Another Life

by Ironwolves21

Chapter Seventeen

Riot yawned widely, his hooves stretching out in separate directions as light from outside beamed into his small room. The tall stallion sat up; rubbing his eyes with the back of a hoof.
The past few days had been kind to Riot; he had found himself growing more and more accustomed to how a normal life was supposed to feel. He had Crumpets and the other veterans to thank for that.

In a way, that was what was going to make today a hard day. Today was the day he left for Ponyville. Riot sighed quietly as water washed over his hooves, then his face. The faucet didn’t even dribble it was so new. As Riot shook his hooves dry, a knock came from his door.

“Riot? It’s Crumpets.” She was speaking softly, as if to not disturb him if he was still asleep. The mare opened the door anyway, giving the wheels of her chair a roll to get herself inside. “Howdy, ‘Cap!” She said, cheerfully.

The stallion straightened up, and faced the mare. “Hey there Hot Wheels, fancy seeing you in this neighbourhood.” He cracked a smirk, and wrapped a hoof around the mare. “Good to see you Lily.”

Crumpets raised an eyebrow. “Somepony’s friendly. What, did the docs start giving you viagra?” She asked with a chuckle, giving him a playful swat with a forehoof.

Riot rolled his eyes as he levitated a few things into his bag. “Nah, I don’t think I need that swill just yet.” He chuckled lightly. “I’m actually heading back to Ponyville for a few days;I’m going to try and follow the steps of that program you gave me.” He ended the sentence with a huff, then shrugged. “Step one, make amends.”

The chairbound mare gave him a warm smile. “Good for you Cap... It was great having you back, old man.” She said with a chuckle, before leaning up to peck him on the cheek. The mare gave him a smirk, then started rolling herself out of the room without another word.

Riot’s eyes opened fully at the light kiss, but he didn’t say anything edge wise. He watched the chair-bound mare roll out into the hall, then out of his sight. Riot let out a chuckle before finishing his packing.

“Captain Riot to Dr Stuarts office, Captain Riot to Dr Stuarts office.”

The intercom blared through the mood in the room like a belligerent drunk at a movie theatre. Riot sighed in defeat as he hefted his duffel over his shoulder.

Riot shook his head as he entered the hallway; he made a quiet little quip at his own circumstance for his own amusement. “No rest for the wicked, eh?”

“Sergeant Crumpets to Dr Stuarts office, Sergeant Crumpets to Dr Stuarts office.”

Riot looked up for a moment, and after a moment his mind started wandering over the implications. Further up the hall, Riot could see Crumpets wheeling towards the elevator.

Riot rolled his eyes yet again, and cantered to catch up to the mare as she rolled down the hallway. “Come on hotrod, wait up! Hold the door!” Riot broke into a gallop.

The mare gave him a coy, devilish smile as she turned around in the metal container. She placed a hoof over her mouth to mock surprise as the door slid closed just as Riot reached it. “Ooops!”

The older stallion let out a displeased nicker as he caught the start of her giggle. His gaze went to the stairs, and his knees gave a preliminary protest. “Fuck me…”
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After several minutes, Riot finally reached Dr. Stuarts office. He wiped a bit of sweat from his brow and readjusted his clothes. Riot let out a breath, then lifted his hoof to knock on the door.

As his hooves knocked against the wood, they heard papers being shuffled away. “Come in.”

Crumpets opened the door, and shit Riot a smirk. “What took you so long Cap’? Take the long way down?”

Riot shot her a edgy smile that bordered on dangerous. “Oh yeah, just decided to stretch my legs.” The mare pouted at the sting, but decided against responding.

The doctor simply motioned towards the chair in front of his desk. “Have a seat Captain.”

Riot eased down into the plush chair, his knees groaning once again in protest. Wouldn’t be long before they went on strike. “I- Ach. I assume you brought me here over the housing issue we discussed yesterday?” Riot asked as he started to relax a bit.

The pony behind the desk nodded with a small smile on his features. “Yes, things are already underway to have it in your name by the time you arrive tonight.” He places a large bag on the table. “This is a gift from the princess herself to you, to purchase furnishings and commodities for yourself and your son.

Riot balked at the size of the bag. “I don’t think I’ll need that many bits. How much can a mattress cost?” Riot shook his head. “I’ll take half, I don’t feel comfortable taking that much. Use it on a pizza party for the troops or something.”

Crumpets rolled her eyes. “Take the bits, ‘Cap. It’s a gift. From the princesses.” She said, hoofing him in the shoulder. She reached for the bag, and placed it in his lap. “Get Hunter something special for Hearth’s Warming.”

Riots nose scrunched up. “I already got him something nice, and I’m a horrible pony, so I regift a lot of things.” He smirked lightly. “Do I really have to be the pony to tell all of those soldiers they can’t have free pizza?”

The mare sighed. “You could never take a gift.” She said to herself, leaning back in her chair.

Doctor Stuart smiled. “I’m sure the rest of the troops will be very happy.” He took the bag back from Riot, and removed a number of bits from it. Riot could feel it was a bit heavier than just half, but he let it slide anyway.

Riot smiled happily, nodding to the doctor. “It just seems wasteful for just one stallion.” He glanced up at the clock. “You wouldn’t happen to know when the next bus leaves eh?” He plopped the duffel onto the ground. “I wouldn’t mind spending a bit of time here in Canterlot.”

The burgundy stallion took a look at the clock as well. “You have about an hour, enough time to go out for a while before you have to leave.” He said, smiling at Riot. “I’m happy to see the vast improvements you’ve gone through, lately. Lets hope things stay as quiet as they have been.”

The unicorn nodded in agreement. “I think the worst of it’s come and gone.” Riot glanced over at Crumpets, who seemed to be lost in thought. “Maybe the Sergeant can escort me around the city, seeing how she’s kept me in line for the most part as it is.”

The mare smiled. “Sound good to me, ‘Cap! I know a few places.” She looked to the doctor. “Thanks ‘Doc, I’ll see you soon.” She said, deftly turning her chair around. “Come on, Riot! Time’s a wastin.”

Just as the stallion stood up, Doctor Stuart lifted up a hoof. “Oh, Captain. One more thing.” Riot turned and nodded at the other stallion, who held up a parcel. “Wouldn’t it be a shame if you didn’t know where your own house was?”

Riot rolled his eyes and grabbed the parcel with his magic. “Thanks Miria, I’ll see you next week.” Crumpets cleared her throat; having held the door open the entire time. The doctor waved them off, and quickly returned to his work.

The mare gleefully rolled herself down the hall, going slowly enough for Riot to keep pace with a slow canter. “So, what do you want to do, ‘Cap? Well, aside from a marathon, or maybe swimming.”

Trotting through the main foyer, Riot scratched the back of his head. “Not sure, maybe we should do lunch?” He paused for a moment to wave at the receptionist and hold the door open for Crumpets.

“That could be nice.” She said with a smile. “I know a place, come on, if you think you can keep up!” Crumpets really put on the speed, her chair clickity-clacking down the cobblestones of the Canterlot street.

“Is that a challenge I hear? You already made me run down the stairs.” Riot cantered up next to her, easily keeping pace. “Maybe we should do the swimming after all.” The stallion did his best to ignore most of the ponies around him as he chased after the rocket mare.

She looked at him for a moment. “You’re pretty cocky, huh?” Before pointing ahead. They were headed for a steeply-inclined hill, where the wheels of her chair would easily beat out his hooves. “Seeya at the bottom!” She said, speeding up already as they began to reach the incline.

Riot huffed at the sudden change of favours. “No fair!” He started galloping after her, even though there was no chance of keeping up. In the back of his mind, Riot hoped that the bottom would be just as smooth, and that Crumpets would be safe.

The mare rocketed down the hill, the incline gradually settling down, her speed keeping up. Thankfully there were few ponies, and the ones that were there had the common sense to get out of the way of the speeding chair.

As the blue rocket finally slowed to a stop, Riot came up next to her, huffing and sweating heavily. “Fucking… Shit...You planned this...Didn’t you?” At her laugh, he assumed the answer. “Right. Are we nearly there?”

“Mmhmm! Just down the street.” She said, smiling, and pointing towards a brick building. The mare wasn’t even winded. “Best sandwiches in Canterlot.”

Riot rolled his eyes. “They’d better be, I didn’t sign up for a bloody marathon.” The mare giggled happily, then started wheeling towards the small shop. The stallion sighed in defeat, and quickly followed up behind the mare. “Seriously… I’m getting too old for this shit.”

As they entered the small shop, a lithe unicorn mare on roller skates skidded to a stop in front of them. “Well hi there! Table for two?” She held a clipboard and a bundle of menus with her magic. Riot nodded, and the mare sped away towards their table, depositing two menus. She smiled broadly, and backed up a bit so Crumpets could hop over into the booth. “Can I get you two anything to drink?”

“Coffee for me.” Riot turned the cover of his menu over, and started browsing the edible options.

Crumpets wiggled a bit, trying to get comfortable. “I think I’ll have the sweet tea.” The green unicorn nodded again, and wheeled away, leaving the two to their thoughts.

Riot hemmed and hawed over the menu, not entirely sure as to what he wanted. Within a minute Crumpets had already set her menu aside and was tapping the table impatiently. Riot cocked an eyebrow, but didn’t look up. The blue earth pony groaned in annoyance. “Celestia, why do you always take so looooong?”

He glanced up from his menu for a moment. “Not the kind of thing I thought you would complain about; I always figured that lasting longer was wanted.”

Crumpets flushed at the innuendo, and quickly busied herself twirling a lock of her dark mane around her hoof. “Th-that’s not what I meant....”

As the waitress rolled up, Riot shot Crumpets a smug grin. “I know.”

The sound of skidding plastic wheels interrupted any rebuttal the Trottingham mare had formed. “Here’s your drinks! Coffee for the Sir, sweet tea for the madame!” The unicorn smiled brightly. “Can I take your order now?”

Riot nodded quickly. “Yeah, I’ll have the lily sandwich, with extra sauce.”

Crumpets picked up her menu again and flipped through. “Uhh....Daffodils for me please.”

The waitress nodded, writing down the orders. “Awesome! I’ll be back soon with your food.” She stuffed the notepad in her pocket, but didn’t speed off. She bit her lip, then turned back to the pair. “I’m sorry if I’m being rude, but I’m just so curious!” Riot and Crumpets shared a look of trepidation. “I just wanted to know why you’re in a wheelchair. What happened?”

The blue mare rolled her eyes as she looked back over to Riot. “War happened.” Her eyes fell to the chair, and the waitress nodded quickly, speeding away on quick apologies and the promise of food. Crumpets sighed sadly as she set her head down on her hooves. “Bloody civvies…” She shook her head in disbelief. “I get this shit every time… The looks, the questions, the curious foals…” Crumpets rubbed the bridge of her nose with the edge of her hoof.

Riot frowned and got up, switching sides so he was next to her. Placing a gentle hoof over her slumped shoulders; he couldn’t help but see a bit of himself sitting there, all depressed and covered in self-loathing. Riot gave her a supportive squeeze. “I’m here Crumpets, if you need-” His sentence was cut off as Crumpets wrapped her hooves around him; burying her muzzle into his chest.

They sat there for a moment, quiet as could be, until Crumpets broke the silence with a ragged breath. “I’m alright now...Thanks Riot.” She straightened up; wiping her eyes with the back of her hoof. She forced a small smile, and turned to face Riot. “I’m sorry about that...It’s just...”

Riot placed a hoof on hers. “Sometimes the memories catch up to you.” He let out a smile. “Maybe you should come up with a kickass story about how you saved the whole platoon from certain destruction. You know, just for the civvies.”

Crumpets let out a choked giggle, and gave the stallion a shot to the chest. “You ass...” She placed a tentative hoof on his. “Thank you.” She nuzzled him lightly, just as the waitress rolled up with their food.

The plates were set down with gentle ease, as well as a pair of small chocolate cakes. The waitress flushed a bit. “I’m sorry for asking about the wheelchair, so I brought cakes.” She smiled sheepishly, and quickly retreated from whence she came as Riot switched back over to his side of the table.

The pair shared a quick chuckle, then looked over their food. Without much to say conversation wise, they dug in. As he chewed, Riot couldn’t help but brood slightly over his future. The mare across from him noticed the near pained look on his face as he scrunched up his muzzle while he ate. Crumpets set down her sandwich and braced her head on her hoof. “Something wrong Cap’?”

Riot shook his head as he finished chewing. He held up a hoof for a moment as he cleared his throat. “Nah, just thinking.”

Crumpets pursed her lips together into a smug grin as she spoke. “I’ll believe it when I see it.” The stallion shot her a look as he took another bite of the sandwich. Seeing the disdain in his eyes, Crumpets held up a hoof in defence as she giggled. “What?”

The bunch of napkins next to Riot flew at her as if they had been fired out if a shotgun. Before they hit her, the paper projectile blew open, and the starch white projectiles fluttered into Crumpets’ face as she recoiled with a yelp of surprise. It was Riots turn to laugh as the napkins floated to the ground harmlessly. As the mare shot him a look of half assed malice, Riot simply shrugged his shoulders before taking a sip of his coffee. “What?”

Before the blue pony could mount her counter attack, the waitress rolled up with a pot of coffee balanced in her magic. “Anypony need a refill?” As she scanned the pair, the unicorn couldn’t help but notice the sheer amount of napkins strewn about. “And more napkins?” She asked timidly.

Crumpets threw her hooves in the air, in a frail attempt to save her self. “Don’t rearm him!”

Riot broke out into a loud laugh that shook his entire frame. He slowly shook his head as his eyes went up to the horribly confused waitress. Laughing as he spoke, Riot barely got the words out. “Ju-just a refill, please.” The waitress nodded quickly; filling his cup before she skated off. The mare across from him let out a content sigh as the rest of her food disappeared from existence. The stallion glanced up as he poured a pair of sugar packets into the cup. He managed a small smile, then went back to his coffee.

The mare cocked an eyebrow; her Trottingham accent coming through as she spoke. “What was that look for?” As Riot opened his mouth to speak, he was cut off by a loud beep. He blinked, then looked over at the mare, who seemed at the very least, quite miffed at the little device she brought up. “Damn. Doc needs to see me.” She sighed unhappily as she stuffed the pager into a small pocket in her combats.

Riot nodded as he stood up; stretching lazily before offering a helping hoof to Crumpets. The mare took it, if not just for the contact, rather than the help. He glanced over at the half empty coffee mug; a curious look crossing his muzzle for half a moment.

For a moment, he could almost swear he heard somepony else speaking to him. Riot glanced about, but only saw Crumpets, and the waitress, who seemed busy having their bill printed out.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...

Riot picked his head up and looked around. He was sure he had heard something that time. His eyes wandered about, looking for anything, or anyone, who could be saying something. He trotted up next to Crumpets and tapped her shoulder. “Did you say something?”

Crumpets looked up at him in confusion. “No, don’t think so.” She smiled at him, and gestured towards the till. “Come on, we-”
I shall fear no evil...

Riot blinked; raising his hoof to rub his eyes. “We should pay the bill and get going.”

IFor the shadow is mine.

The mare smirked at him. “That’s what I just said you copycat.” Crumpets poked him in the ribs playfully. “Doc’s waiting for me big guy, think you can carry the bill?” He nodded absent mindedly, which drew a small smile from her. Crumpets leaned forward, pecking the stallion on the cheek. “Keep in touch all right?”

Riot nodded again, but this time he was paying attention. “Of course, I’ll prolly be back next week as it is.” He smiled lightly. “Go on, get outta’ here ya scamp.” He shooed the mare off with a hoof, but certain thoughts still lingered in his mind.

As Crumpets wheeled out the door, the waitress rolled up, her eyes flitting to and fro. She came to a stop in front of the stallion and produced a small slip of paper. “Your bill sir.” Riot glanced over at her, then back to his half empty coffee and uneaten cake. She sucked in a bit of breath before speaking. “You uh...You don’t have to pay right away sir! You can finish your food, I just assumed-”

Riot held up his hoof, silencing the mare. He sighed slowly as he sat down and started digging out enough bits. Hoofing the proper amount over, plus a bit more, Riot asked politely: “Could you get me a quick refill?”
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Comments

[Ironwolves21]

Cripes, that took forever to do.

Anyways, here's a small chapter to keep you guys sedated, at least until I get my ass in gear. Special thanks to Saivost for proofreading.

[Lord Legion]

Is there a possiblity of the reader choosing who Riot ends up with? It seems like that's what you're building up part of the story to do toward the end. I think that would be pretty cool if that is what you are planning.

[Ironwolves21]

2171345

I was thinking about that, but I'm not sure how it would work with the ending I've got planned. Will keep everyone posted. Muhahaha

[nevergone]

i found the biggie smalls quote

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...

here is the youtube video for the song

[Fallingraptor19]

How much time has passed? At the begining of this story he did not sounds like a "old" stallion then he was knocked out for a year. Now it sounds like hes in his 60s about to kick the bucket.