Author's Note

Done!

Again, I edit my own stuff so there is bound to be a type-o or five. Just pm me is you see something poke out that is too distracting

6: What Matters, Part 1

The knock echoed once more bringing with it an apprehensive atmosphere. Zecora attempted to get up but 47 stopped her. “I’m fine Anon.”

“It could be-” Zecora cut him off with a wave of a bandaged hoof.

“It will be fine, No need to pine.” She noticed that Anon was a little shocked at her wording. Zecora gave her weary legs a stretch before planting all four hooves firmly on the hard floor. “Feels good to be out of bed. My limbs were beginning to feel like thread.” Another knock, the one a bit louder. “I am hear, no need to fear.” She called out. 47 draw his silverballers and hid in the storage room, ready for conflict. As Zecora opened the door she is greeted by a cheery rarity and ecstatic SweetieBelle; luggage in tow.

“Hello Zecora, we have-” Rarity’s expression hardened as she noticed the various bandages that covered Zecora’s body “Zecora! Are you alright? ”She exclaimed.

“Yes yes, I am fine. Come on in and let me tell you a story of mine.” Rarity cautiously entered with Sweetiebelle closely following; the filly dragging a suitcase bigger than herself.

“Was it that Anon fellow..?” She said in a hushed tone, shutting the door behind her sister. Zecora smiled and shook her head.

“If it was not for Anon I would have not made it. Him and his large amount of grit.” Zecora moved a stool from across the room to the small table then offer the two a seat. Rarity and SweetieBelle sat close together, Zecora sat across from them wearing a soft smile. Rarity looked on in anticipation.

“Go on dear, do tell.”

“I was up some large mounds of stone looking for something. Crag root is difficult to reach you see. I went up when Anon stayed below; looking out for things that prowl. Once I reached the top, my work began. Once I had picked my fill I turned so that I might scan. The earth faltered and cast me to the ground in a thunderous display of force.” Rarity and sweetie were on the edge of their seats, muzzles agape.

“What happened next?” Sweetie squeaked

“From what I could see I was neck deep in rubble. My vision began to fade as the weight of the boulder atop me squeezed the life out breath by breath. Soon I felt another rumble; Anonymous had started digging me out, saving me from death. Next thing I remember was being carried in his arms, then being set down in my bed. He cared for me the next few days and made sure I was fed.”

“Goodness Zecora, You have been through a lot. Where is Anonymous right now?” Sweetiebelle nodded. If on cue 47 opened the storage room door from behind Zecora. The Large dark bags that hung from under his eyes make it very evident that sleep has not been a priority. Before he come walk out of the doorway SweetieBelle dashed up to him and gives his shins a big hug.

“I missed you sooo much Anon!” She squeaked
He knelt down and gave her mane a pat. “I missed you too little one. I am glad to see you are both well.” 47 said, looking up at Rarity

“That we are Mr. Anonymous. That was very selfless and brave of you. Thank you so much for saving Zecora.”

“I would do it for any of you. Though Zecora makes it sound more extravagant than I remember.” He said with a small grin. Zecora smiled back lightly

“It warms my heart to hear that.” Rarity pointed to the gilded white suitcase “Your new outfit is ready. I do say it is one of my finer works. Go on and try them on.”

“Them?” 47 inquired

“Yes, I took the liberty of making three copies of the original. Go try them on dear. We will wait out here.” 47 gives a nod. After picking the luggage up he proceeded to the storage room, SweetieBelle fallowing close behind. “Give the gentlecolt some privacy sweetie.”

“But…” SweetieBelle looked up at 47 who in turn looked back at rarity

“He is not going to leave sweetie.” The little filly let out a sigh and trotted back to Rarity’s side.

“Your debt is replayed Rarity. Anon enjoys clothes with familiarity.”
Rarity chuckled. “We all do, dear.”

Zecora stood “Where are my manors, you two must be parched. Let me make you some tea, I’m sure you will agree?”

“Tea would be lovely dear. Would you like some tea as well sweetie?”

“MmmHmm” The filly waited anxiously at the edge of her seat for the return of 47. Zecora started a small bed of fragmented coals under a much smaller version of her cauldron. This set up was located on a table full of alchemic looking devices. Little racks of plants adorning the wall with small vials of various extracts lined the surface of the area of the workbench. Zecora skillfully poured some water from a jug in the mini cauldron before casting a small pile of bound leaves into the mixture.

“My my, you are in high spirits Zecora. Then again I would be too if I had a big bid strong individual like him looking after me.”

“What about daddy? He makes sure you are ok sis.” Rarity giggled.

“I’ll explain when you get older sweetie”

Zecora turned to Rarity and her sister “It should be done soon.”

“So have you laid any move on him Zecora? Surely he has made the first moves.” Rarity whispered.
Zecora shook her head “I don’t think he is interested…” SweetieBelles ears perked up as she tuned into the conversation attempting to understand. A task she is used to when her big sister is present. “Maybe I am doing something wrong?”

“Mmhmm, I will but a put book on hold at the library. It should have a few pointers, tips, and tricks for you.” The steam began to rise from the Zebra’s brew. She blew on the coals causing them to burn out without a fuss. “I always wondered how you can have an open flame in here without the tree catching fire” Zecora poured three small cups of tea then brought the dinks over on a small wooden tray, setting them down at the table.

“Zebra magic, a classic.” 47 Exited the storage room with a smile on his face.

“Rarity, I may have you make my suits from now on. They all fit perfectly.” He said tightening the tie

“My, you do look quite dashing.”

“I must admit, It does feel kind of strange though. I can’t put my finger on it. Did you do something to it?”

“Well I did weave a few spells in. One to help the fibers resist filth and another to strengthen them. For less wear and tear. Only problem it you are not supposed to notice those. Most unicorns can’t notice them. Not even twilight.” Rarity put a hoof to her chin and began to think. “Strange…”

“Well that is interesting indeed. How can I repay you?” 47 looked down to see that SweetieBelle had already attached herself to one of his legs.

“Pay me? No no no, the fee was paid long ago. You don’t owe me a bit.” Rarity looked at Zecora who smiled back.
47 knelt down and began to pet sweetiebelle’s mane. “Think of it as a tip than. All you need to do is say the word.”

“Well I do have a large order coming up. It would be lovely if you could watch Sweetie for a night so I could get my work done.” SweetieBelle’s eyes grew larger at the prospect of being able to spend a whole day with Anon.

“If that is your request then I accept.” The two promptly agreed that Anonymous and Zecora watching over SweetieBelle three days from now. That would give the two enough time to change the storage room into a second, smaller, bedroom. Rarity and Zecora chat for some time giving SweetieBelle a little more time to play with 47. Once the two sisters left with the suitcase 47 let out a sigh of relief “That filly sure has a lot of energy.” 47 said, picking himself up off the floor.

“I don’t mean to be a pest but, you should rest.” Zecora said in a firm manner.

“I’m fine Zecora.” His defiant words irritated Zecora. She nudged him toward the bedroom with a hoof.

“I don’t remember asking if you were fine. Now rest while the day remains benign.” Her tone remaining firm. 47 quickly realized that she was not going to budge on the issue. He gave in without too much of a fuss. Zecora herded him into her bed before smiling once more. “That was not so hard. Though I will be cleaning up I will be on guard.”
47 Laid flat on the bed, head resting on a pillow. “Don’t take this the wrong way Zecora but, If I hear something off I will be up. End of story.”

“I count on it.” She said with a wink.

The obscuring clouds cast a dingy shadow across the Everfree, as if thwarting the moon’s attempts to deluge its eliminating rays below. 47 eyes slowly opened. It was dark. Really dark. A mass of warmth lay at 47’s side, clinging to his Right arm. ”Sneaky zebra…” His eyes gradually closed again. The light snores of Zecora brought a small smile to his lips, though he did not know why. Moments passed turning into minute. Something was off. A tapping amidst the nighttime noises rang throughout the hut. 47 was able to discern the origin of the noise; the front door. Zecora’s snoring had stopped. “Check the door, I got your back.” Zecora slowly walked to the door, readying for anything. 47 tailed her. His phantom like figure only exposed by the glinting skin of his silverballers. The door creaked open revealing a hooded pony. “C-can I help you?”
“I’m uhhh, the contact?” Zecora moved to the side and waved him in. Felix pulled his hood down so that it would rest comfortably around his neck. “Hey thanks, it is real spooky out here.” He slowly entered the hut only to have a cold piece of metal pressed to the back of his head.

“Try anything and they won’t be able to find all your pieces.”

“I-uh yeah. I won’t try anything…I swear!” Felix’s legs began to visibly shake.

“Good.” 47 shut the front door as Zecora lit a few candles to cover the main room in a dim light. 47 motioned to Felix’s dark saddle bag. “What’s in the bag Felix?”

“J-just a map. And half a daisy sandwich…” Zecora give a nod to 47.

“Go sit.” The stallion meekly nodded before complying. Once 47 closed the door Zecora started covering up the windows with some thick cloth she had fashioned. 47 watched Felix closely as he emptied the sack on the table. The Sliverballer was aimed center-mass; hammer drawn back, his finger on the trigger.

“Sorry for the poor quality of the map. The whole thing is hoof draw by me. I am not cut out to be an artist.” Zecora approached with an air of caution.

“What is this map? Are they planning a trap?”

“Not really. They are having some important stuff shipped to the Castle. This is the route they will be taking.”

“What are they shipping?”

Felix took a bite of his sandwich “Donno. Just know they have been waiting for it.”

Zecora put her hoof on the map “Why is this spot circled way up here? Is that some kind of weir?”

“Yeah, that dam is were we meet up with the other team.”

“We?” 47 questioned

“Yeah, my team is being sent to pick the package up from there and deliver it.” As the night endures 47, Felix, and Zecora plan a smash and grab mission for the upcoming shipment. Felix relays that six lightly armed guards, this included himself, will be escorting the cargo. The group will be traveling back roads for most of the journey making the ambush that much easier. Much of those roads were flanked by thick foliage according to Zecora.

The narrow road cut an uneven pathway through the lush green trees and shrubbery. Intertwining vines lined the sides of the road like a tapestry. The area was Far East of Zecora’s hut. A few hours travel. The sun started to glance over the horizon signaling the official start of morning. Felix traveled at the back of the group with another. Two pawns lounged on the cart carrying a singular crate while the two newest members pulled. Felix had been trotting along for time without speaking a word. Not only was he disgusted with the other members, he knew they were going to die soon. ”Why are they taking so long? Did they call it off? If so that would be nice for me. I could really use the extra bits for a job well done.” The deeper in thought Felix delved the slower he trotted. “Hey guy, you doin alright?” The stallion asked, nudging on Felix.

“Yeah, just bored.” The Stallion’s hooded robe had bones wove into the fabric meaning he has killed before.

“Don’t worry. We’ll be back in no time. Return time is always better than arrival.”

“Yeah, at least it feels like it.” Felix shed a little smile

“When we get back we can harass some of the slaves. Just you and me man. I have a few I like to pick on.” He said with a smirk.

“Um, uh. Sure. That sound-ah!” Felix smacked the side of his neck with a hoof and scrapped off what looked like a large bug.

“The heck is that thing!?” He said staring down at it. The other stallion stopped to inspect the fraudulent insect.

“Donno. Look at the stinger on that guy. Huge!” Another ‘insect’ lodged its stinger deep in the neck of the Stallion. Causing him to yelp “Damn things!” He said franticly swiping at it with a hoof.

“Halt!” The cart stopped. “What’s the problem back there you two?” The female inquired from atop the cart.

“Just bugs!” the stallion replied.

“H-hey, I don’t feel s-so good.” Felix said in a woozily. His body swaying from left to right before collapsing to the ground in a heap. He was soon followed by the other stallion.

The hooded mare turned to her companion who appeared to be sleeping “Get up! We go two down.” He remained motionless. “I said get up!” She pulled his hood down to find three large bugs imbedded in his neck. “The hell is happening!” Before she had a chance to react she felt a sharp piece of metal pierce her flesh and wedge itself behind her left scapula. She was then pushed down onto the floor of the cart and held in place by 47’s knee. Reaching into the front pocket of his suit, 47 drew a suppressed silverballer and put an inch hole in head of one and the neck of the other before they could unhitch themselves from the front of the cart. Both promptly collapsed to the ground.

“What the hell are you!?” The cobalt mare said, struggling under his weight.

“What’s in the Box?” 47 said calmly as he holstered his weapon.

“Why don’t you fuck off!?” 47 grabbed the handle of the knife firmly before twisting the blade slowly. The mare let out a scream of pain and began to kick. 47 bore all his weight onto the knee posted on her side.

“Watch your language when a lady is present. What is in the crate? I won’t ask again.”
The mare coughed, spiting up a bit of blood, before answering “I’m not telling you shit.”

“Unfortunately, I believe you.” 47 removed the knife from her side before making a jagged incision across her throat, this exposed her now severed arteries and windpipe. She grasped at her neck with her fore hooves for a moment before she went limp, the blood continuing to flow feely onto the cart bed. 47 looked up to see an asparagus colored Zecora with Cal Poly stripes “How long until that wears off?”

“A few hours” She said, averting her eyes from the gruesome scene before her.

“Ok, let’s grab the crate and get going then.”

Stoppage leaned a large metal mallet against the crystalline archway, dents and crystal imprints perforated the weapon’s surface “damn, this wall can really take a beatin.” After a few moments of rest he made his way back to the main tent. Alcipper was pouring herself over the timesheets when he entered.

“They’re the late” she huffed. “Why are they the late!?” She swept the desk clean with a hoof, casting stacks of paper to the cave floor.

“chomp’n at the bit aint done no good Al” The subordinates slowly shuffled out knowing full well that Alcipper and Stoppage don’t mix.

“You calling me that one more times…” Stoppage took a step back.

“Whoa whoa, settle down now. I am sure they just broke a wheel’o something.”

“I’ll be breaking the wheel-” The front flap gave way to three pawns. Felix pulled his hood down and gave a salute. “Report!”

Felix trembled at her command “W-we were raided.”

“You what!?” Felix felt like her crimson eyes were going to burn a hole in his coat.

“R-raided. The ones that w-were not knocked out were killed.” He shuttered, remembering the bloody sight.

“Not like the guys were armed anyhow. Bound to happen.” Stoppage said dismissively. Alcipper though for a moment before grabbing some paper off the ground.

“We'll fix that.” Alcipper scribbled some orders down before giving the paper to Felix “You be good boy and give this to bishops, ya?”

“Y-yes ma’am” He signaled to his companions and they trotted off. Back into the depths of the cave.

“If I could just get this door opens…Maybe he will notice me.” Stoppage snickers “Don’t”

“Spoiler alert-”

“I swear…you say one more words” her teeth gritted

Stoppage whispered “He will never notice you~” A bellowing laugh ensued after his words. Alcipper sent the desk flying, aimed at Stoppage. He simply head-butted through the wood frame. His laughter only stopping so that he could fill his lungs with air. Sophronius walked in on the oddest situation. Alcipper had taken everything that was not nailed down and had smashed it over Stoppage who was laying on the cave floor laughing and kicking at the air like a school colt.

“Curious. Vould you mind telling me vat sort of ritual this is? I’m quite interested.” Sophronius Asked taking out a little notepad from his saddlebag.

“It is me, teaching him lessons!” She said, smashing the last remaining stool over Stoppage’s form. He lay in a pile of furniture debris giggling madly

“Oh! I sure lernt mah lesson mommy! Vee hee hee!” Alcipper loomed over the steel pony with a fiery glare.

Sophronius cocked his head to the side “Does he normally call you mommy…?”

The sun beamed brightly from its midday position. Felix had just made it back to ponyville from the ruins and he could not be happier. His light blue eyes and smile shine in the afternoon sun. ”Sure feels great to be home again. Ill pop into the shop and see if Mr. Quill needs any help.” Felix trotted along happily, waving to ponys along the way. Once the shop, Quills and sofas, is in sight Felix puts on a professional exterior. Upon entering He is met by a maze of Sofas and display cases containing all sorts of quills. After trotting through a few aisle he finds the stallion at the back of the store. His slicked mane, a dead giveaway. Felix approaches Mr. Quill “Hey boss, got any work available?”

“Yes I do. Some-pony just ordered a new sofa and paid the delivery fee. I was going to do it myself but, if you are up for the task.”

“Yes sir. You can count on me!” Mr. Quill shows Felix the particular sofa. It was a smaller red one with a singular arm. Felix loads it onto a small pull cart with no hassle. Before he heads off he is given directions. Felix was pleased to know the destination was a familiar one, him and his wife go to on a regular basis, Carousel Boutique. He rings the bell and is promptly greeted by Rarity who is very excited for her new addition to the Shop. She tips him two bits for the help moving it in then waves him off. Felix promptly returns the cart to the Shop. Mr.Quill was locking up when he returned.

“Closing the shop early today?”

“Ah Felix, just the stallion I was hoping to see. Let me help you get that thing off” The stallion helped unhitch Felix from the harness. “I was just going to leave the back open for you but I guess everything lined up just fine.”

“Yes sir. Big date or something?”

“Got a dinner planed with the Mrs.” After the two but the cart away and locked the shop up Mr. Quill gave Felix a small sack of bits “Our standard arrangement.”

Felix smiled “Thank you sir. Will you have anything permanent opening up soon?”

“I’m afraid not kid. These things just happen on the fly.”

“I understand sir. No hard feelings”

“Just don’t forget to check in every once and a while. I may have some small stuff that need doin and by gum you are the one to do them.”

Felix could not help but feel a bit of pride well up in his chest when he heard those words. “Thank you sir. You have a nice night.” The two part ways with a hoofshake. Felix Attempts judging the time from the sun but ends up asking a pony for the time “4:32!?” He picked up his pace to a near gallop as he rushed home. Through narrow streets and dingy alleyways he traversed every shortcut he knew to get home as soon as possible. He eventually reaches what looks like a glorified shack. The two bedroom abode was small but it was all his family could afford at the moment. Once he opens the door, Felix is greeted by a little filly. Arora was a pale yellow filly with a blue and purple mess for a mane.

“Daddy!”

“Hi sweetie” He said giving her a big hug. “Where is mommy?”

“She is in her room again. I got an A on my test today!” She smiled a bright little smile. In that moment Felix remembered why he pushes himself so hard. To help provide for this little filly. “Remind me to get you something special then.” He said, ruffling her mane.

“I will” Arora dashed off to her room.

Felix knocked lightly on the master-room door. “Honey? You doing alright in there?”

“What? Ya. Come in Felix. You don’t need to knock on your own door.”

Felix cracked the door open and poked his head in, a bashful smile smeared across his face. “Are you sure?” Cherry Berry looked over from a pile of papers set atop a makeshift desk. She sat upon an oversized spool. Felex “How was your day my lovely little entrepreneur?”

“It’s better now that you are home.” She brushed her hay colored mane out of her face “How was yours?” Felix entered the room, closing the door behind him.

“I’ve had better.” He took out a small tied bad of bits. “I found some odd jobs. Made some money.” He walked over to the desk and laid the coins out before giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Twelve bits huh? That is ten present of what we need for the month. I think I sank another business before it even started today.” Felix put his hooves up on her shoulders and began to gently rub in a circular motion.

“What business did you sink?”

“Well today I tried the hot air balloon ride.”

“Again?”

“Yes, again. This time it caught fire.”

“I bet that was quite a sight” He could feel her beginning to relax. The tension draining out of her muscles gave way to throaty groans of approval.

“Yeah, it is a shame the spa sisters won’t let a stallion work there. You work wonders with your hooves.” She said, beginning to lean back into his chest.

His voices was near a whisper when he spoke. “The trick is to get intimate with your…partner.” Cherry looked up at Felix who was looking down. Their blue eyes met. Felix slowly pressed his lips against hers in a passionate embrace. Her hot breath taunting him to go farther. The two parted for only a moment before they reconnected with another kiss; her tongue lightly caressing his lips, begging for attention. There was a light knock at the door

“Mom? Dad? I can’t find Mr. Roboto. Can you help me look?” The couple let out a sigh

“I’ll help her look Cherry. You say here keep lookin good.” She giggled and followed him to the door

“Daddy is going to help you look sweetie.” Felix and Arora spent the next hour looking throughout the house. Not one blanket was left unturned, the piles of junk thoroughly picked through, toy box scoured. “Well shoot. Where could it have gone?” Felix Stepped out the front door for a moment to get some fresh air. Right outside the door lay a note with a bright red windup robot pony. “What the…”

”Dear Felix, meet us three nights from the moment you read this. Signed, Your EverFree Friends.”
A sense of dread began to overwhelm Felix ”How did they get in? When did they get in-“ His thought was cut off by Arora’s voice “Did you find Mr. roboto?”

“Y-yeah. Here you go sweetie.” He handed her the toy but not before she could give him a big hug.

“I love you so much! Thank you!”