Cowboy Apocalypse (title undecided)

>You pulled the thin scarf over your nose
>As if it would help in this snow storm
>You had to get inside
>Any longer out here and the two of you would freeze to death
>The wind howled loudly and the snow poured down so hard you could hardly see a foot in front of you
>Every bit of exposed skin felt like someone driving a knife into your flesh
>Thankfully, however, a beacon of hope appeared
>A run down hunting cabin
>It wouldn't do much to keep out the cold, being most of it's windows were broken and the wood rotting before your eyes
>But it was an improvement over being outside
>"Applejack! Come one! In here!"
>You shivered, your teeth chattering so loud you could barely speak
"Right, Rainbow!"
>You both walked into the cabin and dropped to the floor instantly, panting hard
>Rainbow leaned against the back wall
>"We made it."
"We did."
>Rainbow unfurled the map
>"Ok. If we continue down the course we're on we should reach the edge of the Foxtail mountains in a week."
>You hugged yourself tightly
"We've been here so long already. Another week feels like torture."
>"We can do it. We can."
>In your effort you hardly noticed a strange sound coming from one of the bedrooms
>It was soft breathing
>You hushed Rainbow and whispered
"Hear that?"
>Rainbow nodded, pulling her revolver from her satchel
>You did the same, pulling the hammer back
>Dash aimed directly at the door while you took the side
>You gently pushed to door open and tip toed into the room
>To both of your surprise, it was two little girls
>One with long bacon hair, the other with blue hair slightly parted
>Both looked to be no older than eight
>You put your gun down
"We have to help them."
>Rainbow glared
>"Are you serious? We can't take on two more mouths to feed! We hardly have enough food between us!"
"If we don't they'll die!"
>"No way. We can't."
"Well then you can go on alone. And take all the food with you. I'm not going to leave them to die."
>Rainbow bit her lip and clenched her fists
>"Damn you."
>Rainbow stormed out of the room, leaving you with the two girls
>Should you wake them?
>You didn't want to startle them
>People these days had a knack for defending themselves rather violently
>One of the girls, the blue haired one, blinked open her eyes
>"Sunset? Sunset we made it!"
>She looked directly at you
>"It's still so cold. Why won't the snow stop?"
>You tilted your heard
>She wasn't reacting to you at all
>That's when you noticed her eyes
>Her pupils were completely grey and had a vacant look about them
>Poor girl was blind as a bat
>She stiffened suddenly
>"There's someone else here. Two people. W-who's there?"
>Damn it
>Guess it was true what they said about blind people having better senses
"Don't worry. We mean you no harm."
>The girl flew into a panic and began shaking the one she called Sunset
>"Sunset! Sunset! There are other people here! Wake up!"
"Shhh. Easy. I'm not here to hurt you."
>Sunset woke up and with surprising speed, pulled out a knife
>"Stay back! I won't let you hurt her."
>You sat on the floor and pushed the gun to the other side of the room
"I'm harmless."
>The two didn't know what to make of it
"You can check my other pockets if you don't believe me. I have no other weapons on me."
>Sunset cautiously moved toward you, checking each of your pockets
"What are you girls doing out here alone?"
>The blue haired one sniffled
>"W-we...We got lost. A-and..."
>She started to cry
>"When we were walking through the storm I hit my head and I can't see anymore."
>Sunset looked down
>You reached out and got a can of peaches
"Here."
>Sunset practically pounced on it, eating greedily
"Hey there. Share with... what's her name?"
>"Trixie."
"Trixie. Each of you get half the can. When was the last you two ate."
>Trixie wiped the tears from her eyes
>"Four days ago."
>Sunset practically inhaled the first half of the can before passing it off to Trixie
>Trixie, too, wolfed it down
"You should join us. Me and my friend Rainbow are headed to this place called Paradis. It's supposed to be a safe haven."
>Sunset glared
>"Why should we trust you?"
"I suppose you'll have to just take me at my word."
>Trixie slow waded over to you before falling flat on her face and sobbing
>Your maternal instincts kicked in and you rushed over to her
"Shhh. There there."
>You hugged her tight in your arms
"It's ok. Just breathe. I've got you."
>You turned to see Sunset with almost a look of longing on her face
"Want to join? There's room for one more."
>As much as Sunny tried, she couldn't resist
>She rushed over and joined the embrace, crying as well
>"I'm scared."
"I know you are. And you two have both been so brave. Just come with us. We'll keep you safe ok?"
>"You promise?"
"Course I do, sugar cube."
>Trixie wiped the tears from her eyes
>"What's your name lady?"
"Mine is Applejack. Rainbow, my friend, is in the other room."
>Trixie gave a positively heart melting smile
>"Nice to meet you Applejack!"
"It's nice to meet you too Trixie. If you'll excuse me for a moment. Both of you be good girls and wait in this room ok?"
>"Ok."
>You got up and walked into the other room
>Rainbow was sat against the wall, arms crossed and scowling
>"What are we going to do? How are we supposed to feed too more mouths?"
"Easy. We hunt"
>"Easy? I don't know if you noticed the raging blizzard outside. The only animals out there are going to be hibernating, dead, or wanting to kill us"
"You get a fire going. I'll track us down something"
>Rainbow hit the wall
>"This is a bad idea! I'm telling you!"
"Well the leave Rainbow Dash"
>You walked out the door with your trusty revolver
>The cold hit you like a slap to the face
>Thankfully your old man had taught you quite a bit about hunting
>When the world hadn't gone to hell in a hand basket
>That was so many years ago you can scarcely remember it
>You began to walk around searching for tracks
>It didn't take long to find some
>They looked to be doe tracks
>Perfect
>You waded through the snow
>Just your luck too
>The wind was blowing against you, perfectly masking your scent
>You waded as quietly as you could for about fifteen minutes before finally seeing it
>A pretty little thing, sitting at the edge of a frozen lake
>You pulled out your revolver and pressed the hammer back
>This was the tricky bit
>You tip toed quietly towards the doe until you had a good shot
>You aimed and fired
>Today was your lucky day
>The shot scored right through the temple
>Thing was dead before it knew what hit it
>You ran through the snow, picked it up and slung it over your shoulder
>Damn it was heavy
>Thankfully, the snow hadn't brushed away your tracks
>The blizzard was coming down thick you'd have lost your way otherwise
>You made your way back to the cabin
>Rainbow thankfully had gotten the fire started
>You walked inside and lay the doe down, beginning the skin it
>"Have fun out there?"
"Not particularly."
>You drove the knife into it's chest and started cutting, being sure not to hit any of the meat
>It didn't take too long before the meat was ready to cook
>You got rid of the useless parts outside, being sure to bury them on the off chance any wolves got curious
>Putting it on a stick and resting it on a makeshift stand above the fire, it began to cook
>You saw from the corner of your eye Trixie peaking from the door
>"U-um... Miss Applejack?"
"Whatareya doin peaking out like that? Come join us."
>She smiled and began to run towards the fire
>You hardly managed to jump up and stop her before she walked right into it
>"Y'all need to be more careful. You nearly ran into the fire."
"Sorry miss, Applejack."
>Sunset trailed closely behind
>"That smells so good."
"It'll taste just as good. And there's plenty of meat here for the four of us."
>After about 30 minutes of cookie the meat was perfect and they all began to eat
>Sunset glanced at both you and Rainbow
>"So where did you two come from?"
"We used to be part of a band of outlaws called the white lilies. That was before the entire thing collapsed due to in fighting. We managed to escape before things got real bad."
>Trixie hugged her self
>"Y-you're not still bad like outlaws right?"
"Course not sugar cube."
>Rainbow still had yet to say a word
>She just sat by the wall pouting
"Come on Rainbow. Join us."
>"Are you sure about this AJ?"
"Positively. If you want, you won't even have to feed them. I'll provide everything they need."
>"Fine. But I still don't like them."
"Don't mind her girls. She's just grumpy."
>The two of them giggled
>"Oh shut up."
>She pulled up by the fire and took some meat
"So how old are you two?"
>"I'm ten. Trixie is seven."
"Do y'all know where ya came from?"
>She shook her head
"I supposed it doesn't matter. You're with us now. Right Rainbow?"
>Rainbow just scoffed
"She'll come around. I promise."
>Dark began to fall but the wind didn't cease howling
"Rainbow you keep watch. If you get to tired just wake me."
>"Will do."
"Alright girls. Bed time."
>You reached into your pack and pulled out your blanket
>Trixie pulled your pant leg
>"Can I sleep next to you? I get scared at night."
"Course you can. Want to join us Sunset?"
>She rolled her eyes
>"No."
"Suit yourself."
>You and Trixie went back into the bed room while Sunset took the couch
>Trixie hugged you closely
>"Sorry Sunset is like that. She gets really angry at new people."
"Do you know why?"
>She shook her head
"Well that's ok. I'm sure she'll come around. She seems to care for you a lot."
>She smiled
>"Uh huh! She always makes sure I'm safe!"
"That's good. That's really good."
>You closed your eyes
"Goodnight Trixie."
>"Goodnight Miss Applejack."
>You both closed your eyes and drifted off
>You woke up to find an extra snuggle buddy in bed with you
>While asleep, Sunset had crawled under the bed and was snoring softly behind you, hugging your back
>You smiled
>They were both so sweet
>You snuggled with them for a while longer, savoring the warmth their two small bodies added to your own before both woke up
>You walked out into the main room to see Dash asleep, head pressed against the window
>You shook her a bit and she startled awake
"Nice work lookout."
>"Oh hush. Not like anyone would've followed us through that storm."
"I was more worried about wolves. They're mean up in these parts."
>"Well we're still safe aren't we?"
"That we are."
>You looked out the window
>Finally the storm had cleared
"Alright girls. We need to get going."
>Trixie tilted her head
>"We're not staying here?"
"No. It's far to difficult to survive up in these parts."
>Trixie glanced down as you picked up your pack
"What's the matter?"
>"Can I ride on your back?"
"Why do you want to do something like that?"
>"It's scary to walk. I don't want to fall again."
>Your heart was far too weak for her sweetness
>You couldn't resist
"Hop on."
>You moved your pack to your chest and hoisted Trixie behind you
"Ready Sunset? Rainbow?"
>Sunset stretched
>"Ready."
>Rainbow nodded
>"Ready"
>You set out back into the cold
>Trixie gripped you tight
>It didn't take her long to begin shivering again
>Poor thing
>And you all still had a weeks travel ahead of you
>You couldn't wait to be over those mountains
>According to the map was long flat plains and remnants of a few major cities
>While those were packed with resources, they tended to be packed with dangerous people too
>But anything beat this frozen shithole
>As you walked on, it became more unnerving
>Every so often you hear the sound of wolves howling
>And every hour or so it got closer
>By the fourth hour of travel, they could be hear practically feet away
>Your heart beat quickened
>They sounded so close yet you couldn't see them
>Fifteen minutes later things were looking even worse
>All around you, you could hear the sounds of soft feet racing about the snow
>And panting
>Trixie clutched you tightly
>"Miss Applejack... I'm scared."
>You reached for your revolver
"It's ok. Sunset. Stay close to me."
>Sunset did as she was told
>You looked at Rainbow and nodded
"Cover your ears girls. This is going to be loud."
>They did so and Rainbow raised her revolver in the air, firing a single shot
>The foot steps quickened
>They were running off, scared by the gun shot
>You knew however that wasn't going to last
>They'd be back before long
"Ok girls. You can unplug your ears now."
>Trixie stammered
>"Are they gone?"
"Yes, they're gone. We're safe."
>They hurried on through the snow
>There had to be another place to take shelter for the night
"Rainbow? Any settlements we can rest at?"
>Rainbow pulled out her map
>"Yes. There's a mining town about five miles west of where we are."
"Perfect."
>They made the way too the mining town
>It was by far one of the better settlements they'd come across
>The houses were in good condition and, thankfully, it was deserted
>It even had some actual beds and windows without huge holes in them
>You set Trixie down
"Let's get you warm honey."
>Sunset looked at you with jealousy
>"I... I'm cold too."
>You could tell beneath that veneer of strength and toughness, was a confused, scared little girl
"Well come sit with us then. I'll get a fire going."
>Rainbow came back in the door with a smile on her face
>"We just got a huge score. Look."
>She let down a big basket
>Inside was a bunch of ammo and two rifles
"Excellent. I was on my last six bullets. Find any food?"
>"None we can eat unfortunately. Though I did find this."
>She reached in her pocket and pulled out a lighter
>"Full gasoline too."
"We'll have to search the rest of this place for sure. Seems full of goodies."
>"You're telling me."
>They gathered some timber and lit up a fire
>Trixie looked up at you
>"What was living with outlaws like miss Applejack?"
>You giggled
"You want to hear some stories?"
>She nodded
>"Which story should we tell 'em Rainbow?"
"What about that time Blossom cried during the score?"
>You laughed
"I nearly forgot about that one."
>Just as you were about to tell the story a gunshot was heard
>It was close
>The person who discharged the shot couldn't have been more than 10-15 feet from your position
>"Hey Applejack? Rainbow Dash? Though we'd forgotten about you eh?"
>Both you and Rainbow's eyes locked in an "oh fuck" expression
>The voice continued
>"The white lilies are under new management and well... let's just say we really care for any two bit, back stabbing, deserters like yourselves."
>Another few shots were fired
>You whispered to Sunset and Trixie
"Stay quiet."
>You got up next to the door and cocked your pistol, leaving the rifle to the side
>Rainbow followed suit
>"Not coming out are we? Well that's ok. I'm more a fan of the hunt anyway. Be no fun if you just gave yourselves up."
>You looked to Rainbow
"What do we do?"
>"I don't know. I don't know. Just. Let me think."
>"GET 'EM GIRLS!"
>In seconds hundreds of shots were fired, a couple breaking right through the window
>Trixie began to cry
>Sunset managed to put her hand over her mouth just before it became to loud
>"Boss! The footsteps lead in here!"
>Rainbow made for the door
"Rainbow no!"
>She burst through the door firing a few rounds, scouring a shot in one of the gang member's shoulders before ducking behind more cover
>"Well, well, well. One of the rats emerges."
>"Been a while Rarity. Oh should I say, mistress."
>"Yes Rainbow. It's been some time."
>"You always was a heartless bitch."
>"And you always was a dumb inbred idiot."
>Rainbow began to pant
>She was far more out numbered than she realized
>It was 10:1
>Even with AJ's help, the odds of them getting out of this were astronomical
>"Rarity."
>"Yes?"
>"You don't have time for this. Surely a woman such as yourself has better things to do than hunt two bit outlaws like us. Why don't you just go on your marry way and we'll go on yours."
>Rarity snickered
>"Well Rainbow."
>Rarity paced back and forth
>"You see I'd love to get on with my day to day however you shot and killed Sweetie Belle. Afraid I can't just take that and leave."
>"You know it ain't like that Rarity. She tried to kill me first, I didn't have a choice."
>"Oh so you say. So you say. Fact of that matter is you killed my little sister. I think we've talked enough. Now come out and take your death standing."
>Now was your chance
>You carefully aimed your rifle out the door
>Just opposite you was a moderate size container of TNT
>Hopefully all those folktales about shooting dynamite were true
>You pulled back the bolt and fired
>Nothing
>"Well, well. If it isn't AJ. The coward finally poking her head out. Too bad you wasted your only shot. Bring Rainbow to me, girls."
>Two of the gang members, guns at the ready, made their way to dash
>"Oh and AJ. If you're getting any bright ideas in there."
>Your heart beat stopped
>A pistol was aimed at the back of your head
>You were so focused on what was going on ahead you didn't even notice
>And the girls were to afraid to warn you
>You set your rifle down
>"Bring AJ out too if you would."
>The girl pushed you out, her pistol aimed firmly against the back of your head
>Rarity smiled
>"Oh Applejack. How long it has been. I've missed you."
"Wish I could say the feeling was mutual"
>Rainbow was brought out shortly after
>"Now AJ. I can forgive you and accept you back into the gang, along with those darling little girls you have with you. But you have to apologize and denounce Rainbow"
"I can't do that Rarity"
>"Well. I gave you the option. Kill them. The children too"
>You closed your eyes tight, your entire life flashing before your eyes as gun shots sounded
>To your surprise however, it wasn't from them
>Someone
>No a few people were shooting just from the hill
>In that split second, you and Rainbow turned things around
>You pulled out your pistol, shooting your captor straight through the chest while Rainbow, in a quick fluid motion, managed to disarm both of hers while shooting one and running back to the safety of cover
>Another loud voice rang out
>"White lilies? This is Foxtail Militia land!"
>Rarity dived behind one of the houses
>"Damn it. Bounty hunters?"
>You scooped up both girls and both rifles as shoot out ensued, escaping amidst the chaos
>Poor Trixie was scared half to death, sobbing so hard she could create a lake
"That was way too damn close."
>"You're telling me. I thought for sure I was about to lose my head there. Never thought I'd ever say the phrase 'thank god for those bounty hunters' in my lifetime."
"What do we do now? No way they're going to be able to kill someone like Rarity. She's way to ruthless."
>"Let's find some place to hunker down for a bit. I can't think right now."
"Sunset can you walk?"
>She looked at you doe eyed and nodded
"Good."
>You set her down
"Are the two of you all right?"
>Sunset nodded and Trixie blubbered out a weak 'yes'
"We need to get off this shithole of a mountain and fast. It won't be long before they come after us again. You know Rarity. Crazy bitch will pursue us solo if she has too."
>Rainbow sighed
>"I didn't want to have to do this, but there's a way off in a single night."
"It's incredibly dangerous isn't it?"
>"Even moreso than that."
"Well we don't have much choice. We're sitting ducks out here."
>Rainbow opened the map
>"Alright. It's just through this way"
>After about an hour of walking they made their way to a save on the side of the mountain
>"We can go through here and cut straight through. However there are supposedly wild animals in there. Some say cannibals too."
"Still safer than Rarity I'd say"
>Rainbow lit a match and pulled out her lantern, giving it light
>"Alright. Stay close"
>You all made your way through in a tight, single file line
>All you could hear was the sound of water dripping and wind rushing outside
>"This is excellent."
"What part?"
>"Hear that wind?"
"Yeah."
>"There's definitely a blizzard going on right now. No way Rarity is going to be able to find the cave in this."
"That's good. Any place we can rest?"
>"I only have a very rough drawing of the cave network. So we'll just have to hope there's an alcove where we can camp for the night. Keep your weapons ready."
"Right."
>Trixie began to cry a bit again
"There, there sweet heart. Fightin's done."
>"You mean it?"
"Mean it. Pinkie swear."
>You look back at Sunset
>She had the same glazed look over her eyes, not saying a word
"Sunset?"
>"Hm?"
"How are you holdin' up?"
>She just shook her head
>You knew instantly what she was feeling
>You felt the same when you grew up
>The fear from a lack of power
>You stopped
"Sunset."
>"Yes?"
>You pulled out your pistol, handing it to her
"I want you to have this for now. You know how to use it?"
>"B-but... I couldn't..."
"You can. And I'm trustin' you to keep me and Trixie safe ok? Can you do it?"
>Just like that, you saw a spark of confidence in her eyes
>"Yes Applejack. I can do it."
>You smiled
"That's my girl."
>She took the pistol and, after a brief lesson in gun safety, you kept moving through the cave
>It took nearly 3 hours before you came to a rounded out alcove
>Never in your life were you so thankful for personal space
>But the celebration was a bit premature
>There was the remnants of a fire, the coals still shinning
>Whoever was here had left mere moments ago
>Rainbow gave you a silent nod and you took out your knife
>In front of you were three different passageways
>Yet it was eerily silent
>You looked around and got a deep chill down your spine
>In the corner of one of the passageways was a pile of bones and a few human skulls
>Of all days for rumors to be true
"I'll get the fire going. Rainbow you keep watch."
>Sunset tugged your coat
>"Can I keep watch too?"
"I'd rather you got some sleep. But if you want to keep watch, you're welcome to it."
>You pushed the barrel away with your finger
"And remember what I said. 'never aim a the barrel at someone you don't want seriously injured.'"
>She became a bit startled
>"S-sorry, Applejack!"
"It's alright."
>You set Trixie down
>Poor thing was already fast asleep
>You got the sleeping bag from your pack and tucked her away inside it
>You got the lighter out again
>It was amazing how much you appreciated the little things these days
>Luckily the wood wasn't too burnt
>It easily had about three hours of light left
>And judging from the cracks, plenty of ventilation
>You stared into the fire for a while and were already blanking out
>Turns out getting shot at then walking for four hours carrying a kid, a heavy pack and two rifles really takes it out of you
"You hungry Sunset? I'm about to call it quits for today?"
>She shook her head
>"I'm ok."
>You reached out and ruffled her hair
"You're a good girl, Sunset."
>You climbed inside the sleeping bag and drifted off
>Meanwhile, Sunny and Dash had plenty of time to converse
>"So... Dash?"
>Dash shot back, annoyed
>"What?"
>"Well... I was just wondering. What was it like in the gang?"
>"None of your business."
>Sunset hugged her legs
>"You don't have to be so mean."
>Rainbow paused for a moment
>"You know what... you're right. Sorry. It's just been a bit of a week."
>"Who was that woman?"
>"A person we used to run with. She is one ruthless SOB I'll tell you what. Not the person you want to cross."
>It fell silent after that and no long after, Sunset fell asleep
>You were woken up in only a few short hours to give Rainbow a break
>You found it concerning
>Where was this person who lit that fire?
>Why weren't they coming after you?
>Where they watching you?
>Hopefully it meant that you either had them outnumbered or out gunned
>Ideally both
>Another few hours went past
>You busied yourself by carving things on the wall with another stone you'd found
>Quietly as you could of course
>Rainbow woke up, followed shortly after by Trixie and Sunset
>You all quickly packed up
>None of you wanted to stay in this cave longer than you had to
>Especially with an unknown extra guest
>You had carry Trixie again
>She just couldn't walk with any confidence
>Thankfully the exit wasn't too far
>It was just an hour long stroll
>But was was outside was what shocked you
>Built into the mountain was some sort of circular concrete structure
>A nuclear shelter by the looks of things
>You looked at Rainbow
"Think we should give it a look?"
>"I don't know. I'd bet it's home to whoever made that fire in there."
"It probably has some great valuables there."
>Rainbow looked pensive
>"Alright, fine. But we go on my lead."
"Fine by me."
>You turned to Sunset
"I need you to protect Trixie while I'm gone. Think you can do that for me?"
>"You can count on me!"
"Good. Just fire a shot and we'll come running."
>With a little elbow grease, the two managed to lift the heavy steel door open and walked down inside
>It certainly looked abandoned
>Dust covered all the papers, the machinery looked as if it hadn't been used since the event
"Let me take a look at these boxes he-"
>Not another word escaped your mouth before you had another gun in your face
>Rainbow aimed her pistol at the attacker
>It was a tall woman in a lab coat with long purple hair and glasses
>"Put the gun down."
>"Why are you here?"
>"We don't mean harm. We'll leave. Just put the gun down."
>"We do it at the same time."
>They both watched each other and slowly lowered their weapons
>"Who are you?"
>"Twilight Sparkle. PhD in medical science. For what it's worth now anyway. Who are you?"
>"I'm Rainbow Dash."
"And I'm Applejack."
>To your surprise she started to cry
>"Please let me join you."
>You both look startled
"Join us?"
>"Yes. I've been here ever since the event. I swear I'll go crazy if I spend another second alone. I'll pull my weight, you can even shackle me if you don't trust me. I can preform medical care and-"
"Relax, relax. Of course we'll take you."
>Rainbow looked annoyed
>"Are we just going to take everyone who gives us a sob story now? God good thing Rarity didn't ask to join us, or we'd be sleeping beside her too!"
"Oh hush! You know it ain't like that."
>"We can't just keep doing this AJ. We won't be able to support ourselves."
>Twilight tilted her head
>"Your worried about food? I've got a few solutions to that. A moment."
>She rushed into one of the corners of the lab and started digging around
>In a few minutes she came back with a big back bag
>"In here I have all sorts of goodies. A bunch of mre's, seeds, and even some concoctions to make animal hunting easier."
>"Like poison?"
>"No, not like poison. Tranquilizers. I have a greenhouse running here. Or, well, used too before the power cell broke. It's amazing what you can make from plants."
"Come on Rainbow. She's obviously an asset."
>She huffed
>"Fine."
>Twilight became jubilant
>"Thank you thank you thank you!"
"Don't mention it. Yer certainly going to be an asset to us doctor."
>"You don't need to call me doctor. Twilight is just fine. I just need to do some packing real fast if you don't mind."
>You walked back up the steps to find Sunny and Trixie playing
>Sunset had taken some pine needles and wrapped them around the sticks, making them into people shapes
>You sat back and listened
>Sunny raised on into the air
>"And then she was like 'well you killed my sister, so I can't just walk away! Get 'em girls!"
>Trixie made a bunch of explosion sounds
>"And then the unicorn came down and blasted her away!"
>Trixie made another explosion sound
>You couldn't help but giggle
>Sunset quickly hide the makeshift toys behind her back
>"O-Oh hi Applejack! W-what's going on?"
"Nothing much. What were you doin?"
>Sunset's face went a deep shade of red
>"N-nothing!"
>You smirked
"You sure? What's that behind your back?"
>You could see her not so subtly toss them away and show you her now empty hands
>"Nothing! See!"
"If you say so."
>You look to see your revolver on the ground
>"Mind if I talk my revolver back?
>She looked a bit down cast at the idea
>"Do you have too?"
"Yes. I promise the moment we find another one, I'll give it to you"
>"Pinkie promise?"
"Pinkie promise"
>You picked it up and twirled it around your finger before putting it back in the hostler, just like in those cowboy movies
>Took you months to get that right
>You'd have to clean it for sure
>It was starting to fall into disrepair
>You walked back to the bunker
"What's the hold up in there?"
>Rainbow walks up the steps frustrated
>"Doctor nerd over there is trying to bring way more than she can carry"
>You walk down the steps
>She wasn't kidding
>Twilight had packed no less than three backpacks
"Twilight we're going to have to narrow this down. What the hell is in all those anyway?"
>"You know, the essentials. Notes, lists, guides, books. Then the seeds and mres."
"You're going to have to limit it to one pack. We can't carry the other two and you need to be light on your feet."
>She looked a bit dejected
>"Alright. If it means breaking out of this isolation, I'll do it"
>After a little while longer, she brought it down to a single pack and went back up
>She stared longingly at the shelter
"You gonna be ok?"
>"I'll be fine. I just want to get one last look at it"
"So Rainbow where too now?"
>"We can make good time cutting through these woods"
>Twilight looked afraid
>"Bad idea. There's a rather dangerous cult of man eaters in there"
>"Damn. It'll take at least 2 days to go around."
"Don't worry. We have at least a week before Rarity catches back up with us"
>"Rarity?"
"Probably should know this going in, we're being hunted by a former gang mate"
>"Are you gangsters now?"
"No. We left that life"
>"Then I have nothing to worry about."
"How long till the city Rainbow?"
>"It's just past the wood."
"Thanks to Twilight we'll have plenty of food. for the journey. Told ya it was a good idea."
>"Yeah, yeah. Let's get going."
>You looked down at Trixie
"Think you can walk on your own this time?"
>She looked nervous
>"I'll try. Can I hold your hand?"
"Of course you can."
>As you walked you began to converse with Twi, trying to get to know a little about her
"So uh, where'd you go to school?"
>"It was a really elite school in America called Harvard. Judging from your age I'm guessing you were quite young when the event happened."
"Yeah. No older than 4. Got caught up in the gang the very next year."
>"That's terrible. This world is... very cruel."
"Do you know what happened? I heard it was an explosion. But an explosion capable of destroying nearly all the earth? What kinda bomb can do that?"
>"An incredibly destructive one. It harnesses the power of atoms themselves. Hydrogen specifically. And it wasn't just one, but hundreds. To be honest we're lucky it didn't burn the world with it."
"I'm glad it didn't. We can still rebuild."
>Rainbow rushed to the bushes, yanking your arm with her
>"Shh! Hide!"
>You all ducked for cover
>A couple of people in fatigues walked out of the side of the wood
>A patrol no doubt
>Heavily armed too
>"Heard there's been some commotion up in the mountains."
>"There's always commotion. I swear those foxtails would kill each other if they didn't need numbers to survive."
>"No. I mean it's coming down here. They found traces of people near Cherry's camp. And the vault was opened too!"
>"Is that so?"
>Rainbow whispered to you
>"Just let them pass. We can't let them know we're in the area"
>After a few minutes they passed on and you emerged from hiding
>"We might need to rush this. Come on"
>You made your way double time around the out skirts of the wood
>It was unnerving to look at
>All about the tree line were these strange statues
>They were all made from bones, human most like, and arranged very intricately
>These guys were nothing short of messed up
>As night fell, they made camp
>You sat down and pulled out your last bit of gun oil and slowly began to maintain your gun
>Sunset pulled up, looking curiously
>"What're you doing?"
"I have to periodically clean my revolver, otherwise it'll get jammed and break down."
>You unscrewed each component, cleaning it carefully
>Sunset looked at the grip curiously
>"What does that say? On the handle."
>You picked it up
>You nearly had forgotten it was there
>You smiled
"A message from someone who loved me."
>"What's it say?"
"It says 'too the apple of my eye, forever yours.'"
>Rainbow made a mocking noise
"Oh hush! Least I can read."
>"Oh shut up!"
>Twilight folded up the note she was reading
>"Is that revolver special too you?"
"Extremely. It was given to me by someone I deeply respected. The inscription actually wasn't meant for me. It was given to him by someone he really loved. He just passed it on to me."
>You screwed the body back in place and tightened the barrel
>"I'm glad you have something like that. Helps to keep you going."
"Do you have anything like that?"
>"Yes, as a matter of fact I do."
>She reached inside her pack and pulled out a necklace
>It was beautiful
>A red ruby surrounded by a gold backing
"Wow. That's gorgeous."
>"Thanks. It was given to me by my former husband."
"I'm sorry to hear former. I assume..."
>"Yes... he was caught up in the blast."
>A long bit of silence hung in the air but that's when you noticed something
>You weren't alone
>You quickly loaded your revolver and pulled the hammer back
"Who's out there?"
>Rainbow followed suit looking around
>A voice came from the darkness
>"Was wondering when you'd notice us. If I were you however I'd put those guns away."
>Out of the bushes came at least 20 people, all with the guns aimed directly at you
>"Why don't you two just put your guns away and keep your hands up"
>You did as you were told
>"You girls seemed to have entered the wrong parts of town."
>Two men stepped into the light
>They looked like twins, both with the same red hair and face structure
>"Well Flim! Would you look what the cat dragged in!"
>"If my eyes don't device me Flam! It's Twilight Sparkle!"
>"Well boys and girls, seems we have one of the best dishes on the menu tonight. Revenge! Take them away."
>They began to walk you into the woods after taking your weapons
>Rainbow looked pissed
>"She must have told!"
>Twilight shot back
>"I didn't say anything! I left them!"
>"Dirty cannibal!"
"Would you two shut up? I'm trying to think of a way out."
>One of the cannibals laughed
>"Yeah, good luck with that. You'd need an army to get out of this."
>They walked you deep inside the heart of the forest and put you into cages, two in each cage
>You were stuck with Sunset, Rainbow with Trixie, and Twilight by herself
>In the clearing, just beyond the cages, you could see a large bonefire slowly starting to rise
>Bones and other human remains were scattered all over the camp
>This was bad
>You pressed your cheek against the bars and whispered to Twilight
"Know any way out of here?"
>"Yes. But you have to trust me."
>Rainbow crossed her arms
>"No way. She's probably just going to give us to them in exchange for her freedom."
>"I'm not going to do that! Just listen. Applejack. The middle bar at the back of your cage is loose. Before each sacrifice, they do a huge ritual. When they start, you should be able to break the bar and squeeze through the gap. This is where things get complicated. The only set of keys I know of are in flim and flams cabin. You can't miss it, it has a huge elk skull on it. Retrieve those keys and you can get the rest of us too. You should also find all of our supplies in there as well."
"How much time will I have?"
>"Not much. Forty minutes at max. Probably more like thirty."
"I'll do it in fifteen."
>"Good. It takes place at nightfall so unfortunately we'll have to wait all day in here before we can start."
"Nah that's good. I can observe camp behavior while we wait. See any weaknesses."
>"I'm telling you this is a bad idea."
"Shut up Rainbow. Unless you have some better idea."
>She just grumbled
>"Don't mind Rainbow, Twi. She is just one untrustful son of a bitch."
>Sunset tugged your sleeve
>"We're going to be ok, right?"
"Course we are sugarcube. No way anything is gunna happen to us. Just do exactly what I say and we'll be out of this."
>You spent the entire rest of the day observing and taking mental notes cannibals
>One of them compulsively itched, another was routinely distracted with a lover, another one seemed to not be able to turn his head more than 30 degrees left
>They certainly weren't any disciplined fighting force thank goodness
>Getting past them wouldn't be difficult so long as you didn't get too careless
>Throughout the day they sacrificed people to the giant fire
>Seemed they loved to kill anyone and everyone who entered their territory
>Night finally fell. Show time.
>Everyone wall called for the ritual and you quietly jimmed the bar out of it's socket
>You and Sunset squeezed out
"Alright Sunset. I want you to go out to the edge of the wood near where we made camp last night. If we aren't met up with you by tomorrow I want you to get to the city. Understand?"
>"But-"
"Don't but. Go. Now."
>Sunset nodded fighting back tears and began to quietly run away
>Now it was your turn
>You stayed low, quietly sneaking through the camp and into a row of badly made wooden cabins
>Sure enough, there was one with elk horns
>Someone was guarding it
>You looked around for something you could use to keep his mouth shut while you went in for the kill
>Nothing
>You'd have to choke him and hope he wasn't stronger than you
>You snuck around towards the back and as fast as you could, tackled him to the ground and squeezed his neck hard
>He punched and kicked you a few times but thankfully you were able to keep him down
>You dragged the body to a bushed and went into the cabin to search
>You looked up and down until eventually you found it
>A long ring of keys
>There had to be at least 20 or so on the ring
>That complicated things
>Unfortunately you were going to just have to hope for the best
>You looked around and pulled the three packs out from underneath the bed
>Everything was in there, including your lucky revolver
>You dragged everything out to a hidden spot to be retrieved and then made your way back to the cages
>Twilight whispered
>"Hurry up. It's almost over."
"Do you know which key is the right key? There's at least 20 on this stupid thing."
>"I have no idea. Just keep trying until you get it right."
>You keeled down began jamming each key into the lock
>Fail
>Fail
>Fail
>You went through 18 of the 20 keys before finally picking the one that opened Rainbow's cage
"Go! Take Trixie. The packs are behind a bush just five paces west of the edge of the camp. You won't miss it. After that go meet Sunset where we made camp last"
>"Go it"
>Rainbow nodded picking up Trixie and quietly ran off
>Just as you began to fiddle with Twilight's key, a yell was heard
>"Hey! They're trying to escape!"
>Going full panic mood you did your best to fit each key as fast as you could before having to run
>Twilight called out
>"Don't leave me! They'll eat me alive!"
>You bit your lip and kept running
>You caught up to Rainbow where the packs were
>"Did you get Twilight?"
"No. She's still there. We can't just leave her"
>Rainbow put her bag on her back
>"Watch me"
>You gave her a nice, hardy slap
"I am so damn sick of this attitude Rainbow. We are not going to just leave her there to be eaten. She's the exact same as us. Be like me leaving you to Rarity back in the mountains"
>She looked stunned
"I have a plan but I need your help. Are you with me?"
>She sighed
>"I'm with you"
"Good. Now listen close"
>After explaining your master plan and leaving Trixie by the bags, you both walked back into camp
>Due to the stir, the camp was far less populated now
>No doubt they had sent a bunch of scouts to track you down
>Twilight has been tied by her limbs to four different trees and was now roasting over the fire in nothing but her underwear
>Her entire back was an angry red, as if she'd stayed in the sun for too long with out sunscreen
"Alright. Ready?"
>"Ready."
>You cocked your pistol and pulled out a little something extra you nabbed from Flim and Flam's cabin
>A motoltov cocktail
>Time for the distraction
>You lit the fuse and threw it on one of the cabins, setting it alight almost instantly
>Rainbow, now on the opposite side of the camp, began firing shots in the air
>Everyone scattered
>Now was your chance
>You sprinted out the fire and carefully cut Twilight down from the trees, being sure not to drop her right into the fire below
>Her back was tender
>She had to do everything in her power not to scream at the top of her lungs at the slightest touch
>"Y-you... you came back for me."
"Course we did. Though you've got some explaining to do when this is over."
>"There! She's got Twilight!"
"We need to go."
>You lifted up your gun and fired twice, signaling to Rainbow that you'd successfully retrieved Twilight
>You both began to run into the trees
>Once you got your bags you scattered, each finding a different hiding spot to lie low in until they gave up
>It took a long while, but eventually they all regrouped at camp
>You quickly made your way back to Sunset and without so much as a second for greeting, hurriedly moved the path
"We need to chose a new route. They'll be watching this road for sure."
>"You're right."
>Rainbow pulled out her map
>"Looks like we're going to be taking the scenic route. We'll make a big cut up her near the edge of the mountains. There should be a small cave there where we can wait this out for a bit. Then we'll go on to the city"
>You made quick time, only reaching the cave in a few hours
>To your relief, it was empty of any animal inhabitants
>You put your back against the wall and let out a huge sigh
"Ugh. It feels like we've been going nonstop for the past three days."
>Rainbow plopped on the cave floor
>"You're telling me."
"On more pressing terms. Twilight. I want the truth. The real truth this time."
>She looked nervous
>"Ok... I used to run with the gang. I had no other choice. One day I got so tired of all the... the people eating that I went into the nuclear bunker."
"Are you actually a doctor?"
>"Yes."
"Are you actually on our side?"
>"Yes."
"That's good enough for me."
>Rainbow clenched her fist
>"Good enough?"
"Rainbow are we really doing this again?"
>"Yes! We have to figure some things out."
"Like what?"
>"Like why you keep recruiting people! We can't support this weight!"
"We can and have."
>"Whatever! Forget this!"
>Rainbow pulled her bag over her side
"What are you doing?"
>"Leaving."
"You can't do that!"
>"Watch me."
"Well what do I gotta do to make ya stay?"
>"First stop taking people in and second, banish Twilight."
"I'm not doing any of that."
>"Well then I guess I'm gone."
>Rainbow walked out of the cave
>You wanted to stop her but you knew she was so pig headed she wouldn't listen
"Damn it..."
>Twilight put her hand on your shoulder
>"If it really is that contentious... I'll leave."
"No. You're too valuable. I just... I hope Rainbow is safe."
>"You really won't go after her?"
"She wouldn't listen even if I did. The girl is as stubborn as a ram."
>You got up and dusted yourself off
"Let's get a fire going. We'll wait here for a few days then go into the city."
>You all gathered around the fire, cooking the last of the meat you'd saved from the mountain
>As much as you didn't want it to, you were feeling Rainbow's absence
>You hugged your knees
>Truth be told, this was bound to happen
>You peered over your shoulder
>Sunset and Trixie were already fast asleep
>Twilight remained up, a blanket wrapped around her
"How's that back?"
>"Incredibly painful. The slightest touch makes it feel like my nerves are being set on fire."
"Anything I can do to help?"
>"Well there is one thing. There's a type of weed that grows around her, buckthorne, that I can use in conjunction with a few other plants I have to make a paste that will help ease the pain."
"I'd be happy to get it for you. Certainly not going to be sleeping right now with all this stress."
>"That would be lovely. Thank you. And..."
>You got up
"Yes?"
>"I'm really sorry to have caused so much trouble."
"Don't be. The truth of the matter is... Rainbow and I have been fighting for some time."
>You clenched your fist
"To be honest... I think she was just lookin for an excuse to leave."
>"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I'll be back soon. Any idea where too look?"
>"It's most prevalent near streams. There's one about half a mile north from here I think. Look for a stem with four leaves on either side and a dark green color."
"Got it. Should be simple enough."
>You set out, making sure to light your lantern
>Hopefully no more of those cannibals showed up
>You followed Twi's directions and, sure enough, there was a stream
>You looked around and found exactly the plant she described, picking six up and returning back
"Will this do?"
>"That's perfect."
>You watched her concoct the ointment
>She first placed the leaves in a cup and let it sit over the fire for a bit
>As the leaves cooked, oil began to spill into it
>After this, she mixed in a root and what looked to be fruit juice and mashed it all together until it made a thick white paste
>"If you'd be so kind as to rub this on my back"
"Absolutely"
>You began to rub across her back, hearing her wince
"So Twilight?"
>"Yes?"
"What was life like before the event? Or really... why did the event happen?"
>"For a long time, my home country was rival to another called China. They had very different ideas of how the world should run"
>She winced again she readjusted her position to face you
>"The war was silent for the most part. By that I mean, they fought with wars rather than guns. Eventually though some fired the first bomb, the other fired back and well... now we're here."
"That seems rather foolish."
>"It does looking back. Though at the time everyone was incredibly passionate about their side. It's just a shame that passion left the earth a sweeping pile of rubble."
"What else was it like? Like beside the conflict."
>"Well we had these incredible computers in our pockets. Phones were more akin the super computers than anything. All of which could fit comfortably in my hand. One moment I could call someone from half way around the globe, the next I could watch a video from a library of millions."
"Sounds like something out of an alien novel."
>"You read much Applejack?"
"I used too. The leader of our gang... he taught me how to read."
>"What was he like?"
"Great before he went crazy and decided to kill a bunch of innocent people. Someone shot him for it and the gang split and had a huge fight over the thing. Still have no idea why he went so insane. It was like a light switch."
>"I'm sorry to hear that."
"I am too. I am too."
>You let out a yawn
"Well. I think I'm going to hit the hay."
>"I'll keep watch. No way I'm sleeping right now."
"Alright. Goodnight"
>You crawled over to your sleeping bag and closed your eyes
>Next you awoke was to the sound of a thunder storm
>It was coming down in sheets
>You pushed yourself up to see Twilight with the kids at the mouth of the cave, admiring the downpour
>You stretched out and walked over to them
"Having fun?"
>Sunset looked amazed
>"Yeah! Look at how hard it's coming down! The hail is as big as my hand!"
>It was good to see her smiling
>No doubt the past few days had been rough on her
"Want some rest, Twilight?"
>"Yes please"
"Sleep well. You've earned it"
>Twilight lazily crawled over to your sleeping back and was out almost instantly
>You walked over to the mouth of the cave where the girls were sitting
"Watcha two doin?"
>Sunset didn't take her eyes off the rain
>"Trying to count the raindrops."
>Trixie smiled
>"I keep track so she doesn't lose count!"
"How many ya count so far?"
>"ten!"
>You cocked your eyebrow
"Surely there is more than ten raindrops
>Sunset shrugged
>"I don't know what comes after ten."
>You chuckled
>Truth be told you only knew how to count to twenty
"Sunset you want to do something with me?"
>"What?"
"I could teach you how to hunt if you're interested."
>"Sure!"
>Trixie stood up
>"Can I come too?"
>You smiled
"You can't unfortunately. Sorry sugar cube."
>"Why not?"
>Sunset shot back
>"Because your blind, stupid!"
"Sunset!"
>Trixie started to cry
"That is no way to talk to someone. Apologize."
>Sunset grumbled
>"But it's true."
"I don't give a hay if it's true. Say you're sorry."
>"Sorry, Trixie."
>She said it, even if it was begrudgingly
>Trixie cried a little bit before finally relaxing
>"It's ok, Sunset."
"Good job. Sunset if you act unkind like that again you can't go hunting with me."
>You walked to your bag and pulled out two bows and a bundle of arrows
"Lucky for you I kept the bow I used to hunt with as a kid. Let's get a bit of practice in."
>You held your bow up with proper form
"Hold it just like I am."
>Sunset mimic'd your movement
>"Like this?"
"Exactly. Now to fire put the notch at the back of the arrow in between the string, draw back and-"
>You let it fly
"Boom."
>It took Sunset a few tries to make sure the bow flew straight, but she was a fast learner
"Alright. I think we're ready."
>You walked to Trixie
"Now you have a very important role ok sweetie?"
>"What?"
"You have to be the leader of the cave while we're gone. Can you do that?"
>Trixie's face lit up
>"Yeah!"
"Good. We'll be back in a few hours. Do not step outside the cave, understand?"
>"Got it."
>As luck would have it, the rain was letting up
>It was now only a light drizzle
>All the rain would do wonders to mask your scent
>You walked for a while before finding some tracks
"See that Sunset?"
>She looked down
>"Hoof prints?"
"Right. Deer hoof prints. Stay low and stay quiet ok?"
>She nodded and you began to follow the trail
>It didn't take long
>The deer was drinking right by the stream
>Unbelievable luck today
"Watch me closely."
>You took your bow and knocked it back
>Aiming just slight above it's head, you let the arrow go
>It was a picture perfect shot, going straight through the side of it's temple
>"Wow Applejack!"
"Thanks. Did you catch what I did?"
>"What?"
"The trick it to aim just above their head. As their arrow flies, it loses height and speed so you need to compensate for that."
>"Compensate?"
"It's a fancy way of sayin' take into account."
>You both walked over to the kill
>You were in luck
>There was another one, probably close by
"Alright, Sunset. Time to see what you've learned. I want you to track this deer and kill it."
>"What about this deer?"
"Well come back for it. It's not going anywhere."
>Sunset began to carefully follow the tracks
>In about 30 minutes they found it
>It was a nice big elk
>You nodded too her
>She pulled her bow back and shit
>She aimed a bit too high and the arrow hit it's horn
>It turned and spotted the both of you
>To your horror, however, it began to charge right at Sunset
>Just before it rammed into Sunset, you pushed her out of the way and it went full speed into your left side
>It felt like a sky scraper had hit you at a hundred miles and hour
>The pain was unreal and the wind had been completely knocked out of you
>The buck shook it's head a few times and began to square up for another charge
>Despite the massive pain, you pulled your revolver out and shot in it's direction
>The bullet missed, but it was more than enough to scare it off
>Sunset was distraught
>"Applejack! Applejack! Are you ok!?"
"Y-yeah I'm ok-"
>You went into a fit of coughing
>Your entire torso was on fire
>"What should I do? Oh my god, oh my god!"
"Just-"
>You wheezed
"Just relax. No use panicking. I'm not seriously hurt. Just had the wind knocked out of me is all. Just... give me a second."
>You sat there for a while taking in big gulps of air before finally getting some breath back in you
>By some miracle, non of your ribs broke
>You were, however, going to have one mean bruise for the next few days
"There we go. I feel much better."
>"I'm so, so, so sorry Applejack!"
"It's perfectly fine, you're still learning. To be honest we really should've have gone after that buck."
>You pushed yourself back to your feet
"Let's go back and retrieve our kill. There's still more to learn."
>You made your way back to the location of your kill
>Thankfully no wild animals had made off with it
>You slung it over your shoulder on your good side
>Even still, the pressure hurt like hell
>You pushed past it, making your way back to the cave
"How'd it go, Trixie?"
>"Good! Nothing to report!"
"Glad to hear it."
>You put the deer on the floor
"Alright, Sunset. I'm going to teach you how to skin. Do you have a weak stomach?"
>"No, m'am."
"Good."
>You strung the deer up on the ceiling of the cave
"Alright. Let's start with the legs."
>You drove your knife into the deer's haunch and began to make the cut
"You want to try a leg?"
>Sunset nodded
>"Yes please!"
>She wasn't the least bit phased by the blood
>With a little guidance, you helped her make the right cut
>Even when you were deorganing it, she watched with a sense of wonder
>Once you finished the skin you sat beside her
"You did real good out there today. I'm proud of you."
>"But I didn't get a single kill."
"Nor did I the first time I went hunting. You'll get there. You've made an impressive level of progress just today."
>"You mean it?"
"Absolutely. Anytime you want to go hunting with me you just let me know. I'd be happy to go with you."
>Sunset gave such an amazing genuine smile
>She looked so proud
>You taught her quite a bit just that day alone
>How to hunt, how to skin, how to cook the meet, how to store it
>She was really coming into her own
>The next day came
>It was time to head out
>Everyone packed up and you began to make your way to the city, being sure to be on the look out for any of the cannibals
>Luckily things seemed to have died down
>You hope Rainbow was safe
>She was competent, certainly better with a gun than you could ever hope to be
>But damn was she impulsive
>There, in the distance, you could see it
>The dilapidated remains of what was once a thriving city
>Faded towering sky scrapers still stood high in the sky
>The roads were lined with shells of cars, most picked clean of any valuables
>It almost filled you with a sense of sadness
>Like looking a corpse of a person who was known for their greatness
>You adjusted Trixie's position on your back
"Alright y'all. Keep your wits about ya. There tend to be a lot of dangerous people in and around cities. Keep your guard up."
>Twilight put her hand to her chin
>"So why go in here? What are we hoping to find?"
"Resources mostly. Big thing on the list is guns for the lot of you. I can only do so much with a rifle and pistol."
>"I've never used a gun in my life."
"Welp now's the time to learn."
>You tossed her the rifle
>Even if the city was a bit to close quarters for it, it was better than her own two fists at the end of the day
>As you walked into the city you explain the basics
>Twilight hopelessly tried to follow but you could tell most of it went in through one ear and out the other
>Finally you reached the edge of the city
"Now stay quiet. No sense in letting people know we're here."
>You took your revolver out and flicked the safety off
>You all began to systematically search each shop
>As expected, most of it was picked clean
>You walked into a police station
>Twilight looked pleased
>"Look at all this! So many weapons!"
>You glared
"Don't touch them. This ain't right."
>You looked at the locked containers carrying the various weapons
>Your hunch was right
>Trip wires
>And no two bit ones either
>These were set up in such a way to snap only when the locks were removed
>And positioned so as to be barely visible in most light
>You lightly tapped the floor with your foot
>Sure enough it was hollow
"Stay sharp. Someone's here."
>You walked out of the police station
>As you did so, you threw an object at the wire, cutting it
>It didn't trigger the trap
>This guy really knew his stuff
>"What did you do that for?"
"Whoever did this will no doubt notice that, if they ain't noticed us already. Gonna try and see if I can't flush 'em out."
>You looked up at the sky
"The lights starting to fade. Let's go in that building over there and sent up camp. And be careful. Whoever's doing this knows their stuff."
>Sunset nodded
>"Right."
>You all made your way to a build adjacent from the police station
"I'll keep watch for tonight. See if I can catch anyone going into the police station."
>You pulled some binoculars from your bag and looked at the station
>A few hours passed and you were beginning to fade
>Your eyes started to blink
>Just then, something whizzed by your head
>A rock, most likely from a sling shot
>You roused the group awake
"Get up. Our friend is here."
>You got behind the window
>You looked left and right but it was impossible to see in this darkness
>"Do you see them?"
"No. Just keep your head low."
>You peaked up again and right as you did another rock whizzed by your head
>This time you knew exactly where it came from
>It was from the widow of the building right by the police station
"Twilight. Rifle."
>"Right."
>She tossed you the rifle
>All you needed was for your attack to shoot one more stone and you'd know exactly where they were
>You put your head out just a bit
>Another rock flew out
"Got it. Third floor, building left of the police station. Twilight you stay here with the girls. I'll confront our rude guest."
>"Alright. Just be careful ok?"
"I promise I will be."
>You set the rifle down and ran down the steps making your way to the building
>It was strange
>They stopped firing despite you being open
>You tip toed into the building, your revolver at the ready
>You kicked down the door where your attacker was firing from
>You couldn't believe it
>It was an automated firing system with only three shots
>The attacker had been here recently however
>That's how they were able to aim it at your position
>You walked back out and noticed something
>Tracks in the thick layer of dust going down the hall
>You slowly followed them down until you came to another door
>Your heart rate quickened
>You pressed opened the door and within a second a bucket of gasoline fell from the top of the door
>You managed to pull back just in time
>As the door swooped open your heart stopped
>A fuse right near the edge of the door had been lit
>The attack had jumped out the window the moment he heard you coming
>The fuse touched the gasoline and a loud explosion rang through your ears
>The force slammed against the wall and a plank fell, landing square on your ankle
>The building began to go up in smoke
>With a large amount of effort and pain you push the plank from your ankle
>But it was no good
>Your ankle was certainly broken
>You managed to get up and lean on the wall and began hopping towards the stairs
>But the fire was raging faster and faster
>At this rate you'd go right down with the building
>Smoke began to fill your lungs and your vision doubled
>This was really bad
>If you stayed here for much longer you'd lose consciousness
>You made it too the floor below and could barely keep your weight up
>You fell too the ground
>Was this it?
>Was this were it all ended?
>That's when you saw someone coming into the building
>She had a long blue duster and a black tilted hat
>She also had a twisted smile on her face
>She forcefully grabbed your arm and began to drag you out
>She whispered
>It was a woman's voice
>"Not just yet Applejack. No, no, no. Our fun has only just started."
>She dragged you back outside and threw you down, stomping hard on your broken ankle
>You let out a piercing yell
>Your captor laughed
>"That's right. Remember this pain. Remember it. Next we meet it's going to be even worse."
>And with that she hurriedly scurried off
>Twilight yelled to you as she ran to rescue you
>"Applejack! Applejack are you alright?"
>You let out a couple of coughs
"Been better. My ankle's broke."
>Twilight slung you over her shoulder and you both began to hobble back to where you set up camp
>"Who was that?"
"I don't know. Could barely see. Seems to be someone with a grudge. Even knew my name."
>"Should we be worried?"
"She's definitely going to come after us again. But I think her targets me, not you. Be careful regardless."
>You reached to your side
>Where was it?
>You patted your belt and waist
>You felt panic rise within you
"No. No, no, no, no, no, no! Damn it no!"
>"What's wrong?"
"My revolver is gone. Did I leave-"
>It hit you like a ton of bricks
>You knew exactly where it was
"Shit. Whoever that person was... they must've stolen it. Bet it was insurance to make sure I didn't skip town. Shit."
>"What should we do?"
"Wait for 'em. They'll be back. And oh will there be hell to pay. This is personal now."
>You hopped back up to where you had made camp
>Sunset ran and hugged you
>Poor thing was sobbing in hysterics
>"A-Applejack! Are you alright!?"
"Shhh there, there. I'm just fine, just be careful around my ankle."
>"What happened?"
"Some psycho is trying to get to me. Lucky she seems only after me and not the rest of ya."
>Twi helped you down on the sleeping bag
>"Here. You need rest."
"Right."
>You let out a sigh
"But keep hyper vigilant. They're no doubt waiting for the second we let our guard down."
>You laid your back and closed your eyes
"If anything happens, even the slightest thing out of place, you wake me."
>"Right."
>With Twi's help, you splinted your ankle
>You rolled on your good side and tried to get some sleep
>Just as you were on the verge of blacking out, something whizzed right next to your head
>You shot up
"Did you see where that came from?"
>"No."
>Not that it would do you good anyway
>Who knows how many of those automated contraptions this psycho had put up
>Something else whizzed by your head, hitting the wall behind you
>It was an arrow with a note stapled to it
>You opened it up and read it aloud
"You left me with so many sleepless nights, now I'll do the same to you. Meet me tomorrow at noon in the square at the center of city alone, so we can resolve what should have been done many years ago. Bring any help or try to double cross me and I'll kill you all. Signed Battered and Broken in Brooklyn"
>There was no way that was going to be anything other than a trap
>Twilight crossed her arms
>"That pen name. Mean anything to you?"
"Can't say it does."
>"Who in the world did you piss off to make this big a grudge?"
"Who didn't I piss off. Thing is when you're in a gang, you make enemies. I sure as shit know I've made mine."
>"Anyone stand out?"
"Not off the top of my head. Certainly no one as smart and capable as to do all this."
>You racked your head but no one you could think of could possibly have done this
"I have no choice. I'll have to meet her there tomorrow."
>"Are you crazy? There's no way that it isn't a trap."
"Yes but... I can't leave my revolver."
>"We'll get a new one."
>Tear welled in your eyes
"You ain't gettin' me. The gangs gone, Rainbow's left... without my revolver I don't have any reason to keep moving forward."
>"It's that important to you?"
"Even more so than that. More than the gang, more than Rainbow... even my own life."
>"Then let me come with you."
"No way. I can't risk Sunset and Trixie."
>Twilight groaned
>"This sucks! I'm so powerless!"
"It's alright. If the worst happens, take the kids and go far away from here."
>You didn't get a single blink of sleep last night
>Not due to the stress, but because anytime you tried, a rock came hurling at you, nearly colliding with your face
>No matter where you and the group moved too, she was always there, ready to fire shots the moment you tired to sleep
>What a dirty trick
>Trying to starve your opponent of sleep
>The next day dawned and noon was fast approaching
>You steeled yourself
>But you were tired
>Dead tired
>This was going to be hard
"If I'm not back in three hours you take them and get out of here. Go to Paradis. It's the last safe haven left on this god forsaken shithole."
>Twilight bit her lip
>"Fine. You better come back."
"I will. I promise."
>You took off your hat, placing it on Sunset's head
"You take good care of this until I get back. Don't get even one drop of mud on it you understand?"
>Sunset's eyes got big and teary
>"Y-yeah."
"Good girl."
>You got up, using a fallen steel beam as a makeshift crutch and made your way to the square
>The air was still and the surroundings unusually quiet, as if the animals themselves could sense the tension in the air
>You arrived
>It was what was once a park
>The grass was brown, the trees dead and drooping and most of the benches broken
>At the center was a statue of a woman, the head missing
>Beside it was the woman who pulled you from the flames to prolong your torment
>"Afternoon sunshine. Sleep well?"
>That voice, you'd never heard it before
>The woman took of her hat
>She had long grey hair and appeared to be no more than fifteen
>You took a long hard look at her
>Her face was completely unfamiliar
>She held up your prized revolver
>"Come back for this I bet?"
"Yes. Look. I don't know what I did to make you so cross, but I'm a changed woman. The gang's dead and I'm living a new life now"
>She aimed the revolver at you and became deathly serious
>"Tell me do you remember my face?"
"I'm afraid I don't. Mind telling me what your pain is with me?"
>"Oh I'd be happy too"
>She switched the revolver to her free hand
>"My name is Limestone. Limestone Pie. You and your pathetic excuse for a gang came and shot my family. All except for me."
>She shot the ground at your feet
>You startled, dropping your crutch and falling on the ground
>"You shot Marble. And Pinkie. And Maud. And mama. And daddy. You shot them all!"
>She shot a few more shots at you
>You barely had enough time to duck behind a stone pillar to avoid them
>"Do you remember that day? Who am I kidding! Of course you don't! A selfish, evil, brutal killer like you doesn't take into account any of that!"
>She began to wildly shoot at the pillar before running out of bullets
>You remembered now
>It was a family who had built a farm
>Course that was a valuable asset for the gang
>So you raided it
>It was the first time you'd even raided
>And the first you'd killed
>You became so disgusted that you let a little four year old live
>This must've been her
"Listen. Limestone. I know I hurt ya. I know I hurt ya pretty bad. But ya gotta understand I-"
>"Oh there's absolutely nothing to understand."
>She finished reloading and pulled the hammer back
>"I'm going to kill you. And when I'm done, your little family you got going on there is next. My only regret in killing you is that you won't get to see me do it!"
>She was completely consumed with rage
>No way you were going to talk her out of this
"Then I'll have to kill you."
>"I'd like to see you try."
>She charged at the pillar and you got your rifle out, firing at her
>The bullet completely missed and she tackled you, kicking your weapon away
>"Don't worry. I'll let you live a bit longer."
>You tried to push her off
>The moment you did however, she slammed her foot right down on your ankle
>You cried in pain
>"That's right. That's right. This is just like when pinkie begged for her life. But did you spare her?"
>She stomped your ankle again
>"No!"
"Listen to me! I'm sorry! I'm changed! I ain't like that anymore!"
>"I have a choice on letting you live or die. And much like back when you and the rest of your thugs butchered my family, I'm not giving you a choice in whether you live."
>She jammed the barrel right into the side of your temple
>"Say goodbye. And remember as you go to the afterlife that your shithead friends are next in line."
>You closed your eyes tight before hearing a scream
>The gun went off right next to your ear, making it ring so much you couldn't hear a lick of what was happening
>You pushed yourself up
>It was Sunset!
>She had driven a knife right into Limestone's lower back
>Sunset grabbed the revolver and shot her foot for good measure
>She was surprisingly ruthless
>Limestone wailed in agony
>"Come on! We have to go!"
>You got up, taking your revolver with you and hobbling away as fast as you could
>You turned your head to see limestone on the ground, screaming and crying
>"I'll kill you! You hear me! I'll be back! And when I come back I'll give you this a hundred fold!"
>You hobbled a short ways to Twilight and Trixie
"I told ya not to get involved! Ya coulda gotten killed!"
>Twilight sighed
>"It was Sunset. She just wouldn't listen."
"We have to get out of here. Come on."
>"Where too?"
"I don't know. Just somewhere that isn't here."
>With Twilight's help, you made as quick an exit as possible from the city
"Sunset."
>She looked worried
>"I'm sorry! I know you said not to help but I just couldn-"
"Sunset."
>You patted her back
"I'm proud of you. I'm angry as hell at you for disobeying me. But I'm god damn proud of you."
>Sunset smiled, fighting back tears
>"Thanks. I did my best."
>meanwhile...
>days earlier
>Rainbow had just stormed out of camp
>She'd show them
>More, she'd show AJ
>They were just fine by themselves
>She didn't need her
>She could get on without her
>Especially now that she seemed to be running a charity
>She unfurled her map
>She wanted to go to the city, but she knew that would increase the likely result in them crossing paths again
>She'd have to go around, instead going too the next town over
>A suburb
>No doubt plenty of good stuff there
>She put the map back inside her coat
>Something else was there
>She pulled it out
>It was a pearl
>She remembered it well
>AJ gave that to her after a score
>She clutched it tight in her hand
>Hopefully it would give her strength
>The same way that old revolver always gave AJ strength
>As she walked she noticed something
>A hooded figure by the tree
>Rainbow pulled out her gun
>"Come out with your hands up. Very slowly."
>The figure startled, as if they were daydreaming and had been knocked back to reality
>"Wait, wait, wait!"
>She pulled her hood down with her hands up
>"Don't shoot!"
>She had blue hair in a long pony tail
>She appeared to be about 19 or 20
>"Who are you? And why are you skulking around the woods in a hood?"
>"M-m-m-my name is Sonata! Sonata Dusk! Can you help me?"
>You didn't take your finger off the trigger
>"Help you?"
>"Yes! I lost my sisters a while ago... and I can't find them! I'm terribly lost!"
>Rainbow put her gun down
>"No. I'll let you live. But get lost."
>"Please!"
>She grabbed her arm
>"I'm begging you! I have nowhere else to go!"
>"I said get lost!"
>Rainbow forcefully brushed her away and kept walking
>It didn't take long before she heard footsteps behind her
>"Ugh! Would you leave me alone already!?"
>"Come on! Please?"
>Rainbow crossed her arms
>"Fine. But only too the next town. Then we're split. Got it?"
>"Got it!"
>She skipped and bounced to her side
>"So what's your name?"
>She pulled her scarf over her face
>"Rainbow. Rainbow Dash."
>A few drops began to fall from the sky
>Like a light switch, it began to rain
>"Ugh! Damn it!"
>They ran over to the side of the road and into the tree
>No good shelter whatsoever
>She'd have to make one from scratch
>Sonata bounced a bit
>"Here! Let me help!"
>"I don't need your help."
>Sonata reached into her bag and put down what looked like a medium sized metal cylinder
>Pressing a button on it's side, it rhythmically expanded, making a small metal shelter
>Her eyes widened
>"Where in the world did you get something like that?"
>Sonata looked confused
>"Uh.... I dunno."
>"How do you not know?"
>This girl was as thick as two short planks
>A loud bolt of lightning crashed into the earth and they both rushed inside
>It was surprisingly warm
>Sonata rested her back against the side
>"So... where did you come from?"
>"The less you know about me, the better."
>She pouted
>"What's got your panties in a bunch?"
>"I'm not very trusting. A girl in a hood just appears from in the woods and needs my help to find her sisters? Not buying it for a minute."
>"But I helped you into the shelter!"
>"Out of the kindness of your heart or to lull me into a false sense of security? I guess it remains to be seen."
>To her surprise, Sonata slapped her right across the face
>"Stop being so mean! I want to help!"
>Dash growled, pulling her had over her face
>"Shut up."
>She crossed her arms, refusing to look at her
>"You are just downright unpleasant."
>"I don't recall asking for your opinion. Shut. Up."
>The storm raged outside as the two girls sat at opposite ends of the tent, trying as hard as possible to be as far as could be from one another
>It was the longest two hours either of them had even endured
>Finally the rain let up and they made their way forward
>The tent went down with another flick of a switch
>Truly an amazing piece of tech
>Rainbow would have killed her for it had she still been with the gang
>But she wanted to put that life behind her
>All of it
>Rainbow turned her head to the side, watching the city pass
>It was hardly much of a city anymore
>More a crumbling scrap heap
>They walked until nightfall, hitting the edge of the city just as the sun began to dip below the clouds
>Neither of them had talked once
>Lucky for them, there was an old, abandoned chapel there, sitting right beside a graveyard
>It was surrounded by a tall iron spiked fence
>The chapel itself seemed relatively untouched
>It's pain was chipped and a few windows had cracks
>But other than that it looked the same way it'd been left in
>They walked inside, Rainbow setting up a sleeping bag on one of the pews while Sonata took the bed in the side room
>Not that it was much more comfortable than Rainbow's sleeping arrangement anyway
>The mattress seemed like it'd fall apart any second
>Sonata sat on the stage and whispered quietly
>"So.."
>"Whatever it is, I don't care."
>"I'm not talking to you!"
>She held up a rock with a crudely drawn face on it
>"I'm talking too boulder!"
>Rainbow cocked her eyebrow
>"Too boulder?"
>"That's right! At least he has some common respect and decency!"
>Rainbow curled up in her bag, scoffing at her
>"You know maybe I was wrong. You don't seem smart enough to find your way out of a paper bag, much less rob me while I sleep."
>Sonata clenched her fists
>"Shut up! You big dumb meany!"
>"You shut up! You brain dead dolt!"
>That's when Dash heard sniffling
>"I-It's not like I asked to be this way ya know. Y-you're just like Aria!"
>She began to wail and cry
>Dash had really done it now
>She cursed herself
>"Knew this was a bad idea."
>She got up and walked to the crying girl
>"There, there. I didn't mean it."
>"Yes you did! J-Just like Aria!"
>Rainbow sat beside her
>"Look. I'm only going to say this once."
>She paused
>"I'm sorry."
>Sonata titled her head
>"What?"
>"I said I'm sorry."
>"Speak up. I can't hear you!"
>"I SAID I'M SORRY!"
>Sonata's frown quickly turned around
>"It's ok! I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to call you a big dumb meany."
>Rainbow hated to admit it
>But she was oddly charming
>"Well now that we got that out of the way, I'm going to bed."
>She crawled into her sleeping bag
>"U-um... Dash?"
>"What?"
>"Can you read me a story? Adagio always read me stories to help me fall asleep."
>Rainbow glared
>"No."
>"Please?"
>"No."
>"Pleeeeease?"
>She sighed
>"If it'll get you to shut up for five minutes, fine."
>She smiled
>"Yay!"
>Rainbow sat up in her bag
>If only AJ was here
>She'd be able to read from one of those books she always looked at
>Too bad Rainbow never learned to read
>She wasn't particularly creative either
>She cleared her throat
>"There once was an evil dragon... and um... she captured a princess. The king sent a knight to rescue her. He defeated the dragon and saved the day. The end."
>Sonata pouted
>"That was a terrible story!"
>"Beggars can't be choosers"
>"Tell me another! But make it good this time!"
>Rainbow put her hand to her face
>"Fine"
>She told eight different variations of that story until it was finally to Sonata's liking
>It was strange
>Normally she wouldn't even stand for one
>But for someone reason, she was fairly calm through the entire thing
>"Goodnight, Rainbow Dash!"
>"Goodnight"
>Finally some rest
>The next she woke up, Sonata was missing
>Finally
>Maybe she'd run off
>Or hopefully eaten by wolves
>Rainbow packed up her sleeping bag and went outside the chapel
>There in the graveyard, Sonata sat beside a hedge stone
>She went to investigate
>Sonata's cheeks were red and puffy
>She'd been crying
>"What are you doing out here all by yourself?"
>She pointed to the stone cross
>Rainbow blushed
>"I'm sorry. I don't know what that says. I can't read"
>"It's my sisters! This one's Adagio."
>She pointed to the one beside the cross
>It was a grey stone block
>"And that one's Aria! When you found me yesterday I was tryna find some food and good lost."
>Rainbow's heart broke a bit inside
>"How long have you been here?"
>She shrugged
>"I dunno. Long time. I don't remember much. But when the big boom happened, everyone got really scared. They went into the chapel and did bad stuff..."
>Rainbow sighed
>"Do you want to travel with me?"
>Her eyes lit up
>"Yes, yes, yes!"
>"You can. On two conditions: 1. you do exactly what I say and 2. you don't get in my way when I'm doing stuff."
>She smiled
>"Ok! I can do that!"
>"Well then let's pack up."
>With a bit of help from Rainbow, Sonata got everything she needed packed in her small bag
>That self making tent was going to be a huge asset
>Before departing, Sonata went to the stones one last time, placing too roses on each
>"By Adagio! By Aria! I'm going to see the world with this really nice lady! I promise I'll be good just like you told me too Adagio. She was mean at first but... but..."
>Sonata began to shake a bit and tears fell down her face
>Rainbow walked over and hugged her tight
>She sobbed long and hard
>"Why did this happen? I miss them."
>"I don't know Sonata. I don't know."
>Meanwhile, AJ and gang were heading out to a still undecided location
>And were getting completely lost as a result
>You sighed
"I really wish Rainbow didn't take her map with her. I can't make hide nor hair or where we are."
>Sunset groaned, fixing your hat atop her head
>"There's got to be some way to another town!"
>Twilight shrugged
>"I don't know why you all are so worried. We have plenty of food."
"Yeah but we're open. Look."
>The city had given way to open field
>"We should head back to the road then."
"Not a good idea. It's a prime hot spot for robberies."
>"Suppose you'd be the expert on that wouldn't you?"
"I know a thing or two yes."
>Twilight stopped you
>"Look. See that?"
>She pointed to the sky
>A large cloud of smoke
"A campfire by the looks of it"
>"Right. Should we investigate?"
"Course not. It's best to assume that people are hostile."
>"What if they have a map? And weapons?"
>You thought about it for a moment
"We'll get closer. See the numbers."
>"Got it."
>Sunset got excited
>"Oh, Oh! can I come?"
"No way missy. While I'm impressed with what you did back in the city, you need to protect Trixie."
>Trixie huffed
>"I don't need protection!"
"I ain't arguin' with y'all about it. You'll stay a little ways out from camp. You need to protect her."
>Sunset crossed her arms and pouted
>"Fine!"
>You all made your way towards the source of the smoke
>Leaving the kids about 50 feet away behind some rocks, you and Twi got close to inspect
>Something wasn't right
>Neither of you could hear anything
>It was quiet, save for the sound of the fire
>You peaked from behind a large rock on a hill
>Twilight vomited and you gasped
>It was a massacre
>10 bodies, each mutilated almost beyond recognition
>You stepped down from the hill, revolver at the ready
"What the hell..."
>You looked back to Twi, still behind the rock
"Was it those cannibals who did this?"
>"I couldn't have been. They don't venture this far and even then I've never seen them do anything like this."
>The smell was horrendous
>These bodies were old, a week at least
>You plugged your nose
>You still had to a job to do
>You looked around the camp for valuables
>It only got stranger
>nothing seemed to be taken
>This was no robbery
>You recovered two revolvers, blood soaked, a couple of different maps, and a torn out journal page
>You opened it
>'I told them this was a bad idea but they wouldn't listen. They're watching us, taunting us. This is their sacred ground and they butcher anyone who comes here. I don't care if there's gold. We shouldn't be here.'
>You lifted your head from the page and felt chills run down your spine
>From behind a bush in the distance you could see a pair of angry looking eyes staring back at you
>You walked back to Twilight
"We need to leave. Now."
>"What's wrong?"
"I'll explain on the way. We can't stay here for a second more. We're in danger."
>You hurriedly walked back too the girls, picking up Trixie
"Come on. We need to leave."
>The group barely kept pace with you
>"Applejack what's wrong?"
"There's a group here and they see this as sacred ground. That's why they butchered those fellas back there."
>You looked to the side
>Again, another pair of eyes
>You looked to the other side
>More eyes
>Your heart beat quickened
>You were surrounded
"Whatever you do, touch nothing. We go until we leave this area. Don't even remove the rocks."
>Twilight nodded
>The terrain began to change
>Large cliffs and rocks were becoming more common
>They were getting bolder
>About three hours into the walk there were a group of three of them on a boulder, all with bows and arrows
>You could feel their angry stares from here
>Sunset kept close to you
>"What do they want?"
"Don't worry. They won't attack us so long as we don't disturb their land. Just keep moving and don't touch nothin."
>Your assumption, unfortunately, was incorrect
>Only a hour down that way, the same three on the rock stood blocking your path
>The one in the middle stepped forward
>He was a strong, well built man and worse a crown of sticks and leaves
>"Explain yourselves strangers. Why are you here?"
"We're just passing through. We mean you now harm."
>"So said the last group. And the ones before them."
"Please let us pass. You can watch us the whole way if you wanna. No one needs to get hurt."
>He lifted up his bow
>"I'm afraid we can't let you do that."
>The other two lifted their bows as well
>"We gonna get 'em Sombra?"
>"On my mark."
>You reach for your gun but before you could and arrow struck through your arm
>You cried in pain
>A dozen more popped up from the bushes
>With surgical proficiency, one arrow landed on each of your friends
>Trixie cried loudly as the arrow went straight through her knee
>You used your good hand to reach for your revolver, firing several shots
>All of a sudden your vision doubled and you could hardly stand
>In a few seconds everything went black
>The next you woke up, you were in a cage, your arms strung to the roof by rope
>Everything had been removed from you
>Everything but your bra and underwear
>You looked beside you
>No other cages, just you
>You seemed to be in some sort of cave
>You heard footsteps coming
>You played dead, hoping to eavesdrop
>"So, how are the prisoners doing?"
>"The stupid kids won't shut the hell up. The purple haired one won't say a word. Nothing the ole thumb screw won't fix."
>"What about the blonde?"
>"We're checking on her next. Seems the poison stayed in her system longer than expected. If you ask me, I think we should've just killed them. But Sombra says no."
>The two voices came your cage
>One of them kicked it hard, causing you to jump
>You stared up at your captors
>Two women
>"Morning sunshine. My name's Lyra Heartstrings. this is Bonbon. We're going to get well acquainted."
"What do you want?"
>"Oh it's simple. We just want to know what you're doing on Eagle Feather land."
"I already told ya. We was just passin' through."
>"Gee where have I heard that before? Oh yeah: every other no good outsider who wants to defile our sacred land for gold."
"I don't need any god damn gold! I was tryna get to the next town over!"
>Lyra snickered
>"Liar, liar pants on fire. Guess we'll need to give the thumb screw."
>A loud, blood curdling echoed through the cave
>Twilight
>"Ah you hear that? Sounds like your partner is getting that treatment herself."
>You struggled against your bonds
"Let me go!"
>"Afraid I can't do that. Bonbon. Would you please?"
>The other girl got a sinister smile
>"Be my pleasure."
>Bon left for a moment, coming back with a three pronged metal device
>She put the fingers of your left hand in between the metal plates and tightened it nice and tight
>Bonbon smiled
>"Now tell us. Were you here for the gold?"
"No!"
>Bonbon tightened it further, bringing a shooting pain down your hand
>"Were you here for the gold?"
"I said no!"
>She tightened down even harder
>You fingers felt like they were back to break
>"Were you here for the gold? Lie again and I break your fingers."
>You stared her directly in the eye
"Fuck. You."
>Bonbon laughed
>"Feisty one. My favorite."
>She tightened it again and a loud snap rang
>You screamed loudly
>"See? This is what liars get. Are you here for the gold?"
>Your bravado quickly vanished
"Yes."
>"See? Was that so hard?"
>To your horror, she tightened it again on your already broken fingers
>The pain was unbearable
>You screamed and struggled
>"You know what the punishment for what you've done is?"
>You gasped for breath
>The pain was so intense you could barely form thoughts
"N... No."
>"Death of course. But... not before I have a little fun first. What should we do next? Should I rip each nail off one by one? Oh or maybe I should put you on the rack to have your limbs dislocated. So many choices."
"I gave you what you want just stop!"
>All of a sudden someone rushed in
>"Bonbon! Lyra! We've got a problem out here. We need your help!"
>"What is it? Can't you see I'm interrogating a prisoner right now?"
>"It's bad! A gang is here. Says we have somethin' that belongs to them. There must be at least 40 of 'em. They got rifles too! They're mowin us down!"
>"Fine"
>Bonbon looked back at you
>"Sit tight. I'll be right back"
>They ran out
>You could hear the gunfire
>Whoever was out there was armed to teeth
>Now was your only chance to get out
>But how
>You looked around
>Lucky day
>There was a key sitting on the bench
>One of them must have left it in the commotion
>Now all to do was get it
>There was only one way
>You rocked back and forth until the cage fell forward
>You were going to have roll it there
>You took a deep breath
>This was going to hurt like hell
>You rocked again, putting the cage upside down
>All of your weight went straight on your fingers
>You bit your tongue so hard it bled to keep from screaming
>With another few rolls you made it
>Now for the hard part
>You pushed your foot out of the cage, just barely managing to get the key around your toe
>You had to hurry
>The gun shots were getting closer
>You bent a bit, using the key around your toe to cut the rope
>It was a good thing you were so flexible
>And your core was so good
>With your hands freed, you unlocked the cage door and climbed out
>Now to find your gear and get the others
>The cave was a maze of pathways and caverns
>You'd never find anything at this rate
>You kept searching and found a box in one of the rooms
>You opened it
>Jackpot
>It was all your gear, completely untouched
>You only got your own, being sure to get the extra revolvers
>You'd have to come back for the rest
>You went through cavern after cavern but couldn't find hide nor hair of your friends
>Until you heard a whisper
>It was Trixie
>"Applejack? Applejack is that you?"
"Yes it's me."
>"Help! Get me out! Please!"
"Shhh. It's ok. I'll get you out. You gotta keep quiet though ok?"
>"o-ok."
>You tried the key you had with you
>Perfect
>It seemed to be a master key
"Any idea where the others are?"
>"Sunset is over there! About fifteen feet away. Twilight is directly behind that wall."
"Thanks Trixie. Can you walk?"
>She shook her head.
>"My leg hurts real bad."
>You hoisted her on her back
"Come on. Lets got rescue the rest. Did they harm you in any way?"
>"No. They just yelled at me a lot."
>That was a relief
>You ran down a few corridors locating Sunset's cell
>She too had been unharmed
>You gave Sunset one of the revolvers
"Alright Sunset. I'm countin on you. Stay close."
>"Right. I won't let you down miss Applejack!"
>After another short run through some corridors, you found Twilight
>She was far more worse for ware
>She had large, deep slash marks all over her body and all but on of her nails had been ripped out
>She was just slumped there
>You listened closely
>Thankfully she was still breathing
>But it was faint and weak
>Twilight was near death
"Don't worry Twilight. We'll get you help soon."
>Sunset gasped
>"She's going to be ok right?"
"Course she is."
>"That's quite enough."
>You heard the sound of a hammer being pulled back
>It was the same man as before
>Sombra
>He had a revolver aimed at you
>He was clutching his side
>A bullet had grazed him
>"I don't know what the hell you did but you're gonna pay for it."
"I didn't do anythin."
>"That crazy bitch outside keeps yellin' for you and Rainbow Dash. Sayin' you belong to her and she doesn't like her things stolen."
>Talk about jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire
"Listen. She ain't my friend. She's tryin to kill me."
>"Well then allow me to assist."
>You closed your eyes and heard a gun shot
>When you opened your eyes, you were surprised to find you and your friends uninjured
>Sombra lay on the floor, a huge hole in his head
>Sunset screamed
>Rarity stepped out of the shadows, her silk dress caked in blood
>"Sorry. That's my kill."
>She blew on her barrel
>"Haven't found Rainbow I see."
"Rainbow's gone Rarity. She left because I was recruiting too many people."
>"Is that a fact? Well that complicates things. No matter."
>She pulled the hammer back
>"For the crime of not killing that traitor Rainbow Dash, I sentence you to death."
"Rarity! This isn't like you! You don't need to do this! We used to be sisters!"
>"The Rarity you knew then is dead. Died with her real sister. You know I have a better idea. I have someone who'd been dyin' to meet you again."
>A figure emerged from behind her
>Limestone
>"You should have heard this poor things story."
>She smirked
>"Mere minutes after I arrived in a city, the poor thing was laying in a pool of her own blood. She explained to me how you and your bastard child there tried to kill her."
>Limestone smiled
>"I thought I was a goner. Thank goodness for Rarity."
>You glared
"Yeah. Thank goodness."
>"After you Limestone. Far be it from me to take what's rightfully yours."
>She cracked her knuckles, pulling out a knife
>"With pleasure. I'll start with teaching that girl of hers some manners."
>You pointed your revolver at her, only to have Rarity return the gesture
>"Ah, ah, ah, Applejack. Didn't anyone ever teach you it's not nice to point weapons at people?"
>This was really bad
>Rarity would kill you without a single thought
>But you couldn't just let Limestone have her way with Sunset
"Limestone you can't do this. You'll be no better than me."
>"That's a price I'm willing to pay."
>Limestone began to inch further when suddenly the entire cave began to rumble
>It was as if there had been an earth quake
>Another tremor, even more violent this time
>Rarity shouted to one of her compatriots
>"Check what's going on out there."
>In a few minutes someone ran back in
>"M'am! A train! It's a train?"
>She cocked her eyebrow
>"A train?"
>"You'll never believe it! It's covered in armor and has massive canons! It's like a fortress. It's firing us from at least a mile away!"
>She crossed her arms
>"Limestone can you handle this on your own?"
>"Yes m'am."
>"Good. I'll go check on this train."
>"Now where was I?"
>Three rapid deep bombs were heard and the ground violently shook
>With your usual quickness, you tackled Limestone
>With one well place punch you knocked her out cold
"We have to get out of her right now."
>You undid Twilight's bindings and slung her over your shoulder
>She was in bad shape
>You could barely hear her breathing
>You went back to the stash of your goods, grabbing what you were able to carry, and trying to quietly make your way out
>No good
>There was an entire line of Rarity's goons at the mouth of he cave
>No way you were going to shoot your way out of this
>You just had to hope you got lucky
>Another loud boom rang from the train's cannon's making large craters in ground
>Rarity ran into the line
>"I want you all to charge that train. We have to get it to stop firing."
>The line dispersed
>Now was your chance
>You ran as quickly as you could with Twilight on your back
>Once you got a good distance away, you set Twilight down behind a rock
>You put your broken fingers in a splint
>Now was the hard part
>You didn't know one thing about medical treatment
>You didn't have gauze or clean water or anything
>Not to mention she was still nearly nude
>If she was left like this she'd die for sure
>You looked through Twilight's bag
>Jackpot
>A first aid kit and a medical guide
"Sunset. I want you to listen very carefully. You understand me?"
>She nodded
>"What do you need?"
"I need you to go and find me some fresh, clean water and put it in this here bowl and bring it back. Fast as you can without spilling. Got it?"
>"Got it!"
>You gave her your revolver
"Take this. Use it only if you have too."
>"Right!"
>Sunset ran off and you turned to Trixie
"Trixie."
>"Y-yeah?"
"If Twilight wakes up while I'm doin the fixing her up, I need you to talk her down. Keep her as relaxed as you can."
>"I'll do my best!"
"Good girl."
>You read through as much of the manual as you could before Sunny came back with some water
>You took a deep breath
"Ok. Here we go."
>You put a broke piece of wood in her mouth and began to clean her wounds
>You got out some needle and twine
"It's just like sewing. Just like sewing."
>You pulled the first line through one of her cuts
>At first everything was going perfectly
>You closed three of her wounds with another four remaining
>But then, at the start of the fourth, she woke up
>She let out a loud yell and began to struggle
>"Sunset! Hold her down!"
>Sunset did the best she could
>She held down one of her arms while she swung about
>You got on top of her, your weight keeping her down
>You put the wood back in her mouth
"I'm sorry Twilight. This is gunna hurt like hell but ya need ta stay still for me."
>She made muffled screams through the wood
"Here we go."
>You started on the next wound
>Twi bit down on the bark hard, tears pouring down her face as your pulled the cut closed
>Her chest was moving up and down rapidly
"Deep breaths. We're nearly there."
>You washed your tools going through the last of the cuts
>Finally, they were all stitched
>You wrapped them up and fell on your back, gasping for breath
>Felt like you had been going full steam for the past 24 hours
>Twilight lay on the ground, curled in a tight ball
"How are you girls doin-"
>Poor things
>They'd literally collapsed from exhaustion
>They'd certainly earned the rest
>You looked at your bruised and broken fingers, held in place by two sticks
>Your ankle hadn't even healed yet
>You wondered how Rainbow was fairing right now
>Probably much better than you were
>Maybe she was right about it better being just them
>And what was with that train?
>You didn't even realize there were tracks
>You sighed
>You couldn't worry much about it now
>Your eyes were heavy and your limbs felt as though they were made of solid concrete
>You didn't even have the energy to pull your sleeping bag out
>You closed your eyes and within seconds you were asleep
>Meanwhile, Rainbow and Sonata were continuing there way too the suburbs
>Using the maps, they spotted some train tracks that would lead them directly there
>Sonata was incessantly asking questions
>"Where were you born?"
>"I don't know."
>"What do you wanna be when you grow up?"
>"Nothing."
>"What's your favorite color?"
>"Red."
>"Favorite food?"
>"SONATA!"
>She let out an eep
>"Sorry. Can we just... be quiet for a bit?"
>"But that's so boring!"
>"Fine. You can ask me one question every 30 minutes."
>"30 minutes!? But that's forever!"
>"I'll make it 40 if you keep talking."
>"But-"
>"50."
>She grumbled and stayed quiet
>It took some time, they were finally nearing the suburbs
>Near the train station they were surprised to find a train
>A functional one
>With heavily armed people
>They were all in suits except for one
>A woman in a long white dress with a cane
>Rainbow pulled Sonata behind a large rock
>"Stay quiet. Something isn't right."
>She listened in on them
>The woman in the dress spoke
>"Today is a glorious day my friends. Today is the day we reclaim the land from those vile Eagle Feathers. For too long they have denied the existence of the White Sun. For too long they have guarded that large patch of dirt, claiming a false god sees too it. For too long they have ignored every attempt at peace we've made too them. Well. Today is the day that those savages learn the glory of the White Sun."
>The crowd cheered
>"As prophet of our Lord, I, Celestia, shall lead the charge. Remember. No quarter. No mercy."
>"Yes Lady Celestia!"
>They all began to load up inside the train
>She peaked out to get a better look at it
>It was no joke
>Four turrets with mounted cannons and another 3 turrets with heavy machine guns
>Rainbow couldn't wrap her head around it
>How in the world did they manage something like this
>Sonata poked her head out
>"Ohhh! That's so cool!"
>Rainbow yanked her down by her collar
>"Sonata you idiot!"
>One of them shouted
>"I heard something!"
>"There! There's someone behind that rock!"
>Within seconds, a large group women, the one they called Celestia with them
>"Well what do we have here? Are you Eagle Feathers by any chance?"
>Rainbow shook her head
>"I have no idea what that is."
>One of them nodded
>"Look. Neither of them have the markings. They couldn't be."
>"Well then. Allow us to welcome you into our sacred order. Cooperate and you will not be harmed."
>"We don't mean any trouble. We just want to get going."
>"Nonsense. It is our duty to help those in need. Should we find you have no sinister motive, we'll assist you on your mission."
>"Assist us?"
>"Of course. We have supplies to spare. It wouldn't be right of us to let you go without a little generosity."
>"That's very kind but-"
>"Please don't make this difficult. You're coming with us whether you like it or not. So please. I'd rather you came willingly."
>"Guess I don't really have much choice."
>"Excellent. I knew you'd see it my way uh... what was your name?"
>"Rainbow Dash. And that's Sonata."
>"Hi Celestia!"
>One of the members got angry
>"That's Lady of the Sun to you!"
>"Relax. I take no offense. In fact I rather like this one. Wallflower Blush."
>"Yes M'am!"
>"Please see too it they both have sleeping arrangements in Tower 7. Let Lady Love see them in my absence."
>"Yes m'am!"
>Wallflower gestured down into the suburbs
>"This way please."
>They followed Wallflower to their destination
>Rainbow felt uneasy
>She wanted to keep moving
>Whatever was going on here, she wanted no part of it
>Sonata of course was amazed
>You followed her into the suburbs
>Sure enough, towards the center, there were seven towers, each with their number sprayed on them
>They obviously were not relics of the old world
>In fact they looked down right pristine
>"Excuse me. Wallflower was it?"
>"Yes?"
>"Where did those towers come from?"
>"Why they were gifts given to us by the Sun Goddess of course!"
>"The Sun Goddess?"
>"Yes. She has given us wealth and prosperity. While the rest of the world around us crumbles to ash, we go prosper. Through her divine grace we even have electricity!"
>Something definitely wasn't right about this place
>Sonata's eyes sparkled
>"That's amazing!"
>"You should stay with us. I can assure you that there is no better place than here."
>"Yeah. I'm sure"
>They walked through near empty streets until approaching the tower
>It was at least 10 stories tall
>The inside was even more impressive
>There was a perfectly neat and shining tile floor and the ceiling had working lights
>It was exactly how Wind Rider described the old world to be
>They walked to a desk where a woman sat organizing papers
>"These new girls are set to be give sleeping arrangements in this tower while they await a meeting with the Lady of Love. Lady of the Sun's orders."
>Without saying a word, she just nodded and handed Wallflower a slip of paper
>It had two letters and two numbers designating their rooms
>Sonata was on the fifth floor while Rainbow was on the eighth
>Sonata went to her room first
>As dash opened the door to her room, Wallflower grabbed her arm tightly, so tight it hurt
>"Whatever you do, accept nothing she gives. Do not let her grant you wish. Answer only with yes or no. leave as soon as possible. And above all don't trust her."
>With that she hurriedly left
>Rainbow stared wide eyed and walked into the room
>She realized something had been slipped in her pockets
>It was a message
>She unfurled the paper and it read only one thing
>"Leave before it's too late. This place is a lie."
>Meanwhile, you and your group were not fairing so well
>Twilight's wounds may have been stitched up, but she had barely moved in two days
>She groaned a lot and only got up when she needed to use the restroom
>Other than that she simply lay on her sleeping bag
>She hardly spoke a word
>You took shifts with Sunset caring for her
>It was looking bad
>You were worried she wasn't going to make it out of this
>It was mid afternoon and you were out of water
"Sunset you keep watch. I'm gunna go out for some water?"
>"Alright miss Applejack."
>There was a stream conveniently close nearby
>As you approached you saw something
>Someone in a long brown coat and a wide brimmed hat
>You couldn't believe your eyes
>You knew that outfit anywhere
"If my eyes don't deceive me. Vapor Trail!"
>She turned, the same stupid smile she always wore
>"The one and only. Was wondering when you'd venture out."
"How'd you escape? I thought..."
>You looked down, remembering the night
"I thought ya died."
>"Almost."
>She unbuttoned her shirt and showed you her belly
>A nice round scar was there just below her supple breasts
"How in the hay did you survive?"
>"It's quite a funny story. After Rarity shot me for being a quote unquote traitor, she ran to deal with Rainbow. That's when Moon Dancer came and picked me up."
"Are you serious? I thought Moon Dancer was one of Rarity's biggest lackeys."
>"She was. Until she saw me get shot. That's when it finally clicked with her that Rarity was just as crazy as Wind Rider."
>You sighed
"What happened then? On the raid? Why'd he do that? I always remember Rider being such a gentle man."
>"You were standing guard weren't you? It was horrible. We was told that there was going to be gold there. Underneath that orphanage."
>She sat down
>"Well turns out there was no gold there. So he killed all of 'em. Didn't even think twice about it."
>You shook your head
"That's horrific. I just don't understand what broke him. He was always so kind, so loving."
>"I don't either. It really is heart breaking."
"So what happened to Moon Dancer?"
>She looked down
>"She wasn't as lucky as I was. We was crossing a bridge a few weeks back, one that was over a huge canyon. She stepped on one of the steps and fell right through. It all happened so fast I barely new what was happenin."
"That's a shame. Even though she was supportin' Rarity she was genuinely kind at heart. She really shouldn't have been apart of the gang to start with."
>"You're right. What about Rainbow? How's she gettin along?"
"Left in a fit of rage over somethin' petty if you can believe it."
>She chuckled
>"Yeah that sounds about right. Oh! I nearly forgot."
>She began to reach around in her satchel, pulling out a golden embroided envelope, handing it to you
>You couldn't believe the name on the corner
"This... This can't be right. The person who gave this to you was called Pear Butter? Tall, curly red hair, freckles?"
>"The very same one."
"How... I don't understand... I saw her die right in front of me. She took a bullet right through the center of her chest. That... that can't be."
>"Trust me. It was her."
"How in the world did you meet her?"
>"It wasn't long after Moondancer passed. I was out of hope. She found me on the side of the rode, my shot gun wedged between my teeth and she talked me out of it. She said all she needed in return was for me to give you this letter if I ever found ya. So I tracked you down."
>You reached and gave her a huge hug
"Thank you."
>She giggled and embraced back
>"Don't mention it."
"Join us. We could use another gun around."
>"I'd be happy too. What's your group like?"
"Two children and a doctor. However the doctor ain't doin so well. We got caught by some band of thugs."
>"We best hurry back then."
>You reached down and lifted a bucket of water out
"You wouldn't happen to know any medical science would ya?"
>"Can't say I do. Hell I hardly know first aid."
>You both rushed back to camp
>Trixie looked up cruiously
>"I hear someone new."
>Sunset looked curious
>"Who's she?"
"An old friend. Trust me. Two of ya are gonna like her. She's got a heart of gold."
>"Oh Applejack stop you're making me blush."
"How's Twilight doin?"
>Sunset squatted down
>"Better. She's talking again."
>You sat by twilight with your water bucket
"Twilight? How're ya doin?"
>She wheezed a bit
>Her breathing sounded labored and forced
>"Not well. I feel like someone just dropped me off the side of a mountain. My entire body hurts."
"At least you're doing better. Here."
>You filled up her canteen and gave it to her
"Drink up."
>Twilight took it and chugged down the water as if she'd been in the desert for three days
"We'll say here as long as we gotta."
>"Hopefully that's not much long-"
>Before she could finish her sentence, Twilight began going into a coughing fit
"Save it. You just focus on restin up. We'll worry 'bout the rest"
>Vapor sat down by Trixie
>"What's your name sweetheart?"
>"Trixie!"
>"That's a lovely name. And yours?"
>Sunset crossed her arms and scoffed
>"What's it to you?"
"Don't mind her, she's just a brat around new people"
>"Am not!"
>Vapor began cleaning her shotgun
>"You going to read the letter?"
"I want ta... but I'm nervous."
>"Don't be."
>You sat down and looked at the letter
>Your mother
>Killed when you were a child or so you thought
>Now after all these years
>You open the letter
>"My dearest daughter. I've written this out several times. I don't know if you're still around. But if you are I hope this letter finds you one day. I'm heading to North Star. It's said to be the one bastion in this cold, empty world. Should ever you find this letter, find me in Paradis. Signed your mother, Pear Butter"
>"Applejack?"
"Huh?"
>"You're crying"
>You wiped the tears from your eyes
"North Star... Where have I heard that?"
>You hurriedly got your map out of your bag
"Why that's just a ways south of here! We could make it there in three days time."
>"North Star? Can't say I know much about it."
"Even if she ain't there no more, I'm sure we could still find clues as to where she mighta gone."
>"Sounds fair. I'll go wherever you go."
"We'll go just as soon as Twilight's better."
>That night you couldn't get any sleep
>All of thoughts were taken up by the possibility of meeting your mom again
>And the most pressing question of all
>How she survived
>You stared down at your revolver
>Dad gave it to you just before he went out to defend the house from looters
>Was he alive too?
>"Applejack?"
>You turned your head to see Vapor
"Sorry. Did I wake ya?"
>"No. Just had a little nightmare is all."
"A nightmare?"
>"Even since moondancer passed I've been having all sorts of scary dreams. Dreams of her. Of Wind Rider. Of the things we did as a gang. Somehow it's all so much scarier in my dreams."
"That's horrible."
>"How're you holding up?"
"Anxious. Happy. Confused. Excited. Depressed. I'm feeling so many emotions right I could write and entire book on 'em."
>"It's understandable. What do you remember about your mom?"
"She... she was a lot like you. Very gentle. When she got angry she was one scary person."
>"I'm not that scary when I'm mad."
>You chuckled
"Whatever you say Vapor."
>She giggled
"Like I was sayin though. She's the only memory I have of the old world. Of cars and television. Of food I could just slap in a microwave and have ready in seconds. It all takes me back to a time when things weren't so screwed up."
>Vapor hugged her legs
>"This life is rough."
"It is."
>"Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
>"Back at camp... In the confusion I lost my sisters diary."
>You remembered her sister. Died from a gun shot at just ten years old
>You could never forget the horrific screaming as she slowly died
"Say no more. Consider that diary found. For getting this letter to me... I'd dive in a pool of blood thirsty sharks for it if I had too."
>Vapor giggled
>"Well hopefully it doesn't come to that. But thank you Applejack. It's a debt I could never hope to repay."
>You shook your head
"Don't even mention it."
>You held up the letter
"This more than makes up for the debt."
>You smiled, your eyes getting heavy
"You ok with keepin watch for the rest of the night?"
>"Not like I'll be going back to bed any time soon. Sure. Get some rest."
"Thanks Vapor. Truly."
>Rainbow sat down on her bed, a panic rising inside her
>She had to get out of here
>She always felt something was off
>This just confirmed it
>But what about Sonata?
>She shook her head
>What was she saying?
>She could just leave her
>But in her heart she knew she couldn't
>She wasn't a ruthless gang member anymore
>She was going to put that behind her
>All of it
>She peaked out of the room
>No guards
>And she knew exactly where Sonata's room was
>She snuck to the elevator, pressing the down button
>Just as the elevator arrived, a smiling woman appeared
>She was tall with pink and blond hair and wore a dress suit
>In one had she had a silver suitcase
>Rainbow's heart stopped
>She slightly titled her head
>"Where might you be headed Rainbow Dash?"
>"I was going to check on Sonata."
>The woman kept her smile
>"You'll be able to do that after the intake."
>She pointed back to the room
>"If you'd take a seat at the desk please."
>Rainbow bit her tongue
>It'd be best to cooperate
>No doubt they'd try to harm Sonata if she acted rash
>Rainbow took a seat at the desk opposite Dash
>"My name is Cadence, also known as the Lady of Love. Care for a glass of water?"
>The words rang through her skull
>Accept nothing she gives
>Could it even be as benign as a glass of water?
>Better safe than sorry
>"I'm fine, thanks."
>"What brings you to our lovely settlement?"
>The next part of the message chimed in
>Answer all of her questions with yes or no
>She didn't understand it, but she may as well try
>"No."
>Cadence's eyebrow twitched
>It was subtle, but she could tell this angered her
>"What are your intentions?"
>Rainbow took a deep breath
>"No."
>Cadence's smile faded, being replaced by a terrifying scowl
>"That will be all Rainbow."
>She got up and stopped at the doorway
>"Something you should remember, Dash: Those who defy the will of the Goddess of the Sun will meet a fate worse than death. I will be back tomorrow. And if you defy me again, you will get a visit from the Lady of the Deep."
>Rainbow bit her tongue
>She wanted to give back a witty retort
>But so long as they had Sonata, her hands were tied
>"See you tomorrow, Lady of Love."
>She left the room
>Now it was time to follow the next bit
>Get out as soon as possible
>She clenched her teeth
>She had no choice
>She'd have to leave Sonata
>She wanted to stick to the hero's life
>But the hero's life was no good if she wound up trapped her or worse
>She'd leave the night, under the cover of darkness
>in the mean time, however, she'd learn what there was to learn
>Opposite of the bed was a big bookcase
>She cursed
>If only Applejack were here
>She searched the rest of the room when something clicked
>The message that girl gave her
>She could read it
>She pulled it out of her pocket again
>Sure as the day was long, she could read it
>Did she suddenly learn to read?
>She pulled one of the books from the bookcase
>It made about as much sense of hieroglyphics to her
>This didn't make any sense
>There was a knock on her door
>Rainbow quickly hid the message and opened it up
>It was Wallflower
>"Come with me. You're being subject to discipline."
>Wallflower winked and mouthed 'trust me'
>Dash nodded back
>"I'll need you to put these cuffs on please."
>Rainbow reluctantly agreed and was escorted from her room
>Wallflower whispered
>"Just follow my lead. I'll explain everything. But you have to trust me."
>Rainbow nodded
>Not like she had much choice at this point
>They walked into the empty suburbs once again
>The sun was just starting to set
>After a short ten minute walk, they came upon a large cave surrounded by a gate and arm guards
>Wallflower spoke to one of them
>"The Sun sleeps and the Lady of the Deep casts her watchful eye upon us."
>The guard unlocked the door and said
>"Blessing of the Deep upon your journey."
>Rainbow lifted her brow
>"What was that?"
>"Shut up. Not yet."
>They journeyed into the mines for about 15 minutes
>"Ok. Now we can talk with reasonable security."
>"Can you finally tell me what's going on?"
>"Yes. But it'd be better to show you."
>They walked down a narrower hallway until they came into a large, circular metal room with windows
>Beyond the glass were multiple large vats containing glowing yellow liquid
>"What is that stuff?"
>"It's the Sun Colony's dark secret and the source of her power. That stuff in those vats is the reason the world is in the state it is today"
>"What is it?"
>"It's what the old world called Biofuel. The Sun Goddess, or Celestia, calls it blessed liquid. It can only be made from raw biomass."
>"Raw biomass?"
>"Yes. Things like animals, plants and humans. When people defy the sun goddess they end up as the yellow liquid."
>You felt a chill run down your spine
>"That's horrific."
>"That's not even the worst of it. Not only can it be used for things like fuel and electric energy, it also makes a pretty devastating bomb."
>Rainbow couldn't believe herself
>She was going to leave Sonata to become that thick yellow goo
>"There's something I wanted to ask you."
>"It's how you gained the ability to read isn't it?"
>"Yes."
>"That's the next amazing property of this stuff. Memory transference."
>"Memory what?"
>"Basically, the memories of those who got turned into the good are stored inside the stuff. You can, with the right amount of practice, transfer these memories."
>"That's insane."
>"It was called the wonder material for a reason. But it comes at a cost too high to warrant it's usage."
>"We have to stop this somehow."
>"We do. And that's the hard part. If you help us, I can guarantee Sonata's safety."
>"Deal."
>"Good. Then allow me to explain my master plan"
>Meanwhile, with Twilight making a fairly decent recovery, Applejack and her crew were well on the way to Northstar
>You had quite the kick to your step
>You wanted to sprint the whole way there
>You even put Trixie on your back just to slow your pace and conserve energy
>Twilight went right along side you
>"So what's your plan once you find your mother? Any questions you want to ask her?"
"So many. I have a list as long as my arm"
>Trixie yawned
>"Is my mommy there too?"
"Maybe she is. We can only hope"
>You all began to walk up a long, curved path when you saw two rather burly looking people on the road brandishing weapons
>You set Trixie down
>"Stay right here. I'll take care of this"
>Vapor went beside you
>"I'll help"
>You walked up to them
>They spoke, aiming their weapons at you
>"Sorry toots. This is a toll road. No passage without payment by order of the Iron Cross."
"The Iron Cross?"
>"That's right. We're defenders of North-"
>Vapor shot her shot gun right into the chest of the man speaking
>You managed to put a bullet square through the other's abdomen before he even had a chance to put his finger on the trigger
"What he hell was that!? They were gonna tell us where they was from!"
>"They were distracted. It was my only chance."
>Twilight stood up
>She had had her body draped around Trixie, acting like a human shield
>"Didn't he say North? Could he have meant Northstar?"
>Vapor seemed to look nervous
>"I'm sure it was nothing. We are going North after all."
"We better hurry. Hopefully these thugs didn't take Northstar. My mom may be in danger."
>Vapor nodded
>"Right you are Applejack."
>You picked up Trixie again and strode on until night fall, making your camp on ridge overlooking the vast forest below
>Twilight walked over to you as the fire started
>"AJ, can I talk to you for a second?"
"Sure."
>You both walked a distance from camp
>"Something isn't adding up about this."
"What do you mean?"
>Twilight hesitated
>"You said it yourself. You watched your mother die. And Vapor seemed visibly nervous when I confronted her about those thugs being from Northstar."
>You clenched your fist
"Just what exactly are ya implyin'? You sayin' my former gang mate and friend is lyin to me about this? What possible reason could she have?"
>"I don't know. All I'm saying is that there's something about this that seems off."
"Seems off?"
>"Yes. Something about this isn't-"
>Twilight began to cough rather violently
"Twi are you ok?"
>The coughing fit ceased after about a minute
>"I'm fine. Just listen. Don't rush headlong into this. I know you're eager to see your mom. But look at this critically."
"I think you're talking a whole lot of fooy"
>"AJ, I'm here with you till the end. I'm just worried is all"
-----
"Well you don't gotta worry yourself with me. I'm doing this. I know she's alive. I know she is."
>"Whatever happens, I'm with you. Remember that."
"I will. Sorry for getting so mad. It's just..."
>"I know. This is a sensitive thing."
"Yeah. If ya got nothin' else, let's head back to camp."
>"Right."
>Twilight coughed a few more times
"You sure you're alright?"
>"I'm perfectly fine. I just need a few days and I'll be good as new."
"I suppose getting cut to hell does that to ya."
>you both started walking back
>"How're your fingers?"
>You looked at your makeshift splint and rubbed them
>It was still quite painful to even graze them
"It'll be a while before they heal in full. They hurt if the wind blows to hard."
>At camp Vapor was almost finished with her stew
>You lifted the ladle
"That smells delicious vapor. What's in it?"
>"I used some baked beans from my bag. I consider it a specialty of mine."
>Every got themselves a serving
>It was pretty well for what it was worth
>At least as well as it could be from lake water and three month old canned beans
>Trixie sat against your arm and snuggled you tightly
>Over by one of the trees, you could see Sunset eye'ing the two of you
"Want to come by Sunset? There's room for  one more in the cuddle pile."
>She jumped a bit and stuck her tongue out
>"As if. Cuddling is for babies."
"Suit yourself."