My Little Fortress : Losing is Fun

Chapter 3 : Uninvited Guests and Welcome Refugees [INCOMPLETE]

**My Little Fortress : Losing is Fun* - Chapter 3 : Uninvited Guests and Welcome Refugees*

By: Pnoy

Note: Following '***,' will be links to optional music to help set the mood for the following passages. One's without a link signify the end of previously playing music. (Be sure to open them in a new tab!)

***

TINK

TINK

THUNK

TINK

TINK

"Phhheeeeuuuuwww!" Rainbow hollered wiping away the sweat that percolated on her forehead. "Thi...TINK...s pretty tough work Rarit...TINK...m surprised you used t...TINK...o all this!" her voice echoing slightly as her words bounced off the walls of the long dark corridor they had dug out.

TINK

THUNK

Rarity rested the heavy end of her pickax on the ground, and leaned on the handle. She looked over to the cyan pegasus who stood next to her, sharing the light that emanated from Rarity's horn. "Well darling, when you have been in the fashion business for as long as I have, you simply must learn to be resourceful. And if getting your hooves dirty, horrible no doubt, means getting that perfect ruby to go with your dress, you can bet your bits that the dirtiest mine wouldn't deter me."

The pegasus raised an eyebrow, "Never woulda took you for that kinda girl Rare!" Rainbow playfully nudging the white unicorn with her hoof.

"Hmph well, there's a lot to learn about me isn't there Dashie?" Rarity responded, shooting her pegasus friend a smirk and wink, Rarity's most devastating combo.

Rainbow hesitated for a moment, 'Huh... I had no idea Rarity was so... in shape... But now that I think of it... her *shapes** are really... reeaallllyyy nice...* She felt an uneasy stirring sensation of infatuation in her stomach.'And those eyes... "er- Well, I guess we're done here. This is where Twilight wanted us to stop anyway."

"Quite." Rarity agreed, "I guess we should head back up then?" She asked, glancing down the long, seemingly pointless tunnel Twilight had them dig.

'Hmm, maybe if I had some time with her alone...' "Ya know Rarity, now that I think about it, we never really got to spend a lot of time together." Rainbow added softly.

"It seems that way doesn't it?" The white unicorn stated, "Perhaps we could spend a little time down here alone." She finished, leaning her pickax against the wall and lying next to Rainbow.

'W-wait, is she on to me already? What in Celestia was that *"alone,"** thing anyway?... Probably nothing, I got this.'* The pegasus cleared her throat and set aside her pickax. She moved hersel-

CLANK

The white unicorn jumped at the sudden noise while Rainbow Dash winced and chuckled weakly as clank reverberated through the tunnel.

'Stupid pickax, with its stupid design, who came up with that stupid thing anyway... The pegasus sighed quietly to herself. "Woops, heh..." Rainbow Dash muttered, getting herself comfortable next to her friend.

From an outside perspective you would almost think the two were already dating, they sat only a hoof-full of inches apart.

The two mares, for a moment, in utter silence, stared into one another's eyes.

"Sooo-" Rainbow Dash started before being cut off by the white mare.

"Dashie... Dear..." Rarity started, "I need a good friend's opinion, what do you think of my... tail?" The unicorn asked while playing with her tail and pulling it up her body.

'What kinda mare is she taking me for?' "W-what do you mean?" Rainbow inquired quickly.

"I've been using a new conditioner for my tail and I feel like it takes away from its natural volume..." Rarity added, lying through her teeth.

"Huh?"

Rarity sighed. "Oh Rainbow Dash, you don't have to hide your feelings from me!" The white unicorn finished with a soft, caring tone.

'Why does everypony keep telling me that!' "Wait. What are you talking about!?" She asked, moving herself away from Rarity slightly.

"You like me!"

"WHAT?!" Rainbow Dash trying to play off the accusation.

"Admit it! I am the most beautiful pony you have ever seen!" Rarity spoke while flaunting her mane.

"Look Rarity, I don't know what's gotten into you bu-" The rainbow maned pegasus interrupted by Rarity's hoof covering her mouth.

"Fine," Rarity started, "If you don't have the courage to admit it now..." The unicorn leaned over to her pegasus friend's ear using a quieter seductive, throaty murmur, "I'll be waiting..." Rarity stood up and levitated her pickax behind her as she headed for the staircase leading out of the tunnel they had dug.

Rainbow Dash's lingering crimson eyes followed the beautiful fashionista as she departed. 'How does she know already!?! ... She's good...' The pegasus worked her way to her hooves and tucked her pickax under her wing. "I'll show her courage..." she mumbled under her breath as she headed out of the tunnel.

***

Report 01

Thorn, Captain

Designation: Settlement, Harmony

Type: Monitoring; Intelligence

Time of Operation: 04:40

-Controlled running water

-Well

-Courtyard

-Palisade, moat, drawbridge

-Equipped hospital

-Dormitories

-Assigned housing

-Mass storage

-Subterranean and surface irrigated farms

Additional comments: Satisfactory progress and development.

***

The pink maned pegasus stared carefully from under the table, into the hospital where she had heard a loud crash. "H-hello?" She nervously called. She only heard the distant wailing of the wind as it bore through the long open corridors of the subterranean fortress they called home. Many of the rooms lacked doors which Applejack promised her that she would start working on in the morning.

Fluttershy had been fortunate enough to have gotten her own living quarters in the settlement, as most will likely have to live in a dormitory. Her quarters located, in the hospital wing, as Twilight only saw it fit to have the newly designated CMP (Chief Medical Pony) readily available if an emergency were to take place. As thrilled as Fluttershy was with her new home, she wasn't ecstatic about being separated from her friends that were all still in a small dorm together. Accustomed to life in her cottage, she was now somewhere new, and still beared scars from their encounter with Zecora's corpse.

"EEEEEEEP!" Fluttershy squealed and panicked as a small furry figure came into view outside her doorway.

Quickly Fluttershy realized it was only Winona. "Ohhh, Oh my," Fluttershy exhaling a sigh laden with relief, "Winona, you shouldn't sneak up on a pony like that." The brown dog returned a blank, curious gaze at the pegasus.

Fluttershy giggled lightly, "Awww, why you're just a little sweetheart aren't you?" She began, climbing out from under the wooden table Applejack proudly labeled as her craftsponyship.

The timid pony approached Winona and gave the small dog a good healthy petting. As with almost all animals, Winona was naturally attracted to her soft, motherly affection. "Would Winona like to go out?" She teased.

Winona's ears immediately stood straight which seemingly triggered an episode of frantic dancing.

Fluttershy read the Winona's excited energy as, 'GOODNESS YES, PLEASE TAKE ME!!!' And proceeded to walk with the small dog outside.

They made their way through the hospital, the long corridors, passing by the dormitories where the others slept, the top of a spiraling staircase, a large open store-room which was full of various supplies and equipment until eventually they stood before the doorways that led outside to the courtyard.

It was still very dark outside, the moon, barely visible over the horizon. And soon Celestia's sun would rise to greet the landscape. Although the darkness unsettled Fluttershy, she still decided to make the trip outside for Winona's sake.

She stepped out and Winona took off passing the pegasus, plunging her nose into the ground. Fluttershy didn't go much farther past the doorway before stopping. She remained cautious, even though she was in the enclosed courtyard, other than being open to the sky.

Her senses heightened and stood on guard for any kind of disturbances, she was concerned for the Winona's safety as she continued to wander farther and farther along her path, oblivious to anything around her. Eventually the small patchy brown and white dog finished her business without any problems, Fluttershy just glad the little escapade was over eagerly pressured Winona to come back inside.

Using a hoof, held up to her mouth, she gave off a loud whistle to get the dog's attention and eventually Winona complied and started towards Fluttershy.

As the dog neared the entrance Fluttershy gradually felt more comfortable as they neared the fortress' safety. The sky gradually began to grow brighter with the sun approaching the horizon as the moon made its hasty retreat. But Fluttershy kept getting the nagging feeling something was out there.

Winona made her way past Fluttershy back inside, Fluttershy wasted no time following the canine inside. As they started their way through the main hall, Fluttershy suddenly felt her leg pulled out from under her and her body pulled back outside the door. "YAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! HELP ME!!!" She yelled, horrified for her life.

She noticed a dark, bipedal creature, partly covered in feathers, bare where not, with wings that also served as arms, talons as hands and feet. It was no bigger than her but also much more slender, it small beady red eyes staring back at her. She kicked her legs at the bird-like creature trying to break its grasp.

The yellow pegasus managed to kick and squirm her self free of her assailant and rapidly scrambled on her back away from the doorway it tried to pull her back through. Suddenly two more of the beasts arrived, and in a pack like mentality pursued Fluttershy. They were clumsy and chaotic at best, stepping and shoving each other to get to the frightened pink-maned pony, but their sharp talons were a real threat.

Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, Winona growled, taking a protective place next to Fluttershy. The harpies continued to advance on Fluttershy, despite the dog's threats.

Winona started barking ferociously as the creatures continued to get closer, and when they were too close Winona snapped and aggressively bit the closest offender.

She managed to pierce the harpy's leathery leg and drew blood from where she latched on. The harpy screeched and kicked the mutt off.

YELP The dog cried.

Fluttershy was gravely concerned for the well-being of the dog, and desperately wanted to help, but was afraid of her own life as well. The three beasts turned their attention away from the pegasus and targeted the vulnerable mutt, backed into a wall.

The bird-things prodded and provoked the trapped canine, every time it lashed out trying to ward off the intruders. While distracted by the dog's efforts, Fluttershy managed to get to her hooves and started yelling for her friends, "HEEEELLLLLPPPP SOMEPONY!!!! HEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!"

She looked on at the situation frightened for Winona.

One of the creatures managed to kick the small canine, sending it tumbling to the ground. The dog desperately tried to bite and kick itself away from the harpies, occasionally biting their arms or legs, but in the process getting hit and kicked many times.

Fluttershy only helplessly looked on in horror at the engrossing violence that displayed before her. But a few moments later her friends and Big Mac turned the corner and met with Fluttershy at the other end of the corridor.

"What in tarnation-" Applejack started but stopping at the sight of the harpies mauling Winona, immediately she charged after the creatures, Big Mac quickly followed suite.

"Fluttershy what's going on!?" Twilight asked frantically.

"I-I-I d-dont know! I was just w-walking Winona outside, and those horrible things showed up and tried to hurt me!"

Without another moment Rainbow Dash flew towards the fight to help Applejack and Big Mac deal with the intruders.

Applejack promptly arrived at the scene to relieve her pet from the aggressors. She charged into one of the monsters, sending it falling to the ground.

Big Mac ran, and struck one of the bird-things with his front hoof, and the third one retaliated leaping at the red stallion. Big Mac managed to avoid the clumsy beast and delivered a swift buck to its ribs, fracturing many of its ribs, and it started wheezing as if having a hard time breathing.

The rainbow maned pegasus landed next to the orange pony as the harpy managed to get back up. But as it did it suddenly emanated a purple aurora and was thrown back down the hall. It slid and eventually tumbled to a stop before the doorways having its breath knocked out of it.

Big Mac dodged a slash from the harpy's talons and bucked it in the stomach, the forced sending the frail creature on its back and it immediately started retching up blood. The other harpy made its way back up despite its broken ribs and clear difficulties with breathing only to be charged by the big red stallion into the opposing wall. It fell back to the ground writhing in pain, and Big Mac landed a heavy hoof on its head.

Big Mac's hoof easily broke through the hard bird skull, jamming shards of it through the birds brain, striking it down instantly. The depression in the made in the harpy's skull ripped the scalp open revealing much of the flesh that separated the skull from the skin. Under the weight of his hoof many of the creature's brains, squeezed out of the available openings and blood, splattering all over the wall. Good thing his coat was red to begin with.

Before the harpy could managed its way back up Rainbow Dash managed to make her way to the fiend and delivered a kick to the harpy's body as it laid on the ground. The bird-thing screeched in agony as it received a forceful blow to its chin, kicking its head upwards and popping it out of its place, severing the spinal column from its head, its body seizured erratically for a moment before resting limp and lifeless.

The last beast writhed in pain, rolling in its own pool of blood and vomit. KKeeeyAAWWWWW-YAWWWW it continuously howled.

Applejack and Big Mac both started trampling the creature, cracks and snaps within the bird-things own body. Applejack reared up on her back legs and held her front hooves up high over the mangled harpy. With all of her might she brought down her hooves upon the harpy's head.

In a massive explosion of gore, the head upon impact, caved in and from the top of the harpies head the brain, almost intact, encased in a gooey grey substance spilled out on to the floor. Blood poured out from the unrecognizable gore that once was where the harpy's head laid.

There was a shared moment of silence among the heavy panting and occasional knocking of the harpy's bodies as they twitched. Winona broke the motionless hallway with a limp, and the blood stained Applejack ran over to her beloved pet.

For the most part she appeared fine, Fluttershy soon came over and scooped up the small dog. She looked back at Applejack who just nodded, "Ah... Ah'll be there in a minute...."

Fluttershy flew back through the corridors, heading towards the hospital where she planned on treating Winona for her injuries.

Though the fight wasn't difficult, and nopony was hurt or injured otherwise, there was still a feeling of devastation.

Rarity couldn't get over what she just saw, an absolute bloody massacre. She wanted to do so many things, anything other than be there, but she was so caught up in her thoughts she stared down the bloodied battleground blankly.

Twilight's eyes were watering, "D-d-do... G-" not able to form a sentence, or thought, in her shock. She only stood there lifelessly, mouth ajar.

Rainbow Dash stared down at her victim, its neck mangled and distorted. 'I-I-I just killed it' continuously looping through her thoughts.

Applejack, still staring at the spot she had found Winona after the fight, didn't move and continued to stare at the ground. She eventually collapsed on the ground digging her head, speckled with blood, into her hooves, covered in blood. She started sobbing, perpetually reliving the traumatic events that just took place. 'W-what was goin' through mah head... ah just... ah didn't even think, ah just... just... murdered em''

Big Mac took a long, deep breath as he collected himself. 'Ah better stay strong fer the girls...' he thought to himself. Big Mac, without a word, threw the harpy he killed onto his back, blood still spilling out of its cratered skull, he also collected the other two corpses as headed towards the door, passing both the motionless mares.

Applejack started sobbing, her sobs echoing through the hall, the only thing that filled the air other than the pungent smell of death and blood.

***

Fluttershy had Winona laid down on a table as she looked over the dog's body for any severe or obvious injuries. Minor cuts and heavy bruising were prevalent throughout the small canine's body but that wasn't hardly anything to worry about. Fluttershy was relieved to see Winona wasn't too badly hurt and despite the recent events she wagged her tail happily as Fluttershy looked over her, even her tail's motions appeared somewhat stiff. Fluttershy spent some time nurturing the wounded dog, providing it with food and water while it rested and treating the open cuts to make sure they wouldn't get infected.

After a moment Fluttershy noticed Applejack coming into the hospital. The pegasus trotted eagerly over to her orange friend quickly scanning her body for anything. Applejack took notice to Fluttershy's weary eyes, "Ah'm fine Fluttershy..." Putting a hoof up to stop Fluttershy from continuing her examination, "How's Winona?" The orange mare added.

Fluttershy comforted to hear that she was alright, sighed and walked back over to Winona. "She'll be fine, there were some small cuts here and there, but nothing too serious..." She mentioned moving Winona's fur to show the cuts to Applejack.

Applejack exhaled contently, "Thanks Fluttershy..."

"Oh you don't have to thank me, I'm just glad no one is hurt."

The earth pony grinned weakly at her friend and stood there quietly, her eyes wandering to the ground slowly.

Fluttershy could tell there was something wrong. "Applejack, is something wrong?" The yellow pegasus asked.

The honest pony struggled to hide the truth, she let a tear escape her already puffy eyes. "N-noo. Ah'm quite alright..." She mumbled, awkwardly shifting her head to the side and she fidgeted with her hoof, holding it off the ground, unique of her usual inability to lie.

Fluttershy walked up to Applejack, "Applejack..." She began lowering her voice as gently as she could, "What is wrong?"

Applejack closed her eyes but still didn't respond, tears still escaping her tightly shut eye lids.

'The fight must have been hard on her' Fluttershy stared at her friend for a minute, studying her every uncomfortable gesture, the silence was almost unbearable for the both of them. Fluttershy forced her way next to Applejack wrapping a hoof around her.

The orange mare felt the pegasus's forehoof wrap over her shoulders and around her neck pulling her into the pink-maned pegasus's warm and welcoming body. the intensity of the affection Fluttershy was offering was just too much for the hardworking mare and she broke down before her friend, feeling weak and helpless but safe under her friend's care and compassion.

Fluttershy hummed, and comforted her friend while Applejack continued to grieve. But somehow the earth mare felt relieved at the same time. Applejack was always the one who stood strong in the face of adversity, she was never given the chance to feel sorry or weak, and she often times would have never of dared to show those emotions to anypony. But somehow Fluttershy was different.

The orange mare stopped sobbing for a moment and glanced up at the endearing pink-maned pegasus. Applejack felt compelled to do something neither of them would have expected ever happening.

She kissed the pegasus on the cheek.

***

Big Mac sighed as he unloaded the last of the dead menaces into their final resting place. As he looked to gather up the last of his equipment he noticed silhouettes on the horizon as the sun rested low in the calm, evening sky. He squinted into the blinding sunlight to make out the figures, after a moment he smiled and waved.

Amethyst Star and Al, a unicorn mare and pegasus stallion carrying saddle bags stocked with food and with them a small messenger bird, approached the settlement. They could make out a rather large red pony waving at them in the distance and they assumed that must be Big Mac.

"Oh look! I think that must be them! That's strange.. Wheres all the buildings?" The pinkish-lavender unicorn inquired.

"Beats me..." The orange pegasus replied, slightly disgruntled. 'Why didn't we send out ponies that actually worked in construction for a living... But instead somepony thought it was a good idea to send out a bunch of kids...' the middle-aged pegasus mumbled impatiently to himself.

Upon getting closer to the establishment they confirmed their suspicions, it was indeed Big Mac waiting outside the- what appeared to be a... Moat and wall?

'What in Equestria would they possibly need all this for!?' The suddenly alarmed pegasus thought, but suddenly impressed by the inherent labor and planning put into the courtyard's construction as the couple was greeted by the red earth stallion, and lead into the settlement over the draw bridge that laid a top the moat.

Just as the two were getting adjusted to the- what would be their new home, Pinkie Pie burst into the courtyard in a parade of streamers and multicolored confetti baring platters of desserts and freshly prepared meals. Almost as if oblivious to any previous violence or blood shed that had recently shaken her friends.

Eventually everypony made it outside to greet the new visitors, last to welcome Amethyst Star and Al was Fluttershy and Applejack who remained peculiarly close.

After a while and a couple ice breaking conversations between the ponies the orange mare glanced at her pegasus partner. "Hay-uh, Flutter- wha' don't we er- go back to yer place for a bit'." She asked hesitantly. "Ah' mean, ah haven't got myself a proper place to sleep n' all with the work we've been doin'- n' ah haven't had time to make mah-self a bed."

"Y-you mean you want to come sleep with me?" Fluttershy asked promptly, but blushing slightly after the weight of what she said took effect.

"Heh," Applejack chuckled, blushing mildly while tipping her hat upwards out of habit. "Yeah, Ah- just... Shucks, ah don't know-"

Before Applejack could finish the shy pegasus hushed her with a hoof and beckoned her to follow while she started to gingerly trot towards the hospital quarter.

'Well that was a heck a lot easier than ah' thought it would be...' She triumphantly thought to herself while she pursued.

The others finished up, sharing snacks and drinks- all but Twilight who was a little preoccupied with her friends that she noticed sneaking off back into the fortress. 'I wonder what they could be up too...' As she was about to follow them she was stopped by Rarity.

The white unicorn stuck her hoof out to stop the lavender, magic pony. "Let them be dear, Applejack needs this."

"W-what do you mean?" Twilight confused as to what the fashionista might be suggesting.

"Ever since we got here she has been working her flank off, and now she had to deal with those dreadful beasts, the least the darling could ask for is some relief, and if anyone knows how to comfort a friend in need it's Fluttershy."

Twilight returned a blank stare.

"Isn't it obvious?"

"What's obvious?" Twilight replied becoming increasingly bewildered.

"It comes with the gossip I suppose." Rarity stated, "Twi, sometimes a girl just needs a little bit of a stress reliever that only another girl can offer..."

"Wait are you talking about..." Twilight felt embarrassed, "...Sex?" she finished in a whisper, making sure no other pony overheard.

"Er! Well- Goodness..." Rarity withdrawn from her friend's nonchalant and liberal use of the term, "That is one way of putting it, yes." Normally the topic doesn't throw her through such a loop but she never imagined hearing the word come out of Twilight's mouth.

***

post-party scene, Applejack and Fluttershy, night-time in Fluttershy's residence [sex]

***

Luna and Celestia Conference

***

Spitfire en-route bearing message from Celestia, ambushed by 2 harpies [gore]

***

Comet Tail arrives

***

Big Mac designated Sheriff

***

Rainbow Dash forms militia, recruits Amethyst, and Al.

***

dead livestock overnight, talons

***

Big Mac camps out over night with livestock, attacked by 2 harpies. [gore]

***

Twilight falls in love with Big Mac [shipping]

***

Construction of barracks

***

HUGE MIGRANT WAVE, huge party. [TwiMac][Raridash]

***

End of Chapter

Author Notes:

[strike]Dis[/strike]claimer: HASBRO BELONGS TO MEEEEEE!

THIS [strike]FAN[/strike]FICTION IS NOW CANON!

TWILIGHT SPARKLE IS BEST PONY IS ALSO CANON!