In telling a story, there are many side stories. This is one such side story Between a friend of Wondering Sunrise's named Chifundo and his budding romance with A unicorn mare feeling past her prime
This story is an offshoot from the Fallout Equestria: Dead Tree story written by Tread Lightly otherwise known as Fiaura based on a pen and paper group we play in set in the Fallout: Equestia universe.
Chifundo a slightly effeminate Zebra Stallion Shaman, along with his companions ran headlong through the irradiated rain looking for shelter which thankfully they found in time to save the sicker members of the group, though for Chiffundo, he would also discover somepony to take his breath away.
(Note this is based upon the Fallout: Equestria PnP being published by Dead Tree Studios, check it out here:http://projectdeadtree.com/site/
To warn readers, there will be inconsistency in posting pace as it will depend on when Chifundo gets to spend time with Picline in the pnp sessions
I know not why I write this short tale. My untruth surely does fail Among my people the cause respected But in Equestria the source suspected
For you see I have fortune To be one in tune With a creatures apparition. With long life and superstition
Which existed before the megaspells fell Who’s premonitions rarely bode well Older perhaps than Wandering Sunrise Who finds out with Surprise
Can converse with the pony Pink Who moves with a blink A mane of riotous curls And with joy she whirls
I thought the Pink one does share and refuse I do not dare To tell this tale of Love anew So that hope can renew
Part 1: The Way the Wind Blows
To flee the shop was a priority, to get away from the glowing monstrosity. I could write a chapter on the events in that donut shop but that isn’t this story, what is important is that the place was a mess of corrupting energy after the glowing one detonated in such spectacular fashion. The down side was the radiation infused rain we had taken shelter from was still falling and with Sunrise feeling the effects quickly and Alguacil not looking much better we needed shelter soon. Fortunately Nyota’s keen eye picked out a parking structure which looked promising and we made fast pace towards the building.
Approaching the building we were challenged from above by some ponies to stop or they will shoot. Sunrise, bless her golden heart stepped to the fore of our group, looked up to the sentries and waved to them pleasantly greeting them, all the while wavering under the effects of the ever mounting radiation poisoning her body that was not ready for it. I think the stunned the sentries for a moment, I mean it's not everyday you hear such a, dare I say, old world reaction to being challenged. In the end it turned into the right thing to do as the sentries, invited us into the welcome shelter of the building.
2 of the Sentries, both mares, had climbed down from their posts by the time we had reached the the structure's threshold. I Bowed in respect and thanks to the mares for letting us shelter, the sentries on the other hoof were startled to realise there was a filly amongst who was strongly feeling the affects of the radiation, quickly they ushered us inside of the structure, one of the sentries, a pretty unicorn with a red mane and light grey coat visible through the gaps in her piecemeal armour picking Sunrise up in a spell bubble as the filly fought valiantly to remain standing. Sunrise panicked by suddenly being lifted off her feet started to spin in the bubble which did not help her stomach keep its contents in check which contained a worrying amount of blood.
As we accompanied our escorts we hurried into the sub basement where the settlement had some sort of clinic, as we passed I was able to take in my surroundings which as a whole looked to be home to a good sized settlement built of surviving masonry, scrap and anything else usable all packed in tight to the supports and ceilings. There was however an air to this place, its lack of balance was nothing new to me, my travels had taken me to many places where the damage from the mega spells went far deeper than the physical, I had a sense of danger which went beyond the openly armed population, I wish I had the time to investigate then, though I am unsure what I could have done.
Sunrise, despite her terrible state had also noticed that the population was openly armed with all manner of weapons, the unicorn’s reply was the same told throughout the wastes, “Oh that is how we make sure no one does anything hostile or dumb, everypony here is armed and knows how to use their weapon.”
The implied warning made me think of Sugar Cube who had a habit of finding trouble and how to restrain her less helpful habits in this, but short of binding her inside the box to the floor of, I had no ideas.
We raced into the medical office to dry off, Sunrise and Alguacil were seen to immediately while the rest of us were given the option for a few IVs of a home brew radaway to flush out the radiation and rehydrate us, with a cup of water and a rad free cracker to help our stomachs recover.
While Sunrise was being worked on by the staff she went unconscious and It took some time for her to wake again with Nyota, Quick Stitch and myself standing vigil. When she came to Sunrise muttered about forgiveness which cause a few moments of confusion. The filly still looked in bad shape but the spark had returned to her purple eyes and we knew it was a matter of time before she was back on her feet again.
While we rested and the sentry turned nurse who had been looking after us tended to Sunrise, I guided Nyota and Quick Stitch back a bit to give the nurse space to work. As Sunrise was being attended to she asked the unicorn’s name, she seemed a little abashed, or surprised but quickly recovered to answer that her name is Picline.
Taking I couldn't help in that distraction to look over the pretty mare, her light grey coat was solid which contrasted with her mane of a strong red, she looked to be about 29, perhaps a little older than I would normally find interesting, nevertheless her eyes, those burgundy eyes found that window to my soul which fills the heart and lungs leaving you short on breath.
After taking a few seconds, my heart still racing but my powers of speech had at least returned, “If I may, Picline so gracious, What do we owe for treatment so tenacious?”
Picline smiled at me “Well it is rare a pretty stallion like you comes along, but we can discuss that in depth. The Rad-B-Gone isn't terribly expensive since we can cook it ourselves but Sunrise's Rad-A-Away may be a bit, costly.” Spark, Did Picline’s eyes just flutter as she said that?
Think Chufundo, focus on your heart, slow it down, keep talking, "We can cover the cost, Life is too precious to be lost." By the spirits how is my voice so normal?
“Oh I'm sure you can, after all a handsome stallion like yourself is certainly worthy of keeping healthy.” came Picline's reply turning her flank slightly and swishing her tail. Zap, She batted her eyes at me again.
Definitely flirting, oh spirits Chifundo, seriously get a grip of yourself, how has no one had this affect on me before? Are we soul bound? Get a grip, keep talking or she will think you are somepony broken, “I'm sure you will be reasonable, what do you believe would be feasible?” Not helpful brain, this wonder of pony kind is flirting with you and all you can talk is business!
“Oh yes, quite feasible,” Picline moved and blushed up against me, lightning prickling along where she touched, this wasn't just flirting it was outright hitting on!.
At this stage I was losing all semblance of my body’s natural balance, the heat was rising in more places than one, eyes loosing focus, muscles locked, heart thumping, breathing heavy, brain... well I am unsure how I am recalling anything at this point. To top it all off at this stage there were only two things this stunning pony wanted from me and they could work together very well, if only I could get my mouth to utter the right words. Also despite my frozen state I could tell that every eye in the room was focused entirely on me waiting for my response. “And what price would you Consider, that we should pay for our treatment figure?”
My soul screamed out at for help, desperately is searched my vision when I saw the pink one sat on the table clearly desperately thinking when her eyes shot to Sunrise, the pink pony’s eyes lit up and she dashed across my vision towards Sunrise speaking to her words I could not hear and making gestures I could not quite understand.
Sunrise gathered the Rad-A-Way and moved behind me, opposite side to Picline. After a moment Sunrise moved right in front of me, “Sunrise I know not-” I managed to utter before the filly’s facehoof stopped me in my tracks for a second. With a flash of irritation I tried to continue “As I was saying, you know not what-”
Slap, next thing I knew Sunrise’s tail had slapped me on my ass, between that and Picline giggled I managed to keep my mouth shut until the green filly had her say."I haven't had the hearts and hooves talk yet,” my mouth started to open but Sunrise resorted to outright shouting. “Chifundo! Spirit Shaman of the Wasteland. I am telling you right now, that mare wants you to ask her out on a date! Take a hint! I haven't even had a proper hooves and hearts talk yet but this filly you've been following can see it.” she finished with a dramatic snort and stared me down like a mare much older than she.
The blunt delivery cause my stripes to flush but had done what was needed, I was back in control… well I had some control back, I turned to Picline, offered her a bow as an apology and asked “Ahhh…. Pickline so sweet, would you like to later meet?”
Pickline practically tackled me and it took all my strength to stay upright as the mare embraced me with the energy of a newly turned mare, “ABSOLUTELY YES! You are the most handsome fine example of zebra I've seen ever.” She hopped down to all fours. “Not to mention the traveling companions you are with are quite wonderful. You're all stuck here till the rain passes anyway,” I swear her coat had taken on a new shine, gleaming white, her red mane blazed with fire, her burgundy eyes taking new depths of rich colour.
Picline dashed for the door in a full gallop, “I'll see you tonight Chifundo! At 7:30! Use the clock in the market square if ya need one.” She shouted back as the doors didn't even have a chance to close till the red mane mare was out of sight.
Sunrise, visibly drained from the strain shuffled to a chair next to her bed with the Rad-A-Way suspended above her.
I was at a loss what to do, my heart a flurry, my thoughts racing, seemingly thinking of everything but containing nothing. Fortunately my stunned state was disturbed by the approach of an earth pony in medical whites, he looked at Sunrise “Ello there, I'm Doc Hacksaw, father of Doc Bonesaw. I got a letter informing me who your group was from him at Silver Fang Shanty.” He took a long drawn dry breath and smiled a bit more. “So, with your zebra friend here, Chifundo was it?”
I snapped out of my revere just in time to register the question. “That is the name I hold in this domain.”
Doc Hacksaw snorted, “Right the peculiar sort I have to admit but Picline has never been known to go for the normal ones.” I raised an eyebrow at his comment but decided it best not to pursue it further.
He looked right at Sunrise and nodded, “I suppose you are the leader of this group. Now considering how happy he made Picline, I'm willing to give ya a discount.” Sunrise seemed to brighten up at that comment. “It'll be 400 caps for all the anti-radiation meds ya consumed.”
Listening to the price I decided that it was about right and started counting the caps from the group fund we had for just such times as this, that the price was right didnt help the sting of letting that many caps go, Sunrise and Alguacil however needed it, and the rest of us would benefit greatly for the flush so the price was worth paying.
With the account settled, Hacksaw turned to the group in general, “And what about you Sunrise? I see a question on your lips and you haven't asked it yet.” Sunrise kind of started for a second, I guess she was surprised that the seasoned doctor could tell when somepony has a thought on their mind, “Okay yes, have you seen a brown pegasus with a hot cross bun cutie mark pass through here?” Hacksaw's face lost it's luster after a few seconds.
“Yes, yes, he was here,” his age was showing as he spoke and there was an emotion of worry in there as well. “Badly injured, his wing was nearly torn off completely and he was heavily radiation poisoned. But he was here.” There was a long pause while Hacksaw gathered his thoughts, “He disappeared from our medical ward in the night. I don't know what happened to him but pending any further injury, he is quite alive and was only here two weeks ago.”
Hmmmm, hopefully that means we are close, I hope he yet lives, I thanked the doctor for all he has done. Hacksaw took a few moments to check we were responding well to our treatment before heading to his office, on his way out the doctor whispered in my ear that there is a public shower near by.
In the meantime my thoughts drifted back to Picline, who is she? I hardly know the mare and yet something about her lights a fire in my blood, I could already tell my stripes were blushing again just at the thought of her, she is in good shape, her face pretty, but most of all, those eyes, I could get lost in those deep red depths. My thoughts snapped back to reality, and though my blush was still apparent. As my wits returned I looked myself up and down, noting the varying shades of pink and grey in my coat a shower was definitely in order ready for tonight’s date
To be a blazing pink, can be more embarrassing than you think. The shanty, seemingly called “The Roof”, thankfully had basic facilities and areas marked with crudely made signs suspended from the ceiling above making it easy for me to navigate to the communal showers. Sat outside was a bored looking unicorn at a desk who asked for a 5 cap fee to enter, in return he offered a small quantity of course soap and a dry towel which while looking washed also seemed to have various permanent stains at varying stages of fading. Inside the space was open with a number of simple wasteland shower heads with a pull cord to open and close the valve, which squeaked intensely to control the flow of water.
The sharp cold flow hit my back causing my muscles to tighten for a moment, the shock instantly dispelling the glowing heat in my pink stripes. The water running along the flat for a moment before trickling down my flanks in rivulets, gradually spreading along the length of my back. After acclimating to the temperature I rocked forwards to make sure my hind quarters were well wetted by the spray before backing up slowly to cover my neck in the icy flow, then it was crunch time holding my breath, I pushed back and lifted my face to the uncompromising spray; BUCK!!! Thats cold! As I was finishing the initial rinse and was about to start applying the soap the floor shook slightly, then again and again in the pattern of hoof steps. As I look towards the doorway of the showers I see what I can only describe as a mountain of a stallion, tall, dark well built without being ridiculous, the perfect draft horse build that would have mares sighing, eyelashes fluttering in his wake and the face to match. While I would not turn a stallion down, my preference is for something more my own scale and a little, softer, more feminine in features.
The equine mountain took position a couple of shower heads away, normally plenty of room but with this giant of a stallion personal space felt a little... lacking. The stallion looked over, “I didn't realise they let mares in here, I thought it was just a stallion’s stall.”
Oh spirits it was going to be one of those encounters, while the stallion’s tone seemed friendly I had been in this position often enough. You see while a Stallion, there is an… unusual aspect of my body which gives me feminine aspects to my features. Normally not a problem but when an Alpha stallion decides he needs to reinforce his ego, well I am often at the wrong end of the attention.
That said, it usually works out best if I try to deflect, at least to begin with. “Be assured I am stallion true, the pink is from family through, from story untold, to ask would be scold.” I said in the hopes of defusing things.
The stallion though had another idea as he stopped closer, “Oh… you are a stallion, I like the pink coat on you.”
Errrr what! My brain froze for a moment and I can tell you it wasn't from the water, the stallion wasnt challenging me… He was hitting on me! I had completely miss read the situation and twice in one day I was being hit on, spirits help me. To my other side I could hear a high pitched laughter peeling and in the corner of my vision the pink pony was rolling around clutching her sides.
“Name’s Rebar.” the stallion’s powerful voice rumbled with a slight husky undertone. I stammered for a second before replying “Rebar so strong so nice to greet, Chifundo my name it's nice to meet”
Personal space seemed to disappear to nothing when I could start to feel a sensual caress up my hind leg, it didn't take much to work out that Rebar’s tail was starting to warm things up a little in the freezing cold of the showers. “You new in town hansome?”
You know, if I hadn't already agreed to a date tonight I might have actually taken him up, but this is starting to get out of hoof, “ehm... Shelter from the rain we did need, our ask for help Picline did heed. Made well in Doctor and Pickline's care, Picline seems a truly nice mare.”
I hope he gets the message or else this could get very uncomfortable. “Oh yes, Picline is such a sweetheart, her and I have talked so much.” he sighed, “She needs to find a stallion, or a mare, preferably a mare and keep the stallions for myself if you know what I mean.” the last part delivered with a wink, grin and a mighty bump of his hip against mine causing me to slide to the right a good hoof length.
Rebar’s eyes widened a moment as he realised what he had done, wrapped his thick, strong tail around my middle, lifted me up and repositioned me back where I was. While I can appreciate a strong tail as much as the next zebra or pony, the feeling of being lifted like that was a little unsettling. “I’m sorry about that cutiepie, I tend to forget how strong I am.” Rebar said with a smirk and a giggle.
Still a little thrown by the sudden relocation, I managed to utter, “That’s quite alright, I am a little light.”
Rebar mused for a moment with a hum, “say, are you busy tonight hun?”
Thankful for this opening to let Rebar down gently I replied that, “Sadly while your company sweet, with Picline I have promised to eat.”
Rebar’s face lit up and looked to be a building bundle of joyous energy when I was roughly shoved aside, in my place another stallion equally well proportioned as Rebar who grunted at me, “What the buck do you want homewrecker?”
Rebar goes from ecstatic to mortified in the space of a heartbeat and manages to sputter out a defence of the statement the flirty stallion’s partner had made, “Now, now, Honey, Honey, its Its ok I was just, he’s new in town I was just…”
The newcomer turns, puts a hoof up to rebar to stop him in his tracks before turning back to me, eyes flairing with danger. “Can I help you?”
Put very much on the spot I scrambled for a reply which would diffuse the situation, thankfully this time the truth should work well, “Its quite alright, there's no need for a fight. Rebar greeting me kindly, when your arrival timely. With both of you I can share, news of my date with the mare Picline so fair. In this shower I clean so for her I can gleam.”
The newcomer, a black stallion of similar build to Rebar took a moment to register what I had said before giving out a massive squeal like the happiest filly in the world, the room shook as he trotted on the spot, “Ohhhhhh that's wonderful! I am sooo happy for her.” The black stallion and rebar look at each other grinning madly, eyes sparkling completely ignoring me as they reared up hoof to hoof and just twirled and danced around the showers merrily, the room shaking with every step, quaking with every bounce until the two stallions had burned through their excess of joy at the news.
What follows was the most intense scrub down I had ever experienced, the two lovers determined to get my light grey to shine pearly white, my pink to practically glow. My mane to sit just right, hooves polished and my every crease modest or not spotless, I swear they lingered over some places more than what was necessary or decent.
After an hour of showering and grooming, merely 45 minutes more than I planned, I stepped out of the showers scrubbed raw and groomed within an inch of my life. Looking around I could see the settlement clock and that I had over an hour before my date. Deciding that I should look for the group I followed the clock to the centre of the settlement’s public area, a Market with a mixture of stalls and shanty shops.
Looking around I couldn't see anyone I knew so decided to head to the clinic. Walking past a shop selling books I nearly fell over with a bump, taking a glance down I saw Sunrise sat on her haunches rubbing her head at the centre of a scattering of items. Bowing I made my apologies, “You have my apologies for the Surprise, for I did not see you little Sunrise.” as the fillie dusted herself off I helped pick up the curious selection of items she had been carrying.
“It's alright Chifundo, getting ready for your date?” Sunrise asked me while she checked that everything was in place.
“I believe I am ready indeed, unless you think more I need?” I replied while Sunrise looked me up and down with an expression I found curious.
The filly sighed, “Chifundo, go inside that tailor shop, I'll be back in a second.” I tilted my head sideways a little and she motioned in that insistent way that spoke beyond her waking days giving me little choice but to do as she instructed. Making sure I entered the shop she disappeared for a short while.
For now I was in a tailors, which despite its wasteland construction was decorated in a way which spoke of refinement and elegance, an attention to detail rarely seen. A unicorn ghoul in a well made black suit jacket over a high collared powder blue shirt worked away on a dress they were making over a pony manakin, the gown was a simple design of off white fabric with sparse details which on their own would be inconsequential but together gave the whole a sophisticated beauty which on the right mare would be stunning.
As I stood admiring the tailor’s work he spoke up, “Can I help you? Or do you plan to stand there and watch until I close soon?”
I almost jumped despite the tailors soft request, though his voice affected by his years as a ghoul, the smooth tones and refined mannerisms still remained in the background, this ghoul probably saw the spells hit, probably once had a place of respect.
“Ah... yes... I was hoping you could advise, something so tonight's date does not chastise.” I managed with an embarrassed grin and a hoof scratching the back of my head, trying not to blush too hard.
“Hmmm, one of those zebra I see, well tonight doesn’t leave me much time but let's see what I can do,” The ghoul spoke with an over emphasised sigh, gesturing the turntable his mannequin was on as he lifted it off, “Come on, hop hop, we don't have all night and I don't have anything in for your unusual colouration so this will be a custom piece and the chance to work my magic like I haven't in a long time.” The ghoul’s manner had in those seconds turned from a cool professionalism to something approaching joy, I think at the chance to work on something that wasn't the wasteland norm.
Carefully I stood on the indicated turntable, no sooner had I steadied myself the thing started jerking this way and that. Several tape measures playing across my body as the unicorn ghoul’s practiced art allowed him to measure me up, record the measurements while laying templates and samples against me in rapid succession; the display would have been impressive if it wasn't for the fact that I was at its centre and trying to remain still was proving a challenge.
As one measure went up the inside of my hind legs brushing against a rather sensitive of me causing a flush despite my present situation the door of the shop opened admitting Sunrise. The tailor glanced in her direction without so much as slowing down, “Yes little mare what can I help you with?”
Sunrise paused for a second, seemingly lost in thought before answering the ghoul, “Oh nothing, should I help pick out stuff for my friend and his date here?”
The ghoul looked at Sunrise quizzically, then appraisingly and after a moment spoke up “Is she your date? Isn't she a bit young?”
Queue furious blushing in my stripes, Sunrise on the other hoof slumped to the floor laughing causing myself and the tailor to look at each other with raised eyebrows, between bursts of giggling the filly managed “Oh, No no no no” and as she calmed down “I needed that, thank you...” looking up at the ghoul as she slowly climbed back to her feet.
Slowly getting the hint the ghoul introduced himself, “I am the great one and only, Cross Stitch! Renowned across...” He trailed off for a brief moment, “Well I suppose after 180 years I am not renowned as I used to be. But yes, Cross Stitch will do.” in that moment I could hear the pride Cross Stitch had in his name, the memories of what he had once achieved and a hint of resignation that the wastes no longer held awe for the achievements of himself and those like him.
It was Sunrise’s turn raise an eyebrow as she chuckled anew, “We have a stallion named Quick Stitch, I assume no relation?” And like that, almost on queue, Quick Stitch walked in. Quick Stitch’s arrival prompted another giggle from the filly who was riding high on the moment, something she needed with all the horrors the innocent youngster had been subjected to in recent days.
Quick Stitch’s arrival also seem to send a new idea racing through her head as she looked at me, then Cross Stitch, then Quick Stitch and back to me, “Chifundo, would you prefer a suit like Cross Stitch or something more like what I'd wear to a date?” Her eyes betrayed the tease she had aimed at me, wait, did she know? When did she look, the clinic?
Either way, Cross Stitch certainly did look! lifting my tail making me very uncomfortable causing my back end to shift and my stripes to flush again. When the tailor had finished and released my tail I clamped it down hard as I could, while my mixed gender is not embarrassing to me I find it less troublesome to keep it out of conversation and present myself as entirely a stallion, there is however a difference between discussing the topic and having a stranger lift my tail and stare at my rear lips without being invited!
Cross Stitch however only seemed mildly affected if at all as he lifted several new patterns and floating them over to me pressing them against my rear half, “Don't worry, I will measure you for both and fashion something that will be quite stunning. Wait, who is your date?”
“With Picline I am due to dine.” I managed past my embarrassment.
“OH! Picline! Well then, I shall have to make sure something special is ready for her to see!” just like with the lovers in the shower, Picline’s name seem to bring joy to Cross Stitch’s life, it seemed new life had been breathed into the old ghoul’s body “I have the very reason of inspiration now! A blending of the best gala dress mixed with the front of a gentlecolt suit! A truly unique piece!” He declared and scissors began to furiously cut away at fabrics. “Is, Chifundo going to be wearing a dress or a suit?” Quick Stitch asked as I struggled to stay still for the freshly animated tailor, the effort strippng me of words as I eyed shears and needle the subject of my combined male and female biology still causing a slight flush “Apparently if I understood Cross Stitch right, both,” the rest of the conversation was lost to me as I was forced to concentrate on maintaining my balance and answer Cross Stitche’s questions.
As time went on, Nyota arrived and Sunrise left, then after a short time and quick discussions with Cross Stitch both Nyota and Quickstitch also left after speaking briefly to the Tailor, Quick Stitch needing feathers for a plush toy for Nuka Nugget back in Silver Fang Shanty.
For my dinner attire, First was a stiff collared white shirt, then a green and white tartan patterned skirt which reached to my back knees with what Cross Stich was pleased to note discrete cuts and layers to allow trouble free access should the need arise. Over the shirt went a sharp, black waistcoat with white pinstripes; then a black jacket with tails reaching just past my own, all finished with a pink fedora, for contrast Cross Stitched explained joyfully. Into the ensemble was sewn pouches for caps, holster for my 9mm pistol under the jacket and breast pocket with a white handkerchief on the left side.
Paying Cross Stitch for his expert work, I stepped out of his shop feeling very over dressed for my surroundings, that said, a quick glance at the main clock said I had just enough time to reach the clinic if I got a move on.
Outside of the clinic was still, but inside my thoughts were about to spill. While I had the occasional hook up in the past, I think this was the first time dinner was involved, it felt like something you would read in a romance story set before the war, maybe it was something you still did in the settlements. Spending my whole life on the road as part of a nomadic tribe, and now as a traveler, getting strate to the point was more common. Not only was this new for me, but on top of that Picline is simply beautiful, well let's just say my stomach was fluttering pretty hard and it wasnt from hunger.
Noting that Picline wasn't outside I stepped into the clinic to look for her. As it turned out she was in the front office sorting through files and supplies. The door shutting behind me caused a gentle rattle against the surrounding scrap wall, prompting Picline to lift her head to look, “Oh Chifundo, you… you look dashing,” her voice trailing off as a smile spread across her face, “I feel so underdressed.”
My stripes began to flush again, “Www, why thank you Picline… Can I say lou look sublime.” I couldn't help but grin like an adolescent colt flustered when the pretty filly spoke to me.
“I hope you dont mind… I mean I hope you dont think it’s too forward, but there is a nice restaurant on the next level down and I made reservations...” The giddiness in Picline’s soul was plain to see even without being spiritually awakened.
“Too forward you are not, To hear of a nice spot. this place sounds delightful, into your heart I find insightful.” I couldnt help but smile at Pickline’s bashfulness, as well as reassuring me about my own nerves she took on a sweeter visage as her cheeks rosed a little against her coat. “Do you have anything you need to perfect? or to shall we go to dinner direct?” “Oh, erm, yeah that sound good, I’ve ah, I’ve been ready for a while now…” As Picline struggled with her words I walked up to her, took her hoof in mine and gently guided her towards the door, eliciting a small “eep“ from the mare.
Opening the clinic door for Pickline she sauntered through, hind quarters rolling as she did so, tail shifting side to side suggestively, enticing but not showing what was beneath. Closing the clinic door behind us she looked over her shoulder along her flank towards me, her wine coloured eyes sparkling slightly in the lights of the shanty halls. Stepping to her side we walked the corridors of Rooftop shanty, Picline walked close enough to me to cause the occasional brushing together of your flanks, touched which elicited electric sparks through my core, flushing my stripes.
As we walked Picline talked at length about the place she had reserved, how the owner had been running it since she was a filly, that she had only the chance to eat there two or three times before. One detail she seemed to remember very well was the place having the most amazing grill of daily catches and also something they call duck along with salads containing wild herbs. From the sound of it, considering where we are they manage to do really well.
The place was difficult to miss, unless you are literally blind, I mean the place had a huge sign over the window saying RESTAURANT taking most of the width of the front situated at the bottom of the down ramp looking right at you. I looked at Picline grinning and nodded towards the door, she answered with a cute smile and slight nod.
Reaching the door, I opened it for Picline and gestured inside, “After you Pickline so divine, too the meal we shall dine.” flashing her the most charming smile I could manage.
Picline lifted her hoof to her mouth and giggled heartily at my display, “Oh you old world charmer,” passing through the door she caressed my face with a swish of her tail.
Stepping in behind Picline the walls were solid, someone had even managed to scrounge up some paint. The furniture is in reasonable repair and there was a warmth in the air that chased away the wasteland chill suggesting some sort of heating in the restaurant.
Finding our table we took our seats opposite each other. “Thank you Chifundo, it has been such a long since somepony was such a gentlecolt to me, taking me out to a classy restaurant, making me feel special.” as Picline spoke the waiter walked over levitating 2 glass jars which were cleaned to a shine, filling them with water which looked and smelled clean before handing over simple menus of what they had to offer.
“Picline it is a delight, to spend with you this night,” Picline looked down at the menu, I think to hide a blush. I noticed her hoof near the middle of the table, deciding to be a little more forward, I slid my hoof over to hers. As our hooves touched Picline gave another of her cute eeps, turning to look at me her face was flushed, “Is there anything on the menu, which the fancy takes you?”
Half looking between the menu and myself Picline mused out loud, “Ah.. well oooh, I haven't had sausage in ages…” suddenly her eyes went wide accompanied by a furious blush as she realised what she had said, “I… I mean the food, sorry, I… um.”
I have to admit my stripes flushed a little to at the accidental double entendre, though the idea was entirely pleasant I have to admit. Rubbing her hoof gently I did my best to calm and laugh along with her. “been awhile since sausage had, some pizza would also make me glad, perhaps as a compromise, sausage on pizza would be a nice surprise.”
Picline smiled at the suggestion, and perhaps the lewder thoughts I hoped my suggestion encouraged. Holding up her hoof, Picline gave the waiter out order and asked for a bottle of wine. As the waiter walked away I looked towards my date, curious to find out a little more about her. “It seems you have jobs a plenty, from caring nurse to alert sentry.”
Picline seemed to shift uncomfortably, I guess she wasn't used to being the focus of attention like this, “Oh, I have lived here years, I mainly work in the clinic but I help out as needed.”
Picline’s answer brought hope that we would get along, someone who was selfless in their actions and kind in their thoughts, “It is good to see people lend a hand, There is not enough of that in this land. To obsessed with selfish need, rather than the joy of a helping deed.” then another thought found its way to my mouth, “acts of kindness are worthwhile, especially with your cute smile.”
“I'm not cute! I'm, I'm, I'm the mother of two, I'm not cute I'm worn out like an old tire! But no, the wasteland needs ponies, and zebras, who are willing to do what needs to be done.” The flustered look on Picline’s face while amusing also showed another aspect of how cute she looked.
It was almost a shame to see her regain her balance to agree with what I had said, “I agree with what you say, though if I may, through your experience, your beauty shines in radiance.”
There was another blush from Picline as her smile again spread across her face, “Your sweet… and oblivious, but sweet.”
I had to chuckle at that, “Yes sometimes my head is more in the spirit world than here, though you are certainly enough to keep my thoughts near.” I did steal a moment to think on the adventures I have had since waking up in the cave, “Thankfully Sunrise helps me to hear that which is near.”
Picline giggled at that before giving me a playful punch over the table saying, “Should i be jealous of these spirits that you spend so much time with?” before giving me a wink.
“The spirits provide conversation when alone,” I turn to look Picline in the eyes, “But I prefer more Earthly company time has shown. When that earthly being is nice, pretty and kind, the company feels much more refined.”
Picline blushed intensely at that “I, I, I feel the same way, um, um, um, ah, the waiter is back with wine!” Picline’s blushed, shy and happy reaction was pure joy for me to see.
Smiling to her I turned to the waiter and helped him set down the glasses and accepted the bottle of uncorked wine and started to pour asking Picline to say when to stop, she didnt and by the tim I stopped the glass was brim full. The mare looked at me, still heavily flustered, looked at the glass and took it. What I assumed was going to be a sip turned into a long draught which emptied the glass in scant seconds. Chuckling lightly I filled Picline’s glass back to about half full before pouring my own glass to the same level, Picline watched me as I did so, “hmmm Courage, surely this is the greatest invention.” she giggled out quietly.
I mused over Picline’s words, “Indeed alcohol can certainly help when feeling hesitantly.”
“It helps say what we can never find the words to...” Picline’s words drifted off into the either
“Help us find the words, or help us move towards,” my own words trailing off in contemplation of Picline’s words, wondering what she was struggling to say?
Picline’s voice strengthened a little, “Or help us find the way to someone.” returning back to the here and now
Nodding to picline’s words, “Maybe this drink will help us not to sink,” I couldnt help a warm smile cross my lips as I took a sip of my own glass. I decided at this point to give Picline a little space to say something if she wanted.
Picline didnt disappoint, either curiosity about me or a need to take the pressure of herself by taking charge a little. “So, what have you been doing out in the wasteland? You mentioned spirits, are you a shaman?” questions leading into a long story to tell.
Well we do have time, and it’s probably a good way to lay out who I am so here goes, “Born to a zebra tribe traveling wide, with strong shaman tradition at our side. Elders hold tradition close to heart, new thinking not allowed to start. Learned from elder and spirits much…”
Picline piped up, “Ohhh, what have the spirits taught you?” curiosity playing across her features
I had to think for a moment, I have had many conversations with the spirits over my short years, I suppose like with any conversation, the exact words are generally lost over time but the sense of what the conversations were about remains, “They have shown me dead companions at peace, the direction to walk when at hastes pace. Warned me of danger’s peril, showed me events of the past tendril. Helped my companions heal, shown me some of life’s zeal.”
Picline seemed to be slightly awestruck at what I was saying, asking about how the spirits talk to me so I explained that it varies, sometimes they speak to me in what feels to the non awakened like whispers on the breese or the shifting sand but I hear clearly and we converse, other times they will draw me into a vision which can be very unsettling the first few times it happens.
“So how did you come to be traveling the wastes?” Picline asked staring at me a little wide eyed with her chin resting on her hooves, elbows resting on the table.
“10 years ago of a Zebra I hear, who traveled to a place we are near. Traveling to the pony land, this zebra studied the ponies and their magics grand. Inspired I too wish to study the pony magic, in the hopes of mixing it with the spiritual for results mundane and dramatic. Sadly such research is taboo in my tribe who insist on tradition, handed down by the elders and spiritual condition. few years ago after instructions to stop, The wastes as home I was forced to adopt. Now in knowledge I search, for knowledge on my research.”
Picline;s eyes widened sharply, “So that means you have no home?”
“The wastes have become my home,” I look into picline’s eyes,”some places are nicer than others I roam.” flashing her with a gentle smile.
“Well we could use a dedicated Shaman… Not.. not.. Not saying that you should stay here.. But I thought it might be nice for you to stay here… with us, things are not quite right here and I would like it if you could help.”
The waiter returned with our order setting it out on the table for us, leaving us to our date as we thanked him. Looking back at Picline, she was staring at me intently, her nerves clearly starting to get the better of her, had she fallen for me this hard already? Or am I just being hopeful that this delightful mare could feel something for me?
Being cautious for the moment I thought about my reply, ” Staying for now could be hard, firstly that little green filly I feel I have to guard, she has drive and innocence I would see protected, from threats projected. Secondly is this place, a spirit of emptiness has found its palace. A spirit in opposition to the spirits of life I represent, the two aspects each other resent. To drive a strong spirit away is not a power I possess, a spirit like this can only be uprooted, if the energy it feeds on is polluted…”
Before I could finish my thought a racket of honking kicked off in the kitchen breaking the moment, causing Picline and myself to look at each other in bewildered confusion. The sound was quickly followed by cacophony of flapping, banging, slapping and shouting. Bursting out of the kitchen somepony who looked like a cook of some sort skidded to a halt before turning to bolt for the exit wailing “Run for your lives… The Ducks have Escaped.” not even stopping for the restaurant's doors the cook just plowed through them into the slowly thinning evening flow of ponies.
Officially curious we both got up from the table, walking over to the doors into the kitchen, what greeted up was a scene of chaos as perhaps 10 turkey sized ducks had overrun the kitchen with the kitchen staff in varying struggles for survival.
Looking to each other Picline drew a pair of knives and like somepony from a spy novel I drew my 9mm pistol from its holster hidden under my Jacket, Placing my hoof on the door, Picline stopped me, “I… Look everything's been going great but I dont want you to be weirded out but I am really good with knives, in the past its been something of an issue, I mean I am perfectly stable…”
I nodded to her, somepony concerned how their conduct in combat will reflect on them is nothing new to me, “Picline so dear, you have nothing to fear. My judgement is reserved until action deserved.”
Still uncertain of herself Picline nodded to me, now was not the time for words when life was at stake. I smiled and nodded back before pushing the door open, stepping in far enough to clear the door for Picline to enter as well. Sighting the first duck I squeezed the trigger hitting the creature just below the neck dropping it instantly, next duck and the next shot hit center mass, my third shot struck a third duck in the head, removing it completely. Picline on the other hand had taken the head clean off on a duck and was frantically stabbing another over and over again, a mix of glee and fury in her eyes, I may have to talk to her about that some time. The rest of the ducks were taken care off by the kitchen staff, one elderly unicorn mare apparently seeing off 2 at once, using our distraction to smash the skull of one with a steel rolling pin while slashing the throat of the other while shrieking at them for causing a commotion in her kitchen. The rest of the staff managed to either kill or corral the remaining ducks into a storage room.
With the dust settling, A pony identifying himself as the owner approached Picline apparently knowing her. “Thank you Picline, if you and your date weren't here I shudder to think what would have happened, your meal tonight is on the house. Now if you would please excuse me, I have a Dishcolt to shout at!” with that the owner went storming off shouting a name I can only assume was the dishwasher who had managed to vanish in the comotion.
While the restaurant owner was talking to Picline I holstered my pistol and walked up to her. Grabbing a cloth Picline started wiping splatters of blood off herself before looking to me with a smirk, “Well we got a free meal from it at least.”
Taking my pocket hoofkechief I wiped a splatter of blood which had landed just below here eye, “Agesture from the owner fine, though I suspect you are not in a mood to dine.” I felt her tence a little, though she relaxed as I continued to help clean her up.
Pickline blushed slightly, “Well if you dont mind, that got the blood pumping and I am in the mood to skip to desert, perhaps at my place if you understand my meaning.”
Pocketing my hoofkerchief I gestured towards the door with a smile, we strode out of the restaurant side by side, cheekily rubbing flanks, muzzles and other places as we walked.
