This World We Live In

“... on Everypony!” A muffled yell came from outside the small housing area in which many ponies were waking up from followed by a ringing sound, it sounded like metal hitting metal constantly. Laying on your face with one eye open, you notice there aren’t any other people in this particular building, but push the thought aside as your groggy brain tries to jump start so you can see about getting some answers.Daring trots over to you to help you wake up, you didn’t need her help but it was a kind gesture that you accepted. Once you orient yourself and stretch a bit you hear the ringing stop then followed by a loud:

“Soups on everypony!”

It had a very southern drawl, you assume its the same orange pony that you spoke briefly with last night because other than daring she was the only one who spoke to you last night. As Daring and you are walking towards the door to leave the sleeping quarters, you notice from the open door that the sun is barely peeking over the horizon.

“Ugh! Why are we up before the sun is every morning. If the sun isn’t up I shouldn’t be either.”

A pony who was behind you complained out loud. You turn your head to see the pony because you want to give them a high five or a hoof bump of some sort. The pony had a powder black colored coat with a light blue mane and tail that had some white in it, the ponies mark looked like a gray cloud with a yellow lightning bolt striking from the cloud, its eyes had a golden sheen to them and you noticed a pair of wings as well. Before you could vocalize your thoughts on the ponies remark another winged pony, a white coat with a pink and lime green mane and tail, hovered over to the powder black one.

“Well if you don’t wake up at this time Thunderlane you’d have to eat leftovers if there are any left, or you probably wouldn’t eat at all because of the way Applejack likes to portion food. Just be grateful that you are alive, have food, shelter, your little brother, and me.” The white pony said to ‘Thunderlane’.

The black one sighed, “Yeah I guess you are right Blossomforth.”

Thunderlane smiled at Blossomforth, you assume that would be Thunderlane’s girlfriend by the way they shared a kiss, and just assuming that she was really a she hoping you weren't misgendering anyone. You felt a nudge.

“You really shouldn’t stare.” Daring said with a sly smile.

Your face heated up, and formed a bit of a blush, you hadn't realized but you had been staring for a while swiveled to turn away from the couple making out so you can proceed on leaving the building without further embarrassing yourself. You see crowds of ponies walking towards what looks like a mess hall, or a cafeteria of sorts. You spot the orange pony that you spoke with yesterday and ask Daring to come with you to ask some questions. You both approach the orange pony.

“Howdy partner. How’d y’all sleep last night?” The orange pony greeted.

“Eh, not as good as sleeping on a cloud, but I can't complain now can I. Thanks for letting us stay the night.” Daring said

“Well y’all mighty welcome, but ‘round these parts ponies earn their keep. So after y’all get washed up and some grub in yer bellies meet me in that there radio tower. We’ll talk ‘bout a way that y’all can pay us back.”

The orange pony began to leave but you stopped it because you wanted to know where you could ‘wash up’ and ‘get some grub’ even thought you were sure the place to eat was blatantly obvious because of the masses of ponies crowding there, but thought it would be a nice way to start build some sort of familiarity with this place, seeing as neither you nor Daring had any place to stay.
“Shoot I fergot. Y’alls never been ‘round here, Ah’ll be glad ta show yer ‘round. By the way the names Applejack, most folk jus call me Aj for short pleased ta meet ya.”

She held out a hoof as to attempt to ‘shake hands’ with you. you extend your hand to shake her hoof, as you tell her Daring and your names, also how greatful that she took you two in without much hesitation.

“Well like ah said y’all gonna hafta earn yer keep ‘round these parts.” Applejack said once again.

You felt the need to ask where were the people in the town, all you have seen is ponies.

“Well the ‘umans, normally watch the gates with their guns at night so most sleep during the day.”

A metaphorical light went off in Applejack’s mind as her face lit up. what ever she thought up she kept to herself as we walked around the town. She showed us everything in the town and how not only do the people and ponies alike like to trade with each other, through barter or with the exchange of caps. Apparently it was the only object easy enough to carry around and could be found everywhere. She led you to the area that the people in the town took care of their business. Aj said that there should be a spare clothes behind the lockers in the bathroom and to take a set of clothes that fit, and to meet her at the radio tower once Daring and you finish eating.

“I’ll go to the little mares room while I’m here. Who ever finishes first wait for the other at the picnic table right there okay?” Daring said to you. You just nod in agreement. You remove the grimy clothing from your body and turn on the water for your shower. The water was cold against your bare skin, but it felt heavenly to finally take a shower. There was a toothbrush still in the packaging in the shower you were in, along with a old looking tube of toothpaste. There was a bar of soap, and a white bottle which was clearly written in marker the word “shampoo” on the floor. You washed up as best as you could and then proceeded to open the toothbrush to brush while you showered, why waste the opportunity to get your mouth clean while your body was getting cleaned you thought. You hear grunting and struggling in the shower stall next to yours.

“Grr. Stupid hooves can't even get my back clean.” the voice complained.

You knew it was Daring because no one else was in the facility because they were too busy eating, so you finish up brushing and offer to help Daring clean herself, as a thank you for practically saving your life. After struggling a bit more Daring allows you to help clean her. You squirt a generous amount of shampoo on your hands and began to lather up her coat as she did the same with her mane she thanked you as you turned on the water for her to wash out the shampoo. You let her know it was the least you could do for saving your sorry hide. You two shared a chuckle. You picked up a towel and dried yourself off while Daring opted to shaking the water free. You found clothes right where Applejack said they would be, and much to your surprise the clothing was clean, but then you thought to yourself that these were scavenged so these could be someone elses undergarments. You blanched at the idea of wearing someone else's undergarments, but you did any way. You silently hoped that these were just found in some department store truck that was abandoned.

*Acquired casual wear. A plain white shirt and stone blue jeans*

You and Daring left the area to go get some food so you could meet up with Applejack to discuss your contribution to the town. The mess hall was emptying out a bit but ponies were still being served food. Nothing too nutritious just fruits, vegetables, and such. Once it was your turn to order the ponies asked if you want to eat from the human menu, which had meats, you obliged to eating from their menu as to not cause much of a fuss, you eat meat but ponies are omnivores so you didn’t want to make any of them uncomfortable you figured thats why the humans slept during the day so the ponies wouldn’t be put off by the meat eating creatures people are. After ordering some fruits and vegetables you also asked for some eggs, after scanning the area seeing that some ponies were eating them as well. You and Daring find a couple of seats in a corner to eat together. The two of you talked a bit about what you think Applejack would make you do, but both of you also shared a few jokes to keep the conversation from getting too grim.

“Ah! That was some good eating. Well we’d better head up to that radio tower soon, we can’t put it off forever.” Daring said to you.

You agree and clear your plate of any traces of food as you placed it in the marked dish rack that said ‘dirty’. As you walked Daring was hovering at your side along with you. You both approached the radio tower in silence. You opened the door, and held it open so Daring could get in. You saw a few rooms but a staircase was in the middle of the room, you assumed Applejack would need a high vantage point to oversee the town so you told Daring that you both should check upstairs. She agreed and followed you as you ascended the spiraling steps steps. After climbing the steps, which seemed to be the longest flight of steps you have ever climbed in a while, you ended up at the top of the tower.

“It kind of looks like a lighthouse.” Daring commented.

You see Applejack with another pony with a horn and a weird looking device upon its front right hoof. The horned pony had a purple mane and tail with a pinkish highlight, and a purple coat to match. The feminine voices in the room died down as Daring and you entered. Aj started to move from the small table with a radio on top, and six monitors on the wall which each showed areas in the town and what looked like the city.

“Ah. There ya go, ah was startin’ ta think that y’all wasn’t commin’.” Aj stated as she moved away from the radio and towards Daring and you. “This here is my good friend Twilight Sparkle, I jus call her Twi for short, she’s gonna be the one givin’ y’all directions and such outside the town, for places to look and places to avoid.”

The mare waved a hoof as to say hi. Daring waved back, so you felt obligated to wave as well you didn’t want to make a bad first impression. Daring did you the favor of introducing you and herself promptly to Twilight.

“Right so you two are going to be searching these three buildings for ammunition so we can properly defend our town even longer. the most important things to find would be bullets. Not everypony can wield a gun with ease as us unicorns and the humans as well so we need bullets and if you do stumble onto one or two guns you can help your self to one and bring the rest to the barracks for the humans to use for either parts or to fix them so we have more weapons for them to have more guards at night.” Twilight continued, “So the targets of interest are this weapons manufacture company,” She said pointing to the screen. “this police station, and this military like building. Now I have been informed that you too have a firearm in your possession so we only want rifle ammunition so any pistol ammunition you may keep unless you wish to give us some along with pistol if you two may find some. Im going to give Daring and you radios so I can communicate with you in the field and if you do get separated. I know this seems like a lot to ask for but we really need somepony to do it. the Zombies have been getting closer by the night, and I’m not sure how long we will last without more ammo.”

You let Twilight know that you and Daring are willing to do this but you do request in return an actual bed to sleep in. Twilight said she would see what she can do and if anything that you and Daring may share her bed while she slept in the bed roll.

“Great so go to the barracks and see about getting fitted with these headsets and then radio us when you are ready.”

You nodded and you and Daring head towards the exit.

*Acquired headset. Its a standard looking headset for someone who is in the field a lot. Use this to keep in contact with Stable township while roaming outside. Can broadcast music as well”

“This is going to be a long day isn’t it?” Daring stated as you and her exited the building. You told her that it was going to be the longest of days, and hopefully you would make it back alive.