Jackpot is on a run in Equestrian wasteland, but soon enough, he needs to face what he's running from...
"My name is Jackpot. A simple pony in the Equestrian Wasteland. And this is my story, from the time before Lightbringer and Security stepped out of their stables to make the world a better place. Now... I ain't about to tell y'all how I'm some mighty hero, how I saved the Equestria, and took down Enclave soldier factions on my own. Nah. I'm a simple buck. My story? My story is just one of the countless of the smaller ones, that got forgotten. One of the many names DJ-Pon3 has mentioned before, but couldn't quite measure up when compared to the legends.
Settle down kids. I'll tell you everything now. How I met my friends. The pillars of this community. How I lost so much, and gained something greater. The sights I saw on my travels, and most importantly, how I learned what the scent after rain really means."
Authors note: First real fic written by non-English speaking novice writer. Critiques and error pointers are welcome, tho try and not tear me into pieces just yet! Cover-art is created by me.
I am still not sure why I walked on. You know how easy it would've been to just lay down and accept my fate? Finally give in to the needs of my aching body, cracked hooves, dirt in my eyes... if that was dirt, and not some fancy medical term I didn't know. I could barely see, so I kept my head low as I walked. Only things that could inform me of any danger were my ears - well, ear. The right one was a bloody mess, from what I could feel, hanging limply at the side of my head. The blood had clotted, thankfully, so I didn't have to deal with more irritating things in my eyes - a small comfort in the otherwise pool of distressing, depressive things that made me a dead stallion walking.
But I still marched, past the grey and brown, regardless of the pain in my body. That was, until a new sensation hit me. A small, wet speck landing somewhere on my neck. Then another. Lifting my head, I tried to squint through the haze in my vision, only to get yet another drop of what I assumed to be water right below one of my eyes. Apparently I had grown so numb that I hadn't noticed the subtle changes in the weather - mainly, the temperature drop or the slight wind. Guess the Equestrian skies had decided I needed to clean up, and was now trying to give me an involuntary shower. This was a mixed blessing. My body would not enjoy the cold water, and I was aware that I was going to be freezing in a few minutes. On the other hoof, I'd be the cleanest I had been in weeks, maybe months. With luck, my eyes would be able to open up again if I stayed in the rain for while.
But the biggest perk of it all, was that my chasers wouldn't be able to track me so easily. Nor would they risk chasing after me, if this was going to be a storm. Nopony was foolish enough to brave a storm just for one stallion - or at least, that's what I hoped. If I kept moving through the rain, I'd gain some distance. Possibly lose my pursuers, if the rain washed my tracks away completely.
But was I willing to risk my health for that? Would I survive through it, with my condition? Huffing, I allowed my head to slump down again, as I continued on with my march. It didn't matter. It shouldn't matter. I was dead if they caught me, so stopping was not an option. Not unless I could find a spot where I could safely rest without any fear of being caught unprepared. Something in me absolutely refused to just stop and let them catch me, even if I had wanted to. The dirt below my hooves started to turn into a muddy slush, making my trek even harder, staining my coat further. I couldn’t even remember when I last had been actually clean. Probably when I had been a foal.
While walking through the rain and grey landscape, my mind started to wander to my foalhood. It had been rather average, considering what the Wasteland is like. Born to a family that was busy making foals, in the hopes at least some of us would survive and help with the little town we lived in. Not the best place, the farms were barely keeping us alive, and getting water wasn't always safe. The bigger and tougher you were, the better - guess that is why they named me Jackpot, being born as a rather big foal. I was the biggest of my siblings, and started early on working in the fields - I remembered the harness digging into my hide as I plowed the radiated dirt, the praise of the elders as I managed to pull things stallions twice my age wouldn't be able to. Those were, despite harsh conditions, happier times. Simpler times. Work hard for something better. Something that mattered, even if it was for a small group. Even while walking forward, a small smile appeared on my muzzle at those memories. My bulk and strength had been used for good. Unlike what had happened a few years later...
No, don't think about what happened next. Don't think of the attack. I shook my head, trying to banish those thoughts. I had to keep on moving forward and leave those things behind. I wasn’t sure how long I had walked, as my thoughts had wandered off. I tried opening my eyes again a bit more to survey the surrounding areas. Through the blurry vision, I was able to tell there were some sort of structures around. Demolished, mostly. I couldn't hear or see anything alive in there, but then again my senses weren't their best at that moment.
Weighing my options, I finally decided to walk into one of the more intact buildings. While I was sure I could still push on a bit, the cold had started to seep into my bones - I wanted out of the rain. And this was probably the best place to rest in for miles, as long as I could hide myself in here somewhere. Not that I could find a proper hide hole with how I was right now - but maybe if I went into the furthest corner of this little... shack? It seemed like a shack. It was too dark to tell much of anything else, so I closed my eyes and decided to only rely on scent and touch.
Slowly, I walked forward in the shelter, careful with my hooves - testing what I was stepping on before placing any of my weight on it. I could tell this place had wooden floors - judging from the creaking and subtle way it moved beneath my weight. Probably rotten and stained by age, but I was still surprised no one had ripped these out for campfire purposes. Felt like hours, but surely it had been only minutes at best, before my hoof tapped against something soft. I tensed, for a second thinking it was another pony, but the lack of movement and sound made me relax again. Placing my muzzle down, I sniffed at the thing - concluding it must've been a mattress. Which set off another type of alarm bells in my head. Someone must've lived here. But where were they now? Any sensible creature would've hidden from the rain - unlike me, I realized - and ran back to their homes. Not wanting to be a bad house-guest (well, worse house-guest, considering I had just barged in unannounced), I moved away from the mattress. It was probably not my best decision, but I had to find a corner to lay down in. The mattress would've been softer, of course, but it was not my home. And intruding wasn't something I wanted to do, nor was giving bad impressions right off the bat in case the pony living here was a friendly.
My muzzle bumped softly against the wall, as I finally found the corner. Moving slightly, shifting, I pressed my side against it, and slumped down. I was numb all over, not sure how I actually felt under all the cold, wet, and aching... well, everything. I could say something cliched about my vision blacking out - if I had been able to keep my eyes open at all to begin with. Laying my head down on the floorboards, I pressed my hooves against my stomach and chest, ignoring the pain around the wrist areas, the spots where there had been chains long ago, as they got in touch with the solid floor. I am not quite sure if I did anything else, if I'm completely honest, as my mind was finally done with my stubborn decisions of moving on without any sort of rest whatsoever. What I do remember is how I hadn't even tried to get into more comfortable position before I fell into a deep slumber - which I was sure to regret next time I'd wake up. Little did I know, that my decision to lay down in this very shack was going to change my life. For the better.
I am not quite sure how long I had slept - but from the sound of it, it was still raining outside when I started to slip back into the waking world. My ears - one ear, I had to remind myself, as the other was still limp - perked ever so slightly at the distant sound of a rumble. Thunder? Possibly. It certainly made sense, though I wondered if I had slept over it, or if it was only rolling in now.
One other thing I noticed was the fact that I was... oddly warm. Not overly so, but considering I had been covered in mud and water, I had expected to be freezing. But instead, I was not only somewhat dry aside from my eyes, but definitely warmer than I had any right to be considering what I had put myself through last night. Or night before last. Hard to tell. Though I still couldn't figure out why I was warm, and why my eyes were still damp and wet and why something was-
My eyes shot open upon the realization. Something had been dabbing them. And that was when I realized I could see again. Not perfectly, mind you, I could still feel irritations, and some areas were still blurred. Still, I could keep them open, and could see more of my surroundings. Or would've seen more of my surroundings, if my gaze hadn't been greeted by pair of bright, golden yellow eyes, that looked about as startled as I felt. I kept staring back at them, slowly starting to make out other features - small muzzle, dark, ashy grey fur as a mane, dark indigo coat with some grey freckles... This was a foal. A small unicorn foal who's horn was glowing in similar yellow glow as the eyes.
Neither of us dared to move at first - I think we both were just shocked. The foal because I had woken up like that, and me because, well, quite frankly I hadn't expected another living creature to come up so close to my face. Let alone a kid. However, when the sense of danger passed finally, and I started to understand the situation - this kid must've been cleaning my eyes for whatever reason - I relaxed a bit, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Which came out as loud sigh. Louder than I had meant. Loud enough to send the little foal jumping up and away from me, the glow of their horn dying as they squeaked. Something light and soft fell to my face, which I shook off easily - it was the rag the kid had been using to clean me. I looked down at it, then up to see where the foal had ran off to. It was still relatively dark in the shack, and the little pony had perfect camouflage colors for hiding in this type of place. Didn't take long from me to spot the two bright eyes again though, as the little one was staring at me from behind some old, broken crates.
This situation was slightly absurd, if you asked me. However, I didn't think the foal was a threat - seeing as they had just cleaned up my eyes. Not only that, but my body was covered with a blanket. Sure, it was moldy, and had some holes on it, and wasn't exactly big enough to cover everything, but a small cover was still better than none. That was not all - the wrists of my hooves were covered in makeshift bandages, covering the bruising and raw skin that had caused slight pain before I went to bed. Couldn't tell much what had happened to my ear, but with slight shake of my head I could still feel it being there. Just not moving anymore.
My thoughts were cut off. Something rolled against my hoof, and I looked down - noticing a bottle of Sparkle Cola. The original contents had been emptied a long time ago, but I could see some water in it. Looking back up, I caught a glimpse of the little unicorn pulling back behind a crate, staring at me. Guess they were trying to be friendly, but couldn't trust the big scary buck just yet. Smart kid. I would've shared the same distrust, if it wasn't for all the little things the unicorn had done while I had been sleeping. I bit down on the neck of the bottle, taking a swig - the water was quite dirty by the taste of it, but it still soothed my throat. My stomach let out a small rumble, reminding me that I couldn't live off of water, but it was the only thing it was going to get now.
With a sigh, I placed the bottle down, laying my head next to it to look at the foal. I was still very, very tired, and definitely needed more rest. I could push myself up, maybe, but the floor was just so comfortable right now, and honestly, going back out in that rain and possible storm was not an option for me right now. Not now that I could think straighter, anyhow. The foal returned my gaze, not daring to move much from their little spot. I figured, it was up to me to be the social one in this case. Perhaps get some answers. Or at least to thank the little fella.
"Hello there."
By Celestia’s sun, my throat hurt. My voice was strained, and I instantly regretted not drinking more right away. The foal however, perked upon hearing me talk. Guess that was all the confirmation they needed to know I wasn't going to pillage or hurt them. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a cloak, that hid their flanks, and worn, leathery wraps around their front hooves. A small burlap sack hung from their back, though it seemed mostly empty. A scavenger, perhaps? The ashy mane was in a messy, bushy bun, which I surmised was to keep said bush out of their eyes.
The foal stepped a bit closer, head kept low, eyes fixated on me. I attempted a smile, but winced a bit. Still, I wanted to know more about my current situation. "I reckon it were ya who patched me up?" The foal nodded shyly, making a bit of a smile. I returned it, this time not grimacing from pain or exhaustion. "Well thank ya kindly. Sorry for barging in to ya house like this, didn't realize someone was living here until I was already in." - I was starting to get into a chatty mood. I had missed talking to, well, anyone who was half decent, and the little dark foal seemed to be relatively interested in what I had to say. Speaking of them, they made a wider smile - one tooth was missing I realized - and seemed generally more relaxed, as they trotted closer to me, sitting down. Such a small little thing they were. Couldn't quite tell if the unicorn was a filly or a colt even from this distance, and quite frankly didn't care. The kiddo had helped me out, that made them a good pony in my books.
"So, ya got a name lil one?"
There was a moment’s pause, pondering, and then a head shake. I hadn't expected that quite honestly, and the foal could probably see that from my expression. Making a face I couldn't quite place my hoof on, I finally guessed what was going on. With a sinking feeling, I had to ask to make sure. "Got no kin that coulda named ya?"
The little droop of the little one’s head was enough of a response. I blinked, slowly. It was a story I had heard again and again, in the Equestrian wasteland. This fella was lucky to still be alive I figured. Not many foals survived on their own like this - jaded thinking, but it was the truth. I didn't like that truth.
"Got no kin either." - I started. If I kept talking, maybe that would cheer the foal up a bit. They did lift their head a bit to look at me, curiously. "I used to. Lived in lil' farm. Tough living, but earnest, big family where everyone pulled their weight. That meant a lot of weight in my case." - I let out a weary laugh, and even the foal giggled at that a bit. "But they gone now. I might be the last one of my kin. So I know what it's like squirt - being all alone." - I hoped my expression and tone were enough to convince the little one. Which it seemed like it did, as they sat there for moment, and then... moved to my side, curling down there, gently nudging me with their muzzle.
Couldn't help but chuckle - I had tried to comfort the unicorn, but somehow our roles had switched around. I didn't mind, having a bit of company was completely fine by me. Helped me forget some of my worries, lifted a weight off my shoulders so to speak.
We had fallen asleep, me and the foal. I realized this much when I had woken up hours later, and the little bundle was still against my side, snoozing quietly. I couldn't hide my smile, before I removed my blanket to cover the foal, then tested my legs. Shakily, I got up, surprised that my body hadn't shut down completely. That sleep had done wonders, restoring my strength to a point where I could at least walk a little bit. So, that I did, heading towards the door. I wasn't going to go far, just wanted to peek out, and get a taste of that fresh air after the rain. Muzzle out, I took a deep breath, before stepping forward and looking high up at the skies. The cloud cover was still there - of course it was - but it seemed a bit lighter than usual. If that wasn't a good omen, I don't know what was.
Staring into the clouds, my original peril started to creep back into my mind - reminding me that I would have to get back on the move. Soon, preferably. The rain had surely slowed down my pursuers, and having that deep slumber was going to make sure I could make it to the next rest stop, continue on until they'd get bored of chasing me. It was a bleak thought, which got interrupted when I felt a tiny bump against my hind leg. Looking behind, I saw the foal had woken up and followed me to the door, the blanket still covering them partially. I couldn't help but to chuckle a bit, and smile at the little bean that had managed to brighten my night. And morning. But I had to be honest with what was going to happen... But did I really want to leave this fella here, all alone? At the mercy of the elements and the Wastelands?
"I'll have to leave soon." - I finally started. The foal tilted their head, making a heart-breakingly sad but understanding face. I lowered my head - I had only now noticed how small this foal really was, barely above my knee height - to talk a bit more clearly with the little one. "I am being chased by some very bad ponies. So I have to keep moving. And it's going to be dangerous, if I ain't smart." - I had to stress that point as much as I could. The little foal nodded a bit, eyes widening in wonder. I, on other hoof, was munching my lower lip a bit before I gave my offer.
"If ya want, ya can come with me. I understand if ya don't wanna, but since ya helped me I reckon I should offer at least."
I didn't expect the reaction I got. The foal’s eyes lit up, and they dashed back inside the shelter. At first, I thought that meant they wouldn't come, but then a soft glow emitted from the room and I heard the little clip clop of their tiny hooves. Looking closer, I noticed the foal galloping back, levitating the sack I had noticed earlier. I couldn't help but to chuckle a bit, lower my head again to let them to hang it around my neck. I could carry it way better than the foal could, that was for sure.
And with that, we were set to move out. The little unicorn had pulled some pre-war foods out of the sack, offering me one of the cans - which I gladly accepted, grinning happily at the little one. Though I probably should find a proper name for them, shouldn't I?
"Now, what should we call ya? Speckle Nose?"
The tiny unicorn bounced next to me, poking their tiny tongue out at that name. I couldn't help but to laugh at that, starting to suggest names as we walked on the dirt road, enjoying the taste of fresh air and the company of each other...
There was a second of pondering, but then another head shake. I couldn't help but shake my head a bit, smiling while at it. This little foal was stubborn on what their name should be - not that it was a bad thing, one's name should reflect who you were after all. Mine was rather fitting, considering its origins and my cutie mark - a pair of dice on top of a four pointed star - so I wanted the little foal to have a name just as good.
"I got it. Pipsqueak."
The foal pouted at that, not exactly liking my joke. I couldn't help but to snort at the scrunched up face the foal was making - which caused the unicorn to just gallop off. I let them, keeping a close eye but otherwise not running after them - I needed to save my stamina if possible. The little one I could carry, and they seemed to be able to replenish their energy at astonishing speeds. The dark unicorn ran into some ruined buildings, and for a moment I tensed as I lost eye-contact on the foal. That feeling eased as they came back out, waving their small hoof in an effort to tell me to slow down for a moment - something I obliged to, halting at the doors.
I hadn't taken long to realize that the little one was good at scavenging, and took every chance they could to look into small buildings that looked promising. So far we had had rather good luck, a hoof full of caps, a half-empty pack of cigarettes, a bottle of dirty water and a box of somewhat damaged Sugar Bombs. The latter two were swiftly consumed by the two of us - I was famished, truth be told. Everything else was placed into the sack hanging from my neck, along with some smaller knick knacks the foal had found.
"Maybe we ought to name ya after your skill of finding things this easily." I couldn't help but note, as the foal returned, something wrapped in their telekinesis. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a hotplate, an old magazine... and a tiny toy wagon. The little one made a sheepish grin, before adding the new finds into the sack around my neck - which caused me to smile a bit. This was a kid after all, I'd have to keep my eyes open for new toys for them.
My thoughts were interrupted by a shriek of terror. Jolting my head up, I turned my gaze down of the street, instinctively pulling the foal behind one of my front hooves. That was not a good sound, and Luna be damned if I'd let anypony or anything touch my new small friend. My eyes locked onto the unicorn mare running towards us, eyes filled with tears as she was escaping from a group of three armed ponies.
"Help me!" she cried out loud upon noticing me. She only got few feet away from me before a loud bang sounded through, and the amethyst coated mare ended up falling down with splatter of red coming from her leg. The mare skidded across the ground, whimpering once she came to a stop, still a good couple feet away from where me and my little friend were.
The group came to a stop - at first I thought they were trying to figure out if I was a threat or not. But then I heard them talking to each other - if you can call yelling your lungs out talking. A sickly yellow earth pony mare yelling at a deep red brown stallion - who was holding a varmint rifle in his muzzle and was cowering a bit from the angry boss lady.
"You fucking idiot, I told you not to shoot her! Now we'll have to fix her up before we can sell her!"
The stallion couldn't say much, with the handle in his mouth - aside from some muffled words. The pony who was wearing power hooves on her front hooves pointed at me however, letting out something of a victorious laugh. "Looks like we got a good catch anyways! Look at the size of that buck!"
Slavers. These ponies were slavers. And they were planning on slapping collars on the bleeding mare, and me. And possibly on the little foal behind my legs. My blood turned ice, and I stood there un-moving, waiting for what was going to happen. The group was sharing a couple words with each others, something I didn't hear nor care to understand. My muscles weren't just tense, they were shaking, the abrasions around my ankles burned, my breath hitched - and that was when the mare who had pointed at me dashed, darting towards me, her weapons charging as she prepared to lunge at me to punch me.
I'm not sure what she thought would happen. For me to stand there and take the hit? To go down with one blow? That I'd be easy prey? Whatever it was, I'm sure it wasn't a broken sternum.
My front hoof connected with her chest, her attack not coming even coming close. Right front leg outstretched, left one curled up, I was hovering over the child I was protecting while supporting all my weight on my hind legs. The mare was sent flying backwards, over the hurt unicorn, and fell down at the feet of the assumed leader of the group - never to get up again. There was stunned silence, which I took advantage of - placing my front hoof down, and using the one I had just used to punch attacker to remove the sack off my neck, dropping it to the ground. My head still low, I quickly whispered to my companion.
"Hide."
The little dark unicorn didn't question me - instead, they snatched the sack from its strap, and galloped quickly into the ruin dragging the sack along. They needed to take cover, in case that varmint rifle user decided to take an aim at my friend. The yellow mare looked down at her comrade before looking up at me, rage clear in her face before she let out a shriek and ran towards me as well, pulling a knife out of her belt.
This time I had been prepared, and turned around, bucking towards her way - but my hooves did not connect. Instead I heard a skid below me - and realized that the mare had slid under me, using my height to her advantage. Knife in her mouth, me on my front hooves, I didn't need to be a genius to realize how bad this situation was. Thankfully, I didn't need to think for my body to move on its own - as my back hooves were coming back down, I used the movement to move to the side by leaning all my weight to my right front hoof. I could feel myself tipping over, before feeling a searing pain on my chest as the rusty knife sliced. The mare had tried to make a thrust, but my movement had narrowly made me escape this attack, saving my skin - aside from that one gash.
I didn't stop there - as I fell sideways, I quickly rolled into my feet again, and did something that took the mare by surprise. I bit down on her mane, and started to shake violently. I didn't stop until I felt something sting on my neck - and only then registered the gunshot wound. A scratch really, something that wouldn't slow me down - the buck’s aim was bad. Probably why he hit the leg of the unicorn they had been chasing. I flung the mare from my mouth, and dashed behind rubble as fast as I could. Just in time too, as a bullet hit a piece of concrete where my head had been just been.
I listened in, as the maroon buck galloped to his fallen leader - and said leader hissed insults that would make old mama Jackpot faint in horror. My own ears were burning a bit as well on some of the colorful language, but I quickly snapped out of it as the leader barked at the buck to chase me down.
Oh these were not smart ponies. I didn't need to do much, other than turn around, wait for the stallion to come from behind the corner, and-
WHAM
And who said only pegasi could fly? The buck let out a scream, his weapon dropping down, as he flew on an arc - dropping down into a pile of old trash cans with series of delightful clangs. I smirked a bit, walking from my hiding spot. I had nothing to fear now that the gun was out of commission, as the yellow slaver hadn't made a dash for it. Guess she hadn't really figured out what my hooves could do until now. Our eyes locked, as she was getting up from where I had thrown her earlier - and I could tell she was going to try and attack.
Letting another war cry, she dashed at me. I prepared myself, knowing she was fast and I shouldn't let her out of my sight if I didn't want a knife to my-
BLAM
Half of her head turned into a paste right in front of my eyes. I couldn't help but to stare where she had been just moments ago, and then down at her carcass. What had just happened? My eyes scanned around, until I noticed the little foal, huffing, a piece of fabric in their mouth... standing next to the amethyst mare, who's horn was glowing. Her magic was wrapped around the varmint rifle, and she was panting heavily, snorting air. My eyes wandered down, noticing then that my little companion had tied up her leg rather well, keeping her from bleeding out.
My muscles were still trembling, but I was starting to calm down a bit finally. So, I took a couple deep breaths, and started to walk closer, head low to show I meant no harm. She thankfully didn't point the rifle at me anymore, rather she levitated it down, letting out some deep breaths before looking up at me, giving weary smile.
"I don't suppose it would be too much to ask for a ride back to town?"
I listened as the amethyst unicorn mare - Sparkles, as I've learned - sang to the foal, teaching the squirt how to do the hoof pumps. Apparently there was some sort of shake part, but neither could really do that while riding on top of my back. I had not only agreed to carry the mare back to her hometown, but we had tied up the surviving slaver and now he was being dragged along. I may have made sure to step over every possible stone I could. Those little groans and "ows" definitely made my day a little brighter.
Sure, dragging a buck, and carrying an injured mare and tiny foal - and all the scavenged goods and weapons from the dead - was not easy. So we weren't exactly making fast progress. From what Sparkle had told us, however, the trip wasn't going to be long, thus why I had decided to take the weapons too - those'd be good caps. I couldn't use any of them personally, was never good with firearms, and those power hooves wouldn't fit. The knife was just not something that would fit me either, though I was planning on keeping it as a tool if possible. I'd have to check at the town if they sell anything useful - me and the little one would need supplies, and I'd like a check at a doctor to clean up the cut on my chest.
Soon enough, I started to see small barricading and housing. And a guard tower, with someone standing up there with a gun. A guard? Good, they had some protection going on. The guard yelled something I couldn't quite make out thanks to the distance, and there came a small gathering at the opening in the barricades. Two, three... five ponies. Some armed, some not, but the moment I lowered my head to show the white maned mare on my back - who waved at her friends - they relaxed. I trotted closer, giving them a friendly smile as the little foal jumped off my back finally. Sparkles settled on my back, waving her hoof again and giving them small, embarrassed smile. An old buck walked closer, an earth pony with a brown coat that was slightly graying due to age. He looked over at Sparkles, then at the hogtied slaver, then at the squirt, then at me, arching an eyebrow before looking at Sparkles again.
"Rough day?"
"Sorry Grandpa Bucket. The slavers were waiting in ambush." she explained to the older buck, and then motioned towards me and my companion - or so I think, I could only feel her movements on my back. "These two helped me out. Even caught one of the attackers!"
Grandpa Bucket - I wondered what was the story behind his name - blinked a few times before flashing me a smile. A wide one. Clearly I had been accepted now, which made me relax a little bit as well. I bowed my head a bit, respectfully.
"Name's Jackpot. The little one has no name yet, found 'em running around half a day’s trot from here." I explained, nodding towards my companion who jumped a bit happily.
"Well Jackpot, thank you for bringing our bartender back. Welcome to Barn Sour." With that, I was lead into the town - with the occupants looking at me curiously. Me and my haul. Another unicorn with a green coat walked closer, her horn glowing before levitating the captive I had been dragging along. She nodded at me, and I noticed a star-like patch on her vest. So this was the local law enforcement, though she did seem rather... young. Really young. Probably only two or three seasons older than my little companion, a teen really. I nodded back, and relaxed a bit more now that I didn't have to pull the weight of an adult pony anymore.
"Let's get you two to Rush - he's the closest thing to a doctor we got here." - Grandpa Bucket motioned to us to follow, and Sparkles leaned in closer to whisper to me.
"We lost our doc two weeks ago to the slavers. They keep picking us off one by one, when we go to scavenge or to get supplies." - That made my back bristle a bit. Of course, with healthy ponies in a small town like this, it made sense the slavers wouldn't rush them - but ambush them, slowly weather them down, drive them into paranoia before trying to take over.
"Why ain't nopony tried to track 'em down?" I asked in hushed tone, but I could still see Bucket’s ears flick at that. For courtesy, he didn't interrupt as Sparkles continued to explain it to me.
"We tried. Two of our law enforcers went after them on the first day but... well you saw how we only have Mint left, and she's lucky to know which end of the gun goes bang."
... Oh.
For how bleak the situation in the town was, I was surprised how welcoming most were. I guess saving one of their own put me in their good books, as I was rewarded with free healing bandages on my cut, as well as some salve on my legs that was supposed to help with the burning. Rush had been a friendly stallion, trying his best to help both me and Sparkles out - who was now walking on her own hooves.
Granted her leg hadn't been healed fully. The healing potions were scarce in here, and the leg had a clean wound - meaning a brace and some healing bandages were in order instead. So, while she did limp, the unicorn certainly could walk on her own hooves now and looked happy about it. Especially when she got back behind the counter of her little bar, the Moonshine. It was an eatery as well, from what I could read on the sign, but as I soon learned...
"Now, for saving my live from the slavers, bringing one of them here for interrogation and possible bargaining, and carrying me back all the way from there to here..." she started out, smiling a bit as she placed a glass of purified water in front of me. "This is on the house. I'd offer a meal, but we need to ration it out a bit more - so I'll have to charge a bit more for that." There was a playful, nearly flirty wink at that, and I felt a hint of warmth on my cheeks as I coughed and drank the water, thankful for something else to focus on.
Squirt gained their own glass of water as well, and they couldn't help but to bounce again as thanks. Sparkles also snuck them a fresh carrot, smiling a bit - she had come to adore the little unicorn. One of the customers looked at us, looking pessimistic.
"Sure, you're saved today. But what about tomorrow?"
That seemed to get everypony’s attention, as I noticed I wasn't only one to look at his way.
"Oh not this again Steel..." the mare next to him sighed, waving her hoof at me apologetically. "Don't worry about him. He's lost someone recently and is taking it out on everyone."
"Easy for you to say. We all know it, those slavers got us trapped here, can't even go to scavenge without getting shot at. We lost our Sheriff and deputy, and it's been at least a week since Wanderlust disappeared too after trying to go and save anyone who got captured - and don't get me started on Gear!" the buck continued, snorting a bit. "And if they got Wanderlust, you know we're fucked. He was the best shot we got, tough as nails, always got up. Nothing kept that old buck down - except something those bastards have. Scariest part is no one knows what that something is!"
"That's enough Steel." Sparkles said, softly, before reaching with her magic to remove his glass of whiskey. "We'll pull through. We always have."
"Oh sure, that's what we always do, play the waiting game. But they'll out wait us this time, just you wait." he snorted, eyeing at the glass that was denied from him, before laying his head down on the counter. One eye glared at me, as he then continued. "You want to be the hero? Deal with the slavers."
My next words silenced the room, completely. Aside from one or two dropped glasses that is - but otherwise, I had managed to stun the customers with three words.
"Was planning to."
Sparkles stared at me in awe, the buck’s glare turned into a look of shock, and the little unicorn looked up at me with questioning eyes. I couldn't help but chuckle a bit, drinking the rest of my water in single gulp. It made me feel so much better already, the water making my throat ache a bit less.
"Hate slavers. So would be my pleasure to go down there and show who's who." - The foal reached up to hug my hind leg. I gave quick look at both of their concerned expression, and chuckled lightly with what I was hoping was reassuring smile. "Oh don't ya worry none squirt." - I reached down to ruffle their mane a bit with my hoof. "I know slavers like the back of my hoof, and I ain't going there just to be shot at. These folk need their friends back though, and the slavers out."
I leaned down a bit, whispering to the foal bit too loudly so that everyone knew what I was doing. "Can ya do me a favor and look after Miss Sparkles here for me? Won't do any good to leave her without any protection at all."
Sure, the town was a way safer place. Hell, Sparkles was probably most safe she had been in the past day or so. But nonetheless, the little unicorn puffed their chest, saluting and giving me a serious face. With that I knew the little fella was going to stay behind - no way I was going to take 'em with me to a sure fight, even if I was planning on a more stealthy approach. Well, as stealthy as a buck of my size could manage at least.
Sparkles didn't seem too thrilled with the idea, but sighed and motioned Steel to come closer. The blue buck groaned, pushing himself off the counter before walking closer, making a bit of a face.
"Feel like paying your tab with a bit of work?" she asked, and then nodded at me. I wasn't quite sure what the idea was - was she going to send Steel with me? "Gear him up and we'll be even." Steel looked me over from head to hoof, side to side, rubbing his chin a bit.
"Yes. That'd be fair trade. I should be able to cobble something up for him, though nothing too fancy with this short of a notice." He suddenly took hold of my foreleg, testing the weight a bit, before going around me doing some measurements with his hooves, comparing me to himself. "Alright then. Jackpot, wasn't it? Come over to the Steelforge once you get your supplies ready, and we'll get you some armor to keep you from dying... for the first ten minutes at least." There was bit of a snort, a clear indication that he didn't think I'd survive too long. At least if I wasn't smart. I did nod however, watching after the buck who was walking off talking something about measurements and materials he had as spares. Apparently his tab was quite large for him to agree to make something for me... But now. I had other things to attend to. I couldn't just run in knowing nothing - so I got up too. I had a prisoner to talk to.
"He hasn't been very cooperative," the green teen unicorn, Mint as I knew her as, told me as she lead me into the makeshift cells. The maroon stallion was sitting in one corner, staring at the walls, his tail tucked closely against his leg and partially hiding his heart shaped cutiemark. Mint’s horn glowed as she opened the cell door to let me in - not sure if it was because I had battered the prisoner into a pulp earlier today, or if she didn't know the rules or procedures yet. Whichever the case, I appreciated it, giving a short nod, and then walked further in, looking at the stallion. Time to get some information.
I sat down, waiting patiently for a bit, staring at the buck’s neck. I'm not sure if it took seconds or minutes, just sitting still and staring. But finally, the slaver looked over his shoulder at me, quickly looking away again.
"These are good ponies," I finally stated, calm and even. The buck’s ears flattened a bit, which didn't go unnoticed by me. I kept staring, as I then continued on. "Good ponies are dangerous when their friends and family are in danger. Especially when somepony can help but won't. They don't know how to get information, and kill their prisoners without meaning to."
That seemed to get his attention more, glancing over his shoulder again at me. I kept my expression as neutral as I could, before getting up and closer to the buck. Leaning in, seeing all the bruises and small cuts I had caused on the drag back here, I bit back the urge to smile, instead whispering to him. "Too bad for ya, I ain't a good pony. I know every trick, every stunt you scum use to get your slaves talking. So unless ya want to crawl out of here, instead of walking, I'd start talking before I start breaking ya bones. One. By. One."
With that, the stallion started to tense, and only after I had pulled back did he dare to look at me, with wide, startled eyes. I did not smile. I did not grin. I did not scowl. I merely started with as straight a face as I could. That, had been all I needed today - no breaking bones. Not yet. Not now.
Steelforge, as I learned, was an armor store. I had trotted out of the jailhouse, having not only the location of the main camp, but other good tidbits - so I was in a rather good mood, and was already making some plans on how to approach the camp without getting shot. The second I got into the house however, I gained a bit of a confidence boost as the buck named Steel was doing the finishing touches to something that looked like a leathery vest. Upon noticing me, he quickly walked over with the vest in mouth, flinging it on my back.
"Try it on, so I can see if I need to adjust anything," he instructed, and I obediently pushed my hooves through the sleeves, shaking my body a bit to fit in better. The vest covered my back, shoulders, and stomach, and had a bit of a collar to it, closed via buttons and one belt. Partially made from dark leather, and partially from thick dark fabric, it was a rather good looking piece of outfit - one I hadn't expected to ever wear myself. Lifting my hooves, I tried the range of motion - with my size, it wasn't often I wore anything aside from maybe some scarfs and hats. But somehow, this seemed to fit rather well. Or so I thought, but clearly Steel did not agree as he started to tug some parts and tightening others. Finally, he stepped back with small huff.
"Well it's not my greatest work, but it's a hellava lot better than nothing," he commented, before turning around and getting a couple other things, dropping something that looked like wraps at my feet. "Leg guards. You're a puncher, so figured you want some protection for your legs," the blue buck explained, before going behind me and dropping something on my back again. Looking back, I saw him attaching saddlebags onto the vest. They were somewhat armored too with the dark jade-green leather, on the bottom and top. Some protection to my equipment? Not a bad idea, really. I started adding the wraps onto my fronthooves, and soon enough I was moderately armored.
I felt a lot more confident now. Not only did I have a ghost of a plan ready, but I also had some protection. I then felt a tug on my saddlebag, and saw the yellow glow of telekinesis of my little foal friend - who was levitating a healing potion into the bags. The kid gave me a happy grin, and I noticed how their- our burlap sack seemed much lighter. I hoped Rush hadn't charged too much from the little unicorn, but nonetheless, I figured the healing potion was going to be a real lifesaver while I was out there. I leaned down, giving a quick nuzzle on top of the foal’s head - dammit, I have to figure out a name already for the lil one - as a thanks, something that made the unicorn squeak in delight.
"So, you got any idea what you're about to do?"
I nodded, grinning in a way that I hadn't for a little while. "Ayup. I just need the lay of the land so I can tell where I'm headed." This made Steel pause for a second, before he went to the nearby desk, pulling out an aged piece of paper, laying it on top of the wooden desk. I followed him, knowing full well what locations I needed to know.
"I need the locations of Stinger Hole, the water pump, and the route to the Windbreeze street ruins. As well as any roads you can think off between those areas, and back here."
Steel quickly doodled the map - it was crude, but it did give me some idea where to go. I pointed at a spot with a hoof, marked with a waterdrop. "According to 'roon, there's three ponies there - a small squad, waiting for ambush." Then, I tapped the spot that was marked with a... bug? Well made sense, bugs had stingers. "That's their base. Or at least it's near there. There's at least four ponies there, including a sniper, with reinforcements coming in sometime tonight. And... to collect their captives." My voice turned into a low grumble that made Steel jolt away from me for a second. I didn't mean to startle him, but really I couldn't help it. The buck stared at me for a second, then tilted his head with a small curious frown, pointing at me with one hoof weakly.
"You're... really going to try saving them?" - I don't know what it was with his voice - there was a weak shake in it. Like he couldn't quite understand why I'd do something like this. I wasn't going to dash his hopes, and only gave a small nod to confirm the plan. For a moment, Steel merely stared at me... and then trotted over to a shelf, picking up something with his teeth, and then turning back to me. It was a bat - a silvery metal bat, with a nice leather wrap as a mouth grip. I didn't object as he stuffed that into my saddlebag, allowing the buck to explain then.
"Look. This is a long shot, but there might be a mare there that can help you. Copper Gear. Red brown coat, orange grey mane, really nasty attitude. If she's there, alive, and not missing any limbs, you give that bat to her and she'll help you out." I couldn't stop a small smile, adjusting my bags a bit to compensate the fact that one side was way heavier than the other.
"Thank you, Steel. Wish me luck, the both of you."
Get in, deal with the slavers, and get out with everypony before the ambush squad at the waterhole or reinforcements would appear. Sounded simple enough, especially now that I knew how to get in - I had to circle around a bit, making my trip only an hour at tops. Half, if I galloped. That didn't sound too bad, though I had to make sure to slow down when I got to the higher ground.
I had spotted the sniper’s nest from a distance, and had figured out how to work around it - looked like the sniper wasn't really paying attention to the ridges around, rather focusing on the path down to the camp. Not that I could blame them, only a mad pony would try and take this route. Or a pony who knew better, like me. So, laying flat, I looked over the ridge at the camp before me. The sniper was going to be the biggest issue for me, one well placed shot and I'd be a goner. Thankfully, they were at the opening of the camp, staring away - which meant I could get in and deal with the support before they'd have chance to dogpile me for the sniper to take the head shot. So, I crept a bit closer, trying to spot the other ponies. If I could take a surprise attack on them, even the odds a bit... And that was when I spotted them. Now I started to understand the name Sting Hole better - there was a crater there. A hole. Two bucks were pointing their hooves at it, clearly laughing and tossing things in there, occasionally firing their weapons as well.
Perfect.
I snuck even closer, sliding down the steep hill before taking cover, waiting to see if I had been spotted - from this distance I could see other pony shapes, laying near the tents. I suppressed the urge to sigh in relief, as I realized I had come just in time - the slaves hadn't been moved yet. And as luck would have it, no one had noticed the big white buck creeping closer. I peeked out, curiosity getting the better of me - the two bumble-heads hadn't noticed me yet, being occupied with something in that hole.
"Throw 'im a potion!" "Nah, he needs ammo. How's your shield?" "Should handle two or three shots."
The earth pony with the dirty charcoal coat went through a small crate, picking up a hooffull of rounds - tossing them right in. Unicorn next to him started laughing maniacally, pointing right back in again. "Look at him go! Like a radroach!"
They had someone... down there? Too busy laughing, they hadn't noticed me coming closer. Not until I had planted two firm bucks into both of their backsides, sending them flying and tumbling down into the crater, screaming in surprise and terror. I heard a couple thuds, and peeked over - finally understanding the first part of the name.
The pit was filled with scorpions. Some small enough to be stomped. Some bigger than a pony. And they all looked mighty pissed. I couldn't help but swallow a bit, taking in the sight of the many, many angry insects scurrying around, not being able to climb the steep walls to get up to me, and two - no, three ponies down below. And suddenly my blood started to boil again, as I saw the ragged form of the third pony, running in circles around the bigger scorpion, avoiding stingers. The two stallions I had just kicked in looked around in horror, realizing their fun time had come to a rather ironic end. The unicorn was faster to react, starting to shoot at one of the scorpions advancing with a carbine that had tumbled down with them. I didn't care about those two - I looked around the edges, hoping to find some rope to help the third one - only to feel a sting in my hind-leg.
The sniper had spotted me.
I looked back at the sniper’s nest, jumping a bit to the side - thankfully, the shot had only nicked my leg slightly. And I had jumped to the side just in time, the second shot hitting where I had just been standing. I looked down at the hole for a second, noticing that the strange pony with a battlesaddle - most likely empty, I realized - was staring up at me too. I couldn't help but to yell at him from up there, hoping he'd understand. In some ways, I'm sure he did.
"I'll get you out of there, just hold on!"
That was all I could say before turning around and galloping at full speeds towards the sniper’s nest. There was still the fourth pony around here somewhere, but the sniper was the biggest threat for me right now. I had to make some zig zags, lunging left, right and stopping at random. It honestly felt like minutes to get to the root of the tower, but more than likely it took less than one. I could feel few bruises forming under my barding, spots where the sniper had hit - Steel’s outfit had stopped the major damage however. I'd have to buy him some Apple Whiskey after this as a thank you.
The sniper couldn't hit me from here - not without walking down the stairs. I could hear the mare up above curse and swear, before hearing her hooves tap to the other end of the platform above. Eyeing around, I realized she must've gone to the end of the platform, and was now waiting for me to trot up, right into the range of fire. I took a better look at the support beams, knowing now what I had to do. Three beams, all wood. Perfect.
Turning around, I placed one hind hoof against the support that seemed the strongest - before pulling both of my hooves under my belly, and apple-bucked at the beam. The structure groaned, the wood splintered and bent ever so slightly, and I heard a satisfying crunch. I had to grin a bit, and repeated the action, feeling the wood break under the second kick. The mare realized what I was doing, but it was too late - upon the third kick, the beam broke, and the other two weren't enough to keep the platform up. I couldn't help myself, and decided to shout in glee as the small platform came crashing down with the screaming sniper inside.
"TIMBER!"
I had narrowly escaped on being buried alive, but the mare was not so lucky. I could see her pink hoof pointing from the rubble, and the rifle a bit further away. I quickly reached down for it, flinging it over my shoulder - no time to check if the slaver was alive or not, there was a fourth one to deal with. A yellow and orange mare with a spiked and messy mane and puffy eyes emerged from one of the tents, groaning quietly. "The fuck you idiots doing, I told you to keep it down when I'm sl-"
I didn't let her finish -I closed the distance as fast as I could, slamming my hoof against her head. She fell down, but I didn't stop there - I pressed down the knee of my other front leg against her chest, pushing her against the ground. With a growl, she suddenly realized she was in deep trouble.
"Keys to release the slaves. Now."
She gulped, having trouble breathing. Not that I cared, all I wanted was the answer - which she finally rasped out. "My tent, on the table!" From the look on her face she had never expected to be pinned like this. I smirked a bit, before lifting my free hoof.
"Thank ye kindly."
One punch, and she was knocked out. Perhaps with a fractured skull. I wouldn't know for sure, I was not a doctor. I got up, and quickly trotted into the tent, spotting the table - and the keys with a glowing keychain. Snorting a bit at the ridiculousness, I snatched the keys and quickly ran to the slaves. From the corner of my eye, I noticed the now collapsed sniper’s nest shifting a bit - dammit, had to hurry. Rounding the corner, the slaves had perked up at the shouting and sounds of gunshots, and now only stared at me in bewilderment. I grinned around the keys, hoping to give them a signal I was here for their rescue before I got closer and started to work on the locks.
It was eight ponies in total. Some looked the worse for wear - but some looked lively. At least they had been fed enough to keep them alive. Looking around, I finally saw a grey unicorn, laying next to a brownish red mare with a gear cutie mark. She had a nasty head-wound, but still had a sharp look in her eyes when I got closer.
"Red brown coat, orange grey mane, really nasty attitude."
"Copper Gear?" I asked, but instead of the mare answering, the unicorn did. "She is. What of it?"
I reached into my saddlebags - for a second, I only thought about giving the bat, but realizing she'd need some healing... I also took out the healing potion, giving both to the injured mare. "Steel sends his regards."
That seemed to get the message through for the duo, as I turned around to get over to the Sting Hole to help out the pony who had been stuck there for who knows how long. I was greeted with the sight of the gunner laying on top of a ledge, too high for the scorpions to reach - I had to question how he fit there, or how he got there, that seemed a near impossible spot to be in for any normal pony. But if he had managed to get up there, that did explain how the gunner had managed to survive so far - taking moments to rest on the outcrop, before going back into the fight before the slavers realized what the deal was.
Speaking of the slavers, they were now food for the scorpions. I shuddered a bit at the half-eaten, half-melted corpse of the unicorn - that was not a good way to go. I quickly shook myself from that mindset, looking around for a rope of sorts - finding it in a pile of supplies. Again not caring too much to go through the stuff, I only snatched the rope and galloped to the edge again, to a spot where I could drop the end near the gunner.
One quick pull and tug later, I had pulled the pony out of the pit, who for the most part seemed quite calm. Well as much as I could see - his muzzle was covered by a scarf, eyes with goggles, and head with a ratty hat. Two ears... no, one ear, and one half ear, were poking out of the hat. His hide was covered, too, with a long duster, shirt, and the impressive battlesaddle. I tilted my head a bit to take a quick look to make sure he was alright, and again, the gunner was eerily still. That was when I noticed the missing skin on one of the legs. Yet no bleeding. Sickly grey hues, leathery hide, that odd scent... Oh.
"Huh."
"I assume you did not expect to meet a ghoul?"
That throaty, wet voice would've startled me if I hadn't connected the dots by now. I shook my head a bit, about to ask if he was alright - if it wasn't for the shriek where the captured ponies were. Without thinking twice, I started running back, forgetting for a second to ask why the ghoul pony had been stuck down there. By the time I had thought about asking, I had already reached the corner where the ponies were. Preparing myself for a fight, I leaped in - and that was when I understood why Steel had recommended giving Gear the shiny slugger. She was sitting on top of a pink mare, the sniper I soon realized, with the bat’s end pointing at her broken horn.
"Put me in chains would'ya!? Kick me in the head while I'm down!? Why I oughta-"
"Gear, hold up!" I quickly interjected, and the brown mare glared at me. Geez and I thought my glare was terrifying. I snorted a bit, shaking my head slightly before getting up closer. "We need one alive. In here. Can't promise her friend back there is going to wake up anytime soon, so she's the best bet."
With that, Gear wrinkled her nose, but did lift herself off from the mare to let me have a chat with her. The unicorn was sobbing, one hoof holding her broken appendage before she dared to look up at me. With a hoof, I reached down and took her aviator glasses, my expression not changing as I stared straight into her green eyes.
"You, and your little rag tag team better get the hell out of here while there is still more than one of you. Because Celestia help you, if I see even a strand of hair from you folk, I will come after you. And when I do, losing your horn will be the least of your worries, and this? All this? Will feel like a walk in the park in comparison. Have I made myself clear?"
The sniper was hiccuping, not daring to do much. However when I scowled, she was quick to respond. "Yes! Yes! Crystal! I'll- I'll collect Sunflower and- and run away! None of you will see us again!"
I placed her aviator glasses on to my muzzle, pulling back - waving my hoof a bit to let her pass. And pass she did, running off still crying, snatching who I assumed to be Sunflower to her back, and then half-trotting away, not daring to look back. Good. Hopefully, that was two more slavers down...
I turned to check on the ponies, who weren't too happy about my decision - but I had caused the death of four of her friends already. Message had gone through.
"We better get moving, they are going to get reinforcements in a couple of hours, and one of their ambush teams is still around." I informed them, and started to turn around when I was muzzle to muzzle - well, muzzle to chest - with the earlier gunner. Who was hauling two boxes of goodies. Before I could ask what he was doing, he went to the now freed ponies, and started to share some of the loot. Food, bandages, couple healing potions, water... Right. I had been too busy getting around to really loot anything, good thing this fella was smarter than me.
"Eat while we move, don't have much time. Could you hold the rear, in case they try and catch up to us?" I asked from the ghoul, who merely nodded and re-loaded his battlesaddle with the ammo he had scavenged. Grey unicorn that had been guarding Gear tugged on the rifle I had found earlier as well, giving me a look like he wanted to help as well. With small smile, I allowed him to take the sniper rifle - it wasn't much use for me anyways right now.
"Just give it back when we get to Barn Sour, I want to use it for trading."
The unicorn smirked a bit, loading the gun. "Certainly. Oh, and Slingshot needs someone to carry him."
Somehow, I doubted he meant Slingshot was going to be carried by one of the captives...
The green earth pony buck was complaining on my back, head against my shoulder-blades as he laid as still as he could. Turns out that Slingshot, the buck on my back, had an infected wound on his hind-leg. And none of us were sure if we should use a healing potion on such an old, festering wound. So, instead, I had to carry him. Thankfully he was a rather light fellow, even while munching on a fresh carrot to gain some weight back.
"You're free to walk back if you want." I retorted, feeling a small smile on my face. I had missed talking with other ponies - even slight bickering was refreshing. Slingshot huffed in response, blowing raspberry at me before returning to his carrot. One of the freed ponies offered an apple scavenged by the ghoul - who was the much hyped Wanderlust as I had come to learn - from the slavers. I couldn't help but grin a bit before biting down, looking then behind myself to make sure the tail end was alright. Wanderlust was keeping the tail, making sure no one would be chasing us - or if there was someone chasing us, they'd have a nasty greeting from the two rifles strapped into that battle-saddle.
I turned my head back to the front, seeing the walls of Barn Sour already. I was pretty darn grateful for this, these ponies seriously needed some medical help, rest, and I was certain the ponies of Barn Sour would also be happy to be united with their loved one-
And that was when the world turned to shit, with the sound of two rifles blasting from behind. Where I had just seen Wanderlust.
Without thinking about it too much, I bucked, sideways, dropping Slingshot off my back. The stallion let out a yelp, and then a groan of pain - but before he could start complaining, I barked an order.
"Take him in, now!"
I saw from the corner of my eye how two ponies snatched his arms, and started to drag him across the ground towards the town’s gates. Poor fellow was flailing with his hind legs in the air, screaming something about how undignifying this was. No time to think about that now - the rest of the captives dashed off towards the town as well, knowing full well to leave me and Wanderlust behind. Well, me, Wanderlust, Copper Gear and the silvery unicorn who had taken my sniper-rifle, and was now aiding Wanderlust in the efforts to snipe the pursuers.
I managed to duck behind a rock just in time, when I heard a bullet ping against it. Wanderlust, and the unicorn - Classic Song, I recalled - were behind another, occasionally peeking out to try and shoot the three ponies who were doing the same. This was going to be a drawn out fight, where I couldn't do anything unless the enemy got close. Gear seemed to have same problem - she was bouncing on her spot, nearly dancing, with gritted teeth. Apparently being pinned down like this by sniper-fire was not okay. Finally, she crouched a bit, standing on her hind legs while holding the bat, eyes glaring at me.
"Throw me!"
I only could give my most eloquent, well-spoken answer to that. "Uh... What?"
"DID I STUTTER MOTHERFUCKER?!"
She was pointing her bat right at my nose. No. Not pointing. Pushing the cold metal against my muzzle, to the point where I could feel my lips pull back a bit. I looked down at the bat, then at the mare, and then sighed, sitting down and placing my left fore hoof in a position that would let me throw her in a similar fashion to a shot putter.
She quickly climbed on, settling down as well as she could. I balanced myself as well, pulling my hoof back even more, and then put all my strength to it - and suddenly, there was a red-brown missile in the air. Everyone stopped firing at that moment, staring at the flying earth pony who was screaming her lungs out in rage and glee. "DEATH FROM ABOVE!"
I was suddenly very glad that mare was on my side. I could only imagine what was going on in those slavers’ minds, as the mare composed of only rage and the need to bash some skulls in descended upon them. There was a few seconds when they didn't even fire, most likely because of how stunned they were - and then there was a nasty crack. A second. One gun shot, but that's about it - I could see the gun flying in the air, and the tip of the bat. The second time I saw the bat’s end, it was colored in dark crimson, and that was about the time I just sat down to look at Classic Song in slight horror. The unicorn looked back at me, shrugging a bit.
"Hey Gear! Make sure to take all the ammo they got!" Classic shouted at the mare after the repeated thuds and cracks from Gear’s bat finally died down. When she did walk back... well let's just say I was glad for her to have that red brown coat, if I squinted I could almost pretend she had just taken a dip in a puddle of water or something.
Everypony had gotten back to the town safely - even Slingshot, even though I was certain there had been quite few complaints on the way back in. I'd have to go check on him later, just in case. Apologize for tossing him off my back like that. But first, I had other things to deal with - like the little foal who was darting around and below me, giggling out loudly. I had to carefully lift each one of my legs to see where the little one had went, before I finally managed to snatch them by the hood to give some well deserved mane-ruffles. Kid was giggling at that, before hugging my right front-hoof, just hanging there as I walked forward carefully. I had to get my rifle back too, but that didn't mean I wasn't allowed to play with my little companion on the way towards the trio of ponies.
Classic Song and Copper Gear were now both smothered with tight hugs from a very, very happy blue pony, who was sniffling happily at the sight of the two. Gear didn't seem too happy, while Classic was just patting the ponys head in comforting gesture. Steel apparently was a very sensitive pony... Didn't match his earlier attitude or name, but to each their own. He was blabbing about how worried he had been, which was probably the only reason why Gear hadn't smashed his face right back in for this.
Speaking of the trio, one of them still had something of mine. Slowly, I approached, scooping the kiddo with one hoof for friendly rough-housing. The foal squeaked happily, dangling there with their legs kicking up in the air as I hobbled closer to the trio. Classic was first to notice me, and almost on instinct hugged my rifle against his chest, trying to make something akin to puppydog eyes. Which got me to snort.
"Sorry partner, I did say I want the rifle back." I chuckled, placing the little unicorn down. Now it was adult talk time - and the sniper did not like what I was saying. He huffed, pouting slightly before his eyes landed on my little companion - and then pointed at the little foal.
"I'll teach your kid a shield spell for the rifle!"
I couldn't help but look down at the dark unicorn between my front hooves, then back at Classic, then back down. I was no unicorn, so I didn't know much about unicorn magic. From my dumbfounded expression, Classic Song rolled his eyes slightly.
"Unicorns can learn any spell with a bit of practice. Mastering it takes time and effort, but learning is easy. And I can teach the basics of a shield spell to your foal, for this beauty of a rifle."
Now, I didn't know if that was good deal caps wise. Good thing for Classic I was more interested in my little companion’s safety, and not the caps. I looked down again, giving bit of a grin for squirt - who's freckled face was grinning back, bright and excited. That was all the answer I needed, and I nodded to the silvery buck.
"We'll be in town for at least a day or two more, if ye can teach the kid the spell, the rifle's yours."
I rose up, nudging the foal towards Classic. I had somewhere to be real quick, and I trusted Classic not to try anything funny with my tiny companion. They didn't argue, just bounced around full of energy. With a small smile, I turned around and started to head towards the bar - I'd have to have a chat with Grandpa Bucket, and Sparkles would be the best way to find him-
"Now, how about we make your dad proud?"
And that's when I could feel heat in my ears. I wasn't- The kid wasn't- I didn't look that old!
Trotting to the other side of the town, I looked around as some of the captured ponies were reconnecting with their loved ones, or were already picking up on where they left off. Such as helping on building defenses in case something would happen. Which it might. Smart ponies. Looking around, I finally noticed the amethyst mare who was levitating Sparkle Cola Rad to Wanderlust - who still was wearing his battle-saddle and, well, everything that covered his skin. That seemed a bit weird to me, but who was I to judge someone’s fashion style considering what I was wearing...
"Sparkles! I need to find Grandpa, know where he is?" I partially shouted, before disclosing the distance. The mare looked at me with big bright smile, nodding a bit at my question before pointing the way down the street.
"Three shacks down from here, his wife has a small garden in the front yard. Can't miss it."
I was about to thank her, when Wanderlust suddenly lifted his hoof a bit, getting my attention right away.
"Thirty three." - he said, slowly. My expression must've shown my confusion, because he lowered his hoof back down, giving me what I assumed a firm look.
"There were thirty three ponies here who I owed my lives to. I was determined on paying that debt when the slavers attacked - but instead of repaying, I got trapped as well. Thirty three lives that I promised to save, and I failed. Instead, you did what I couldn't - so, in my opinion... I should save you thirty three times, to set the record."
My jaw dropped down, not sure if I could actually follow the logic. I looked back at Sparkles, who just snorted a bit at my expression. "Wanderlust is like that. He believed he owed this town when we healed him back to health. Since you saved us, he wants to repay you for doing his job." she then explained, waving her hoof around in the air. I arched a brow, before looking back at Wanderlust.
"What would happen if I'd say no?"
"I'd follow you from a distance."
I sighed a bit and sat down, shaking my head. Honestly speaking, I wouldn't mind another companion. Someone to follow and make sure the little foal who was running around my feet would be safe. On the other hoof, I really didn't want to be responsible for another life right now, not with me on the constant move for now. So, I took a deep breath, and thought of a way for me not to decide on this.
"I'll have to ask the kid first. Get their opinion." - I stated, before standing up again. "Kid's practicing some shield spells right now, so give it an hour or two. But for now, I gotta go talk with Grandpa Bucket."
"Heave ho!"
I pulled a piece of rubble behind me, as per instructed. I had been strapped into a harness to pull piles of scrap and pieces of fallen walls to designated places, which was then quickly turned into materials for reinforcements. Holes in the main wall were quickly patched, and the two guard towers were quickly made much sturdier. Now we were focusing on the gate, as it was the most likely place to be attacked.
"I think that was the last piece laying around." I told the old buck who was sitting near the two workers, one of which came to remove my harness telling me to take a break. Honestly I couldn't disagree with the idea, getting something to drink and catching my breath. So, I walked over to where Grandpa Bucket was sitting, and took the offered water, sighing happily when I felt the somewhat cool liquid go down my throat. The older stallion patted the empty space next to him, signaling for me to sit there.
"Fixin’s goin' fine," he started out, looking at the younger ones work. "Ye sure them slavers are goin' to try an' invade?"
I chuckled dryly, with no mirth what so ever. Bucket caught it, giving me a look - which caused me to quickly nod at him. "Positive. Once their buddies come and see what happened at that camp, they'll try and take revenge. Their kind usually don't learn easy." Grandpa didn't look too happy about those news, which was understandable. I laid down properly, allowing my legs just enjoy the feeling of not having to support any weight whatsoever. I'd get back into work soon enough, but there was no point of working to the bone right now.
"We ain't exactly fighters, most of us at least. So I appreciate all the help ye givin'. Ye an' lil hayseed - he spent whole day while ye were out fixin' my wife’s garden."
I felt the corners of my mouth twitch at that, and I tried my darnest not to smile too much. "Just doing what any decent pony should. I just wish the slavers are smart enough not to get too aggressive, and leave this town alone after getting some resistance here."
Grandpa was about to say something, when a young buck that was standing in one of the guard towers suddenly yelled down at us. The pinkish stallion was waving his hoof at us, looking panicked, and uttered one word that got me up and running towards the guardtower.
"Slavers!"
I started to climb up the ladder, partially hopping to get all the way up, peering over the protective wall at what was going on. In the distance, I could see a group of ponies. Five, six... ten. Ten ponies, and at least two griffons. With some crates, and weapons. The details however blurred away, as I saw a unicorn trotting closer. Green mane slicked back, glasses, robes that covered the rest of his grayish coat. But what really got my attention was the yellow and black robes, and the insignia at the front. An insignia of an open, black skeletal maw with long saber-fangs, roaring into a yellow star. I knew that mark. The mark of the Rawmaw.
I was so focused on staring, that I heard nothing. Nothing but muffled voices and a quiet tinny whistle. My heart started to pound, thundering in my ears - ear, one ear, singular - and only hearing Grandpa Bucket shout something at the envoy. It snapped me out of my stupor, and I tuned in to the conversation.
"Ye gotta be few cigars short of carton if ye think those are the terms we gonna agree with!"
I looked down at the old buck, then back at the unicorn who merely smirked, flicking some dirt off his robes. "Now now old man. No need for insults. These aren't terms, these are facts. Either you surrender and live under servitude, or we'll take over the town and... dispose of anyone who opposes us." - the unicorn spoke in slick voice, while inspecting his hoof, before looking back up at us with a smile that was almost kind - if it had reached his eyes. "You have three hours to cho-"
I slammed both of my hooves to the railing, standing up on my hindquarters. This took the attention of the guard, Bucket, and the envoy - who for his credit didn't flinch. Just blinked in confusion, as I pulled in deep breath, trying really hard not to shout in anger. Which I may have failed at.
"Only way any of Rawmaw’s hooflickers will get even a hair of a pony from this town is over my cold dead body!"
I am not sure what shocked the unicorn more - the fact that I knew who he worked for, or me daring to challenge him. The unicorn’s mouth hung open for a second, before he scoffed at me, wrinkling his muzzle.
"And who, dare I ask, are you?"
Oh if I had known what was going to happen from this encounter, I would've... well, added quite a few additives that would've made old Mama Pot clean my mouth with soap, to be fair. I flicked my head back, flinging my mane out of my face, before turning my head to show the scar. The scar that was running down from my ear, and over my brow as two long strokes. I didn't need to see it, to know what it looked like. I didn't break eye-contact with the envoy, even when he started to realize who I was when I started to talk.
"The one who got away from your little camp at Chipped Claw."
I couldn't help but to smirk a bit, as his eyes turned wider. I let my mane back down, smirking down on the envoy. Sure, he didn't know exactly who I was. But scars clearly made by talons - like that of a griffon - and knowing the location of one of their slave camps was enough for the unicorn to realize he was talking to an escaped slave.
"Do tell Sheerclaw that Jackpot says hi."
The envoy suddenly pointed at me, looking at the Grandpa Bucket. "New deal! You give me that pony, and we'll leave this town alone! You have five hours to consider!" - I don't know if I should've been flattered or not. Before I could decide however, he turned on his heels and started to gallop back to the camp - leaving me utterly confused. Well. This was going to be interesting.
"We can't just give him to them! Jackpot saved my daughter!" "No one's givin' that buck to anypony Dewdrop, don't ya worry none." "I say we fight!" "Now hold on now just a second, not all of us know how to fire a gun. Can't we just evacuate instead?"
I listened in, my ear flicking here and there as the ponies argued. I hadn't interrupted the town ponies even once, as I honestly felt like it wasn't my place. The fate of thirty or so ponies was more important than mine, when thinking rationally - and so far, allowing these ponies to choose my fate had worked in my favor. I hadn't been in wrong thinking these were good ponies. I laid my head down on the floor, my eyes fixed on the ponies.
There was Grandpa Bucket, who was being the voice of reason, telling ponies to calm down whenever someone's voice rose or said something a bit dumb. Sparkles, and whom I assumed was her mother, were there too, arguing against giving me away and trying to find a solution that wouldn't end with bloodshed. An orange stallion had suggested they'd give me away, but had been shot down instantly - the title of local hero came with some perks.
"Town’s too large to evac safely 'n' without rousin' any suspicion." Bucket’s voice cut in with a sigh. I had to agree. My hoof tapped against the flooring, and then finally something gave me an idea. I lifted my head, mulling the idea over before saying anything.
"Jackpot, what's on your mind? Figure out a way to get out of this mess?" - Sparkles had noticed my movement and expression, and was now staring at me. Actually, they all were staring at me. I gave a small nod, though I didn't stop the slight frown.
"What if... I sneak out, and lure them after me? With luck, they'll completely forget about the town." Either with luck, or if I did my job right and really got their attention. A stunned silence came over everypony, and then, all at once, they erupted into half-shouts of protest. Well, nearly everypony. I waited for the fellas to get their pieces in, before lifting my hoof to get their attention again.
"Please. It's me they want - well, more than they want you ponies. It's a gamble, but if I'm right I should get at least half of them to chase after me, maybe even more. I like those odds - your town has a bigger chance of survival if I do that."
The silence was deafening, some of the ponies looking a bit awkward about this plan. Finally, Bucket let out a deep sigh. "Aye, I think yer right. As much as I hate to admit to it. Meet me at the back of the town as soon as ye finish up stocking, there's an entrance there ye might be able to use to sneak out."
At that, I got up, stretching my legs that had gone stiff from all this staying still. Bucket waddled out of the house that had been dubbed the "town hall", and I looked after him, already starting to aim towards the door when familiar figures trotted in. Quickly, I sat down upon noticing the tiny dark purple form of the foal who was bouncing towards me. Upon reaching me, the little foal stood on their hind legs to give me a quick nuzzle against my chest, which did make me chuckle a bit before I patted their back.
"Hey kiddo. Did you behave?"
They nodded, stepping back from me and starting their horn with golden and yellow sparks, before that familiar warm golden color shone around the appendage. This warm light moved, rippled, forming finally a round shape around the foal. I couldn't help but to grin at the shield-spell - sure, it wasn't exactly stable, nor did it look strong enough to stop bullets. But it was a step up, and a good start for the spell. The foal soon dropped the spell, letting out a bit of a sigh - from what I could guess, it was straining to do. My pride for the foal just grew, and I reached my hoof to give the kiddo some well deserved mane ruffles.
Classic Song chuckled a bit too, waving his hoof in the air dismissively, but his voice betrayed bit of wonder. "Hayseed has quite bit of magical talent. Caught up on the basics pretty darn fast."
I arched my brow at the name, which Classic caught on. Clearing his throat, unicorn explained further. "Hayseed? The name Grandma Shovel gave him?"
"Who?"
My question was quickly answered by a sting against my rump. While it didn't exactly hurt, it did startle me enough to jump up, spin in air and land with a thud further away. An old mare, older than dirt from what I could tell - not that I was best at judging ages but all those wrinkles... Her eyes twinkled, however, with youthful mischievous glint, making me reassess my opinion on her. That, and the little stinging sensation at my flank.
"Don't you be ‘who'ing me boy, I am the lady of the town after all!" She laughed, in a volume I hadn't expected from an old, frail mare of her size. In my confusion, I sat down, staring at her in attempt to find something intelligent to say.
"Uh... Grandma Shovel, I presume?"
Smooth Jackpot. Really smooth. The mare nodded at me, smiling wide, before patting at my tiny companions head. "Heard you were leaving, and taking little Hayseed with you - so I came to wish good luck on your travels. And bring some grub, Hayseed is a growing foal and needs all the nutrients!"
"Speaking of grub, I got something for you too."
I turned my head towards Sparkles, who was carrying couple bottles of sparkle cola in her magic - before placing them into my saddlebags. "You'll need all the supplies you can carry if you are going to pull this off." Well I couldn't argue with that. I smiled in thanks at her, as she also started to place the lunch Grandma Shovel brought to us inside the bags. I hadn't expected the town ponies to actually give us anything for our daring attempt, these really were good ponies. Good ponies worth protecting. Which was exactly what I was going to do, I would not let their kindness and trust in someone like me go to waste.
There was still a bit time. Time that I wasn't trying to waste, but ponies kept stopping me, some giving me advice on where to head, and some dropping something into my bag to help. It was now common knowledge that the little foal "Hayseed" was with me, and some wanted to make sure I was well equipped to care for them. And, Wanderlust was coming, so I was given some ammo to forward to the ghoul who kept appearing and disappearing. Apparently he wasn't exactly easy to approach either... So that was going to be interesting.
"There ye are!"
My head snapped towards the old buck, who was waiting near a plywood piece that leaned against the steep, rocky walls. Wanderlust was waiting there for us too, giving me and the foal... Hayseed, a short nod. I grinned a bit as Hayseed ran to the ghoul, standing on their hind legs to take better look at our newest companion, before turning my attention to Grandpa Bucket.
"Sorry mate - a few ponies stopped me on the way here."
The elderly pony waved his hoof in a dismissive manner, water under the bridge I assumed, before moving the plywood off a hole in the cliff. A small hole. Pony sized, if you squeezed a bit, or a lot in my case. "Well we ain't got much time for goodbyes - this here tunnel leads to other side of these rocky cliffs. It's a bit of a squeeze, but I'm sure ya'll manage just fine. Just try not to get stuck."
"Easier said than done." I muttered, before taking off my saddlebags and barding - no way I was going to let my equipment be the reason why'd we stall. "Hayseed, can you levitate my items through some of the openings?" - and great, now the name was stuck. Oh well, might as well call them Hayseed, it wasn't a bad name. The unicorn nodded at me happily, picking the bags before trotting through the hole with little to no effort. I looked over to Wanderlust, and his battlesaddle. "Going to need help with that?"
Ghoul shook his head at me, before motioning towards the hole with bandaged hoof. "I will manage. You go ahead, in case you need someone to push from this end."
I frowned a bit at the implication that I was going to need the push due to my size, but let it slide. Taking a deep breath, and then pulling my stomach and sides in as much as I could, I started to wiggle through the hole. The rocky walls dug into my hide, scraping a bit, but with a bit of pull with my front hooves I managed to get through. First tight spot cleared, on to the next-
"It should get a bit easier from here, until the second to last opening."
I jumped, nearly hitting my head on the ceiling at the sudden appearance of Wanderlust. How he got behind me, I will never know, but by Celestia was that ghoul stealthy! Even with that mask, I could tell Wanderlust was smiling at me for my reaction. Jerk.
"Let's... let's just get a move on." I groaned, starting to move forward, with Hayseed’s magic illuminating our way. I followed Hayseed, and the draft of air, in complete silence. We were going to be in trouble soon, so I had to mentally prepare myself for that - being shot at was never fun, and my top priority was Hayseed’s safety. They were still a kid, and I had picked them up to protect them. This was not protecting them. But, it seemed like the foal had agreed that we had to help these towns folks. Still...
"Wanderlust, I have a favor to ask you."
"I'm listening."
Lowering my voice - which was probably for nothing, seeing how close Hayseed was - I looked over to the ghoul, speaking in a hushed, soft tone. I didn't want Hayseed to hear this, just in case they'd take this the wrong way.
"I need you to protect Hayseed when they come after us. Smart kid, but not the longest legs."
Wanderlust’s head was turned towards me, but I couldn't tell if he was looking at me or side-eyeing at Hayseed. Would it hurt to take those goggles off for one conversation? I knew ghouls looked hideous, but surely it couldn't be that bad? And why was I so curious suddenly? That had never been a trait of mine... stress, possibly. Didn't want to think about what was about to come. Anyways, back to the subject.
"Can do." Wanderlust’s words made me relax a bit, and a small smile appeared on my muzzle before I turned my head forward, to make sure I wouldn't trip over any rocks. My ears - no, ear - however turned towards Wanderlust, as he continued. "You really are going to put yourself at risk for a town you barely know? Most ponies would just run."
I couldn't help but laugh a bit, making a bit of a grin at the ghoul. "I am running. After getting them after me. Can't let good ponies get hurt or harassed by some jackasses."
I guess my reply was good enough for the ghoul. Maybe? He didn't exactly say anything to that - no objections, no praise. Surely he'd say something, if he had something against the plan. Speaking of the plan, after getting through the last opening, it was time to put it in motion. Hayseed helped me get back into my barding, and I gave a quick ruffle of their mane.
"Alright, y'all wait here. When the shooting starts, start running that way-" I quickly pointed to a certain rock formation in the distance, "-and don't stop until we either find a spot to hide, or they give up. I'll be right behind you, as long as nothing gets me in the leg." I pulled the straps on my saddlebags to tighten them up. Hayseed looked up at me in worry, but I only smirked back a bit. It was going to be dangerous, but I sure as hay wasn't going to let kiddo worry about me.
"Oh don't ya worry squirt. If these fellas are anything like the last batch, they wouldn't be able to hit me even if I stood still."
For a white buck of my size, I was surprisingly stealthy. Stealthy enough to circle around the camp without the two griffons noticing me right off the bat. No, three - there was one more on the ground, talking to the earlier envoy. Clearly the deadline was almost here, time to make my announcement now before they'd open fire. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. This had so many ways of going wrong, but that was worry for if something like that happened. So, taking deep shaky breath to calm my nerves, I pulled myself into my full height. From up here, they all seemed so... small. And they hadn't even noticed me yet. Another breath, and I opened up my muzzle, shouting the first thing that came to my mind to get their attention.
"Hey! Hey you mangy tailed yellow-bellied cowards!"
Have I ever mentioned I wasn't exactly the most creative pony when it comes to insulting someone? Probably because Mama Pot always tanned my hide each time I even tried. Almost twenty years later and I was still expecting her to smack me on my hind legs for this.
"Are your heads really so deep in ye boss' rear that ya couldn't even tell I wasn't even in the town anymore!? Some quality enforcers Rawmaw chose for the job!"
And there was the gunshot. My cue to turn around and start running like the devil was on my tail - and in all fairness it probably was, considering I kept hearing a very telling purring of a Luna damned minigun. Who ever was gunning the thing wasn't exactly skilled on shooting a fleeing target, which was probably the only reason why I didn't get torn to pieces on the spot. That or the gunner was just toying with me. Whichever it was, I was grateful - I needed to run, and keep running.
In my stampede, I started to catch up to one shape that was moving way ahead of me. At first, I thought it was just one pony, but soon realized that there was a smaller shape riding on top of the bigger one. Good on Wanderlust, he had been smart enough to just put the little unicorn on his back before starting to run. Why hadn't I thought of that? Guess this was why I wasn't the brains of the operations... Wanderlust did occasional spin, shooting his rifle somewhere behind or above me in mid spin, landing then gracefully to start running again. I suspected he was the reason why I hadn't been shot down yet, since he had been taking down some of the thugs.
However, my legs were longer, thus on a straight gallop I was faster. I soon caught up to the ghoul, who turned his head only slightly towards me.
"You'll burn all my debt before the sun sets at this rate."
I couldn't help but to grin as a response, not daring to respond right away. I had to focus on running and not tripping. Hayseed occasionally leaned down, unjamming Wanderlust’s rifle here and there with their magic. Apparently running and gunning wasn't the ghoul’s strongest point. Then again I couldn't use guns at all, so who was I to judge? Taking in deep breath, I laughed a bit finally, giving my reply with a hint of sarcasm I just could not hide.
"Ya were the one who demanded to follow us!"
"Well this went great." Wanderlust commented, before laying back down next to us from his scouting, adjusting the cowboy hat on his head. "We haven't been spotted yet, but we’re completely surrounded. So all we can do now is lay down and wait."
I grunted a bit, stretching my leg, reaching with my mouth and plucking out a bullet that had thankfully only gone skin deep at best. Spitting the bullet on the floor, I shook my leg a bit to get the feeling off. "Got no problem with that. We'll just wait for an opening, and run for it - this is a good chance to catch our breath and figure out where to go next."
Hayseed was pressing a cloth against the scratches on my legs, cleaning them out. The foal was surprisingly calm considering what had just happened, but I guess Hayseed had mentally prepared themself for this. Wanderlust huffed a bit, but didn't complain further - instead just settling down a bit better.
"Any idea yet?"
I looked over at the ghoul, laying my head sideways on the cool ground, thinking a bit.
"We can't go in Barn Sour’s direction. They'll look for us from there. Bit east from that, and we'll run the risk of meeting more of Rawmaw’s troops. I sure as hell don't want to move towards Hoofington either. So... I'm open for suggestions. We can't stay put, that's for sure."
Wanderlust nodded couple times, before tapping on the side of his muzzle with a hoof, thoughtfully. My memory of the territory was fuzzy at best - all those years ago, it was straight point a to point b, without any breaks or chances to look around. "If I could just remember my way back home..."
"Home?"
Wanderlust must've heard me talk, and I lifted my head from the floor to give him flat look. "Yes. Home. Place I was born and raised in."
"I'm doing an educated guess here, but I think this 'Rawmaw' you've mentioned is why you're not there anymore?"
I huffed and laid my head back down. I could feel Hayseed nestling against my side, almost like they could sense my mood - which was not the best right now. But, snapping at my companions wasn't something I wanted to do... and it probably would help them in the long run, knowing who I was running from.
"Rawmaw... not sure who or what that pony is. Never seen them. I don't know what their plans are, what they look like, or what they sound like. Hell, don't even know what derogatory insults to use." At that I took a quick look down at the foal curled up against my side. Okay maybe it was good I didn't know what slurs to use when in the presence of this little fella. "What I do know is that Rawmaw is a massive slave-driver. Some are bought from Paradise, some are collared travelers, and when they decide to get really frisky... they'll take down small settlements, and drag out anyone they can."
Wanderlust tilted his head a bit, and I looked over. Ears... ear folding back, I gave the best annoyed look I could, before groaning a bit. I really didn't like talking about this. It had been years and years ago, and just thinking about back then made my blood boil. And right now, I was too tired to get riled up. On the other hoof, maybe telling... I sighed, and turned my head away from the two.
"They raided my farm when I was a colt. Don't like talking about it - all you need to know is that me and most of the family that survived were collared, and dragged to Rawmaw’s little slaver town. Can't remember the directions - could maybe recognize some landmarks, if I'd happen to stumble on any of them." I frowned at the end, muttering to myself. That deep, pressuring silence that followed was rather awkward, my two companions waiting for me to continue. I guess they didn't exactly know how to ask me to, however. Mindful lot so far. And hadn't I given enough information right there already?
"That settles it then," our ghoul companion finally said, tapping his hat and pulling it partially to cover the goggles. "We'll head towards your old home. I'll need you to recount any landmarks you might remember." Oh, so now he was the leader. Fine by me. I grunted, lifting my gaze towards the skies as I thought. What all I could remember?
"... A bridge. Old, unstable, hundreds of feets below before you'd meet the water, made of wood. Lost Everglade in there. Also Everfree Forest... We camped next to it for one night. Couldn't sleep a wink." Frowning so hard it almost hurt, I tried to recount anything particular - I had been so young, so terrified when moving in the group. Hadn't I gone sick at one part too? Yes, I had been carried by two of the older stallions at one point.
"... Mountain of colored lights in the distance... and a field... no. It was almost like a field with water, but there was fire bursting from the cracks, and the water was thick, almost like translucent muck that would swallow you if you put any weight on it."
Finally I just sighed, and gave apologetic look. "Sorry Wander. I was young. Pretty sure my memory is playing tricks on me here."
"That is fine. Remember anything from the farm?"
Oh bless his patience. Suddenly I was very glad Wanderlust was with us - trying to help me get back to where I first came from. I doubted anything was there anymore, but it would be nice to make sure. "It was elevated. We could see the ruins of one of the pre-war cities - I can remember the statue of Princess Celestia, her wings spread. It was in the distance, and crooked, but looked straight at where our little farm was. It reminded us that she's always watching. Never went where it was though, since walking through the city was a bad idea."
Best not to mention why that was, I really didn't want to offend our newest companion, who was now nodding to my words. "You certainly had a long trip. But the fiery field? I know a place similar to that - off to the South-West. If we circle around west, we should avoid these slavers just fine."
And just like that I could've just kissed the rotting stallion. My head perked up instantly, startling Hayseed who let out questioning yip at my sudden movements. Wanderlust caught on my movements, chuckling a bit before waving hoof at me.
"Settle down. We'll move at dawn once you've gotten some strength back." He got up, checking his weapons. "You two rest, and I'll guard. If something happens I'll wake you." Yep. Definitely could kiss the ghoul, and I usually wasn't really into stallions. Making cheeky grin, I laid my head back down, giving gentle blow from my nostrils at Hayseeds direction - who also settled back down. Things were starting to look up, after all.
