protest it. He sat, watching Dash rest on him. Feeling a warmth in his chest, Mac closed his eyes with a smile on his face. He brushed Dash’s hair with his left hoof, causing Rainbow to fall asleep rather quickly.
Mac felt the slow up-and-down of Dash’s breathing. It was a calm rhythm, a peaceful one. Macintosh rested against the wall, rethinking the calamities he’d got himself into. Hell of a week. He stared at Dash’s face, her hair blowing lightly from the wind. She really is pretty... Mac shot that thought to the back of his mind. That’s mah sister’s best friend. What the hell is wrong with me? He heard her mumble something in her sleep, but when he checked Dash was out like a light.
He settled back into place. Mac never really thought about having a marefriend, or what he wanted in one. He’d been on plenty of dates, had a few flings, even a roll in the hay or two. But nothing serious arose from them. He wanted someone who was strong on their own, an independent pony. A pony he could talk to, who was trust-worthy, not gushing over him constantly. Those types of mares always seemed to be looking for the next best thing. Mac rubbed the back of Dash’s neck, resting his head atop hers. Element of loyalty, eh? A smile crept across his face as he drifted off to sleep.
Mac rose early with the sun. He yawned, stretching his forelegs high. He felt something warm and moist on his chest. ....Wha? Mac blinked his eyes opened, still adjusting to the light. Looking down, he saw a sound asleep Rainbow Dash, fresh with morning drool. Gross, Mac thought happily, wiping the spit off. He sat for a bit, allowing the sunrise to sink in.
“Mmmmgargdesdaaa....”
“What was that, Dash?” Mac whispered.
“Warm...pillow...” Rainbow mumbled in her sleep. “If only..”
“...Only what, Dash?” Mac spoke into her ears.
“...mmmm, want ...Mac....pillow...”.
Big Mac chuckled to himself. “Well, ya’ll already got one.” He nudged Dash with his shoulder, rousing her gently. She rubbed her eyes, and released a yawn great enough to rival a bear’s growl.
“Morning...” She murmured softly, her eyes half-lidded. Mac never quite noticed how beautiful Dash’s eyes were. They were a deep magenta, iridescent and shiny. Mac felt like her eyes could pierce straight through him. Noticing her proximity to Mac, Rainbow jumped up to put some distance between them. “Hey-a, Mac” she said, blushing deep. “...Umm, why was I on top of you just now?”
“Ya’ll fell asleep last night, durin’ the storm. From what Ah hear, wakin’ ya up is a risk left to crazy ponies. So Ah just let ya’ll sleep.” Mac scratched his head nervously. “...If’n that’s okay with you...”
Dash looked away from Mac’s gaze. “Heh, y-yeah. Come on, let’s get you home.” She walked out of the cave, speaking quickly. “Can’t miss out on those chores, now can you?”
Mac stood up, creaking and cracking the bones in his neck. He picked up his bag and followed Dash out of the cave, towards home.
“Hey Dash, what’s up with yer wings?”
"....Shut up."
Princess Celestia paced back and forth within the control room. She’d been trying to get “Dead Weight” to spill the beans on his reasons for his action, but most of what came out was either insults or insane gibbering. Luna sat, her head in her hooves thinking.
“...We could beat it out of him..”
“Luna. You know that wouldn’t work.” Celestia sighed. “I’d rather not resort to such viscous things...”
“It’s not like he didn’t get enough from our two little helpers either...” Luna chuckled. “They seem to be fairly effective, for now at least.”
“And that’s what worries me.” Celestia sat across from her sister. “It’s going to get harder before it gets easier.”
There was a knock on the door. Both sisters turned their head, and Celestia magicked the door open. A dark-blue guardspony walked in. “Your graces, the prisoner wishes to speak with you.”
Celestia looked to Luna, who was just as surprised as her. They stood, walking to the elevator. The two traveled deep into the castle, arriving to their rarely used detention level. They now had local authorities handle prisons, so their “dungeons” really had no use. Though both sisters had a feeling that they may start to fill up soon.
They moved through the halls, stopping at “Dead Weight’s” cell. The pony was docile, which was a first for him since he’d arrived. Normally, he thrashed around, violently cursing whoever crossed his view.
“P-Princess? What am I doing here?” He sounded weak, and scared.
“You know exactly why you’re here, cretin!” Luna sneered. “Now tell us, what is your name!”
“Uh...Azure Flare, your highness.” The pony cowered in fear as best he could, being chained up and all.
Luna looked back at Celestia. That name had been more information than they’d got in a week. Celestia trotted up to the cell, looking down on the pony.
“Azure...why did you capture our guards?”
He looked up, shock on his face. “I-I....I what? No, I couldn’t have done that! I wouldn’t hurt anypony.” Azure hung his head. “I won’t even eat eggs.”
Celestia rose his head with her magic, peering into his eyes. Celestia did not stay ruler for one thousand year by looks alone. She was an excellent judge of character, some ponies believed she could even read minds. Staring into this pony’s eyes made the Azure Flare from a week ago seem like a completely different pony.
“...What is the last thing you remember, Flare?” Celestia questioned.
“I...I was working with some of our mathematicians. I left to go to the bathroom, and....then I blacked out.” His eyes started to swell, tears forming at the ends. “Please, tell me I didn’t hurt anypony...”
Celestia softened. She could feel the sincerity in him. “Very well, then.” She pulled her sister off to the side. “Luna, I do not believe this pony was in control of his action.”
Luna nodded in agreement. “It would seem that way. But...” she lowered her voice, “what does that say about Wildheart?”
“...I don’t know.” Celestia scowled. “He’s obviously spent his time scheming something big.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the dungeon’s door. Luna magicked it open as a squad of guards marched in. “Your majesties!” The foremost pony proclaimed. “T-The...the harbor. There was an explosion...”
Celestia shot a look to Luna. This was troubling. “Investigate. Send a squadron.” They followed the guards out of the holding cells, leaving a few there to watch over their guest. We’ll be sending a team of our own. The sisters frowned at each other knowingly.
Applejack looked up from her bowl of apple oatmeal as Big Mac walking into the house, followed by Rainbow. Rainbow sat at the table as Mac fetched a few leftover pastries from the fridge. He set a portion down in front of Dash, and put aside a rather small amount for himself. The two ate, not acknowledging Applejack crude stare. After a bit, Applejack couldn’t keep her mouth closed any longer.
“Ya’ll gonna tell me what kept ya last night, Mac?” She had an accusatory, yet playful look in her eye.
“Storm rolled in.” Mac kept his gaze low, and Dash darted between Mac and AJ.
“Is that so?” AJ clicked her tongue.
“Umm, yeah. It got really bad, had to take shelter inside a cave.” Dash spoke into her plate.
Applejack grew a devious grin. “Ah see...” She took a spoonful of oatmeal. “...Is that why ya’ll got blue in yer mane, Mac?”
Big Mac’s pupils shrank, running a hoof through his mane. Sure enough, he held a few strands of blue fur. “Umm...umm..” He peered over to Dash, who had a petrified look on her face. Mac stuttered, drawing a blank on excuses.
AJ got a serious look on her face. “Ah excepted better o’ you, Rainbow,” pointing at her. “Takin’ advantage of Mac like that. He jus’ tryin’ to get his life back to normal, after the accident an’ all. Jus’ cause yer all goggly-eyed over him, doesn’t mean ya’ll can jump his bones!”
“AJ!” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “Nothin’ happened!”
“Thank you,” Mac retorted with RD.
“Just cause I like him doesn’t automatically make me easy!” She scoffed. “I’m not Rarity...”
“Exactly, AJ....wait, what?” Big Mac blinked, turned to Rainbow Dash. “What was that last part?”
It dawned on Dash; what she let slip. She became red-faced and shrank into her chair. “Hehe, umm...I’m not Rarity?”
Mac shook his head, still in disbelief. “No...the other part.”
Dash clutched the arms of her seat, a small sweat starting to set in. “Ohh...that. Umm, I...I...” She stood up quick, zooming out the door shouting, “Gotta go, umm....left my cloud on! ”
AJ started laughing out loud, as Mac just stared slack-jawed. “W-What jus’ happened?”
“Nothin’ ta worry yer pretty orange mane about” AJ said through a fit of giggles. She got up, bringing her dishes to the sink.
“But...Ah...fine, whatever” Mac sighed. “You an’ Soarin git any work done?”
AJ shoulders dipped at the mention of the previous day’s events. “You could say that...” She grinned. Applejack heard hoofsteps coming from down the hall. “In fact, why don’t you ask ‘im yerself?” Applejack retreated towards the bathroom, passing Soarin as he entered the kitchen.
In passing, AJ brushed her tail across Soarin’s muzzle and under his chin, snickered at his dumbstruck gaze. He stood there, watching her walk away until his thought were interrupted by Big Mac.
“Soarin” Mac said forcefully, “Ya’ll wanna explain that?” He stared Soarin down. Fidgeting, he took a seat across from Mac and avoided his eyes. “I-I don’t know, Mac...” he spoke uncertainly. Soarin had an idea about AJ's sudden affection. When they’d returned to Sweet Apple Acres the night before, Soarin caught her stealing looks at him during dinner. She also “unintentionally” walked in on him in the shower, which Soarin thought weird. It wasn’t like ponies generally wore clothes, so the intimacy of a shower was lost on them. AJ’d made a big deal of it, though.
Mac furrowed his brow. “Course you don’t. An’ Ah won’t what happened if ya’ll end up in the hospital, cause of “a bit of fun”. Ya get mah drift?”
Soarin trembled. He hadn’t forgotten what happened in downtown Canterlot. He knew that Mac was just protecting his sister. Yet, he was still pretty scary.
“Mac, it’s not like that...”
“It better not be!”
“It’s isn’t!” Soarin waved his hooves in front of his face. “Nothing’s going on!”
Mac’s disposition lightened considerably. “Well....good. Take a seat.”
Soarin sat down as Mac slid him a bowl of oats. Soarin looked into his bowl, going over what AJ just did. Nothing’s going on. Right?
A hoof knocked on the door, startling the two. Mac stood up, opening the door. Sargent Quickstep greeted him at the doorway.
“Mac, Soarin” She nodded. “It’s time.”
The three arrived at Canterlot castle soon after. Quickstep led them into the elevator. “There’s been an incident...” she said.
“Where?” asked Mac and Soarin simultaneously.
“The Canterlot Docks.” Quickstep shook her head. “One of our shipments, it sank in the harbor from an explosion. The princesses think Wildheart is involved.”
Mac and Soarin looked at each other uneasily. The last time the two tangled with one of Wildheart’s minion’s, they’d barely came out. The elevator opened, and the three ponies filled Celestia’s conference room.
Luna looked up from her file. “Oh good, you’ve arrived.” She slid Mac and Soarin their Codex headsets. “One of our transport ships bound for Celestia’s R&D facility has been hit. It seems obvious to us that this was done purposefully.” Luna levitated the incident dossier to them.
It was filled with a few photos and a statement from the guards who arrived first on the scene. The hole in the side of the ship was in no way accidental. It was blown in from the outside, scored with fire on only the outer boards. It also outlined the conversation the sisters had with Azure Flare. “Now, it seems whoever did this has some experience with detonation.” She peered coldly at the group. “I need not tell you to be careful. They'll be fast and dangerous. Quickstep will assist you in any way she can.” Looking down at her papers, Luna eyebrows dropped. “Good luck.”
“Right” The three ponies echoed.
Arriving at the docks, the group looked around. The harbor was surrounded by a boardwalk and docking area. Shops lined the boardwalk, followed by hotels, apartments, and various other amenities. Mac, Soarin, and Quickstep saw the damage for themselves. Smoke billowed out from a half-sunken ship, which sat in the middle of the harbor. Its workers were being tended to by a few kind hearted ponies by the shore. Panic was starting to set in. Shouting and nervous shrieks could be heard around them.
“Alright,” said Mac “We gotta git this under control.” He looked to Quickstep.
“I’ll get these ponies out of here. If whoever did is lurking around, we can’t have all these civilians here.”
“Good Idea” he said. Quickstep quickly trotted towards a nearby group of constables, organizing them and pointing them towards the various entrances.
“Okay, where do ya’ll wanna start?”
Soarin thought, bringing a hoof to his chin. “Well...let’s check that ship. Make sure everypony got out.”
“Eeyup.”
Soarin led Mac through the crowd, passing by a tapped off area before the ship. It sat about 50 yards out from the dock, its bow jutting up into the air. “Soarin...ya’ll wanna do a quick fly-by?” Mac looked down off the pier.
“Sounds good. I’ll be back faster than you can say ‘apple’.’”
Soarin flew into the ship, leaving Mac to sit on the pier. He looked around, seeing most of the civilians had cleared out by then. Standing, Mac started to trot around in place nervously.
Another explosion rang out behind Mac, coming from a boat rental shop. Mac spun around and ran off towards the shop. “Apple” he whispered to himself.
The sunken ship was hard to navigate at this angle. Tilted as it was, Soarin had to maneuver around and between various unneeded obstacles. He’d made it through most of the non-submerged part of the vessel, clearing it out. Now, he was looking at the inside part of the explosion hole. It only reaffirmed the fact that this had been an attack. The impact angle wasn’t consistent with an indoor explosion, and the fact that no explosive material was remotely near the hole didn’t help.
I’ve got a bad feeling.... Soarin thoughts were interrupted be a nearby rumble. He exited the ship via giant hole, to see another tower of smoke reaching up. it came from the pier, near when he’d left Mac. Shit.
Mac burst through the door to Poop Deck’s boat rental. He would have pondered what terrible parent could name their child that, but avoiding flaming floorboards took priority. He leapt over a large hole in the floor, ducking from the wall of embers on the ceiling. “Anypony here?” he shouted, choked fro the smoke.
Mac heard a mumble from the office area behind the counter. He crawled forward, trying to keep smoke out of his mouth. He could barely hear somepony rustling around over the cracks of flame.
Sliding over the countertop, he galloped past the blaze and into the office. Big Mac came face to face with a clock, stuck on the number ten. It sat above a stereotypical grouping of red dynamite tubes.
“Why helloooo, down there!” A muffled voice called from above.
Mac looked up to see a slender unicorn mare peeping down through a skylight. She wore high-grade blast goggles tinted dark, and a painter’s mask before her muzzle. Her coat was a spotted mixture of brick wall red and a milky white. Her mane and tail were both short and curly, the same brick red color as her spots. Curiously, her front two hooves were covered in a yellow substance.
“Hi-ya. Name’s Tinder Hoof” she said. Her eyebrow’s arched, Mac assumed she was smiling. “Looks like you got a problem with Smokey the bear down there!” Her voice was elated and squeaky, very similar to everyone’s favorite pink party planner.
“Don’t tell me ya’ll are....*cough*...responsible fer this?” He pointed towards the flames around him, trying to inhale as little smoke as possible.
“What, this? She giggled. “Yup! Ya caught me!” She hopped excitedly. “Isn’t it great?”
“What?” Mac couldn’t hear over the splitting of wood from the fire. He peeked a look at the clock, which suddenly turned to “nine”.
“Oh, that’s my cue!” Tinder Hoof said gleefully. “See ya, guy!” She leapt away from the skylight.
“Huh?....Wait, come back here!” Mac reached towards the opened, covering his mouth with his other hoof. He couldn’t raise up too high, the smoke restraining his breath.
8...
Mac snapped to the clock. Sitting on top of the dynamite, it was a black box, with red numbers. The numbers glow eerily resembled the glow behind Azure Flare’s eyes.
7...
Mac squinted at it. The inferno circling around him, it obscured his vision. He crawled forward.
6...
Mac looked at the clock, then the red sticks under it. By Celestia's flank! He turned side to side, searching for the store entrance.
5...
He rushed back to the door, which was now engulfed in flames. He stepped near it, the floorboards cindering and falling off.
4...
Mac turned to face the bomb. This is it, then. Ah’m dead.
3...
Sorry, Equestria...Soarin, AJ, AB...
2...
Take care, Dashie...
1...
Soarin flew overhead, zipping through a cloud of smoke. He saw a spotted pony hopping away from the burning building, her saddlebags jostling with something heavy inside. The building was collapsing, and fast.
“Mac!” Soarin shouted, hovering overhead. “Hey Mac, you in there?”
He heard a distinct cough, but that was all. The sounds of sparking embers and cracking wood, mixing with the fire overpowered his voice. Soarin turned to the fleeing unicorn and started to give chase. He flew about ten feet before a concussive force launched him into the building to his left. The flash was the first thing he noticed, the force soon after.
Soarin opened his eyes, feeling something wet. And warm. Please, no. He felt around, realized it was blood oozing from his arm. Oh, thank Celestia. He tried to move, but looking back, his wings were trapped under some ruble. his trajectory from the explosion put him on a collision path with the building next to him. He happened to take a bit of it with him.
Soarin pulled himself from under the ruble, shaking off the dust and debris. OW...OW! He pushed the pain to the back off his thoughts, seeing the shack on completely collapsed. He rushed over, throwing fallen boards and cobblestone out of his path.
“Mac? Mac!?!...MAC!” shouted Soarin, pleaded his friend was not occupying the blazing heap.
“WOW! That looked cool!” Tinder Hoof stood on top of the hotel behind him. “I should try that again!” She pranced in circles cheerfully.
“What?” Soarin spat. “You did this?”
“Well, duhh. You see any other ponies ‘round here?” She said.
Soarin flew up fast, missing Tinder by inches. He landed across from her on the roof of the hotel.
“Oooh, you wanna play tag?” Tinder reached into her saddlebag, pulling out a round, grey object. “I prefer ‘Hot Potato’.”
She tossed the object towards Soarin, who was quick enough to dodge it. Landed several feet behind him, it erupted, cratering a small area and shattered some windows below them.
“Silly, you’re supposed to catch them!” She retrieved another, prompting Soarin to dash for her. Tinder slid sideways, kicking Soarin in the butt while doing so.
“Too slow. Let’s try that again!” She leapt off the roof, giggling. Soarin was puzzled until he heard a metal-sounding object rolling towards him. Soarin took to the skies just before the bomb went off, pushing him up but not doing any damage.
He searched for Tinder Hoof, spotted her galloping down the boardwalk. Fiery blasts were going off behind her. Soarin zoomed forwards, his vision slightly blurred on the sides. He banked right, dodging the plumbs of soot. He curled his wingtips, buzzing close to nearby rooftops.
Soarin caught up with Tinder, slammed into her right side. The hit splayed her onto the beach, but she recovered quickly.
“Aww, man. Now I’m it!” she scowled playfully.
“Listen, this isn’t a joke!” Soarin growled. “Stop this, right now!”
“Yer...damn right this ain’t...no joke!” Mac dragged himself onto the beach. He was covered in seaweed and breathing heavily. Flopping on his back, Mac’s chest rose and lowered rapidly.
“Mac!” Soarin grinned. “You’re alive!”
“Eeyup...” Mac pushed he air from his lungs.
“Hey, it’s you!” Tinder Hoof giggled. “Wasn’t that bonfire...”the bomb”?” she left over laughing at her terrible pun, rolling the the sand.
Mac struggled to get up, so Soarin rushed to his side.
“You sure you’re okay?”
“Eeyup” Mac grunted, spitting out a fair amount of blood. He shook his head, then looked up at Tinder Hoof.
“Ya’ll need to stop this, right now!”
Tinder brought a hoof to his chin in thought. “Well, it’s been really fun! Like spreading a lot of burn-y confetti!” She saw both Mac and Soarin glare at her. “But you did ask nicely, so maybe...”
She suddenly recoiled, grabbing her head in her hooves. “OWWIE!” Tinder started scraping her head across the ground like a dog. “S-Stop it!”
Soarin and Mac questioned between each other. “What the hay is she doing?” Mac whispered.
“I dunno...” answered Soarin. “Should...should we ask her?”
Mac stepped forward. “Um...Tinder?” He got closer, trying to be unthreatening. “Don’t ya’ll think it’s time to end this?”
Tinder’s head shot up from the ground. She’d scraped her goggles off, and there was a distinct red glow coming from her eyes. “No” she rumbled.
“NO!” Tinder quickly threw two bombs in front of Mac. Mac leaped back, but the force of both explosions projected him under the docks. He slammed his head into one of the beams, hitting the quick action wing system. He stood up, or tried to, but his artificial wings became tangled with a system of nets under the pier. Damn, he thought. Ah gotta ask Dash how ta use these...
Soarin flew forward, striking Tinder Hoof straight in the chest with his right hoof. She fell, skipping on the sand. Soarin followed through, landing next to her. He threw her into the air with a blast from his wings, then spun and bucked her square in the chest.
“OOF!” Tinder Hoof skidded to a stop on the sand. She wobbled up, emptying the contents of her bag on the ground next to her. Her back hooves dug in, Tinder started madly flinging bombs in Soarin’s general direction.
Soarin took off, slaloming between eruptions of fire and ash. The heat was intense, catching the tip of Soarin’s right wing. It threw off his balance a bit, not enough to take him out of the air.
“Are you crazy!?!” Soarin shouted above the thunderous booms.
Tinder Hoof released a feral growl, continuing her relentless assault. Well, that answered my question. Soarin swerved around the another blast, uppercutting her in full stride. Tinder flew up close to eight feet before she started to drop. Her descent didn’t last long, however. Soarin grabbed the scruff of her neck, rocketing upwards.
“Grrrr!” Tinder’s mood had changed so drastically, Soarin felt as if this was a completely different pony.
He carried her high, even as Tinder bit at his arm. The air whipped past them, reminding Soarin of so many tricks he'd performed. Soarin stopped abruptly, releasing his grip. Tinder Hoof hovered for a bit, thrashing wildly at Soarin. He watched as she started to drop. Go time, bitch.
Soarin caught up to her, wrapping his forelegs around her from behind. He thrust himself downward, hitting terminal velocity about 200 yards above the harbor. He neared the sea, his passenger fighting all the while. A aerodynamic cone started to form around them, splitting through the clouds below.
“LOOKS LIKE YOU COULD USE A BATH!” Soarin shouted, releasing his grip. He pulled away just in time to fly over the water, a large splash rippling behind him. Soarin landed on the beach, brimming with confidence.
“HELL YE-YAHH!” he cheered. “You can take those bombs and shove ‘em!”
“Um, Soarin?”
“An‘ don’t even think about comin‘ round Ponyville...!”
“Soarin!”
He turned around, facing Mac. Mac was tangled up in a grouping of fishing nets. His mechanical wings had ejected, and he hung just above the ground, spinning slowly.
“A little help?”
Soarin covered his muzzle, stifling a laugh. “Sure...Mac...” His composure was breaking. He walked up to Mac, chuckled under his breath. “Ya gonna tell me how you got outta that building?”
“Sure...” said Mac. “After ya’ll cut me down.”
“Mac! Soarin!” Quickstep strode up to the two, who were walking back towards the castle. An unconscious, and slightly soaked Tinder Hoof sat on Mac’s back. She pointed at her.
“That’s our culprit, eh?”
Mac nodded. “Eeyup. How about yer end?”
She shrugged. “Everypony cleared out just fine. Had a spot of trouble with some fishers...” She cracked her knuckles mischievously. “But they came around.”
“...Alright, then.” A bead of sweat dripped off Soarin’s brow. “Let’s get going, huh?”
The other two agreed and continued their trek back to the Royal Palace.
Back at the castle...
“Good work, my ponies.” Luna was pleased with the way things had turned on. Well, as pleased as one could be, considering an entire district was nearly destroyed. The re-construction would take a lot of work, but for now, catching another one of Wildheart’s minions would have to do.
“Did you learn anything important?” Luna asked.
“Eeyup.” Mac coughed, a drop of blood landing on his foreleg. “Explosions hurt.”
“Thought you had learned that month’s ago?”
“Ouch” Mac chuckled. “Point taken.” He waved to their prisoner. “Think ya’ll can handle her? She’s...quite energetic.”
Luna mock-scoffed. “I think we are capable.”
With that, the ponies were ushered from the palace. Mac had tried to talk to Celestia about what happened during his first fight, but she’d been too busy to give him the time of day. Mac and Soarin just about made it out of the courtyard, when they were stopped.
“Hey Mac!”
He spun around, seeing Quickstep trotting towards them. She was out of uniform, too. A light green mare, she was slightly bulkier than most. That came with being a guard. Her mane was two streaks of light blue, surrounded by gold. Quickstep’s eyes were probably the most interesting thing about her. They were near diamond white, saturated with speckled blue dots.
“Mac...” she said, catching up to them. “Hey.”
“Howdy.” He looked up and down Quickstep. “Outta the uni already?”
“Ohh, yeah..I..” she blushed. “I just wanted to properly thank you, for last time..”
Mac laughed. “Ah told ya, Ah was just doin...” He was interrupted by a kiss on the cheek.
“Thanks” Quickstep breathed. She walked away, back into the royal courtyard.
“Nice!” Soarin smirked. “Where’s mine?”
Mac smiled and shook his head. “If Ah recall correct, ya’ll were asleep.”
“Hey,” started Soarin. “Knocked out and asleep are two different things.” They jumped in a carriage Luna provided them. “Seriously, though. You should go for it, dude!”
Mac frowned. “Soarin, ya’ll know Ah’m dating Twilight.” He hadn’t told Soarin about his...relationship status. Only Twilight, AJ, and Rainbow Dash knew of it. And Applejack didn’t like to think about. She’d admitted that she didn’t like the fact that her brother was lying about this, especially since it involved one of her best friends. But, because of the whole situation, and because AJ trusted him, she didn’t chew him out. Much.
“No you’re not” Soarin replied, in a matter-of-fact manner.
Big Mac twitched. “Wha-what? Yes Ah am...”
“Mac, it’s all over your face.”
Big Mac was stunned. Am Ah that easy to read?
“No, you’re actually pretty hard to read.”
Mac was perplexed by Soarin’s sudden mind-reading abilities. “H-How...?”
“Well...” Soarin spoke, “It’s in your eyes. I don’t know why you’re going through this charade, but it’s obvious to me that you’re not that interested in her.”
“That about hits the nail on the head, Soarin” Mac sighed. “She’s a great friend, don‘ get me wrong, but...”
“There’s somepony else, ain’t there?” Soarin grinned.
“Eeyup.”
“Far be it from me to get into your love life, Mac.” Soarin had him hooked on every word. “Buuuuuuuut....”
“Yeah?” Mac was nearly leaning into Soarin at this point.
“Don’t go chasin‘ Rainbows that aren’t there. Just let your chances take flight. And if she rejects you, don’t go gettin‘ all blue.” Soarin winked at every blatant innuendo.
“Okay, okay. Ya’ll figured it out.” Mac huffed. “Ya don’ need to make fun. An’ how do ya’ll know so much about this kinda stuff?”
“Nah, I don’t” Soarin laughed. “But it’s too fun. And to your second question...the wonderbolts contains six of the craziest, yet most level-headed mares I’ve ever met.”
He sat forward. “Now, I got a question.” He pointed at Mac. “How the hell did you get outta that burning building?”
Mac leaned back in his seat. “Ah suppose ya’ll earned it.
Sorry, Equestria...Soarin, AJ, AB...
2...
Take care, Dashie...
1...
The roof cracked above him, a thunderous boom echoed out. A scarred beam crushed on top of Mac. Had he not been augmented so few months ago, the wood would have shattered his spine. Mac was pushed through the floor, water soon engulfing him.
Air bubbled from his mouth. Should’ve taken a deeper breath... Mac was pinned to the harbor floor. A forceful blast could be seen from above, but from his submerged perspective, it felt like nothing at all.
Mac twisted and turned, trying to pry the weight off his body. Come...on....damn it! He was quickly losing breath. Wedging his hooves under the beam, he pushed against the sediment floor, lifting the beam off him.
Mac shot his back legs into the ground and swam as fast as he could. Air....need air. The thought carved into his mind like a knife through butter.
“Bbbbbbbrrgrgr....AHHH!” Mac reached the surface, coughing up a solvent of water, dirt, and blood. Must’ve broke a rib...
He clawed his way through the sea, following the sound of booms. He allowed the waves to wash him closer to shore. Mac heard a familiar voice as he neared the beach.
“This isn’t a joke!”
“An‘ that’s when Ah caught up with you.”
Soarin wore an approving smile. “Not bad.”
“So...ya think it’s time for a break?” Soarin looked to Mac with pleading eyes.
Mac thought for a bit. Ah’m not sure ‘bout takin‘ a day off....but Ah think at the very least Soarin deserves it...
“Soarin, Ah think...”
Mac caught his breath. He tried to speak, but...nothing came out. He pushed his lungs, only to feel a sharp, jabbing pain. His eyes stretched open.
“Soarin...!” Mac spat his name, accompanied with more blood. He tried again, but only blood came this time.
“Mac?” Soarin said fearfully. “Mac?”
Big Mac collapsed into a heap on the carriage floor, blood leaking from his muzzle. Soarin shouted for the drivers to head straight for Ponyville medical.
“Mac!?!”
“An‘ don’t even think about comin‘ round Ponyville...!”
The transmission died. A deep, menacing cackle reverberated around the shadowed room.
“Ruby, my dear? Tell me about this....Ponyville.”
A quiet murmur, shuffling hooves, and a light chuckle accompanied the question.
“Oh, really? The elements, you say? Well, not that I have much use for them. They look so dreadfully tacky!” The voice hummed deeply. “Though, I suppose getting them out of the way should be a priority.”
Ruby voiced her disapproval.
“Oh nonsense, filly! And besides, I’ve been wanting to meet these two little cyborgs who’ve been spoiling my operations as of late.” He leaned forward, arching his eyebrows and smiling so wide, it looked painful.
“Let’s take a trip to Ponyville...”