Mal Acte

Corrupt walked down the road that led from the gate throughout the night. He was eager to reach his first hotspot and didn’t want to stop despite his tiredness.

The sun had already started to rise by the time he saw anything that looked like civilization. He came across a small farm with many fields. He had never seen anything like it before so he took a moment to gaze at the crops growing.

Seeing all the food-to-be make his stomach growl. He hadn’t eaten since he left on his mission. He pondered the best route of obtaining food.

Hmm, I could just take some and be on my way. That would be simple, but maybe I can get more from this… He began to stroll towards what seemed to be a long narrow driveway.

Ace, you aren’t planning on confronting anypony living here, are you? The voice inside himself asked.

“Of course I am.” He spoke out loud, continuing towards the house. “I’m gonna see if I can’t help myself to a good meal and maybe a place to rest.” He told them.

You don’t have time to waste here, Ace. They told him. Corrupt rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, well I can’t do anything without any energy. It would be pointless to move on without getting something in my body, whether it be food, water or just some sleep.” Before he knew it, Corrupt was almost on the front porch. “Look, I’m sorry. I just want to be prepared in case anything that would require me to be at my best happened.”

...We can’t take constant breaks like this, you need to understand that. This once is all that I can allow. After we begin, there will be no time to stop and rest peacefully. I do hope you have a plan for later.

“I do, so there’s nothing to worry about.” He walked up to the porch. “Now, let me work my magic…” Right as he went to knock, an amber-coated pony opened the door. She had a brown mane and emerald eyes.

“Oh, howdy there. Didn’t expect company.” She said.

“Yeah, sorry about the intrusion on your land. I’m just a bit lost is all.” Corrupt said. His stomach growled for them both to hear. Corrupt acted a bit surprised, but on the inside he knew that couldn’t have come at a better time for him.

“Ya also seem to be a bit hungry. At least from what Ah heard.” She commented. Corrupt looked away and tried to force a small blush.

“Yes, it would seem I haven’t eaten in a good while.” He said scratching the back of his head. Acting was not his forte, but he thought he was playing his part just fine. The amber pony looked at him for a moment before stepping aside.

“Why don’t ya step in and take a break? Ah can get ya something ta eat.” She said with a small welcoming smile.

“I couldn’t ask you to do that…” Corrupt paused. “But it would be greatly appreciated.” He added stepping inside. “My name is Ace by the way. Thank you for welcoming me into your home.” He bowed as a sign of respect. She laughed.

“No need for that. My name is Amber Berry, nice ta meet ya.” She said. “Ah run this farm with a few of my brothers and sisters, ya can meet them later. Until then, have a seat right there and Ah’ll make ya something.” Corrupt listened to her and sat where he was told as she left the room. Amber Berry, huh? It fits I guess.

She returned about five minutes later with a large plate with many sandwiches on it. Some had hay in the middle, others had apples and yet others had what looked to be strawberry jam. “Ah don’t know what ya like, so Ah gave ya a few choices.”

“You didn’t have to, I shouldn’t even be here so I woulda gladly eaten anything you would have given me.” Corrupt said.

“But what if Ah gave ya somethin ya were allergic ta?” She asked and sat down next to him.

“Well…” He looked away for a moment thinking of an answer. “That’s a good question. Good thing I think I’m not allergic to anything.” She grabbed a hay sandwich and he followed by levitating a jam sandwich. “Did you really put that thought into making just simple sandwiches?”

“Well Ah wouldn’t wanna be a bad host, now would Ah?” She asked him, following up with the first bite. He looked at her and smiled.

“You know, you are too considerate. Especially to a stranger like me.” Corrupt stated.

“What do ya mean ‘like you’?” Amber asked.

“Look at me. Is this all normal?” He said referring to his armor. She looked him over.

“No, that certainly ain’t normal. Is it all necessary?” She asked.

“Well… Yeah it is.” Corrupt admitted. What for? You’ll never know, but it is…

“Then Ah have no reason ta bug ya about it.” She said. “Now, eat up will ya?” Corrupt glared at the sandwich. He took a bite and set it back down. Amber looked at him worried.

“Here, I can’t let such a favor go unpaid.” He opened one of his pockets and levitated 5 bits out of it and set them on the table.

“Ah’m not asking ya ta pay me.” Amber said.

“I insist… I know it’s so little it won’t help much, but that is the best I can do.” Corrupt said. “Please take it, I’d be honored if you would.” Amber took a moment before hesitantly sliding the bits to her side of the table.

They finished the sandwiches in silence, Corrupt deep in thought about what his next step was. He knew that no matter what, he had to leave as soon as possible.

“Amber, where is the closest city you know of?” He asked as she took the plate with just crumbs left on it.

“Big city? That would be Manehattan.” She answered heading into a different room with the plate. Corrupt got up and began to follow to the door which lead into the kitchen.

“How far would it be from here?” He asked trying to sound concerned. He knew he’d get there eventually.

“It’s still a good way from here, why? Ya need to get there?” She asked, washing the plate.

“I’m trying to find my family. Somewhere big would be a good place to start in my opinion.” He lied.

“Oh, well Manehattan is still miles away.” She said finishing the plate. “Ah wish Ah could help ya, but Ah can’t.” Amber said. “The best Ah can do is point ya the right way.” Corrupt frowned on the outside.

“Oh, I understand. You gotta help with the farm.” He said. I can’t stay here much longer, I should take that deal and go. “Well, could you?”

“Sure.” She said and walked outside to the road with Corrupt. After he convinced Amber that he needed to go immediately, she pointed a hoof to the right. “Continue that way until ya start ta see signs sayin otherwise.”

“Thanks Amber, you’ve been a great help.” Corrupt said.

“Not a problem, ya’ll sure ya don’t need anymore help?” She offered a final time.

“No, I’ll be fine. Besides, you’ve helped enough already.” Corrupt said. He smiled and began to head down the road. He turned and waved. “Bye Amber, maybe our paths will cross again soon.”

She waved back with a small smile. “Goodbye Ace, be safe!” Corrupt turned back and continued to trot down the road again. “Maybe we will, Ah sure hope so…” Amber whispered quietly to herself.

You are quite the actor Ace…

“You think? I thought I messed up a lot.” Corrupt admitted.

Well now that you’ve had a small break, we must continue.

“I understand this. That’s why I got what we needed and left. She was nice about everything too, it couldn’t have been much easier.” Corrupt said. Too bad, I’m sure we woulda been good friends.

Manehattan is our first target then.

“Indeed.” Corrupt smiled as he walked down the empty road.