Dry Lands

Chapters

New Faces
The First Job
The First Month
Bloody Rivalry
A Failing Crest

New Faces

Chapter One: New Faces

As you may know, apples have many, many uses: apple pie, apple cobbler, Zap Apple Jam and, of course, apple cider. One family that makes great apple cider is, well, the Apple family. That is, used to...

Ever since Princess Celestia invoked laws against cider (and all other forms of alcoholic beverages), sales of it have been non-existent. However, this opened up more... adventurous business opportunities for those who are willing to take the necessary risks against the Royal Guard, and certain Elements of Harmony--except for two or, maybe, three of them. Times are hard even for friends, when such a lovely thing such as cider is on the line and can drive a wedge between them. One of these Elements is none other than Applejack, The Element of Honesty herself.

Applejack is the head of the rising Apple Family Mafia, selling cider to all ponies willing to help her in her “financial struggle”. All expenses that she charges are due to the necessary risks involved in such a business, of course. Not only from the illegality of it, but from other “families” as well. The only Family you can trust on the norm is yours, and that’s only if they feel as though you’re competent.

Now, bodies are always on demand in such a business. Just like cider is being sold illegally, so are other things, like firearms. Yes, guns are on high demand in this time of unfair prohibition among all ponies in the business--for protection against other ponies in the same business and, in rare cases, protection from the law. One pony would soon be working with one of these Families--the Apple one specifically. The only Family Applejack cares for more than hers is, well, her own real family--Apple Bloom, Big Macintosh, and, of course, Granny Smith.

******

“HAY, GET OFFA ME!”

“Shut up, you damn brat!”

Five Holes quickly snapped his head around to the screaming foal’s voice. The gray-coated, black-maned unicorn stallion with a plumber's wrench as a cutie mark hurried himself towards the panicked voice. Just outside of Sugarcube Corner, he saw a young yellow filly with a red mane held by a bow being manhandled by some stallion in a light-brown trench coat and matching fedora. “‘Ey you! What’d you think you doin’ to ‘er, ‘ey?!”

Looking upwards to meet the voice, the strange stallion locked eyes with Five Holes. “Why doncha mind your own business. Pal?”

“Well, when your ‘business’ as you so call it, involves grabbing a small, defenseless--”

“Hey, I ain’t that defenseless!” piped Apple Bloom, and proceeded to kick in the one spot no stallion wants to be touched... unless it’s for that other reason, of course.

“OMFF!” The stallion fell to his stomach with his forelegs covering his pride.“You damn little bitch! Just you wait! You and your fucking sister, you’ll all get it!”

“Hey!” shouted Five Holes, causing the stallion to turn his attention back to him.“Instead ah slinging profanity towards such a young foal, ‘ows about you try it wit me instead, huh?”

Still in pain from his testicular assault, the stallion said, “Oh you really wanna help her out, do you?! Well--urgh--fine, c’mon!”

Standing up on all four legs (albeit with a small struggle) the strange stallion went towards Five Holes head-first. Moving out of the way swiftly, Five Holes lifted up a foreleg just as he dodged, hitting the stallion in windpipe and sending him tumbling to cold ground coughing and wheezing. “You feel like a big pony now, do ya? Nice picking on lil’ fillies is it, ya prick!?”

Still coughing, the stallion responded nastily with, “You don’t even--cough--know who the fuck--cough cough--she is, do you, you idiot?!”

“I know shes just a lil’ foal, and I know you’re just a bleating stallion. What more is there? You can tell me more whilst you’re lying in a ‘ospital bed, alright? Now, go jog on!”

Rising to his feet, the mysterious stallion spat on the floor, looked Fives Holes in the eyes once more, then ran off into the night. Looking at Apple Bloom, Five Holes said, “So, what’s ya name?”

“Ah’m Apple Bloom. Who are you, stranger?”

“Five Holes. What were you doin’ out ‘ere so late?”

“I was just collecting some money from here for mah sister.”

“Sister, huh? Well I guess I better get ya back to ‘er ‘fore something else ‘appens, yeah.”

“Yeah, you bet’cha! I reckon Applejack would love for ya to work wit’ us!” Apple Bloom said with glee.

“Work with ya? What kinda work you talking ‘bout?” Five Holes asked hesitantly. After all, you can’t be too careful with all these gang ponies running amok. It get’s dangerous to be out alone now. Especially at night.

“Ah can’t really say to be honest wit’ ya. Ain’t mah position to, but if ya come with me, Ah’m sure AJ would tell ya and take ya on board too! Ah’m real happy you came when you did, we weren’t expecting nothing to happen. Everything’s been real quiet as of late.”

“Huh. Well I guess we’ll see when we get der, won’t we.”

Apple Bloom nodded and showed Five Holes the way back to her home. Not much was spoken between the two, and every step they took made Five Holes worry just a little more. He had heard the name Applejack before. After all, she was an Element of Harmony, helping take care of both Nightmare Moon and the Master of Chaos. However, he couldn't help but wonder: had Applejack turned to a life of crime because of the new laws on cider that Princess Celestia invoked? I suppose I’ll find out when I arrive.

******

Once they both arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom knocked on the front door three times, waited for three seconds, then knocked a fourth. A big, red, muscular-looking stallion with a blonde mane answered, looking down at Five Holes, then further down towards Apple Bloom.

Suddenly, Five Holes felt a wave of worry overtake him as he hoped the stallion didn’t get any wrong ideas. Apple Bloom, calm and happy greeted the stallion. “Hey Big Mac. Where’s Applejack? Ah reckon she’s gonna want to meet this pony. If it weren’t for him, Ah don’t think Ah’d be here right now.” Bloom turned around and gave Five Holes a warm, friendly smile, which made him relax a little.

Looking at Apple Bloom, then back to Five Holes, Big Mac simply said, “Eeyup. She’s down in the cellar but, you best go alone. No strangers. You know that, Apple Bloom.”

“Ah know, Ah know Big Mac.” Looking back to Five Holes, Apple Bloom smiled and said, “You wait here while Ah go and speak ta Applejack. Don’t you worry none. Have a seat.”

Looking to Big Mac, who moved aside for the two, Five Holes looked to Apple Bloom, who turned and walked in. He swallowed and followed behind slowly, but still fast enough so he seemed calm. His face gave a different story. Damn Five Holes, stay cool. Oh damn it, what ‘ave you gotten yaself into.

******

A few minutes later (which felt like they dragged on forever), Apple Bloom came back up from the cellar and trotted into the kitchen. Waiting anxiously, Five Holes looked at her, waiting for her to speak. Finally, Bloom spoke. “Well, alright. Mah sister said ta bring ya down. So, let’s go.”

Standing up from the chair at the round dining table, Five Holes followed Apple Bloom down the cellar stairs, closing the hatch behind them.

The cellar was dark and cold. Barrels lined the walls with more stacked upon them. The only light in the dark room was at the back. There was a single light hanging from the ceiling above a dark brown, oak table with a single wooden chair in front of it. There was a black leather chair behind it, and on the leather chair sat an orange mare with a yellow mane and brown Stetson atop her head. The mare wore a black, silk coat and white, collared shirt.

Applejack, the Element of Honesty, sat with her forehooves planted firmly together on the table in front of her. She eyed the shaky-looking stallion in front of her, noting his facial expression and body movement as he hesitantly walked forward. As he sat down, Applejack leaned back and relaxed.

“So,” Applejack began, “Apple Bloom tells me that you saved her from some stallion outside of Sugarcube Corner. Is this correct?” Looking her in the eye Five Holes simple nodded. “Well, Ah wanna thank ya personally for that, so, ‘thank you’. Ah don’t know what Ah’d do if I were to lose mah sister, or any of mah family for that matter.” Still keeping quiet, trying to keep his cool, Five Holes let AJ continue. “Now, here’s the question: do ya know what it is we do?”

Looking around the room at the barrels, Five Holes finally replied, “I reckon so.”

Keeping cool-headed and calm, Applejack said, “Well, Ah need to know what it is ya reckon.”

“Well, I ‘spose ya’ll sell cider... right?”

Keeping her unblinking eye contact, which kept Five Holes on edge, she answered, “That’s right. The Apple Family’s been selling cider for as long as Ah c’n remember. That is, until Celestia brought them new laws in about selling cider. Now, we ain’t the only ones selling, an’ Ah reckon ya know that. Ah don’t reckon you’re that stupid, but coming to a place like this is stupid. Not all the Families in this business are as nice as we are. Sure, we’re breaking the law, and we all done some things we regret, but, we only do what is deemed necessary, and try to keep things as quiet as possible. We don’t want, or need, any attention, from anyone. Be them pony or otherwise. Understand?”

“I understand.”

“So, the real question is this: do you want to join our Family? The Apple Family. We take care of our own as best we can, in both protection and bits. For the same services in return. Of course. With your allegiance sworn to the Family, of course. Now, we ain’t ever gonna ask for you to kill your own, but, there may very well be a time you gotta protect one of us, or yerself. You understand where Ah’m going with this. right?”

Feeling much more relaxed and calm now, Five Holes said, “You mean, ya want me to kill only if I ‘ave to, right?”

“Right.”

Silence took room and air between the two. After a moment of mulling it over, Five Holes asked, “What if I say no?”

Leaning forward and placing a bag of bits on the table, Applejack responded with, “You’re free to go. Ya get fifty bits to keep your muzzle shut and we leave you alone, but you get no protection from us. Get in the way, and we will do whatever is necessary. Ah got plenty of stallions and mares working for me, so Ah don’t need you. However, you can still be useful an’ Ah reckon Ah c’n help you more than you c’n help me.”

Thinking carefully about the proposition laid before him, Five Holes wondered and asked about the benefits that would come with such a risky allegiance. “What do I get specifically? Like, what are da benefits o’ working with you lot?”

A slight grin appeared on AJ’s face. However, it didn’t make Five Holes uneasy. In fact, it made him anxious about what she was about to say. “Well, for one, we’d make ya a nice rich pony if ya play your cards right. Secondly, you’d be under our protection; if anyone were to mess with ya, then we’d mess with them. Thirdly, you get a nice bit of cider. At a discount, of course. Can’t be giving hand outs now, can we?”

Five Holes sat there, silently contemplating on what to do. His past wasn’t the best, but, nopony was perfect now, were they? However, he’s never killed before. That’s something he never thought he’d have to do. Were things like riches and cider important to him? Well, he was being offered fifty bits to keep his mouth shut so... maybe he’d get a lot more for going against the law. The worst he had ever done was steal. All this really amounted to was selling an illegal substance that was once legal. She did say I’d only have to kill if needed. Fifty bits just to stay quiet? Could I try for more? It’s only selling cider. I used to be a bit of a thief. Never had to kill, buuuut...

Growing slightly impatient, Applejack pressed, “Look, I’m going to need an answer now. So either take your bits and get out, or tell me what Ah wanna hear.”

Coming to a conclusion finally, Five Holes said, “Okay. I’m in.”

Smiling, Applejack look towards Apple Bloom, who was sitting on a stool she retrieved from the kitchen. Applejack said to her, “Bloom, get him a piece an’ a coat.” Rising from the stool, Apple Bloom trotted over to a drawer that was hidden in the darkness next to the stairs. She opened it and pulled something out with the coat. When she came back, she handed him a black coat with a white, collared shirt and black tie. On the table, she placed a pistol. Applejack explained, “That there’s a Stallion .45. Now, Ah do hope ya ain’t gotta use it, but just in case. You can’t be too careful in our line o’ business.”

Looking at the coat, Five Holes noticed a holster hidden inside it. “I ‘spose dat’s what der hostlers for,” he said, a grimace shooting across his face.

“Eeyup.”

“This what all o’ da new recruits get, yeah?”

“Eeyup.”

“Do things eva get so bad, ya need something bigger?”

“Sometimes. However, Ah mahself try ta stay away from situations like that. But, like Ah said, we all done things we regret.”

Looking at the floor, then back to the pistol in front of him, Five Holes put the coat on and enwrapped the gun in his magic, placing it in the holster. Curiously, he asked, “So you let anypony join dis Family? Ya know, like pegasi, unicorns, etc or, am I ‘special’ since I saved ya sister?”

Applejack smiled and chuckled slightly. “‘Special’? Ya ain’t special, pardner. Ah am real grateful ya saved her, don’t me wrong. But, ya ain’t ‘special’. Ya gotta prove you’re special. That’s when ya become a ‘made stallion or mare’.”

Confused, Five Holes asked, “Made stallion?”

“Yeah, a made stallion. Ya get a few special perks, if ya will. Like, ya get ‘control’ over some ponies, but ya gotta report to me before ya do anything too... hasty. Power can change ponies. Make ‘em worse. Even if they were bad to begin with. When ya got power, ya either stay the way ya are, or ya get worse. Ain’t no good come offa nopony who was given power.”

There was a pause. Five Holes digested what he had just heard and nodded silently to Applejack. Sounds like she’s got some personal thoughts there. Best not to push forward with that. “So, when’s me first job?”

Smiling again--she’s got a real nice smile, huh?--Applejack said, “Ya keen to work already, huh? Well then, alright. You can help Big Mac deliver a few barrels of cider to the quills and sofa pony, Davenport.”

Confused again, Five Holes asked, “What’s he want with a few barrels? Stockpiling?”

Laughing slightly this time, AJ informed, “Well, kinda, yeah. Ya see, I don’t know if ya know, some ponies seem ta be living unda a rock, it seems. But there are places you can still get cider from.” Five Holes raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t had cider since the laws passed. Applejack continued, “We call them places ‘Speakeasies’. When ya get there, knock three times, wait for three seconds, then knock once more. Iff’n he asks for a password, say, ‘Unicorn’s feather,’ got it?”

Nodding once more, Five Holes repeated, “Unicorn’s feather. Got it.”

“Alright. Well, nothing should happen, things have been real quiet as of late. Ah don’t like it, but we can’t waste time hiding if other Families are planning instead of selling.”

Quiet? Wouldn’t that be a good thing? Well, I don’t know nothing ‘bout this business, so I guess I’ll listen.

Raising her head, Applejack called out, “Big Macintosh!”

It was silent for a moment, then AJ turned to Apple Bloom. “Go git ya big brother, Bloom.” Apple Bloom ran upstairs, leaving Five Holes and Applejack together. Neither spoke. They just waited in silence. Shortly afterwards, Big Mac and Bloom came back down stairs. Applejack said, “Big Mac, Five Holes here is gonna go wit’ ya on yer delivery tomorrow afternoon, okay?”

“Eeyup.”

Looking towards Five Holes once more, she told him, “Alright, since ya first job’s tomorrow, you can stay here in the guest room upstairs. Bloom’ll show ya where it is. Be quiet though, Granny Smith is sleeping already.”

Five Holes nodded and said, “Thanks, Applejack, I ‘preciate it.”

Five Holes, Bloom and Mac all left and retired for the night leaving, Applejack in the basement.

Alright Five Holes, don’t mess dis up. Ya got what seems like an alright job ‘ere with the benefit of cider. Plus, dese ponies seem real nice, wouldn’t wanna make a bad impression on ‘em now, would I?

The First Job

Chapter Two - The First Job

Luna’s moon was still bright and high in the sky at the time of the newly initiated mafioso waking up. Five Holes wiped the slate from his eye’s only to be greeted by the moon still he got out of bed, and shook himself awake. Today was the start of his new life. Today was the start of him joining his new “Family”.

Trying to be as quiet as possible he slowly walked to the bathroom, and slowly knocked on the door hoping it was quiet enough to hopefully not awake anyone who may be sleeping. The door opened and he stood back to let whomever may be in there past, still rubbing his eyes with a forehoof. “Howdy pardner! Good to see you up so early for work.” Applejack happily, much to the surprise of Five Holes.

“Huh? What? I thought the job weren’t till dis afternoon?” He said sleepily, still yawning to help wake himself up.

“Well, as I said ‘you saved mah sister’ so thanks, but that just meant I was gonna give ya some time to relax for your first job. Speaking of mah sister, BLOOM!”

As quick as can be, Applebloom ran up the stairs with pitta patta of her hoofsteps following behind. “Yeah sis?” How could such a young foal be up and ready before me?

Applejack looked at her little sister with a more serious business looking face on her, “Any news on who it was that was waiting for ya outside Sugarcube Corner?”

With a confused face, she looked at her and slowly said “Um, AJ you know it’s the next morning right? This only happened last night? How am Ah meant to get information that quickly? We just initiated Five Holes.”

As she was about to respond she started pacing back and forth with a touch of worry in her voice for her sister’s well being, “Ah know Applebloom, Ah know. Ah’m just worried ‘bout ya is all. Well look, when ya get the chance try to find out who that stallion was yeah?”

Applebloom simple mimicked her older brother, “Eeyup.” and with that, trotted back down stairs. AJ proceeded to tell Five Holes to go down for a quick breakfast, the earlier the job was done they would hopefully have less trouble with any law enforcers, or worse, rivals. At the very least some no-named gangponies would try to step in but, with Big Mac’s stature, and Five Holes with his piece, it should be a simple cider run. Five Holes started wondering about the stallion he saved Bloom from.

Damn, AJ said the only time we’d ‘ave to kill would be to protect our own but, I was da one who saved Bloom. She didn’t. Shit, I reckon I know who’s gonna be me first bloody kill. Am I really ready for this? Fuck, there ain’t no way out now. Shiiiiit, I’m gonna ‘ave to go through with this damn it! Ah well, crap, be cool, be cool. I just hope nopony... or whoever, get’s in the way. Just a simple cider run. No more, no less. I can do this. How many day’s until they find that stallion, then I gotta be ready ta pull dat bleeting trigger! Fuck it, I can do dis.

******

As Five Holes walked down the stairs to the kitchen he was greeted by all including Grannysmith, “Howdy youngen! Applejack ‘ere says you’re gonna ‘elp us sell some good ol’ cider! I’m glad to ‘ear it as long as you’re a good pony that is of course.”

Finding himself chuckling Five Holes said to her “Yeah I’m real nice pony. I’m real grateful for ya’ll letting me stay ‘ere cheers. I’m gonna ‘elp ya sell all your cider an’ dem some.” Grannysmith smiled at that and motioned for him to join them at the table. Pulling up a stool, Five Holes sat down to enjoy a nice bowl of... oatmeal? Oatmeal? Are dese ponies crazy? Ahh well, can’t complain. Just gotta eat it, not my kinda breakfast but eh. At least they made it for me, already waiting.

******

After the breakfast, Five Holes met Big Mac outside of Sweet Apple Acres who was already waiting with a cart stocked with 10 barrels full of cider but, Big Mac was just uploading a last one. “Eleven barrels? Dat’s a few?” Five Holes asked. Big Mac loaded the eleventh barrel on the cart and turned to Five Holes, “If we don’t need to use it I’ll tell you but, it would be better for me to show you instead. C’mon let’s move, Davenport is waiting for us probably.”

Slightly confused, and following Big Mac, Five Holes said “Ummm ok? So was der any point, me waking up in da afternoon?”

Cooly, Big Mac responded to him, “I would have told Davenport why we were late. He wouldn’t have mind, he would have just been glad Applebloom’s safe.”

Both carried on towards their destination in silence, enjoying the cool morning breeze and listening to birds chirp and sing in glow of the morning sun. During the walk down the dirt path they were currently on, Five Holes looked to the side, at the sun still rising. The golden glow along the horizon, signifying that the new day is surely starting. Wow. Dat’s... such a... beautiful sight. I wonder ‘ow many mornings like dis I still have. What with dis new life of mine I’m starting of course. I’m probably gonna miss dese.

As they continued down the road they were stopped by two mares, one was a purple unicorn, and the other, a pink earth pony. “Freeze! Prohibition Officers.” Said the purple unicorn.

“Hey there Twilight. What’s the problem?” Big Mac replied in a calm manner.

Looking at him with a pair of judgmental eyes, Twilight responded, “We’re here to check these barrels in case of any cider. Any problems with that Big Mac?”

Keeping his stoic look, Big Mac simply responded with “Nope. I’ll show Pinkie Pie the barrels and you can ask any question’s you have to my assistant here.”

What?! Me?! Damn it, what am I s’pose ta say to ‘er?!

Turning her look to Five Holes, Twilight Sparkle looked him and down and asked, “Your assistant? Since when did you need an assistant? Why would anypony mess with you Big Mac? Wouldn’t the mere sight of you scare them? What with your size and all of course.”

“Well Twilight you can never be too careful. You of all ponies should know that, considering what it is do.”

Twilight just looked at him and went “Hmmm.” then motioned Pinkie Pie to check the barrels with Mac. Turning her focus to Five Holes, she asked him “So, how long you been helping Big Mac?”

With a gulp, and trying to stay calm, cool, and collected Five Holes lied “Well today is me first day really. Applejack said Applebloom used ta help deliver da apples with Big Mac but, said it was too risky. Last time she went wit’ ‘im she almost got hurt by some gangponies an’ dey don’t want dat no more.”

Taking note of his accent Twilight asked him where he was from and without letting too much slide he said to her “Well I weren’t born in Equestria but I s’pose ya could say it’s kinda similar ta dem lot in Manehatten ya know.”

Giving him the benefit of the doubt, more so for Big Macintosh’s sake than his, she called out “Hey Pinkie Pie! What we got back there?!”

A short moment later the pink earth pony bounced back, stopping at her partners side “Meh, nothing but apples here Twi.” and she proceeded to take a bit out of a shiny red apple.

With a slight sigh, Twilight looked at Big Mac and said to Pinkie “Well then Pinkie, I guess there’s nothing to report here. Let’s get moving.”

With Twilight walking away, and her pink partner following her close behind Five Holes asked Macintosh, “What? ‘Ow didn’t she find da cider?”

Grinning, Big Mac looked at him and informed him “Pinkie Pie is our mare on the inside. She loves her cider. In fact, she used to be one of our best customers. Always the first in line during cider season, she’d buy around eight to ten mugs of it.”

“So, the eleventh barrel-”

“Is for any bribes we may need. It has some bits, apples and some canteens of cider. Although the cider in that one is hidden at the bottom.”

******

Once at the Quills and Sofas shop, Five Holes knocked three times, waited three seconds, then knocked once more. Just like AJ told me too. A pair of eyes looking through a slot in the door asked “Password?”

Password? Oh right. “Unicorns feather.”

With about half a dozen locks later, the door was opened to an earth pony stallion with a tan coat and brown mane. “Hey Davenport. Here’s that apple delivery ya wanted.”

With a smile on his face he happily greeted “Why hello Big Macintosh, this a new kid you got? Thanks for the delivery, I was starting to run a little low on product.”

With chuckle and grin, Big Mac told him “Well we can’t have that now can we, and yeah this is a new kid we got Five Holes is his name. Also, don’t mention it Davenport anything for a friend.”

Both stallions shared a laugh, then Davenport looked at Five Holes, “So, new kid yeah? Well be careful you hear me? It’s dangerous now-a-days but, as long as you play your cards right you’ll be okay. Don’t forget that yeah? Never step into a fight you don’t need to okay.”

With a simple nod, they all agreed to go in for a few drinks, on the house of course. After all, it was their cider. “I can’t stay too long though fellers, I gotta get back to Applejack and the rest.” Big Mac told us all.

“Yeah of course, I understand Mac don’t worry about it. Your payment is here on the counter of the bar top. All one thousand bits. Still a hundred a barrel right?” Davenport asked, making sure he wasn’t cutting his friend short.

Big Mac gave a nod and reassured him “Eeyup. One hundred per barrel. Thanks Davenport, we really appreciate the business.”

All three sat at the bar and drank, then drank more, and finally finished half a barrel of cider to themselves. Looking at the time, from the clock on the wall above the now wet bar, Big Mac announced “Well you two, I best be going. Hey Five Holes you said you weren’t born in Equestria, do you have a place to stay?”

Trying to keep his head straight, and thoughts coherent (this stallion obviously had to pace his drink unlike Big Macintosh) he slurred slightly “‘Ey? Place ta stay?... Yeah, I gots dis room up in da... inn heh heh. It’s like 25 bits a night. I gots da money fors it buuut.... Um?”

Seeing that the cider seemed to have gone straight to him Big Mac offered “You want me to take you there? I’ll pull some strings and you’ll be able to stay there for free. I mean, we’ll be doing that anyway since you’re working with us now but, I can get it out of the way now if you want?”

Almost falling from his stool, Five Holes drunkenly protested “Nah nah nah mate. Ya ain’ts gots ta do dat all fo’ me noaw ‘ave ya. I c’n get der by meself all fine an’ dandy I’ll ‘ave ya knows.”

Rubbing the back of his mane Big Mac said to him “Well okay, but only because you said so. It’s still light anyway, so you should be alright. Well your payment for the job anyway: 100 bits. You do more, you get more. You understand right?”

Snickering to himself for no apparent reason, and almost stumbling over himself multiple times, Five Holes told Big Mac “Yeah ‘course I understaaand. So I gots dis money fo’ meself? Right, right, don’ts worry I gots ya it’s alright. Well I guess I’ll come on back an’ back won’ I heh heh”

Resisting the urge to facehoof, Big Mac bided both stallions a farewell and left. Leaving Davenport to guide Five Holes out after. After a few minutes of struggle, and falling, Davenport finally got the new (drunken) mafioso kid out of the speak easy. Leaving him to get back to the Ponyville inn intoxicated... alone... when the Prohibition Officers are out.

******

After what should have been a 20 minute walk becoming a 2 hour stroll/stumble (mostly stumble), the newly initiated mafioso went to his room on the second floor after dumping the required 25 bits for the night. His home from home now. A small one room at an inn. Inside there was one single bed, a table end with a candle resting on top, unused. In the corner near the door of the room was a wardrobe (which would finally have some use now with his new uniform) and a small bookshelf for whomever rented the room out, should they wish to read any of the latest novels.

The only thing in the room which interested Five Holes at the moment though was the bed in the middle. However his body had different plans, allowing him to reach halfway before succumbing to the alcohol that was coursing his veins.

‘Ey, dis may not be so bad all da cider I want, and sometimes free? Dis is great, what more could a stallion ask for? Well ‘cept maybe some mares to accompany me tonight. Ah but all in due time, am I right? Of course I’m right. I reckon I may enjoy dis after all. 100 bits all for meself. Dat’ll become 200 tomorrow, and 300 da day after. Who knows how much I could in da future. Thousands. Tens of thousands. I could go at it alone maybe? Nah too stupid. Oh well, time for dreams now anyway.

The First Month

Chapter Three - The First Month

Cider running had been pretty easy for Five Holes his first month. He made easy money, and only really run into the law but, with a nice bribe and decoy barrel along with ponies on the inside, the law was pretty laughable.

Although Five Holes was lucky to have some easy runs, he had heard not all were so lucky. A week ago he choose to attend the funeral of another one of his own. A mare, whose name he had not known. He heard she was on her way to Manehatten to deliver a shipment of cider for the Orange Family to distribute. When she arrived at the border, he heard that there were five members from a rival Family waiting for her.

Just as she was about to pass, all five mares and stallions unloaded their machine guns into her. She had two following behind as well but... they ran. Never heard from again. Some assume they gave up the life but, Applejack declared for them to be hunted down and brought before her. No news was heard until the previous night; both were found inside an apartment in Manehatten, one was dangling from a rope lifeless, the other was slumped against the wall which had been painted red from their own brains, their .45 laying next them in a pool of their own blood along with a small stack of bits, and few bottles of cider.

The news did no good for Five Holes, it made him worry if he could truly trust those whom he worked with. Would they turn tail and run if he was the same situation? Would he go out in a blaze of glory in the action, or, would he die pronounced a coward begging for his life? Only time would tell depending on what situations arise.

He had just arrived back to Sweet Apple Acres for the 100 bit payment for his latest payment when he saw Big Macintosh waiting for him just outside, “Hey Five Holes, AJ wants to see you down in the cellar. It’s important.”

Confused he tilted his head and asked “Did I do something? Did something happen?”

Macintosh just told him “Somepony did do something, and something did happen but, you already know that.”

What? Celestia ‘e don’t mean me does ‘e? I ain’t done nothin’ wrong to nopony.

Quietly he followed Big Macintosh down into the cellar and saw Applejack standing next to a pony who’s forelegs was tied behind his back and was on the knees of his hindlegs, with a bag over his head. Applejack motioned for him to come over, and so he did. She removed the bag but the pony was gagged with not allowing him to speak, without looking away at the pony on the floor she said, “You know this stallion don’t you.”

It took a moment for him to realize but, he did know him. He was the one he saved Applebloom from. Guess Bloom found da guy after all. Well, shit. Now I know what’s coming. He looked at AJ who just kept eye contact with the stallion before her. “Yeah. Yeah, this is guy. I recognize his eyes. You... want me to... well ya know, finish him.”

Applejack looked at him and nodded, “We don’t ever get the wrong ponies. Now, from we found out he’s working for the Flim Flam brothers. I know them two. They came here once and tried to run us out o’ ponyville but they failed. Turns out they’re operating out in Manehatten now. So I guess we know what happened to our own right. I want you to do it.”

With a single droplet of sweat forming on his brow, he grabbed his Stallion .45 with his magic and removed it from his coat. It still had the first magazine loaded. He cocked the gun and placed it to temple of the stallion on his knees. Holding his breath to steady him so that he didn’t appear to shake, he looked the pony in eyes. Swallowing, he pulled the trigger of the gun. BANG. Then, just as the flash from the muzzle of the gun went, so did the life of the previously live stallion.

Slowly, Five Holes holstered his gun. He didn’t remove his eyes from the still corpse in front of him. Applejack put a hoof on his shoulder, and whispered to him “You done good. He won’t hurt nopony no more. He ain’t like us, we only do it stop others. He did it to further his own greedy needs. You know what Ah saw in his eyes? Nothing. Those were the eyes of a monster. No good could have come from letting him live. Look at me.”

Slowly Five Holes turned his head to look at Applejack. His face failing to keep the mask up with tears forming in his eyes. Applejack embraced him a hug, and he returned the gesture. “It’s ok.” she cooed him, “Don’t worry, the first is always the hardest. Don’t stop caring when ya kill. Don’t let it consume you. However, ya will get used to it. Move on with life. Just don’t stop caring.” She let him go and went to go back up stairs, “Oh yeah. Ah know ya probably don’t care right now but when you’re ready, come see me for ya payment.” With that, she left him to think.

******

Sweet Celestia. I just killed somepony. Fuck. I mean yeah ‘e was bad but, did he deserve to die? I can’t believe I almost cried about it as well. I mean ‘e was a bad guy right? Right? AJ said ‘e was. She is the Element of Honesty. I gotta pull meself together and get over this. Maybe a nice drink. I might go Davenports. Nah fuck that. I don’t need to be intoxicated. I need sleep is what I need. Yeah just rest up.

Fives Holes thoughts were interrupted as Big Mac entered the came down the stairs, “You still down here?” Five Holes just looked at him blankly. “Don’t worry, the first is always the hardest. You ain’t a bad pony, don’t worry about that. I just came here to remove the body. We don’t want it just sitting here. Look, go home, get some sleep, come back here tomorrow, okay?” Silently, Five Holes nodded and went upstairs.

******

As he got up he was embraced in another hug by Applejack, “Thank you. Really. Here’s six hundred. One hundred for the run today, and another five for what you just did. Ah really do appreciate it for many different reasons. One, Ah know you’re really with us, which Ah’m happy ‘bout. Two, now Ah can worry a lil’ less ‘bout Applebloom. Ah know he probably wouldn’t come back for her but, he accepted whatever contract was set for her for whatever reason. Hey, Ah’m gonna see if we can get in contact with the Flim Flam brothers. Ah’m gonna see if we can talk for a lil’ bit of a truce with em. When we hear from em, Ah want you to come with me. Now I don’t trust either of em but, we gotta try peace before war. Okay?”

Looking at her he asked “You want me to come with ya? Why?”

Smiling at him she told him, “Ah reckon Ah trust ya. Ah can see you didn’t want to do what you done, and because of that Ah reckon Ah trust ya ta cover me if needed.”

Surprised he looked at her and said “Oh. Well, alright. Yeah I’ll join ya AJ.”

With her smile still present, she said “Alright. Ah’ll see another time yeah.”

Five Holes started to walk towards the door when he remembered, “Oh yeah. Big Mac told me to come ‘ere tomorrow. After what I ‘ad ta do, ya know.”

She just looked at him, nodded, and walked away. So he took his leave for home.

******

The next morning Five Holes made his way to Applejacks, losing himself in thought on the way. Damn. Yesterday was crazy. I’m feeling better though. I guess. I dunno. It’s a crazy thing killing somepony. Thinking about it now though... ‘as it made a difference to me? I mean ‘e’s dead, and I’m not. Everypony I know is ok. I felt bad, that’s something right? I gotta get used to dis, I’ll probably be doing a lot more as time goes on. Don’t stop caring though. That’s what she told me.

As he arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, he was greeted by Big Mac who told him Applejack was inside waiting for him. Once inside he found her in the cellar looking a book on the oak table. Applejack looked up at him and greeted him “Howdy there Five Holes. You look better today than you did yesterday which is good.” He just looked her and gave a slight smile. “Well, I gotta go collect some protection money from Davenport. You wanna come along with me?”

Waiting for a second remembering yesterday a little bit more vividly, and the story of what happened to the mare who was delivering cider to Manehatten, he wanted to say no out of slight paranoia but, thought to himself: Ain’t no rest for the wicked, money don’t grow on trees. Not that I’m struggling really. “Sure AJ, I’ll come wit’ ya.”

Happy about the response she, told him “Well alright then, let’s get going shall we.” With a nod from him, they both went on their way to Davenports speakeasy for the protection money. “You got your piece? Nothing should go wrong, we’re just collecting but, Ah dunno... ever since what happened with that mare of ours Ah just don’t trust none of the other Families out there.” With a simple nod he gave her reassurance.

******

After a while they reached Quills and Sofas. Knocking the Family’s knock they waited... and waited... then waited. “What the hay is going on? Where’s Davenport? Davenport! Open up! It’s Applejack!” Her shouts were answered by silence. “Ah gotta bad feeling about this. We gotta get in there, NOW. Davenport! Whether you can hear me or not Ah’m coming in!” and with that she slammed herself against the door, an attempt to break in.

Grabbing her before she could it again, Five Holes asked her “‘Ey, dat’s a little loud, and will probably take a while. You got a hairpin an’ something else small an’ metal?” Sadly for both of them, she shook her head. “Damn I was thinking o’ picking da lock... before all dis I used be a petty thief okay.” Getting a confused look from Applejack, he proceeded to draw his gun and shoot three rounds into the lock, “I ‘ope ya got spare mags for me. Just in case of course.”

With a slight smug look on her face she said to him “What happened to being quiet eh?”

With a serious look slapped on his face he told her, “Fuck quiet. Dis don’t feel right... I ain’t gonna lie; I’m kinda nervous.”

This time with a smile she told him, “Don’t be. Ya got me after all.” and trotted off in front leaving him chuckling before catching up.

Inside they saw members of their own family. Some face down, some face up, and others over the bar. All were in pools of their blood. From the shock of the scene in front of Applejack let out a small gasp “Sweet Celestia! Who done this?” she asked nopony in particular. Suddenly they heard mumbling from the stockroom, “Well whoever they are, they’re still here, and we’re gonna take em.”

Pointing towards the bar, Five Holes told her “Right, we are but, we should probably get behind dat for some cover. Otherwise we could very well be joining em.” So with that, both the Don and the Soldier made their way over to the bar vaulted behind it to take necessary cover from the intruders.

The stockroom door opened and four ponies walked out, three stallions and one mare, all from the same Family. “So I reckon the boss’s will be pleased with this haul.” One of the unknown stallions said.

“Yeah. Too bad we lost some of our guys though.” mentioned another.

The first stallion barked back, “Fuck them! They ain’t here ‘cause they ain’t got the damn skill to aim right! So it’s there own fault.”

The mare of the group spoke up to him, “What the fucks wrong with you? You don’t even care that our own poines died here? You’re a dick.”

The first stallion turned to mare and cockily replied, “Oh I bet you know a lot about dicks, don’t you. I’ve heard about you, you’re that slut all the stallions talk about-”

“Fuck you Billiard! You don’t know me! It was one stallion who couldn’t take being turned down! So keep your muzzle shut before I start talking to mare!” The strange mare defended.

The third stallion intervened and told them both “Look calm down both of you! Us four are still here! Now the night ain’t over yet, we still got the trek back to Manehatten okay? So, Billard, calm the fuck down you hot headed prick, leave them two alone and lets get moving okay.”

“Ah reckon we c’n get the jump on em.” Applejack whispered to her Soldier, peeking over the bar slightly.

“Yeah, I reckon ya right, I’ll take two, you take da other two. On three.”

Applejack nodded and cocked her pistol then inserted it in her mouth ready, whilst Five Holes un-holstered his with his magic and check the mag. He still hadn’t loaded a new one in, and only had four rounds left. Should be enough he thought.

“One. Two. THREE!”

Both of the mafia poines jumped up and opened fire on the unsuspecting rivals. Applejack shot the first stallion on the left expertly in the head, causing his brain matter to slam into the wall behind him, and his body thudding on the floor becoming soaked in a dark red pool. She then turned to the mare and fired three shots into her side, causing him to fall and bleed out heavily as his life slowly escaped his body.

Five Holes, with the help of his magic aimed down the sight of his pistol and luckily got a shot in one of the stallions eye making him fall backwards lifeless as his brain met the stockroom door. Then he turned his attention quickly to the last one firing his last three shots at until his gun went click empty. The first shot missed his target and hit a glass on the table next him, the second, however, met its mark and hit him chest causing him to tumble down to the ground. The third embedded itself in the wall. Although as both, Five Holes and AJ saw, this one wasn’t dead quite yet, and started crawling away coughing up blood and leaving a trail of his life force behind him. Applejack walked up to the crawling stallion and sent a mercy shot to the head, shocking Five Holes, and holstered her gun.

Five Holes, who had already holsted his after he saw the stallion crawling away, asked “What der fuck was dat AJ?! ‘E was already basically dead!”

She turned around and explained to him “Yeah, he was... but not quite, and he was in pain basically. What Ah done was put him outta it.”

Five Holes understood then and just stayed quiet. Guess I would ‘ave been in quite some pain after being shot too. Guess it was best. With that, both ponies left the scene of the crime.

******

“Okay, so we know they were from Manehatten.” Applejack was the first to break the silence between the two. “The question is: Why would Flim and Flam allow them to raid one of our bars? It don’t make no sense. I s’pose peace talks are outta the question now. Do they wanna start some kinda war wit’ us!? Well, iffn they are, then they got em selves a good one. We ain’t gonna back down from them easy. If Ah find out they attacked more of our own or our bars then we gotta knock em down a peg Ah say.”

There was only silence from Five Holes. Then he finally spoke, looking forward all the while, “Davenport was among the dead.”

Shocked from this Applejack asked, “Really?! How’d you know? Why didn't he run? He never lived there. He was a good pony.”

“I only met ‘im once... but yeah, he seemed like a nice guy. I guess ‘e thought ‘e was safe, what with our ponies there. Maybe ‘e did try ‘n’ run. Maybe they attacked by surprise and gave nopony a chance. I don’t know. ‘Is body was next to me. Just lying there. Lifeless. ‘Is eyes were still open.”

Applejack stopped him and gave him a hug whilst ensuring him “Don’t you worry none. I promise we’ll put em to rest. All of em.” With that she let go, and they carried on back home.

******

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack told Five Holes “Thank yer kindly Five Holes. For having mah back of course. Ah know today was rough, and Ah’m sad about Davenport too but, we gotta stay strong and think about what we’re going to do okay? You’re welcome to stay here for the night iffn ya want ta of course.”

Looking her in the eyes he responded “Thank you Applejack. I know I ain’t meant to be this weak in this kinda business but, like I said: before this I was a petty thief. I never ‘ad ta kill ponies before. I know what I was doin’ weren’t no better but, at least I never kill. I guess time’s are different now and some just wanna take what dey can’t ‘ave by force.” Then looking down slightly, but meeting her eyes, he sheepishly asked, “So um... I c’n ‘ave da guest room, den?”

With a chuckle, Applejack responded “Yeah pardner, ya c’n have the guest room.”

Bloody Rivalry

Chapter Four - Bloody Rivalry

Early next morning, with the sun shining through the window hitting his face, Five Holes awoke. He got out of the bed and made his way towards the bathroom to clean himself for the coming day. Once out, he made his way downstairs to find himself greeted by his boss Applejack, “Well morning. How was your sleep?” she asked whilst drinking, what he assumed to be a cup of warm coffee to energize her day.

Stretching himself comfortably, he told her “Yeah, thanks, it was good. Is dat coffee ya got?” She nodded and offered to get him a cup, but declined saying he’d make one himself. “So, ‘ow was your sleep?”

Finishing off her drink, and taking it to the sink she said “It was alright. Ah just been thinking about the business that happened yesterday is all.” She went to sit back down at the table, looking lost in deep thought.

Walking over to sit at the table with her, fresh coffee gripped in magic, Five Holes asked “You okay? What you thinking o’ doin’ den?” Then he slowly began to drink waiting for a response from the mare, who was oh so nice yet, at the same time, oh so dangerous as she had proven just last night.

The was small silence that took the air in the room, before she finally stood up and spoke. “Ah think we might need to hit Flim and Flam. To show em that can’t just mess with us as they please.” She started to walk towards the front room and called out “Come in here, Ah want ya to meet somepony.”

With an eyebrow raised, and his head cocked in confusion, Five Holes got up from the table quickly finishing his drink before setting it back down to follow the mare into the other room. As he entered he noticed a grey earth pony stallion with a slicked back black mane wearing a similar coat to his own. As she turned to face Five Holes, she made introductions “Five Holes, this here is Ace. Ace, Five Holes. This guy chose to join us a few weeks after you did. He says he ain’t looking for too much trouble but, he can handle himself in a fight.”

The stallion rose from his seat and went to shake his new colleagues hoof. “It’s nice to meet you sir. I’ve heard about you from Applejack herself. She say’s you’re a good stallion, and she thinks you and I together would be quite a team.”

Five Holes looked at the stallion for moment in silence. Then spoke back questioningly “Team? What’s ‘e on about? You pairing us up? What’s da occasion?”

Applejack simply explained, “Well Ah thought that, since what’s going on, it’d be better if you had someone ta work with. Things might be getting a bit more rocky and dangerous from now on. Think of this as... a promotion. Your pay’ll be better and you got your own cover. Ah’m probably going to be a bit more busy during all o’ this so you might be on your own for a bit okay. Don’t worry Ah trust you’ll do good. Don’t forget though: any information found out gets reported back to me. Ace here’ll tell ya what Ah want ya both to do first.” With that, she left the two stallions to talk and get to know each other.

Ace started in the manor of business, “Miss Applejack want’s me to accompany you to Sugarcube Corner. She said it’s the home of one of her friend’s as well as a speakeasy of ours.”

Five Holes paused taking note of his new partners accent, he asked him “Where you from?”

Confused by the question, and its relevance of it, Ace answered with a question of his own, “Forgive me, but, I don’t quite understand as to why that is of any importance. Is there some reason you wish to know?”

As apologetic as he could he told him “I don’t mean no offense ta ya o’ course. I just wanna know abit ‘bout ya is all.”

Quickly Ace responded, “Ah. Sorry for the confusion. I live in Canterlot, or lived really as it were, and quite like to dabble in a fine bit of apple cider now and then. However, when princess Celestia brought the new laws forbidding the sale of cider I was quite displeased with the matter. I have never been one for openly attacking others with violence. Although, I did used to handle in managing a certain mare in Canterlot who was a great musician. Still is, if I may say so.”

“Wow.” Five Holes said simply, “Dat’s quite a bit dere ain’t it. Well, ‘fore ya ask, I don’t come from Equestria, but I did move here. I used to live in Manehatten, nothing fancy just some apartment, but my past weren’t so good. I used to steal from places from time to time; jewelry shops, shopping centers, convenience stores, ya know places dat had money or, places dat had stuff worth selling. I also used ta have a bit of a gambling problem... one too many losses got me an’ a mate in some big trouble. I ain’t heard from ‘im since, but ‘e’s a good guy I reckon ‘e’s alright. We split up. I started roaming from place to place, used ta drink a lil’ too much but, I got over dem demons. I came ‘ere ta Ponyville, then the whole laws came on by. One night, about a month ago, I came across Applebloom, who was in a spot o’ trouble. I ‘elpped ‘er out and bought ‘er back ‘ere. Applejack was pleased. As were Grannysmith and Mac o’ course.”

Before Ace could say anything he quickly added, “Da reason why I was so open with ya just now is ‘cause if ya joined this business, I reckon ya ain’t so good yaself. So ya can’t really judge me can ya.”

Casually Ace responded with “Well of course not. I chose this new life by my own will, did I not? I thank you for being so open with me. I think it is best you know that, during my fairly short time in this operation, I have been in a few firefights, if you will, and if I may say so, I’m quite good at what it is I do. Suffice to say, I’m still here and those who I have fought, are not.” ending his statement with a smirk he said, “Shall we make our way onwards then?”

In a cool, calm manor, Five Holes said, “Yeah, sure. Let’s get moving.” As they started to leave the sweet apple farm behind them, he asked his new partner, “So, why Sugarcube Corner? Is something happening there?”

Without looking behind him, and focusing on his path, Ace simply told him “Not exactly. I think the promotion Miss Applejack was telling you about was protection. So, we go in, make sure everything is fine and dandy, if need be rough a few ponies up, leave when the bar closes.”

Responding with a simple hum they both continued along to their destination, paying no mind to their surroundings, and keeping quiet for the rest of the journey.

******

Arriving at Sugarcube Corner, Five Holes knocked, and upon being recognized by Mrs. Cake both mafiosos were granted entrance inside. “Hello Five Holes! How are you? Who’s this with you? We’re not meant for a delivery just yet?” Mrs. Cake threw many a questions towards the stallion before her.

Calmly he responded, “‘Ey Mrs. Cake, I’m good thanks. ‘Ow are you? Dis is Ace, me new partner Applejack assigned ta me. I know ya ain’t got no deliveries today but, well, we’re your protection Applejack sent.”

With a shocked look on her face, she asked, slightly worried “Oh, I’m, um, fine thanks. Only two of you? I’ll be honest I expected more. Are there any more?”

With a grin and chuckle Five Holes joked “Oh c’mon Mrs. Cake, don’t ya trust AJ? You don’t reckon we’re good enough do ya?”

Feeling a little more she laughed “Oh of course you’re good Five Holes, and yes I trust Applejack’s jugement. If she thinks you two are enough then that’s okay.”

She walked off behind the bar to serve ponies waiting whilst some sat down at tables in the main room. The two soldiers moved around casually keeping an eye on the ponies around the room “‘Ey Ace, stand by the door and check any pony who comes in yeah? Ain’t no pony aloud a weapon ‘sides us two or our own, got it?”

Ace nodded and proceeded towards the entrance. Five Holes took in the scene around him, classic jazz was playing on a nearby jukebox, with ponies all around drinking cider and laughing and joking. Some sat together tell jokes to their friends, others sat alone wanting to find escape from the day at the bottom of the bottle. Feeling the urge for a drink himself, Five Holes was quickly brought to attention when he heard Ace call him over, “Five Holes! I’m going to need you to come over here, please!”

Five Holes made his way over instantly and met his partner and with a stallion in a dark brown trench coat wearing a matching fedora at the door. Recognising the look, he decided to be calm and cool about the situation. “What’s da problem Ace?” keeping eye contact with the stallion.

“Well this pony here seems to think I have absolutely no in searching his person.” Ace informed him.

The stallion before them looked at each sharply, sizing them up. Suddenly, from behind them, screams and shouts from the ponies within the bar were heard, catching the attention of both who proceeded to spin around. In front of them a stallion was holding a mare in his right foreleg around the neck, hostage. He had a small revolver in his mouth pressed against the back of the mares head.

Both stallions pulled out their guns, Ace holding his in his mouth, and Five Holes using his telekinesis, they aimed at the pony. Behind them they heard the click of a pistol being cocked, Ace turned around and aimed at the pony who he was previously about to search. Still looking forward towards the initial target, Five Holes reasoned “Alright, let’s not do anything stupid yeah? I doubt you wanna die. Let ‘er go yeah? Maybe then we can talk about this whole misunderstanding?”

The stallion ignored the request and push the revolver against the mare more, causing her to look at the floor. “Right. ‘Ave it your way.” and with that Five Holes pulled the trigger of his gun hitting the stallion in his foreleg causing him to fall, release his hostage -who proceeded to scream and fall to the floor herself- and fire his weapon into the ceiling harming no pony.

At the time Five Holes fired his shot, Ace proceeded to fire his gun into the head of the stallion in front of him killing him instantly. However, as he did so, the stallions gun fired and hit Ace in his left shoulder, causing him to fall and wince. “Shit!” He shouted as hit the wooden planks beneath him.

Five Holes turned around quickly after hearing both bodies hit the floor, but was motioned by Ace, who was gritting his teeth, to carry on over to the other one he just shot. He ran over to the wounded stallion and put a hoof on the leg he had just shot, making the stallion take a sharp breath in. “Right listen ‘ere! You try anything you’re dead, got it!” he told the stallion, with his gun trained on his head. The stallion did nothing but lay there groaning from the pain. “Right. I’m taking him in the back room. You okay there Ace?” He asked his partner waiting for a response.

“I’ll be fine. Just give me a rag to wrap around this and we’ll move on to business shall we? I’m tougher than may think.” Was the reply he gave.

With a slight sigh of relief, Five Holes holstered his gun and used his magic to lift the stallion into the kitchen behind the bar. He set a stool up and placed the stallion in front of him. “So. Tell me: why you ‘ere?” Five Holes asked the stallion.

The pony’s response was to spit on the floor and growl nastily back, “I ain’t gotta tell you shit, Apple!”

Rounding up on him, looking at the floor Five Holes tutted, “Opps. Dat looked like a mistake. It ain’t my floor really, but that ain’t very ‘ygienic now is it?” and lifted his right foreleg and threw his hoof in the face on the pony on the stool sending him to the ground, then spat on him. “You think I’m playing a fucking game?! I know who you work for prick! Flim, Flam, why’d dey send ya?!” He asked threateningly.

The stallion looked up at him glaring and said “You may as well put a bullet in me. Like I said: I ain’t tellin’ you shit.”

With an exasperated sigh Five Holes told him “Wrong answer mate.” and kicked him the stomach, making him reel and cough, spluttering up some blood. “Look, I don’t wanna kill ya okay. Ya gotta understand though; this is da business ya chose. You knew the risks. Well, if ya just tell me why you’re ‘ere you can get on ‘ome. Sound good?”

Looking back up glaring, then down again, the stallion sighed “Fine! Fine. They thought it’d be easy to ruin the Apple Family operations by getting rid of their bars, weakening them making them focus on here. That way they could attack the Orange Family in Manehatten taking the town for themselves. Happy?”

“Yeah, dandy.” Five Holes told him, pulling his gun out and cocking it, training it on the head of the pony on the floor.

Looking shocked the pony protested “What?! I thought you said I’d be free to go?! I ain’t lying! They’re looking to start a war, alright! You snake!”

“Dis coming from the guy dat was gonna shoot an innocent mare in the back of the ‘ead not ten minutes ago? Fuck off.” and with that, he pulled the trigger killing the defenseless pony on the floor, watching his life seep from the wound he just created before holstering his gun.

Ace limped in the doorway looking at the body on the floor, “Well? Did he saying thing Miss Applejack would find interesting?”

Turning around to meet Ace slowly he answered, “Yeah. Looks like we at war.” Then walked past him, and told Mrs. Cake, “Close up. Don’t no pony wanna drink after this. We’re going back to AJ, tell her what happened.” Mrs. Cake nodded and told everypony to leave, who all complied with the request.

After both Soldiers walked out, Five Holes asked, “You alright? We can’t really take ya ta da ‘ospital now can we?” Looking at the bloody rag wrapped around his new partners shoulder.

Waving him off with a forehoof he told him “Don’t worry about this. From the question you asked though, I suppose you don’t know of Nurse Redheart. Well, if you do get unlucky, as I have, then when you go to the hospital ask for Nurse Redheart. They won’t ask anything, or do anything.

With a nod, Five Holes affirmed he would remember that helpful piece of advice, and the two walked on until they came to a split in the road. “Alright, well thanks Ace. I ‘ope it turns out all good for ya. It was nice working with ya yeah.”

Ace chuckled and put his good leg over Five Holes shoulder like a brotherly hug, “Yes, it was quite an adventure today, was it not. Don’t you worry about me, I’ll be as fit as a fiddle in no time. Give Miss Applejack my regards, yes? Oh, and of course: have a safe journey back to your room Five Holes.” He then smiled and walked off leaving Five Holes to his own path home.

******

On his way back home, Five Holes started planning out the next day. Alright. I gotta tell AJ what ‘appened at the bar. Let ‘er know we gotta plan for war. Dese guys obviously ain’t nice. I might ‘ave to get meself something bigger than this pistol... and some more mags for this while I’m at it. I can’t keep relying on AJ for spare mags, I gotta ask her where to buy some from. Ain’t like I’m running low on cash. I wonder how long before Ace’ll work wit’ me again? If we are fighting this war, I’d rather us hit dem hard. Show em dey can’t just mess with us like dat. Tomorrow’s gonna be long.... and the day’s coming. Shit, blood’s gonna be raining. Well, I chose this life. Best stay strong. First thing tomorrow: Applejacks.

A Failing Crest

Chapter Five - A Failing Crest

As morning came to greet a slightly worried Five Holes, the stallion arose and made his way to the one of the bathrooms on the ground floor of the inn at which he currently lived. After cleaning himself and putting on his coat from his wardrobe, then retrieving his pistol from the table end, the stallion made his way out of the inn, and set onwards to speak to his boss. Alright, I gotta let ‘er know what ‘appened at da bar yesterday. I guess it ain’t all quiet anymore, and it’s probably just gonna get louder.

With the incident which occurred along with the information received, he knew no good would come off of the news he bore. Thinking of what could, and may happen he stayed strong inside, preparing himself for the coming storm.

******

Arrive at the apple farm the mafioso soldier walked up to the front door and knocked awaiting for an orange mare or red stallion to greet him. The former opened up and greeted him with a smile on her face, offering him to step inside, which he did.

Once in, he motioned for the mare to sit with a look of worry on his face, and explained to her what had happened. He told her of the attack attempt at the bar, and that the pair responsible for it were situated in a town which was an hour train journey away.

Angrily the orange mare, his boss, told him “Well then. It sounds ta me that they want try and rule not only Manehatten, but Ponyville as well. They couldn’t win this country town in fair compatition so they wanna take it by force. Well they got themselves another thing coming. I want you go and check out one of our apple storehouses okay. I want you to go there and see how the ponies are. See if there’s anypony acting suspicious, for all we know we could have a rat. We don’t need no vermin in this here Family, ya hear me.”

Getting up and walking over into frontroom, the stallion stayed seated in the kitchen waiting for her return, which was swift. In her return she carried a large firearm, with a sling around it, in her mouth and placed it on the table in front of her soldier. “This here is a fully automatic submachine gun. They call it a “Johnson .45”. From the name, you can tell it uses the same ammunition as your pistol. However, this can fire a lot faster than you can pull the trigger on what ya got at the moment, and it holds up to fifty rounds a drum mag, the circular magazine it has. Although, it is a lot less accurate but I reckon you ain’t gotta worry about that.” She paused and pushed the gun towards him motioning him to take it.

Five Holes enwrapped the gun his magic and slung the sling around his neck so he didn’t have to hold it constantly. Applejack then informed him “Now, Ah sent five of our ponies to meet ya there. You’ll gonna arrive at nightfall. More specifically around 1100 hours. Alright? The reason why is because; you don’t exactly wanna be seen with that on you do you, and most ponies are in the homes sound asleep in their homes, no where near the storehouse. Also, I’ve informed the ponies I’ve sent that you’re a made stallion.”

Confused with an eyebrow raised, Five Holes opened his muzzle to ask “Huh? But-” However was quickly cut of by the mare raising her forehoof.

“Now, we normally have a formal meeting to make you a made stallion.” She informed him. “However, there’s no time for that, and I trust you enough to skip that stage on this occasion so you got some ponies at your disposal. Get to know em or not, thats your call, but don’t don nothing to brass with my acknowledgement first, ya understand?”

Nodding his head he told her, “Yes, Applejack, thank you. I appreciate this trust you’re giving me. I’ll be sure to meet them, and look the place over, making sure everything goes ok.”

She nodded back approvingly. Both of them rose and stayed around the house on the farm yard waiting for the time to come.

******

As nightfall arrived, Five Holes made his way to the Apple Family’s apple storehouse. Okay, so I got my own soldiers now. I’m more of a sergeant now, which is nice. Gotta do dis right. Make sure everything goes smooth. First sign of trouble, we let ‘em ‘ave it.

As he came towards the entrance of the storehouse he noticed one of the worker ponies, in his grey overall uniform with a brown flat cap on top, having a cigarette break and giving a nod towards Five Holes, who returned the gesture.

******

Opening on of the large wooden doors to the storehouse, Five Holes noticed ponies, in the same grey overall uniform, moving crates about and unloaded barrels of apples into more crates, whilst others moved other crates to the back end of the warehouse loading them onto carts to be pulled away towards the distillery where they would then be converted to cider for selling. As looked ahead, he saw five ponies talking to each other, two earth ponies, a mare and stallion, a unicorn mare, and two stallion pegasi, all wearing the same black coat with white shirts and black ties like his own.

He walked up to meet and greet them, waving a forehoof at them he said, “‘Ey, I’m Five Holes. I’m da one charge of this alright. Applejack put me in charge o’ you lot. Now, I want good relationships wit’ ya all. So, let’s meet an’ greet yeah?” Taking note of the two earth ponies, he noticed the stallion was none-other than, “Ace? It’s nice ta see ya again!” He announced cheerfully. “You sure healed up quick.”

Chuckling, and nodding at his superior, he told him “Well Nurse Redheart does a wondrous job, if I may say so, and it is quite nice meeting you again as well sir.”

“Yeah it’s great, and dat’s wonderful news. Glad to hear it.”

Five Holes then looked at the earth pony mare gesturing for her to speak, “My names Rattle sir, don’t ask. I never did.” Chuckling awkwardly, she continued, “I actually live here, and although I never met Miss Applejack personally, I know shes a good trustworthy mare, and that’s why I wanted to work for her Family.” The teal coated mare with purple mane bowed her head at her new sub leader, then looked at him and presented a smile.

“Well it’s nice ta meet ya Rattle. Don’t worry, I ain’t gonna ask if ya don’t wanna talk ‘bout it.” Laughing to relax her, he then added, “Oh, and don’t worry ‘bout dese formalities, we all ponies here right?” He then looked at the two pegasi.

One of the stallions started with “Ah’m Plugger, and this heres, Eight Ball,” he pointed a hoof at the other pegasus next him and continued, “Ah was bought up on a farm not too far from Ponyville called Golden Apple Orchards.” He announced proudly. “However, it ain’t as well known as Sweet Apple Acres, so, I chose to work with the apples to earn a bit o’ extra money. Our orchard ain’t as large as the Apples is, and they don’t need no more apples so they wouldn’t buy none. Although, I was offered this job instead an’ I took ‘em up on da offa.” The whited coated pegasus with red mane looked at his friend to speak.

Looking up at his new boss, Eight Ball finally spoke, “Well ya know my name, and I been talkin’ ta dese lot ‘fore you showed an’ got ta know em. Well I comes from Manehatten. I lived in da ghetto out der, and it ain’t no fun.” Pausing a second him added, “Dis ain’t no fun eitha, but it pays, and it’s betta dan workin’ wit’ dem damn Brothers who are trying ta rule da place. I coulda worked for da Oranges instead. ‘Owever, I thought dat workin’ wit’ da Apples was da smarta choice. It’s safer out dis way.” The rust coloured, brown maned pegasus finished his story there.

Lastly, Five Holes looked at the dark green coated unicorn who had a grey mane and said, “So, another unicorn yeah? Well, looks like we got ourselves two of each huh?” Chuckling to himself the said “So why don’t ya tell ourselves who you are eh?”

The unicorn started off, “Well my names Snake Eyes. I used ta run a bar, but ta be honest with ya, dis pays better. So, here I am. Oh yeah, I also come from Manehatten, and Eight Ball’s right; them two brothers are a pair of pricks.” She snarled as she recollected, “Why, when I lived back dere, dey took out ma bar just ‘cause I wouldn’t buy what dey were selling! Dey burnt da whole place down. So dey can stick deir cider where da sun don’t shine for all I care.”

“Well,” Five Holes spoke to all them, giving out his instructions, “now dat we all know each other, I want ya’ll ta go ‘round ‘n’ see what’s what, yeah? Talk ta da ponies in ‘ere yeah? See if ya notice anything suspicious. If ya do, come see me. Then we’ll deal with it. Get moving.”

As they all departed in their own directions, Five Holes turned around and noticed ten ponies, all dressed in a blue uniforms with matching blue hats and badges planted firmly against their chests, he stood firm waiting.

The one leading them, he presumed their chief, walked up to him and asked “So, what you boys doing here huh?”

Calmly and cooly, Five Holes responded with, “Well, officer, if ya don’t me askin’, what are you doing ‘ere? Ain’t you lot meant ta be in Manehatten?”

The police pony told him straight “We’ve been told to come here and check out this building on good account that it’s being used to store cider, and we don’t want that now do we. So, if you don’t mind, may we look inside one of these crates.”

Knowing it wasn’t really a question, and more a demand, the mafia sergeant allowed them to look inside a few crates. After finding nothing but apples the chief asked “Where’s the cider, and don’t fuck me about boy.”

With a slight flair of his nostrils, Five Holes told him “Dere ain’t none. Dere’s only apples ‘ere as you plainly see. So, if ya don’t mind sir, I’d appreciate it if you would kindly leave. Unless you ‘ave a warrant?” He threatened.

Taking note of the SMG he had around him, the officer inquired, “What’s with the gun? You got a license for that do ya?”

Attempting to keep his cool, Five Holes lied, “Can’t be too careful nowadays can ya? All these mafias popping up outta da woodwork. Dunno when dey’re gonna try an’ rob ya. I do got a license as well yeah. It’s in da office though-”

Before he could finish what he was saying, a pony shouted out “‘Ey! Flim and Flam wanna give ya deir regards!”

Everypony stopped and looked towards the light green unicorn, whose magic held a work pony in grey overalls lifeless, his still lit cigarette falling out of his mouth onto the floor. He then let the body fall to the floor and used his magic to swing his Johnson .45 around, whilst the ten other ponies proceeded to draw their automatic firearms and pump action shotguns as well, all aiming in front.

Out of instinct, Five Holes turned around and ran up the metal stairs leading into an office with glass windows looking out over the warehouse, whilst also shouting out, so that everypony may hear, “Fuck! RUN! Dey got guns!”

Rat ta ta ta ta ta ta ta tat

BANG! BANG! BANG!

The sound of the shotguns and machine guns, rang out all over the warehouse, causing all of the unarmed workers to flee in panic. The police ponies in front tried to react, but failed, all of them getting mowed down by the gangster ponies in front of them, almost instantly. All ten of them hit floor, almost together, as the very liquid which gave them life, now seeked to escape on the cold factory floor.

Five Holes took cover in the office holding his gun up and smashing the window with it, then pointed it down to where he remembered them being and opened blindfire.

Rat ta ta ta ta ta tat

All of a sudden one the other windows were shot open, but to his relief, it was Eight Ball. The pegasus flew in next to his boss and pick up his own .45 SMG, resting in on the edge of the window for some stability whilst he aimed at some of the gang ponies who had, by now, taken cover behind some of the crates.

Rat ta ta ta ta tat

As he fired, one of the opposing mafia members had peeked up from the crate and a stray bullet went through his head killing him instantaneously. Once the pony next to the, now dead, partner of his, he whistled, gaining the attention of some of his comrades and pointed up to the window where three of the gang ponies toting their automatic firearms open a hail of bullets.

Before he could duck down, a stream of lead tore through his upper chest and face. His body hit the floor, but he was still alive, but he was surely dying. Five Holes quickly crawled over to him and held him in his hooves, “Shit! Eight Ball, ‘ang in there buddy c’mon!”

Coughing up blood wheezing, Eight Ball slowly replied “-cough- S-sorry b-boss... -cough- -cough- ahhhh, I gots... one o’ dem... bastards...” breathing slower he said “Just... promise me... one thing -hack- erugh... kill dem fuckers....” With his last breath leaving him, his head back, hanging in his recently new boss’s hooves.

Putting down his new (now newly deceased) soldiers body, he ran back and grabbed his gun with his magic, spraying bullets down upon the warehouse hoping to hit anything or anyone, whilst shout out to them in anger “C’mon you fuckers! Ya want dis place so bad!? Ya gonna ‘ave ta take it from me bloody dead hooves!”

Rat ta ta ta ta tat

Just as he started firing the other gang ponies started taking cover and blind firing in his direction, down the other end of the hall shots were being fired towards the entrance at the rivals.

A unicorn mare was firing off a shotgun of her own.

BANG! BANG!

The pellets from the shells peppered the crates at the other end from her. From above, Five Holes shouted down to her, “Snake Eyes! Down dere!” and he pointed to a pony in a brown trench coat to the right of her a few feet forward. As he laid down cover fire for her, she trotted forward fast and swung the barrel of the shotgun in the face of the gang pony in cover.

Paralyzed from shock, the rival soldier stood there and dropped his weapon before the mare unloaded a 12 gauge shell in his face, tearing his head from his body and covering her in gore. She quickly dove behind one of the crates and pumped shells into the gun.

Suddenly, one of the opposing mafia ponies pulled a cider bottle with a rag in it, whilst the pony next to him pulled out a box matches and lit the rag. The pony threw bottle of fire in the direction of Snake Eye’s, the bottle shattering on the wooden crate causing it to catch alight. Screaming from the sudden change of temperature upon her back, the mare jumped out from her cover, causing her magic to implode, dropping her gun on the floor.

As she jumped out, one the shotgunners fired at her, catching her in the side. The pellets of the shell tore a chunk of her side off making her fall in pain screaming, bleeding out heavily. However, before her killer could get back in cover, Ace, who was making his way up to the office where Five Holes was, fired a round from his pistol hitting his target in the head with marksman precision, having his target fall lifelessly to the floor, before continuing to his boss, and his friend.

As the fire started to spread, the other pegasus who was still alive, Plugger, flew forward and opened fire with a machine pistol catching the pony who threw the molotov in the shoulder dropping him to the ground momentarily.

One the SMG wielding mafia ponies fired up at the pegasus catching his right wing, causing him to drop to fire below him. As the ex-farmer fell and landed in the hot flames underneath, he rolled onto the floor off of the crate and rolled around screaming in agony as the flames consumed his flesh and coat slowly.

Focusing on the remaining ponies, Five Holes was still having bad luck catching a target as Ace came up behind him. “Hello sir.” He greeted as he spat his pistol out of his mouth. “It seems we are losing this fight, if you don’t mind my saying that is sir. Might I recommend we run so we may retrieve reinforcements?” Ace asked a slightly angry Five Holes.

Still focusing on the ponies below him, he snapped back at his formal friend “Fuck dat! Dey killed Snake Eyes, Eight Ball, and Plugger! I don’t wanna let dese pricks leave ‘ere alive!”

Somehow keeping his calm head in the situation, Ace responded “I understand sir. I do, but, there is no one way we can win this fight. Also, the smoke from the fire seems to be rising up, I doubt they can see you now, and it’s only going to rise. If you stay here, I think you succumber to the smoke.”

Reluctantly, Five Holes relented, “Fine! Fine!” then calming down slightly he told him “You’re right. You’re right, Ace. We won’t do nopony any good up ‘ere.” Then remembering the other surviving pony of his he quickly asked “Shit! Wheres Rattle?!”

Looking out through one of the back windows, Ace noticed Rattle letting out hopeful shots in the direction of their assailants, and told his boss, “She seems to be alright, sir. Perhaps if we were to leave now through the back door over there,” as he pointed to a small metal door with square fireproof window next to the large metal shutter, “she may survive. I don’t think she has any intention of leaving without your say so sir. I heard she’s actually one of the newest recruits.”

“She is? Well, fuck, let’s get down dere and tell ‘er to get out wit’ us!” Five Holes commanded. Both stallions ran down the backstairs of the office and made their way to Rattle, Five Holes leaving his new SMG behind. The earth pony mare starting to cough on the smoke as it coated the whole storehouse. “Rattle!” called out Five Holes.

Turning around, Rattle noticed her unicorn boss, and Ace with him, waiting by the door through the haze of the fire. “Yeah boss?!” She called out to him. Through the smoke she could just make out Five Holes waving his forehoof to her, motioning her to come over to him. As she did, he told her to get out with Ace behind her.

Closer than they were before the fire had stolen their vision they heard from behind them “They could be escaping through the back! Get out and get round there! I’m gonna push forward! GO!”

With haste, both Ace and Rattle ran out of the door as they heard four hooves galloping towards them. Just as Five Holes was about to exit, he turned around and noticed a hazy figure in the smoke. Pulling out his pistol he aimed but, the other stallion saw him first and fired a burst from his auto .45 and caught Five Holes in the left foreleg. However, through sheer luck, his shot still found his target, and through the flames, he saw the mark fall. He chose to run out before the flames caught him, making his victory only a pyrrhic one at best.

******

Outside, coughing, Five Holes gave his orders to Ace and Rattle, “Ace! -cough cough- Take Rattle -cough- to someplace safe, alright?” Spitting the blackness of the smoke inhalation out, he continued, “Don’t worry ‘bout me or me leg, okay? -cough- You two get somewhere safe, I’m gonna try and get back to Applejack alright? She ‘as ta know ‘bout dis.”

With concern in his voice, Ace asked him “But, sir, are you sure-”

Cutting him off, Five Holes repeated, “Go! Get somewhere safe, an’ before you say something,” holding his weak hoof up, pointing it to Rattle, “You go with ‘im alright? ‘E told me you’re only a newbie in dis game. So, ‘fore you say something stupid, just go wit’ ‘im ‘cause your boss said so, yeah?

Both earth ponies stayed silent, nodding. As they took off in one direction, Five Holes limped away in the opposite. Off towards Applejack.

As he got halfway from the burning storehouse, he heard voice behind him shouting, “Over there! Dat one! He’s limping, he musta been one o’ da ones who started the fire!”

Looking behind he saw four police stallions dressed in Manehatten blue.Shit. Do I need dis right now? I can’t let dem bastards catch me.

Limping as fast as he could, the police stallions gave chase shouting out “Stop! It’s useless running, you’re wounded! Give up, you have no hope!” Despite their calls, Five Holes limped as fast as he could still. In the end however, it was no good, and they caught up. One of the officers pulled his batton out smacked it around the back of his head, the pain giving his legs way to the ground. The others kicked him and beat him with their batons until he fell unconscious.

******

A few hours later, as the sun started to break over the horizon, Five Holes awoke, looking down at the dirt ground. One of the police officers were carrying him on his back. His eyes opening and close from the pain coursing through his body, he noticed they had stopped. The pony whose back he was on turned around and dropped him to the floor. He then proceeded to kick him with his hind legs, knocking Five Holes into a river. Awakening wildly, struggling to adjust to the situation, he spluttered and gasped for air as he partially drowned attempting to swim. He could hear the police ponies laugh at him as they watched him struggle in the river that was dragging him away from Ponyville, and into the unknown.